I ♥ being Italian

Quite simply, I just think I was born into THE best culture to have ever existed in the world.

Example 1: Ricotta & Spinach dumplings, fried in butter

Example 2: Carbonara with pancetta and veggies:

Example 3: Tuscan Chicken

Yep, right about now you are wishing you were Italian too. If not, you are definitely wishing that you were at my house tonight for dinner.

As soon as my stomach settles, I will be having a piece of Ricotta Pie. YUM!

Not much to say

I feel like I don't have much to say lately. School has kind of calmed down here for the weekend; clinical was cancelled for Saturday which gave me a four day weekend, but it also means that the next three clinicals will be eight hours long instead of six hours long. BOO! I know, I know, it's only an extra two hours, but really when you are TIIIRED, those extra two hours can be killer. Another plus though, now I have extra time for studying and my uber fun hobby!

Ok, geek mode here I go. It has been forever since I had a chance to play World of Warcraft (WoW), I want to say maybe over a month. Finally because of the lull with school and with my personal life, I have had time to play. I actually had a chance too join a group for Ice Crown Citadel (ICC), and we finally defeated Professor Putricide! This was a first for me, and really exciting. We are still not done, and will be continuing today. I'm stoked!

I have been doing some research, Ben and I are going to be planning a little getaway for when get returns home. Since I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel here, we have decided upon a trip to Catalina. Maybe something two or three days long; relaxing on the beach, hiking, etc. Just something fun. We've never gone away anywhere together or taken a vacation so this will be a first for us. I'm really excited.

Lots of good things coming here for me.

SCAM

At first, I thought that maybe it was a reality series that was coming out, but after further investigations, come to find out there is no such show that is sponsored by the USO. I want to put this out there for military families, to NOT get involved with this. It's most likely a way to get information, and to find out how long you have been alone, or where your husband is. VERY scary stuff. Please pass the word around, and be careful not to become a victim. We have to stand together against scam artists that prey on military families. I have since contacted the USO, Gilette and Walmart. Currently waiting on an official response, for a 100% clarification.

If you get this message, disregard it:

Hi,

I really like your blog. I am a casting director for a docu-reality series sponsored by the USO about military families awaiting the return of a loved one stationed overseas. This series is about how the family prepares for their service member's return and highlights the bravery, sacrifice, and courage military families need to have. I would love if you submitted to be part of the series. You can find an online submission form at www.roadtoreunion.com or email me directly at roadtoreunioncasting@gmail.com for more information.

Thank you so much,


Chris

Update: I called the USO, they have informed me that this is in fact a scam. They asked that people NOT participate and that if anyone else I knew was solicited in this manor to please have them call and report it as well. It can be reported @ (888)484-3876

Drugs Drugs Drugs

So, here I am awake at 0900. I've been up since 0600. About 0700 I started doing my Drug Classification assignment for my clinical day coming up. I think I got the patient that is taking an entire pharmacy. I am responsible for looking up each drug, recording what it does, how it works, side effects, etc... It's very tedious, and I'm hating this now and I haven't even began a pharmacology course. That is for next semester. Oh man! What have I gotten myself into?!! (kidding).

I really enjoy nursing, I hate the busy work of school, but I enjoy nursing none the less. I can't wait until I can finally sprout my wings and be out on my own... some day with the RN after my name... maybe even an MSN coming up within the next five years or so. Oh, lovely!

WOOOOOO! Back to work!

Day 30: Whatever tickles your fancy

Well, I finally made it to the end of the 30 day assignment with my blog posts. I kind of enjoyed doing it, but at the same time it was a little tedious. I felt too obligated with my blog, and it felt too structured. I don't like structure.

Interestingly enough, today, I came home to an interesting comment on my blog; I was being recruited to be part of a reality show featuring military spouses awaiting the return of a loved one. Flattering, really... but, definitely not my thing. I'm not in this for any kind of fame, and aside from my blog I am a relatively private person. Actually, there is a lot that goes on in my personal life that I just do not share on my blog, because well, that's personal and only for a select few very close people in my life to know about. Aside from that, what nursing student has time to be on TV? I mean, seriously? Between clinical, care plans and drug classification worksheets, I am lucky I have time to even take a call from my husband now and then. HA! I will definitely be looking forward to watching the show once it airs though.

So, other that all that I am thrilled that we are approaching the end of July. I can't say exactly how soon, but my husband will be home before I know it. Down hill slide from here on out, and only five more weeks left of this semester before I get two weeks off. TWO! isn't that exciting? I am sure next semester with both med/surg and pharmacology I won't even have time to think or eat anymore.

OH, and one last bit of good news, my clinical internship has been deferred, it was approved and I start in November! STOKED! Lots of good things coming for me. LOTS!

Good News!

About a month ago, I applied to an internship program at a local hospital. I blogged about my interview, if anyone remembers. I was so nervous I was shaking and I didn't think I got it. Today, I got my acceptance letter! I am so excited. I will be working in a hospital as a volunteer in a clinical rotation similar to my clinical rotations at school. I am so excited about this opportunity. I think it will be a great thing for me educationally, as well as career wise. I am going to learn so much, and maybe, just maybe... it could lead to a job upon graduation.

The hospital is one that is here in San Diego county, and it is a magnet status hospital. What an honor! I couldn't be happier about having been selected for this opportunity. I should finish with the internship shortly after I graduate from nursing school. The same hospital also has a new grad program. I think this is probably the best thing that could have happened for my future career.

Wish me luck!! I can't wait to tell my husband all about it. He's going to be so excited for me.

Day 29: Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days

The next 365 days will bring us to July 11, 2011. I will still be in nursing school, hopefully I haven't flunked out, or found myself in a mental institution; by that time I should be in my 2nd to last semester, just getting ready to head into my last.

My husband will definitely be home by that time, and I will be happy as a clam in that regard. Hopefully he will have checked into a new unit by then, and hopefully a non-deployable one. I am still praying and hoping for that one special spot. Being together for longer than a few months at a time sounds extremely attractive to me. Four combat deployments is enough for my taste; we need a break.

I would say in the next 365 days, those are my only hopes and dreams; to keep on trucking through nursing school and to spend time with my husband, enjoying his company. I'm a pretty simple kinda gal.

Day 27 & Day 28

I didn't get a chance on the computer yesterday. I had quite the day. I had a full day or eight hours done by 10am, then on home to grocery shop, study and enjoy some relaxing time with a friend. It was a long 20 hour day and I enjoyed sleeping in this sunday.

Day 27: This Month in Detail

Ok, I am not really about this "in detail" garb. So, this month nothing really truly exciting happened. Some important things happened, but I am not ready to share in a blog so we shall move onto day 28.

Day 28: This Year in Detail

Fun! I have already blogged about this, so I shall link back to the post in an order to avoid double posts on my blog.

My Year in Detail

I will also throw a Get to Know you Sunday into this post from ManLand5.

1. Thong or Granny Panties?

It depends on the occasion, I have been known to wear both. It really depends on my outfit. Fashion before comfort, but comfort if at all possible.

2. If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him?

If he's someone I know well and am comfortable with, yes. If not, no way. That would be like saying "Hey buddy, I'm looking at your crotch".

3. Spanx or No Spanx.

None. Never tried them.

4. Do you sleep in your sheets?

I believe I do.

5. What is your favorite Disney character?

I am not really sure. I used to really like The Little Mermaid when I was a kid, so lets go with her.

6. Dream vacation spot?

After seeing my neighbor's photos from their recent vacation. I really want to go to Tahiti.

7. What is your dream job?

I want to be an RN, and I will be.

8. Who is your hero and why?

My husband, and not because he is a Marine, but simply because he always keeps going forward no matter how difficult things are. He has the self motivation to always propel his life in a positive direction and has a great sense of courage in the sense that he's not afraid to stick up for what is right, even if it means it's not the best for him. He's really an inspirational person both in and out of the military.

Day 26

Is not going to happen. It is bed time for me in about 30 minutes. I have an early AM clinical tomorrow. Sorry if anyone was looking forward to Day 26 here.

Blog Award

I received my third blog award today from Audrey@Standing by Him. This is definitely flattering because I really love how my blog looks, and hope everyone else does too.

To accept my award, I am required to:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave me the award

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award to 9 fellow bloggers.

My nine fellow bloggers to receive this award are:

1. Haagx5

2. Kico's Creations

3. No Star in the Sky

4. Life After Higher Education

5. The Few, The Proud, The Wife

6. Adventures in Italia

7. Chicken Wings & Apron Strings

8. Goodnight Moon

9. Ginger Snapped

I chose each of these blogs carefully for the award. Congrats! I totally love reading your blogs.

Seven things about me:

1. I am married to a Marine.

2. Sometimes, I hate being a Marine Wife (always love the hubby, though)

3. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Azusa Pacific University, that I plan on never using.

4. I am a nursing student, working on my RN, compliments of Uncle Sam, THANK YOU!

5. I am 1 of 3 girls in my family.

6. I really am starting to hate the color "wine" for scrubs.

7. I think I am the only one around who is happy that it's the end of July and it's still cold.

Day 25: You day in great detail

Um, well... considering not much has happened; I woke up to the alarm on my iphone, hit the snooze twice before getting up and into the shower. Then I showered, came down stairs to let the dogs out for their morning relief and am now making some coffee for myself so that I can feel somewhat human. I will most likely leave here around 0945 because I need to head over to campus for a financial aid appointment. The school owes me money, because the last advisor I had was an idiot and didn't realize that the GI Bill was going to foot the bill for me. Well, it's not really my money, it belongs to direct loans. We will be sending it back and signing an award letter for the next semester. As it turns out, I most likely will be paying nothing out of pocket to become a nurse. Thank You Uncle Sam!

As for the rest of my day, it hasn't happened yet. That will have to be up to your imagination. :)

Too often...

I saw this photo today on the IMEF (FWD) facebook page. For some reason, it really spoke to me. Too often, Marines die, and too often there is a family out there grieving, not knowing what to do; having life as they know it changed forever.

I can't speak for every Marine Wife out there, but I can speak for myself and I think too often, I take what I have for granted. Every deployment, my husband has come home. Is it divine intervention or is it just luck? Skill? All of the above? Who knows. Whatever it is, I am thankful that he is still here. Too often, I get caught up in the blues of deployment, only able to see the down side. He's not here, I miss him, things are hard. Things are hard, they are lonely, and I do miss him, but for some reason this photo just made me think of this Marine's family who will never get to see him again. It REALLY made me think. My husband is coming home, that is a blessing. I think too often, I get caught up in what I don't have, and I forget exactly what I do have. I think sometimes more often, I need to start focusing on the positive aspects of my life.

For all the birthdays, anniversaries and other big life events that my husband has missed; it means nothing compared to the gaping hole that some families experience when they find out that their Marine will never be around for any of these again. From the bottom of my heart, to any family that has ever lost a loved one in the line of duty, whatever the circumstances; I appreciate your sacrifice. Thank You.

Day 24: Whatever tickles your fancy

So, I'm not sure if doing this whole 30 days of me was a good idea. I seem to be loosing interest. Not as many people are commenting or reading my blog anymore. Is it getting boring? Maybe I jumped on the 30 Days of Me train a little too late. haha. Well, I started it now, it would be silly not to finish it.

School is really starting to get crazy. I have so much to do, it isn't even funny. I never, in a million years thought that Nursing school was this difficult. I have a Bachelor's degree from a very good university at that, and I knew that Nursing school was challenging, but I am getting an associate's degree. Seriously? My thinking there was WAY OFF! WRONG! This is, by far, the hardest thing I have ever done academically. It's not only mentally challenging, but physically and emotionally challenging as well. It's one of those things I just can't explain because it's likely that, like me, no one can truly understand until you really go through it. I can say though, when the day comes that I can call my self "Nurse", I will have definitely EARNED that title. There is no mistaking that one.

The deployment is on the downhill slope now, and I am getting anxious to have my hubby home again. It's not coming any time extremely soon, but I am at the point where the light at the end of the tunnel is finally starting to become visible. It is about time. For some reason, this deployment has been worse that that other piece of hell I experienced last time he was gone, for thirteen months. It's just awful.

On the weight loss front, I finally lost that last pesky pound I have been trying to loose for weeks. Stupid blob of fat! Farewell... don't come back. So, that puts me at 18 down, and 32 more to go. My short term goal is another 10. Hopefully I can do that in the next couple months. I seem to be averaging about five pounds a month, which is great; steady and healthy. Just the way I like it. I will get there to my long term goal. Sooner or later.

So, that is all that has been going on in the world of me lately.

Day 23: A Youtube Video

I chose this one because I need to watch it for class, so I figured all of you needed to watch it with me. :) Enjoy.

Day 22: A website

Of course I am going to use this as a way to advertise, I have my own website, for my very own business.

My Scentsy Website

It's a great product. I love it, I'm addicted to it. I have a warmer in every room in my home. If you haven't tried it yet, please do. You will LOVE it. I promise. Hosting parties is also REALLY fun. I have a blast doing this. It's the best thing I have done for myself in a while. Not only do I love it, and enjoy the heck out of it, but I make a decent little extra spending money for myself while I am in school. It's GREAT.

I'm Scentsy's #1 fan.

Day 21: A recipe

Fresh Strawberry Crepes:

Ingredients

	5 large egg white(s)
	1/8 tsp table salt
	1 tsp vanilla extract
	2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
	1 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
	1 cup(s) all-purpose flour
	8 spray(s) cooking spray
	1 pound(s) strawberries, hulled and sliced very thin (about 3 cups)
	1/4 cup(s) powdered sugar

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites, salt, vanilla extract, melted butter, milk and flour until just combined.
  
  
• Coat an 8- or 9-inch skillet with cooking spray; set over medium heat. When pan is hot, add 1/4 cup of batter and tilt skillet to cover entire bottom of pan with a thin layer of batter. Cook for 2 minutes; flip over. Top with about 1/3 cup strawberries; cook for 2 minutes more. Fold crepe over and slide onto a serving plate; cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining ingredients; sprinkle with sugar. Yields 1 crepe per serving.

Notes

• To see if the pan is hot, add a few droplets of water – if they sizzle, the pan is ready.

  These crepes can be filled with any berries you have on hand – or spread them with fruit preserves.

  Having a party? Make the crepes ahead of time, then heat them up and top them when you’re ready to serve.

Day 20: A hobby of yours

I have the nerdiest hobby IN THE WORLD. I play World of Warcraft (WoW). My husband started me on it quite some time ago. I haven't had much time to play lately, because of school. I can't wait for my break in September. My and WoW have a lot of catching up to do.

Day 19: A talent of yours

A talent. Well, I dabble in art a bit sometimes. Pencil drawings or computer graphics... nothing fancy. Some people say I am good, I used to own my own business designing print screened t-shirts, but then I got screwed over by my partner, and instead of fighting I just chose to let her buy me out. I haven't really done much graphic art since then... it was quite the downer to have everything taken from me just like that. That is for another episode though. My talent; art.

Day 18: Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

My grandfather has always been a very important father figure in my life. Over the past years, Alzheimer's has started it's decline on his body. It's a really awful disease, and it's hard to watch someone go through it; loosing control of their body, and their mind. It really breaks my heart. He was such a good man to me. I think without his help, I probably would not have finished my bachelor's degree (I also owe thanks to my husband and grandmother for that one as well).

It seems in my unprofessional opinion that he is starting to enter into the last stages of the disease. I don't know how much longer he might be around. It's definitely time for me to plan a trip home. I think I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn't see him soon, and something were to happen. I'm really just upset today. He lived a long life, but, I don't know that the thought of loosing someone so close becomes easier just because they are elderly.

If you believe in god, please just pray for him and my family that this transition becomes easier to deal with. Especially for my grandmother. I can't imagine what she must be going through, with the thought of loosing her long time husband. Pray for me too, that I am able to focus through all this. I still have about six weeks left of this semester to survive.

Then and Now

I found a photo of my neighborhood before they tore it all down and rebuilt. When we first got to Pendleton, they were just building these homes. We are the 2nd family to live in our house. What a difference a rebuild makes, huh?

Then.

and now.

What IS my dog?

So, I have two dogs. One is a rescue, and the other is a pure bred French Bull Dog. Major, the rescue, we've had for about a year now and always have wondered what he is. He's 75 pounds of fluff and energy. My best guess was German Shepherd/Chow/Golden Retriever/Lab. I was way off. He is actually NONE of those. We did a DNA test recently and I just got the results back in the mail today.

37-74% Siberian Husky

20-36% Australian Shepherd

20-36% Dachshund

20-36% Norwegian Elkhound

less than 10% Cocker Spaniel

less than 10% Greyhound

100% Major

Day 17: An Art Piece

The Bedroon, by Vincent VanGogh

Van Gogh is my favorite artist, has been since High School. I used to have a print of this artwork hanging in my bedroom at home. I think it is relaxing. I saw the original at a Van Gogh exhibit once in LA. Really gorgeous. I just love his brush patterns, they are so unique. He and I even share the same birthday. March 30. I always thought that it was kind of cool I had the same birthday as someone so famous.

Day 16: A Song That Makes You Cry

Watch with caution. This song always makes me cry. We saw Tim in concert back in 2008 and I had to sit down when he sang this song because I was crying too hard. It seems to always get me.

Day 15: A Fanfic

So, I'm not sure if this means I need to write a fanfic or I need to talk about a fanfic. Either way, I'm not to keen on the idea so I'm just going to skip it. I didn't even have any idea what a fanfic was until yesterday. I am starting to think this 30 days of me was made for smarter people than me. HA!

Day 14: A Non Fictional Book

Unless my nursing or anatomy books count here, again, I don't really have much time to read for pleasure anymore so I don't have much to say on the topic of non-fictional books.

However, I did spend a great deal of time yesterday looking things up in both my nursing diagnosis book and my drug dictionary for a care plan. Roughly about three hours for a one page care plan. I guess that is fast compared to some people though. Some took six to ten hours. Care plans are rough, not easy. Especially not at first. I'm sure it's a cruel joke or some sort of initiation process for student nurses because they certainly are not used in the hospital setting the way we do them in school. *sigh*

So, today, I am happy that my family is not visiting because I have about four or five chapters to read in my nursing book, and I still have to review some anatomy structures for my lab exam coming up on Tuesday. I also have to fill out my study guide work book for my nursing course so that I can start to get ready for that exam on Thursday.

Just wondering, if I have made my point yet about how much work nursing school is? I'm not sure everyone in my life quite understands this yet. Hopefully any skeptics will eventually understand. If not, maybe some day they will find themselves in my ER and be happy that I wasted my time away reading my books and learning the things I am supposed to be learning. :)

Day 13: A Fictional Book

I honestly haven't had much time for reading fictional books lately. The last time I picked up a fictional book, it was Twilight; the first one. I read one chapter and I hated it. I thought the writing style was awful, and that it was really below my reading skill level. My husband has read all four of the books, and he loves them. He's into the movies and everything. Eh, to each their own.

Hopefully no Twilight fans will be offended by my post. I know what a passionate bunch you guys are. Just remember, everyone is entitled to their opinions. I won't knock anyone who enjoys the series, as long as they respect me for my opinion on not liking it. If it helps any, I thought the movies were decent. I have yet to see Eclipse though, but with my husband being such a fan I don't think I'd feel right seeing it on the big screen if he couldn't. I will be waiting for DVD.

Day 12: Whatever tickles your fancy

Oh this is just perfect. This is going to be a fun post. I was sitting in class today, looking at the NANDA approved nursing diagnosis list and I came up with a few for myself.

Stress overload related to (r/t) nursing school as evidenced by (aeb) forgetting back pack in Albertson's parking lot. (I really did do this this morning, and the Albertson's is about 40 miles from my school. I did not realize it until I got to school.)

Anxiety r/t deployment aeb panic attack in the naval hospital when missing husband's phone call.

Chronic confusion r/t A&P aeb two failing test scores.

Fluid volume excess r/t mother nature aeb bloating!

Risk for injury r/t iphone aeb running into walls.

and finally, my favorite:

Risk for loneliness r/t deployment aeb full conversations with dogs.

Now, just don't ask me to come up with care plans or interventions for my Dx. :P

Oh, what a day...

Eh, so today was a little tough. First, I was super tired. I was up late on the phone with Ben discussing where to go next... weighing out our options so I woke up and was incredibly tired. It took me three red bulls just to make it through the day.

I didn't do well on my exam, I am not doing well in the class. At this point, I wonder if I will even pass and I just feel like I am drowning right now. A LOT of people are stressing me out, and it's bull crud stress too, so I wasn't as focused. I AM loosing my focus and part of it is because of the banter banter of nonsense going on around me from people. Different people, all around. Nothing in particular, but just all of it in general.

Then, I had my interview for the internship. Now, I am not a public speaker. I despise it, I am not good at it. It makes me anxious and I shake. It was a 6 person interview and 2 people interviewing... EIGHT people. Strangers... yikes! I was shaking. My voice was shaking. I am hoping that my written application essay and short answers will pull me through. They will be choosing about 100 people out of 400 for this awesome opportunity.

So, I have decided to change the way I look at things. With all those awful things going on around me, there were some really awesome things that happened today that really warmed my heart. First, my friend brought me a red rose today. A gift from her grandfather, this really cool retired Marine. Also, he gave me a little gift for Ben. Ben's wifi is poop and he can't get online so I can share secrets here now. Not that this is a secret, but you know... I want him to be surprised when he sees it.

If you can't read it, it says: "A flag for your pocket so you can always carry a little piece of home. We are praying for you and we are proud of you for defending our country and our freedom." Really sweet gesture. I love it when people tell me they think about my husband, or they pray for him or that they are proud of him and thankful for what he does. I think sometimes, too often, people don't realize what a sacrifice these Marines are making.

It's really nice to know that I am not the only one that prays for my husband. ♥

Finally, the best part of my day by far was the phone call from my husband. That makes two phone calls in two days. An extremely rare and totally awesome treat. I think because of all the good things to happen today, I will be going to bed a happy girl tonight.

Day 11: A photo of you taken recently

This photo was taken today, right before the exam that I didn't do well on because I didn't get to study enough. At least I am still smiling... for now.

A small fortune,

to get the truck back into tip top shape. oy! Well, at least we don't need to buy a new one. It's better than having a car payment! Thank goodness for combat pay is all I have to say.

I finally found an honest mechanic, recommended by two friends and the Auto Club. The truck was running, and this photo is actually from a past time when the alternator went out, but the laundry list of things that need to be fixed this time include; four busted shocks, a leaking exhaust filter, new brakes, new rotors, new bearings, a new belt, a full tune up and a misfiring cylinder... *sigh*

Like I said, it's better than buying a new truck. My husband is in love with this one, since I bought it for him as a birthday/ welcome home gift from Embassy duty. I think it has more sentimental value to him than anything. I also have another surprise planned for him with it, but I think he has the internet now in his can, so I have to keep it hush hush on here because he might see it.

Hooray for honest mechanics, and hooray for getting the truck back into good shape.

Day 10: A photo that was taken of you over 10 years ago.

This is my high school year book photo. Class of 1999. I was a swimmer, so my hair was naturally that orangey bleach color. It was the chlorine. If only to bee 18 again, when life was simple. Those were the days.

Day 9.5: A Photo of something that would make you feel better.

Ok, obviously I made that part up. There is no Day 9.5 in the 30 days of me, but darn it there should be.

Something that will make me feel better right now would beeeeeee (drum roll please):

Bad Friend

When this semester started, one of my teachers told us as a class that our lives were going to change. Relationships with friends, family and even pets would change. The commitment required for nursing school is that high, that we would begin to make cuts, and even some of those people would cut us out because of the lack of extra time we would have.

I already feel myself loosing friends. I don't have time to hang out on weekends anymore. Parties have been replaced by studying. Evening dinners replaced by extra lab time, or tutoring on a difficult subject. Sometimes, tests come up out of nowhere or I get a chance to get more points, and it happens without warning. I am then put in a position of keeping my plans I made with a friend, or canceling in the name of putting the extra effort in to pass a class.

To those of my friends who have given up on me, I am sorry. I really don't have a good excuse, other than school has to come first. Before my family, before my friends, and even before my husband. YES, before my husband. Fortunately, he is stuck with me and just as committed to this nursing thing as I am. We've even talked about the possibility of me not being able to make it to his homecoming on account of a possible clinical assignment. He's ok with it. I'm not, but it is what it is.

I know I will loose friends, but, I'm ok with that. I am going to have to be. I want to be a nurse, and I want to exceed an excel in the field. If that means that a couple casualties happen along the way then so be it. It sucks, but it is what it is. You can't have success without sacrifice.

I thank all my friends who have stuck with me, and been supportive. Letting me practice on them even, and being understanding of the mood swings, the last minute cancellations, and the general hermitness that nursing school has brought upon me. I can only say that as the program progresses, it will get worse. I will become one with my text book eventually, and won't have time for much of anything sometimes.

I'm sorry to my friends, but I hope that you understand my goals, and that you can respect me for committing to this 110%. I hope that my friends that I do have left will support me in my endeavor to become a nurse.

Day 9: A Photo You Took

This is from the Little Italy Festa last year. They do it every year columbus day weekend. It's an Italian tradition. It's a celebration for the feast of San Gennaro. San Gennaro is the patron saint of Naples, so it's a religious celebration. There's a parade, performers, food. Lots of food!!! It's a good time! I love it!!

Day 8: A Photo That Makes You Angry/Sad

I chose this photo because it was of me saying goodbye to my husband for our first combat deployment of our marriage. I had been away from him before, through MSG duty, and through field operations but, in this photo it was the first time that I was saying goodbye and not knowing what the outcome would be. It was really heartbreaking, looking at it even now, a couple years later still makes my eyes water.

Day 7: A Photo That Makes You Happy

I chose this photo, it was from our first Valentine's day together. I think we were about 23 or 24 in this photo. It was on the Santa Monica pier. He took me to eat at Bubba Gump's Shrimp. It was a really nice day. He was on leave from MSG duty here, and it had been quite a while since I had seen him prior. ♥

Day 6: Whatever tickles your fancy

I've been craving sushi so badly lately. I think that I will head over to eat alone today. I am having my cravings that badly. I just can't figure out if it will be fantastic or heartbreaking that I am eating at our favorite restaurant alone. On one hand, it would kill my craving and be incredibly delicious. I've already messed up my diet for the rest of the weekend, I figure why not? It's a holiday weekend. On the other hand, Ben and I go there weekly, and now, I would go alone? hmmm... I dunno. Does that seem odd? Just sitting alone at the Sushi bar?

Who knows. I'm a Sushi monster, I will probably just suck it up and go eat. Unless anyone wants to go with me today? I'd gladly meet you there after my lovely massage.

Before I head out to school

So, it's 4th of July weekend. My favorite holiday. I will be spending it with my neighbors. I was invited over for a BBQ, and some wine. Some MUCH needed wine. So, that gives me this challenge: To get all my school work, and other responsibilities taken care of before Sunday.

I have a take home quiz, and 5 chapters to read in my Fundamentals of Nursing book. I have some Scentsy to drop off to a customer, a neuromuscular massage to get for my neck, and some memorizing to do for my A&P class. I still can't figure out who thought it was a good idea to take A&P as a co-req. I am going to just pass by the skin of my teeth with that class. ugh.

On top of all that, I have to think of something creative and motivating to say in an application to a local internship at a hospital, who just happens to be finishing up construction of a new hospital right about the time I will be getting my RN. So, what a chance to get my foot in the door and show them how perfect I am not only for the internship position, but for a paid position later on. I really want this, I hope I get it. There is a bit of a selection process, and an interview. So, wish me luck. That is on Thursday evening.

So, I have a busy weekend planned. Thank goodness I get out of class today at 11am. I will be coming home, and watching a movie to unwind and then getting straight to work! I wish I was more disciplined, but I really need my relax time. :)

Day 5: Your Favorite Quote

"When we help eachother in times of need, when we volunteer our time and effort to make our schools and cities better places, we serve our country. When we become informed voters and concerned citizens, we serve our country. When we support the families of deployed [Marines], we serve our country. Good deeds strengthen our communities, and, one by one, they build a strong nation. This is what 'united we stand' is all about."
-Theresa Doss

Day 4: Your favorite book

My favorite book is really a tossup between "Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul" and "A Lifetime of Secrets."

Right now, by no choice of my own my favorite book is "Fundamentals of Nursing". If it were up to me I'd be reading something more entertaining.