December is, and always has been, my favorite month. When I was little it was because it meant I was going to get lots of presents- in fact, it’s the only month that I get presents. Now that I’m older, and obviously wiser, it goes beyond that. People can’t have a bad attitude during December. No matter where you go, people are smiling and singing Christmas songs, and spending time with loved ones. It was with great joy that I returned to my room last night to put up lights, cover my door in wrapping paper and the newly crowned "sexiest man alive", set up our little tree, and switch my ringtone to my all time favorite Christmas carol- *NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.” Feel free to call me just to listen to this musical genius- I often let it ring much longer during this season just so I can enjoy it. This morning I got to open the first door on my Christmas song advent calendar to find my middle namesake- the First Noel. (props to Mom and Dad for never telling my that my middle name actually means Christmas- something I had to learn from Madame Daniel in 7th grade.) I refuse to ever abbreviate the name of this month- I always completely write out December.
This year will not disappoint. Brett gets back to the States a week from today, and comes up to Valpo the 11th. I am clearly excited about that. My birthday also brings extra excitement and promises good memories with a trip to Las Vegas with my crazy siblings- and there’s no one else I’d rather go with. To finish it out- I get to party with my best friends from home- and ring in the New Year like a real adult.
As I venture out into the Winter Wonderland of Valpo this time of year- I encourage you to look around you and see the season for what it is- hopefully December will become one of your favorite months too.
Miss and love-
Monday, December 01, 2008
Saturday, November 01, 2008
November again...
This last Thursday I had my psych clinical on the local Alzheimer’s unit. Now I understand that this is a very sad disease, and causes a lot of people a lot of emotional pain. That said, I had a blast. Because these weren’t my grandparents who didn’t remember who I was, we were able to just sit and shoot the shit together, talking about everything from Halloween candy to motherhood and boys. Tracy, one of my friends, and I spent most of the morning laughing and a couple of times were driven to tears. We weren’t laughing at the fact that we’d heard the same stories over and over again, but more at how frank these old women were being. The first part of the brain that this disease attacks is the frontal lobe which is responsible for more advanced thinking, including inhibitions. Therefore, these women said whatever they were thinking, whether or not it was appropriate. Clearly, this led to some rather entertaining conversation, including the fact that our clinical instructor is a “rather attractive young man” and we should consider dating him because he would be a “great catch.” Every time he walked by a comment was made about this, and as time went on, Tracy and I had a really hard time keeping it together. (perhaps it is necessary to know what Prof. DeMartinis looks like, and the best visual I can give you is that of Coach Chappell about 15 years ago- it is clear that he works out his upper body much more than his lower.) I’ve never been inclined to work with the geriatric population, but perhaps it’s something I should look into.
Otherwise, life is good. I can’t believe we only have 6 weeks left of the semester, and the next three weeks before Thanksgiving are so busy that I’m sure the time will fly by. In two weeks I head to Reno for the National Student Nurses’ Association midyear conference, which I’m sure will be completely overwhelming and lots of fun. I really like the other people on the executive council, so it should be a good time. Plus, who can turn down a free weekend trip to Reno? Not this girl, that’s for sure. Then I’m back for a week of hell before I head to Santa Barbara county for Thanksgiving week. I’m looking forward to seeing the family and having one of those big multifamily thanksgiving dinners that I’ve never really experienced. Two more weeks of school before finals, and I’m on the airplane yet again to fly home. Including Vegas, I think I figured out I’ll be making 9 cross country flights in a two month span. Crazy!
Love and miss-
Otherwise, life is good. I can’t believe we only have 6 weeks left of the semester, and the next three weeks before Thanksgiving are so busy that I’m sure the time will fly by. In two weeks I head to Reno for the National Student Nurses’ Association midyear conference, which I’m sure will be completely overwhelming and lots of fun. I really like the other people on the executive council, so it should be a good time. Plus, who can turn down a free weekend trip to Reno? Not this girl, that’s for sure. Then I’m back for a week of hell before I head to Santa Barbara county for Thanksgiving week. I’m looking forward to seeing the family and having one of those big multifamily thanksgiving dinners that I’ve never really experienced. Two more weeks of school before finals, and I’m on the airplane yet again to fly home. Including Vegas, I think I figured out I’ll be making 9 cross country flights in a two month span. Crazy!
Love and miss-
Monday, October 13, 2008
80 in October? Yes, please!
People always tell me that time doesn’t slow down. So far, this year has been proof of that. It’s already halfway through October, and I can’t believe it. I suppose it doesn’t help that it was 84 degrees outside yesterday and I’m currently wearing shorts, a tank top and flip flops.
I’m a busy girl, but for the most part I love it. Somewhere along the way it hit me that once I’m done with college (which is much sooner than I’d like to acknowledge) there won’t be any more intramural games or homecoming decorations. So naturally, I jumped head first into a lot more activities. Painting LeBien (the College of Nursing building) for homecoming reminded me so much of high school that I had to laugh. Decorating porches with Mr. Downs and the rest of class council was ridiculously fun. I’m currently playing four different intramural sports and I’d forgotten how thrilling competition is. Especially if I get to be aggressive in the process. That’s probably why I’ll never be a huge fan of ultimate Frisbee (which is one of the sports I’m playing) because it’s not a contact sport. What’s the point of playing if you don’t get to push some people around? Luckily indoor soccer lets me do that. My co-ed volleyball team is hilarious, and undefeated. Flag football is probably my least favorite, but still fun nonetheless.
School is going well. I’m starting to feel more like a real nurse during my clinicals and gaining confidence in the hospital. I was even complimented by my patient the last time on my injection technique. Classes can get a bit overwhelming, especially when I have three exams in one week like I did last week, but I’ve survived and actually feel pretty confident about my scores. I’m ready for fall break next week, and know that once it comes, the end of the semester will be upon me before I have time to realize what’s happening.
That’s about all I have for now- it may not be traveling Europe, climbing the Great Wall or kayaking with tens of thousands of seals like my friends are doing this semester, but I’m surviving- and laughing along the way.
Love and miss-
I’m a busy girl, but for the most part I love it. Somewhere along the way it hit me that once I’m done with college (which is much sooner than I’d like to acknowledge) there won’t be any more intramural games or homecoming decorations. So naturally, I jumped head first into a lot more activities. Painting LeBien (the College of Nursing building) for homecoming reminded me so much of high school that I had to laugh. Decorating porches with Mr. Downs and the rest of class council was ridiculously fun. I’m currently playing four different intramural sports and I’d forgotten how thrilling competition is. Especially if I get to be aggressive in the process. That’s probably why I’ll never be a huge fan of ultimate Frisbee (which is one of the sports I’m playing) because it’s not a contact sport. What’s the point of playing if you don’t get to push some people around? Luckily indoor soccer lets me do that. My co-ed volleyball team is hilarious, and undefeated. Flag football is probably my least favorite, but still fun nonetheless.
School is going well. I’m starting to feel more like a real nurse during my clinicals and gaining confidence in the hospital. I was even complimented by my patient the last time on my injection technique. Classes can get a bit overwhelming, especially when I have three exams in one week like I did last week, but I’ve survived and actually feel pretty confident about my scores. I’m ready for fall break next week, and know that once it comes, the end of the semester will be upon me before I have time to realize what’s happening.
That’s about all I have for now- it may not be traveling Europe, climbing the Great Wall or kayaking with tens of thousands of seals like my friends are doing this semester, but I’m surviving- and laughing along the way.
Love and miss-
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Wastin’ Away Again…
Things I learned while attending my first Jimmy Buffett Concert:
1. Regulating fluid intake is key unless you bring your own portapotty.
2. No matter your size, age, gender or professional career, it is always appropriate to wear your bathing suit/coconut bra/grass skirt.
3. Frat boys are wannabe parrot-heads.
4. If you didn’t bring your own pool and/or hot tub, you’re obviously a first timer.
5. It’s never too early to start tailgating.
Let’s just say it was quite the experience and leave it at that- shall we?
People always look at me funny when I talk about how my family parties, and this should be no exception. I’m a college student and the biggest parties I’ve been to I’ve attended with my family. I’m sure Vegas for my 21st will be no exception.
In other news, the drive across the country went well, although I was certainly tired of being in the car by the time we made it to Valpo. After hours of contemplation, I’m content with the set up and organizational system of my new room which has already started to feel like home. Classes started a week ago, and I’ve already been to the psych ward and the operating room- for clinicals of course. My nursing load will be tough this semester, but I think I’ve finally figured out how best to prepare for my exams and am not too worried about it. I’m also taking a class focusing on Jesus and the Gospels that I’ve heard some really great things about and that makes me excited too.
Outside of school, I’m still working at the Writing Center, and the Admissions Office, although I’ve added a new title of “Ambassador in Admissions” which basically means I’ll be giving tours of campus and talking with prospective students. I’m also the new President-Elect of the Student Nurses’ Association and planning on being much more involved in both Dance Ensemble and intramurals. Needless –to-say, I’m a busy girl, but I function better when I’ve got a lot going on. Organized chaos, I like to call it.
That said, it’s time to get back to work.
Love and miss-
1. Regulating fluid intake is key unless you bring your own portapotty.
2. No matter your size, age, gender or professional career, it is always appropriate to wear your bathing suit/coconut bra/grass skirt.
3. Frat boys are wannabe parrot-heads.
4. If you didn’t bring your own pool and/or hot tub, you’re obviously a first timer.
5. It’s never too early to start tailgating.
Let’s just say it was quite the experience and leave it at that- shall we?
People always look at me funny when I talk about how my family parties, and this should be no exception. I’m a college student and the biggest parties I’ve been to I’ve attended with my family. I’m sure Vegas for my 21st will be no exception.
In other news, the drive across the country went well, although I was certainly tired of being in the car by the time we made it to Valpo. After hours of contemplation, I’m content with the set up and organizational system of my new room which has already started to feel like home. Classes started a week ago, and I’ve already been to the psych ward and the operating room- for clinicals of course. My nursing load will be tough this semester, but I think I’ve finally figured out how best to prepare for my exams and am not too worried about it. I’m also taking a class focusing on Jesus and the Gospels that I’ve heard some really great things about and that makes me excited too.
Outside of school, I’m still working at the Writing Center, and the Admissions Office, although I’ve added a new title of “Ambassador in Admissions” which basically means I’ll be giving tours of campus and talking with prospective students. I’m also the new President-Elect of the Student Nurses’ Association and planning on being much more involved in both Dance Ensemble and intramurals. Needless –to-say, I’m a busy girl, but I function better when I’ve got a lot going on. Organized chaos, I like to call it.
That said, it’s time to get back to work.
Love and miss-
Friday, July 18, 2008
Time flies when you're having fun...
During one of our more stressful days, my coworker/supervisor/sorta boss gave me crap for not having updated this. So, now that I’m sitting at home enjoying a day off, I figured I’d do a little writing.
This summer has been everything I’ve wanted it to be and more. My job is just what I’ve asked for, and I can’t imagine spending my time doing anything else. The more jobs I come across, the more I realize that while what you’re doing does matter, who you’re doing it with can make all the difference. Even when I was working at Cold Stone, I loved my job because I liked the people I worked with. Church is no different. Now I’m working together with people I love and respect toward an amazing common goal, and I could be more satisfied or come home more fulfilled. Plus getting paid to go to Disneyland and Magic Mountain isn’t all that bad either.
Brett flew out for the week of 4th of July, and that was also a ton of fun. It was really great to get to introduce him to people I’ve been talking about for the last year and a half- and my friends from here were equally excited to finally get to meet him. He did a great job of being social and interacting with people he didn’t know, and I’m pretty sure all of my friends like him almost as much as I do. It was also fun to show him that my complaining about flat and ugly Indiana actually has some bearing when you grow up in the Northwest. He thought Seattle was cool, and liked getting to play in the waterfalls of the gorge, but he absolutely loved the coast. I guess it’s the thing that is least like anything he’s seen before, so even though it was cold and windy (to him, I thought it was exceptionally warm and sunny for a day at the beach) he really enjoyed seeing it all.
Oh! I got a car too. It’s a 2004 Mazda 6, so it looks a lot like Dad’s car, but it’s bright blue instead of red. My friends have dubbed it “Papa Smurf” and while the 4 cylinder doesn’t sound as manly as the 6, as a girl, I’m much more impressed with the better gas mileage, especially when gas is as expensive as it is. Owning a car brings about more responsibility, but I guess that’s all a part of growing up- and whether I want to believe it or not, I’m only two short years away from the real world.
So now I’m about a month away from school, wondering where the time has gone, and in full Jr. High Camp Mode. It still amazes me that a camp geared for people a little over half my age is my favorite week of the year. Hands down.
Love and miss-
This summer has been everything I’ve wanted it to be and more. My job is just what I’ve asked for, and I can’t imagine spending my time doing anything else. The more jobs I come across, the more I realize that while what you’re doing does matter, who you’re doing it with can make all the difference. Even when I was working at Cold Stone, I loved my job because I liked the people I worked with. Church is no different. Now I’m working together with people I love and respect toward an amazing common goal, and I could be more satisfied or come home more fulfilled. Plus getting paid to go to Disneyland and Magic Mountain isn’t all that bad either.
Brett flew out for the week of 4th of July, and that was also a ton of fun. It was really great to get to introduce him to people I’ve been talking about for the last year and a half- and my friends from here were equally excited to finally get to meet him. He did a great job of being social and interacting with people he didn’t know, and I’m pretty sure all of my friends like him almost as much as I do. It was also fun to show him that my complaining about flat and ugly Indiana actually has some bearing when you grow up in the Northwest. He thought Seattle was cool, and liked getting to play in the waterfalls of the gorge, but he absolutely loved the coast. I guess it’s the thing that is least like anything he’s seen before, so even though it was cold and windy (to him, I thought it was exceptionally warm and sunny for a day at the beach) he really enjoyed seeing it all.
Oh! I got a car too. It’s a 2004 Mazda 6, so it looks a lot like Dad’s car, but it’s bright blue instead of red. My friends have dubbed it “Papa Smurf” and while the 4 cylinder doesn’t sound as manly as the 6, as a girl, I’m much more impressed with the better gas mileage, especially when gas is as expensive as it is. Owning a car brings about more responsibility, but I guess that’s all a part of growing up- and whether I want to believe it or not, I’m only two short years away from the real world.
So now I’m about a month away from school, wondering where the time has gone, and in full Jr. High Camp Mode. It still amazes me that a camp geared for people a little over half my age is my favorite week of the year. Hands down.
Love and miss-
Thursday, June 05, 2008
A month into summer and I still haven’t worn shorts.
Global warming, my ass. I could go for some global warming right about now. I don’t think I’ve seen a high in the 70’s since I left school. My warm weather clothing is much cuter than my cold weather clothing, and I left even most of that at school. So I’ve been wearing the same 4 long sleeve shirts for the last three weeks, practically. Luckily I found where I’d hid my sweatshirts (in my closet, hanging up) so I should be able to add some new gems to the collection. Seriously, please let the sun shine soon; my pasty legs are grossing me out.
Other than that, I can’t really complain about summer so far. We had a great time in Boston celebrating with Dad and even got treated to a no-hitter at Fenway.
I came home and left right away for our Junior High Staff Retreat with people I love and respect, so that was a weekend well spent. I’m still not quite used to getting paid to do this, but I’m loving every minute of it, and getting that paycheck last week was just an added bonus I guess. A really great added bonus.
My goal for the summer was to find a job that I WANTED to go to, and I’ve definitely done that. It’s really great to be able to put all of my energy into this, instead of trying to make time outside of whatever other job I may have. I know that Youth Ministry will always be a part of my life, whether I’m getting paid for it or not, but I’m enjoying the new experience of being “on staff.”
We’re getting ready for High School Camp, which is a road trip around Southern California and I’m pretty excited about it. Not only does it mean Disneyland, Magic Mountain and the beach, but I get to do it all with the girls I mentored all the way through junior high who have told me that they “all grew up while I was away at college.” I can’t wait.
Brett flies in the next week and I’m looking forward to getting to spend some time with him, showing him around my lovely state and introducing him to 39757293 different people who apparently all have interrogating questions to ask him. I’ve tried to warn him, but I don’t think he quite understands it.
All right, back to work!
Love and Miss-
Sunday, April 13, 2008
28 days, 38 classes, 4 tests, and 5 finals from now…
I'll be a college junior. But really, who's counting?
I’ve never gotten out of school so early, and I’m having a really hard time grasping the fact that I’ll be completely done in less than a month. The fact that it’s only like 40 degrees outside probably helps because I feel like summer means warmer weather, and that’s obviously not happening right now. It’s supposed to be around 60 when Brett and I go watch the A’s play the White Sox on Tuesday, so hopefully that will actually be the case. It snowed last night, so I feel like anything is game.
I should be doing my clinical paperwork, or studying for my child development test, but of course that’s not going to happen until later. I started working in the hospital with real patients about two weeks ago, and after my first week, I feel like I’m ready for anything. My very first patient was a bilateral above knee amputee who didn’t speak English and was disoriented. Apparently we don’t believe in easing into the real world out here. I felt completely over my head and overwhelmed that day, but the good news is that now everything seems easy comparatively. My patient for tomorrow is a 45 year old woman with abdominal pain who can take complete care of herself. I met her tonight when I went in to get the preclinical paperwork done and it’s going to be cake. I really like nursing and enjoy getting to work with real people, even if it means getting up at 6am. Luckily, I only have to do that once a week.
I’m ready for summer. The weather, not having classes, not being stressed out or studying for a never-ending number of tests- I’m ready for it all. This summer is going to be an absolute blast. I’m working with the Junior High Ministry at Rolling Hills 30 hours a week, and actually getting paid for it. I’ve been working with them for as long a I can remember as a volunteer and this year when the paid positioned opened up, they offered it to me for the summer. I’ll be working with people I respect and admire, while doing something that I absolutely love and getting to go to camp- it really doesn’t get much better than that. A week road-tripping around Southern California and a week in Central Washington and it’s all a part of the job description. I’m spoiled.
Brett’s also flying out for a week at the beginning of July and I’m really looking forward to that. He’s only been to the West Coast once, and never to the Northwest, so I think he’s in for a bit of a shock when he sees how beautiful the landscape is. My friends have all been dying to meet him for months, so it’ll be interesting to see how that goes. Knowing some of them, it could be really amusing.
Other than that, not a whole lot is happening here in the good ole Po. Just trying to survive and motivate myself to go to class for the next three weeks. (Tuesday for baseball will be the first classes I’ve skipped all semester, thank you very much. I decided it was more than worth it to watch the A’s play.) I’m headed up to Wisconsin this weekend for the Sigma Chi Formal since one of my friends couldn’t find a date, and I’m hoping it’ll be fun. I don’t know as many people as I did last year, but I think I’ll survive. I can be a pretty social person when I want to be.
I’m looking forward to spending some time with Liz and Billy in Baltimore, watching Dad graduate and catching a game in Fenway next month, and I’m hoping the time passes quickly until then.
Love and miss-
I’ve never gotten out of school so early, and I’m having a really hard time grasping the fact that I’ll be completely done in less than a month. The fact that it’s only like 40 degrees outside probably helps because I feel like summer means warmer weather, and that’s obviously not happening right now. It’s supposed to be around 60 when Brett and I go watch the A’s play the White Sox on Tuesday, so hopefully that will actually be the case. It snowed last night, so I feel like anything is game.
I should be doing my clinical paperwork, or studying for my child development test, but of course that’s not going to happen until later. I started working in the hospital with real patients about two weeks ago, and after my first week, I feel like I’m ready for anything. My very first patient was a bilateral above knee amputee who didn’t speak English and was disoriented. Apparently we don’t believe in easing into the real world out here. I felt completely over my head and overwhelmed that day, but the good news is that now everything seems easy comparatively. My patient for tomorrow is a 45 year old woman with abdominal pain who can take complete care of herself. I met her tonight when I went in to get the preclinical paperwork done and it’s going to be cake. I really like nursing and enjoy getting to work with real people, even if it means getting up at 6am. Luckily, I only have to do that once a week.
I’m ready for summer. The weather, not having classes, not being stressed out or studying for a never-ending number of tests- I’m ready for it all. This summer is going to be an absolute blast. I’m working with the Junior High Ministry at Rolling Hills 30 hours a week, and actually getting paid for it. I’ve been working with them for as long a I can remember as a volunteer and this year when the paid positioned opened up, they offered it to me for the summer. I’ll be working with people I respect and admire, while doing something that I absolutely love and getting to go to camp- it really doesn’t get much better than that. A week road-tripping around Southern California and a week in Central Washington and it’s all a part of the job description. I’m spoiled.
Brett’s also flying out for a week at the beginning of July and I’m really looking forward to that. He’s only been to the West Coast once, and never to the Northwest, so I think he’s in for a bit of a shock when he sees how beautiful the landscape is. My friends have all been dying to meet him for months, so it’ll be interesting to see how that goes. Knowing some of them, it could be really amusing.
Other than that, not a whole lot is happening here in the good ole Po. Just trying to survive and motivate myself to go to class for the next three weeks. (Tuesday for baseball will be the first classes I’ve skipped all semester, thank you very much. I decided it was more than worth it to watch the A’s play.) I’m headed up to Wisconsin this weekend for the Sigma Chi Formal since one of my friends couldn’t find a date, and I’m hoping it’ll be fun. I don’t know as many people as I did last year, but I think I’ll survive. I can be a pretty social person when I want to be.
I’m looking forward to spending some time with Liz and Billy in Baltimore, watching Dad graduate and catching a game in Fenway next month, and I’m hoping the time passes quickly until then.
Love and miss-
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Oregon welcomed me home with some nice rain...
I know, I know it’s been forever since I’ve updated this. I was going to do it before I started spring break, but then I figured it would give me something to do over spring break and never got around to it. Bear with me while I try to remember the interesting things that have happened in the last month and a half.
The Dance Ensemble Concert was a ton of fun. Mom arrived a little later than we thought, and when I got back from Micro Lab, Liz and Billy were waiting for me in my room. I was surprised to see them (as was my roommate) because I really had no idea they were planning on coming out. Apparently they are good at keeping things a secret. So I gave the three of them a tour of campus since it’s changed a bit since Liz and Billy were here and we spent a while in the new meteorology building and talking to Professor Uehling. Then I took them to the nursing building and introduced them to the “patients” that we have there. They were a little creeped out by the mannequins I think, but they understood a little more of what I do, I think. Brett joined us for dinner at Kelsey’s (I don’t suggest dancing on a stomach full of steak, not the best choice) and I think after he got over the surprise of seeing Liz and Billy it all went really well. Everyone watched the show that night and got the privilege of seeing one of the girls fall flat on her face, which sadly for her, was probably the highlight of the show. Mom’s the only one who has seen me dance before so it was a whole new world for everyone else. The best part of our show is the variety involved in it. And the fact that it doesn’t take a half a hour in between dances to set up and tear down. The rest of the weekend went by really fast and I enjoyed getting to spend some time with the family. I also learned that one of Billy’s college friends now weighs “16 Oscars” and that your tolerance really does go down once you leave school.
The week before Spring Break was hell- 4 tests, 2 projects and a presentation due, and I only have 5 classes. Needless to say, I was ready for break when it arrived.
I flew home Friday, the 29th, and drove out to the beach to join Mom on the RHCC Women’s Retreat early Saturday morning. The weather was surprisingly good for the coast this time of year, and I loved going from ugly Indiana straight out to the gorgeous coastline. I really am convinced that Indiana is God-forsaken land.
The last two weeks have been pretty uneventful. I’ve seen a couple of my friends, but most of them are still at school since our break is so much earlier than everyone else’s. Mostly I’ve been spending time at church getting ready for the summer and helping to find a new High School Pastor. I’ll explain more about my summer plans another time.
I did run into Ryan at church on Sunday and had coffee with him yesterday morning. Holy crap, so much has changed. Sadly, not for him- he’s still doing what he was doing when we graduated high school. He broke up with Stephanie about two weeks ago and is enjoying “single life” for the first time in almost 3 years. It was strange because I felt like I had so much going on in my life, and so much has changed for me, that I didn’t really know what to talk to him about. I felt like I’m moving on in life and he’s just standing still watching everyone else leave. Otherwise he’s good, I guess. While it was good to see him and catch up since we hadn’t really talked since we broke up, I don’t see myself becoming friends with him- we don’t have anything in common. It’s not that I dislike him, or want to be sure that I don’t run into him, but when you come home as little as I do, it takes a lot of effort to remain friends with people, and I just don’t see that happening with him. I could be wrong- I guess we’ll see.
I should probably go finish cleaning my room and packing to go back to school. Hope all is well with everyone else.
Love and miss-
The Dance Ensemble Concert was a ton of fun. Mom arrived a little later than we thought, and when I got back from Micro Lab, Liz and Billy were waiting for me in my room. I was surprised to see them (as was my roommate) because I really had no idea they were planning on coming out. Apparently they are good at keeping things a secret. So I gave the three of them a tour of campus since it’s changed a bit since Liz and Billy were here and we spent a while in the new meteorology building and talking to Professor Uehling. Then I took them to the nursing building and introduced them to the “patients” that we have there. They were a little creeped out by the mannequins I think, but they understood a little more of what I do, I think. Brett joined us for dinner at Kelsey’s (I don’t suggest dancing on a stomach full of steak, not the best choice) and I think after he got over the surprise of seeing Liz and Billy it all went really well. Everyone watched the show that night and got the privilege of seeing one of the girls fall flat on her face, which sadly for her, was probably the highlight of the show. Mom’s the only one who has seen me dance before so it was a whole new world for everyone else. The best part of our show is the variety involved in it. And the fact that it doesn’t take a half a hour in between dances to set up and tear down. The rest of the weekend went by really fast and I enjoyed getting to spend some time with the family. I also learned that one of Billy’s college friends now weighs “16 Oscars” and that your tolerance really does go down once you leave school.
The week before Spring Break was hell- 4 tests, 2 projects and a presentation due, and I only have 5 classes. Needless to say, I was ready for break when it arrived.
I flew home Friday, the 29th, and drove out to the beach to join Mom on the RHCC Women’s Retreat early Saturday morning. The weather was surprisingly good for the coast this time of year, and I loved going from ugly Indiana straight out to the gorgeous coastline. I really am convinced that Indiana is God-forsaken land.
The last two weeks have been pretty uneventful. I’ve seen a couple of my friends, but most of them are still at school since our break is so much earlier than everyone else’s. Mostly I’ve been spending time at church getting ready for the summer and helping to find a new High School Pastor. I’ll explain more about my summer plans another time.
I did run into Ryan at church on Sunday and had coffee with him yesterday morning. Holy crap, so much has changed. Sadly, not for him- he’s still doing what he was doing when we graduated high school. He broke up with Stephanie about two weeks ago and is enjoying “single life” for the first time in almost 3 years. It was strange because I felt like I had so much going on in my life, and so much has changed for me, that I didn’t really know what to talk to him about. I felt like I’m moving on in life and he’s just standing still watching everyone else leave. Otherwise he’s good, I guess. While it was good to see him and catch up since we hadn’t really talked since we broke up, I don’t see myself becoming friends with him- we don’t have anything in common. It’s not that I dislike him, or want to be sure that I don’t run into him, but when you come home as little as I do, it takes a lot of effort to remain friends with people, and I just don’t see that happening with him. I could be wrong- I guess we’ll see.
I should probably go finish cleaning my room and packing to go back to school. Hope all is well with everyone else.
Love and miss-
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Eli's the Manning now...
I’m far too competitive to feel sorry for Tom Brady. The Giants played a great game, and deserved to win. At least it was exciting.
In other news, life at school is moving along at a steady pace. I can’t believe I’m already almost halfway through the semester, the time has disappeared. I don’t think it’s going to slow down anytime soon either, which is kind of unfortunate I guess. I’m not too worried about school this term, but I’ll know for sure once I get the scores back from my first round of tests at the end of this week. One of my nursing classes is a joke- we went into the first exam with 20 extra credit points. I guess it’s important information (nursing care of spiritual needs) but the prof has made it really easy. I’ll take whatever bones the College of Nursing wants to throw at me, because I don’t think it’ll be many more.
I think learning about why people are the way they are is something that I’ll never get tired of. The time I spend in Child and Adolescent Development is some of my favorite time of the week. The prof really knows what he’s talking about, and I find it all truly fascinating. I think that’s a big part of why I want to be a nurse instead of a doctor. Being a doctor is about knowing medicine, being a nurse is about knowing people. I’ve already noticed myself acting more like a nurse- listening better, picking up on non-verbal cues, asking better questions. One of the first things my favorite nursing prof asked us last semester was the color of our lab partner’s eyes. People just don’t pay attention to things like that, and when you do, it makes all the difference.
For the last week I’ve had the Wicked soundtrack stuck in my head… and I think my roommate is getting sick of it always playing on my computer. I can’t help it, I really like musicals. I read the book over break and was less than impressed. I felt like the author took a great story and turned it into something I didn’t want to read. The musical was a completely different story. Brett surprised me with a trip into the city to see it last weekend and I pretty much just sat there in awe for the full two and a half hours. (I think he liked it too, whether or not he wants to admit it.) It’s been playing in Chicago for something like the last 3 years, and the actors really know their characters. The plot is much better too. I usually don’t like it when musicals/movies deviate from the book, but since I didn’t like the book very much, this was a welcomed change.
I remembered while working at the Writing Center today why it was that I wanted to be a teacher for so long. I love seeing the light bulb go off. Being able to explain something in a new way or introduce a whole new perspective to people and have them finally understand something is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I usually can’t stand working at the WC because it’s hard to have one of those experiences where you feel like you’ve made more of a difference than just in someone’s grade. I guess I like to think that in some small way, making someone a better writer makes them a better person. Call me crazy.
In a random side note, I’ve stopped biting my fingernails. I’m sure Mim would be proud. I never realized just how fast nails grow, but I have to carry a nail file around with me all the freaking time and it kind of gets annoying. It’s an important habit to break because always putting my fingers in my mouth as a nurse can be really dangerous to my health, but it definitely made life a little easier.
I think that’s about it for this week. The Dance Ensemble concert is in two weeks and I think we’ll be ready for it. I love our costumes and will be sure to put up some pictures when I get them. Hope all is well with all of you.
Love and miss-
In other news, life at school is moving along at a steady pace. I can’t believe I’m already almost halfway through the semester, the time has disappeared. I don’t think it’s going to slow down anytime soon either, which is kind of unfortunate I guess. I’m not too worried about school this term, but I’ll know for sure once I get the scores back from my first round of tests at the end of this week. One of my nursing classes is a joke- we went into the first exam with 20 extra credit points. I guess it’s important information (nursing care of spiritual needs) but the prof has made it really easy. I’ll take whatever bones the College of Nursing wants to throw at me, because I don’t think it’ll be many more.
I think learning about why people are the way they are is something that I’ll never get tired of. The time I spend in Child and Adolescent Development is some of my favorite time of the week. The prof really knows what he’s talking about, and I find it all truly fascinating. I think that’s a big part of why I want to be a nurse instead of a doctor. Being a doctor is about knowing medicine, being a nurse is about knowing people. I’ve already noticed myself acting more like a nurse- listening better, picking up on non-verbal cues, asking better questions. One of the first things my favorite nursing prof asked us last semester was the color of our lab partner’s eyes. People just don’t pay attention to things like that, and when you do, it makes all the difference.
For the last week I’ve had the Wicked soundtrack stuck in my head… and I think my roommate is getting sick of it always playing on my computer. I can’t help it, I really like musicals. I read the book over break and was less than impressed. I felt like the author took a great story and turned it into something I didn’t want to read. The musical was a completely different story. Brett surprised me with a trip into the city to see it last weekend and I pretty much just sat there in awe for the full two and a half hours. (I think he liked it too, whether or not he wants to admit it.) It’s been playing in Chicago for something like the last 3 years, and the actors really know their characters. The plot is much better too. I usually don’t like it when musicals/movies deviate from the book, but since I didn’t like the book very much, this was a welcomed change.
I remembered while working at the Writing Center today why it was that I wanted to be a teacher for so long. I love seeing the light bulb go off. Being able to explain something in a new way or introduce a whole new perspective to people and have them finally understand something is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I usually can’t stand working at the WC because it’s hard to have one of those experiences where you feel like you’ve made more of a difference than just in someone’s grade. I guess I like to think that in some small way, making someone a better writer makes them a better person. Call me crazy.
In a random side note, I’ve stopped biting my fingernails. I’m sure Mim would be proud. I never realized just how fast nails grow, but I have to carry a nail file around with me all the freaking time and it kind of gets annoying. It’s an important habit to break because always putting my fingers in my mouth as a nurse can be really dangerous to my health, but it definitely made life a little easier.
I think that’s about it for this week. The Dance Ensemble concert is in two weeks and I think we’ll be ready for it. I love our costumes and will be sure to put up some pictures when I get them. Hope all is well with all of you.
Love and miss-
Sunday, January 13, 2008
3 down, 5 to go
Well, Dad says that I don’t update this often enough, and I told him it was because there wasn’t ever anything to say, but I suppose that now that a new semester has started I can talk about that.
Coming back to school was nice. My flight was an hour late, which was a bummer, but not as late as originally thought. I have decided that I really do hate flying, and that it hates me back. Last year I don’t think I had a single delayed flight. This year I don’t think I’ve had a single flight not be delayed. I always try to have a good attitude about flying, especially because I hate it when people start yelling at the ticket agents like it is THEIR fault that the plane is late, but this time I suppose I’d gotten my hopes up a little too much. Brett was nice enough to pick me up from the airport, even though I’m pretty sure he hates driving in Chicago more than I hate flying. Either way, I really appreciated not having a two hour bus ride at the end of a long flight. We got back to Valpo around 11pm Sunday night.
Classes didn’t start until Wednesday, so that gave me some time to spend a fortune at the bookstore and get organized. I think I spend more money on books each semester than some people have the entire time they’ve been at school so far, but I guess that’s just one of the many perks of being a nursing major. It doesn’t help that all nursing textbooks are freaking expensive.
Another perk of being a nursing major is having homework due the first day of class. There should really be a rule against that. Instead of getting to enjoy my last night of freedom like most people, I was stuck doing worksheets and going to bed early for my 7:30am lab. Luckily, the lab was really fun. This semester is when we learn how to do the real nursing stuff- like catheters and different methods of drug administration. There’s no doubt that when I finish this semester I’ll feel like a real nurse. After this we learn a lot more specifics to different fields- psychiatric nursing, pediatrics, OB/GYN, geriatrics… you know the fun stuff. I can already tell that my pharmacology class will be a lot of work, but I’ll feel really smart for having taken it. There are some classes that you take, work hard in, and don’t feel any smarter at the end of the semester- this is not one of them. I decided that is one of the reasons that I like science classes better anyway- I’m always learning something new. After a while, every English and Theology class seems to be the same thing- read this and discuss how it affects you and the world. Not that I don’t enjoy that, because I do, but I don’t always feel like I’m learning. Liz would probably say that’s one of the strengths of English, that it teaches you without you noticing that you're learning.
My microbiology professor (who sounds like an auctioneer when he lectures) has already claimed that his class will be my favorite of the semester, but I’m not really convinced. It’ll be really interesting, but I think I’m going to REALLY like my child and adolescent development class. Professor Hughes is hilarious and I know I’ll like the subject matter. He’s really sarcastic and already admitted that he likes smartasses, so I figure I’ll do just fine there. That class also has some non-nursing majors in it, so it’s one of my last opportunities to interact with normal people. I’m excited.
I guess that’s about all so far. It hasn’t snowed since we got back, and the campus being green is kind of strange. I’ve been taking advantage of the slow start to the semester to do some reading as well. The musical “Wicked” is on a long term run in Chicago, and I figured I’d try to read the book first. It’s not at all what I expected it would be, but it’s kept me entertained, and I’m interested to see where it’s going. I went to church at the chapel this morning which was kind of weird, as always. I just don’t think I’ll ever be fully comfortable in a Lutheran service.
Hope the holiday season treated all of you well!
Love and miss-
Coming back to school was nice. My flight was an hour late, which was a bummer, but not as late as originally thought. I have decided that I really do hate flying, and that it hates me back. Last year I don’t think I had a single delayed flight. This year I don’t think I’ve had a single flight not be delayed. I always try to have a good attitude about flying, especially because I hate it when people start yelling at the ticket agents like it is THEIR fault that the plane is late, but this time I suppose I’d gotten my hopes up a little too much. Brett was nice enough to pick me up from the airport, even though I’m pretty sure he hates driving in Chicago more than I hate flying. Either way, I really appreciated not having a two hour bus ride at the end of a long flight. We got back to Valpo around 11pm Sunday night.
Classes didn’t start until Wednesday, so that gave me some time to spend a fortune at the bookstore and get organized. I think I spend more money on books each semester than some people have the entire time they’ve been at school so far, but I guess that’s just one of the many perks of being a nursing major. It doesn’t help that all nursing textbooks are freaking expensive.
Another perk of being a nursing major is having homework due the first day of class. There should really be a rule against that. Instead of getting to enjoy my last night of freedom like most people, I was stuck doing worksheets and going to bed early for my 7:30am lab. Luckily, the lab was really fun. This semester is when we learn how to do the real nursing stuff- like catheters and different methods of drug administration. There’s no doubt that when I finish this semester I’ll feel like a real nurse. After this we learn a lot more specifics to different fields- psychiatric nursing, pediatrics, OB/GYN, geriatrics… you know the fun stuff. I can already tell that my pharmacology class will be a lot of work, but I’ll feel really smart for having taken it. There are some classes that you take, work hard in, and don’t feel any smarter at the end of the semester- this is not one of them. I decided that is one of the reasons that I like science classes better anyway- I’m always learning something new. After a while, every English and Theology class seems to be the same thing- read this and discuss how it affects you and the world. Not that I don’t enjoy that, because I do, but I don’t always feel like I’m learning. Liz would probably say that’s one of the strengths of English, that it teaches you without you noticing that you're learning.
My microbiology professor (who sounds like an auctioneer when he lectures) has already claimed that his class will be my favorite of the semester, but I’m not really convinced. It’ll be really interesting, but I think I’m going to REALLY like my child and adolescent development class. Professor Hughes is hilarious and I know I’ll like the subject matter. He’s really sarcastic and already admitted that he likes smartasses, so I figure I’ll do just fine there. That class also has some non-nursing majors in it, so it’s one of my last opportunities to interact with normal people. I’m excited.
I guess that’s about all so far. It hasn’t snowed since we got back, and the campus being green is kind of strange. I’ve been taking advantage of the slow start to the semester to do some reading as well. The musical “Wicked” is on a long term run in Chicago, and I figured I’d try to read the book first. It’s not at all what I expected it would be, but it’s kept me entertained, and I’m interested to see where it’s going. I went to church at the chapel this morning which was kind of weird, as always. I just don’t think I’ll ever be fully comfortable in a Lutheran service.
Hope the holiday season treated all of you well!
Love and miss-
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
My First White Christmas!
This Christmas season didn’t disappoint. I was glad to finally get home after finals and fourteen hours of flying on the 22nd. Whoever is in charge of the academic calendar should have to travel on the days they make the end of the semester because it was hell this year. After stops in Phoenix and Las Vegas, I was ecstatic to see the green carpet of PDX. I feel like I’ve seen my fair share of airports, at least west of the Mississippi and hands down Portland is my favorite. Not just because it’s home, but because it’s has the best customer service, most food choices both in and out of security and the fastest baggage return. If I had to fly in and out of O’Hare or BWI every time, I’d probably fly a lot less.
Anyway, I got to see almost all of my friends right away because my friend Chris hosted a Christmas party, and was nice enough to make sure I would be home for it. Most of the schools on the West Coast finished their terms the week before I did, so they were bragging about being done before me. We’ll see who’s laughing in May when I’m finished a month early and enjoying the sun at Fenway.
Christmas itself was a little strange this year since neither Nate nor Liz was home, but I suppose that’s the way life works nowadays. My birthday was fun and a lot of my friends stopped by to help me celebrate my last year of minordome. (yes, I made that word up) It was really fun to have Liz and Billy out here to help ring in the new year, and just spend some quality time together. I’m headed back out to Maryland in May after I’m done with school and before Dad graduates and I’m hoping to get to see Mrs. DePriest in action- I still haven’t made it to Northern HS.
Thank you to everyone for my gifts- between Christmas and my birthday, I really got everything I asked for and more. Not sure how I’m going to get it back to school with me, but I’ll make it work somehow.
I’m excited to start the new semester, which is full of science classes. Two nursing courses including pharmacology, two biology classes (microbiology and human nutrition) and a psychology class about child and adolescent development mean a lot time spent in labs, but I’ll probably love every minute of it. Everyone at school asks me if I hate nursing yet, and I just don’t see that happening any time soon. This semester also brings the dance concert, A’s baseball (when they play the White Sox) and a trip to Boston to bring it all to a close. I can’t wait to get back to school. Not super excited about the “feels like -3” that I’d be experiencing right now, but I guess I’ll be using all of the winder weather gear I received.
Love and miss-
Anyway, I got to see almost all of my friends right away because my friend Chris hosted a Christmas party, and was nice enough to make sure I would be home for it. Most of the schools on the West Coast finished their terms the week before I did, so they were bragging about being done before me. We’ll see who’s laughing in May when I’m finished a month early and enjoying the sun at Fenway.
Christmas itself was a little strange this year since neither Nate nor Liz was home, but I suppose that’s the way life works nowadays. My birthday was fun and a lot of my friends stopped by to help me celebrate my last year of minordome. (yes, I made that word up) It was really fun to have Liz and Billy out here to help ring in the new year, and just spend some quality time together. I’m headed back out to Maryland in May after I’m done with school and before Dad graduates and I’m hoping to get to see Mrs. DePriest in action- I still haven’t made it to Northern HS.
Thank you to everyone for my gifts- between Christmas and my birthday, I really got everything I asked for and more. Not sure how I’m going to get it back to school with me, but I’ll make it work somehow.
I’m excited to start the new semester, which is full of science classes. Two nursing courses including pharmacology, two biology classes (microbiology and human nutrition) and a psychology class about child and adolescent development mean a lot time spent in labs, but I’ll probably love every minute of it. Everyone at school asks me if I hate nursing yet, and I just don’t see that happening any time soon. This semester also brings the dance concert, A’s baseball (when they play the White Sox) and a trip to Boston to bring it all to a close. I can’t wait to get back to school. Not super excited about the “feels like -3” that I’d be experiencing right now, but I guess I’ll be using all of the winder weather gear I received.
Love and miss-
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