I'm Celebrating...

Why?
1) It’s my last Monday of school. Technically I’ll still be a student doing nursing things for the next 6 weeks, but I’m done with “school” as of this Thursday at 4:50pm. Or more realistically 3:45, which is probably when I’ll finish my final final.
2) Today and more notably last night, is (was?) the last Admitted Student Day I have to coordinate. It didn’t go off without hitches and glitches, but it’s over and I can kiss it goodbye after two and a half years of slaving over prospective-host match ups and dealing with flaky college students.
3) We’re supposed to have GREAT weather this weekend, and I can’t wait to celebrate being done with classes out in the sunshine.

Also, Sissy and some of her grad school friends have launched this great new blog- Scholar Style Guide. Since I’m the obnoxious little sister, I’m going to continue my celebration by copying their introductions (while I wait for Grinders to open so I can get back to this care plan). Be sure you check out the real thing here. I’m certainly not doing it any justice.

My focus as a student (because I don’t believe I’m a scholar in anything, nor do I plan on being so anytime soon) is on nursing- oncology nursing to be exact. I start my practicum at a large outpatient infusion center one week from today, and I couldn’t be more excited. I also love kids and my eventual career goal is to be a pediatric oncology clinical nurse specialist. Maybe when that happens I’ll consider myself a “scholar.”

I began dressing with intention when I got to college and realized that Disney shirts weren’t nearly as cool as I thought they were. To be honest, I’m not sure that I dress with intention very often at all, but as I transition from college student to working woman, I guess that will have to happen. One of the joys of going to school in the Midwest is that fashion here is still a few years behind the coasts, so what was cool in Oregon when I started college is cool now at Valpo. I’ve spent the last two summers working with junior high and high school students, and like my sister, decided that dressing more professional was one of the few ways to earn more respect.

My personal style is a mix of typical college student, typical Oregonian-hipster and classic professional, as evidenced by my new found love of Express. I’m a sucker for a cute headband, but can’t stand skinny jeans even though they’d probably look good on me. I’ve never purchased anything from Urban Outfitters, but I love a few hipster trends, like structured jackets and cute hats. I’ve learned the art of the fashionable scarf-and-coat combo while going to school in lake effect.

My biggest style hurdle comes from having a job that requires “Valpo-wear” and a profession/student uniform that consists of scrubs that are so big I feel like I’m playing dress up, which certainly doesn’t help the fact that I look 17 anyway. And while some might say I have the “perfect societal” body, trying to dress said body can be a challenge, especially when I am perpetually cold.

My current style mentors are Lauren Conrad and Victoria Beckham. I think LC does a good job of dressing her age, especially in a casual, weekend way. Aside from my love of the Spice Girls and all things named Beckham, I agree with Victoria that sky-high heels should be a girl’s best friend, and still haven’t caught on to the “joy of flats.” Plus her ability to always look cute while still being a mother and designing a line that celebrities actually wear amazes me.


Time to get back to work. One 15-page care plan, one clinical and two finals away from freedom!

Still on Nica Time…

Well, it’s almost 10, which means I’m about ready to crash. Two weeks of getting up at 5:30 will do that to you I guess 

Spring Break 2010- Costa Rica.Nicaragua was absolutely amazing- I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my final break from student life. It was exactly what I needed in so many ways. Here are some highlights:

-Over the course of our 7 clinic days, my assessment skills really did get much, much better. JP and I struggled through our first diagnostic circle, forgetting to ask most of the important questions, and skipping all physical assessment other than vitals. Dr. Jorge, the local Costa Rican doctor we were working with, effectively reminded us of everything we forgot, while simultaneously intimidating the heck out of me. We shared a moment later, after I held this baby girl for a few hours and he expressed his desire to be a dad- which isn’t so intimidating.

-A fantastic homestay experience with a couple who were only a few years older than us- complete with a run to the local MegaSuper for Oreos and birthday hats, Sammi the house dog and Jeffrey, the outdoor rabbit who was much bigger than Sammi.

- Swimming in a waterfall in the middle of a Costa Rican forest (which reminded me a lot of the gorge) It was one of those “I never thought I’d be doing THIS in my lifetime” moments, and listening to the water crash in front of you while hiding behind the falls is completely exhilarating.


-Watching numerous sunsets from the comfort of a hammock, and gazing in amazement at the ridiculously starry sky over Lake Nicaragua while discussing love and life with Laura and JP each night, and all of the unexpected surprises along the way.

- Actually pulling teeth (yeah, I was the one doing it) and being a part of the removal of a rather large kidney stone from the end of a patient’s penis- both things that would NEVER happen in the States. (see, I really am a nurse… this is cool, not disgusting)


-Taking in the scenery during the daily commute in the back of a pick-up truck- complete with lakeshore and volcanoes.

- Running straight into the (warm!) Pacific Ocean following an awesome, but super sweaty, canopy tour in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

Looking at pictures makes me want to go back so badly, and I’m praying that at some point I’ll get to return to Ometepe Island. Short term health service trips are something that will definitely be a part of my future, and I’m more excited about being a nurse than ever. Thank you so much to all of you who helped make this trip a reality for me- it was definitely the trip of a lifetime.

"Spring" Break... finally in the sun!

In three days I leave for Central America. I’m looking forward to this trip for many reasons.
1. Current temp in Valpo:25 degrees. Costa Rica: 72. Nicaragua: 82. Get me away from this crap. I don’t think I even remember what it feels like to have the sun warm my body.
2. No cell phone, twitter, facebook or email. Being out of touch with the world is something I wish I could get away with more often.
3. I’m coming back with color, even if it is red. My poor body is practically see-through at this point.
4. I get to use the skills I’ve been learning in school to make a small difference in the world.
5. I’m not in charge, nor am I responsible for anything, once we get on the plane. I get to follow and relax- two things I think I’ve forgotten how to do.
6. Language barriers are incredibly humbling. I can usually tell when people are talking about me, and most of the time I don’t really mind. Finding other ways to communicate is always hard in the beginning, but I’m pretty good at charades, and I learn the essentials (bano, agua) pretty quickly.
7. Since I can’t really talk to people, I’ll have a lot of time to discuss with God upcoming plans for my life, and my dependence on Him always increases when I’m out of my comfort zone.
8. My assessment skills will get much, much better. One of the keys to any kind of nursing is a good assessment, and mine could probably use some work.
9. Ziplining through the jungle? Yes please.
10. Seeing my dear friend the Pacific Ocean again. I’ve missed her.


And RM designed some pretty sweet t-shirts too!

Look for pictures in a few weeks!!

Final Curtain

It's over. My dancing career as I know it, is finished, and I don't think it's hit me quite yet. This last weekend’s Dance Ensemble Spring Concert was a whirlwind of mixed emotions, and Sunday’s performance was a bit surreal. On one hand, I’m glad to get my life back. For some reason, no matter how much time you actually commit to dancing, it takes over your life, so I’m glad to add the time back into my weekly schedule. I’ll admit that I was a little disappointed with this year’s show, and certainly my role within it. I was hoping that after years of hard work, the choreographers’ would reward me with some cool pieces. The two that I was in were a lot of fun- my trio with Jayme and Melissa being my favorite- but I was still a little disappointed.

I’ve learned over the many years I’ve devoted to dance, that a little disappointment is always a part of the deal. Perhaps it was because I didn’t start dancing until 7th grade, so my technique wasn’t as advanced as others, but I never got the really cool parts- the wow factors. Instead, I got to dress up like the “evil fairy” and chase people around the dance floor. Which, I will admit, was a lot of fun, and the only reason I didn’t care that we came in dead last that year. (and who doesn’t love completely changing costumes behind a painted tarp tree)

Sissy recently talked about the character building that can come from judged sports. (not that I’m even going to try to say that dance is a sport, because we both know it’s not) She’s right. At some point along the way, you have to stop defining success as a certain score- there’s too much subjectivity and personal feelings involved. (we were once given a lower score because a judge didn’t like the movie our music came from) So you go out there, and you do your best. You hit every triple and split leap. You sell every single move, regardless of whether or not it’s the right one, and you do it all with the biggest smile your face has ever felt (piece appropriate, of course.)

And I guess that’s why I love dancing- because it’s something that I do, just for me. Because it can cure a broken heart, and a hangover and it reminds me that doing something because you love it is more rewarding than doing it for a certain score.

So yes, I will definitely miss it.


(Because you know you'd seen that picture before...)

Phew...

I'm glad this week is over. After two Admitted Student Days (which kept me in the office for 20+ hours each of the last two weeks), two clinicals, and two exams, the weekend was a more than welcomed break.

So I treated myself to a tanning package. Actually, I contributed to our VU chapter of Engineers Without Borders, and got a free two week unlimited tanning package out of the deal. So I went on Friday to enjoy my 12 minutes of electric sunshine. When I got there, they told me that my package not only included tanning, but all of the "spa" treatments as well, including the AquaMassage table. Free massage and free tanning? These are going to be the best two weeks of my life :)

I have a Dream…

And it starts with finding a job. Oh how I wouldn’t love to just be offered a really sweet job and at excellent teaching hospital in a great city. But, that hasn’t happened yet, so the application process continues. Since I know many of you may be curious, I’ve narrowed my “great city” selection down to about three different choices.

Seattle, WA- because I’m not ready to give up on the Pacific Northwest just yet. Some of my Valpo friends are moving there after graduation, I have plenty of friends from home who live/visit there often, and a cousin who was recently promoted to Assistant GM for the Mariners. Bring on the baseball.

St. Louis, MO- because graduating from Valpo actually means something to people (and employers) in the Lou, but they don’t have to deal with Lake Effect. They also have a couple of LARGE hospital systems, who are more dedicated to hiring new graduates than anywhere else I’ve seen yet.


Baltimore, MD/ Washington DC- because my sister can be very persuasive when she wants to be and free rent while I find a job sounds pretty good to me. Plus, there are a LOT of people in a small area, which means a lot of hospitals.

So far my Excel spreadsheet has about 15 different hospitals/ health systems from these locations, and I start to send out actual applications the end of February. Until then I have 4 exams, 10 clinical days and a lot of work to get done.

(Look Mim, twice in one month!)

Love and miss-

New Year, New Goals?

I’m not a big “resolutions” kind of person. I guess part of that is because I’m lazy. I am also, however, a goal driven person, and tend to write yearly goals instead. Sometimes they resemble resolutions, and sometimes they are just expectations of who I want to be come next December. Usually, I write them on the plane ride back to school. This year, however, I couldn’t figure out what to write. Since I have no real idea as to where I will be next Fall, I’ve discovered that writing goals isn’t as easy as it has been in the past. Hopefully I’ll be able to come up with a few before the month is over. (although my grandmother pointed out that I’m the member of the family who updates her blog least often, so perhaps that should be one of them…)

In other news, Christmas Break was wonderful. The first week allowed me plenty of time to catch up with my friends back in Oregon, and saying good bye felt a little weird since it wasn’t the usual “see you in May.” Other than a few weddings this summer, I’m not sure when I’ll be back. The second week gave me the chance to catch up with a lot of family that I haven’t seen in a while, and it was comforting to find that some things never change, especially at a time in life when I feel like everything is about to.

I flew from sunny, warm Southern California to the frozen tundra of Valpo. We’re currently in the middle of a winter storm warning, and I’ve seen about a foot of snow in the last week. The good news is that it has made me SO glad to be out of here in a few months. I think the weather single-handedly changed my fear of the future into excitement. I’m still rather scared about job hunting and all, but the good news is that whenever I do finally get that job, it’ll be a good one, complete with a very nice paycheck. Yes, the planner in me wants to have it all figured out as soon as possible, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that one more summer off wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

So I face the next semester with excitement. I take finals the week before Easter, and have my official exit exam near the end of April. Looks like my senior week is going to be more like senior month!

love and miss-

My brain is fried, and it's only Monday.

I watched my friend Tim walk in our December Graduation on Sunday (albeit via webcast) and it hit me that the next time it happens, I’ll be the one graduating. Mom says that I look a bit terrified in the pictures the yearbook people took of me in my cap and gown. I’m just trying to focus on getting through the rest of this week.

Honestly, since I’m only done with the first of four finals, the second of which starts in 3 hours, I should be studying. But I just figured out that I don’t even have to TAKE the final in this class to pass it, so I’m not very motivated to study. Naturally, I’m thinking about other things.

I’ll be back in West Linn in three days, for what may be the last time until Chris and Ali tie the knot.
I haven’t even started my Christmas shopping yet.
How did people study for exams before the internet and computers existed? Were they required to know as much as we are today?
I hate it when people don’t actually have finals to study for.
I wonder if experiencing my first patient death will make me wish I hadn’t chosen this profession.
The girl next to me appears to be a met major, and plagiarizing her work from the internet.
I bet plagiarism wasn’t as big of an issue back when there was no internet.
I’m going to miss having class with Professor Zentz- she’s the most amusing nursing professor I’ve had yet.
My ability to get 100% on a paper I wrote the day it was due leads me to believe I picked the wrong major.
At least next semester I’ll be able to actually spend time with patients. Only going to the hospital 3 times this fall was ridiculous. Virtual Clinical Experiences are not at all helpful.
I guess I should go back to learning about global health issues.
I wonder if I can finish this 100 question exam in under 40 minutes too.
Zoonoses here I come.

November is upon us…

And it was 72 degrees today. I can’t remember the last time I went anywhere in just a t-shirt, but today that’s exactly what I did.

I also took some time to enjoy Carrie Underwood’s new cd while driving around the Indiana countryside with my windows down. Today’s route included highway 2, to highway 6 and on to highway 149/130 to get back into Valpo. One of the few things I do love about living here is the abundance of great driving routes, when all you want to do is drive and relax. Back home, I have only one.

Last weekend I was in Phoenix for the National Student Nurses Association Midyear Conference, which was more disappointing than anything. Last year I think there were almost 150 exhibitors at the event, including hospitals from all over the country. This year there were 4 hospitals and 70 total exhibitors. Statistics show that 1 in 3 nurses who graduated with a BSN in 2009 are unemployed. When I started nursing school, I was told that I would have multiple offers before I even walked across the stage at graduation. These days, most hospitals are in hiring freezes, and a lot of nurses who recently retired are coming back to fill what positions are available. Needless to say I was glad that Southwest gave out free drinks to people who flew on Halloween, and that the guy sitting next to me who seemed to have robbed a flight attendant with the stack of free drink coupons he had, was in a sharing mood. (for the record, Bailey’s and hot chocolate is delicious)

Larger hospitals tend to have a “nurse graduate” program, and the ones that I’m looking at right now do. I’ll start applying for those positions in February/March and hope that my passion and willingness to learn can overshadow my lack of actual experience. Those jobs usually have a signing bonus, start in June, and pay for the NCLEX prep before I sit for the boards in July. Hopefully they’ll understand that the summer after graduation is typically full of weddings, and I’ll be able to help my friends celebrate, all over the country.

So that’s the best case scenario- and for the time being, my plan of action.

Right now, I’m going to watch Taylor Swift on SNL, and enjoy the fact that I don’t have to get up at 4am on Monday.

Love and miss-

p.s. Dear Starbucks- November 1st is FAR TOO EARLY to release your red Christmas cup. I will boycott you until I feel I can fully enjoy the season.

Cramming

Senior year is off with a bang. Unlike high school, there aren’t thousands of pictures to post and get people’s opinions on, or new territory to claim in the parking lot and football stands. Instead, there is cramming. Cramming of schoolwork into the little amount of time I want to devote to it. Cramming friends into cars for spontaneous adventures. Cramming books and binders into my bag to that I don’t have to walk to campus more than once in a day. Most of all, cramming many many memories and time spent with good friends into the last few months of my childhood.

Luckily, I’ve spent most of my life cramming, so I’ve gotten pretty good at it by now.

Time management is supposed to be mastered freshman year, and for the most part, it was. But I wasn’t as interested in getting the most out of every week back then. In those days I had years of college left, and more time to sleep than I ever needed. Both of those things have abandoned me.

Sleep happens when it can. I figure I can sleep when I’m out in the real world next year. I’ve been here for three years, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve met truly incredible people, and continue to do so- which makes cramming lots of friends into what little free time I have something that takes skill. That’s a skill I will have mastered by the end of this year, that’s for sure.

I don’t really know where I’m going with this- I’m just really grateful to be where I am. I walk prospective students around campus and try not to sound too dorky about how much I love being at Valpo. It’s not the facilities, weather or food- it’s the people and the family that I’ve found here.

I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to say goodbye to these people, unsure of when I will see them next- or even if I’ll see them at all. But, that day will come- much faster than I can comprehend. Wearing that black robe will be very bitter sweet.

Until then, you can find me at a full table on the 3rd floor of the Christopher Center being the people everyone else hates because we can’t shut up.


Love and miss-

The Beginning of the End

There are a few times in life that I feel are truly defining moments. The truth is that there are lots of little defining moments that actually make up who we are, but every once in a while, a big decision comes around that I know will make a significant difference in my life. In a few short months, I’ll be making one of those.

In all honesty, I’m scared. It’s really hard for me to think that I’m only 9 months away from being a real adult with adult responsibilities and adult decisions to make. The one that is currently haunting me, and everyone seems to want to know the answer to is “where am I going next?”

I don’t know, and that terrifies a large part of me. My entire life I’ve been planning for this- adulthood- and now that it’s practically here, I’m not ready for it.

But at the same time, I’m ecstatic. Few people have the ability to do whatever they want in life- at any point. While it’s scary that in a year I could be practically anywhere, it’s also somewhat thrilling to think that in a year, I could be practically anywhere. And I mean ANYWHERE. A part of me wants to use this time to go abroad and use the skills I’ve acquired over the last few years to help those who really need it. I’ll be getting a taste of that during Spring Break on a service learning trip with the College of Nursing. (if they accept my application) My dream would be able to find a hospital with a nursing graduate program to help ease me into pediatric nursing- specifically oncology- but I’m not sure I have the GPA to make that happen. I’ve been really surprised with how hard it has been for some of my recently graduated friends to find jobs- while the need is still there, the money just isn’t. All the more reason to use this time to do something that I won’t be able to do once I have a family and roots somewhere.

My answer to people when they ask is simply “Only God knows” and for now at least, that’s the way I like it. I know that as it gets closer, the control freak in me will start to try to figure it all out, and want answers to it all RIGHT NOW. But I’ve learned in the last few years that life can be much more exciting and rewarding if you DON’T plan everything out all the time.

So for now, I’m going to try to fully enjoy my last year of childhood. I’m going to keep myself very busy with 17 credits, 3 campus jobs, intramurals, the fall musical, dance ensemble, and leading SNA all while maintaining some sort of social life. I’m going to follow my own advice for my youngest patients and enjoy being a kid.

Love and miss-

Camp Mode

Two weeks from today I’ll be in the Quad, introducing the first night game. This Thursday we have our final leader training. All of this means that I am in full camp mode. I love this time of year. This is when my “green” gets a chance to shine. At work we describe our abilities based on four different colors as described as the people at Personalysis. While I’ve never gotten to take the test to find out what colors I actually am, I know enough about the process and myself to think I have a pretty good idea of what I would be- green. Green means I’m detail oriented- a planner who makes lists, works best in organized situations and thinks things all the way through beforehand. I love being behind the scenes and making things happen. While other people are the dreamers, the ones who come up with the ideas, I do my best to make them happen smoothly and efficiently. People don’t tend to realize just how much organizing and planning goes into each aspect of camp, and that’s fine with me. I hope that I can make it look effortless- that means I’m doing my job well.

But, that means that the next two weeks are a little chaotic and very busy. Luckily I work with a lot of great people- both paid and volunteer- and after ten years, I feel like we’ve got this camp thing down pretty well. Even though we aren’t taking as many students this year as we have in the past, I have complete faith that God is going to bring the kids and leaders that He wants to be there, and He’s still going to move through camp that week.

I finish my teaching series next Sunday and it’s been a really great experience for me. Not only has it helped me grow in my own faith, but I hope that our students get something out of it as well. I love that it has given the students the chance to get to know me, and I feel like I’m getting to know them as well- both of which will make camp even better.

It’s going to be a great week- and the only way I want to end my summer

Time, It Marches On

Less than six weeks before I get to move into my new apartment in Valpo. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be living off campus this year. Luckily, it’s close enough that getting to and from shouldn’t be hard, and my classes are in pretty good blocks, especially when I add the hours I plan to work. I’ve started purchasing things for my room- changing up the decorations this year, and have consequently forbidden myself from going to Target for the next few weeks. It is way too easy to spend money there. I ventured into IKEA for the first time, and all that did was get me really excited to someday have an entire house that I can decorate. Emphasis on someday.

Work is going really well. I’m teaching in our Sunday service for the next three weeks and am pretty excited about that. Hopefully the students will be able to get something good out of it. We’re also getting ready for camp- and the closer it gets, the busier I get, but the more excited I get too. There is nothing in the world like the Peak, and it’s something that I look forward to all year.

It’s hard to think that in a year I’ll be out there in the real world- somewhere. I don’t know where that will be, and am trying my hardest to leave that in God’s hands, especially because I get incredibly overwhelmed when I start to think about big decisions like that. I look back to this time last year- how much has happened since then, the things that have changed- and can’t believe that so much can be different. I guess this just reminds me that a year is a LOT of time, so trying to plan for that right now doesn’t make any sense anyway. Plus, it’s kind of exciting to think of the wide range of possibilities waiting at my door.

I’ve realized in the last few days how much I enjoy having something pretty to look at. Turning the corner and seeing Mount Hood in all it’s glory is something that I can’t do in the Midwest- all I ever see is corn fields and smokestacks. For so long I’ve taken the beauty of the northwest for granted, and looking back I wish I’d done things like hiking, camping, exploring more often. I guess that saying is true- you never know what you got til it’s gone.

Love and miss-

Home Sweet Home

Well, I survived the end of junior year. I am now officially a college senior. I was looking at pictures of my friends graduating this year when it hit me that next year, that’ll be me in the black gown taking final pictures with my friends and family of the last four years.

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been three years- it seems like just yesterday I was moving into Alumni and going out of my way to meet new people. And I have- met some really great people that I don’t want to think about saying good-bye to anytime soon.

People keep asking me where I’m going to go after graduation and I really don’t know- aside from NOT northwest Indiana- that I know for sure. Otherwise I’m just waiting to see where God wants me, and trying to be patient in the meantime… not really something I’m great at.

Until then, I spend the summer doing what I love- working with Junior High students yet again. I got a bit of a promotion- no longer a lowly intern. I get an official offer letter and everything! I’m in charge of most of the summer activities, as well as some Sunday morning teaching in July, and I’m pretty excited about it.

I finish the summer with camp, and then pack my car (I just realized how great IKEA is) and head back across I-80 to an apartment with my name on it. I’m so ready for my own room!

Love and miss-

4 weeks til I'm a SENIOR?!?

Charge me with neglect- it’s been months, I know. Life has been so incredibly busy, that the little downtime I have is spent sleeping, studying and eating. Let’s go over some highlights of the semester:


College of Nursing Gala- Dad flew out for the 40th anniversary VU College of Nursing Gala in Chicago, and it was a ton of fun. We got to experience the city as full fledged adults (where I was carded all of zero times) including drinks atop the Hancock Building. Second City provided excellent entertainment for the actual dinner, and it was fun to experience life with my professors outside of the classroom.


Dance Ensemble Spring Concert- The following weekend, I danced in the dance concert for school and everyone loved it. This was our 10th anniversary concert, so the directors brought back some of the favorite pieces of previous years for a long, but entertaining show. I was appreciative that I have so many great friends who came to support me in that. It’s something that I spend a lot of time working on, and it’s fun for them to get to see a different side of me. Plus I enjoy getting to know different people- dance team girls are a special breed.


Spring Break in Florida and Maryland- Disa, Kristen, Beth and I drove to Florida for the first week of our spring break, and had a total blast! We needed to get out of the snow, rain, and general weather nastiness of the Midwest, and Disa’s grandparents lovingly opened their home in Naples to us. The beach, sun and even a Spring Training baseball game meant that I was in heaven.


The second week of break (I LOVE that we get two weeks) Brett and I headed out to visit Liz and Billy in Maryland. It had been a while since I’d been out there, and he’d never been to the DC area, so I figured that after Florida, the 11 hour drive to Millersville would feel easy- and for the most part it did. We showed Brett around Baltimore and DC, taught him the art of DuckPin bowling, explored the Naval Acadamy and Camden Yards, and experienced the local culture during Shamrock Fest. It was also fun to see him interact with Liz and Billy and get away from life at school for a bit.

Unfortunately, not long after we got home, we ended our relationship (two weeks shy of two years). Not particularly because of anything that happened while we were there, but more because of things that have been building over time. I’ll spare you the details, but I advise anyone considering a long distance relationship to think about it from all angles, and anticipate a lot of effort from both people involved. We’re now trying to find a way to balance an interesting friendship.

All of this means that I head into the summer and next year in a place I haven’t really been since I was a Junior in high school- single. I’m more excited than I am scared right now, mostly because I don’t feel like I have the time that I feel is necessary to devote to any kind of serious relationship and have a ridiculous number of amazing friends to keep me occupied.

Right now, I’m just trying to survive the end of the semester. Life actually appears to be slowing down, and I’m so excited about the three day break for Easter (and getting Facebook back!) May 14th Alex Marie flies out to help me drive back home, and I’ll be ready to start working at RHCC that next week. This is our tenth year of junior high camp, and I’m so excited to spend another summer working with people that I love!

Until then, love and miss-

21 means I’m really an adult now… I guess.

Twenty is practically a teenager- people don’t expect anything of you when you’re only 20. Twenty-one, however, is “early twenties” which involves much more adult decision making and plenty of things I’m not quite ready to think about.

My birthday was so much fun. I couldn’t imagine a better way to turn twenty-one than in Las Vegas with my siblings. All of my friends were incredibly jealous when they found out what the plans were. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.




The snow and ice brought to the Portland area during “Arctic Blast 2008” made getting to see people at home much more difficult that I wanted it to be, and I didn’t end up seeing all of my friends, but I suppose that too is a part of getting older. If we didn’t get to hang out over break, I’m sorry- blame it on Mother Nature. I will say that it was amusing to see Portlanders freak out with snow in the forecast, and I was amazed at how poorly the city was able to deal with it all. I guess it doesn’t take long to get used to going to class in 14 inches of snow, constant plowing and salt lines in my jeans and on my car. In other weather news, Billy just told me we have a blizzard warning, and the highs this week hardly get above 10. Thank God I don’t have to pay for heat!

My classes this semester look to be good, at least so far. I’m taking more nursing classes than ever- Care of Adults II (Med-Surg), Care of Childbearing Family I (OB), and Gerontological Nursing. I’m really excited about OB, and have heard that Gero is pretty easy. Med-Surg is just a continuation of a class I took last semester, so I already know how the professor works, and the best ways to study for that. I’m also taking Christianity in America- which so far has turned out to be much less interesting and much more demanding that I was hoping. It’s basically just a history class, which wouldn’t be so bad if the textbook didn’t put me to sleep. (Literally twice over the weekend)

Outside of class we’re getting ready for our dance concert that goes to the stage in about a month. That, plus the 40th anniversary CoN gala and the CoN/CoE dance make February a very busy month for me. Thankfully, Spring Break is only 6 weeks away- although I have no idea what my plans for that are. I’m fairly confident that we’re the only school that starts it’s spring break in February, but I’ll take what I can get- and that’s two weeks off.

I can’t believe I only have 3 semesters left until real life.

Love and miss-

I heart December

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-

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-

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-

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-