Good God Almighty, free at last!!!!

I passed the NCLEX-RN!!!!!

I was pretty sure that I had failed because about 30% of my questions consisted of medication that I had never heard of, and I kept realizing that I had answered a question wrong, but the Lord was with me & I couldn't have done it without his help!

Thanks to everyone that kept me in their prayers these past few weeks, it means more to me than you could ever know. These past two years of Nursing School were some of the most challenging times in my life, but with the love & support of my family and friends I was able to achieve something great.

I'm sending big hugs your way!!!!!!! Thanks you!

2009 Annual Ranger Open House & 5/10K Trail Run

Every year we gear up for Open House which is the communities opportunity to come out and see what our tiny Army Battalion is doing on an Air Force Base. For the past 3 years Eric has been in charge of the weapons station which entail him loading ammo for people to shoot and signing weapons in and out...and is very very very boring. So, this year he was excited to get to participate in the spot jump. He really loves jumping out of airplanes, but he like helicopters even more.

Before Open House starts, they have a 5/10K trail run through the woods out at camp as a fundraiser for the Fisher House that is being built locally near Eglin AFB, and I have had the opportunity to participate every year since it began in 2007! This year I didn't train at all, but was able to find some of my nursing buddies to come and walk/run it with me. We had a great time & didn't see any copperheads like we did last year :o)

Here are some pix, enjoy!

I was teasing Eric by wearing a pair of his famous Ranger Panties one night & told him that he needed to get a pair in my size...well he did, and Kelsey said I should wear them to the 5K, so I got them embroidered to show my Army wife pride, and chose to wear some capris underneath b/c no one really needs to be exposed to that much cellulite!

Eric & I before the 5K

Nikki, Kelsey, Jake, Me, V, & Joey after the race. Jake came in 18th overall & Kelsey took 3rd place in her age group. Me, V, & Joey finished...which is all that really matters :o)

Eric checking his gear

Eric is getting checked out before the jump

I'm not quite sure what he's doing...I think he's helping...?

Eric was the 3rd jumper

another view

Bobbi & Josh came down from Ft. Rucker for the weekend before the move to their next duty station. It was a great excuse to go to Old Bay Steamer for their amazing seafood.

I had to show McKenna (Bobbi's daughter) my mad Ranger Wife skills on the Zodiac :o)

Pinning Ceremony

Here's some pix of my Pinning Ceremony. I didn't take a lot b/c my sister's did...then they accidentally lost their camera somewhere on the beach in Destin, so these will have to do!

Me & Amber (she graduates next year)

Me, Kelly & her girls Kaitlyn & Samantha

Michelle, Me, & Kayleigh

Me & the Hamm girls (Audrey, Alyssa, & Ashley) from my Sunday School class

Who's Who Among American College Students

V & Me getting pinned

They recognized me for organizing extra volunteers to do more tobacco education to local middle schools

Leaving the stage & blowing kisses :o)

Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Higgins, Kelsey, Me, V, & Kim

A Classic Mary pose!!

I have more pix on Facebook, so come find me!!

A quick hello

Good morning from Missouri!

One of my nursing buddies called me to tell me I had my picture in our local dinky paper. Enjoy!!

Also, I posted all my pictures from my pinning ceremony on my Facebook profile...so find me if you aren't already a friend :o)

The Silver Lining

I want to first, thank everyone that posted such touching comments. I am truly grateful to have met all of you through this wonderful outlet of blogging :o) !!!

As of today I have completed 128.75 hrs of my 144 hr requirement of my practicum, and I graduate in 7 days!!!! I have learned so much and have been able to connect with so many patients. I have also been able to recognize areas I need more work in & evaluate the care I provide.

So...the good news...well...I was offered a job!!!!!!!!! I was approached late last week about a possible full-time position in Pediatrics on the night shift. I told her I needed a few days to think about b/c my heart was set on L&D, but the more I thought about it, the more I knew this position was going to be the best spot for me. B/c it is a small hospital, when there aren't a lot of patients, the Pediatric Nurses float to the med-surg floor (where I have been for 3 semesters & practicum), so I would be able to stay current with all my skills, and get to take care of kids!! Night shift will also provide a nice shift differential to make up for me being a new nurse, and the fact that nurses don't make great money in this area...and I can attend church no matter what day I'm scheduled!!!!!

I am so excited for my sisters to come on Friday, and my mom to arrive Saturday. It it going to continue to be another busy week, but I'm so ready to be a big grown up Nurse :o)

Warning...very random post!!

Many of you know that I am not a huge fan of give-aways b/c I'm pessimistic and feel there's no point in entering...but I recently entered one on a whim and WON!!!! Can you believe it!! Here's my beautiful plaque from Jenny @ Just the Write Thing:


You ALL need to check out her site!! These family plaques make great wedding gifts, plus she makes amazing holiday plaques & blocks.

I've been working really hard over the past few weeks, and have finally found some time to start reading blogs again. I love catching up with what everyone is up to & laughing hysterically at many of your posts.

I am learning so much working with my Preceptor at the hospital, and recently learned that if I end up on a Med-Surg floor I will definitely request to work the night shift!! My preceptor and I have really seemed to mesh well, and I appreciate her putting up with my warped sense of humor & sarcasm. As of today I have 14 days til graduation...WOOHOO!!!

I also decided to go to Missouri for my brother's graduation from Med School about 2 weeks after I graduate. My family is spread all over, and he has a beautiful little girl that I have yet to meet!!! Plus, my SIL Michelle is pretty darn awesome. I have been extremely blessed with the women my brother's chose to marry...mainly b/c I think they are quite similar to me ;o)

Keep writing, and even though I can't always check every post, I love reading your thoughts when I can!!

Is being a nerd a bad thing?

I am used to being teased, b/c I give it out way too much to not expect it!!! But, I am also known for being....we'll say, prepared. So often I am asked to use my stapler, if I have a tissue, if I brought my lab coat, and other things. I kind of think I have a problem of being a packrat, but it pays off far too often to give up now!

Well, this summer I decided to purchase a hip clip for my stethascope. I was sick of keeping it around my neck in fear of some beligerant patient grabbing it or while leaning over the bedside, accidentilly knocking someone in the head with it. I love my little clip...but I guess it's nerdy.

I also have what one of my friends referred to as my "nerdy nurse pack pocket protector." It is a pocket organizer. I know, symantics. But, I love not having to search through my pockets looking for a pen, scissors, or ETOH pads.

It seems that I am always organized when it comes to school or work, but I can't keep my office or house organized to save my life!

Holy Cow!!!

I have passed my very last exam for Nursing School!!!!


Thanks for all the exam prayers (that I know that ALL of you said), and the support over the past few months. I have 12, 12hr shifts to complete in the next 3 weeks, but I should definitely have more time to breathe on the days I'm off.

I've tried to hit up everyone's blog when I can, and you ladies never cease to amaze me!

So close I can almost taste it!

So far, so good. I took 1 of the 3 HESI tests on Monday and had my highest score yet!! In fact, our entire class scored above a 900, which has never happened in the history of the program!!! So, 2 more HESI's & one final...then I'll be doing my practicum where I'll have 3.5 wks to complete 144 hrs of clinicals with a precepting nurse.

Thanks for all the exam prayers b/c they have really made a difference!!
Today we received our invites for our pinning ceremony. This is a tradition in all Nursing programs, and has a much higher attendance than graduation. I guess it finally hit me...maybe I will be a big grown up nurse!

I probably won't post again for another few weeks, but I have enjoyed sneaking around on everyone's blog when I have a chance!

Coming up for air

Life has been quite the challenge lately!! It started in the middle of last week when I had to prepare for my Thursday clinical day on Wednesday, all the while packing b/c I was leaving with some friends for our Board of Nursing Trip on Friday in Tallahassee. So, after my 10hr day in the PCU I headed home, took a shower, and by 7pm we were headed off. It was pretty uneventful but I have to say that some of those nurses should be glad I wasn't on the board, b/c there was one case in particular that I would have revoked their license without hesitation. All in all it was a good trip.

We came back Friday night and I was exhausted. I wasn't feeling too good and had been battling a recurrent headache the entire time, so I hit the sack and woke up a few hours later and realized I hadn't taken my shoes off...I was that tired. Then I had a horrible pain in my neck & my back and realized I had been sleeping on the wrong pillow. Since injuring my neck 2 years ago, I have to sleep with a specific pillow or I am in quite a bit of pain. Well, the pain hasn't let up since then and I ended up being on pain killers & muscle relaxers until today. I feel horrible b/c I woke up not knowing what day it was and had a text from one of the girls in my Sunday School class asking who the teacher was supposed to be...by that time it was the afternoon, and I had been sleeping for almost 24 hrs straight. The pain has eased ever so slightly, but I am still in constant pain.

I also had my second exam yesterday, and since I barely passed my first one, I spent every moment I wasn't asleep, studying...and I did a little better this time. I just have to keep telling myself that C's get degrees ;o)

So, I haven't had much time to catch up on my blog reading...but I shouldn't be as busy this week. This time I have over 250 to catch up on, so please be patient with me b/c I really do love reading what you incredibly witty people have to say!!

I may have missed my calling

I am sitting at the computer researching lab results on my client when I hear a rhythmic tapping....

...so I quietly start singing...

dum dum dum dum dum dum dum...Now stop, collaborate and listen...



Yep, gotta love Vanilla Ice!!! I'm in clinical caring for clients, and there is constantly music going through my head!!! The student next to me joined in a little on the next few phrases. Then she said, "you know what that makes me think of...what's that song about butts?"

Oh yeah...we broke it out. "oh my gosh Becky, look at her butt, it's like so big...I like big butts and I cannot lie..."

So, this went on a for a few more minutes (quietly), and then we went back to our paperwork.

Don't get me wrong, I can focus when I need to. But, even when I am carrying on a conversation...there is almost always music in the background...but only I can hear it ;o)

Out with the old, and in with the new!

The past few months have brought many changes in my life, but most recently would be my beloved PDA. It had been a dear companion since my summer rotations through the ER, L&D, and last semester. But, it decided to crap out on me for no apparent reason this weekend...right before the semester started, Monday. I had no choice but to replace my old friend with a Palm TX. Now, if my occupation had been anything but the current "moocher" status, this wouldn't be so difficult...but I am thankful that I had enough money left on my student loan, for the semester, and the school bookstore carried something that would work.

This new semester has also split up a 3 semester partnership with Vanessa since we are now on different days with different instructors. We were both kind of upset, as were many other students, b/c we are now out of our comfort zone and working with different people. But, this ended up being a blessing in disguise b/c Vanessa's husband is going TDY for over a month, so I will be available to help get the kids to & from school on her 11 hour clinical day. She keeps insisting that she is going to pay me...but I keep telling her no! It's only going to be a few hours, one day of the week. Plus, she was there for me this summer when Tyler passed away very unexpectedly, and spent so much time with me while I cried...b/c that's what friends do!

My hair has gone from long to some blonde to short to slightly orange to light brown over the past few months, and I still don't think I am quite done. I still think that I might go black. I think it would look great with my cut, and I could pull it off. Or, I was just thinking about thick blond highlights throughout...I'm not sure which will be harder to maintain...

The first days of being vegetarian were quite challenging, but not b/c I was craving meat...my body was adjusting, and it didn't like it at first. For 3 nights in a row it felt like I had a rock in my stomach at night, and I wasn't sleeping well. But, now I am feeling great, and have plenty of energy to exercise!!! I have been trying lots of new recipes, thanks blue violet, and making sure I get the needed protein through other food combinations. I had stopped consuming caffeine in December, to include chocolate (b/c it contains more caffeine than soda), but this came to an end Sunday. I started getting migraine Saturday while helping V finish her son's room, and b/c I don't get them frequently enough the docs won't give me migraine meds. So, when one hits I can only take Tylenol and, previously, load up on caffeine. I tried the Tylenol and was able to finally fall asleep, but when I woke up Sunday for church I couldn't take the pain, so I gave in...and the chocolate bar combined with a soda did the trick, mostly. I am still going to try to stay away from it, but since this is my last semester of Nursing School...we'll have to wait and see.

The local 24 hour gym has proved to be quite therapeutic for me! I was very skeptical at first, but I enjoy being able to work out at 2 am if I can't sleep! It is a very small gym, but I bring my notes with me and read as I do the stationary bike. Plus, with my current gym jams, I can't sit still while listening to them anyway!

I won't be posting as often due to my schedule this semester. I have class/clinical 4 days a week till April, then I have 4 weeks to complete 120 hours of practicum (working with a nurse on her schedule) til I graduate May 5th!! I love reading all your blogs, and will continue to do so...just don't be too upset if my comments are a few days late ;o)

Old habits die hard!

...and I can finally breathe!!! I have been in hiding the past few days as I have been couped up in my office studying to retake my Pediatric HESI (its a conspiracy that I will explain later), and for my Final today.


There are a few bad habits of mine that are very hard to break....namely, Procrastination. I started out this semester in a serious funk when it came to grades. I received an 84 on my psych test, then failed the next two exams with a 70 & 74. I have slowly climbed up off the ground and amazingly enough I passed my final this morning with an 85!!! Since I made a C last semester I had given up all hope of scoring any higher this time...but with some hard work...and without too much procrastination, I cleared that bottom hurdle of the B by 5 points! WooHoo!!!


This feat was accomplished even after my husband called me to tell me that someone "broke into" our truck last night and stole the GPS....& all my Bath & Body Works lotion and bath salts we got from our BN Christmas party...right before I went in to take my final. So, he didn't feel like making the report so I called the police when I got home and the police officer was very friendly. Apparently, it is a group of girls (hence the lotion & bath salt theft....and leaving the wireless DVD headsets) who were ID'd early this morning as someone caught them in the act. They are getting the warrant for their arrest as I type, and I plan on prosecuting!!!


Also, as many of you know....I lack patience when dealing with the public. Just yesterday I turned around in Sacrament meeting and told the little boy behind me that he was being too loud (he was unsupervised at the time and was playing with a wind up car, using the hymnals for ramp jumps). But I was in such a good mood today that I didn't get upset or put off by the fact that the line at the post office was out the door, or that the lady behind me was oblivious to "personal space." I waited patiently and thought about different blog topics. AND I wished the clerk a Merry Christmas with a smile. Like I harp on my Sunday School class...approach each situation with love!!! It really works...if I could only stay consistent.


We recently re-arranged our bedroom b/c I was sick of only having the bed accessible on one side (it was up against the wall). It has moved about 4 feet away from the wall...but Koa will only jump up on the far side. Maybe he thinks it is an optical illusion b/c he won't jump off that side of the bed either....and it is the side closest to the door! But, like I said, old habits die hard!


It's going to take me a few days to catch up on past few days of missed blogs...but my B was so incredibly worth it!!! Nursing Process 4, here I come!!!

Things are looking up

It is no secret that I have really been struggling with grades this semester. Before I started the Nursing Program my GPA was a 3.81, and after 2 semesters of nursing it has fallen to a 3.67 (this is with taking an additional 11 credits worth of A's)...but Nursing Theory is 6 credit hours, so getting a B or *cough* C, really hurts your GPA. Our program also, intelligently, utilizes a 7 point grading scale...which makes things quite a bit more difficult.



Going into my 7th exam on Monday I just kept praying, "please Lord, let me be able to recall all the information I have studied, and understand what the question is asking." (our exams are like no other...they have 4 right answers, and you have to pick the most correct one)



I tried to pace myself, not rush, and really think about what the questions were asking. When I finally hit "submit" my heart started pounding during the 5 seconds it takes to display your score....and I almost started crying when I say my grade... 88!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I utilized a new study technique (and quite a few more hours) and it really paid off. My highest grade up until that point was on the 1st Psych test, and was an 84. And I am not joking when I say I almost started crying...I had to tell myself, "suck it up...you did good...keep it together, you still have the review to do!!" And, one of my instructors even took the time to congratulate me on the grade b/c she knows how much I have struggled this semester (my failing grades were a 70 & 74). So, Homer take it away


It is also no surprise how proud I am to be married to not only my best friend, but also to a man in uniform. He would never ever call himself a hero...but he is my hero, in so many ways...and it is nice when he gets a little recognition of his 12 years in service. He just called me on his way back from dropping off the Ranger Students (or as they call them "Stud") at Ft. Benning, GA and the guys stopped to eat at Logan's for dinner...I will set my jealousy aside for now. So, when they sat down a man came up to them and asked to shake their hands and thanked them for their continued service. And when they were waiting for the check the waitress walked up to the table and told them their bill was taken care off, but the person wanted to remain anonymous. He has never asked for recognition, or special treatment...and that is what I respect about him most. People have a tendency to feel they are entitled to special treatment based on numerous circumstances...which in my opinion...has seemed to get out of hand.

I also had my very last clinical day of the semester today....YEAH!!!! I was supposed to be on the Pediatric floor...but there weren't any patients, so the other student and I went to IV Therapy b/c they had numerous outpatient procedures that needed to be done. They were swamped but I had the opportunity to access a port using a Huber Needle:
This is, of course, enlarged...but the port is inserted under the skin for patients that need frequent IV therapy...and I had only done this in the skills lab before, so yeah!! It is so hit or miss when it comes to skills that you actually get the chance to perform in the clinical setting before you graduate...I was in the right place at the right time. I didn't get an opportunity to do a pediatric day in the hospital, but I was able to practice a skill.

Thanks for letting me share the small joys in my life!

What you've all been waiting for ;o)

I finally have the pictures for Kelsey's bachelorette party 2 weeks ago. No worries, I won't post anything too crazy!

And today is Kelsey's wedding day...congrats girlie, and don't sweat the small stuff!!!

We had a blast and everyone was a really great sport, especially the bride!

Kayleigh, Kim & Jen

Jen spinning Kim while playing Pin the Junk on the Hunk

Kim, Kayleigh, Kelsey, Vanessa & me

One of the only gifts I can show you ;o)

She was such a great sport!!!

Jean & Kayleigh are ready to go & donned the appropriate name tags

I think the shots were finally starting to hit Kim

Jen, Kim & V

Kelsey was having a blast!

V & me

Kelsey & V got up on stage and showed everyone the real way to shake it to "Baby Got Back" (do you see the dollar bills?)

Domenica & Kayleigh

Shakina, Megan & Michelle

Brenda, Michelle & Shakina

We all had a great time & everyone made it home safely!! Thanks for a great night ladies!!!