Winter Break

I know I never recapped about all of my finals but here's a little bit of what I've been up to lately.

Hopefully I can find the time to gather my thoughts about my classes last semester soon.

 

building lincoln log houses with landon.

 

buying 'torn on the tob' from adalyn at her grocery store.

breakfast with gram and bec.

endless shopping outings.

continuations of my birthday.

time with thanael.

snow days at home.

 

looking out the kitchen window on 12/20/12

 

12/21/12

 

 

farm christmas party.

abundances of food.

season 4 of OTH.

working at the the residents home.

 

I am looking forward to celebrating Jesus' birth with so much of my family and friends in the coming days, and maybe even braving the big winds to play in the snow a few times. : )

 

 

 

 

 

 

21 and Done

How many of you can spend a Saturday night at your aunt and uncle's house watching Madagascar 3 with two munchkins and say it was a good time? This is just one of the simple reasons that there is no place like home for the holidays. As I drove home from Trinity Thursday I couldn't help but fall in love with home all over again-the snow, the fields, the openness, the skies, the stars-beautiful.

Yesterday the family gang trucked out to the Green Lake Christmas tree patch on the farm and picked out the best tree of them all. We had supper at Christiano's and headed home to trim the tree. The house successfully smells of traditional pine needles and all the ornaments with special memories are tousled within the tree branches. 

see, snow! these girls made sure we picked the perfect tree.

 

Rewind. 

The past few weeks have been kind of a blur, here's a shot at remembering.

Almost two weeks ago I turned 21. Officially the worst time of the year to have a birthday while in college. I had the most important exam of the year to study for and exams were the following week. My roommates and friends managed to surprise me and we went out to eat together and made it back to campus in time to do some serious homework. I have become so thankful for the girls I live with and with all the friends I have at Trinity to make everything a good time. My birthday kept on going this year, I got cards in the mail all the time until I came home, and Nathanael had a special present for me too. He told me he was going to have the necklace he gave me cleaned, that little trickster had a diamond put into my heart necklace! I am definitely spoiled!

Remember your college days? Thanksgiving until Christmas break is literally a crawl on your hands and knees, hold on for dear life event. I honestly don't really have anything new to report because my days have been filled with studying, homework, and ridiculousness. Alumni 215 tended to get a little nutty due to a lack of sleep and study overload. I love laughing with them. 

Through the countless hours of studying, I have officially made it through the pits of hell of my first semester of nursing school. My tutor/study group of girls were reminiscing about how we didn't know anything at the beginning of the semester and now can successfully assess patients, administer meds, give shots, etc. We have come so far! 

When I was home for Thanksgiving Pastor Jeff preached on a passage from Daniel, it included this verse and I have kept it close to my heart as I finished the semester. 

"At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever." -Daniel 4:34.

During my break I look forward to watching Landon in the Sunday School Christmas program tomorrow, lighting candles tomorrow night for the candlelight service at church (probably my favorite church service of the year, minus Easter), snowmobiling, snowboarding, seeing the residents at Markesan Resident Home, being with my family, fireplace lounging, shopping with my sisters, visits to Grams, some Oostburg time, seeing Nathanael, preparing for my upcoming trip to Ecuador and just enjoying home.

Never Confuse a Single Defeat with a Final Defeat

I blinked and all of a sudden Thanksgiving break was over.

I got to see Nathanael and my family basically every day. I forgot all interests of homework until Sunday, ate enough for 15 whole people, and showed the world how to shop.

I had never looked forward to Thanksgiving as much as I did last Tuesday. I got to leave after my lab simulation and enjoyed an extra night at home. 

Coincidentally my sisters half day of school on Wednesday got cancelled and we spent the day at home together. 

I also got to have coffee with Lyss, Dev, and Kayt. There could never be enough time to talk and catch up. 

I spent Thanksgiving in Waupun and then decided to round up the troops and go out Black Friday shopping. Thursday at 8 we hopped in Grams van and dropped Bec and Lyss off at Walmart to get in line for Mark and Anj's 60 inch TV for their newly finished basement. The boys and I braved Sears for some tools and Nathanael bought a tool chest. It was an interesting ride home with two huge tool box pieces and a TV in the back of the van with 5 people squished into the front and one middle seat, poor Dave had to sit on the floor.

I missed seeing my family in Oostburg and the jokes that come outta Grandma Schaap's mouth. I was happy to receive a call from Avery saying "Hi Danielle, I'm thankful for you!" 
I'll see all you Hoffmanns at Christmas!

Friday morning was the annual grandgirls and Gram go to the mall day. I woke up at 6 and suddenly found myself making coffee in Gram's kitchen with my towel on, then I remembered I was in town and normal people wear clothes. After finally waking up and getting to Appleton the deals were flowing. I think all of us spent a little more than we anticipated but I'm an anxiously awaiting Christmas Eve at Gramps and Grams to open my gifts that I will be surprised to get. : )

As I got back to school on Sunday I realized the road ahead of me, it's going to be a lot of work to finish out the semester. However, a round of 'lasts' is starting already. I'm finished with Health Assessment lab and lecture and clinical! (PS-I have no clinical or lab on my birthday next Wednesday so feel free to come visit me :) 

Next week brings my final health assessment validation, final therapeutics validation, and final medsurg exam. I already had my first nightmare that I didn't bring a note card to final validation and started crying because I knew I would fail, thank goodness that was just in my sleep. I've had a lot of defeats this semester, along with a lot of successes, there is no finality in what I've done yet but I'm already studying for my finals and Lord willing that will go a long ways!

 

Anchored

The most depressing weekend of my life.

I know I have been complaining about my packed weeks filled with tests on tests on tests, squeezing in some validations, and just preparing to care for my patient at clinical each week. You probably think that the weeks couldn't get any worse. Surprise, they do. 

Updating my family has been on my blog list since November started...almost two weeks ago. Studying usually takes precedence over this though.

Friday I failed my Adult Health test. Med Surg started off as one of my strongest classes this semester, but this past test I didn't just fail, I failed miserably. Not even close to the 76 that is required for all nursing tests. I wallowed in unbelief that everything I had ever worked so hard for had suddenly been put in jeopardy and didn't want to do anything or talk to anyone. 

I cried, slept, lounged, ate, did some online retail therapy, and suffered in sadness.

I went through all my backup plans, thought about which schools I would apply to if I had to move back home, wondered why I am putting myself through this stress, and thought a lot.

But would you know that we had a test again today, meaning that it was absolutely necessary to start studying once again. 

I spent my entire weekend prepping for the Pharm test today and I at least passed that one. 

All weekend I was tired. Tired of picking up one subject after another in preparation for endless questioning of my knowledge ( or lack thereof )

Saturday my dad called and I didn't answer because I didn't want to talk to anyone. 

He told me that he and ma would be coming down for church and brunch the next morning, and there were to be no ifs ands or buts about it.

I decided they probably thought I was mentally unstable and that I better get my act together.

Ma, Pa, and Nathanael made the trek down for church and I was abundantly blessed by their little visit. 

Thanael always makes me toughen up and Pa tells it how it is.

God used the message at Palos CRC to slap me across the face and wake me up. 

Rest. 

I've been trying to do this whole nursing thing all on my own. 

Sure, I rely a lot on my tutor and tutor group, friends, professors, classmates. 

But ultimately leave it up to myself to try and persevere through all this madness, seriously, pure madness.

Rest. 

You all know that my favorite place in the world is the lake. 

On the beach, on the pier, in the boat, on the water, in the cottage, by the fire, love it all.

Maybe that's why Hebrews 6:19 is my favorite verse. 

I can relate to the idea of an anchor keeping us in place when we dive off the back platform of the boat into the unknown 200 some feet of Green Lake.

It comes from the certainty of God's promise.

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

I am diving, into something I have no idea what the outcome will be. 

I can only rest knowing that God is anchoring me, somehow, some way.

Rest. 

PS- Thanks to all of my family and friends who have encouraged me.

Your love has shaped me and given me a second wind until I can breathe over Thanksgiving.

Salsa, encouraging words, cookies, texts, Bible verses, you all are a blessing.

Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy

Worried family, I am alive. 

Last week consisted of a test Monday, validation Tuesday, clinical Wednesday, validation Thursday, test Friday,  and I had a test this past Monday. 

I was able to do really well when we had the first round of tests this semester, but wasn't able to pull that off again this time around. I was really disappointed but literally would take a test, put those books away and start studying for my next test. So I feel like I should have studied more, but really did the best I could with the situation of a week it was. 

I was pretty much able to coast through all of my schooling up until college, so I'm still learning new ways to excel and study. Tough weeks like last week continue to teach me how to be a better student. People always told me this journey to be a nurse would be hard, I didn't know it would be this hard. Last week I was thankful to be at Trinity so I didn't have to spend time with Nathanael or my family and friends back at home because if I was at school at home I would be forced to neglect everything but school, being far away was definitely an advantage. I was bummed I couldn't keep my good grades up but I still feel confident that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. In fact, advising starts next week, meaning it's time for preparation for next semester! 

I know my last post was about two weeks ago but I have been busy with school. I also got to enjoy reading weekend at home. I had off of school two Fridays ago so I drove up to Appleton to see Lyssa and she even did my hair for me. It was SO good to see her apartment and have a sleepover together. That Friday I did a smidge of shopping but got home in time to FINALLY go on a date with Nathanael. I am loving Ala Roma lately and as always, I got my way.  Saturday I did a little bit of homework and then headed to the nursing home for a few hours. I miss having a job working with those old folks, or rather, I miss having time to have a job. Sunday we had communion so my dad sat with all the elders up front so I sat next to my sisters. Anyone regularly attending Bethel may have noticed our regular Sunday lineup, I sit on the end next to David for a reason. Rudith and I managed to drop and shatter a glass full of wine, Beefy and I almost dropped the bread, and the whole bench was shaking from laughing at Dad the entire service. 

I am also looking forward to returning home again this weekend to celebrate Rudith's profession of faith. I'm so glad you are officially declaring the fact that we will get to laugh and joke together for all of eternity. This also means I get to see my family from Oostburg, who I haven't seen since August!

Justine and Kathy stayed with Anna over reading break, it was fun to have a weekend with them in Wisconsin. We even attempted to take a few pictures at Anna's. 

We attempted to make the self-timer work so this is what we got! It got a little bit dark but we still had fun.

Ready or Not

Ready or not, clinicals are coming, clinicals are basically here,clinical is TOMORROW, clinicals...I have to take care of a patient! Ready or Not? I think I'm leaning towards not.

I woke up today and thought, I'm so nervous, I just need to make it to Thursday so I can take a breath at home. 

But before going home I have to validate on the heart and head today, drive to Harvey to pick up my very first patients information, meet my patient, write drug cards, figure out how I'm going to care for this person tomorrow night, and then actually be a nurse tomorrow! That's a lot of pressure! I keep thinking of myself as a CNA, thinking if something goes wrong I can just tell the nurse, only to remember that I AM the nurse. 

This morning I flipped my little calendar to October 9 finding, "I believe God is managing affairs and that he doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about?" God knows I'm worrying, that was a reminder to let Him take me on this crazy crazy ride. 

I'm not ready for this at all, but I don't think anyone is!

Live in the Sunshine

Today was the best Thursday. I didn't know it when I woke up, but this day proved to be simply wonderful. 

First of all I got to sleep in because I don't have lab on Thursdays until 2. 

At 11 I met with my interim team that is planning on travelling to Ecuador in January. The director of Semester in Ecuador came to talk to us about what he has planned for us and really pumped us up for what God has done so far, what he's doing, and how he might choose to use us on our ten day trip!

After my meeting I got to redeem the little blue slip I found in my mailbox yesterday saying that I had a package. This was really unexpected so I was VERY excited to find out what it was all about. My mama spoiled me with a new Packers jersey and a new Brewers shirt. Both teams are a little in the dumps right now regarding their last games, but I still love to sport my Wisconsin pride down here in the Chicago suburbs. 

There were a bugzillion salsas and dips in the caf for lunch. If you've been to Trin, you probably think the food is pretty good. If you live here, your sick of the food. So that little change was special!

After lunch Kathy and I did a quick run through of our lung assessment skit for validation. I was really scared about validating today but I passed!  I was shaky, sweaty, and a nervous wreck, but now I can assess any one of your lungs. : )

The worst part of my day came after lab. Kathy, Alyssa, and I had to get flu shots in order to start clinicals next Wednesday, and of course waited until the last minute. Walgreens wouldn't take my insurance because it was from Wisconsin so that was a bummer. I flinched, got bandaided up and left with a sore left arm. 

There was no other way to celebrate than to get iced coffees at Dunkin.: )

Tonight I look forward to minimal homework because we don't have a test to study for-surprise!, and I finally get to go to outcry again after missing the last 2 weeks. 

I'm also looking forward to going home tomorrow! David and Nathanael came to visit me already, but I haven't been home since Labor Day. That's a long time! And my laundry has built up quite extensively, so it's time to watch the girls play volleyball, sleep in my bed, see my family, and my best friend.

It was a beautiful fall day, live in the sunshine!

Hit It

Ice cold water, my neck is being squeezed by my life jacket, I'm either sitting on my skis or wakeboard or laying on my kneeboard trying to avoid getting more wet than is actually necessary-I'm ready...

Some people yell various things: ready, go, okay, give er...etc.etc.etc. I prefer to yell hit it. Hit the gas and get me out of the chills of Green Lake and into the air; let me glide atop the water.

This week, the nursing majors are already preparing to hit it. We finished up our first med-surg test on Friday and braced ourselves for a weekend full of studying. The next week consists of:
Monday-Pharm Exam
Tuesday-Med Math Exam, this requires a 95%, that's only one wrong people...

Wednesday-oxygenation and suctioning validation

Thursday-lung assessment validation

We finally catch a little break on Friday as we look into October and clinical starting up. 

Please pray for all of us during this really important week, these first grades in the grade book really set a tone for the rest of the semester. 

Right now I can barely look that far ahead, just ready to hit the books-starting now.

One in the Books

Yesterday I had my very first test as a junior nursing student. Our prof had reminded us on the very first day of class that this test was coming up. I was nervous because this is a  intimidating prof and a really important class- Health Assessment. 

I studied (almost) all weekend for it and felt pretty prepared for the test on Monday. Now that I'm in the big league nursing program, I have to take all my tests on the computer to simulate what the NCLEX will be like. I'm reminded almost daily that it's never too early to begin preparation! We got our grades back last night and I am very happy with what I accomplished, though in the future I'm aiming for a little bit higher. It's so nice to have one test under my belt and have an idea of what the rest will bring. 

The tests don't stop. I'm in the process of getting ready for another validation tomorrow and a test on Friday for Adult Health and on Monday for Pharmacology.  

I haven't been all about studying. The boys made their first trip down to see me this past weekend. They picked me up on Saturday afternoon and we went to a Chicago Fire game. We made it just in time for tailgating and checking out Toyota Park. It was way cool and the Fire won!

I love when they come to visit me. :)

On Sunday we went to Palos CRC and then had our traditional brunch at Lumes. Joeli joined us for her very first experience at Lumes!

This year I am also experiencing living with two other nursing majors. Anna and Kathy have been life savers already in our adventure towards our BSN! However, we aren't together a whole lot as a suite due to different lab and clinical times and Justine is off at her own practices, labs, and cross meets. Last night our entire room was all together, so to celebrate our accomplishments and be together we made dunkaroo dip and watched The Lucky One. 

Here's hoping for a continuation of a good week!

Almost Perfect

After 3 very long days of classes I got to go home this past weekend and enjoy a long, holiday weekend.

Janelle and I endured some rough traffic to get home, but there was still a lot of time to enjoy at home. Friday night David, Rudith, and I went out to Leahy's for supper. Beef had a date and Mom and Dad are never home on Friday nights so we enjoyed our dinner and laughed at llama lady. 

Nathanael made it over after that and we got to watch the stars and the blue moon. It was a beautiful night! Saturday morning my mom and sisters and I went to the flea market one last time. We spent the rest of the day at the lake. It was so windy there that I had a blanket over me while I sat outside! I still managed to get a little sun on my face, somehow. That afternoon Nathanael picked me up and we drove to his uncle's cabin near Montello. A bunch of his aunts and uncles were staying there for the weekend and I finally got to enjoy the weekend there too- you would think that throughout our almost 4 years together I would have been there before! We enjoyed food fresh off the grill, pitching the tent, fourwheeling, volleyball, and more snacks all weekend long. The weather was so beautiful! 

Sunday night I went back home because I had strict orders to clean my car on Monday and ended up helping Dad sweep out the grain bin with Beanie and Squigs. We were SO hot in there! Our reward was to head to the lake for the afternoon. I packed my car and cleaned up like a mad woman so that I could get in one last time at the lake. Even though it clouded over a little when we were there we all got to ski once more.

skiing with my BFF

beef and beanie loving life

After getting home I met Nathanael for one last time together before going back to school. He bought us Culvers and I felt like we were in high school again! I hopped back on the highway and got back to school and unpacked-again!

School is going well. I finally got to sleep in today which was nice seeing as I picked up a cold from somewhere this past weekend and I needed some rest to help try fight that off. I wont be coming home until September 28 because my classes are on Mondays and Fridays, and a few of the big tests are falling on Mondays and I want to make sure to do well on them! 

xoxo

Halfway Gone

Today was the first day of my junior year of college! 

Yesterday my mom and dad took me down to Trinity and they came and left within the hour. It's so weird how time changes things. I can still remember my freshman year. I sniffled when mom and dad suddenly decided to leave me all alone in Palos Heights. Last year I was ready to come back to school but struggled immensely with my schedule and was always ready for a trip home. 

Yesterday when my parents left I ran around campus like tomorrow was coming in a second. The nursing students were assigned homework BEFORE the first day of class and I had that book sent to Trinity- so I made my way to the mail room, the mole hole, back to the mail room, the bookstore, the library, student development, back to my room to quickly to my homework. We were finally able to unpack a little bit and move our furniture around. Alumni 215 is still in a little bit of chaos but hey, we're having a good time!

This morning class began at 8am, and ended at 3:30 this afternoon. Talk about a long day! Most of it was just introduction and orientation stuff as we begin the ACTUAL nursing program-this is a big deal, people! But the rest of the day was a lot of lecture as well. We got a ton of information today! 

And, as I did my homework for tomorrow, I'm so glad I have my CNA experience-blood, bed baths, bowels...no prob. 

This year I have a new cousin on campus and I already love seeing her smiley face pop around. Hoffmann relatives-no fear, Jo is doing just fine! : ) I'm also excited to have found my clinical placements- Wednesday nights in Harvey at Ingalls Hospital. I've heard some scary things about Harvey, but some good things about this hospital and the instructor. I guess I'll find out for myself starting in October.

My transition has been a night and day difference than the past years. I am so happy I could so easily settle into my second home!

Can you believe college is halfway gone?

Birthday Boy

Happy 20th to my best friend!

This kid deserves a whole week of celebration, so that's exactly what's been happening. On Sunday he opened his present from me and we spent the day at Silver Lake. Last night we went back to Wautoma for Grandpa and Grandmas annual anniversary celebration at Silvercryst. We enjoyed great steaks and great company. Tonight we are hoping to head to Appleton so Nathanael can buy his birthday present to himself-a motorcycle! Not sure how I feel about that one yet... Then onto Red Robin so this kid can order a bacon cheeseburger- I guarantee it!

We are also looking forward to seeing the new Batman movie together and spending time with our families to celebrate this fantastic guy.

You are the bees knees!

Love you!

Drought

Yes, I have been on a blogging drought. Though that is more intentional than the actual drought happening outside of my house.

Here's a photo montage of my summer, maybe you will see why I don't ever feel like updating my blog too. :)

Oh Rudith...

This summer started out with a lotta lake and green grass. Now the lake is low and the grass varies from brown to non-existant. This is one of the fires we could have before the burning bans were put into effect. Some people aren't even allowed to grill! And yesterday at work a resident told me cigarette butts started an apartment fire in Milwaukee!

Nathanael was vacant from my life for like, 3 whole weeks due to work and his South Dakota trip. I'm glad he's back. :)

Lyss and I took the yaks all the way to the bridge and back! We have shared a few quality workouts this summer, all have been fun and different than just running.

Living the dream.

Ad talking on the phone while we play in the boat.

Got to enjoy a Brewer game, and even got skybox seats to get out of the heat for a little bit. Maybe someday the racing sausage I vote for will actually win!

Went to Mount Olympus and the Tommy Bartlett show in the Dells for an afternoon with some "Other Smits" girls

Yeeeeeeehaw. Went to the Manchester Chute Out for some INTENSE bullriding rodeo fun.

I'm still enjoying both my jobs as a CNA at Hillside Manor and Markesan Resident Home. Although I keep encouraging myself that this is probably the last summer I'll have to work as a CNA. Hopefully next year I can do some sort of nursing externship!

My computer isn't happy about all this photo commotion and is slowing down, so many more to come later on. :)

Back to Blogger

I finally found a computer! Or finally just found the time and efforts to sit down and spend time on one. Summer doesn't require I check my various emails, favorite blogs, deal sites, or facebook. So I don't. Which also allows my blog to suffer and lack new posts.
The most exciting things are happening outside of this little computer screen, and I intend to spend little time on here to in order to maximize the fun beyond what I'm typing.

I've started a new job. My first shift went terrible, but when I worked yesterday I felt confident, like I already know how to do things better than a few people working there.
I do know that I will NOT be a CNA the rest of my life. This is hopefully my last summer ever having to do that as I'll be able to do an externship next summer and can start doing more serious things, less poo-ey things...you get the idea.

We reclaimed the cottage. Boat lifts and boats are all in after many trials and tribulations. Yesterday we even endured a storm as we were tubing and swimming in sub zero temperatures...or just severe cold. You'll have to ask in person if you really want to inquire about the experience of being stranded in the middle of a big lake with 10 people on a little boat- a blue boyfriend figure, one crying kid, a singing girl, some panickers, and a few ticked off people.

My cousins graduated.

Joeli and Alyssa walked across the stage last Friday and received their diplomas. Got knowledge? Check.
I'm so excited for Lyss to start hair school in 2 weeks. That Glamour girl will have me stylin in no time-hopefully before the summer is done! She is the perfect combo of spunk, hard work, and chat, which will result in a good cosmetologist.
Jo gets to join me and all fellow Trolls at Trin next fall. As Ben leaves Trin, I'm so glad another cousin is on the way to experience Trinity. Even if we only see each other in the BBC a few times a week, that family tie is very special to me. Also, I will love having another travel buddy to accompany me back to Wisconsin whenever we please.

Nathanael is alive. After retaking his finance exam together and passing with an extra percent, he is breathing and back to work. He is a lotta bummed that he can't participate in a lot of the fun we have at the lake due to his recovering neck, he is glad to be filling his days at work and earning some HEFTY checks. It's pure joy that I can drive to see him in 10 short minutes, we both definitely take advantage of that in the summer.

Other than that, he's a cool guy, I like him.

My room is clean...ish. After a day of rearranging, I've managed to hang up all my clothes and scrubs and tuck away most of my dorm life to one side of my room.

I like my friends. The perfect combination of funny and serious as we endured Insidious a few weeks ago, and simplicity with laughter when we sit by the fire, eat, play ping pong or just hang out.

My dad is turning 50. People, that is getting up there in age! Wish him a happy birthday on June 1 if you see that old fella.

If you haven't gathered, I am enjoying my summer to a great extent.

Ketchup

Hello all, I promise I'm still alive! I often would return to Trinity saying I sleep more at school than I do at home. All I can say is amen to that! While others may imagine college students basking away in the free time of summer that is not my case. Here's a little list of what I've been up to:

-wedding bells!

the first weekend home I celebrated with Nathanael's newlywed brother and sister-in-law

-talks with lyssa
-early mornings!
-babysitting L &A, this keeps you on your toes.

-work at MRH, the elderly never cease to make me happy
-a new job- starting at BDCH's Hillside Manor! PTL! :)

-teasing my sisters
-barely speaking to David in the mornings because we are both too tired to be up around 5am

-being 10 mins from Nathanael

-cottage

i live for days like this.

-bonfire

-family

Things I have yet to do:

-unpack, seriously the worst thing of my life. it's like all my belongings have to fit into a corner of my room until they get to be released next year.

-get stuff done for my new job

-sleep more than 7 hours at a time

-upload my pictures to FB

-eat a breakfast that consists of more than a granola bar

I have to work the 5-1 tomorrow, meaning an alarm set for 4am. I think I'll eat some supper, attempt to clean up my bedroom floor, and hit the hay.

Almost There

Today I took my two hardest exams. When I looked at the exam schedule initially, I saw that Microbiology and Anatomy were on the same day. I knew right then that the only breaks I would be taking were to stop studying one science and study the other until I could hop back into the first. That definitely proved to be true. Yesterday my tummy hurt from all the coffee I had to drink to maintain wakefulness and all the stress that was on my shoulders. I couldn't even sleep last night because pathogens and viruses kept invading my head. Thankfully I got a full 3 hours eventually!

The past week I made note cards, jotted down bacteria, remembered viruses and vocab words, took quizzes, summarized and whatnot for these two finals. Yesterday I asked you to guess how many pages in my notebook were for this Micro test.

Here's your answer, 30.

Not to mention an abundance of flash cards to help me remember all those diseases!

Well, now that it's all over I'll take a break from my cleaning duties and tell you about the end of these two classes.

Microbiology- Dr. Carlson

This class was incredibly difficult. The material was very interesting and I enjoyed learning about the microbes of the body. I would have enjoyed this class a lot more if I knew that the upcoming test I would be given wouldn't be so hard. Dr. Carlson is a cool guy-mostly because he's from Wisconsin and appreciates the farmers and Badgers in that great state. He is also overjoyed with Biology, something really cool to see. I hope I can be as passionate about my job someday. Some things I will remember forever from this class are:

• WASH YOUR HANDS.
• lactobacillus
• we should fall to our knees and praise God for little bitty things working inside of us to make us so fearfully and wonderfully made

Anatomy and Physiology- Dr. Boomsma

You may remember that this semester started out with a different prof for this class. I am so thankful to have had Dr. Boomsma come back to teach us the second semester of Anatomy. This semester of Anatomy was a lot harder than the previous semester. One thing I can tell you about this class is that there are SO many hormones. The semester started and ended with hormones. Hormones that deal with pregnancy, growth, maturation, this, that, everything, nothing, so.many.hormones. The final was pretty hard, mostly because of an abundance of hormones.

Pretty soon my Mom and Dad will be here to pick up a bunch of stuff for me, not everything could fit in the black beaut Toyota. I only have one exam tomorrow and then I will be on my way back home!

<3 



Half Off

Last semester my friend Victoria had the clever idea of briefly summarizing each class as it came to a close with a final exam. I thought I'd do the same to clear my mind of those credits and get ready to  move on! Today I had three exams, so I got half of my finals done in one day!

Math 151, Statistics- Dr. Klanderman

I'm not a math fan, especially not at 8am. I don't think I learned anything in this class that will especially carry into my nursing practice. Like education majors have to take math for teachers, I think nurses should take math for nurses which would incorporate conversions and what not. I was glad to have Kirsten in this class to help me out. She is a math whiz and helped me study before every exam. Sometimes we even did our homework in class the morning it was due. : )

Honors 333, Psych: Contemplation, Meditation, Yoga- Dr. Colosimo

This class brought together a variety of majors. I probably never would have class with Church and Ministry majors or business majors if not for this class. Dr. Colosimo is one of my favorite professors at Trinity and she brings sophistication, class, and wisdom to each and every interaction. We got to do yoga every time we met for class-something I really enjoyed. Though this class didn't require a lot of work, I am so appreciative of a class that allowed me to breathe. With 19 credits I was always studying, and this class allowed for a break from that. I'm glad my presentation is over, but I will miss the friendships I made in this class.

Psych 352: Behavioral Pharmacology- Dr. Hassert

This was my first class with Dr. Hassert, he is an interesting man. And this class would have been a lot more interesting if I hadn't taken chemistry or any of my biology classes. I already had the fundamentals of what he was teaching us about so the drugs and their effects weren't too exciting. Not to mention, this was a night class, being cooped up at night wasn't my favorite feature. I had to take this class to get going on my Psychology minor, so I'm glad it was an easy class to cross off on that checklist. The nicest feature about this class was a take-home final, so this afternoon I just had to hand in a scantron sheet to be graded.

Tomorrow are my hardest exams. The sciences. Micro and Anatomy. I dare you to guess how many pages of Micro I have written already. Come back tomorrow to see the answer!

I must get back to studying!

Final Days Before Finals

Ladies and Gentlemen, I only have 11 more classes to attend. 1 more day of work. 10 more sleeps in Tibstra 34. And a few more meals in the caf. I'm almost halfway done with my college career. I'm overjoyed that I've made it this far and that the next time I come back, I will be on the decline in slices of pie. (In reference to Grandma Smits' analogy of semesters) However, I'm beginning to get a little sentimental! I have just begun to realize that when I plagued myself with 19 credits this semester, it would result in poor actions on my part. I didn't do enough with my friends, or get to relax and enjoy this ride as much as I would have liked to. I'm disappointed that I missed so much because of my overload of things to do.

When I look at my 13 credits next semester, I think, "I'll have tons of free time!" but then quickly remind myself that it's going to be a tough 13 credits, accompanied with early early early morning clinicals.

So I just wanted to post a little blog to prove my existence during these next 2 weeks.

And here's a little reminder to take everything in stride, it's all happening because God wants it to!

Clouds

Today started out as just another Monday. Went to Micro, learned about pathogens of the cardiovascular system, went to lunch, sat through 1.5 too many hours of anatomy, complained about how hard the last anatomy test was, was thankful that I still passed, and I continued on with my day. I got a wake up call when I opened a text from Nathanael saying that he would be going to the UW for surgery on his neck. He had fallen this past weekend and couldn't shake a sore neck, so he got it checked out today. A whirlwind later, he is at home in a neck brace for 2 weeks.

Thinking he would be in recovery for days, I was planning to see him in Madison tomorrow and emailed my honors prof so I could skip my class at 11. I wrote to her that I received a really dark cloud of news. I honestly was in shock. Nathanael's parents are on a cruise and I didn't know if I would have to quick hop in my car, if his brothers could see him, if my parents needed to see him; I didn't know what vertebrae were hurt/broken/fractured or really anything that was going on. I felt so in the dark being 3 hours away. I worried about surgery around the spinal cord but was comforted that he had endured the suffering he experienced all weekend. I just asked my friends to pray. Nathanael and I had just been talking about God working in mysterious ways and I didn't really know what He was doing here.

Then I wrote that I could see the silver lining. Trinity has OPUS tomorrow-a celebration of learning, so we don't have any classes in the afternoon so I could easily drive to Madison to see Nathanael. Thankfully he is already home so I can skip 6 extra hours of driving and just plan on seeing him when I get back home on Thursday afternoon.

This day has been very mysterious, kind of a freak accident. However, God [not-so-gently] reminded me that every breath of life is in His hands. As I finish my final projects and assignments for the semesters my personality requires that I see the need to see control in my own hands as I complete my sophomore year. God has the plans for my life, that's something I can work on seeing.

A Grand Wednesday

Throughout my education, I've had the chance to spend a day with my grandparents when they are invited to school as we celebrate the blessing of these people in our lives. I always looked forward to having my grandparents visit me and I was so happy when they would help me color and sit with me in class.

This chance continues at Trinity. You see here...

... as BOTH sets of my grandparents were able to visit me today, I'm feeling pretty spectacular and special.

Grandpa and Grandma Smits arrived last night and took Ben and I to Buffalo Wild Wings for supper. Gramps enjoyed his first visit there and loved trying wings! We got back to campus and played our favorite card games at the BBC. Cards are a staple for Smits family activities, Grandpa and Grandma have diligently and patiently taught each and every one of us to play Shanghai and Golf. These games have become so traditional we play after church, on girls nights, at the cottage, and even played on our big family trip to Cancun last Christmas.

Today Grandpa and Grandma Hoffmann arrived and I met up with all four of my grandparents for chapel and lunch. They filled me in on things happening in Waupun and Oostburg; how my great-grandmas are doing and what my teeniest little cousins do to make them laugh on Mondays. I appreciate this, especially because being at school entitles me to even less time with my family in Oostburg and Green Bay than when I was living at home. I am so looking forward to spending time at the lake with both sides of my family. This is the first time my Hoffmann grandparents have seen me at Trinity and I was happy to show them my home away from home-I think they left with a new appreciation for this place, it has sure gotten bigger since Auntie Kiki was a Troll!

All the visitors I get at Trinity bring me one thing every time-cookies.

It seems as if everyone knows I am a sucker for that chocolate chip goodness.

My Grandmas are making sure to keep me chunky! :)

I am so blessed to have loving grandparents that share their love and their knowledge of God's love with me!

Thanks to all my Grandma's and Grandpa's for one GRAND Wednesday!

"They will stll bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "the Lord is upright; he is my Rock and there is no wickedness in him.""

Psalm 92:14

Math Lessons at Church

A Micro test tomorrow meant going to the early church service at Palos CRC today to ensure a full day of studying. The pastor preached to us about community-it was great, things I really needed to hear. But what really stuck with me was this video that was played during the offering.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35WyG8Q_tSc

We all are trying to change the world and this video emphasizes that when we add, God multiplies.

The past few weeks I studied for the TEAS test, a nursing entrance exam. I wasn't very good at math in high school...okay, I could have failed Alg II, I even had to ask Beefy to help me with fractions and percentages and such over Easter so I could be prepared for the math section of the test.

Besides that fact, I could definitely grasp the idea that when we give a little of what we have, God will take it and multiply it into much greater things. As a poor college student I realize that this doesn't have to be money, mostly because I don't have any, but I can give what talents, gifts, services, and time I have for causes and events that God can multiply.

So what can you add to this big math problem that God will multiply?

PS-I passed my TEAS scoring a 79, basically a nurse right now, someone should hand me my diploma tomorrow so I don't have to take my Micro test. :)

HHH

Hosanna

I woke up on Easter morning with this song in my head.

Ho ho ho hosanna

Ha ha hallelujah

He he he he saved me

Now I've got the joy of the Lord

I can remember singing that in Sunday School and when any little kid sings that now, it brings happiness to me knowing that they can already sing of the joy of the Lord at the young age of 3!
We serve a risen Savior!

We woke up to matching Easter treasures on Sunday morning and matched for church.

 rudith, nelle, beefy

traditional pictures at grandmas house

Happy Birthday

My first little sister turned 17 today. Due to the 4 kids in my family, I don't have a lot of just me and Beefy together. Ma probably found it to be enough trouble to try get 4 kids to take a picture and didn't want to deal with any other variety....shove all 4 of them together, one and done. Simple.

Beefy exhibits many characteristics similar to my mother. Besides that fact, she is smart, stubborn, and doesn't give up on her decisions. She's passed me up in height for years now, insuring me her hand-me-downs and she also has had the same dang cat since preschool. She's pretty hard to get along with my there's nothing that gets in the way of a sister shopping day-except her work at her beloved Christianos. (Drive 30+ mins each way for minimum wage for 2ish hours? Say whaaaaa?) I'll never understand you and your odd ways (goodnight, shower, read, goodnight!) completely Beefy, but I will always remember the night you were born, and I hope you always remember your big sister is always here for you.

first day of school-nice touch with the hawaiian lei there fru...



exploring at Uncle Tonys, I'm surprised we got along enough to take a picture before any attempts to drown you... :)



back in 2010, finally got a new puppy

Hallelujah

Upon my arrival back to Trinity yesterday came a big wave of stresses and emotions.

4 more weeks of classes as a Sophomore. May 10=donezo, finished.

I'm so done with my Stats class (whoever is in my group project, I'll pay you to do my Confidence Intervals...what even are those!?) so done with being away from home and so done with the food in the caf.

Yes, I will enjoy my final few weeks of my sophomore year, but I am looking forward to the successful completion of my TEAS test on Thursday and a letter in my mailbox at home in June telling me I got into the nursing program.

Enough

This past week absorbed me in studying for my final Anatomy practical.
I didn't really do much of anything else, but I sure did think a lot.

For a few weeks now I have been looking ahead to the end of the year. As exciting as it is to have just a month of school left, it's also pretty scary. There are a lot of projects to finish, exams to take, and decisions to be made. I've been frustrated and let down by people, but feel more confident in myself than ever. This saying has helped me realize that I need to stand up for what I want.

"If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything."

Sometimes doing just that will mean dealing with a lot of struggles along the way, but if I don't stand for anything, I'll just be be present...rather than being active.

Lately the words to the Eli Young Band song Enough is Enough have filled my mind as I question what I should be doing in the next year-especially next fall.

I can't lean on you, Cause I'll fall right over,
Can't count on you, It doesn't add up,
This is going no where, Enough is enough

As I learn to stand for things, I find people giving up on me as I lean on them and count on them. What is enough?

Without any coincidence, Good Friday yesterday reminded me that even when people aren't enough for me in the struggles of life that Jesus is, was, and always will be enough.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Even in your struggles for standing up, remember Jesus' actions for us. He is enough, His grace/peace/love/understanding/power/youfillintheblank is enough.

All Spiffed Up

Formal 2012.

It's SO fun to see everyone at Trinity get all dressed up for a night of dinner, pictures, and dancing. It really feels like a family-everyone smiles and has a good time.

Of course I had tons of fun, but I was missing my best friend and my date! :)

Nonetheless, here's a few pictures of my night.

my future roommates

 chim, me, mark

ps-chim, our hair blends!

 my wisco friend, ally

 lunch buds of spring 2012

Tib34

Priceless Gifts

Yesterday included a lot of studying for my Anatomy exam, but also a lot of silliness with Sarah as we made a music video for an awards night at Trinity tomorrow night. I was also able to eat supper with Rochelle. Many of you know Roch. We met at Blueprints, Trinity's summer orientation. My name tag revealed I was from Markesan, WI. Roch said, "You're from Markesan?!? No way, I'm from Markesan too!" I had never seen her before so I had no idea what she was talking about. Turns out, Roch spends her summers at the same lake I do. She is a camp counselor at Camp Grow on theeee Green Lake. She is a fellow Decker and has a heart of gold.

I examined her braceleted wrist and spotted a pretty turquoise green one. I asked her where she got it and she said she didn't know. Hours later when I was studying in the library I reached into my jacket pocket for my lip gloss and pulled out this little surprise.

Roch's Bracelet

PS Roch- Once upon a time I gave my cousin Joeli a toy jewelery box thingy. A few days later I decided I wanted it back, and took it back. I hope this is not the case, because I like this too much! :)

Thanks Rochelle Patricia Renee!

Attitudes

Attitude is everything.

I'm in the midst of learning the cardiovascular system and the veins and arteries of the body for my lab quiz tomorrow in A&P.

My attitudes haven't been that great about this, but for goodness sake I get the chance to learn about the heart-that baby makes us live! I get the chance to stoop over hearts that were actually beating and carrying life to someone. Stopping to think of these systems that bring blood to and away from the heart with out us even realizing it is beyond incredible. Those veins and arteries have a teensy diameter but they manage to keep the blood flow exactly where it needs to be and delivers from head to toe-literally!

Make up your minds, accept the inevitable and make it all worthwhile!

I will choose to be enthusiastic about my studies this week, after all, I get a pretty good reward at the end of the week. Formal is on Friday and I am looking forward to getting dressed up with my friends.

xoxo