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