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.