A Journey through Nursing School... & Beyond...

HESI deja vu

2012-01-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

So I went to submit my application and tackled both the HESI-PN and the HESI A2 today. I am here to report an increase in BOTH scores!! Yeah me.

I was very surprised at how well I did. On the HESI-PN I increased my score from a 1037 to a 1057. All I needed for application was 850. But higher scores get placed first! On the HESI-A2 I went from a cumulative score of 89% to 92%!

Let's just say that the atmosphere this time was a whole other world compared to this experience. When I looked at the sign in sheet you can see what everyone had come for and there were quite a few for the HESI-PN.

Now it's a waiting game and who knows what'll happen next.

Webcam class

2012-01-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

I just found out that when I take my midterm and final for my Patho class that I have to use a webcam while I am taking it so I can be monitored, or I can take it in person at the learning center.

Wow... I think that is weird. But way to use technology I guess!

Oh yeah and this class already sucks! LMAO

Much ado about Monday

2012-01-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the big day. Lots to do. Then it's all about the waiting game. I intend to send off an email to all of the nursing directors tomorrow as well, putting my name in the line-up for any available sport. I am hoping for a summer accelerated spot. It would put graduation in Aug instead of starting in Aug. Well as long as for some unforeseen reason I don't blow these exams that is. I have been doing NCLEX-RN questions and still scoring very high, I also reviewed my old HESI tests and went over the content that I missed on them.

Then I am making a bunch of doctor's appointments to get all my blood work done for my antibody titers. You know, all of that medical crap that you have to get done. I need all of my ducks in a row because this is going to be a last minute placement either way.

I also need to get a grip on this anxiety thing I have going.

Today we wanted to try a new grocery store, but when I went inside, it was claustrophobic feeling. I am not claustrophobic, I can have a closed MRI without issues, but when it comes to stores I like wide isles, bright lights and high ceilings. I also like some type of order. This store was chaos! So while hubby was returning RedBox, I turned right around and walked right out of the store. I just started to get this panicky fuzzy feeling. So it was back to our usual store. I knew it was weird but I just did not like that feeling of inner chaos that the vibe of this place gave me. Normal or an indication for Prozac?

LPN to RN bound... 1 step closer!

2012-01-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

Ok people my card came in the mail today!! Woot Woot! So application day is MONDAY!!

I Need to spend this weekend getting a little studying done because I have to take the HESI-PN before I can apply. So its going to be an NCLEX review weekend I suppose. But I haven't actually stopped doing questions this whole time, so that is a good thing.

So here's hoping to get into a program come this FALL!!

5 weeks and counting

2012-01-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

where the hell is my card?

A Fellow Nurse in Peril

2012-01-24T23:18:00.000-08:00

As a fellow AZ nurse it really astounds me the total lack of professional respect that we as nurse's receive from any entity that dares to call themselves a Nursing Association. It is appalling that in this era nurses still have zero support from anyone in their own profession. It seems the public gets protection from us but who gives us protection from them?

What other public service profession receives such little support for its members?

Ms. Trujillo really deserves some support with her case.

Text to Speech Software

2012-01-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

Is pretty fun to play around with. I think having your computer tell off your husband is kinda funny!

In other news, it was actually helpful to convert my online lecture to a text to speech recognition software program. I could read it, hear it, and apply it this way.

Sometimes lectures just need to be heard to click. Of course I really think I am not going to like this ethics class very much. Too many discussion board projects.

Some Bullet Points

2012-01-22T11:44:00.001-08:00

School- Tomorrow starts Clinical Healthcare Ethics and Human Pathophysiology starts next Monday. I am still enrolled in the Interpreting Arrhythmia course but there are only six people in the class so I have a feeling that it will be cancelled for lack of enrollment. I emailed the professor about it, of course I do not want to pay for the class, and buy the book, which mind you costs more than the class does, if the class is just going to get cancelled.

WLS- I have 1 more scheduled appointment to make 6. I could be having surgery either in March or in June. June if insurance requires me to continue with the visits, because I missed November, March- if the letter I write to them is sufficient. Somehow I really think it'll be June.

RN- still waiting on word from fingerprint card to submit my application.

Work- SNAFU with my paycheck vs vacation time, so I am working on getting that fixed. I should have been getting higher pay in lieu of benefit, thus no vacation time or tuition reimbursement, except I haven't. So either they have to pay me the past years worth of wages at the higher rate, or give me the vacation and sick hours to use, and I can submit reimbursement for my classes to them. So we shall see how that all turns out.

Tabs

2012-01-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

So my blog is starting to have a few added features. I have added tabs to the top. They are currently under construction. But as the big changes in my life take place, these tabs will be where to find a topic specific post.

A sense of comfort

2012-01-18T23:25:00.000-08:00

I have no idea why but I feel a sense of comfort over being able to pay out of pocket for classes and books.

When I started this process, way back in the day, it feels like it has been forever some days, but anyway, I would never have been able to afford to even think about it.

Of course I still have student loans looming over my head, but eventually I have a plan to get those knocked out.

I will fund my future education ambitions with the fruits of my labors thus far!

Why do you want to be a nurse...now?

2012-01-17T01:15:00.000-08:00

This is not an essay question, only a thought I have from time to time given the job outlook for new grad nurses currently.

Me, well getting my RN means a lifelong goal achieved. I already have a job waiting for me as an RN, not my dream job, which is why my, in a hurry attitude, has waned of late. It's been replaced with an, I'll get there when I get there attitude instead. My hope is that the market will have improved by the time I get the Registered Nurse title. Plus I want to spend the least amount out of pocket to get there.

How about you? Are you still on a waiting list? Have you just started? Are you about to finish? What are your opinions about the job outlook? Do you think it won't effect you? Do you have a job lined up? Do you have connections? What are your plans?

Downton Abbey

2012-01-16T15:09:00.001-08:00

My new favorite show!

Never ever let someone else rent space inside your head!

2012-01-14T19:32:00.000-08:00

Great quote from someone named sharpeimom on allnurses.com

What a great concept. This conversation was in regard to a doctor yelling at a PCT. But that gets me thinking, because we all have been there, with fellow nurses, parents, bosses, patients, staff members. EVERYONE and ANYONE in our lives has been there when something someone has said it just hits something personal.

So great advice, Never ever let someone else rent space inside you head!

Admissions people are dumb

2012-01-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

I know I said it and I will stand by it!

First, my tuition payment for my Ethics class suddenly, and I do mean suddenly appeared on my current due status. I checked on the 9th, nothing, I checked on the 10th it was there, Ok so I will pay it on the 13th when I get paid. No big deal? Well GONE on the 11th and dropped from class. WOW that was fast! So I figure I will just add it back on the 13th. Nope can't do that online because the class is closed/filled.

Me: Can you put me back into the class I was just dropped from so I can pay the tuition?

Admission: No class is full.

Me: Yes I am aware, one of those spots is mine. Is there a way to get put back in?

Admissions: Yes you can go to the class the first day and have the Prof sign a waiver.

Me: It's an online course. Is there another way to get into the class?

Admissions: You can go to the class the first day and the Prof can sign a waiver.

Me: It's an online course thus no classroom!

Admissions: You can contact the instructor by email then.

Me: The class states that there is only STAFF listed as the instructor for that class. Do you have a name so I can contact them?

Admissions: There is not an instructor assigned to that class yet.

Me (Banging Head on Keyboard): Ok let me get back to you. (hang up)

So I went online and searched the classes for that course. My HCR240 instructor is the alternate teacher, so I emailed her and requested to be put in her class for HCR210. Once she said it was OK, I sent that email over to the admissions office. Clearly stated in the first line and the subject line of the email is the section and class code that I am looking to enroll in.

Admissions response: Our records show that you are already enrolled in HCR240!

Almost Friday

2012-01-12T22:49:00.000-08:00

That means that my kids are coming home soon! They have been gone since the 26th of December and apparently it has had its ups and downs, both are very excited to get back to their own rooms. Sans crying babies, and people who hell more than we do? LOL is that possible?

Anyway, so much seems to have changed since they were gone.

So I am trying to plan a vacation for my birthday. Generally we go someplace or do something nice around my birthday, remember this trip?

Last year was Sami's graduation and the year before that was a poor year related to school. But when we first moved here, the first two years we went to this place.

So the options are, cruise with just hubby and I, or Harry Potter land with just me and the kids!

I think cost will be the winner... so stay tuned for the results.

Staffing Changes Poll

2012-01-11T01:23:00.001-08:00

Please take a minute to answer the poll question posted on the site. Between this site and another, I want to poll at least 100 nurses about staffing changes in the LTC/SNF area.

The last time staffing ratios were adjusted was in 1987! So much has changed in the last 25 years, the acuity of the clients in the LTC/SNF alone has increased the amount of skilled nursing care some of these people need. I think the measly "hours for nursing" requirements are outdated and need to be adjusted to reflex the actuality of floor nursing in an LTC/SNF.

PS... This is not homework or anything, I am actually thinking of getting some activism going on this.

Poll of the Day

2012-01-09T23:36:00.000-08:00

I frequent allnurses.com I am a frequent commenter on the boards. I have insight I think about certain things and I like to share. So if someone asked if they should choose NICU their current job or interview for a Public Health job, just to be close to a boyfriend, what would you say?

I say they are freakin' crazy and as a new grad should just wait a year and a half and become an experienced nurse in a specialty that actually lets them take that RN experience and move whereever they want with confidence in the future.

Let me see NICU or pregnancy tests to teens on the road to a lifetime of welfare?

Um.. no brainer right?

Disclaimer: (Yes, yes I know Public Health is more than pregnancy tests in reality... but not by much)

3am.. & this is why I should sleep on my nights off.

2012-01-09T02:07:00.000-08:00

I feel like I am at work right now, because I am doing exactly what I would be doing if I were there, except I would be getting paid good money to be there. ( Sitting on the couch messing around on the computer.) Hehe

What I found was this:

I just read an article about this guy that was killed by deer. At first I thought it said, " Man killed by 3 deer, police trying to identify them." That is funny!

What it said was, " Man killed by 3 deer, police trying to identify him." Not as funny right?

But can you imagine:

Officer to Witness: " Are the deer you saw run down Mr. Jones in this picture?"

Are you new?

2012-01-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

If you are a new follower, if you just found me and have a blog I haven't visited yet, please be sure to comment and I would love to check out your Blogs and add them to my blog roll!

Much ado about nothing

2012-01-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

Trying to decide if I want to take the 4 week Interpreting Arrhythmias course this semester or not. It's great as a resume booster to go with my ACLS, PALS, NRP certifications and would be a big help with cardiac when I get to my critical care block.

Buts its a 10am class. Is it worth the lost sleep over?

Of course it's not like I actually want to work in an ICU when I get my RN, but those skills are great for the OR and PACU, which are two places I really am interested in.

Of course what are the odds of getting that?

Nursing Education was/is only as good as the student's dedication to learning!

2012-01-05T23:48:00.001-08:00

Advise I gave on a website regarding someone blaming their school because their own "skills suck!"

I think because I can come up with this crap from the top of my head, that Nursing Education is exactly the path I want my career to take ultimately.

Restless School Syndrome

2012-01-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

I am always so restless when it comes to school and the direction that I want to go. What is killing me now is that I am at the mercy of someone else to do their job, so that I can move forward with my plan.

As that drags on I have a tendency to research things too much and find way to many alternate plans.

Urgh! I hate this feeling. I need classes to just hurry up and start and then I will be too busy again to think about it.

Let the games begin

2012-01-04T17:31:00.001-08:00

Spring semester about to start first up is Clinical Healthcare Ethics. the textbook arrived today.

I have still yet to buy the book pack for Human Pathophysisology, its like $148 for the dang thing, but I have time as that class doesn't start until the 30th.

Dream Interrupted...

2012-01-04T02:37:00.000-08:00

So I had this dream and it kinda bothers me. I mean it could be taken so many ways, as dreams often are. So I figured I'd get your opinions on it.

I was at my Mom's house and in walks our dog Murphy, who just died. He was obviously hurt as he was still limping and you could still see blood on him but,he didn't seem too bothered by it. I was shocked, in my dream I said, " Murphy what are you doing here?" I was fully aware that he should not be here. He just came over to me and licked me and I bent to pet him and kissed his nose like I always did. Then he just turned around climbed the stairs and stood up on his back legs and turned on the light switch.I yelled for my hubby, " Do you see this!" He said "Yes" acknowledging that he was seeing this "ghost" too. He disappeared and then I woke up.So whatcha think?

As you may or not know, due to his injuries, his length of recovery time if any, and the extent of his lung collapse, we actually had to make the decision to euthanize him while he was under anesthesia. He already had a lame back leg and an issue with vomiting and losing weight periodically. I just feel so guilty for having to have made the decision that way.

Blogs You Read

2012-01-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

Ok so I have some free time to kill and need blog's to read. Free time you ask? Well at work I have this new laptop to use, classes do not start and I have ALOT of free time overnight!So, anyone have any ideas that are not already on my blogroll? The problem with Blogger is that there does not seem to be a way to search related nursing blogs. Or is there?

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

My year may have sucked going out, it may not have been like I planned. But overall I think it was a productive year.

*Samantha graduated High School and also started college!
*I passed Micro & Chemistry!
Family came to visit!
*I found an awesome job!
*We moved out of Maricopa!

Unfortunately we said goodbye to two special family members this year! I love you Aunt Cathy and Murphy! You are missed!

I hope 2012 is a great year for you all!

Looking forward to some special events this year...12-12-12 My baby boy turns 18! This should be his lucky year!I hope to start the RN program. More family visits coming! Maybe huge weight loss? Who knows what else the year will bring... but here's hoping to a happy healthy one!

RIP Murphy

2011-12-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

We LOVE YOU!

What a way to end the new year...

2011-12-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

Well we had planned to do some shopping today... I got a new Laptop finally. Dell Inspiron! Go me! While we were out however all hell appeared to have broken lose. When we arrived home we were in for a shock!. Apparently a Momma will still protect her baby even if it is over 1 year old, or at the very least, help baby gang up on Papa! Murphy really must have pissed her off! As I type this he is sedated and undergoing suturing to numerous puncture and bite wounds! I don't think I have ever seen a dog look like that, that wasn't involved in some kind of dog fighting ring. But man poor Murphy!I have no idea now what to do about this. I know he has been trying to assert more dominance lately, but Sasha is not having any of it. I wonder if this is going to end it or open a whole other can of worms? They will be seperated when we are not at home that is for sure!So instead of a day tomorrow filled with a trip to the shooting range for hubby, Korean BBQ for both, followed by the movie New Year's Eve.. its a $300 something dollar Vet bill and some crunch-n-munch!Why do the dogs always pick the worst times to cost us money?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T13:09:00.001-08:00

caption this...

2011-12-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

I have this one "friend" on on facebook. She posted a picture recently....

Was your first thought... "Where's Harry?"

Ah Christmas Time in the Valley

2011-12-19T18:31:00.000-08:00

I really hate baking, but I braved the mess and made 4 different kinds of cookie dough from scratch this afternoon. My son was helping with the flour and was amazed at how messy it was... yeah baking takes too much time and is so messy. I hate the clean-up part. I still have to actually roll out, shape, bake and decorate most of them. But at least I started it.Gingerbread, Sugar cookie, Jam Thumbprint (strawberry,apricot and grape), peanut-butter kisses. I may even bake a batch of mini cheesecakes.Of course I still have to work this week, finish Christmas shopping and wrap! Why do we do this to ourselves every year?

If only I were a food critic...

2011-12-19T02:20:00.000-08:00

So today I went to meet my daughter's boyfriend's Dad and Step-Mom for lunch. The kids have been dating for nearly 3 years and we had not met yet r/t them living in TX.So we all decided to meet up at this restaurant called The Old Spaghetti Factory. So it's myself, my husband, the two of them, the girl and her boyfriend, and his sister and her three kids.So a party of 10 not bad really. The Restaurant is totally not busy, which is a surprise since it is part of the food court at a very busy mall.So we order straight away, salads come about 20 minutes later. 1 hour after they clear the salads entrees finally come. Frustrating but whatever. So anyway they place the food and proceed to tell us that myself and my daughter's order will be out in like 6 minutes. The type of Lasagna that we order is fresh made every day and they didn't have any. They had to make more? Ok so after nearly two hours of having our order they didn't have time to make two veg lasagnas? WTF? I mean come on, I prep and made that in 1 hour.So anyway, everyone was waiting for us to get our meals, so as not to be rude before they started eating, but after 10 minutes, I really had to insist that they eat, their food was going to be absolutely cold. So about 10-15 minutes later, a total of about 15-20 minutes past the 6 we were promised, out comes 1 order of the lasagna. I mean WTH??? At this point I was like, " Look this is totally unacceptable. I want to speak to the manager." Everyone had completed eating and I had yet to get my food.First off its pretty embarrassing to for me and for others for them to hate to sit there and have to eat infront of me. Second, at this point the freaking waiter was coming around asking everyone else if they wanted their ice cream that came with the meal. Third, I had never met these people before. So either this is going to be a funny, remember when, story or it has totally soured everything.So randomly the other Manager, not the one the waiter was supposed to bring back, comes over doing their normal,"How is everything rounds... " So how are we treating you?" he says with a big smile. Like he knows everything is awesome and I bet he was not expecting what he got. Appalled he runs right back to the kitchen many apologies in his wake. Comes back about 5 minutes later with my plate, and then states he's going to comp the lasagnas. Umm... yeah well DUH!So he comes back a few minutes later with a spiel about, " Wanting to assure us that they have great food and great service and that they want our repeat business." At this point I have had two bites of the lasagna. Not only does it taste watery, like wet noodles were thrown onto the plate, but the inside is freezing cold! This bit of food had not even been baked!That's IT! I'm done! Game over! Christine has absolutely checked out at this point. So as he hands us 5 $25 gift certs for a return visit, I am have to say, " This is cold. This is crazy. Not only do I NOT want to come back, I do NOT want this "free" lasagna, or ANYTHING else from the kitchen at this point."End of story.... Party of 10 entire meal comp'd, plus the gift certs. ( Which BTW are getting regifted, because I will really not "try them again"), and sorry to say even the waiter was not getting tipped. I don't feel bad, because after an hour from the time you served the salads, you really should have refilled some drinks or offered some fucking bread or something!

All in a day's time

2011-12-16T18:06:00.000-08:00

So after work I shuttled the hubby to work, then headed out to my WLS doctor's appointment. I ate before I went and got weighed in, who knows if that really was the reason for the 5 pound weight gain since last visit, or if it was all that cortisol from last week that just packed it on? Oh the joys of finals. However, since I missed last month, I may have to start my 6 months totally over! Or just add an extra month, we will just have to see what the insurance says. I am trying something new this month, so maybe I'll see some weight loss that way too!

Then after that appointment I went and had my fingerprints taken, ran over to the bank to get the damn money order, was raped by the teller in fees, now I know better than to buy one at the bank! Then went home and mailed the application.

I am hoping that it won't take too long since, hell, I have had quite a few background checks done over the last few years because of jobs and school. I shouldn't be too hard to find in the system.

Then I tried to get some sleep when I got home at 0930. Of course that took awhile to wind down so I managed to sleep from about 1030 until 1600, when it was time to go pick up the hubby again.

To my surprise I got a phone call from one of my very first AZ friends, whom I haven't talked to in about a year, so I called her and chatted while I was waiting for hubby to come out.

Course then it was over to get dinner, Indian food for me, pizza for the boys, stop over at the phone place to have my phone fixed and then home to eat.

Bet you wish you had stopped readying before this? LOL

Lots to do...

2011-12-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

Ok so tomorrow I will go down and get the fingerprints taken, and send in my application. I hope that it doesn't take too long to get the card back, but this time of year who knows?

I have yet to start my Christmas shopping so I need to get that done as well. The kids are leaving the day after Christmas for 3 weeks to visit the relatives in Boston and Delaware so it'll be very weird around here.

The next semester doesn't start until almost the end of January, so maybe this month I will be able to get those HESI's out of the way without stress and everything will be all set for when that cards comes in.

Ok off to work. A bad reaction to a medication caused me to miss a day this week, so I still have tonight and tomorrow for my week. But its all good. I mean I really can NOT complain about my job!

Block 3 Entry SNAFU

2011-12-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

Well it does not look like I can apply for the spring semester to start in January d/t a new fingerprint card law. My card just so happened to be received previous to the date they started printing a difference on the cards. So now I have to resubmit my fingerprints and wait the 4-6 weeks to find out what they put on my card, and then I can apply! I can submit as soon as it comes in of course, and my application goes in the pile for the next available start. But that will totally be after everyone is already placed for the spring start. I think though there may be a March or a summer start since they have the accelerated programs. But who knows?

What this means is MORE pre/co req drudgery for next semester and limbo on the RN start date portion.

So it will be Human Pathophysiology and Clinical Healthcare Ethics for the spring semester. Which leaves me with Human Nutrition, College Math, Statistics and Health & Culture, to round out my BSN Gen.Ed. requirements.

I guess this delay in start will be good for my surgery in Feb/March if nothing else.

Nook Study and Aps for Nook Color

2011-12-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Really piss me off because I have a Nook. I love my Nook. I love having a million books in my hands at once and it being light as a feather! I love not getting the hand cramp from holding the books, and the backache from lugging them around.

But... I really would like my textbook and exam cram aps on the Nook I already have!

The problem with technology is that they don't make it universal for their products. So if I want exam books I need a pc, so I have to lug around my laptop. If I want exam aps, I have to buy a Nook color!

Frustrated, cuz I want them all with what I already have!

what I learned this semester...

2011-12-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

1. I am not cut out to learn anything that is based on the cellular level.
2. I must have been in a totally different class than the material being tested on.
3. If its a pathological immune response I understand it
4. Taking a Saturday only class is NOT good for the GPA!
5. I am so freaking glad that class is over!
6. I am pretty sure I only got a C :-( ( Which would make 3 C's in my entire college career... oh how funny, they are all based mainly on cellular level study!

Bleck!

***update: final grade still not posted, but according to the total number of points, all I need are 4 points out of the total 60 points available from the final and I will get a B for the class! No chance for an A unless I got a perfect score or pretty darn close to it, which is impossible! But I'll take a B ***

Success

2011-12-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Finally I was able to figure out an UNKNOWN in Microbiology! After a very rocky start and a sample that even the instructor couldn't identify, I was able to isolate 1 colony and from that achieve an A on my final lab test! 25/25 Woot! I can tell you that I totally sucked at lab this semester when it came to figuring out the unknowns, hell, just figuring out how to find it in the microscope was nearly impossible. But when it counted it was perfect!

Now for the final and that make-up test. Hate finals that are anything goes! I really wish they would have offered some type of focused study guide or something. I mean hell if hardly anyone passes the final, that may be a sign or something!

Finals week

2011-12-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time already...Finals! Felt like I would never get here. So the last test went very well. I think I managed to pull off an A. So if I can swing an A on that make-up an exam, then I could pull out a B for the class. Which is OK by me!

Its then off to finish up the final stuff for the RN application and waiting on a spot. I hope!

WLS... had to reschedule some appointments so it looks like it will probably be in early March instead of Feb. But we shall see.

Hummm... that's it for now.

WLS update

2011-11-29T14:10:00.000-08:00

So proud of myself, over the Thanksgiving Holiday I did NOT gain weight. I actually managed to lose 2 lbs. We will see how it ends up on the next weight loss visit. But that is a good thing!

Decisions Decisions Decisions

2011-11-28T22:20:00.000-08:00

Ok so I deleted the post about the HESI A2 I was supposed to take. Didn't have the extra cash after forking out money for unexpected things. Hubby's Jeep is dead again back to the one car shuffle for a bit. Now with 3 of us needing the car though it does make it a bit harder, but somehow I bet the gas used and miles put on the car will not even come close to being as high as they were before we moved.

So my son is going through some things with school. He has always been a problem when it comes to school. He is VERY smart, but unmotivated and lazy when it comes to things he does not see a point in. He has always been this way and its so frustrating as a parent. He has a logical answer for everything and a solution for each statement in his singular way of thinking. It's pretty hard to argue with him. I have also gotten to the point where I am sick of fighting over Highschool.

The problem is this. Dropping out is not an option, but its THE option at the moment that makes the most sense for what he wants. He's two weeks away from 17, and a JR. Nothing shocking there. The issue is he wants to join the Army. The problem, the school he is in now is considered to the Army to be only as good as a GED!

The dilemma, if the school, which is an online highschool is only as good as a GED to the one program he gives a shit about, how to convince the boy that getting his Highschool diploma is important?

Going to a brick and morter school is NOT an option. He flat out refuses to go back to his old highschool or to start at the local highschool here, simply to say he got a highschool diploma. He has also informed me that he will NOT go to graduation and will not participate in commencement with cap and gown even if he does.

We have discussed that he can maybe transfer in his last semester of his senior year and do half day of classes at the regular highschool to get "credit" from the Army as a diploma. The problem is he does not like the classes and format that he has now and its a constant battle to get him motivated to finish.

Option number two would be to withdraw and get his GED then enroll in the local community college and take 15 college credits, which in turns changes his enlistment status and he can go into the Army without any issues. He likes this option because the classes he would take in college are all geared towards law enforcement and not highschool classes.

So Junior in Highschool to College Freshman by spring semester? I know he can do it, he passed his AIMS (Arizona Standardized tests) graduation requirements with exceeds in everything, his practice tests for the ASVAB are in the 70's which is VERY high and qualifies him for any job. Soooo.... urgh decisions decisions.

The Mom in me just wants him to go to regular highschool do well, go to college do well, and stay home forever, with some grandkids added in the future.

$92

2011-11-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

For the privilege of getting to take tests? Urgh! Just Urgh! Why do they have to have an expiration date on a freaking test? I am not looking forward to this.

Musings of a nearly Empty Nest

2011-11-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

So I have been doing alot of thinking lately. Its just one of those things that happen when you have a ton of down time at night and tv is so boring that your brain wanders.

My son will be 17 in two weeks. Only 12 1/2 months and he will be 18. He plans to join the Army. He seems very set on this and excited about the prospect. Everything he is doing right now is geared directly toward that. So I guess I have to just get used to the idea.

My daughter is already 18 and is about to finish up her first semester of college. I know its a matter of time before she finishes up at the community college level and heads over to ASU. Will she move out then? Who knows. But its on the horizon soon I'd imagine. After all she does plan to marry a Navy Officer.

So then what? I'm only 36 now. What next? Well besides RN and school related to that, I was thinking globally. I will be 40 and my nest will be empty. I should be finished with school by then. Maybe I want to volunteer in some third world country for a year? Maybe I want to adopt a few pre-teens and continue parenting? I have always felt that there were children missing from our family, and despite seeing this "free" time, I really think I have room in my heart to share with a foster child that needs a forever family.

Getting hubby on board for these musings may not be easy, but honestly, I think he has some more parenting left in him two.

So in four years where do I see myself? Hummm....

Blah Blog

2011-11-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the crap posted this month and the measly 3 posts. Guess I just don't have much going on this month interesting enough.

Work is going ok, the new house is coming along, school is just boring. I have nursing application stuff to do, but that isn't until after Thanksgiving. So yeah not too much.

Suck it!!

2011-11-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

Even though Micro has a few laughs, I cannot wait for this class to be over!! Wow her tests suck! I am doing ok and since the material is now onto immunity and things I already know, I hope to continue to increase my grades going into the final... of course she tells us today.... "Usually people don't do well on the final!" Um.. doesn't that mean you write to many trick fucking questions???

Operation 5 pounds

2011-11-07T11:58:00.001-08:00

Ok so day 1 of operation 5 pounds by 11/18. The good part is that my next "weight loss" visit is not the day after Thanksgiving! LOL

So I have started a protein smoothie that tastes good and that I can tolerate without vomiting search. I have come to realize I must do this without the help of protein powders. For a picky eater like me taste is EVERYTHING, and I have just not found one that I can actually eat. So its Greek Yogurt and cottage cheese to the rescue, with the aide of Carbmaster and nectar. So far so good on that one. But I know I will need to change it up. I am thinking of a coffee flavored one, and of course an awesome potato leek soup from Campbell's that I found will work with some added cottage cheese for the extra protein! This should help get me through that pre-op diet week and the liquids after surgery weeks... or at least I hope so!

The thing about my job is...

2011-11-04T00:25:00.000-07:00

I always seem to be cramming make-up hours into the end of the week when I actually have things to do. So two 16 hours shifts coming up with a micro exam tucked neatly in there for kicks!

I love my placement and that is the only reason I have not looked for another job!

Just things...

2011-10-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

School:
Ok third Micro exam coming up this weekend. 1 more and a final after that. I really want it to be December and this class to be over. Its just so tedious, but at least I am actually learning and applying the knowledge. I actually made a statement about a central line infection and then the doctor quoted me verbatim as the reason for it too! I feel so smart... LOL

My application is in process for the RN program. I have those entrance tests I need to take and get some medical stuff done again. I just updated my CPR so that's one thing to check off the list.

In class its hard to not listen to others conversations and there are many applying for Advanced Placement too. But not a whole lot that I am worried. I mean at this point starting in January or August makes no difference to me. There are not many good jobs out there anyway, plus I could always fill the gap with all those BSN classes that are still on the horizon! What a change from the girl who wanted this to be done so quickly.

Home:
So the new house is coming along. I am really liking how close everything is. Just a few more things to clean up and out of the old place still, can't wait for that to be DONE. My back is killing me!

In WLS news... not much else really. Gotta think of just exactly how I plan on losing 5 pounds this month without stepping on a scale... oh and with Thanksgiving! LOL

Half way till L day...

2011-10-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Today marked the half way point until my surgery date. Today's appointment marked a 2.5lb weight loss... an overall weight loss of 3.5 pounds so far... but then again, I haven't been trying either. I am only trying to make the scale go down at each visit. Only 3 more "weight loss" visits required by the insurance company. October's goal of 3 pounds lost was almost obtained. So November's is 5 pounds.

Moved

2011-10-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

All moved... this commute is awesome! Home by 0715 instead of 0800.

Now to not get in trouble over charting. I keep changing it to what they want then its not enough! Urgh!!

Oh well.. moving on.

Day 1 Liquids

2011-10-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

***update** Due to moving the blender is half here and half there. So liquids today will not be the start date. Once again the Medifast oatmeal straight out of the packet induced large amounts of emesis. So needless to say... that may be a weight loss trick but NOT one I can "stomach" Nasty shit! So moving on to try something else once the blender is in one place!

Oh and tonight at midnight starts the first attempt at a week of liquids! This is going to be soooo hard. But its only 7 days right? If I want this then I have to prove it. Doctor appointment/weight loss appointment #3 is on the 28th.. my hope is to be down a total of 4 pounds since my start weight. 3 for this month on top of the 1 last month I accidentally dropped. Haha!

Moving day

2011-10-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Is fast approaching. My case came home yesterday but there is no way I can make-up 40 or for even 36 hours at this point and still get all the stuff I need done to move. My next two days would have looked like this...

Thursday work 7p-7am Friday , pack or sleep, Work Friday 7p-7a Saturday, drive 30 minutes to school, have class from 8-1230ish, then home to finish packing, help with loading, then unloading, then unpacking, then sleep when? That would be just too much and I know there is NO way I can do that and still function. Its a nice thought but one I know that would end with me doing nothing.

I was telling the Mom that I can only work my regular schedule this week even though there was no work on Mon and Tues, The mom was like, " You can spend the day here if you want to get your hours." Um yeah thanks, but there is this thing called sleep? She laughed, " Oh yeah I forgot."

Weight Loss Surgery

2011-10-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

So have I mentioned I started the process to get weight loss surgery? Well I have, In August I met with the doctors for a Lap-Band procedure. Its the least invasive and most reversible, with the least amount of complications. However, many have had success with it.

So I found out insurance covers it, but there are many hoops to jump through. I think I am on hoop number 10 of 1 million. But anyway, there is a cardio appt, psych appt, sleep study, blood work, lung function test, and monthly diet meetings and weigh ins for 6 months. I am on month 3 if they counted that first month. My surgery should be around the first week in February.

Now the lap-band is not a weight loss be all end all like the gastric bypass is. It works slow and only with a very restrictive diet phase. It requires frequent follow-up visits and exercise to make it work.

So all in all its a tool like any other but with a bigger edge for those of us who need an extra helping of willpower.

So with that said, my second/third weight loss appointment is on the 28th. For the week leading up to that appointment, I have to be on a liquid diet, because it will include a liver ultrasound to see if my liver shrinks down to make accessing my stomach during surgery easier.

So its protein shakes and only Medifast meals for a week. With luck I will also drop the 3 pounds that was my goal this month too. ;-)

How many more days until this semester is over?

2011-10-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

I actually did better than I thought on that last exam so that was a good thing. Class isn't all that bad, but I am really bored with it and just want it to be over. I am not a fan of germs.

I agreed to do what?

2011-10-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Monday I called off so I could decontaminate myself from the gallon of paint that was still attached to me after the 4 day painting fest that took place.

Last night I worked 12 hours to catch up. Today I got called off as an unexpected GI bleed lands case in PICU again.

However, I agreed to work another case 7a to 9 p Thur and Fri to make up the rest of my 40. Two back to back 14 hour shifts, packing, moving, cleaning, painting and school.

What the heck was I thinking?

It looks so easy on HGTV!

2011-10-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Urgh I hate painting. I love painted however. Trying to figure out color combinations and what looks good on the sticker vs. what looks good on the wall are two totally different things.

This is the kitchen wall color. Cabinets are white and the counters are a grayish blue as well.

This is the family room color... except it was supposed to be a soft brown , but looks more peachy gold.

I cannot however figure out a color to paint my bedroom wall. This is the decor.

Any ideas?

When will I ever learn?

2011-10-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

So today's Micro exam was an epic fail! I didn't really get to study as well as I should have, and not having had an exam created by that instructor, I had no idea exactly how to study. But I talked myself right out of the correct answer in the last minute. That correct answer was a MAJOR concept and of course effected every other question pretty much. So yeah I think an A is gonna be out of the question.

This class is boring and so stress free, unlike the rigor that was Chem, that the material just does not stick in my head. I really should have known after the first day I went, that the teacher's style and mine were not compatible.

Oh well... moving on and moving forward, can't look back. Maybe I'll rock the rest of the material!

Housekeeping

2011-10-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

82 degrees in Arizona means AC off and windows open. So as I am opening said windows it becomes apparent that I am a terrible housekeeper. I also hate hate hate to do it. So that makes sense. I say this because there is at least 2 inches of dust on my windowsills. Who would have thought to dust those? LOL

So I have decided to start looking for a housekeeper/cleaning service for the new house. Start right away and it'll stay clean right?

Ah...Domestic help... not just for the rich anymore!

Redecorating

2011-10-04T14:21:00.001-07:00

So I am thinking this will be my new couch and loveseat for the new house. I want a bold color to go with the the taupe, beige or gray walls I want to paint in the living room. The family room gets the old couch. Keeping in mind that pretty much all the walls in the common areas will have the same shade of paint. Except perhaps the kitchen.

When your birds are about to fly the nest

2011-10-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

So I haven't really mentioned the fact that my daughter turned 18 a week ago. I actually was in a bit of a funk over it. I just felt bad all that day! Which is totally unlike me when it comes to birthdays with the kids. I did make her her craving and a cake and it was a quiet family night. But no big bash or anything. Have any of you other mother's out there had a hard time with 18? Its just such a reminder of that impending empty nest. Which still won't be for awhile, but you know what I mean. The option for her is there. She got her first job too!

Don't get me wrong I am so proud of her!! She is growing up a wonderful woman. But she is growing up so fast! My son is not far behind that, he'll be 17 in two months!

What's a Mom to do?

House Updated!

2011-10-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am happy, a little shell shocked with regard to last minute fees. But overall, I got the house. Oh and did I mention it is only $850 a month! 3 bed 2 bath 1400 sq ft, huge island kitchen, french doors onto the patio from the master, bonus step down family room & formal living room.

Yeah for a 7 frigging mile commute. My wallet is going to be so happy!!To put it into perspective, Currently my daughter takes my car to school 4 days a week then over to work then home. Her drive to school is 33 miles 1 way, then 15 miles over to work then another 25 miles back to our house. Then I take the car and drive another 48 miles 1 way to my work. So that is 169 miles each day round trip when you add that, with a car that gets only 22-24 miles MPG... NOT a good deal. Plus its the car we drive everywhere else too. I put almost 700 miles a week on my car!

Moving is gonna suck... I am going to paint before we move in too. So here's hoping we get it all together!

on the Horizon

2011-09-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

October should be packed full of school getting ready. Time to get the RN application in order and get all the entrance exams taken again. Urgh! This really pisses me off... why does the HESI A2 expire? I mean its pre-nursing info. Its not like my knowledge base of reading and math are going to change much in a year!

Humm... now just to figure out when to take them. Microbiology is getting harder. So that's a "thing" , maybe now I will remember that it exists? Ok time to take my weekly quiz!

Ha Ha Ha

2011-09-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

I changed my mind again. Cross your fingers people. For some reason I really want this. Maybe because its not a beige box? Maybe because its only 7 miles from work? There was alot of interest though. : - (

Good News

2011-09-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

My daughter got her first job and I have decided to curtail the idea of moving in favor of redecorating and buying some new stuff... LOL

I just do not feel like packing, moving, unpacking, etc. I don't know but I think I am getting too lazy in my old age. Or the thought of yet another rental I will not be happy with has gotten to me?

Not an episode of House Hunters

2011-09-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

I really love that show... my son says, Its my fix for moving when we aren't actually moving. He is very perceptive. I like looking at houses, I love moving into a new place, new house clean, fresh paint smell. I hate the applications, credit checks and waiting. It's like car shopping.... I HATE car shopping.

What is it about this class?

2011-09-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot about it again!!! OMG... what is going on with me? I think it's because its only on Saturdays, there is no homework, and so far there has not been a need to study. I took a quiz today though online and realized that I should never second guess my first instinct because I do actually know this crap.

Anyway.. looking at two houses tomorrow after class. Wish us luck, It would be so nice to save money on gas and have a short commute for a change.

House Hunting again

2011-09-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

So we started house hunting again. Just for rentals right now. Since I like to move alot :-) Anyway its pretty much because the need for a shorter commute is just a big deal. Our current landlord wants us to sign another lease, but since ours expired in Aug, I really have only wanted to do a month to month so we could move in the cooler weather for a change.

However, because its a different market than I am used to I am not really sure where I want to start looking. Of course craigslist, but you still have to be careful. Also the areas we are looking in are 1 older and 2 can be sketchy. All I know is I prefer private rental vs management company. But closer to work and school is the key.

Last time this was easier I had a nice rental mls to look at!

Federal Jury Duty Summons

2011-09-18T02:55:00.000-07:00

Is this because I registered to vote? LOL Ok, so Federal Jury duty is pretty weird. I am actually "on call" for a whole week. I have to start calling on Oct 29th to see if I have to report to the courthouse and every day that week unless I am called in.

I work nights... this is pretty messed up. I think I would just prefer if they said come on this day and it be done with, like state jury duty is.

I actually wouldn't mind being picked for a jury though. I think it'd be interesting in some aspect at least. But I don't want to have to drive down there after a night shift either... ya know!

Is there Facebook in Heaven?

2011-09-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot of deaths in my family over the past few years. Which is normal for an aging HUGE family. Some more expected than others. My point is that is it me or do you think its weird to post facebook posts to the hereafter?

Has facebook replaced good old fashioned prayer or graveside visits?

I think there are some things that social media should just not be used for. Seeing someone post on a dead person's wall is just plain old spooky... and to me it kinda hurts my heart a little every time I see their face and name pop up on my status updates.

Back

2011-09-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

Back from Mass and back to work. 3 12's plus class this week. As well as two nights of wearing the sleep study weirdness.

Today was lab work then helping my son get his butt back in gear with his last couple days of his first block of classes. Art History sucks! LOL

So... hum not much else really going on right now. Hope everyone else is well!

Reflections

2011-09-10T05:11:00.000-07:00

This last couple of days have actually been nice in a way. I have been able to reconnect with family and haven't had to deal with the actual loss yet. Funeral and Wake are Monday and Tuesday. At which time this trip will start to suck again.

My emotions are really on the brink right now. I have that perpetual lump in the throat, every little thing brings the tears to the surface, which I refuse to shed yet, and to top it all off I am having panic attacks.

Mostly the panic attacks were due to driving on these tiny streets again. Wow driving here in the dark sucks! Az's wide open can see for miles streets are a whole new world compared to the cramped and winding, can't see the sky through the trees, pot holed filled streets of New England.

Oh and my asthma had flared up with a vengeance!

So yeah I love and miss my family sooo much... but Massachusetts is not a good place for me to live anymore.

Sad way to see the family

2011-09-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

Headed out to Boston. My Aunt died VERY unexpectedly. My Mom's practical twin, they were only 11 months apart. Very tough week ahead. I went back and forth over going and in the end decided that in order to make my mom go, or else she'd regret it, I booked the tickets.

Then about 5 hours later remembered that I have a class this week and a test. OK I think there is just something about this class that doesn't want me to go.

Oh well I get one exam make-up and hopefully this will be it.

RIP Auntie Cathy... I love you! Thank you so much for your support, you will be missed!

When its easy....

2011-09-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Its easy to forget that I am actually taking a class. I have a quiz this week I need to take and an exam this week I need to study for. She says its the easiest of the 4 exams she will give and usually the one everyone does the worst on because of her style of testing. So either I should get my ass in gear and get cracking... or I already know the material. I can't figure out what it is just yet... because I can actually spit out a lot of crap on the topic. Hummm... why does it feel easy when I know it's really not?

The content should improve soon, I also need to study a bit to retake my HESI A2 and HESI-PN for the application. Mine have expired. Sucks because my scores rocked.

This heat is really adding to the tired and lazy feeling I have. I am sooo over this damn dog days of summer! Triple digits begone already... don't you know its nearly Fall?

Protein Powder Samples

2011-09-04T20:21:00.001-07:00

So I am not a big protein powder or bar fan or anything. But I have to figure out something I can tolerate for a few weeks. I found this site that sells Peanut Butter Cookie, Chocolate Cake & Vanilla Cake flavors. I assume that just adding cake to a flavor does not actually make it any better than just plain old chocolate or vanilla but the peanut butter one sounds interesting.

Apples to Oranges

2011-09-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

Wow comparing Chemistry to Microbiology is like the title suggests. I mean there is VERY little stress to this class at all. I have tiny lab projects, easy quizzes, and no math! LOL

We are told the exams will be a bit harder of course with, multiple choice, essay and fill in the blank labels. But other than the SNAFU at the beginning of the semester so far I feel wayyyy better about this semester as opposed to Chemistry.

Of course I knew going in that Chem was going to be hard which is why I kept putting it off but I do not dream about Micro which is good, because its just nasty!

Note to self

2011-08-31T16:02:00.001-07:00

When you get a prescription that is for a Thiazide... even though it says take q AM... take it q PM instead!!!

So work crisis averted

2011-08-30T07:47:00.001-07:00

I did get written up. But oh well could have been worse. I mean I think every Nurse gets written up for something in her career. It was not my first and I am sure it will not be my last. However, it will never be for the same thing! But my meeting was not with the snotty bitches it was with the RN manager and she is pretty nice so that was a good thing. My BP couldn't take anymore.

So anyway I am off to my PCP to see about getting some BP meds and maybe some happy pills. This is going to be the start of 6 months of doctor visits to get ready for the "new journey"... the bad part is that if I get into the Spring RN program this new journey could be a little harder to accomplish, but it WILL be done.

182/101

2011-08-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

Wow that is crazy. I know I have been feeling bad lately. I know I have a TON of stress. But when the doctor says that I should send you to the ER... you know something is up. HR was 120 and Pulse Ox was 93% on RA.

Why as nurses do we neglect ourselves so much?

First Day... Fail

2011-08-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

So apparently there was a mix up and not only did my class start last week, NOT TODAY, but I also missed a quiz I can't make up.

HOLY FUCK!! How on earth did this happen? I checked that date a million freaking times and it showed up as the 27th not the 20th. Of course when I go in today and look at it the dates are no longer there because class had "started"

I totally SUCK at life this week! I got a call from work saying we need to discuss some issues when I go in on Monday. Course I know its about being behind on paperwork and all due to all this back and forth to the PICU stuff but anyway... you never want to hear those words.

I have been looking for extra hours and have actually gotten to interviews for adult visiting nursing and prn facility shifts. So worse comes to worse and I get in more trouble than I should... well... here's hoping!

Deja vu... again

2011-08-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

First day of classes start for me tomorrow. Already I have been having trouble sleeping. But I think it was more related to my daughter's school issues, which were solved AFTER I paid for everything out of pocket. WTF? The Book Advance came in the day after I had already paid for her books. So needless to say she was able to buy a brand new laptop for herself with the money instead. But since she will totally need that for classes anyway it went to good use. Now to restock my bank account! Between my tuition and books and her tuition and books this paying as I go thing was a really silly idea :-)

Snotty Bitches

2011-08-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Some people just have that tone of voice that insights the term. I have to deal with them on an infrequent basis, like q2w. I am so glad its not daily. Urgh!

Two College Students in the Family

2011-08-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wow where did the time go? Classes start tomorrow for the girl and Saturday for me!

In other news I have a deep ache/burning sensation in my calf that is very close to the back of my knee. It has lasted quite awhile now. It sucks! I think I need to make an appointment to get in to see the GP this week if I have time.

8 more days until "other journey" starts. Hummm wonder how that will go?

Ok off to the grocery store and over to celebrate my nephew's 21st birthday.

Vent it upon the blogosphere...

2011-08-18T15:29:00.001-07:00

And someone listens apparently. Crisis averted.

PS Sorry

2011-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Ok sorry this hasn't had much nursing or school related stuff on it... but it will get better soon. I promise!

In other news I freaked out over touching a stingray and my husband and son got to pet a shark!

Just when you catch up...

2011-08-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

Something comes along and knocks you back down. Urgh!! I love my job but the fact that they didn't pay me for 1 week is making things pretty fricking tight right now. It is times like this I really miss punching a time clock instead of relying on email or faxing paperwork. Not to mention that I am not working this week as it stands. Hopefully she'll be home by Thursday so I can squeeze in another 40 hours in 3 days and stay on track.

In addition there is so much to do for my daughter for college right now and her school has decided to start a new Book Advance Program to replace the book voucher system. Oh great! Since classes start next week and that program is not up and running, now what?

I DO NOT have the cash for her books this week... because of said paycheck SNAFU! Urgh!! If its not one thing its another!

So guess what...

2011-08-12T06:07:00.001-07:00

Another hospital trip and a forced extra long weekend. Pretty sure that I'll be able to pick up the hours at the end of the week if all goes well though.

Tonight was a long night... so hard to stay awake.( Ok I admit it my eyes did close a time or two) But I found this really cool Youtube site that was pretty funny to watch. A nurse who has all kinds of advice and she is really informative. So I really had nothing to do. my night consisted of monitoring an IV infusion, maintaining NPO status and a few accuchecks. Hummm... 1 med/shot to give this AM and a tiny bit of charting and my day is over and I can go home and sleep for a bit.

Oh and I had a thought during this time... Although I am really looking forward to Nursing School again (ok how psycho does that make me sound?) I really am not looking forward to being a "Student Nurse"... to me it feels like a backward step, because I AM a Nurse... ya know?? Oh well, just stupid thinking.

The Night shift 15

2011-08-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Is there a such thing as the Night shift 15... like the Freshman 15? Well my freaking scrub tops are starting to get too damn tight! URGH!!

The actual word DIET is in my future I guess! Well actually it is, which is part of my changes happening. That along with a new acronym in my vocabulary WLS.

T minus 20 days until the beginning of a new "Journey" in my life.

GPA Fail

2011-08-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

After enrolling my son into his new school, they posted his cumulative GPA to his stats page and boy wasn't I proud when it popped up with a fat 1.92!!

OMG.. I have never seen a GPA that low. Needless to say there was one LONG ass lecture after that and when I pointed out how I expected this term to be alot higher in his usual smart ass self he responds, " Well I wanted to set the bar low... it can only go up."

Urgh teenagers!

Although it's not like its the GPA or the grades that really matter to me. I want them to learn the subject. Overall his score reflects the fact that his midterm and final grades were A's but the homework and participation grades were zeros. Equals D's in his world. Frustrating none-the-less.

Elemental Changes...

2011-08-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

There just may be an new element to this blog soon. Something exciting for me to talk about, reflect on, and rejoice in.

Stay tuned for further information as it becomes available!

Milestones

2011-08-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

On Monday my son will start his Jr/Sr year in Highschool. He is planning on accelerating the year. Conceptually he could graduate this year. A part of me is happy for his focus and his goal to finally concentrate on his studies and apply himself. Another part is scared because he is doing so because he wants to join the Army. He's excited about about it. He wants to be an Army Sniper so he can join the SWAT team when he finishes college for his Criminal Justice Degree and ultimately attempt a career with the FBI. I am scared of this on so many levels.

In 20 days my daughter will start her Freshman Year in College toward a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or Psychology. Wow! So proud of her! So excited for her.

But still I feel so old right now and alot sad that my nest will be empty so soon.

I haven't said this in awhile...

2011-08-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

But even though my job has it moments when I am not getting paid, I really LOVE my job. I don't think I could have found a better placement. I actually am learning alot but without the stress of all the crap that goes along with traditional nursing.

Now we just have to keep her healthy so I can get paid on regular basis.

10 Things you may not know...

2011-07-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

1.) I married my High School sweatheart, but he wasn't my first marriage.
2.) I had a miscarriage at 16
3.) I ran over an abusive boyfriend's foot with my car to get away from him and the cop arrested him.
4.) I had cancer when I was 27 & became a patient on the floor I worked on as a PCT/CNA at the time. Subsequently, I had to quit that job and I changed careers because I became phobic of hospitals for awhile.
5.) I remember every fiction book nearly word for word after I have read them. But I like to reread them anyway.
6.) I do not like crowded places and will have a panic attack if someone bumps into me at the store and need to leave right away, full cart or not. (This one happened today.. again)
7.) I have a GED, since I dropped out of school in the 12th grade to have my daughter. Even though I had A's throughout school and only 1 class left to take.
8.) I have a had more than a few one night stands.
9.) I am not religious AT ALL. Which saddens me.
10.) My father is 1 of 18 kids, my mother is 1 of 10 kids. They each have a brother named Bobby who is their only sibling to have passed away.

Saturday

2011-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

So I have taken the great advise given, taken into account my utter lack of interest in paying so much for gas, and need & enjoyment of sleep. I have decided to sacrifice every Saturday for 16 weeks to the Microbiology department. I figure with 1 day a week in person class as opposed to 4 day a week in person class, I can actually finish my final online Humanities course too and be done with my ADN requirements.

Then just in case I have to wait one more semester for the RN Block I can roll into my three BSN general ed pre-reqs. Of course I chose this particular track aka school based on the fact that I do not have to take an extra Math class but its still a long pricey road ahead.

I feel like I will be in school forever!

I can't put my finger on it...

2011-07-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

But I feel kinda weird right now. I have this foreboding feeling like... depression is sitting on the edges and is going to smack me in the face again. I hope its just because of the giant ball of stress that has had me emotionally tied in knots for the last 8 weeks is over and my mind and body just don't know how to cope with the lifted weight.

Could it be I function better in stress?

PS... I Did not get an A in Chem but I did get a B. Our school does not differentiate from a B- B or B+ but my overall grade was a freaking 89%!! Sooo close!

Do I wanna put myself through this again?

2011-07-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

So over the past 8 weeks I have been going to school and working 4 days a week. Learning a tough subject, having nightmares and stress breakouts over it, and getting very little sleep. I am SOOO glad to report that the chem equation nightmares have stopped! So here in lies my dilemma though...

Microbiology is coming next. I am enrolled in an 8 week class again, which means class 4 days a week with lab 2 days. Same as before. Of course those are the exact same days I work. Except this time it will give me a few hours to sleep after work before class and a few hours before I have to go into work after class. Except unlike Chemistry the school is NOT close to where I work or where I live. So it'll cost a ton more in gas and those extra hours after school will be filled by driving. I want to do the 8 week because it will complete in October in time for the applications for the RN block 3. Of course they won't know if they have placements until December and the 16 week Saturday class ends in early December. Hummmm....

What to do?? I do know that I can submit my application with the Micro in progress since it will complete by the time selection happens, plus the higher your HESI the greater your chances of placement, and my HESI was pretty damn high. But incomplete applications are put to the bottom of the stack.

Urgh... I am really leaning toward the Saturday 16 week class for my sanity and all But I don't know! It'll only a short time and I made it through this one!

Its final

2011-07-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

So chem final in the bag. Good news is the Internet gave me the EXACT final that we had. Bad news is that I didn't memorize every question and answer. But the good news is that when I compared the practice exam he gave us with the "practice" exam I found on the computer, I realized two important things; One, they totally recycle exams per semester. And two, I actually learned the material and got an A on my final anyways.

So depending on where he places my extra credit and where all the other points fit in....I still have a chance for an A for the course. Can you believe that?

What I want Vs What I got

2011-07-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

I intended on working enough hours in the rest of this week to fill up 40 hours. What I have decided to do is actually only work 36. 3 12 hour shifts Thur, Fri & today Sat. Why? Well because I have to do 3 10 hour shifts immediately following. As in 10 on Sunday, Mon and Tuesday. I of course have the option of extending somewhere, but since I have not really been getting much sleep, and two I still have this last week of school. I do not want a lack of sleep killer migraine during my final on Thursday.

Oh how I can not wait for this class to be OVER! Must get some study time in tonight. Finish up my lab report and study guide/extra credit packet.

PS. Went to see Harry Potter yesterday before work with the boy. It was a very good movie. Can't believe its over and been 10 years since we first went to see the movie and I had never even heard of the books!

Is there a crack in the bell curve?

2011-07-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Heck I was under the impression that there was NOT a bell curve at all in our chemistry class, but apparently it falls somewhere around how much you cry and exactly how many points he can give you on the extra credit final review to justify a passing grade so as not to upset his pass/fail ratio.

I am not speaking about me... but damn I really hope there isn't a crack in that curve where my name should be.

The third exam is completed and it best 2 out of 3 decision time tomorrow. He said a 1/3 of the class got A's except I totally KNOW I am not one of them. A few questions I strictly had to guess and they were NOT multiple choice. I am having sooo much trouble working out the word problems and during tutoring I get it, then wham! gone from my mind on just where to start. I see the question and BLANK!

Nursing math is wayyyyy easier than this!

here's hoping for a C!

Nothing

2011-07-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

I've got nothing to talk about except bitching... so I won't.

Relapse

2011-07-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Back to the PICU. Urgh! But I got about 30 hours in in two weeks. Of course I was offered to pick up three shifts this weekend with another kid, BUT a 1 hour and 45 minute commute each way is NOT worth the money when entering a hostile environment with a family you have never met before, just because I know the kid.