First Days of Nursing School

Since I just started nursing school this week, I thought it would fun to jot down a few thoughts along the way to reflect back in a year when I am through with the BSN program. My first thoughts of going back to school for a second Bachelor's degree were less than thrilled but I needed to do something. I applied to PA school two years in a row and both years I was wait listed, by different schools I might add. I couldn't keep my life, and now Eric's life on hold any longer. I had to move to plan B. I heard through a couple different friends about an accelerated nursing program, for students who already have a Bachelor's degree, that would take 1 year to complete instead of 2. So I looked into it found out that it's actually a BSN/MSN nursing program where I can be a nurse practitioner in two years if I continue on after the first year but it is not required. Well, I went through the very rigorous and huge packet of material  to apply, I got accepted and monday was my first day of school. My first day pretty much consisted of all the normal things you do on any first day, but we started lecture for 1 of the 3 graduate courses I am taking in the first 5 weeks, as well. Yes, you heard me right…3 grad courses in 5 weeks. This means at least 2 tests every week, 2 papers, and 4 projects…apparently this is possible…lets hope so for my sake. After that, all the courses are undergraduate level, but I have to keep my grades C or higher (not to hard right?) and pass 2 HESSY exams or be kicked out of the program, and then take my NCLEX…and in the middle of everything do all my rotations and my practicum!! It's going to be so much work, a lot of sacrifice, and little sleep for the next year but on the bright side I am a college Senior all over again instead of a Freshman! hahahha. Well I bought my books and nursing uniform, and white coat this week, and we started taking pulse and blood pressures today (thank goodness I have these mastered from working the last 2 years). I love my Pharmacology class so far and Pathophysiology is interesting….. really looking forward to the time where I can be working on my own, but I can use all the prayers I can get to get through this program, so if you're feeling generous send them my way. :)

Sunday Family Dinner

Sunday dinner with the family was YUMMMMMMY tonight! After church all the fam came back to the house and we had a shrimp boil with everyone! Just another reason its fun to be home!

My younger brother Aaron and my nephew Thomas!

Baby Allie(my niece) is about 6 weeks old now.

My dad and SIL Rebecca

The chef, my older brother Eric.

Me and Rebecca waiting for dinner to be ready.

With my momma

holding sweet baby Allie

DINNER!

My Brothers

Most of us about to dig in.

All this food as well as cheese grits…mmm mmm good!

July Events

Well so much has happened within the last few weeks I don't know if this post will make any since but I'll try to fit it all in. Before Eric and I left Utah a couple things happened. First he surprised me with a new hp net book computer one day after work. It is required for my nursing program, and he found an awesome deal on one and ordered it, it's wonderful!

If you haven't heard about all the fires in Utah, well there were lots! I was able to snap a few shots of a couple of them. 

This was the fire in Herriman, Ut. I could see it just over the hill near the WAL-MART I was shopping at.

This is the fire in Alpine, Ut. that started one afternoon while I was at work up by the UofU. The smoke cloud was huge! Look how high it goes above the mountains! 

And in between all these events Eric and I were in the middle of moving! We have been so busy packing and moving it has left little time for much else, and yet we still found time to fit some fun in. 

Eric can make anything fun…really just a big kid..well he turned the big 30 on the 10th, but I can't share any pictures yet because the movers haven't delivered our stuff yet, and the cord to upload the pictures from the camera is in a box somewhere amongst our stuff….so I'll save that post for later. 

I can't write this post and leave out the sweet party I got at work before I left. For the past 2 years I have worked for ARUP Medical Laboratories. I worked in Blood Services first running the lab tests(not exactly that, but thats the easiest way to describe it) and then for the last 6 months, working as a phlebotomist. I drew blood, did physical exams, medical histories, that kind of stuff….think Red Cross, but we're BETTER! Anyways the best part of my job was the people I worked with! I have made so many friends wile working there and because we work such crazy long hours most days we probably see each other as much as our own families. Well, my last day of work they made so special for me with a little party, a card that most of my coworkers signed who weren't out on some blood drive or off for the day, and even some cute jewelry from our cleaning lady! I can't believe I won't be seeing them all everyday any more…it makes me a little sad but I hope we can stay in touch!

The morning Eric and I were all set up to leave for Alabama, we just did not want to get up. We had stayed up so late the night before, cleaning the apartment, and going to dinner with friends, and just visiting with those who stopped by to say bye, that we didn't get to sleep till almost 2 am, and since the movers had already come and picked everything up, we got to sleep on a very empty, but clean floor, with a couple blankets and a pillow. We slept GREAT, maybe a little too great since we couldn't seem to get moving till about 9am, but I think we were both so tired from our long week of packing and moving. I've moved before, but moving across the country is nothing like moving down the road. Anyways here are a few shots from our little road trip to Dixie.

Before we could leave Wyoming on the drive through, Eric bought me a little hat he thought was the perfect mix of wyoming and bama.

Driving through Rock Springs, Wy.

The car was super packed!

We drove through the night both days we were traveling. The first night we drove through and stopped at Eric's Aunt and Uncle's house in Kansas City, Mo. at 7am. due to our late start. This is the sun rising in Missouri. While we were there we got to go to Liberty Jail with some cousins! I was really excited about that.

Since we arrived here in Daphne, Eric and I have been running around nonstop doing errands, trying to get settled into the house, unpacking, and spending lots of time with my family. Today once the rain stopped I took Eric down to "Gator Alley" (its really just a little boardwalk over a little creek they all hand out in) it took some convincing cause he is a little scared of the reptiles, but we were lucky and spotted a gator!

Other than that I am just happy to have more living space to move around in, and a large Kitchen to cook in. This Sunday is a family shrimp boil at our place! Stop on in!

Last Weekend in Utah

As you all know by now, Eric and I are moving to Alabama and it is happening this week!!! I'm sure our first long road trip together will be something quite interesting to blog about when its all said and done! haha But this weekend was sadly our last one here in Utah, that won't be spent cleaning and heading out on the road for DIXIE! Eric and I were able to attend one of my most favorite people in world's wedding this weekend. My friend from college, Steffaney Clark married her love this weekend in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, and we were lucky enough to attend the sealing and the reception. It was so special for me to be there with her and I love her, and wish them all the happiness in the world as they start there new life together.

Later that same day, I also was blessed to attend a baby shower for Jaylene, a girl I work with at ARUP. She is so great, and it was fun to spend time with a few of the ladies from outside of work.

The mommy to be of a little boy!

All of us who were able to make it.

Silly Picture

The rest of the weekend was spent working, packing, and cleaning, and just enjoying the super hot weather we've been having in Utah (103 F…AHHHH). With all the scary fires going on here in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado I can't help but feel somewhat glad we are getting out now…well, just in time for Hurricane season to start on the gulf coast I guess…eh, well I guess no matter where you go natural disasters will find you! We are just excited to start this new chapter in our lives! Let the good times roll!