A New Chapter

Like Whoa.

2011-11-21T01:05:00.001-08:00

It's been awhile since I've posted anything. Not much to tell. I'm just extremely happy with my life. I've set some new goals and love where I'm at and where I'm going. I want to always be going and that's what is making me happy.

My job is still great and have had some really "interesting" and scary experiences there.
My new place I'm living in is still amazing and always gets better with the wonderful people I live with.
I'm taking more control of my health and feel happier for it.

I don't know how else to explain anything. I love being so blessed and so happy. I'm learning to have an attitude of gratitude and that really helps me fulfil everything else.

Hope everyone else is doing well!!

Moving Day.

2011-08-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Yup, today is the day! I've moving out. My family is probably super excited about this one!

I've been thinking about moving to my own place lately (it's about time I grew up, right??) and I've been apartment hunting for the last couple of weeks. It's been so fun dreaming of my own place, but renting just a one bedroom is so expensive! Geez. I could almost buy a house for the amount of rent I'd be paying. But I'm not ready for the expenses of my own house quite yet either.

Luckily, I found a house to rent instead that is beautiful and has a backyard! Love backyards. At first I wasn't thrilled with the idea of having roommates, but after seeing the house, talking to my future roommates, and knowing I wouldn't be breaking the bank, I felt a lot better about it than renting an apartment. It all just seemed to work out and this is what I need to be doing for right now.

It may not be my own dream house, but it's close to it. I'll post pictures after we're all moved in.

Ok, I'll post one picture.. the kitchen is AMAZING!!! Pretty much the reason I wanted to live there. I will be attempting my cooking skills in this place... keyword: attempting. I may just end up eating a lot of cereal instead.

Latest Happenings

2011-07-10T23:56:00.000-07:00

I can't sleep right now so I decided I'd blog something instead.

What I've been up to...

I had FIVE whole days off from work so I went to Utah in my brand new car to celebrate! Loved that I could drive a car that I wasn't afraid would break down on me. It was a wonderful trip and I'm so happy that I got to go home. Made me miss it. Especially the trees.

Visiting my brother's 1908, ghetto house.

Visiting my gorgeous friend Andrea and eating at The Oaks in Ogden Canyon. The food is so good and the view was was perfect! We ate by the river!! How have I not been here??

The waterfall in Ogden Canyon. I can't believe I never noticed this before!

You'd think I'd never seen green before and technically I really haven't in about 5 years. Vegas has ruined my idea of green apparently.

We went to the Capitol to watch a movie in the park.

It was surprisingly cold that night too! Or maybe I'm too accustomed to Vegas weather now.

The beautiful Salt Lake City Temple!!

I also went to Lagoon but decided to not take any pictures for some reason even though I had my camera with me. The rollarcoasters were just too much fun and I was eating too much cotton candy to even think about it.

I haven't really been up to much else besides work and work is still going well. Feeling like things are starting to make sense compared to when I first started.

Also, my best friend Leah got married! That was wonderful to experience and be a part of even though there was so much behind-the-scenes drama. What wedding doesn't have drama though?? It still turned out perfectly and I couldn't be happier for them!

(All I know is, I will hire someone else to do everything if I ever get married. Geez).

Also started doing Bikram Yoga. Torturously amazing I tell you! But being off for 2 weeks for the wedding and this vacation did not help one bit. So it feels like day 1 again.

And that's the latest for now. Happy Summer Time!

Baby Blue

2011-05-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

Dream job... check!

Dream car... check, check!!

Yes it's come true. I got my dream car and even better than I could have imagined! I feel so blessed. I wasn't even planning on buying a car and it just happened. I guess that's how great things in our life happen sometimes, right? Unplanned.

Introducing: My 2007 Toyota Camry LE:

(I just want to stare at it all day!)

Next... dream vacation!

Instead of Paris, I'll be going to Italy. This makes me happier because I have more of an interest in Italy than Paris. Plus, I cannot wait to eat real Italian food!!!

Then, the ultimate dream... my dream house!

But that's waaaay down the road.

So until then I'm going to enjoy this.

And I apologize for how jumpy this post may seem. I'm just a little happy today :)

My Favorite Things...

2011-04-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

1. I get to enjoy my weekend off (5 day weekend to be exact!!) and go to some baseball games. That makes my heart melt.

2. I haven't cared much about the royal wedding but I woke up this morning and decided to watch some re-runs/clips and now I'm a believer. Her dress was magical, elegant, and perfect.

3. I'm going to be taking my first trip ever on my own! It'll be next year and I'll be going to London and Paris with one of those tour groups with a good friend of mine. After finishing school and getting the dream job, I kept wondering, what now?? I'm satisfied with my career, my friends are all moving on, what do I do now?? For the last 3 or 4 years, it was always "finish school, just finish school, get a job." I didn't think much of what to do after I was done because the end didn't seem in sight at the time. And now that I've done that I've felt lost so tt's nice to have something to look forward to. Plus, what's the point of working if you're not going to live?? We work to live, not live to work (that's how I'm justifying all this!)

4. My dream car. I know exactly what I want, but can't pick out a color yet. Plus, I'm working on getting a few things taken care of before I commit to that big of a purchase. So I guess I have another thing I'm looking forward to.

5. My hair.
hahaha! Ok that sounds lame, but I can't think of anything else and since I just put my hair up in one try, which never happens, that makes me like life.

Happy Weekend!

My ABC's

2011-04-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing this little game lately and thought I'd give it a try. Why else? Because I'm bored and I realize I haven't updated this blog for awhile...

Age: 26

Bed size: Queen

Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom. I will avoid it at all costs or bribe other people to do it.

Dogs: We used to have a pug named Maggie and now we have this other dog named Lucy. I have no idea what breed she is, but she's so cute!

Essential start of your day: ESPN.

Favorite color: Pink.

Gold or silver: Silver.

Height: 5'6".

Instruments I play (or have played): I played the sax in 6th grade for like a couple months.

Job title: Registered Nurse.

Kids: Just my dog.

Live: Las Vegas, NV.

Mom's name: Lorie

Nickname: Meg(s), Woody

Overnight hospital stays: None.. knock on wood.

Pet peeve: When people are late when they said they would be there at a certain time!!!

Quote from a movie: "There's no crying in baseball!"

-League of their Own

Right or left handed: I write with my left hand and do pretty much everything else with my right hand.

Siblings: I'm the oldest of four.

Time you wake up: Depends on the day. If I work, 5:15ish; if I don't work, around 8 or 9. And if I had a really bad day the day before at work... never!

Underwear: Do you mean right now?

Vegetables you dislike: Most of them.. too many to name.

What makes you run late: I'm rarely late.. I'm actually always early because I hate being late. I live by the quote.. "Better to be 3 hours too soon than one minute too late." -Shakespeare. You never know what opportunity you could be missing... :)

X-rays you've had done: Teeth.

Yummy food you make: Nothing! Probably why I'll never get married :P

Zoo animal: Tigers.

I know I'm boring, but whatever, if you've made it to this last sentence then you are just as boring as I am!! bahahahaha!!! jk :)

Starting Over.

2011-02-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

My job is fantastic! I've been in training the last 6 weeks and now I'll be on my own starting Sunday... yikes! Wish me luck. Handling six patients has been good and I'm surprised I'm handling it, but I don't know how it'll be without someone there with me all the time.

But that's not what I want to talk about. I decided it's a good time to start over and I'm referring to my wardrobe. I kid you not, I have not been clothes shopping since starting nursing school!! I never had time, money, and I didn't really care about it because it sucks to shop when you don't have money coming in. Of course, I may have bought an occassional few items here and there in the past, but looking at my clothes now you'd never know it because they're falling apart or stained or both (I really am not a great caretaker of clothes apparently). Now I've decided to slowly replace old clothes with new ones!

Also, all I have bought with any extra spending money I have is scrubs. That's great and all, but I don't live in the hospital. So I decided since I never shop just for myself, I can justify in going... and I'm loving it.

I'm so in love...

2011-01-21T23:16:00.000-08:00

With my life that is.

My job is amazing and perfect for me. I've never been happier and I'm glad it worked out the way it did because I thought what I wanted was what was better for me. And it turns out the thing I wanted probably wouldn't have been as great as I thought. The change I was given has been even better than I can imagine.

I still can't believe how much the Lord's hand has played in my life and how He's given me so much when I haven't deserved it at all. Especially because it took me so long to see it and it took me so long to stop being a selfish brat about it. I'm so grateful and I hope to remember these happy moments for when hard times come. I honestly haven't felt this truly happy ever in my life. I didn't know such happiness and joy existed! I didn't know I would ever be allowed such joy in this life. Is that crazy or what??

This quote is for future reference and I just love it:
“If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.” -Elder Wirthlin

One Resolution.

2011-01-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

I love feeling like you can start over during this time of year. Granted, that can be anytime of the year, but why not do it right after the holidays when all the sweets are gone?? ha ha ha!

So far I've been keeping up with my project (since October) and that's kind of exciting to me because I usually get bored at this point and I haven't yet. So, yay! And since it's the new year I thought I'd share it again as something I'll be working on for this coming year.

Sooo... if you want to check it out, then click HERE.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Work Update.

2010-12-29T22:36:00.000-08:00

I feel a lot better about all of it. I'm actually really, really happy!

I've been on the floor the past couple of days and it's been great! Still don't know what I'm doing half of the time, but luckily everyone has been really helpful and nice. I like knowing there's so much to do in this field even though I'm not independent yet. But I'm in no rush for that! ha ha ha! Just like taking the baby steps for now.

I am so happy and relieved to have this job. I can't stop feeling so good inside!! I've never had that happen to me before.

BUT... (now this is my negative side talking) I'm just worried because you know the saying, "What goes up, must come down."

Hmmm.... just hoping I can handle it all when that happens because the way I've been feeling lately, that "down" is going to be really hard.

So... new goal for the new year:

Face every challenge head on and with a better attitude than before.

Ok go!

Yikes!

2010-12-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

I'm so nervous and I haven't even started yet. Plus, I'm worried about a few things not working out so my dream job feels like it could be taken away at any moment. PLUS, with all the talk about the program and expectations I keep feeling even more inadequate so I keep worrying that it will be taken away. Are they sure my name was the one they picked??

I haven't even started yet and I'm already feeling this way. Can't imagine what I'll feel like if they let me on the floor!

Well....

2010-12-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes it's true... I GOT THE JOB!!!!

Somehow everything worked out perfectly and so far still is. Looking back at everything, especially the last four years, I can finally see how it worked out... everytime. Sadly I couldn't see it during that time with all the tears, fears, struggles, selfishness, anguish, pity, stress (ok, ok you get the picture). But it's time to learn from that, leave it behind, and move on so I can embrace the present and future. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and still don't feel like I deserve it. But I'm going to do my best with it and earn it :)

So the job is a new graduate program at a hospital that I worked at during my last semester of school. I really, really liked working there and have been wanting to start my career there (yes, I said career.. how cool is that?!). I've been in contact with people there since I graduated and have been just waiting it out until an opportunity like this came. It's hard for new graduates to get a job without experience because it cost a lot more money to train a new graduate then it does someone with experience. This is the first time this hospital or any hospital in Nevada has ever done a new graduate program. It's so new to the hospital that I'm not sure exactly what will be going on, but this is what I understand of it so far...

It's a one year residency which means a guaranteed job for a year!! Yay! For the first five weeks we'll be rotating on all the different units and afterwards we'll pick/be assigned a unit. We'll then have a preceptorship for 6-8 weeks on that unit. But that's as much as I know so far. I'm sure there will be classes and such in between and throughout. But the point is, they'll be designing this program for us!!

I'm extremely nervous and yet I have never been so at peace and felt so happy about my life now and the future.

Thank you to an understanding, patient, loving Heavenly Father for still believing in me even though I don't deserve it. And thank you for wonderful family and friends for the love, support, and prayers!!!

I finally made it!!!

Interview.

2010-12-02T23:45:00.000-08:00

Finally had my first nursing interview today. Couldn't sleep and I was eating anything in sight because I was so stressed about it. I've been on plenty of interviews before, but this was my first grown-up interview so it's kind of a big deal.

We had two interviews in one day with two different panels. I felt so average, inadequate and unoriginal, but who doesn't feel that way during an imporant interview when you have no experience?! Moving on...

It's hard to say how they're going to determine who gets in with so many good applicants... so this weekend is going to be pretty nerve racking. But at least I can say I've been on one nursing interview since graduating (and I secretly hope it will be my last) so whatever happens will be for the best.... right?!

Ok, I'll find out next week if I made the cut and if I did I'll expound more on it. If not, well... whoever reads this will get to hear me complain some more :D Lucky you!

Photo Shoot!!

2010-11-21T23:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not a photographer by any means, but my dear friend Ferlayna asked me (of all people!) to take some shots of her and we had a little fun. Plus, I think she's gorgeous and wanted to show her off!!

I took so many photos and had a hard time choosing some, but here are a few of my favorites...

(This last one is the one she chose to hang on her wall... I feel like a proud mama!!)

Better.

2010-11-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

I realized how negative my last post was and I just wanted to update. Feeling much better and finding things in my life that are better than I could hope for. It's just taking me a little effort and a lot of prayer.

The end.

Just a Thought

2010-11-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

"I feel like I'm exisiting instead of living."

Found that on a postsecret card and just realized that's how I've been feeling lately too. The problem is trying to get away from that feeling, but not knowing exactly how to either. So discouraging and frustrating when you want to live, but others (including yourself) keep making you exist.

Hello, Hello!

2010-10-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

What you've missed...

1. I graduated from college.

2. I took my boards and miraculously passed, which gave me my RN license :D

3. My birthday. Which was utterly awesome because I got to spend it with family I never see, friends that are always there, and the idea that my future is about to unfold.

4. I started another PROJECT. Or should I say, I'm attempting the same project.. again... for the millionth time. No guarantees on this one either... I tend to say that and not follow through so no promises! :P I decided to do it here on blogger to see how I like it since I've seen some friends have it on here as well and found that I do like it. So follow along if you want :) And just to warn you, I'm not great with pictures nor am I good with how to fix up a blog so... yea. It is, what it is.

5. And just went more blonde... literally.. not dumb blonde joke blonde!! :P But it could have affects on my brain so we'll see!

Another of Life's Lessons

2010-08-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Every semester I've had to come back from something. I thought this was the one semester that things would be ok, not amazing or great, just ok and that was enough for me because I felt like I finally learned from my mistakes in the past and I would be able to get to enjoy that accomplishment.

How foolish of me to think such a thing! I missed passing that exam by one question. I keep dwelling on everything I didn't do, but it's not going to change anything and I can't let it effect what I will do in the future. So I've decided to hand it over to the Lord and if this is supposed to work out it will and if not... well then I guess I'll have my answer.

"It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life's story will develop."
President Uchtdorf (www.mormon.org)

Frrriiiidaayyyyyyy!!

2010-08-04T19:08:00.001-07:00

Ahh! Big test on Friday. The second most important one of my life, but the BIGGEST one of this semester. I need to pass and if I don't....well, yea. Won't go in to it too much because I don't want to think about it, but pretty much I'll have to delay graduation if I don't pass.

Soooo.... I need some help from whoever is reading this please! I need your prayers and positive thoughts around noon on Friday! I feel good and calm about it, but it doesn't hurt to have some back up and support!! :D

Thank you all!!!

Only 14 more dayyysss!!!

.:Maggie:.

2010-07-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

They sedated her and I held her in my arms the entire time. I cried and then held back the tears and then cried again. Even though I knew we had planned to put our precious pug to sleep it didn't seem real to me until that moment I held her. She made all the wrong in the world go away and knowing that she wouldn't be there for that ever again hurt.

I know it's silly to feel this way about a dog, but I guess only true pet lovers will understand this.

It felt like a normal day... a normal day to take our pet to the vet. But what hurt the most was knowing that she wouldn't be coming home with us and knowing that she didn't know that. She probably only thought it was a regular routine and of course was nervous like she always is for those regular visits. I felt like in some way we were betraying her trust. It broke my heart.

We had the best doctor and they were so good to us. They let me hold her the entire time and I literally got to watch her leave. It was the hardest thing yet the best thing I could have experienced.

I miss her already.

Just Missing.

2010-07-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

I was just looking back at some of my blog entries and realized... they're always about school! Blah! So I just wanted to write down a few, sort of, non-school related things on my mind...

~I can't wait until I have my first real job! I can't wait to be doing something completely out of my element. I can't wait until I have a paycheck!~

~There's nothing really good on TV anymore... it's mostly disgusting garbage and it saddens me. Only thing I can stand to watch is ESPN and a few comedies~

~Which reminds me, I miss going to sporting events and can't wait until I can get my own car and travel and see baseball games live!!! I want to go to as many stadiums as I can. Definitely going to Yankee stadium again~

~I miss going to movies and out to eat and exercising! lol. Boy, do I need to exercise~

~I miss going to concerts~

~I miss seeing my friends! I hear about so many things going on and I can't be there or can't afford to be there or don't have time to be there~

~I can't wait until I can go see the ocean on any given day at a drop of a hat~

~I can't wait until I can read a book for fun and it doesn't come with a syllabus!~

~Just 31 more days until I can get closer to accomplishing some of these things~

Why Tests Suck.

2010-06-19T15:55:00.001-07:00

1. You learn the book backwards and forwards and you only get tested on part of it, if that. So if you think about it, if you do really well, it may be because it happened to be the stuff you understood really well. If you do bad it could be because it was the stuff you struggled with and prayed it wouldn't be on there, but of course it is. So tests don't always test your full knowledge, just a matter of how "nice" your teacher is or a matter of luck. I really do get lucky on a lot of these tests. I'm sure that sounds comforting to future patients of mine...

2. There are no multiple choice answers to pick from in the real world!!! Of course I look "smart" on paper sometimes, but get me in front of a patient and it's like I have no idea where to begin.

"What will be your next intervention nurse..."
"Ummm... wait I know this.. just give me four choices to pick from and I know I can figure it out!"

Yea, I'm sure that's how it'll work.

3. I have no other reasons really except that I'm tired and annoyed and stressed and scared beyond belief. I have another test on Monday and add 12 hours shifts in between which takes study time away and it becomes not so fun. Our last test was just 2 weeks ago and I managed to get by because I studied everyday for 5 weeks.. yea this test should be really, really fun :/

Just needed to vent... Feel free to add to the list because I'm sure I could come up with a billion more, but I have to get back to the books.

Only 59 more days...

Ahhhh!!

2010-05-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

I wish school was out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

13 more weeks.

Let the countdown begin.

Time Flies.

2010-05-01T21:00:00.001-07:00

Third semester is over and done with. Things started to smooth out in the end.. especially because I ignored it all and was able to just drift on through without caring lol. Now I'm going to be starting my last and final semester!!! I am in shock. It has projects and clinicals and tests galore. Don't know how I'm going to be able to handle it, but I'm hoping that I can take what I learned from my first 3 semesters and not get myself into any major holes like I always seem to...

I remember my first few days of nursing school and now I'll soon be celebrating my last few days before I can blink an eye. Unreal!

So I have this whole week off and then 15 weeks and counting until graduation!!!

Hope everyone else with normal lives has a good summer! :P

Imbalanced

2010-03-31T23:19:00.000-07:00

I'm finally on spring break and the semester will be over in about a month. I feel like I'm in another funk!! I hate these. Usually something horrible will have to happen to snap me back out of it and that's not a good way to have to figure it out.

I just want to be done already! I'm passing all my classes fine, but I'm having trouble in clinical to the point that it's stressing me out and I want to quit. There always has to be that "something" each semester I have to deal with and "overcome." I'm sick of overcoming. I just want one peaceful semester before the next chapter.

I guess on a good note, I have been more social... but I'd rather be doing that than studying so I'm getting thrown off there too.

Now I feel like I'm just being random. Ok, good night.

My Project

2010-03-02T21:39:00.000-08:00

Just in case anyone was following my picture project, I moved it to another website because flickr makes you pay for it after a certain amount of pictures posted and then starts hiding them. And right now I can't afford that ... so here's the new link: Project 365

It doesn't show up as a slideshow like flickr did so if you want to see it as a slideshow you'll have to click the button in the top left side or you can just scroll to the bottom. I might still keep the flickr one updated, not sure. We'll see. Just want to keep the project going :)

Oh, the irony!

2010-02-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, I had a weird feeling that if I mentioned my car like I did in my last post that something bad would happen to it. Well, sure enough on my way to clinical (which is suuuuuuper important that I get there on time because they are very strict crazy about time and could cost me to fail the class potentially) my car decided to break down!!

I guess a pulley broke off or something and my steering stopped working plus the car started to overheat. I was able to get my car to a bank and into the parking lot which was right off the freeway. I then called my dad first and luckily he left his cell on and answered at 6 in the morning! I was able to make it to clinical just in time.

Also, the best part is while I was away my dad took my car in and got it fixed!! I knew today was going to be good in spite of a stressful situation. I feel very blessed because my dad is amazing and I didn't have to deal with it and especially because it didn't cost me as much as I thought it would :)

Nothing's really new that I can think of...

2010-02-23T22:18:00.000-08:00

Got my graduation application back, which is weird because I feel like I'm strugging AGAIN with another stupid class and it's frustrating so that packet doesn't seem real yet. Why can't being smart just come naturally to me??

But this semester has been pretty laid back compared to last semester so I've been able to see my friends a little bit more and I don't feel as stressed in spite of the annoying struggles.

Decided to work on my fitness and have been taking a spinning class at school.. and WOW. Definitely a work out. Hoping to fit in my jeans again by summer.

Heard about how you can travel anywhere in the world as a nurse, work there for a bit and still have a job when you come back home.. and they pay for your expenses!! I'll have to look more into that when I start working. Very excited about that one depending on how true it is.

And my car is still working! I'm just grateful and happy about that one. :)

Hope you're all doing well!

Brick by Brick.

2010-01-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

It was really weird today.. I got an email from school stating that I need to come in as soon as possible and start my graduation submission forms. Wow. I can't believe that day is actually coming up. I feel like I just started school here. This road has been hard, but faster than I could have imagined. Kind of scary that I'll get to be a grown up soon with a grown up job and have to do grown up things like pay real bills and live by myself... But I actually get to graduate! I'll be walking in December though since you can't walk in the summer. Which I don't mind as long as I'm still here. Not sure how the job market will be by then. I'd like to stay in Vegas for a bit, but we'll see. I definitely could see myself living near a beach though...

Well, it's been a little rough getting back into the swing of things. But so far it hasn't been like last semester when I've had to study literally to midnight every night just to keep up. I actually should be studying now.... oh well.

This year so far has been great. I feel happy and I feel like I am starting to have some what of a balanced life even though it's a Friday night and I'm currently at home... but I'm playing tomorrow so that counts :)

The end.

Project 365

2010-01-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, you can go here for the link to my Project 365. Can't guarantee pictures will be up daily, but I'm going to be taking them.

Happy New Year!! It already feels better :)

Goals.

2009-12-30T17:56:00.000-08:00

I love New Years. Not necessarily the celebrating part, but the the feeling of a clean slate. I believe you can have a clean slate anytime you want, but it always feels nice to start it off at the beginning of the year.. especially after all the junk I eat over Christmas ha ha ha!

I'm not going to write my goals on here because they're kind of personal so I wrote them somewhere else, but I'm going to try to start a new "one picture a day" or what people call Project 365. The main reason I stopped was because nursing school started and I just got caught up in it and let the days slip by and gave up. I feel like these next two semesters will be busy, but not in the same way as the first two. Plus, I'll be graduating at the end of the summer and I definitely want to capture that! Then hopefully by the end of 2010 I'll have my first real job :D

So for anyone that is interested in following, I'll let you know where to find it when I figure out where I want to put it. Might put it on Flickr again like I did the first one. This project just helps me to have fun and see details in between the chaos of life.

Happy New Year!!!

"Every day ought to be the start of a new year and a new life. Such is the wonder of faith, repentance, and the miracle of the gospel of Jesus Christ." -Elder Jeffery R. Holland. (www.mormon.org)

Happy Holidays!!!

2009-12-24T18:03:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. It's just wonderful to be with family and relaxing without any care in the world! I have so much joy and hope for the following year.

Let us always remember to keep the spirit of Christ throughout the whole year :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

More Blessings

2009-12-19T00:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it. I passed peds/ob!!!! I barely made it out of that class alive. It's the one class that pretty much weeds people out and I was just looking at the new clinical schedule and there are SO many missing names. It makes me sad and makes me wonder why I deserved this blessing and some didn't receive it at this time. I'm learning to see it as individuals and how each of us have our own paths in life and we must journey on our own sometimes as hard as it may be. He guides our lives in a way we can never imagine and we should try really hard to put our trust in Him. I think that's where the struggle lies. I know I've said before that I would accept his path for me, but it defintely wouldn't have been easy if it had gone the other way.

I feel very fortunate and very blessed that the Lord provided a way for me to do this even when I probably deserved to fail more times than not. He defintely blesses us way more than we deserve pretty much everytime. I've learned so much about myself these last 15 weeks than I have in the last few years.

Thank you all that have supported me and said prayers on my behalf!

Hope everyone enjoys the Holidays with loved ones and remembers Christ during this Christmas season :)

Wow!!

2009-11-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

So I guess I am an OB genius... so far. Well, I wouldn't say genius, but enough to keep me passing!!!!!

I know, I can't believe it either. I've gotten B's on my last two exams and I'm currently keeping my head above water. Oh, so much hope!!!

I definitely had to change my attitude and what I was doing to get to this point. I would never have figured this out if I hadn't struggled so much in the beginning. Weird how Heavenly Father makes things apparent to you through your trials, huh? And even if it still doesn't end the way I want it to, I know I can get back up and keep going after this.

Thanks again for your love and support whoever reads this :)

Come What May and Love It

2009-11-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

Today was a better day. My week has been better. I've been making an effort to think positive thoughts and let my worries go as best I can. Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts, advice, love, prayers, and support! It meant so much to read your words :)

Defeat

2009-10-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Things are definitely not working out in my favor so far. This semester is the roughest semester I've ever been through and I don't see myself coming out of it alive. It'll be the first time ever in my life that I'll have to re-take a class and it's really hard to accept it even though I've been praying about it and I feel good about re-taking it. But the adversary definitely has a way of making you think otherwise and that's where the struggle has come in. It just breaks my heart. I'm scared. I feel so inadequate. I don't know how to handle it some days. Other days I feel fine.

I'm not sure why I'm going through this. Is there a purpose that I need to re-take it or am I really that dumb that I can't get this and no amount of divine help will work? Am I not working hard enough? Am I not wanting it bad enough? Why has He brought me this far and letting me fall? Ugh. So many negative thoughts.

But I do feel that re-taking it would help me out in the long run as a nurse. I just really hope it's for some type of purpose, that He's doing it for my own good and not because I just can't do it otherwise I don't feel like I could handle it all. I get discouraged way too easily.

Other than that, life is just lovely! Can you tell?? ha ha

Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh of Relief

2009-09-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

I'm already 3 weeks into the semester! It's gone by so fast already. I can't keep up and I barely can keep up with friends so please forgive me if I forget to respond or write back. Just keep bugging me.

I had a really good day today.

I don't want to forget today.

I got some prayers answered and a feeling of peace.

Nothing is impossible.

And then there were three...

2009-08-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

With much heartache and joy, I passed my first semester of nursing school!! Yay! I learned so much about myself these last 15 weeks. It's a great relief to know I was never alone even when I thought I was. I needed this experience. I am truly blessed!

From what I've been told, next semester is the toughest out of all 4. If I can survive it, I can survive the rest. Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support! Hope everyone is doing well!

The Final 4.

2009-08-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

My finals start tomorrow...........
Kind of nervous. But tired. And kind of wish I would have done things differently and better at the beginning. Just hoping I didn't screw up too much that I can't finish this out because I PROMISE I'll do so much better next semester!

Many prayers and positive thoughts would be appreciated please! I'll be done Thursday and I'll have WHOLE entire week off until I start up again. Lovely.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Black.

2009-08-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back in the black!!! I passed that awful test for that awful class that I was struggling with. Phew. Just need to make it through the final and I'll be ok. But if not, I can still look at it in a positive light if I need to retake the stupid class (Ok, not 100% positive ha ha).

In nursing school if you fail a class you can retake it next semester, but it's usually by itself; they don't let you take your next level of classes unless it's a lecture class, it all varies. So if I retake this one, I can possibly take a second level class with it, therefore I'll only have those 2 classes to deal with in the fall. Then, when I head off to second level officially I'll have one less class and a little less stress. That is the positive side of failing! Doesn't really bother me actually. Kind of excited just to be at this point at all!

I'm supposed to be finishing my care plan right now for my last day of clinical which is tomorrow!!! Yay!! Kind of bittersweet. Bye!

Spluuuuurrggeeee!!!

2009-08-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

He he. I had saved some extra money and was planning on doing some type of shopping spree with it next weekend, but I decided to start early and get me an I-touch. I ordered it last night. I'll give it a test run and see how I like it. I plan to put some nursing applications on it so I thought it would be useful and practical in the long run and that it would make me feel less guilty about splurging lol.

I also plan to get my hair finally done next weekend! Much needed.

So the splurge continutes :)

Faith Precedes the Miracle.

2009-07-31T22:11:00.001-07:00

That phrase has never made as much sense to me as it does now. After last week's post, I got a HUGE awakening and I needed to do some things and change some things. And as hard as it was, it was the best thing that ever happened to me, especially in such a short amount of time. It was what was necessary to bring me back.

All I know is that I feel peace and comfort during this very stressful, chaotic, scary, and emotional time. Nursing school sure has a way to make you feel smart one day and then the very next minute make you feel very... not so smart! lol.

I just know that if I pass or fail this semester I'll be ok. I've never felt so calm about something so important in my life. And I don't what it means yet or which direction it'll be going, but I'm very grateful for this time in my life.

Thank you for all your prayers, love, and support!

Deep Breath...

2009-07-24T14:42:00.001-07:00

New situation in life has begun... Don't know how to handle it. Just hoping I didn't mess things up. Hoping I can get back up. Hoping that I'm not being punished. Waiting to see what happens is really hard.

But what is life without a little set back...

It's Going.

2009-07-15T19:31:00.001-07:00

Just another blog about school because there's not much else going on these days for me and I needed a study break. But I'm happy to say that I've finally, after only 9 weeks of school, feel like my old study-crazed self again ha ha! I was just struggling with a lot of things and couldn't keep my mind focused. Still have my moments, but I feel like I've finally got it mostly under control. I think I was just overwhelmed and lost. But I feel like I get it now.

Sad to say, I'm failing one of my classes!!! Only by 0.5%, but still. They don't round up at all!! So I've been stressed about that, but I've been studying SO hard for the next test coming up. This class shouldn't be this hard, but we have a new teacher and his questions aren't fun. Oh well, can't do anything about it except memorize my whole book. I'm just going to have to hope and pray my brain can remember everything. Even if I get a 77 on my next test, that'll bring my average about 75 and that's all you need to pass.

Oh!! So, I gave my first shot yesterday. Pretty cool. And I've given other types of medications too. I'm starting to feel like a real nurse. So that was the highlight of my week.

Wow, finals are almost here! This semester has flown by so fast for me.

Ok, back to the books.

Progression...

2009-06-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

So I'm almost half way through my frist semester and so far so good. It's going by soooooo fast too! It's to the point where I can't keep up with the day even more. I've never been so busy in my entire life. And I kind of like it... sometimes.

I'm learning so much and also learning what I don't know.. which is a lot. I've been working mostly with pretty nice and decent patients, but when you get a patient who just thinks you're annoying, is kind of impatient with you, and won't let you help them, then it's discouraging because you're so awkward, shy, and insecure in those situations. You don't know how to handle it and then you think you're going to be the worst nurse in the world! lol. So I have a lot to learn on dealing with that. I have to keep telling myself it can't be learned overnight!

I'm not going to lie, the first 5 weeks were pretty rough for me though. It was mostly due to my lack of motivation. I just couldn't find it... and then just these past few days it's come back full force somehow and I feel that even though I've been a little discouraged today, I really don't want to stop trying. At the end of the day I'm starting to realize that I want to not only help, but to figure out how to help. Understanding how things relates is facsinating, yet overwhelming. Asking questions and trying to find new questions to ask and trying to figure it all out in my brain is a lot more than I thought it was going to be. This whole new world is hard, but it's really.... wow.

I have some things to work on...

2009-06-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

So I decided to write a quick, sort of long, update before I hit the books...

I'm really enjoying everything so far in spite of the stress and uncertainity of it all. I finally got my head in the game. I'm loving the new people I'm meeting in the program too.

And I'm also loving what I'm doing so far! But it's so foreign. The basic things like basic hygiene, bed making, and even washing my hands are so complex to me right now. These will be the essentials I build upon for the rest of my life and it's kind of overwhelming. Especially because it's not about me anymore and learning to think about it in that way is a lot harder for me than I thought, especially when trying to make grades comes into mind.

Just comparing it to when I just took my science classes, I can really see a difference. Those classes don't really prepare you for the real stuff at all. All you know is the science stuff, but you don't know anything about actually having to apply it and what it all really means in real life. You were taught just to memorize and spit it out on a multiple choice test. Now you get to build upon everything and you actually have to think about why you're doing what you're doing and actually perform it. It's kind of fun and scary at the same time.

Today I got tested for vital sign competency. I practiced and I practiced and I even dreamed about what I was going to do and say. But of course I get in the room, with a patient (who is just another student nurse) and the teacher and my mind goes all over the place. I'm shaking and wondering what it is I'm forgetting, then I'm wondering if the "patient" is thinking I'm incompetant and then wondering if I am doing it completely wrong or if everyone thinks I'm an idiot. I just let a lot of things factor in that shouldn't have be let in. Luckily, I didn't do anything stupid or out of the ordinary, but it takes time getting used to it. I just need more practice. I'm sure most people learning any type of new job feel this way at some point.

Tomorrow is clinical day which means I get to work with a CNA and help out. Yay! Nothing too dramatic, but I've been told several times that I am lol.

First Day.

2009-05-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

It was simple, fun, and easy. We learned how to raise and lower the beds, put on gowns correctly, and that's pretty much it. I'm pretty sure that'll be the last time I ever call something in nursing school easy though.

I've been reading all day and it's scary because I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be focusing on yet and what is expected of me. So I feel unproductive, unorganized even though I am, and lost. Hopefully I can just remember everything and stop feeling anxious at one point.

But here's a picture of me in my uniform! lol. Ignore how grubby I look and just admire the fact that I'm trying here!

On the next episode of Lost...

2009-05-13T21:44:00.001-07:00

Sorry, the last blog was just... well what it was so I'll try and explain more.

If you couldn't tell, I did officially make it into nursing school! Yay!!! And to go along with the last blog, I'm starting to feel more like myself, which feels great! (Thanks Rachael for your words.. you were right!)

The last day or two I've been organizing everything in my room, my mind, and my time. And for the first time ever with school I feel all over the place!!!! It's so insane! I've been looking over all my class schedules and some of them are confusing and some of them seem too much. I really don't know what I'm getting myself into even though I'm staring at it in the face.

Only time will tell I guess. I'm going to have one last fun weekend and I probably won't have very many friends for the next year lol. So be patient with me! And I'll try to post more pictures as time goes on :)

Just another side, random complaint: Who sells my idea of the perfect planner but starts it at the month of July?! Lame.

p.s... sewing patches onto sleeves.. not as much fun as you would like to believe.

Orienation.

2009-05-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Wow. Today was confusing, exciting, and just out there. It's hard to tell what I'm getting into at this point and I feel like my body is there, but my mind and emotional state are not. I kind of got into a phase where I just didn't want to live in reality and now I can't find my way back in or I guess I could say I won't let myself find my way back in. Kind of hard to explain without sounding too crazy. It's something I'm going to have to work on this week or it'll be forced upon me next week! And if it can't be forced upon me then I am officially screwed.

(Why am I doing this to myself now!? That's what bugs me the most about it. I've been working for the last two years to get to this point and now I decide to go into this funk??)

Blessings.

2009-05-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well, somehow I passed microbiology. I even got an A! And it was mostly because he gave extra points. And most likely because he knows his tests are ridiculous. But it's over and it feels sooooo Good! I actually got to take a nap today.

All I have left to do is just finish up a paper and beg my stats teacher to make sure I get a C. I'd hate to think a stupid, meaningless class would get in my way now.

But I've been having a really hard time focusing. I haven't been me for the last couple of weeks and it's driving me nuts. I can't let go of certain things and a part of me is letting that happen; it's my fault and it's been a struggle. I'm just going to have to work really hard to get out of this slump. Especially if I want to do well this summer.

Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support!

A New Book.

2009-04-26T20:18:00.001-07:00

Last week left til finals. I'm just a little nervous... I could potentially be starting everything I've been working for so long this summer!! It's a surreal feeling. And I feel so unprepared. Do you ever feel prepared though? And if you wait til your fully prepared, you'd probably end up being 89 years old. I can't afford to wait that long. I'd like to start this summer. I don't want to blow it now. I want to finally be able to do something useful, meaningful, and challenging and have a life on top of it.

TGIF.

2009-04-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing spring break!! You know why?? Because I actually took a break! (For those that know me... surprise, surprise.)

I slept in.

I actually went out with friends.

I watched TV without staring at the clock.

I went running.

I went to other places besides school.

I only did school work one day out of the week. I was planning on studying throughout the week, but that didn't happen. Rodeos and movies happened instead. It was what I needed.

Unfortunately, Sunday was the first sign of a cold I caught which moved into my chest and made my throat swell so I've lost my voice (even as I write this I can barely talk). Coming back from a nice break has made it a lot harder to pick up my study habits again. And being sick doesn't help either. It has made it hard to focus, especially when you're trying not to cough up one of your lungs (Sorry, TMI perhaps??! lol).

Having a break so late in the semester is not a good idea either. I only have 2 more weeks til finals now! Weirdly enough I don't feel stressed about it. I'm at a point where a B or C will be just fine. I'm ready to move on.

Wish me luck the next two weeks anyways! Hopefully I'll be better by Monday.

Leann Rimes.

2009-04-05T22:50:00.001-07:00

Fremont Street throws free concerts a lot and we were right up front near the stage! I was invited by some great friends and it was a lot of fun.

(I'm really trying to make more of an effort to get out more. This was a good start!).

Faith.

2009-04-02T17:01:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I've been such a brat, jerk, and a negative person since my micro test. And I will now beat myself up over the fact that I didn't show a little more faith.

I ended up getting an 85%!!

Lyrics of My Heart.

2009-04-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

I've learned that holding everything in doesn't protect you; it causes your heart to explode.

I've learned good friends really are hard to find, but are worth keeping forever.

I've learned that I'd rather be vulnerable to that one good friend than lose that person forever because I was afraid of change.

I've learned that people are more understanding then we give them credit for.

I've learned that God sends you gifts everyday and one of them is your friends.

I've learned that there is enough hours in a day for everything and you need to have balance. Otherwise, what's the point of living in the moment?

At Least Read the Bold

2009-03-31T21:25:00.001-07:00

So yea, today wasn't that great. I studied my butt off for my micro test and I felt like I knew it like the back of my hand or maybe that was the problem... long story short, it feels like my teacher doesn't like to really test my knowledge, but rather he likes to test my patience.

For all I know, it didn't turn out as bad as I'm imagining it and I somehow did get through the test better than I thought. So I still have to prepare like I'm going into school this summer even if there's a small chance it may be pushed back. I will learn to accept whatever path is being laid out before me even if one of them ends up in tears. I know it'll be for the best.

I need to get a PDA/smartphone/blackberry device of somesort and it needs to have the web/wifi. This is for school because I have to get a nursing program for it (if you're really curious what it is, you can find it on unboundmedicine.com; I'm not sure of the exact program yet). I have T-mobile now.. they're ok. I don't always get reception in certain parts of school. I'm a little worried. Do you need good reception for the web too? Or are these separate things? I'm lost.

Anyone have any good suggestions for devices and/or carriers??

No worries about the prices. I'll figure that out later. I plan on being pretty poor the next year anyways lol.

Thank you! :)

Just a Thought.

2009-03-28T22:48:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been sad and you know you brought it on yourself and you can fix it by making more of an effort, but you still wish they would actually make the effort first or at least not give up on you even though you probably shouldn't expect them to try anymore??

Yea.

Goals

2009-03-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

They say that if you write down (or in my case type) out your goals, that you're more likely to accomplish them. So I decided to do that right now as I'm studying for my exam for Tuesday. I'm trying to envision what I want and start believing I can do it.

My goal is to pass my microbiology exam with an 87%.

A Walk in the Desert

2009-03-15T20:24:00.001-07:00

Who knew Nevada could be so pretty!

Flying Dog.

2009-03-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

My mom, sister, and I were out on a walk and we noticed this...

Totally Unexpected.

2009-03-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Meghan

I am please to inform you that you have been conditionally accepted into the Summer 2009 BSN nursing program at UNLV pending successful completion of your prerequisites. You must successfully complete all requirements prior to starting the nursing program.

AAHHHH!!!! I can't believe it. I was NOT expecting to see those words on the page when I opened the letter.

Don't get too excited just yet. It means I still need to pass my microbiology course. I will work my hardest and definitely talk to my teacher about this. Hopefully he'll be kind to me and help me out lol. Nursing school this summer is not definite yet. But I can't help but to be excited anyways!

So much to panick over now. So much to do. So much to worry about. Everything I've been dreaming and talking about nonstop is starting to become realistic and now I'm wondering why I haven't prepared for this moment better!! lol.

If all goes according to plan, I will be an RN by next summer 2010!!! Wow. Kind of scary for all you future patients out there isn't it?? lol.

I'm going to go for a walk now.

The results are in...

2009-03-02T15:16:00.001-08:00

I finally got my grade back from my microbiology test! After a whole week of waiting for him to finally put it up, even though he said he'd have it up a week ago, I ended up getting 78%!!!

Of course I'm both happy and sad about this. In my biology classes (not counting chemistry lol) in the past I've always been able to score 80% or better because that's just what my record has been. I was so close this time and sadly, I know of at least 3 questions that I should have gotten right, but stupidly second guessed myself (of course, ugh). That's why I'm bummed about my score because I expect more of myself, especially this late in the game. But I'm also extremely happy because the average for the class was 57% and the highest score was 81% which just means I didn't do too bad against everyone else. But I will always find a way to beat myself up over it. And I will try really hard not to!

I feel a lot better knowing my score now. I've been up at night just thinking about it and I've been losing sleep too. I still feel like I have a shot at scoring that B though. I just need to pull off an A in lab and study harder for the next test. Hopefully!

Phew!

Brain Buster.

2009-02-24T17:22:00.001-08:00

That was probably one of the hardest tests I've ever had to take.

I'm tired.

I feel happy about it.

Yet I don't.

I don't know how to feel.

Only time will tell.

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Sharpen Your No. 2 Pencils!

2009-02-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

Taking a study break right now.

First, big test tomorrow for mircobiology.

First class I'm truly scared of actually.

Don't want to explain right now because it'll start to sound negative.

Been trying really hard to think positive.

"I can do this."

Going back to the books for a bit before bed.

Not going to overexert the brain... don't know if that's possible for mine lol.

I'll update after the test tomorrow.

Think POSITIVE and PRAY for me, ok?
Thank you!!!

Bad Omen Perhaps??

2009-02-13T21:42:00.001-08:00

Today I officially signed my life away.. yup, I signed the contract.

This could be my new home...

For the next 16 months.

I'm very nervous.

Never thought this day would actually come.

Only time will tell.

I will know about a week after March 1.

Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming...

2009-02-10T19:18:00.001-08:00

I should totally be studying right now and I was going to wait til Friday to write about this, but I'm too excited! On Friday the 13th (ha ha) I will get to FINALLY apply for the nursing program!!! Yay!!

I have been waiting about two years for this day to come! Now it's here. I will be applying for the summer 2009 semester. It doesn't seem real yet. But there are no guarantees for anything so I'm not jumping for joy quite yet; I'm just excited I'm finally reaching this road.

First off, it depends on how many people apply and the competition. My grades aren't as good as others (especially my NET score) so I may not get in right away. And I'm perfectly fine with that. I expect this actually.

But if I were to be accepted right away I still have to pass my classes this semester. I don't want to get too ahead of myself. My microbiology teacher isn't giving me a sense of hope right now because, well.. he's just not a good teacher; but we'll see how his tests are which happens to be coming up in a couple weeks. So if for some reason I don't pass I have to reapply again for fall. I'm actually fine with that. I would also kind of like the summer off so I could work and save some money.

But either way I'm extremely happy! And if I'm meant to get in sooner rather than later I'll get in. If I have to wait, I will. I just know that I could not have done any of this without the support of friends and family and my Heavenly Father. There have been so many, many things He's done for me and given me in helping me come this far.

Thank you!

Team Alpha Super Awesome Cool Dynamite Wolf Squadron

2009-01-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

Artie: If there's something you want to do, or someone you really want to be, then the only one standing in your way...

is you.

Rumplestilskin: Me?

Guards: Get him, lads!

Ha ha, it's true. Here's how my day went:

Took the NET today.

That sucked.

My difficulty...

The Reading section: 33 questions, in 30 minutes, and having to read 3 or 4 paragraphs at a time to answer the dumb questions.

My mind doesn't work that way or that quickly apparently.

Ended up guessing... a lot. Ugh.

Oh well.

It's over and I'm surprising happy about it. I will not stand in my own way :)

Don't mind me

2009-01-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

I have my first Micro lab quiz tomorrow and I'm not feeling it.

I'm feeling down and it's hard to get up for some reason.

I'm not used to that; it's annoying.

Things are changing in a good way, but for some reason I'm responding in the opposite way.

Keeping busy helps.

I think it's the rain clouds we've been having lately.. so pretty, but yet so... depressing.

"I can't earn if I can't learn!"

2009-01-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

So I let you go and I watch you leave and

I hold my breath so you don't hear me scream.

But the words are only in my head...

It's not what I said, it's what I didn't say...

I'm the one who loses in the end.

-Saving Jane

I apologize in advance for the long blog but this is a new day in history, particularly for Nevada. We already know what's happening with the economy and how it's effecting us; including our education system. The Governor of Nevada wants to fix that by cutting the budget for higher education by 50% or more! That's cutting UNLV's budget up to 60% (this was stated at the rally, I don't have a source on the correct percentage, but a cut will hurt education in Nevada no matter what the numbers are).

Instead of sitting back, UNLV held a rally today to protest and I was there; it was great to see so many supporters. I've been a resident of Nevada for 2 and a half years now. Not long, but long enough to care about the education system since I'm a junior and I'm on my way to entering my program and graduating. And I want my degree to matter; if the cuts go through I might as well be attending a junior college or a training school. My four year degree will cost a lot more than it'll be worth!

If the budget goes into effect these are some of the consequences:

Potential tuition increases
Fewer classes available
Increased class sizes
Additional layoffs of top-notch teachers and staff
Elimination of entire degree programs
Reduced student services such as Financial Aid, Advising, Tutoring and Library Access
Diminished student activities and events, including athletics
Thousands of Nevada students turned away due to enrollment caps

Nevada's education system is ranked one of the lowest in the country. Would cutting back help improve this? Definitely not. It doesn't make sense and education suffers enough in Nevada. Not only will this have an impact on the students, but it'll also effect jobs, Alumni, future UNLV students, and the future of Nevada itself. We all deserve the right to higher education and the right to quality. We deserve to get what we pay for.

Source: http://www.savenevadastudents.org/

Visit that website to find out more information and to find out ways you can help if you live in the Nevada area. Thank you!

"Mr. Right... Now!"

2009-01-17T14:21:00.001-08:00

I had a fun night with friends and some awesome music. The band I came to see play is called The White Tie Affair. If you haven't heard them yet, you really should. And if you're a fan of the show "The Hills," they were featured on it. (The lead singer also told me that they're going to be on another episode in the near future!!!)

This picture didn't turn out as well as I thought. Since moving to Vegas this place has been one of my new favorite places to go. The venue is perfect and small so you can see your favorite bands from anywhere and still get an awesome view! I just wish they'd let you take pictures of it inside.

This is me with the lead singer (he's so pretty!)... and yes that is his waterbottle that he gave me (well, he technically handed it to me to hold, but let me have it in the end lol). Maybe I'll try and sell it on Ebay sometime...

Other bands that were playing were Rookie of the Year, Meg and Dia, and Secondhand Serenade (headliner).

Ha ha ha!

2009-01-14T17:10:00.001-08:00

First week of school and I'm already sick. Bummer. So I think this is a good excuse on why I do stupid things... this morning I was off to my first class and the doors were facing away from me at an angle from the direction I was coming in so I couldn't read the room number. And since it was only my second day that means I know everything and that includes where my class was located so I didn't bother to check the room number. Silly me. This girl opens the door and I follow her and a few students inside. I sit down and the girl is up at the front of the classroom... she looked like she was going to be teaching soon... weird, my teacher is a guy. But she looked too young to teach. She then passes out some handouts. I read the top and it says "health and wellness." I'm thinking maybe my teacher was having a student come in and give a short presenation on being active and fit for whatever reason. But that didn't make sense since my class was statistics...

I look around at the students to see if there was anyone that I might be able to recognize and I realize I don't recognize anyone. Did they change rooms and I didn't get the memo?! So I debate with myself.. do I ask the teacher (at this point I realize she must be a graduate student) what class this is in front of everyone and look like a moron who can't read signs on a door or do I get up real quick and go check out the sign on the door itself? Since I was ten minutes early to class anyways, I decide to go check the sign outside. It said it was room 216.. mine is room 218! lol! I went one room one too soon apparently. So I gather my things and I just zoomed out the door without even returning my handout. I don't think anyone noticed really since it was so early. But I didn't want to chance it by returning my handout.

So yea, that just made me laugh!

First Day of School

2009-01-13T17:28:00.001-08:00

Well, I didn't sleep well the night before so the first day started out really rough and I wanted to quit and never look back. But today was much better because I actually got my mind to shut off long enough to let myself sleep.. so the secret is to just sleep I guess.

Two things I've learned so far about having classes at 8:30 am..

1. The positive: I get great parking!
2. The negative: Everyone and their dog is driving on the road at the same time!

Another thing I've learned:

Microbiology is going to kick my trash and my teacher has a heavy accent... not fun. So now I'm off to read and hopefully be able to get all this figured out.

Thanks for the support! :)

It's Almost Here!

2009-01-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Here's some fun, random news: My friend Antonia asked me to be her Maid of Honor! I'm way stoked about this! I get to plan my first bridal shower ever and I think it'll all work out the way I want it to. I wish I could share all the fun ideas I have on here, but she may read this and that would just ruin it for her. I'll post pictures of it after the event is over (late February).

Wow, I start school tomorrow, already... and my schedule is statistics (blah!), chemistry (gag me!), and microbiology (WTF?!). I'm kind of nervous, kind of excited. It is a new year and a new semester, but I'm still nervous for tests and in particular my Nurse Entrance Test at the end of this month, which is equivalent to an ACT/SAT type test. I took it once already and made the national average so I passed, but I need to get a higher score to be competitive. According to the test, reading was my weakest area! Maybe that's why I have to study so much and so freaking hard! Ugh! Oh well. I can't let one score destroy my hope and everything I've worked so hard for thus far. In my opinion I don't believe tests paint the whole picture of who you are, but they sure can make you feel that way if you let it.

So I decided that if I have to be patient on getting into the program I will. If you do everything that's required of you and pass they have to let you in someday. Just like those crazy shoppers on Black Friday... they do let you in the store eventually. But don't worry.. I won't be a crazy nurse with a syringe! lol. But do be nice because I could be your nurse one day :D

Hope everyone has a good week!

New Year's Resolution

2009-01-04T16:41:00.001-08:00

One of my dearest friends Cierra Owens, who also just happens to be amazing and gifted, posted a blog about something called Project 365 and I fell in LOVE with the idea! I knew exactly what to ask for for Christmas, which was my very own digital camera! I am in love with it already and it's my first camera I've ever owned. Sad to say that I've been without one for so long, but it's true. Plus, it's pink which truly makes it mine!

Just to summarize, the idea behind the project is to take a photo a day for an entire year of whatever you want. It's a huge challenge and commitment, but for some reason I couldn't resist. I fell in love with it because it was a creative outlet, an opportunity to look at the world differently, a way to break from repetitiveness, and constant reminder to myself to be grateful for the little things in life.

So if you're interested in checking mine out you can go here. As you can see, I'm very new with photography so any tips would be great! And if you want to start your own, you should! It doesn't have to be at the beginning of the year as long as you do it for an entire year. If you decide to start one, let me know so I can follow along :)

If you're reading this Cierra... Thanks again for posting that blog! I really needed this! I am grateful for you in my life my dear :)

Favoritest Time of the Year!

2009-01-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone! I love the beginning of a new year.. it's a fresh start for me, even though you can start fresh anytime you want. It just feels more official at the stroke of midnight.

My church (aka ward) threw a huge party/dance type thing for everyone in the valley and I actually had a lot of fun!

Friends!

This was at the stroke of midnight and the balloons sort of fell...

My first friend in Vegas, Rikki

My friend Dianna pretty much threw the party!
So if I know her, then I must be a big deal, right?.... ha ha

My bestest friend ever, Leah!

I love to make resolutions for the year as well. And they're pretty much the same every year. My main one is to take more pictures. I'm not going to expand further on this one yet. I'll explain that one later as I get more organized.

Hope everyone had a good year and looks forward to 2009!

That's a First!

2008-12-29T22:54:00.001-08:00

I gave in and decided to start a blog! Mostly, because my friend Antonia has told me I should do one for awhile now and she believes that I have so many exciting moments in my life... if you want to count studying hours on end and not much else in my opinion. So expect many exciting blogs on complaining about test after test and study sessions! But I do want to record more memories and one of my goals is to keep a blog for when I finally get into nursing school and can record this new and hopefully exciting journey ahead! So if I start now, I'll hopefully have developed a good enough habit to keep it up by then.

I guess I'll start off a little bit about myself... I grew up in Utah and moved to Las Vegas of all places. My family moved here before me and I always knew in the back of my mind that I should have moved to Vegas with them, but decided against it because I thought "I knew better." I learned a lot during that time alone. I also learned what not to do. I decided I really needed to make my life go in a direction and decided to head to Vegas and start school at UNLV. I decided to go into nursing for many reasons, which I may list in another blog later on.

I'm not going to lie, it's been a tough road so far. Harder than I could have imagined. I thought that I didn't stand a chance in a lot of my classes going into this major. I gave up so many times and I've been so blessed to have gotten this far even though I've been pessimistic. I've learned to settle down and have more patience and optimisim throughout it all. Science was never an area I thought I could do or thought I was interested in. But here I am! Still on my way into the program and now I only have 3 more classes to face before I can apply and hopefully get in soon. I'd like to start by the Fall, but I can't predict that just yet. Too many variables right now. But it's so close that it's making me nervous!

Besides school, I spend my time with a lot of great friends that I've made here and I couldn't be happier regardless of all the obstacles I've had to face so far. I'm glad to have learned some of the things I've learned the hard way. I don't think I'd appreciate what I have if I hadn't. Plus, life wouldn't be as fun or amazing if you didn't have to work at it, right?!