AAAHHHH a break!

Oops! I didn't mean to let this much time pass between posting. I finally got my transcripts posted for this quarter, two A- and an A! Now I'm just kicking back, reconnecting with the family and catching up on loads of laundry. I would post a picture of my Christmas tree but my camara is out of batteries. I've tried the rechargables but they work for about a day and then they give out.
We had my daughters Christmas program on tuesday night and it was wonderful, so cute. The kindergardners were angels with cute little halo's. I was afraid she might get too figety(sp?) on the stage but instead she kept yawning and rubbing her eyes, but, she made it through and and all was good!
We've had some snow days yesterday and today, although I think the school was only two hours late today, we didn't end up going because my husband took my car to work assuming she didn't have any school. Oh, well the kids are having a great time playing outside and hanging out with all the neihborhood kids.
Okay, I promise next time I post I'll include some pictures! Take care.

Final on Monday!

It's been way too long since I've posted! We had a great thanksgiving, we went to Mom and Dad's house. I made the potatoes and stuffing and I also brought a cheesecake( way too sinfully delicious!). These last three weeks have been a lot of studying but I also got a bit of a thanksgiving break so I did have some down time. This week is one more day at the hospital, one more careplan to turn in, and a heavy duty weekend for last minute studying.

I just can't wait for Christmas break! I get practically four weeks off, yea!!! I plan to clean the house, especially scrub the kitchen floor, catch up on laundry, vacuum all the lamp shades, and of course get the Christmas tree and have fun decorating it. Hopefully the kids and I will lots of fun baking Christmas cookies and just hanging out, I really miss that.

Wish me luck on this test, I am very close to an A- in this class and I don't want a B!

More of the same

It's been a couple weeks and the reason I haven't posted is that my routine seems to be incredibly boring and overwhelming at the same time. Those of you having gone through this understand. Lecture, lab, clinical, tests, papers due, careplans, research and on and on. When one thing is over another one begins, round and round like a ferris wheel that's going too fast for you to jump off or take a break. Hence the title of this blog, I'm taking things one week at a time.

Some new experiences in clinical this week were seeing a large wound packed and dressed, watching a IV nurse finally get a good vein after numorous tries, and taking care of someone with a NG tube, oxygen and a picc line that they were using to give TPN. I always walk away from the day with new experiences, but also little mistakes that I make that stick with me and I hope teach me to be a more careful nurse. The gravity of how important it is to do this job well sinks in and stays with me more and more every week.

I did my second concept map this week and I have to be greatful that it only took 12 hours, not 18 like last week. I know they will become easier with time with more practice. It's the indicision that gets me, should I use impaires physical mobility or activity intolerance? Are my interventions realistic? Are my priorities correct in my diagnosis boxes? It's all a little overwhelming but with Gods grace I will get through it. Take care

Five weeks left!

I can't believe we're heading into the last week of October already! These last couple weeks have flown by. When I'm in school, time always seems to go soo fast. I've been busy doing the usual, reading. studying, lab, clinical,rinse and repeat. Tomorow is my second big theory test on Inflammation, Immune responce, Surgical asepsis, Acute care nursing, Perioperative nursing, Anesthesia, Pain management, Wound healing, Fluid and Electrolyte imbalances, Acid/Base imbalances and Urinary/Renal impairment.

I've been studying so much I'm feeling a little burned out, but I always feel so much better after the test is over. This week is our first week that we go to the hospital, pick our patient, gohone and write up our care plan and go back the next day and take care of that patient. I'm exited and nervous; not so much about the patient care but managing my way around the other nurses, cna's and generally not having a comfort factor which this facility yet. I'm on a med/surg floor that see's a little bit of everything, so I know I'll learn a lot!

That's about it, back to studying, take care!

Fun with nasogastric tubes!

Don't you love great spider webs covered in the early morning dew? I do, and I had to snap a couple shots. We've got LOTS of spiders around here because I'm such a plant lover, and there's plenty of little buggies for food!

On the school front, I had my first out of four theory tests and was pleased to get a 90%. Yea! One down, three to go. Then I had a test in lab on medication administration, that went well, I'm pretty sure I got a 100%. A lot of it was common sense. Then in lab we got to learn how to insert nasogastric tubes! I was hoping we could practice in each other, but no, once again I will have to practice on a real patient. Last week was enemas, and actually I was greatful for the dummies for that procedure!

I had my day at the nursing home, which infact, to me is boring. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy visiting with them and I really do feel very comfortable with the geriatric population; it's just that I like to feel needed, and this nursing home is so overrun with all kinds of staff, numerous students from all kinds of schools (med assistants, lpn students, other nursing students) and I swear that this place has a 1;3 ration of patients verses help.

When I worked as a patient care assistant in the assisted living, I felt like I was really contributing, but hear, we are expected to do a complete head to toe assessment on our one client, but in all honesty, that can be done within about twenty minutes. The cna's don't need any help, I ask but, oh well.

We'll be going to the medical surgical unit in to weeks and hopefully I'll have my hands full. I always work better under pressure!

Next time I'm in lab I'll TRY to remember to take some fun pictures. I brought my camera last time, but I completely forgot. Until next time, have a great weekend!

Very Full Week!

This week went by like lightning! I'm beginning to get into a workable routine and don't feel as overwhelmed as last week. We had our normal scedual this week and not all the crazy orientations that were thrown at us like last week.

I miss having the time to read some of my favorite blogs but if there's a will , there's a way! I thought I'd share some fun moments I've had recently. I got to visit the restricted, behind the scenes areas for surgery at out large local hospital. They walked us through where wer'e supposed to go for report, to change into surgery scrubs and scrub in. In a few weeks I'll have a chance to spend a day there and hopefully be in on several surgerys.

Today was fun also, it was our first chance to play with needles! We learned all about the different types of injections and got to practice on fake skin, bummer, I was hoping to practice on a real person. That will have to be at the hospital on a patient. Shh! Don't tell them I'm new! haha Have a great weekend!

So much reading!

I feel like I barely have time to use the bathroom! Tons on labs, orientations, and reading. Hundreds of pages to sift through and learn. Concept mapping has begun and I'm kind of getting the hang of it and I've already had two tests and it's just the first week. AAGG!!!

Butterflies in the stomach!

Well school starts monday and I'm exited and nervous all at the same time. I know I'll feel better once things get into a routine. My calender is already full for October and I'm a little nervous about juggling home, kids, husband and studies all at the same time. I know thing will eventually work out but last quarter the house seemed to suffer, especially the laundry.

For the first time in his life Hubby will have to take the kids to school once a week. I worry a little about that. The morning is perfectly timed out right now down to the minute and I hope he can keep up.

Here's the morning: 6:30- shower, get completely dressed, makeup, shoes, hair done. 6:45- start water on stove for oatmeal, make lunches and snacks for kids, put in backpacks. 6:50- double check that homework sheets are signed for both kids and that all binders, workbooks are in the backpacks. 7:00- Get son dressed, Don't forget oatmeal on stove! get daughter dressed. Depending on the day she may wear different uniforms (mon-pants, they have gym, wed-chapel day, must wear dress) Serve up breakfast no later than 7:10. Both kids take a while to fully wake up so I try to leave them plenty of time to eat. 7:30- brush teeth, brush hair, wash face, find and put on shoes. Must walk out the door by 7:40! Drive them to seperate schools and then head to class\work. This schedual probably seems pretty familiar to most moms, I just hope he can handle it. I'm sure he will, I'm probably worrying for nothing.

Above I've pulled out some of my favorite backyard pictures, summer will now be officially over so these memories will have to last!

Everything going wrong, ugg!

Today I've been trying to leave comments on other blogs and blogger is refusing to accept my password! Then, my computer went offline, why? I have no idea, it has a mind of its own sometimes.

Then, I had an idea for a post and was starting to take some pictures when my camera informed me that my memory card was fill.UUUGGGG!!!! I'm kind of new to all this technology and I figured if I was down loading my pictures onto the computer than it wouldn't stay on my memory card, what do I know! Ok ok, enough of my ranting.

I thought I would show you all a picture of the little dresser I refurbished to go in the bathroom when its finished. We have a pedistal sink now as opposed to a vanity so we desperately needed some storage. I found this at one of my favorite antique malls for 28.00. It was ugly brown with some plain wood knobs. Some paint, some distressing, and some new glass knobs from Look In The Attic.com and I really like how it turned out! Have a great day!

My favorite room

Today the creative ladies over at kariandkijsa.blogspot.com are having a Show Me Your Favorite Spot party, so I'm joining in! I have a lot of favorite areas in my house but because it's a small house and you have to walk through the living room to get anywhere else, I've put a lot of thought into the decor.

The entertainment center we've had since the 90's. It used to be kind of an oak color and I gave it a shabby chic makeover. My husband would like a big flat screen there but I've been able to hold him off for a little longer.

The bench along the wall I made from three wicker cubes found at BigLots. I built a base for them, added some bun feet to the bottom and sewed a cushion for the top. It now holds the kids dvd's and wii game controllers.Because the room is narrow and we needed extra seating, this worked out perfectly, a couch would have taken up too much room.

The end table next to the couch is an old trunk I've had forever and I had a peice of glass cut to fit the top so we have a nice smooth surface for the lamp, candle or bowl of cereal:)

I guess you could say my style is coastal cottage with a touch of glam(I love all chandeliers!)

My favorite item in here is the pictureof my Mom and me when I was a baby, isn't she beautiful?Well enough about me, go over and check out their site. Plenty of beautiful pictures for inspiration. Have a great day!

A day at the fair

Tis the time of year to participate in the annual Fall fair. We purposely missed it last year because it can be rather expensive and it tends to be about the same about every year. Crowds, expensive food and even more expensive rides. By the time your done walking miles in the hot sun, you're physically and finacially worn out. But, the kids are now old enough to know that it's fair time and heaven forbid everybody in their class goes and not them, so off we went. Besides, when all is said and done, seeing them really enjoy a ride is priceless. We saw all the farm animals of course, they drove race cars(wow their good drivers!)and they went on various different rides. They had a blast, with not to much complaining!

At the end of the day we were hot, sunburned and exhausted, but hey, it's only once a year!

My latest project

I thought I would share my lastest craft project. I needed a cork board to use for the kids memorizations that come home weekly. Last year I was always behind helping with Bible verses because I'd have to search through binders and bookbags to keep track of the sheets of paper with all that info on it. This year I vow to stay on top of that by keeping it all on a cork board on the fridge. But, not any cork board would do, oh no, not in my kitchen. It had to be pretty and cost less then 5.00! Impossible you say? Well I first stopped at Goodwill for the corkboard. They always have them there for a dollar or so and I found one with a natural wood frame just the right size for the fridge. Next, a stop at Michaels for some picture frame molding, two peices for 1.29 each and I was on my way. I attached the molding to the frame with some craft glue and outside we went for a coat of antique white spray paint. A little black ribbon, some magnets on the back and VOILE! a perfect board for the fridge! What do you think?

Is it fall at your house?

I've finally got into the swing of things and put out my fall decorations. Do you like my door hanging? I found it at goodwill , it was white and dirty but thanks to some black spray paint it's now perfect! I filled it up with all kinds of fall goodies. Is it just me or do other people like those little birds that you find at the craft stores? I love them and decorate with them for most seasons. At Christmas I buy the white ones and sprinkle them with silver glitter and hang them on the tree. See the one on the mantle? The colors on the feathers are perfect for fall.

For other news, I'm returning to school soon and have been practicing my math for our first test. It's the second day of class and a 100% is required so it's a BIG deal. I included a picture of last quarters clinical group, what a great bunch of gals. We had a lot of fun. Well, off to take care of laundry duty,WAA!

Back to school

Well it's been about a week now since the kids have been back and we are definitely back into our early morning routine. I'm so proud of dd and ds for getting up without any fighting and especially for doing homework without complaints.

I don't start school again until the 22nd so I'm so grateful to be able to take the kids to school and pick them up. Once classes start much of that responcibility will lie on my mom. I love asking them about their day and giving them a big hug. It's also a nice time to ask questions of teachers and catch up with other moms. Oh well, I'm very fortunate to have mom helping out, I could not get through nursing school without her!

Here are a few classroom pics!

Is it August already?

Where has the time gone? Can I ask you a favor? If you have stopped by would you leave me a quick comment? I'm new to this blogging thing and haven't quite figured out how to get this blog to a wider audience, I love meeting new people and would be honored to hear from you!

So, exept for the fact that I'm in nursing school, you don't know a lot about me so here goes:

1. I LOVE decorating, shabby chic, french country, vintage, cottage, coastal, I love it all.

2. I love my cats and really enjoy having them around (pictures in a future post).

3. My dream is to someday have my own shop selling goodies, evan if it's only in an antique mall.

4.I love my kids to death but I struggle with parenting every day, am I punishing enough? Too much? I don't know but it's the hardest job in the world and I second guess myself all the time.

Above are some pictures from this month so you know what I've been up to!

Can you believe it's july?

I can't believe the summer is flying by so quickly! I feel really lucky to be able to spend the summer home with the kids. All I have as far as school is a online sociology class and it's not taking too much time. I soo meant to be spending more time on my dosage calculations and I've been soo lazy! I really need to get on top of that, fall quarter will be here before I know it. I always go into summer with all these intentions to get tons of projects done and we never accomplish it all. Living in an old house, there are always things to do, siding on the garage that needs fixing, the kitchen ceiling needs updated lighting and new drywall, the bathrooom remodal is coming along but still lots to do. Oh well, I thought you might like to see some pictures from my Santa Barbara trip in june. I had a great time and plan to take the kids next time so we can stay longer.

One week left!

I can't believe that I've got only one week left of class and it will officially be summer vacation! I've got a test on monday, the last of my write ups due for clinical, and one lab day left. Wer'e all going out to Chevy's for mexican on our last lab day together, then we get to learn about all kinds of specimen collection.

On the home front, progress is being made in the back yard. Did I tell you my husband installed a pond on memeorial day weekend? Well, it's not done yet, the rocks need to be permanently placed and then I can put in the plants. My favorite part! This weekend his project is wiring the backyard for electricity. Since we have two fountains and the pond we were in real need for some outlets.

Do you see a cute little creature sitting at the edge of the fountain? That's one of our ohh soo adorible kittens born this spring. I think they make a wonderful addition to the garden, what do you think?

Mommy, I feel like I have to throw up

How almost a week has gone by and I haven't posted anything new! Today was our clinicals at the assisted living center. Unfortunately, my daughter wakes up and tells me that she has to throw up. I'm thinking to myself, wait, no, I HAVE to be at clinical today. Wer'e getting towards the end of the quarter and I can't make up any time missed. So, I worked it out with my mom to take the kids, instead of taking them to school. What would I do without my mother? So, poor thing threw up in a bag on the way to and from my mom's house.

Changing topics, have you ever completely ignored someone on purpose just to be rude? Yoday I had to get a hold of my clients chart to find out her medications. So I go into the office, ask for the chart, and one of the nurses standing there begrudgingly gave me the chart. Well there was another gal in there, who had'nt really aknowlegded that I had walked in, okay , that's not a big deal, but when I was done and was handing it back, I put it on the counter, she still was'nt looking up, and I said" thanks, I appreciate it"and she completely ignored me. We were the only ones in the quiet office area. Not evan a "uh,ha" ,nothing. It's not like it upset me, but it did make be stop and remind myself that not everyone is as friendly as I am and some times comman curtesy mabey isn't so comman.

A beautiful sunday

Today was soo beautiful, not too hot and not too cold, probably around 75degrees. I started out by finishing my two annotations that are due tomorrow. I can't express how much I hate that kind of stuff, I'd rather go to the dentist than write papers. Unfortunately I will be having a library science class all through nursing school, in fact they want us to have a paper in the end that we can submit for publishing. Me? You want me to publish a paper? Right! Anyways, the area where I have my computer is at the top of the stairs on the second floor. Well in the summer time the upstairs gets really hot so any computer work needs to be done early in the day or later at night or you'll be sweating buckets. Fortunately, my brother in law is hooking me up with a lap top (he puts together computers, a real techy), so soon I will be able to blog from my back patio, Yea! Tomorrow in lecture we will begin learning all about concept mapping, some nursing schools do care plans, we do concept mapping. Should be fun!

jumping through hoops

So here we are with three more weeks to go left for first quarter. I can't believe that it's flown by so quickly! Today we went to two clinicals, the first one being a day are where we observed children in different developmental stages, the second on was a pediatric eduaction group project done at a middle school. Now that I'm home I need to do write-up for them, can you tell how exited about that I am? Yea, right! Oh well, these are the obligatory first quarter activities that every nursing student goes through. At least today is beautiful with a temperature of 75 degrees,aaaahhh, have to love it.