1st Day of Nursing School

So, we "officially" started nursing school today! I must say, having one outfit and hairstyle option makes it much easier to get ready. ;) Today we were at the school and learned about iv starts, and various methods of medication administration. I got to give a hotdog an intradermal injection which was pretty exciting. :)

So now we have a Statistics class tomorrow afternoon, a full day of class Thursday, an hour of math Friday morning, and an hour of practice with my clinical instructor on Friday. I'll actually get to start an iv on a manikin Friday! Let's just say there is a lot of "stuff" that has to be juggled and kept sterile...

Day at Sequiota Park

Debbie and I spent part of our day today at Sequiota Park. It had warmed up a little so we took advantage of the weather and took a 4 mile walk.

We encountered this cute little metal bike, so of course we had to sit on it.

My legs are too short...I couldn't reach. :(

And then a random wheelchair statue!

Debbie's awesome victorious pose

Some of the freaky caves....

Deb in the mouth of the cave, my camera-phone didn't like the lighting

I also stepped foot in the cave (I think Deb has the photo) but it scared me to death. I don't do dark enclosed places with scary scampering sounds.

New Apartment!

So as many of you know, I recently moved to an apartment. I'm really loving it and the transition has been pretty smooth. I'm rooming with 2 great girls and so far there have been no complaints. ;) I'm finally finding all of my stuff a new home and getting used to cooking and cleaning everything.

During my first week we've had 4 inches of snow, I locked my keys in my running car, gone grocery shopping, and had some fun times with friends. We also attended the week-long orientation at the nursing school. Most of the time was spent education us on different rules and policies, but we also began our clinical nursing education as we learned/reviewed how to take vital signs and safe patient transport.

I'm really feeling at peace in my new environment and I know this is the place, school, profession He wants me in. I'm really looking forward to these next few years as I learn not only how to be a nurse, but how to be an adult and a more mature follower of Christ.

So now, the photo tour of the apartment, come visit!

The view from out front door (Jenny's "wing" is straight back)
A wall in Debbie & I's room
Our lovely beds...you'll never guess which one is mine. Trust me, I tried to make it more subdued. ;)
Our huge closet, one of my favorite parts

Probably my most favorite, my OWN bathroom!

The laundry room with the Washer/Dryer courtesy of Aunt Lora Lee & Uncle Richard. Thank you!

The kitchen

Dining room

And the living room with the door to the deck

Take 3: A Conglomeration of Thoughts

Hmmm do I dare venture back into the world of blogging? I decided since I will be starting a new chapter of my life this coming week, maybe it would be a good time to attempt this again. I hope to use this not only as a place to update my adoring fans (haha) on my life but also to share what God has been teaching me.

The last time I posted on this blog was right after I got home from my mission trip to the Badlands. Even though it was almost a year ago, it still comes to mind almost everyday. Over the past year I have really felt God placing a burden on my heart for missions, especially those involving orphans. I pray daily, not only for an available ministry but also that I won't turn this desire into a romanticized version of the truth. At the moment I'm reading Elisabeth Elliot's biography of Amy Carmichael, A Chance to Die. I haven't read much of it yet, but I have lately become very challenged by the ministry and legacy of Amy. Yet, my American-ized brain very easily turns her life into a easy, beautiful, perfect "missionary" life. While her ministry was a very beautiful thing, I know it was anything but easy. So I constantly fight my own imagination for the truth about the world in which we live in. But you know, God is still in charge.

In other news I will be moving this weekend to my new apartment! I will be sharing with 2 very sweet girls and hopefully we will have a very "harmonious" living experience. ;) It's been pretty crazy these last couple of weeks thinking about all of the "lasts" I'm experiencing. After living in this house for almost 15 years it feels very strange to think of calling another place "home". I have to admit that sometimes I lay awake in bed at night and start to have a panic attack about all the new-ness and "what-ifs". Yet God uses that moment to yet again reassure me of His love and consistency. I just love the truth that no matter where I go or what new thing I do God is always the same. It really brings new meaning to the "God is my Rock" issue. So this past week I have been making lists, packing, cleaning, and preparing for my new life.

Another new adventure I will be starting, also the reason for my move, is nursing school. I have already completed 3 semesters and 63 credits of my college career, while maintaining a 4.0 (PTL!) but now I get to start the "real" part. I'm really looking forward to the hands-on practical part of nursing. I have enjoyed all of my pre-requisite courses, so to be able to put those into practice will be awesome! Next week, I will have a week of orientation with classes starting the following Monday. I will only be taking 12 hours this semester but the 2 nursing classes, Fundamentals and Pharmacology, include approximately 20 hours of clinicals per week. My 3rd class is Statistics, yay math...

So I think that's enough rambling for the moment. Basically my life is filled with new experiences, hard decisions, and many blessings. Now to see if I ever get back on here....