Grad School

I think I want to begin graduate school in the spring instead of waiting 2 years as previously planned. I've been thinking about that today, and I think I'm going to be ready to go back in the near future.

Content

Life is good.
The adjustment to life in Omaha is going well. I'm still fairly homesick, but I'm beginning to get used to the changes. I enjoy this working 3 days a week thing. The days I work are long, but I love the schedule as it works out very well. I have had lots of time to see my 3 favorite little girls here in Omaha. I just returned from my cousins' house where we played tonight. If only I could make a living hanging out with the three of them... :)
I'm very much in love. The 50 miles between Andrew and I have been a challenge, but we are proving that we are stronger than the distance. I've never felt this way about anyone before. There was a time in my recent past when I thought I was in love, but through my healing process of getting past that relationship and the experience of my current relationship, I realized I was never truely in love before. I was with someone who I believe "loved" me for wrong reasons. However, now I am with someone who is in love with me for who I am. He loves me when I'm sad, happy, in strange moods, excited, successful or unsuccessful, scared or confident. I feel a sense of unconditional love and that is something very rare. I wish we could be closer as the distance has proven to be quite the challenge. I'm really struggling with seeing him only once a week. However, I'm also a strong believer that this experience will prove a lot about our relationship.
My job is going very well. I take my State Board exam a week from tomorrow. I'm very nervous, but am so ready to be done with it. I enjoy the atomsphere at Children's hospital. I am beginning to meet several co-workers, and enjoying the opportunity to learn so much every day. I have always wanted to have the knowledge of a nurse, and this goal is coming true especially since I began working. It's amazing how much I learn each time I go to work.
My sister just called tonight. She must have a way of knowing when a talk with her is needed so much. I miss her tons, and have been feeling a bit homesick today, so it was a big comfort to talk with her. We laughed a lot which is something we find it easy to do when we converse.
I wish everyone a wonderful week!

I can't think of a creative title right now.

I don't have a specific title for this post (hence the lack of creativity with naming my post.) I just wanted to comment on a few things. First, I want to say I really like my job. I had my first 12 hour shift today, and although it was tiring, I really enjoyed it. I had 5 patients today between the ages of 2 and 3. I love working with children and feel like I can relate to a child 200% better than I can relate to any adult. I am usually very anxious/nervous about things, but I was remarkably calm today. I even remained calm when we had a little patient who became critical very fast. Her blood pressures were 42/12ish. (Normal for this age group is 110/70ish.) Needless to say, she was very sick and we had to think and act fast. In nursing, the method of teaching is to throw you out into the pool and see if you can swim. It's amazing how fast I learn in these situations. I was reflecting on today and how much I learned in one day. I have always wanted to have the knowledge of a nurse and work with children....I think I'm in the right place. I have to admit, I do miss my psych patients, but really enjoy the medical patients as well.
I still feel a little homesick and greatly miss the people back in Lincoln. I attended a dinner on Sunday for last year's LSC staff. I miss being able to walk across the street to church and feel at home. I miss going next door and saying goodnight to my roommates. I miss being close to Andrew and my friends and family. However, this is getting better and I feel that this opportunity I have been given (to work where I love and live here in Omaha with Julie) is a gift and I feel very thankful for it.
Take care and have a wonderful rest of your week!

Life as an Adult

I apologize to my blog-readers as an update on my blog is long overdue.
I began my job on Monday. I really think that I will enjoy pediatric nursing. I'm still a bit nervous about the huge responsibility that nurses have, but this is an aspect of my job that is very positive in my life, I can handle it, and it will allow me a wonderful opportunity to mature. (I will continue to be a smart ass a good portion of the time...no worries :)) Seriously though, this move to Omaha and the start of a new job have been wonderful opportunities to grow and figure out who I am. I have never moved before as moving to college for me consisted of moving 10 minutes away from my parents. I feel like I'm currently making the adjustment that many people make that first year of college. All along, I knew that these changes would be challenging, but I'm easing into this transition the best I can.
Andrew and I are handling the distance quite well. I miss him so much, but we really cherish the time we have together. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little concerned about the impact of 50 miles on our relationship, but at the same time, I think it'll serve as a great test of how important we are to each other.
I have been trying to spend time studying for the NClex which I will take one month from now. I'm feeling better about the test all the time, but it's still quite intimidating.
I have been going through orientation for my job this week. My first real day of work will be one week from today. I will continue with orientation classes until then.
Life can be scary, but oh so exciting. If I stand back and look at all of these changes occuring, I am excited and intreagued. Everything will continue to happen, everything will be okay, and in 5 years, we will know where our lives took us. It's impossible to know now, but it's exciting to think about.
My mom will return home from Florida this weekend. It sounds like my Grandpa has been in good spirits lately which is comforting.
Good luck this semester, everyone! I wish you peace and many blessings this new year.