Christmas Vacation - Day 1

I worked Sunday night until 10:30p then dragged myself home to finish packing and to get some sleep before heading out to CA. I managed about 3 hours of sleep then drove myself out to Dulles to catch my 8am flight. So grateful to be leaving that particular day as the weather had suddenly turned obscenely cold. So I arrived in CA by early afternoon and thought, I'll go home and nap then go see the kiddos. Right... So C jumped in my arms before I even made it through the door (I LOVE IT!) and an hour or so later I packed C and D up and headed up to visit Little R, Uncle S and Aunt K in their new house. We met up at Taco Bell - a first for me in years. Not bad actually. S got out the snake in an attempt to entertain C and the photos started. It's so good to be home.

R and D on the favorite Dora couch. They were showing us their shoes.
D looks like she's trying to get away with something... Not sure what but that is my phone.

Baby D showing us her shoes. She doesn't usually run around in just her diaper and shoes but that's what happens when you pour your sippy cup of water all over yourself and your aunt didn't pack extra clothes...

Baby D and Uncle S holding Moe the snake.

C and Moe

R was a little more brave and let her daddy put Moe around her neck. She freaked about half a second later.

Christmas photos - C's idea. Maybe you had to be there but it was pretty funny. Remember when Mom and Dad used to make you all line up in front of the Christmas tree and take a family picture. The only thing missing in this photo is someone being "naughty" and someone crying.

My best friend Karen came to visit me this weekend - my first visitor! We had a wonderful time. I'd like to say we got out and saw all the sites but... we went shopping. Come on, Banana Republic was having a crazy good sale on outwear and it's cold here. We had grand plans to check out a couple of Smithsonian's and the National Mall on Saturday but we (meaning I) had a hair color emergency on Saturday morning. It was purple, well fushia, but still, not good. So I spent the day getting my hair fixed while Karen shopped and occasionally dropped of bags for me to babysit. We do have a great mall here in Arlington. The lady who did my hair was an hysterical African American women. She told me at one point she was 38, which I couldn't believe, and while I was gawking at her, awestruck, she stated, "Black don't crack!" I promptly, without thinking responded, "I WANT TO BE A BLACK WOMEN!" At which point half the salon turned, looked, and started laughing. Delightful. Saturday night Karen and I went on double dates with her ex-boyfriend Rex and my platonic pocket pal, Ty. Let's just say we had to think of things to talk about but it was far less awkward than I anticipated. We went to dinner at a Lebonese restaurant in Arlington then into the District to see the National Christmas Tree. The National Tree is spectacular and then they surround it with trees decorated by each state and the territories. It was freezing and Ty did not dress appropriately, hence he looks like a moron in most of the pictures. We like him anyway. I took Karen to the airport today, as I was not able to convince her to move out here this weekend. I don't see anything wrong with her quitting her job over the phone and having her roommates ship her stuff out here... nothing wrong at all, but she disagreed. Since we didn't do much touring and she didn't get to go to the temple (her one request) I have leverage to get her out here again. Picture me with an evil grin and a wicked cackel. I can't wait...

Ty & Julie, Rex & Karen at the Lebonese Restaurant

A state tree, the National tree, and the White House

Karen and I in front of the National tree

Rex and Karen in front of the Colorado tree

Ty and I in front of the California tree

Ty and I dancing to the Christmas music

Ty was very, very cold

Thanksgiving

I couldn't decide where to go for Thanksgiving this year so I went to two. Good decision on my part. I enjoyed prepping for dinner on Wednesday night and then the socializing and appetizers at Wendy's house then went tripping over to my friend Amanda's house for dinner with the girls. I didn't manage to take pictures at Amanda's but don't worry, I adore those girls so they'll creep up at some point.

This Thanksgiving was bittersweet for me. I've been living in Arlington for almost 2 months now and I love it but this was my very first non-family Thanksgiving. Not bad for being a 31 year old but still a bit sad. I also learned on Wednesday night that my Grandma was in the hospital, quite sick. It was the first time I've felt homesick. So I tried to think of things I'm grateful for. It's not hard... Here's a short list...

I am grateful...

1. to have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To know I'm my Heavenly Father's daughter and I have a place and a mission here on this earth.

2. to belong to a family (extended included) who loves and supports me. Even when I'm crazy. Or far away. Don't know what I would do or where I would be without you.

3. to be the aunt of Jonny, Crewe, James, Rebecca, Dayne, and Isaac. I love each of them more than I can express in words. I think of them often and missed them terribly. I am so grateful for eternal families and to know I get to keep them forever (even if their technically not mine).

4. to have a job I love.

5. to work with people I like.

6. to get paid to make people feel better. And to give shots and start IVs (I really enjoy doing that).

7. to have wonderful new friends in Arlington.

8. to have best friends.

9. to have roommates I like and a comfortable home (and a comfortable bed!).

10. for cell phones with free long distance so I can stay close to my family and friends.

11. for the temple. Especially with it being so close.

12. for fall leaves and snow flurries.

13. for Gold's Gym.

14. for laughter - if I couldn't laugh I would probably cry.

15. comfy sweats.

Patty, Julie, Michelle working on the Thanksgiving prep. We made a gratitude turkey, wassal, 100+ orange rolls, and a cheese ball.

Patty and Michelle shaping the gratitude turkey.The gratitude turkey "pre-feathers".

"Helpful Henry" aka Ty. He did make three trips to the store...

The gratitude turkey "post-feathers".Ty and I at Thanksgiving dinner #1.

Fours

#1: This photo was taken 10-31-07 at the Wilson House Halloween Party. #2: I was a modestly dressed go-go dancer. #3: I had fake eyelashes (that I loved). #4: The shoes KILLED my feet.

Thanks Kelli - fun idea.

Rules of the game: post the fourth photo in the fourth folder and write four things about it.

Thanksgiving posts to come...

You've got to be kidding me....

In nursing school my hands would get raw, I thought from all the washing and alcohol rubs. So when my hands got a bit raw here I didn't think much of it. But yesterday, I worked a 12 hour shift, and by the end my hands were bright purple/red, swollen, and sweaty. Again, blame it on the washing. So I showed my preceptor and she thought maybe I was ripping my gloves off and should be more careful, maybe wear a larger size. By the end of the night all I could get on were larges (I usually wear a medium or small). The other thought was that it might be an allergy to the gloves and to have central supply send a different kind for me to use. No big deal. So I went to work this morning and showed the charge nurse, asking for some different gloves. Turns out this is a big deal. So kind of flipped out on me, what if I had gone home and had a systemic reaction??? I should have said something right away!!! Anyway, I had to be admitted to the ED as a patient, side note: it's really boring and cold in there if you're a patient. I was given benadryl and steroids and told I can't come back until I've been cleared by employee health and my hands are clear. Oh, and I have to wear my own special gloves. 'Cause that's convenient. Lovely. Seriously, who do these kinds of things happen too? Me. Only me.

A change

I'm a red-head. You may be wondering why. Yes, I did it on purpose and I love it. I think I was born to be a red-head. I've been wanting to do it for years and last night I went with my friend to buy color for her and ended up buying a box. I got home and thought, why not, what could possibly go wrong? My first try was "strawberry blond" or, in my opinion, pinkish-orange. So I walked calmly across the street and bought a box of darker dye. It turned out perfect and today my friend put in some low and highlights so it looks more natural. Several people at work came up to me and looked confused until they figured it out. Pretty funny. So I don't know how long it will last but for now, I love it.

Uncle Rod

A week ago Sunday my Uncle Rod passed away. I've been thinking a lot about him and the influence he had on me and my hope and belief in the Plan of Salvation. My strongest memory of Uncle Rod was Christmas of 1995. I had just completed my first semester at BYU and had taken anatomy in the hopes of going to their nursing program. Rod was so encouraging of my goal and taught me a mnemonic to remember the carpal bones (wrist bones). I can remember the mnemonic but I still have a hard time remembering the names of the bones. "Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle". S?, Lunate, T?, Pisiform, T?, T?, Capitate, Hamate.

Rod was also always so willing to let us visit the cabin in Hatch. I have so many fond memories there and it was such an escape while I was living in Utah. I often dream about it and it is one of my favorite "happy places".

The other truly significant memory I have is actually of a testimony that was born in my singles ward in Dublin. One of the counselors in the bishopric bore his testimony about service and talked about Uncle Rod. Rod had been this man's family doctor. He shared how Rod was always available to answer questions or examine or comfort this man and his family members. He shared that long after Rod had retired he still would follow up and give sought after advice. The counselor was so impressed by the Christ-like love and compassion Uncle Rod had shown his family. It was just another reminder to me of the legacy of love demonstrated in our family. I have been a recipient of that love and hope never to do anything to tarnish that legacy.

Lastly, Uncle Rod's death has given me the opportunity to reflect on my hope and belief in the Plan of Salvation. I feel great comfort in knowing that our family has been sealed by those with authority and that if I live according to my covenants I will be with them for eternity. That is such a comfort. I know that I will see Uncle Rod again and though I am sad to be parted from him now, I know he has been reunited with those he loves that have already passed. I am so grateful for the testimony of Jesus Christ's gospel that I have and know that so much of it has been gained from the example of my family, including Uncle Rod and Aunt Louise. How blessed I am to have this peace.

New Calling

I was called to serve on the Mid-Singles Activities Committee. I'm actually really excited about this particular calling. I hope it will give me the opportunity to get to know people from all over the area and get the inside scoop on all fun things. Of course those are selfish reasons on my part but I'm also looking forward to seeking out and finding ways to include those who are less inclined to participate and contribute to the inviting environment that I have so enjoyed the past month I've been here. I was lucky to have an "in" because of Ty. I know most people don't enjoy the easy transition I have had. Hopefully, I'll be able to help others feel more welcome and ease their way into a circle of friends.

And yes, I still feel icky but thanks to my own personal physician (Ty) and pharmacist (my new friend Jen) I now have drugs to help me feel as good as can be expected. Thankfully I get to work from home today. One more day to rest and recover.

This past week has been less than fun as I have been down and out and totally pathetic with sickness. I'm not a very good sick patient. I'm very complainy. It started out about 10 days ago with some nausea. By Friday I was very nauseous and tired and having trouble with food. So bad my boss sent me home from work - much to my dismay. Over the course of the next few days I became more and more afraid of food, more and more nauseous, and had loads of very uncomfortable stomach pain. By Monday I was down to white food only and even that made me nervous. Also, extremely tired. So I went to work on Tuesday, EKG class, which was okay but not great. Wednesday I just couldn't make it. So I went to the doctor/Physician Assistant who told me I had gastritis and probably gallstones. Seriously. So for those of you who don't know, gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. We believe mine was caused by the copious amounts of NSAIDS I've been taking all my life. So the bad news is, no NSAIDS for me ever again. NSAIDS being Tylenol, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. The good news is, I didn't have a GI bleed. So anyway, I keep thinking I should feel better soon and but I don't so I'm whiny.

A couple of my friends just called and invited me to go to a masquerade party tonight. Maybe if I lay low all day I can swing it.

Oh, and the weather here is incredible. It's been sunny and beautiful and cool and crisp and the trees are various shades of red and yellow and orange. Love it. I'll take pictures one of these days... Maybe when I feel better.

Did you know it takes 200x the force of gravity to break the forehead bone (supraorbital rim)? Yes, this is what I'm learning. Mom brought to my attention last night that many of you may not know what my fellowship is or what I'm doing. In nursing school we are taught to think like nurses. We learn how to assess and determine what course we think a patient might take and what might be needed to stabilize and improve the condition of the patient. At least that's what I think we were supposed to learn. They also teach us how to do procedures like start an IV, draw blood, insert catheters and NG tubes, how to give various types of meds, etc. But mostly we're taught how to think. So all new grads, when they start working in the hospital get some form of orientation to the unit and are taught how to be a nurse. Some orientations are relatively short, others are much longer. For example, a general medical-surgical unit might orient for 12 weeks whereas an ER might orient for 6 months and an OR might orient for a year. As I am in the ER, I orient for 6 months. So between now and December I will have class for 8 hours a week, online class for 8-16 hours a week, and clinical training for the remaining hours. In a few weeks I will be assigned a preceptor. I will work that preceptor's schedule and during that time will be required to pass off a number of skills. My whole orientation should be complete in April and then I will be responsible for taking my own patients. That whole program is called a fellowship. There are 12 of us, all girls, that all started together. Because of the size of our group we are usually divided up for our clinical days. I really enjoy my group. I think I have found "my people". We are all slightly irreverent and find humor in things others would be horrified or at least nauseated by. We can talk about secretions at lunch and nobody gags or loses their appetite. Apparently most ER nurses have a similar sense of humor. Last weekend I worked my first night shift. I actually did far better at night than I do most days. The interesting/funny thing was, at some point, everyone got a little punch drunk. It was perfectly okay to be giggly or to call your co-worker the "Purple Power Ranger" (one of the techs nicknamed me due to my purple scrubs). I loved it and had the perfect excuse to sleep all day.

As for the social life. I am making friends and have already found a few people that I really enjoy. Last night I went with the ward to the Children's Hospital to play with the kids. There were 20+ of us and about 5 of them. My table, who included family favorite Mike Hill, played with playdough. Afterward 9 of us went to a diner called, no kidding, "The Diner" in DC. The food was fantastic and it reminded me of the diners you see in TV sitcoms. Sunday night I attended an Apple Fest - featuring treats made with apples. Saturday was a quiet day and then a friend came over to watch a movie. Tomorrow I'm going to a Halloween dinner and Saturday night is Fall Festivis (everyone prepares a dish using an ingredient they've never used before). Overall, I love it here. I miss my family tremendously but know I'm right where I need to be.

Since then...

Oct. 3: Date night at the DC Temple with Ty then birthday party for unknown girl. Met loads of new people. Mostly a blur.
Oct. 4: General Conference at Ty's house. Fajitas between sessions then a quiet night of unpacking at home.
Oct. 5: General Conference at Ty's and a Crepe Party. Met loads of new people.
Oct. 6: 1st day at Inova!!!! Spent the day in the classroom learning about how fantastic working for Inova is. After work, FHE. A member of my ward spoke about the economic crisis. He works for the Treasury Dept and was instrumental in writing and proposing the package passed by congress. Yes, he is single, very smart, and seriously cute. Oh, and met new people...
Oct. 7: Institute: we're studying Jesus the Christ. Delightful.
Oct. 7-10: Orientation at work.
Oct. 10: Pick up car, which arrived significantly later than planned but arrived no the less.
Oct. 11: Crabbing in Chesapeake Bay, MA. Absolutely beautiful and so nice to be outside and near the water. Enjoy the photos. Met new people... After a day in the sun we went back to Ty's house for dinner and the BYU game. Again, met new people...
Oct. 12: Dinner at the Utah St. Girls house. After dinner we played games.

Week of Oct. 13...
I started working in the Emergency Dept (ED) this week. The ED has been experiencing a large number of mislabeled specimens going to the lab. This is a safety issue. So my fellow fellows and I have been stationed at the tube system charged with the task of checking every specimen before it goes to the lab. We also get to observe 10 blood draws per day. So fun. Not really. It's very, very boring. However, I try to remember I am actually getting paid to sit and chat with people as they bring their specimens. Plus, we get loads of sympathy. Today I was "rescued" by one particularly kind nurse. She asked me to help her transport her patient up to the ICU. Her patient with c. diff. If you don't know what that is, it's a highly infective intestinal infection that gives its victims horrible diarrhea. Ahh, lovely. But at least I got away from the tube system for a while.

So now I get to stay up late so I can start prepping to work all night on Friday night. I'm currently watching the Presidential Debate. Are these guys actually saying anything?

Enjoy the crabbing photos...

As Promised...

Photos of the family. I miss you all!!!

The move...

I was planning on extending my CA visit to Wednesday before heading to VA, but come to find out, I have to have my pre-employment physical done on Wednesday so I flew out to VA today. When I arrive at the rental car place to pick up my car (who knows when mine will actually arrive) it's softly raining. When I finish my paperwork and walk outside it's softly raining. When I arrive at my car (50 feet away) it's a torrential downpour. I'm soaked through by the time I finish putting my luggage in the car. So I bust out my new GPS and map it for home. About 5 minutes later the battery dies. So I'm on some freeway, somewhere near Dulles airport, in a downpour, with no directions. And no pen. So I pull over and scramble to the trunk (confident I will be run over by an 18 wheeler) to try to find a pen in my luggage. Once located I called my friend who directed me home and invited me to come watch him play basketball. Ohhh, fun. But I'm a sucker for socializing so I did. He arrived 30 minutes later than I expected so I sat on the stage with a bunch of sweating guys I didn't know. I'm pretty sure they thought I was some kind of stalker freak/desperate social retard. Seriously, who goes and watches church basketball on Tuesday night?! It was pretty funny and I was very happy when he finally showed up and demonstrated that I was not quite as big a loser as they may have thought.

So tomorrow I start unpacking. I have way more stuff than I realized but I think I have enough space for it all. My roommates seem really nice - they've done so much to make this move manageable for me. I don't know what I would have done otherwise.

P.S. Last night my family had a combined Family Home Evening at Dave & Crissie's house. It was so much fun and I loved watching my nieces and nephews participate in learning the gospel. Listening to them sing "I am a Child of God" about made my heart burst. I hope they take the message to heart and always remember who they are and how much they are loved, both by their Heavenly Father and their earthly family. I don't know if there is anything I wouldn't do for those kids. I miss them dearly when I'm not there and leaving is always painful. On the happy side, I took a ton of pictures, some sweet ones and some funny ones. I'll post them soon so come back and check...

Leaving CA...

I had a bit of a breakdown on Friday night. I just wasn't ready to start my new adventure in VA. I wanted to stay in CA, visit with my family, read, go to the river, and just relax after the stress of graduating, planning the move, studying for and taking the NCLEX, and then fixing my disastrously botched move. I just needed a break. So I changed my flight to go on Wednesday. Today I called to reschedule my physical (required before I start working next week) and they said, "oh no, if you don't come in on Wednesday we'll have to reschedule your start date." Such is my life. So after some scrambling I managed to get on a flight for Tuesday. Yea for me. So today will be a whirlwind of packing and highlighting my hair. Yes, I started highlighting my hair last winter and while I love having my bright blond hair back it makes me a bit sick to have to dye it.

Other than that, last week I took the three nephews on our "date". My favorite activities when I visit are my dates with the little boys. I usually take J&J out together and C out by himself. In the past we've gone to movies and Chuck E. Cheese (my favorite). So this time I really wanted to take them to the climbing gym and introduce them to my favorite sport but they wanted to go bowling. Bowling. Yes. Okay. I picked J up from school then the other J. Little J started preschool this year and loves it! He was so excited when he came out - he's going on a field trip to the pumpkin patch and just HAD to call his mom to tell her all about it. Darling. We jumped on the freeway and headed for Livermore to get C. About 10 minutes later Little J asked if we could go home. I said we were on our way to get C and then to go bowling. He said, in his little 4 year old voice, "but I have to go pee-pee and I can't hold it." Panic. So we got off at the nearest McDonald's. Whew. We picked up C and headed for the bowling alley. When we got there Big J promptly (though accidentally) slammed Little J's fingers in the car door. I hear this little voice, "open the door... open the door... open the door." I think I was more freaked out about it than he was. He was not about to go home and since his fingers weren't broken... So we bowled and played video games and got bouncy balls and were generally loud and crazy. Then headed over to McDonald's for dinner and more playing. We were all disappointed to go home. The boys were so cute and so good. I think I heard more giggles over pee pee and underwear than a gaggle of 12 year old girls could produce. I tried not to encourage it but it was pretty funny. I just love those boys. They are so delightful and loving. I miss them so much when I'm not around!

I AM AN RN! Couldn't have done it without the love and support of my family and friends. Thank you!

Good boys become good men...

I'm babysitting my darling nephews and tonight the oldest (age 6) said the bedtime prayer, "Please bless me to grow up, and go on a mission, and get married in the temple, and be good."

The past few weeks I've been studying for the NCLEX. The NCLEX is the national licensing exam for nurses and it sucks. My life is very, very boring. I stare at a women in a 1"x1" box on my computer as she talks about all things nursing. Then I take practice test after practice test. Kaplan recommends taking 1200 questions before taking the exam. I'm at 900. Now, I don't spend the whole day studying, I have found many ways to procrastinate. Namely, Crewe and Dayne. Sadly, they're in UT now so I have no excuse. I am feeling confident about the test but I also know that I have to be over-prepared or I will freak out and panic. I take the test on Tuesday (so special prayers this week and if you feel the need to fast... well, spiritual blessings will never be discouraged ;)

Oh, and my stuff is being picked up in Tucson today between 2 and 4pm to begin its trek to VA. I leave a week from Saturday.

More Glider Flying...

Sunday, before leaving Tucson, I had one last flight with Jeff. Still amazing. We got up to 10,000 feet - and I contributed several thousand of those feet. I thoroughly enjoyed the flight - even the part where I threw up all over my self. Yes, it was pathetic but I felt great afterward, good enough that we did some dives and high speed turning. Falling is far more comfortable than Gs (in my opinion), and more fun. Again I had a great time and, even with the nausea/vomiting, would go again in a heartbeat. There are ways to overcome air sickness. Few things beat the feeling of flying. Thanks Jeff!


10,000+ feet

Another glider we were flying with

So my aim wasn't the best for this picture

Me, pre-airsick

I can hardly believe Jeff was willing to touch me at that point!

Gliders

Glider flying with Jeff...


Gliders waiting to be towed into the air


Me... waiting to take-off

Being towed


Jeff with his glider


I absolutely loved glider flying. Got a bit nauseous but, apparently, that's to be expected. We were up for just over 30 min., did some circling and some soaring, and Jeff let me fly. That's my favorite part. We're going again before I leave. Amazing...

Officially moving...

I scheduled the movers today. I decided it was silly for my to go home then come back to Tucson just to take the NCLEX so the movers are coming on Friday and I'm going home until it's time to go to VA. I'm having a bit of a hard time with the idea of leaving Tucson and all my friends. I've actually found some great girlfriends here and am sad to leave them, especially with such short notice. I suppose I'll miss a few things about Tucson.

Things I'll actually miss...
1. Thunder storms
2. Lightening
3. Drenching rain
4. Warm winters
5. Driving through big puddles
6. Keri, Dana, Marni, Elizabeth, Emily, Lisa, Chrissy, and Diana - others as well but especially these girls
7. Knowing where I'm going (geographically)because of all of the easy to see landmarks
8. The DeGeer's
9. Knowing Cafe Rio and Nielson's Custard is only 2 hours away
10. Social laziness
11. The security of an instructor and a nurse following my every move
12. Caesar salads from Greek Patio
13. Making fun of Tucson and having other people get it
14. Having my own bathroom
15. Being in the same time zone as my family, at least half the year

As promised... photos of my graduation. Life since hasn't been terribly exciting, just sleeping and reading (Breaking Dawn!!!!). I started studying for the NCLEX today so life is going to be boring for a while.

I made it!

I finally graduated yesterday! YEA for me! And last night I slept well for the first time in, well, years. Ahhh, lovely. I'll post pictures soon. I promise...

Complete!

I FINISHED NURSING SCHOOL TODAY!!!! Graduation is at 2pm on Thursday then study, study, study for the NCLEX. Of course, there will be that trip home and a weekend trip to the Grand Canyon, and a move...

It's my party...

I got 4 offers from my 5 interviews. I'm still deciding between two of them. My second choice hospital may help me out with my student loan so I have to take that into consideration. Once I hear from them, how much they can give me, I'll make my final decision.

In the meantime, I am back in Tucson finishing up my last semester of school. My current rotation is on a cardiac step-down unit, which means all of the patients are there for some cardiac condition and are on cardiac monitors. It also means I'm working 3-12 hour shifts a week. Not a big deal except they're Monday-Wednesday. Wednesday night I was tired. Thursday I thought I was going to die. It's now Saturday and I'm beginning to feel human again.

My first two days were uneventful. I had a really lovely gentleman and a psychiatric patient who kept trying to eat the fingerstick needles, however, Wednesday I had a very loving patient. My first encounter with his lovingness was when he needed a procedure so I held his hand. No big deal. Later that day I went to give him meds and he asked for a hug. Ok, still within my comfort level, I tried to do the one armed hug thing and he tried to kiss my neck!!! So the next time I went in he got out of bed and trapped me between the bed and the wall (blocking my exit to the door), and tried to kiss me!!!!! AAGGGHHHH! I, of course, pushed him away and told him that was not appropriate and then tried to avoid going into his room alone for the rest of the day. I would have tried to avoid him altogether but they tend to frown on abandonment. So lessons learned, never let a patient block your exit and I seriously need a boyfriend if the only action I'm getting is from my patients (which is against the law if I'm not mistaken, at least unethical and besides, he was not the patient I would want to be getting action from!).

Yesterday was my birthday and it was lovely. I baked my own birthday cake and planned my own party, which I know is funny but I got exactly what I wanted. My friends and I met at one of my very favorite restaurants, Oregano's for dinner. The wait was 2 - 2 1/2 hours and there was a wild monsoon brewing outside so it was hot, humid, and crowded inside. We decided to go with plan D and got our meals to go and headed back to my apartment. We ate and talked and laughed and I loved it. My friend Emily, who just moved to Phoenix from CA, came down and spent the night so we went to The Good Egg for a yummy breakfast, did some shopping, and went to see Mama Mia. Mama Mia was cute but not nearly as wonderful as the play. Then out to lunch and, sadly, she had to head home. It was a seriously wonderful birthday and I may not need to eat again for several days. I also loved hearing from so many of my friends and family members... I love you all. You have no idea how much strength I gain from my family and friends. I have learned so much from all of you and I miss you!

Graduation is in 19 days and my parents are coming out. I can't wait!

Interviewing...

My first choice hospital is a level 1 trauma center in Fairfax, VA. It is an amazing ER, they train new grads in trauma (unheard of), have computers in every room for easy charting, and it's HUGE! I was giddy just walking through. The only concern, my friend is a doctor there. I have been nervous about this as we've never worked together and it could be a new challenge for us. It's a bit like moving in with your best friend. She may be your best friend but may not be the best roommate. After seeing how large the ER was my concerns were appeased. And then the question...

Interviewer (I): "What does Dr. X say about doctors and nurses and working together?"
Me: "Well, we've been friends for a long time and while we've never worked together we've planned lots of activities together and we get along well. I think if we ever have a problem we'll work it out."
I: Blank stare.
I: Giggles.
I: "I meant, what does he think of the nurses on the unit?"
Me: "Oh. (embarrassed laughter) Why didn't you stop me?"
I: "You were on a roll. And it was funny."
Me & I: laughter...

At the conclusion of the interview she walked me out of the hospital, almost to the parking garage, and told me I could have the last spot in the October orientation. Come to find out later (from Dr. X) that she created a spot for me. I'm really excited to work with this women. I haven't enjoyed an interview that much...ever. The HR recruiter called today to officially extend an offer.

Guess I'm moving to VA.

P.S. In two days I interviewed at 4 hospitals in 5 units (3 ERs, 2 NICUs). I expect to hear from the rest of them sometime this week.

The Rundown...

May: Finished my 3rd semester of nursing school

May 12-22 Went to London and Paris

May 22-June 7 Hung out with the family and my friend Jennie in CA and researched hospitals in Virginia

June 9-current Started my 4th and final semester of nursing school (wanted to stab myself in the eye everyday), went home for my grandparents 70th wedding anniversary, secured 5 interviews in VA - scheduled a trip for July, reconnected with the DeGeer family, spoke in Sacrament meeting and taught Relief Society on the same day.