Less than 1 week and this semester is under my belt. Hard to believe that there is only one semester left!
Regular clinicals are over now. I had a good experience in OB-stood in on a C-section so that was cool. I have a makeup day next week in peds.
Time right now is being dedicated to the books. 2 finals next week (Monday and Wednesday) and a pretty big skills exam on Monday. That's what I am most nervous about right now.
just tidbits about my life. you never know what you'll find.... Vacation, books, work, stories about Isaac or the dogs.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
1 more month!
1 more month and the 4th term of my nursing education is finished! Then one term to go and finish up in December!
I finish up my clinical rotations on the OB floor at Mary Greeley. Excited to get back and hopefully get in on a C-section this time around.
Mental Health rotation was in Des Moines at Iowa Lutheran. I wasn't a fan of the drive but the rotation itself was interesting, to say the least. 2 other ladies from class and I carpooled so we each drove 3 times, which was nice. I have my last day at MG mental health tomorrow-we go there 2 days.
Not sure what the summer is going to hold but I do know: LOTS of books! Bike riding! Boating!
I finish up my clinical rotations on the OB floor at Mary Greeley. Excited to get back and hopefully get in on a C-section this time around.
Mental Health rotation was in Des Moines at Iowa Lutheran. I wasn't a fan of the drive but the rotation itself was interesting, to say the least. 2 other ladies from class and I carpooled so we each drove 3 times, which was nice. I have my last day at MG mental health tomorrow-we go there 2 days.
Not sure what the summer is going to hold but I do know: LOTS of books! Bike riding! Boating!
I am an LPN!
YES! I am an LPN! I have my license to prove it!
18 March was my scheduled date to test for my license.
I was nervous! The GPS put me completely in the wrong area. For some reason, I ended up in the 7000 block of the road, rather than the 3000 block. Glad I was plenty early!
I found the location and got myself checked in: photo, hand scans, fingerprints. Then I sat to wait. Then the proctor could not verify my hand scan, although he had my drivers' license, a photo and me right in front of him! I was like, "Oh man, this is bad!"
I finally got in and went through the initial set up/directions of the NCLEX program. I was there for about an hour, all the while being videotaped/sound monitored. Nerve-wracking, to say the least.
I called Mark when I was done and he was confident I passed. Me-not so sure. I barely had over the bear minimum (85) questions when my test stopped.
All weekend long, Mark tried to convince me I passed. On Sunday afternoon, we were able to pay $8 and get "unofficial results". Well....I PASSED! I was in shock and disbelief! The following Friday, my license was in the mail! I haven't even received my "official results" yet!
I am glad it's behind me! I now have the experience of testing and will be more confident when I take my RN boards next year!
18 March was my scheduled date to test for my license.
I was nervous! The GPS put me completely in the wrong area. For some reason, I ended up in the 7000 block of the road, rather than the 3000 block. Glad I was plenty early!
I found the location and got myself checked in: photo, hand scans, fingerprints. Then I sat to wait. Then the proctor could not verify my hand scan, although he had my drivers' license, a photo and me right in front of him! I was like, "Oh man, this is bad!"
I finally got in and went through the initial set up/directions of the NCLEX program. I was there for about an hour, all the while being videotaped/sound monitored. Nerve-wracking, to say the least.
I called Mark when I was done and he was confident I passed. Me-not so sure. I barely had over the bear minimum (85) questions when my test stopped.
All weekend long, Mark tried to convince me I passed. On Sunday afternoon, we were able to pay $8 and get "unofficial results". Well....I PASSED! I was in shock and disbelief! The following Friday, my license was in the mail! I haven't even received my "official results" yet!
I am glad it's behind me! I now have the experience of testing and will be more confident when I take my RN boards next year!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Happy 8th Anniversary...our wedding story
I sit here today, on my 8th wedding anniversary just in amazement how my life has changed in the last 8 years!
It was really cold that day and it's snowing today!
>>>
Back at the beginning of the Iraq war, units were being called up and leaving quickly. Meaning: you got notified and were normally gone within a week.
Mark and I had been together just a little over 1 year at that point. He had bought the house in Boone and we were living there running the "Madsen Motel" as Mark called it. Life was clicking along, I was working in Boone as well.
Mark went to January 03 drill as usual. Nothing out of the ordinary. Sunday night, he told me they were being deployed, "so, you wanna get married". WHAT? Deployment? Marriage? Oh my goodness. I remember just being in complete and utter shock. So, what did I say? Yes, of course!
The next day was a whirlwind of phone calls, plans being made, ideas being thought of, paperwork being done. Mark got one of the few guys working that day to go along with us to the courthouse to apply for our marriage license. I called my mom and remember asking her if she had plans later in the week (Friday, to be exact). She wondered why-I told her that I was getting married and to call up to our church and talk to Pastor R and get it arranged.
This was only Monday and the rest of the week was spent at work, making plans in the evening, trips to Ames to the mall for clothes/rings and dinner.
By Friday morning, we were both exhausted. I still didn't have anything to wear but a friend of mine from CDS did my makeup and lent me a skirt and blouse. My friend Sara skipped one of her vet school classes so she could head up to Humboldt with us. She did my hair at my parents house before heading up to church. My sister Kat also skipped a class or two at Iowa Central to be home too.
Friday evening, 5:00 pm we are at the church. In attendance: my parents, Mark's parents, his 2 brothers, future sister in law, my sister, her boyfriend, my brother and his 2 boys, our friend Steve (best man), Joyce, Sara, my great-aunt Luella, my mom's friend whom I'd known forever, Donette, and my long-time friend from Humboldt, Amy. Pretty small group. It was a pretty short and sweet ceremony. My sister stood up for me. My mom was able to find sunflowers at the end of January so my sister and I could each have a bouquet!
We just had dinner in the reception hall at the church. We had broasted chicken, cheesy potatoes and cake. I think I might be missing something? My mom got all the food together on a week's notice and even thought to get a cake!
I remember clearly my nephew Michael (5) asked if he could come spend the night at my house that night. (He often came and spent the night with us). Um, nope bud. We're exhausted and Mark has to head down to Camp Dodge early the next morning. We got home and fell into bed that night, just to wake the next morning to see the space ship exploding as it took off.
While Mark spent the remainder of that weekend at Camp Dodge preparing for a deployment, Michael did indeed come and spend the weekend with me.
I don't clearly remember the chain of events, but as you know, Mark's unit did not leave in January 2003. They deployed in April, 2006.
It's hard to believe that it's already been 8 years of marriage. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but I know there is no one else more suited for me! Happy Anniversary, Mark and here's to many more!
It was really cold that day and it's snowing today!
>>>
Back at the beginning of the Iraq war, units were being called up and leaving quickly. Meaning: you got notified and were normally gone within a week.
Mark and I had been together just a little over 1 year at that point. He had bought the house in Boone and we were living there running the "Madsen Motel" as Mark called it. Life was clicking along, I was working in Boone as well.
Mark went to January 03 drill as usual. Nothing out of the ordinary. Sunday night, he told me they were being deployed, "so, you wanna get married". WHAT? Deployment? Marriage? Oh my goodness. I remember just being in complete and utter shock. So, what did I say? Yes, of course!
The next day was a whirlwind of phone calls, plans being made, ideas being thought of, paperwork being done. Mark got one of the few guys working that day to go along with us to the courthouse to apply for our marriage license. I called my mom and remember asking her if she had plans later in the week (Friday, to be exact). She wondered why-I told her that I was getting married and to call up to our church and talk to Pastor R and get it arranged.
This was only Monday and the rest of the week was spent at work, making plans in the evening, trips to Ames to the mall for clothes/rings and dinner.
By Friday morning, we were both exhausted. I still didn't have anything to wear but a friend of mine from CDS did my makeup and lent me a skirt and blouse. My friend Sara skipped one of her vet school classes so she could head up to Humboldt with us. She did my hair at my parents house before heading up to church. My sister Kat also skipped a class or two at Iowa Central to be home too.
Friday evening, 5:00 pm we are at the church. In attendance: my parents, Mark's parents, his 2 brothers, future sister in law, my sister, her boyfriend, my brother and his 2 boys, our friend Steve (best man), Joyce, Sara, my great-aunt Luella, my mom's friend whom I'd known forever, Donette, and my long-time friend from Humboldt, Amy. Pretty small group. It was a pretty short and sweet ceremony. My sister stood up for me. My mom was able to find sunflowers at the end of January so my sister and I could each have a bouquet!
We just had dinner in the reception hall at the church. We had broasted chicken, cheesy potatoes and cake. I think I might be missing something? My mom got all the food together on a week's notice and even thought to get a cake!
I remember clearly my nephew Michael (5) asked if he could come spend the night at my house that night. (He often came and spent the night with us). Um, nope bud. We're exhausted and Mark has to head down to Camp Dodge early the next morning. We got home and fell into bed that night, just to wake the next morning to see the space ship exploding as it took off.
While Mark spent the remainder of that weekend at Camp Dodge preparing for a deployment, Michael did indeed come and spend the weekend with me.
I don't clearly remember the chain of events, but as you know, Mark's unit did not leave in January 2003. They deployed in April, 2006.
It's hard to believe that it's already been 8 years of marriage. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but I know there is no one else more suited for me! Happy Anniversary, Mark and here's to many more!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
2 weeks in...1 test done
I have already finished up the first 2 weeks of my 4th term! The first week was spent mostly in the lab learning how to start IV's and push meds through. Intense week! On top of that, Isaac was sick and we ended up going to Urgent Care at 6 pm one night for his cough/wheezing/breathing. Luckily, he's on the mend and feeling better!
I'm doing my clinicals on the pediatric floor this round. We are now functioning as an RN so we can do all the IV bag changes, meds, etc.
The first test got out of the way yesterday. I always think the first one is the hardest since you never know what to expect. Unusual for me, I was one of the last to finish. Hope that's a good sign!
It's cold and white outside. At least the sun is shining and it's not -30* like yesterday.
Have homework, housework and errands today then a birthday party to attend tomorrow.
Stay warm!
I'm doing my clinicals on the pediatric floor this round. We are now functioning as an RN so we can do all the IV bag changes, meds, etc.
The first test got out of the way yesterday. I always think the first one is the hardest since you never know what to expect. Unusual for me, I was one of the last to finish. Hope that's a good sign!
It's cold and white outside. At least the sun is shining and it's not -30* like yesterday.
Have homework, housework and errands today then a birthday party to attend tomorrow.
Stay warm!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Getting ready...
Well, in 3 days I start the second year of my nursing education! hard to believe! It's been a much-needed break these last 24 days.
I'm ready, excited and nervous to go! We'll be picking up a few new to our class students so our class will get a little bigger.
My clinical rotation starts in Pediatrics again. Then we move to Mental Health in Des Moines and finish the semester with OB. I'm looking forward to clinicals, as that's where we put our knowledge to the test!
>>>>>>
Christmas was great. Isaac was spoiled but plays with most of all his gifts. He especially loves Hi-Ho Cheerio from my sister. We play nearly every day. He also got a Penguin Pillow Pet that goes everywhere with him, including Wal-Mart, the grocery store and every car ride, even if only to the library!
Mark bought be a Kindle, which I LOVE! He kept giving me the impression that I wasn't going to get one so I was somewhat disappointed and resigned myself to the Sara Palin book he said he bought for me (I don't like her). Mark and I exchanged gifts after Isaac went to bed on Christmas Eve. He bought me an orange ceramic reusable coffee mug (LOVE IT!) and a book. I knew it was a book from the wrap and what I felt.
I opened it up and indeed, it was Sara Palin. I was really sad and disappointed. I opened it up, hoping to find an IOU or a gift card or something. Well, lo and behold in the middle of the book was my Kindle! He cut out a part of the book and made a spot to nestle the Kindle inside! He's so sneaky, tricky and creative! He always does something out of the ordinary with my gifts. He also included a lighted leather cover for it. I take it everywhere! It's so handy and fits right in my purse!
I stayed busy over break. I cleaned the house, did laundry, cleaned most of the carpets. It's nice going into the next semester knowing that the house is somewhat clean.
Today would be a good day to read, but I want/need to finish up the laundry and clean Isaac's room (again).
Happy 2011!
I'm ready, excited and nervous to go! We'll be picking up a few new to our class students so our class will get a little bigger.
My clinical rotation starts in Pediatrics again. Then we move to Mental Health in Des Moines and finish the semester with OB. I'm looking forward to clinicals, as that's where we put our knowledge to the test!
>>>>>>
Christmas was great. Isaac was spoiled but plays with most of all his gifts. He especially loves Hi-Ho Cheerio from my sister. We play nearly every day. He also got a Penguin Pillow Pet that goes everywhere with him, including Wal-Mart, the grocery store and every car ride, even if only to the library!
Mark bought be a Kindle, which I LOVE! He kept giving me the impression that I wasn't going to get one so I was somewhat disappointed and resigned myself to the Sara Palin book he said he bought for me (I don't like her). Mark and I exchanged gifts after Isaac went to bed on Christmas Eve. He bought me an orange ceramic reusable coffee mug (LOVE IT!) and a book. I knew it was a book from the wrap and what I felt.
I opened it up and indeed, it was Sara Palin. I was really sad and disappointed. I opened it up, hoping to find an IOU or a gift card or something. Well, lo and behold in the middle of the book was my Kindle! He cut out a part of the book and made a spot to nestle the Kindle inside! He's so sneaky, tricky and creative! He always does something out of the ordinary with my gifts. He also included a lighted leather cover for it. I take it everywhere! It's so handy and fits right in my purse!
I stayed busy over break. I cleaned the house, did laundry, cleaned most of the carpets. It's nice going into the next semester knowing that the house is somewhat clean.
Today would be a good day to read, but I want/need to finish up the laundry and clean Isaac's room (again).
Happy 2011!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!
It's hard to believe that today is Christmas Eve! We got about 3-4" of snow overnight and it's still snowing! I love snow at Christmastime. I remember growing up many years where we were hoping to have snow for Christmas.
Last year, we were bombarded by a snowstorm that thwarted our plans. Hopefully it will cooperate tomorrow!
I did it! I graduated last week! I'll get my diploma in around 6 weeks. Many of my classmates walked across the stage as well. What an exciting time! I've been off school a week already and am keeping busy! I've enjoying the time away from the books, let me tell you! I've done laundy, cleaned bedrooms, cleaned the carpets, read two books and am looking forward to more relaxing!
I went up to my parents this past Tuesday and did some baking with my mom. My friend Melissa dropped in as well. SHe's home from Kuwait for Christmas so it was great to see her and have her help! It wasn't as large a baking year as usual, but we accomplished a lot and had fun.
Merry Christmas to all!
Here is our Christmas letter:
Last year, we were bombarded by a snowstorm that thwarted our plans. Hopefully it will cooperate tomorrow!
I did it! I graduated last week! I'll get my diploma in around 6 weeks. Many of my classmates walked across the stage as well. What an exciting time! I've been off school a week already and am keeping busy! I've enjoying the time away from the books, let me tell you! I've done laundy, cleaned bedrooms, cleaned the carpets, read two books and am looking forward to more relaxing!
I went up to my parents this past Tuesday and did some baking with my mom. My friend Melissa dropped in as well. SHe's home from Kuwait for Christmas so it was great to see her and have her help! It wasn't as large a baking year as usual, but we accomplished a lot and had fun.
Merry Christmas to all!
Here is our Christmas letter:
In January, I started my first semester of the LPN program at the DMACC campus in Boone. Now, 11 months later, I am set to graduate with my LPN on 16 December! What a great time I’ve had. I’ve learned so much, enjoyed my clinical rotations and have met some great new people! By this time next year, I will be completing the coursework for my RN!
Isaac started full-time daycare in January, as well. The transition seemed to go well and we switched daycare centers in mid-February. His new program has a preschool curriculum built in and he’s learning so much! He loves his friends and asks to go every day.
In May, we made the decision to put our house in Boone up for sale and downsize. We felt it was a good time to do it as I was done with the semester and had time to get it done. We packed up our house, rented a moving truck and moved to Ogden. It’s a much smaller place, but much easier on upkeep! Technically, our house never went “up for sale” as our neighbor’s daughter was interested. On my birthday in July, we got the call that her mortgage went through and we’d close in August! What an answer to prayer.
Isaac celebrated his 4th birthday this year! He received a bike for his birthday and has already worn out the training wheels! He rode it every day for hours at a time! He knows most of the people and kids in our neighborhood-and they know him! Isaac also had his first “sleepover” at our friend Jessica’s house. Isaac had a great weekend swimming and playing while mom and dad finished up at the Boone house.
Other than riding his bike, Isaac still loves Thomas the Train, riding his John Deere tractor, Curious George and going to the library. We purchased a boat in late July and spent many weekends down at Saylorville Lake as a family. Isaac absolutely loves boating! He always wanted to go swimming, no matter the temperature. We’re looking forward to late spring already so we can get back out on the water.
Mark is still busy with work and the National Guard. He is also a part-time student at DMACC, as well. With a much smaller home and no yard work, he has time to relax now!
We wish you and yours the best for 2011! Much love to you all!
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