You can call me Nurse Becky

I have MAJOR news to share with my blog buddies!!!

On October 5th I FINALLY took the NCLEX - and on the 6th I found out:

I

PASSED!!!!!!

That's right, I am a Registered Nurse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What relief!!! Now the real fun begins - the JOB SEARCH!!!

A graduation and vacation post wrapped in a pretty pink bow...

That's right, a post that will bring my nursing school pursuits full-circle, wrapped up in a pretty pink bow.

Ok, sheesh. This is going to be a doozy, so just bear with me!

Thursday & Friday

My Aunt and cousin, Khris, arrived on Thursday. We had one mission: CUPCAKES. That's right, we made 100 cupcakes for my graduation party. I think I must have hit my head or wandered into an alternate universe at some point - thinking this would be a piece of (cup)cake. It really was easy - just a HUGE task. Here are a few pics I took of the cupcake making process. (Alternately titled: "Becky plays with the "macro" setting on her camera.")

Saturday

Saturday morning was my graduation ceremony!!! It was so awesome - and I was so proud to have the loudest cheering section! Ha ha! I know this shocks - um - NO ONE. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the ceremony.

My parents and I. Couldn't have done it without them!!

My parents, my Aunt, and Khris. My Aunt is an RN and is ready to retire now that she found her replacement!! Ha ha!

Bill, Agnes, and Pam. One of my favorite shots for several reasons! Of course I was rockin' red shoes, would you expect anything less??

The girls!!! I don't believe anyone else had personalized signs - complete with Big Brother reference!!! I LOVE YOU GIRLS!

Monica, Isabel, Caleb, and Jed. These two kids, particularly Isabel, started me on this journey when I witnessed their births. It was life changing - obviously!!!

Sunday

Sunday was the graduation party! I was so happy to see so many friends and family that have been incredibly supportive throughout my time in school. Here are a few of the pics from the party.

Small disclaimer: Ron and I are not discussing my future, the state of the economy, or the political climate of our nation.

In fact, we are taking about Big Brother. :o)

After my Aunt left, we hit the road for VACATION!!!! We spent 6 days in South Carolina soaking up the sun, eating great food, and relaxing. These next pictures are my favorites from the trip.

**INSERT PHOTO OF ME SOAKING UP THE SUN.**

**INSERT PHOTO OF ME EATING GREAT FOOD.**

**INSERT PHOTO OF ME RELAXING.**

Yup, I took exactly *NO* photos. :o)

That brings us to today. We drove home from the beach today - I was sad to leave, but ready to get home. I had great plans to get home, do laundry, relax, and start formulating my study plan for NCLEX (the national exam to become a registered nurse). Well, that idea was shot out the window when I saw this little email in my inbox:

WHAT??????

The school told us it would be AT LEAST 4 weeks before we could schedule our exams!

That it would be AT LEAST 3 weeks before the state released our paperwork.

NOT NOW!

It's too soon!

WHAT ABOUT MY STUDY PLAN???????

Well, needless to say, I'm on the fast-track for studying. I am taking the test in TWO WEEKS!!! YIKES!

Talk about full circle, right????

I am so excited to be taking the test, yet TOTALLY FREAKING OUT!!!!!!

Can't wait to add RN to my name.

Baby BSN is Born!

I absolutely cannot believe that graduation has already come and gone! That's right, I now am the proud recipient of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing!

The ceremony was so wonderful - inspiring speeches to blaze trails, take risks, and be true to yourself. I was surrounded by friends and family who have supported me and loved me as I neglected them for 15 months to pursue this career. It was a fantastic day to celebrate!

Tomorrow, we celebrate with a graduation party!

Have you ever wondered:

What does 39,000 miles on a car look like?

What does thousands of dollars in student loans look like?

What does blood (sometimes mine, sometimes not), sweat, and tears (usually mine) look like?

What does 15 months of being MIA from friends and family look like?

What does God's destiny and perfect plan look like?

THIS!!!

You are going to pee your pants!

Ok, so maybe you aren't going to literally pee your pants, but you might think about it because you're so excited!!!

Graduation is TWO DAYS AWAY.

TWO.

ONE - TWO.

I cannot believe that all of my requirements have been met, the gown and cap are ready in the closet, and all I have to do is turn that tassel from one side of the mortar board to the other!

Woo hoo!

A new part of the journey...

Tomorrow is the first day of my preceptorship!!

Like this post on starting nursing school, I am so excited and nervous for tomorrow!

Will they like me? Will I say something totally stupid? Will I give the wrong baby to the wrong Mom? (Ok, thanks to advances in technology that's really hard to do these days, but I was on a roll!)

I am so stinkin' excited about this preceptorship. Since the lottery I have had radical favor in my preceptors (yes, there are 2!), my schedule, and just how easily the details have come together. Would we expect anything less after the way I got this placement? Certainly NOT!!

Thank you all for your kind words, fist pumps, and happy dances after my last post! Ya'll are the bestest!

Lottery Drawing

Tuesday was a very important day in my nursing school life. We had a lottery to choose our positions for our FINAL task of nursing school - a 180-hour preceptorship where we work alongside a RN and function as a registered nurse. Basically, it's a practice run for the real deal.

Tensions had been mounting for weeks as the lottery approached. People were loudly sharing their preferences of location and nursing unit, in hopes that nearby ears would hear and take note.

While others had been very clear on their preferences, I was wavering. There were several positions that seemed interesting. The ICU? The Emergency Department? The cardiac floor from last quarter? Mother - Baby? The options seemed endless!! In uncharacteristic fashion, I had no idea what to choose. Our instructor encouraged us to come to the lottery with 5 - 7 preferences of positions that we would like...I had 2.

The lottery worked like this: as we walked into the room, each person pulled a random number from a basket - 1 through 33. We had 33 positions to choose from. The person who pulled number 1 had the first choice of positions, then number 2 chose from the remaining positions, etc. Basically, it was all about the number. The higher the number, the better chance of getting a preferred position.

As I inspected the list over the weekend, I would feel overwhelmed, say a quick prayer, and put it aside. I knew God would have the perfect spot for me. I stood strong!

Until yesterday.

I walked into the classroom, took a deep breath, stuck my hand in the basket, and pulled my number. I nervously unfolded the paper, and took a peek.

30.

As in, 30 out of 33.

As in, 29 people picked before me.

As in, when it came time for me to choose, I would only have 4 choices.

I was totally bummed out.

I went to my seat, resolved that I would not have any of my top choices (all 2 of them). In a weird way, part of me felt relived. Since I was number 30, so many spots would be eliminated, it would make choosing my position easier. Lord willing, out of 4 choices I could choose my favorite! I prayed again and awaited my fate.

As the lottery began, I got really discouraged. Man, how could this happen? Why didn't I choose a better number?? How could I possible get my "God - appointed" position with such a poor number??

As we moved through each number, I would draw a line through that position on my list. Some lines I was happy to draw - a position I would gladly pass on to someone else, but other lines were discouraging to draw. Bye-bye ICU positions, bye-bye ER positions, bye-bye unit from last quarter.

Before I knew it, we were at number 20. The positions were obviously dwindling, and many of the highly coveted spots were long gone. However, I noticed that the two Mother-Baby positions were still available. I thought, "How is this possible"?

Number 25. The two spots are still unchosen. I start praying. Actually, I had been praying the whole time, but more out of frustration and disappointment than out of a place of God's provision.

Number 27. My friend chooses one of the Mother-Baby positions. I am genuinely excited, but too busy focusing on the pounding that was beginning inside my chest. One spot left. I have a sudden moment of clarity - I *want* that Mother-Baby spot. I don't want to work in an ICU. I don't want to work in the Emergency Department. I don't want to work with cardiac patients. I want to work with Moms and families bringing life into this world!!!

FINALLY, after what seemed like 1,000 years, my number is called. I leapt out of my seat, practically ran to the front, and ecstatically announced my choice. I apparently did it with so much enthusiasm that my classmates began to "whoop" and holler!

After the meeting, I called home and freaked out on the phone with my Mom. My Dad was the next phone call. I then called my Aunt (who is a nurse and worked Mother - Baby for many years). So much celebration!

When I got home, there were toe touches, happy dances, and maybe a fist pump or two. As I was talking to my Dad again, I suddenly wondered what my number stands for - the number 30. I found my card with number and color meanings and searched for the number 30.

Guess what 30 means.

You aren't going to believe it.

30 stands for BEGINNING MINISTRY.

That's right - beginning ministry. I can't say that enough! I chose the number 30. God's choice for me was number 30. That number caused all the other positions to be quickly cast out of the way so I could see - with clarity - the position that God chose for me. Finally, I can say with confidence that this is the road for me. I knew it when I was in the delivery room on March 16, 2007 when Isabel was born. I have know it each and every time a friend has a baby and adds to their family. *This* is what I'm meant for! Moms and babies - I'm coming for you!

What lesson did I learn from this? Once again, God is in control. He has a perfect, strategic plan for every situation we face. NOTHING is unintentional. NOTHING is without purpose. He chose this situation to confirm my path. I am so thankful that we have a patient Father that doesn't get put off when we doubt Him, question Him, or walk without Him. He is there every step of the way, working ALL THINGS for our good!

YAY GOD!!!!!

Bits and Pieces

Hey, did you guys know I have a blog??? Really, I do!!

Oh, I kid.

Sorry for the delay in posting, this summer has FLOWN by! Lots of things to share. A certain someone said I can't say that this post is random, because as she so kindly pointed out over the weekend, "All of your posts are random".

Ahh, words spoken by a true friend. Piercing the heart.

This is the kind of truth you get when you allow someone to be your "person".

As of this moment, I have 59 days left of nursing school!!!! I am counting down EVERY day, and I'm just amazed that this 15 month program is almost finished. This has been an incredible journey and I can't wait to celebrate with friends and family!

Like I said, summer is in full swing, and my classes are no exception. I have classes until the end of this month, then my Senior internship! We are selecting our internship sites next week and I can't wait to see what God has for me! Unfortunately, I have been really unmotivated this quarter because the classes are pretty easy. This has NOT been my norm for the past year! Normally my schedule is so busy I barely have time to check my email. This quarter has been great because I have had a chance to *gasp* see friends during the week, and *gasp* read something other than a text book! It has been so fun!!

We had a great time over the Fourth of July holiday. Although I have a strong distaste for sweating, the 4th is one of my favorite holidays. This year I realized that everything is more fun when you have a 2- or 3-year-old with you. Parades are more exciting, fireworks more impressive, music louder. I loved seeing the celebrations through the eyes of these little people!

Last weekend the girls and I hit the road for a much needed weekend away. It was awesome to catch up and have some girl time! On Saturday we took the boat out and ended up running out of gas - whoops! Thankfully, some good samaritans came by and we were towed to safety! Here are a few pics of the adventure. (Yes, I appointed myself "Historian" for the running-out-of-gas experience.)

Something is amiss! NO GAS! We are miles from land! (Ok, not miles per say, but I wasn't about to get in and swim to shore!)

Saved!!!

Hooking up the ropes.

Of course, the boat had a "JC" symbol - Jesus Christ was our Savior that day - and EVERY DAY!

Thumbs up for our new friends!

Sweet shades. (Quick story, Jen's grandma had a stash of old sunglasses for anyone who might have forgotten theirs at home. These girls totally rocked their looks all weekend! Unfortunately for Cara, her look is "Keep out all sun and large bugs." Ha!)

I hope everyone is having a great summer! I'm hoping to keep up better on the blog. Thanks for sticking with me!!

xoxo

It's late and I'm tired of studying...consider yourselves warned.

Stream of consciousness time!!! You lucky things, it's midnight, and as if this moment I have ONE HUNDRED days until graduation.

Whoot! Whoot!

Here are a few things on my mind - with 100 days left, and counting:

• I am so flipping tired of studying. I don't know that I can accurately describe how DONE I am. It's somewhere between that feeling you get when you realize it's time for your annual "lady" appointment, and the feeling you get when you run into an old boyfriend who's moved on. Yep, it's right about there. That's how I feel about studying.

• I can't wait until I can write "RN" at the end of my name. It's going to be really fun. Those letters are costing me roughly the same amount of money as a Mini. Just sayin'.

• Tonight as I was holding my dog in my lap, he started humping the air. I wasn't impressed.

• I have no idea why I needed to share that last tidbit, but obviously the scars are still very real.

• I can't believe it took me this long to figure out I want to be a nurse. I absolutely love caring for people. Even if that means emptying a urinal. I have had some really gracious, sweet, affirming compliments from the patients I have cared for, and I love it. Makes this 15 months totally worth it.

• I am seriously annoyed with myself that I went to an amazing wedding two weekends ago and took exactly NONE pictures. However, I did tear up the dance floor like it was going out of style...and that's really worth more than a picture, isn't it? Plus, let's be honest, the majority of my readers attended said wedding, and we can all agree it was a blast!! No photos necessary.

• I am so excited to start having hobbies again. It's so funny, but I used to have hobbies. Now my hobbies are checking my school email, and making flash cards. Honestly. I can't wait until I can cook again regularly. I have a few recipes already in the queue: this, this, and this.

• I *cannot* stop watching "The Real Housewives" of New York and New Jersey. I realize they have absolutely no redeeming value, and perhaps are doing more harm than good, but it is perfect, mindless TV. This video still makes me laugh. I could watch it all day. Honestly, "spoken word over a Saint-Tropez beat" has to be the best description of a song EVER.

I think it's time to tuck my consciousness into bed. I'm not sure the internet can take any more of my randomness.

This is the home stretch! ONE HUNDRED DAYS!!!!!!

Update & A Potpourri of Random Music

Well folks, Baby BSN tells me that there are only ONE HUNDRED TWENTY ONE days until it's arrival! That is FOUR MONTHS people.

FOUR MONTHS.

FOUR.

4.

I can't believe this program has gone so quickly, and I am currently in the throws of the hardest quarter of this baby. Thankfully, there are only about 3 weeks left and then it's smooth sailing for the summer!

I have some new music to share with you, but you'll have to forgive me as I am (literally) all over the place these days. There is no rhyme or reason to these songs other than, "It's good. Me likey."

List time!

• "Love Came Down" - Brian Johnson. Do not be fooled, this is the same song from the album that I mentioned here. However, this is the fancy radio version. I think this version should be alternatively titled, "The Version that's Faster and Has More Drums so You Can't Weep as Much". Seriously, this song gets me. EVERY TIME.

• "Our God" - Chris Tomlin. This is just a good song. Chris Tomlin sings it. What more do you need to know?

• "Be the Center" - Jami Smith. I recently heard this song again after a LONG time - honestly, this should be our theme song for life.

• "Marked By Heaven" - Jake Hamilton. Now, this is a new album that I just purchased, thanks to my sweet friend Ali, who I recently reconnected with. Jake (we're on a first name basis) is currently leading worship with the Jesus Culture worship team. I LOVE his raspy voice. Best songs from the album: "The Anthem" and "Sacred Obsession".

• "Breakthrough" - FourSquare United Generation. I don't want to say that I bought this album just because the group name has the word "Four Square" in it, but that pretty much sealed the deal. If loving four square is wrong, I don't want to be right.

Now I would like to move into the arena of "Summer Music". I don't know why, but when the warm weather arrives, I suddenly feel a strong desire for really awesome music. Not that I don't feel that other times of the year, but there is just *something* about summer music! I like to blend the "oldies but goodies" with a few current favorites. Here's how my list is shaping up so far:

OBG (Oldies But Goodies):

• "Sunshine & Summertime" - Faith Hill
• "Summer Nights" - Rascal Flatts
• "Stolen" - Dashboard Confessional
• "Soak up the Sun" - Sheryl Crow
• "Summer Love" - Justin Timberlake

(Apparently my summer mix is brought to you by the letter "S".)

• "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" - Kenny Chesney
• "When the Sun Goes Down" - Kenny Chesney
• "Dreams" - The Cranberries
• "Everyday" - Dave Matthews Band
• "Just Like Heaven" - The Cure
• "All I Wanna Do" - Sugarland
• "4 Minutes" - Madonna & JT

NaG (New and Good):

• "California Gurls" - Katy Perry
• "If It's Love" - Train
• "American Honey" - Lady Antebellum
• "Today Was a Fairytale" - Taylor Swift
• "All the Right Moves" - One Republic
• "Smile" - Uncle Kracker
• "Chameleon" - Dave Barnes

What are your summer essentials???

Finally - an Update!

Whew, it has been an offensive amount of time since my last post! Hopefully all 2 of my faithful readers are still around - and, if not, I bid you adieu.

So, what has life been like for the past 2 months since my last post? Well, it has been a whirlwind of paperwork, presentations, *really* early mornings, a huge test where I basically had to memorize all the medications known to man, finals, and - finally - vacation!!!

I want to update you on lots of fun stuff. Since you know I operate best with lists, let's just embrace it, shall we?

New Shoes - Certainly you remember these shoes, right? NOT CUTE. Well, after walking my last mile with feet that hurt, I was in desperate need of an upgrade! Thankfully our mall has a New Balance store where an angel of mercy fitted me for the most COMFORTABLE shoes. Stylish? Not as much as I would have liked, however, I have learned in my short time walking ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY, that style sometimes has to bow it's (stylish) knee to comfort. Can you all hear my Mom weeping tears of joy at that statement?!? Anyway, this angel also told me that I walk on the edges of my feet and that these shoes have something miraculous called a "roll bar" that will keep me walking straighter! (Honestly, if you are still reading as I talk about how I walk funny, I applaud you. Wow, can I ramble or what?!?)

Vacation - We just got back from a glorious week at the beach. Yes, it was chilly, however I couldn't have cared less. I was so happy to not be studying, I would have been content if it rained all week. I thought ya'll might want to see all the awesome pictures I took. I assure you, these are the ONLY TWO PICTURES I took all week. I think if nursing doesn't work out, I have a future in photography.

This first photo makes me laugh out loud. Remember this? See - I come by it honestly! What you're looking at here is EIGHT bags of chips for our 7 days at the beach. No, we weren't traveling with a group of teenage boys - there were three of us. Honestly, I'm a little bit embarrassed to admit that, but it's just too funny!

Ok, this next photo was taken at a restaurant we went to for dinner in honor of my parent's 36th wedding anniversary. My Dad had ordered calamari and this little fried fella came on the plate. In case you can't tell, it's a tiny octopus or something. All I needed to know was that 1) It was tiny. 2) It was slimy. 3) It had many legs.

Well, thanks for hanging in there for my photo tour of a week at the beach! Compelling, isn't it?

The Final Countdown - As I type this post, I have just 167 days until I graduate from nursing school! Isn't that amazing? I can't believe that it's less than 6 months away!! I am completely excited to be finished and moving on with my career. People keep asking me which area I am planning to specialize. I am trying to keep an open mind, but I can confidently say that I have NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER to see any more old man butts. I have seen way too many old man butts. I think I'll just leave it at no more old man butts. You can imagine the rest. :o) This next quarter I am doing pediatrics, and I am excited to see if I still "have it" with kiddos!

Now, for some fun stuff to wrap up:

• For all you married peeps out there, I encourage you to read this post about handling your single friends with care. This post just made my heart happy. (Disclaimer: I have amazing friends and this is not a subliminal hint that they are anything less!!) (Disclaimer to the disclaimer: I won't say no if my married friends want to do this. I mean, I'm only human! Ha ha!)

• In music news, check out Cory Asbury's song, "Jesus Let Me See Your Eyes". He's a worship guy from Misty Edward's IHOP and this song is so good!

• Speaking of Misty, we went to this really cool church on vacation, and they sang her song, "Pledge". It basically made me want to weep openly. GREAT SONG. (Side bar: don't you love when you visit a new church and see people start to worship the way you do at home?!? Honestly, when I saw people start to raise their hands in worship, it just made my heart sing!)

• Just heard about this new (to me) group, Foursquare United Generation. First of all, don't you love that name? I previewed their album "Breakthrough" and I'm pretty sure it will soon be appearing on my iPod!

I do believe that is all for now. Classes start again on Monday, but I really am going to try and be better about blogging! Happy Spring!

The One Where I Grovel...

I used to get a little irritated when my favorite bloggers would go more than 15 minutes several days without posting. I mean, entertain me bloggers! Share pictures of your cute kids and tell me funny stories about them!

(As if I didn't already see your kids at church on Sunday, where you may or may not have told me the story for your blog.)

But here I stand (write?) before you - a blogger who has not written an update in almost 1 month.

Conviction, your taste is bitter.

I apologize for not updating sooner. I have no excuse other than: this is my now.

Here are a few things I've noticed since I started nursing school exactly 6 months ago TODAY(!):

1. I used to have a great memory. Used to. Now, I can't remember dates, appointments, assignments, you name it. I just don't remember. However, if you need to know what normal lab values are for an adult or pregnant woman, I'm your girl! I am very thankful for my planner!
2. Driving an hour one way is only great when you have a really great mix on your iPod. Built in worship time!
3. I have managed something I haven't done - well - ever. I currently have a 3.5 GPA! I am really proud and have worked REALLY hard to do well in my classes.

Sadly the list of things I have noticed ends at 3. And number 3 really isn't something I've noticed, but A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. Just being real. Going to the school ranked consistently in the "Top 10 Party Schools" doesn't really afford time for focusing on one's grade point average. (Go Bobcats!)

Anyway, I'm back, at least for now. I am looking forward to my birthday next week (31!) and some time off to catch up with friends. I have been thinking what my scripture and inheritance words will be for 2010, and I'm hoping to share that with you in the next week or so!

Hope everyone has a very happy holiday!!! I leave you with this mug of me from Thanksgiving. Oh, and to offset that, a photo of my Dad and Agnes at Thanksgiving. No, Agnes isn't suffering from indigestion from too much stuffing, I think I had just said that the dog was slain in the Spirit.

(Can someone - anyone - please tell me how to get those wispy bangs to go away?!? SO ANNOYING!)

Merry Christmas!

The Light

Yesterday I completed my first quarter of nursing school! You know that expression, "the light at the end of the tunnel"? Well, the light finally caught up to me!!

As of the 11th, I have one year left of school. I can't believe it! Some days I think I could do this forever, and other days I think "I'm way too old for this". I am so thankful to have a week off to rest, get my life back together, and reintroduce myself to friends and family.

HELLO WORLD, REMEMBER ME??

So, something cool happened this week that I had to share.

It's been a bit of a struggle for me to get a handle of my finances now that I'm back in school and have no job. When I say it like that it sounds pretty simple, but in the complicated world of ME - not so simple.

Basically it's this. I would rather step on a tack barefoot than discuss, address, consider, or even look at money issues. I love to ignore it.

Because when you ignore issues, they typically go away, right?

RIGHT?

Hello?

I have a stumbling block.

HAD a stumbling block, to be accurate.

Monday I had one of those moments where my, "Who me? No issues here!" became "LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME - I HAVE NO MONEY."

Thankfully I have an incredible Father [earthly and Heavenly] that helped me work through the problem...which would be me thankyouverymuch. It was time to look at the issue face to face and get real.

It was such a strange sensation - freedom that someone was on my side helping me, relief in finally getting things in the open, and having to fight my flesh - which was telling me to ignore it all and just go back to reading People.

Here's the short of it. Keeping issues and stumbling blocks a secret is BAD NEWS.

Well, that's actually all of it. It's just bad news.

My Dad shared this scripture with me, that is so fitting it makes me want to spit (and renew my love of God's Word day after day!!).

Psalm 32 [NLT]

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!

Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.

Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone!

Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgement.

For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.

So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all who obey Him!

Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

Doesn't that just bless your spirit?!? When you see the light? Actually, you see The Light, and the Light is your Helper!

God is good.

Motivation

Hello blog buddies!

I am sorry that I have been away so long. This week marks my FOURTH week in nursing school, and what a ride it has been already!

Long drive, long days in class, long hours of studying, but LOVING.EVERY.MINUTE!!!

Seriously, I love it.

It's very interesting to be at a point like this in my life. I am so *right* where I am supposed to be, but I feel like I'm still missing EVERYTHING that's going on with the people around me.

Loop? What loop? I'm no longer in it!

I said to myself last week HELLO SISTER, IS THIS ONLY WEEK FOUR.

MOTIVATE YOURSELF.

It's a very difficult thing, to figure out how to motivate yourself. We are a culture of affirmation, specifically affirmation from other people, and when that doesn't come along like it used to, you almost have a tendency to feel like you're doing something wrong, when in fact you're doing it all right. You're right where God wants you to be. You just need to motivate yourself with God's word and keep pressing on. Remind yourself of who GOD says you are! His affirmation is all that matters!

I love this quote from Bill Johnson's book Strengthen Yourself in the Lord. "The safest place for us to be at any point in our lives is passionately pursuing God and the purposes to which He has called us. Passionate pursuit positions us for advancement." I read this book several years ago, but have picked it up again because I need to sharpen my strengthening skills!

Another thing that helped me motivate myself was getting this photo of the baby that started it all...who really isn't a baby anymore!

Yes, it was sweet Isabel that caused me to embark on this journey! Can you even think of denying that face?!? Nope, me either.

And here's Blue Eyes, her brother Caleb. You won't be able to deny him either, so don't try.

See? They make it all better!

And in other motivation news, our church was clearing out old books and resources last week, and I found my motivation tool to find TBD.

The picture didn't come out of the back jacket cover, but there was a compelling quote from Christian music legend, Carman. Carman really has his finger on the pulse of the single life, and I couldn't resist. Our Pastor summed it up perfectly, "Is that a dude on the left?"

Yes, yes it is.

In addition to the sun coming out tomorrow...

...I will also be starting nursing school!!!

I am a bundle of excited nerves. Anxious to start the last 15 months of this journey, and excited to see what kinds of crazy things will happen!

These past few days [aka my vacation] have been so restful, I really couldn't have asked for a better break. Oh wait, I could have asked for an all-expense paid trip to the beach with my friends and family - but that wasn't really an option. But me? Nope, I'm not bitter!

My Mom [and her helper] got a bunch of really fun nursing related items to give me throughout my break. They always arrived in a bag labeled "Nurse Becky". Once I caught on to the game, I couldn't wait to see when the bag would show up next!

Here are a few of the awesome items I received:

Here is a light to read pupil dilation, complete with handy chart on the side of the light!

Pedometer. Very handy.

Stain remover! Hilarious! Yet, I shudder to think of how many times I may actually need this.

Really cute socks! I have an offensive amount of fun socks from my days of working at Children's Hospital, but this was my first pair of medical fun socks!

Is this not the cutest handmade card from my Aunt? She's a nurse and dangerously close to retirement. Now that I'm going to nursing school, we have a joke that she's free to retire since she found me as her replacement!

Here is the coolest part. The "Angel of Healing". So sweet!!

It has been a very relaxing 6 days, but I am really ready to start this new journey. Yay God for bringing me to this point in my journey!