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!!!

Endurance & Perseverance

Today was Week 3 Day 1 of the "Couch to 5K" program. I really surprised myself that I was easily able to complete the jogging portion today! Mind you, I was a sweaty mess by the end, but it was completed!

(Side discussion - Confession: I sweat. Like, A LOT. I don't love to sweat, but apparently it's just who I am. I'd love to say I'm one of those people who has that "healthy glow" after working out, but that's just not me. Is anyone else a sweaty mess after working out? Please say so!)

One of the goals of this program is to increase the body's endurance. Because of my track record of connecting working out to spiritual matters, you know I had to look for a connection!!!

Last week I decided it was time to hit the streets and do my run/walk outside. I had been loving the treadmill, and was ready for some fresh air. As I started to run, I realized it was much more difficult than running on the treadmill. I realized that it was harder because I didn't have the power and pull of the treadmill under my feet - just my own strength! I was having to power through each interval myself - I had to dig deep and persevere!

How often have I gotten myself into a patter of comfort, being pulled along by life? Life is pretty good on the treadmill; consistent pacing, no curves, no bumps, no weather to compete with. But is that developing my endurance and perseverance? NOPE! Sometimes to you have to hit the ground on your own power and strength.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance [some versions say "endurance"] the race marked out for us."

Hebrews 12:1 (The Message)

"Do you see what this means - all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running - and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished the race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - the exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"

I just love The Message version, don't you? So powerful! While it's harder - I'm looking forward to my next run outside - because God's power - through me - is what develops endurance and perseverance!!

Keep on Jloggin' - and a Message from Management

Couch to 5K Update:

This morning was W1D2. (Yep, that's running jargon, people! See how quickly I've integrated myself into the running world? Impressive!) For you non-jloggers, that's Week 1 Day 2. I decided to do my workout on the treadmill and it was MUCH easier.

Waking up this morning I felt AWFUL. I had a headache, and I was up at 2:30am with allergy issues. Needless to say, the LAST thing I wanted to do was run. However, I pressed through and once I got started I felt so much better. I was really proud that I didn't let my lack of consistent sleep and headache get me down!!

I have decided that I'm going to do two of my three weekly runs on the treadmill and one run outside. Several reasons:

1. Running on the treadmill was awesome to keep a consistent pace. I kept the elevation at 0.0 (flat surface), so I was able to just focus on keeping a 3.5mph walk and a 5.0mph run. It was great! Still broke a sweat, but didn't feel like I was going to die after each running interval!

2. The treadmill made time-keeping easier. Trying to keep track of a 60 second run and a 90 second walk requires brain tricks, people! Being able to glance down at the timer on the treadmill rather than my watch was very easy. I'm thinking of making a sticker for the treadmill that lets me know my time changes. (i.e. Walk 0:00-5:00, run 5:00-6:00, walk 6:00-7:30, run 7:30-8:30, etc.)

3. I want to keep my outside run because I like being outside! I have loved being able to breathe the fresh air in the morning! I also want to keep up practicing different elevations and terrains.

So - day 2 completed and still trucking! I have yet to remedy some of the "technical" issues from my last post, but we're making progress!

Message from Management:

I don't know if anyone has noticed (or cares), but I haven't mentioned TBD in a while. In fact, I was thinking the other day if it's time to change my blog name. However, I decided against it.

Here's why:

I want to say that while it seems that I'm making these changes for myself, I'm also making them for TBD. I want to be the healthiest person I can be - for me, for him, and for our children. These changes I'm making are lifelong, not temporary. Finishing school has been incredible, but I feel like now that I've graduated, I have entered a new season transforming myself. Sounds kinda cheesy, but I'm ready to focus on who God has called me to be - inside, outside, and all over.

I felt like I needed to say that - maybe just for myself. I talked the other day about finding motivation to run. TBD and our future kids are GREAT motivation. I want to live a long, healthy life with the husband and children God has promised me - what better motivation??

A New Era of Blogging

I have to make this entry brief because - HELLO! I SHOULD BE STUDYING FOR NCLEX!!!

However, my need to become an RN is only surpassed by my need to keep you readers informed of my every move. Oh, I kid!

I have struggled for many years with my health and weight loss goals. Ya'll have followed me through my journey of The Shred, etc. Just before vacation, I went to an alternative medicine doctor, specializing in holistic healing methods, vitamins and minerals, and altering diet to fuel the body appropriately. Nothing fishy/new age-y, just alternative and holistic. Basically, the opposite of Western medicine's approach to healing, which would be popping antibiotics! Anyway, I'll spare you the details, but I am on a very specific diet and have reintroduced myself to exercise.

While on vacation, we did so many fun, active things. We rented bikes, which we haven't done before. It was awesome!!! So fun to take a morning or evening bike ride. I also tired to take a walk on the beach each day.

My favorite and least favorite part of this process has been my discovery of the Lose It! application for my iPhone. It tracks my progress as I enter my food and exercise. A great app!

This morning I started a new exercise routine that I'm planning to chronicle here on the blog. I did Workout 1 of the Couch to 5K program! It will help keep me accountable, and you know I love to complain about sweating - so I will start blogging about my new life as a jogger.

I give you: Blogging + Jogging = Jlogging!!!

I hope you'll have some laughs with me as I transform from "Running? But, 'Big Brother' is on!" to "Yes, I'd love nothing more than to have a nice run in the rain/snow/sleet/freezing temps!"

Here are my first lessons from today's workout:

1. When you aren't a runner, jogging 8 minutes is equal to your "lady doctor" appointment, having a cavity filled, or a torture chamber.

2. The correct - ahem - supportive clothing is PARAMOUNT. I need to remedy this issue immediately. :o)

3. Great running music is KEY. I have good upbeat songs, but it's unfortunate they aren't in the same place. I don't want to be fussing with my iPod when I'm supposed to be focusing on running! Which also leads me to...

4. I need one of those arm thing-y straps for my iPod. Holding that thing is just annoying! I also need to pick up some ear buds that stay in my ears better. This morning I basically looked like a first time runner also using an iPod for the first time. UNCOOL.

5. Motivation is going to be a big issue for me. Getting motivated to run and keeping motivated during my run. Need to think more about this!

Overall, I'm very proud that I survived my first workout. Can you believe I didn't die?!?!?

This is certainly going to be interesting!

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!