Pinning Ceremony

We had a pinning ceremony for just those in my nursing class.  I could have gone to the BIG graduation but since I don't know anyone at the main university I choose to just go to the pinning ceremony.

My thanks goes out to my husband who has been with me through all the ups and downs. (And he can tell you there were a lot.) Low points of tears and high points of celebration.  Thanks to him for his love, support, respect, patience, and long suffering.  I couldn't have done it without him. I love you Jared!

Also thanks goes out to my whole family for there love and support. (and paying my way!)

I'm looking for a job, but being done with school just doesn't seem real. 

I'm sure it will someday.

Me and my mother!

My nursing girls!

 James and Sydney (aka lovebirds)

Six and a Half Years Ago...

Six and a half years ago I was a spry young 18 year old just starting out college at Glendale Community College.  I was young, but I knew what I wanted. I wanted to be a nurse.

I then transferred to BYU.  I always wanted to go there, and while GCC had a nursing program I decided that 4 years for an ADN (associates in nursing) didn't make much sense so from there I aspired to get my BSN.

One year later I was in Kentucky.  (Don't know that ANYONE could have seen that in my future.)  I had to do many more pre-requisites that did not transfer or that Louisville wanted from me that the other two did not.
BUT, my first semester at UofL did not last long.  I had to drop out because of a needy husband. (Love you Jared- looking back I wouldn't have our life together any other way)

So then I started again, did summer classes and got in to UofL's nursing program.  The program was two and a half years long.
Finally after many tear, trials, and feats I just took my last final.  I have officially passed nursing school and will be graduating with my BSN!

Whats next?????

Other than my NCLEX, I don't know. I've been looking for jobs, but the market in Louisville is VERY saturated with nurses so jobs are hard to come by. I'll keep trying, but I think I will just take the next week off. No school. No Homework. No stress (well.... other than my mom coming to visit and I need to clean the house etc...)

I will not be "walking" with everyone, but instead going to the "pinning" ceremony with only those in my nursing class. (so much faster and less boring)

Something else somewhat related but not...
My graduation picture.

It's not the best pic.and it doesn't look weird until you put it next to everyone elses.... the sleeve was supposed to be off the shoulder, but that doesn't work for me obliviously. I don't think they have ever had a Mormon graduate from there. There have been multiple times professors have requested we wear something not up to standard. Usually I would just explain and they would make an exception, but since the sleeve can be pulled up it was good enough, just different. The photographer did not understand and kept trying to pull the sleeves down. I finally very sternly said, that is too low. I don't want it off the shoulder.

So happy to be done. It has been a long hard road, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Soon it will be Jenny A. RN BSN. 

Now that its Christmas Time... Here's some Fall Stuff

My favorite time of year to decorate is fall. Love the colors. It's low stress. (unlike Christmas. BTW-for me Thanksgiving is bundled with Christmas)

At a fabulous Friday we created these cute fall blocks (on the other side it spells Noel with Christmas paper).  I also made the table runner. It had been a while since I broke out the sowing machine, and I've been meaning to make one for each season/special holiday for over a year. FINALLY I got this fall one done. I love it.

Here is a shot of our bat and bones for Halloween. The bats were so fun! and easy. 

On another note, when I run I take my phone and every once and a while I take a picture of (what I think) is fun or cool or pretty or whatever.

In this picture I love contrast of the dark clouds and red trees

And Charlie having a great time running by the corn field.