RN, BSN

Monday I took my NCLEX.

It was a whirlwind of emotions. One minute I was confident, the next I was almost in tears.

I got to the testing center. They then checked my ID and approval to test, then took my fingerprint, then did a palm vein scan, then a picture. (I guess you can't be too safe- dang). Explained some things, and I was off. The test was hard in a weird way. It didn't really test knowledge so much as common sense that required a knowledge. ... If that makes any sense.

The test can end at 75 questions 265 or somewhere in between.  So naturally when mine didn't end at 75 I was sure I failed. However I just kept going and it suddenly stopped at 92.  Woop woop.

Somehow I zombied home and waited to check so see if I could register for the test again. (in theory if you can register again you failed, but if you get an error message and can't register again you pass)  I could NOT register again - but this is unofficial.

UNTIL TODAY when to Kentucky Board of Nursing Officially started listing me as RN!!!!!!!!!

I passed I passed I passed!  I'm officially a Registered Nurse, and to make things set in even more I got my degree today as well!

So Happy this has all happened!  My dream and goals have been accomplished!  I wonder what will be next...?

Painting

I think I found a new activity to do here in Louisville.  I went to sip and strokes and painted some jockey silks. I have to say it was fun and I want to go back. I just need someone to go with me.

I'm No EC

I'm no extreme couponer, but it just so happened that I really got a great deal with coupons.

I got 18 deordorants (nice old spice ones mind you) for $0.50 each.
(Jared should never stink again.)

I also got 10 toothpastes for $0.75 each.  Awesome!

We have no excuses for not being somewhat hygienic.... other than just lack of motivation.

Christmas/New Year

So for Christmas this year we went to Arizona. My Parents rented a cabin up in Pine. It was really fun because they also brought 2 of these...

Can you say FUN!?

Jared and I went on many a ride on the muddy/snowy trails. We are simple people. We would stop to throw rocks in a frozen pond, trail blaze in the slushy snow and almost get stuck, throw snowballs, salt the driveway (my favorite part- for some reason I really love salting... just a weird quirk) and go WAY to fast in a rather deep puddle of water and got soaked (just to have to drive on the highway at 70 mph and have all the water freeze on us!)  So fun!

We enjoyed the games and fun we had at the cabin, but mostly having (almost) everyone there.  (We missed you Jake)

When we got home we did our traditional Christmas/pre-Christmas stuff.  The best part about Christmas was watching the boys (aka my nephews) open their presents.  Actually the best part was P finding out the reindeers carrots and Santas cookies were gone. His reaction.  Precious.

Sadly we had to leave the next day. But I welcomed sleeping in our own bed. So nice.

We will be back soon though. We have another flight to Az for some of Jared's interviews in less than a week. Awesome. Can't wait.

For New Years James and Sydney came over. We played phase 10. And got so into it that we didn't realize midnight had passed us by. Oh well.. Soon after we went to bed because Jared had to be up at 5 to round. Poor thing. And then teach the lesson in church. Sometimes... I don't know how he does it.

Hope your 2012 is Great!

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.