Almost a year, whaaat?!

     It's been awhile! And why am I writing now? Pure boredom and a strange surge of motivation while waiting around for 4am to hit, at which time I can go to bed knowing I will sleep through most of the afternoon and be perky for my upcoming 12 hour night shifts. I'm halfway through my preceptorship in Labor and Delivery at Lucile Packard! I had major doubts about getting through it during my first two shifts, mainly because my body let me know via extreme nausea that I was not supposed to be up at those times, let alone learning how to help mothers and their babies come into the world. I also struggled with what I was supposed to eat for lunch (or dinner???) at 1:30 am, as well as the much needed snacks between 4-7am. I've found the only things that consistently taste adequate are barbacoa Chipotle burritos, grapes, peaches, granola bars, and bell peppers. Through this knowledge and perseverance I have become a true night owl, capable of learning and providing care throughout the night :D My classes from 8-5 today though? Definitely struggled through them (even after going home to take a nap halfway through, whoops :) ) 

     I'm happy to say that in less than a month I'm graduating from nursing school with a BSN! It's been a hectic but good learning experience, and I'm grateful for all the wonderful people in my life because of it, and everybody who has supported me before and throughout all of it. At this point I'm feeling a little anxious about finding a job afterwards, especially since I know it's likely to take quite some time as a new grad. Most hospitals in the Bay Area are focused on hiring nurses with experience (you're pretty much golden though even with just one year of experience), and there are a lot of nursing schools and new grads being churned out here all the time. I have a strong hunch I'll need to move away from the area for employment if I want it within a decent amount of time after graduation, but I feel excited and open about the prospect of new experiences, as well as a possibility of being closer to my family for awhile. Right now I'm thinking Vegas could be an option—I'm not exactly sure about the conditions or hiring environment there right now, but the hospitals at least have listings for entry level/new grad positions, which is a more positive sign than what we see and hear about all the time here. I guess time will tell everything! :D

     

     Goals for the next few weeks: NCLEX studying (ugh). Work on resume/cover letters. Finish my preceptorship on an awesome note (with homemade cookies for staff!). Successfully present research poster at conference. More workouts. Graduate. Pass NCLEX. Travel! (open to suggestions...) 

A few recent pics and fun memories:

On a hike in the mountains near Lake Tahoe

Colby and Becca visit x 2!

Visit from my Russian comrade Shelley, and her hubby Denny :D

Impromptu after school dinner :)

Boo

Fog rolling into Aquatic Park

Christmas Break

I know I'm not the only one in this boat, but I couldn't be happier to have this Christmas break! This last semester of school was probably the most challenging semester out of all my years in college. Many mini breakdowns were had, and I'm not the type of person to have breakdowns. Luckily I had plenty of words of encouragement, help, and lots of love from Mirza, friends, and family who always tried to help me feel better when I felt like I just couldn't do everything or as well as I needed to. Final grades haven't been posted yet, but from what I can see I should be getting A-'s in Microbiology, Physiology (adding onto my A in Anatomy, yay!!!!), an A in Psychology, and I have no idea about my other Psychology class since the instructor was pretty awful and unorganized.

I'm going to begin applying for nursing schools in a few months, and I'm pretty nervous about not getting into any (hence feeling the pressure during the classes this semester). I know I have a chance, but at the same time the Bay Area is extremely overcrowded and competitive. With everything these schools take into account, I'm doing well in some areas, but wish I was a stronger applicant in other areas. I still have to study for and take the TEAS this month, take a few more classes for one of the programs I'm interested in, and prepare everything for applications, but I can't believe the time is finally here. I first became interested in going to nursing school my last year at BYU, so it's been awhile coming. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I kick it back into gear soon!!!

So about the break - Mirza and I decided to drive to Panaca instead of fly so we could do a little sightseeing on the way. We drove south to Santa Barbara, which according to Wikipedia is known as the American Riveria. It had nice weather, very cool architecture, and was just a beautiful city by the water.

We rented a tandem bike, so Mirza could do most of the work peddling due to my annoying knee problems. Tandem bikes are the way to go! :D

The wharf

Happy in the sun

Riding close to the waves, which very fun and muddy

State Street

Following Santa Barbara we made it to Panaca for Christmas! It was really nice to be home and see everyone, not to mention relax. I'm so grateful for my family and how loving, fun and easy-going they are. I don't mean to brag, but they are pretty great :o Unfortunately I forgot to pack my new camera (courtesy of Aunt Rie and Uncle Kenny) in Panaca, so I don't have too many photos to share except what I had already stolen from my aunt.

Some Christmas highlights included:

• The whole family was there
• Grandma was doing pretty well and was beautiful as always
• Yummy Christmas dinner
• Got a MacBook Pro from Mirza (couldn't believe it), a new digital camera, Lord of the Rings trilogy DVDs, comfy socks, Old Navy gift cards, framed family photo, candy
• Hiking in Kershaw Ryan State Park
• Sleeping in until 11 most days
• Eating pie every day

Sadie and Ambrie

Apparently Haley and I were really into those magazines.

Still oblivious while deeply concentrating on celebrities' lives..

And Haley finally noticed :D

Who wouldn't want this stud muffin for Christmas, ow ow!

Out on the hike..

Shane playing a new game with the kiddos

Last night we went and watched a movie, had dinner, and watched the fireworks with friends for New Years. And tomorrow is still a day off, oh yeah <3

An Effort at Being Creative

I started painting about a year ago, since I have always been a little interested in it (who didn't love art time in elementary school???), and a friend was generous enough to give me some canvases since she was moving. I have found painting to be both frustrating and fun. It can also be really relaxing, and I would recommend it even if you don't think you would be any good.

During the first attempt, Mirza's sister Lejla was visiting and we both took a crack at it. I hated my first painting, and it was really annoying since my mind had this idea of what I wanted to do, but I had no way of making the brushes do it. I still struggle with this problem, but now I just pick easy things to paint!

Check out that face on the left. Yup, not happy!

Eventually I had a successful painting, of which is far from perfect or amazing, but it's good enough :)

This one is hanging in the bathroom. Funny fact - it's the same canvas used for my first painting :D

And now, for what I'm really excited about: yesterday I finished a group of three that have been in progress for quite awhile. The living room wall behind the couch is pretty big, and it really needed some help to not look so bare. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out, and it's fun looking at the colorful wall now!

A Little Bit of Everything

Quite a lot in my life has changed these past few months, namely, school and work. I am now taking a full-time load of nursing pre reqs, which includes Physiology, Microbiology, and two Psychology classes. I believe I'm on track to get A's in all of them, except for Physiology where I'm probably at a B right now. This is a little disappointing. BUT, there is still plenty of time left to kick it into gear. It's funny how time works; I resigned from my job as an office manager so I could concentrate on my classes, since getting into nursing school is pretty competitive here. I've had so much time, more than any other time in my life, and it was starting to really get to me. Every now and then I would look at job postings, and one day I randomly saw a nanny job that seemed like it would be great for my schedule.

Somehow I was hired, even though I have no formal childcare/nanny experience. The kids are older though - the youngest of three is in 4th grade and the oldest is a freshman in high school. Basically, these are some really busy kids that need to be shuttled around, and pushed to get their homework, piano, guitar, and clarinet practice done. I also cook dinner for the kids and help with the laundry. Overall, it's been a good experience, although kind of stressful as well. I'm not sure yet how to find the balance between not being a pushover but not being too tough either. If anybody has advice, please feel free to send it my way! The kids are polite for the most part though, and the parents are really great as well. I've been a lot more productive since I started working again (no surprise there, since I already knew that from college). I also feel like I've become more organized in all aspects of my life, since this family is such a good example of how to get it all done :)

Well, other than that life is going pretty well. I recently discovered I LOVE kayaking, and I wish I could go all the time! Mirza, a friend and I took a little camping trip a few weeks ago at Del Valle State Park. It has a beautiful lake, and kayaking as the evening was coming in just couldn't have been better. There was something so cool about being in the middle of the lake and so close to the water, but still relatively dry :) Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera on the kayak, but we took some photos afterwards.

The next day we went boating, which wasn't as fun as kayaking, but still okay :) Mirza and Glen

took a little swim, and also went cliff diving (at which time I felt it important that somebody stay with the boat...)

Some more fun was had a few weeks ago when I finally biked over the Golden Gate Bridge. Mirza and I went on a beautiful day, and took a ferry back to the city. As sappy as it sounds, sometimes I can't believe I live here, because it really is an amazing city and area.

That Christmas feeling in July

When I moved here last May I had a really difficult time with the weather; so much so that I would frequently border on being depressed because I just knew that everybody in Utah and Nevada must have been having the time of their lives at the pool, walking around while feeling the glorious sun on their faces, and of course wearing shorts and short sleeves during the warm summer nights. Meanwhile I was here practically wearing a parka and scarf every day. To make matters worse, I never really left the city because it's where I work. Every day I had to deal with it while Mirza had the privilege of commuting about 40 minutes south of here where it's warm. I was jealous. I was also frustrated because he loves this type of weather being from Sweden, and I love the type of weather he gets to escape to since I'm from a hotter climate.

However, as time went on and it got into September through November, I don't think I had ever seen such beautiful weather. San Francisco is a late bloomer and the Indian summers are definitely something to see (except there is no air conditioning...). Later on, there was a VERY mild winter. While everyone in Utah and Nevada were freezing, I was checking and comparing the weather every day and gloating to myself.

The tables have turned again however, and it is now back to the San Francisco summer (winter). I feel a stark difference though this year - instead of hating the frequent fog, wind and cold, I embrace it. I don't think anything of always putting on a jacket before going out. Additionally, lately the weather has been reminding me of Christmas, and filling me with that joyous spirit! :) To use up some of my Christmas energy tonight, I made apple bread and warmed up some fruity/spicy glög Mirza and I have left over from Ikea. Add to that the music from the Dean Martin radio station on Pandora, and all in all, we have ourselves a very nice setup.



However, lest I completely deceive you - it has actually been pretty sunny this summer, and much more than I remember last year. It also seems to consistently fall on the weekends. So far this summer we have done some river tubing, gone to some delicious bbqs, and continued to tour the city. My friend Misty, who I worked with during my freshman year at BYU, came with a few of her friends for a wedding and stayed here this last weekend. The weekend before Mirza and I took a stroll to Chinatown and bought some delicious fortune cookies, and stopped on the way home at a park. I feel pretty lucky a lot of the time with so many different places and people around, and it is just such a different experience living in a city like this. Overall, this summer has been pretty good so far, and there is still plenty of it left!

My Cousin's Wedding

My cousin Shane was married this last weekend!!! He and Haley are so cute together and you can see how much they love and have fun with each other. Their wedding took place in the mountains by Aspen, CO. During the actual ceremony, you could hear a lot of people sniffing at certain parts, myself included! :) It was really beautiful. Throughout the day I would frequently look at them and get emotional and get made fun of by Mirza or Aunt Rie. Shane has always been a favorite cousin of mine (except for a period when we were younger and seemed to always fight... :) I will never forget the times we played Nintendo all hours of the night, spent time on trips together such as Denmark and visiting our great grandma, and when I've been able to talk with him about questions and things I'm going through. He is a really special part of our family, and we all love him.

Sadie and Curtis as the flower girl and ring bearer

It was definitely one of the funnest weddings I have been to, what with the dancing, karaoke, seeing family, and just watching Shane and Haley :)

Unfortunately, it wasn't all fun and games. Right after the ceremony my grandma fell down, and had to be taken off the mountain by ambulance. She ended up breaking her femur, and had to go into surgery that same day. She is still in Aspen recuperating. As bad as this accident was, we are so thankful it isn't worse. My grandma is so amazing, positive, fun, and beautiful, and I hope she has a speedy recovery!!!

Interestingly, I ended up going into the ER while I was visiting grandma in the hospital. My left knee has been giving me a lot of grief for a couple weeks, and by the day we were supposed to leave Aspen I was getting pretty desperate for relief from all the pain and swelling in it. The ER doctors didn't see anything wrong with the X Ray or MRI, and we thought there could be an injury from skiing I did back in April. After doing those tests they declared I was a medical mystery, and told me that their next guesses included an infection or arthritis. Luckily all the fluid they took out didn't show an infection, but now I need to go to an orthopedic specialist. We ended up missing our flight that night, but luckily they let us change our tickets to the next day with no extra charge!! Yay!!

It's no fun limping everywhere, or worse, using crutches! Each day I now have to wonder what's worse - knee pain or armpit pain :)

Other than that, I have some exciting changes in my life such as changing to a part-time work schedule, and going back to school.

To be continued...