Done

Well, the longest semester ever is finally over. I finished my third semester (since starting on my second degree) on Wednesday and I’m thoroughly enjoying my break.

Mikaela has been at home with me this week. I pulled her out of her private school because we can’t afford to keep sending her until I get a job. I’m really enjoying spending time with her and teaching her again. This week we worked on fractions, reading and ending consonant sounds, among other things. She is one smart kid.

Gabriel is still in public school, and I’m wishing more than anything I could put him back in private school. He is being picked on again and he just generally doesn’t like it. He never had a single problem at his private school (the same one Mikaela went to) … oh, how I wish I had a job so I could send them both back there.

I actually just went on a second interview for an administrative job at a local hospital. The pay is decent, but probably not enough to put both kids back in private school. I guess I’ll have to see if and when I get my first paycheck….

I had a really good feeling about the interview. I felt like I really connected with the interviewer. I should hear back early this week … so please say a prayer!

So, in the meantime, it’s going to be Mikaela and I hanging out at home. With the fact that she will be old enough to attend the public school next year … this will probably be my last time at home with her. I’m trying to savor it. It’s already been hard watching them grow up so much this year – moving from the ABCs to reading, leaving Playhouse Disney and PBS Sprout behind for iCarly and Spongebob … making insightful – sometimes even witty – observations every day; oh, my babies aren’t babies anymore. (I think that last sentence wins the prize for ‘worst run-on ever,’ but I’m too tired to fix).

So, I really have no immediate agenda other than trying to find work and enjoying my time with my kids. I have an online class starting next January, then it’s time to wait until I start an online nursing program through TX Tech in early 2011 (or if I don’t make the cut, 2012). Of course, Lord willin’ and creek don’t rise.

Speaking of the Lord – I’m in a phase of trying to figure out where to plug in at our newish church. I’m really bad about over-committing and then disappointing (in the realm of church, anyway). I can’t believe I just admitted that … that was painful. I guess part of it stems from frequent past sickness, and also from saying “yes” to things that I was not at all interested in doing (usually after some arm-twisting by another party). Don’t get me wrong … the blame lies with me. But the bottom line is, what do I get involved in? What I’m good at? What the church needs most? I know I obviously need to seek God’s direction in the situation, but it often seems like it’s hard to hear Him on matters like that.

Jay has committed himself to this church more than any other church we’ve attended before – he is their percussionist/drummer. He has no backup, so he’s there for long hours during the week for practice and also on Sunday for both services. I’m so proud of him, though … he’s really putting his gifts to use!

Looking ahead

So, I’ve finally narrowed it down. I want to attend Texas Tech’s one-year, online BS-to-BSN. It was really my original idea, and after looking at lots of other options, I’ve come back to it. I need to take one more class, pathophysiology, which I will complete in the spring at Austin Community College. I also need to complete a medical terminology course and become a certified nursing assistant. I will apply in the fall of 2010 and hopefully get in for their 2011 program. And if I don’t get in, I will look at my options again. For now, unless God smacks me on the head and tells me to do something else, this is what I want to stick with. I’m so tired of being overwhelmed with all the options.

In the meantime, I need a job. I mean, really. Please Jesus let me get a good job. Anytime you think about it, please say a prayer about this. I’m trying to keep my head up and leave it at God’s feet, but month after month we’re not making ends meet. Still, God hasn’t let us starve, so I’m not worried per se … I’ll just be glad to finally be through this tunnel, let’s just put it that way.

One more month and I will be done with this semester. So, with this 2nd college career, I’ll have anatomy & physiology I and II, microbiology, science of nutrition, computers in health, statistics and lifespan/human growth & development under my belt. I’ve had A’s in everything but statistics, and that’s looking like it’ll be a B. I can’t wait to see what my cumulative GPA combining both degrees is.

Anyway, blah blah blah. The kids are doing well. Both are learning to read pretty well … I love to watch them progress. They crack me up every single day. And now that I’m finally getting a break away from them – they’re in school while I’m in school – it’s making our time together much better. Before, I NEVER got breaks. Pretty much just mommy-mode 24/7 for almost 6 years. I very rarely ever got a date night or girls’ night out. Not to say that Jay isn’t a big help … but still. I am definitely not feeling guilty about putting my kids in school vs. homeschooling them because we’re all thriving and our time together is much more quality time than it was before. I appreciate them a lot more now. Amazing what a little distance will do for you!

I still have nights when I’ve got homework and they’re playing together – but I love the fun times we do have together. This is a fun age for both of them. I love the questions they ask me and to see their creativity and sense of humor emerging. It makes my heart happy.

Wow

I am a lab aide in my school’s anatomy lab. My job is to make sure the students don’t steal our lab models and charts, as well as answer any questions the students may have. That is ALL. But some of the students don’t seem to get that. Here’s a conversation with a woman I had today:

mid-40s woman, heaving backpack onto floor in front of me: so-and-so said you were a tutor and that I could come see you and that you would tutor me.

Me: I’m a lab aide. I can answer any questions that you might have.

Woman: well, I was told that you would help me.

Me: I can’t help you until I know what you’re having issues with.

Woman: Well, I have an antatomy and physiology test Monday.

Me: ….

Woman: You know our professor, Mr. so-and-so? He told me to print off the power point and study it.

Me: I’m not familiar with that professor. What exactly is it you’re having problems with?

Woman: Well, I was told to come hear and you’d tutor me for this test.

Me: Have you studied at all?

Woman: I read it but I can’t understand it.

Me: Well, I can’t help you unless you have specific questions.

Woman: Well, I guess I’m unclear about what your role is here (didn’t I just tell her?!?).

In other words, the woman was coming in to the anatomy lab for the very first time 3 days before her test and wanting me to teach her everything she needed to know. Seriously? How about studying like everybody else? She acted all huffy with me the entire time. The gall of some people!

Where it’s at

Well, I’ve turned into such a slacker of a blogger. Shame on me. I have been making straight A’s in school though so hopefully that suffices as an excuse!

I’m in the midst of anatomy & physiology II and the Science of Nutrition. Both really interesting classes. I’m really loving school.

I have to start working soon though. The kids are starting Kindergarten in late August .. and I don’t have enough loan money left to pay for it. So Melanie needs a job. I’m looking in the health care industry but if I have to start out somewhere like Wal-mart until I can find something better, I’ll do it.

It’s going to be a real challenge going to school, working and trying to make quality time with the kids. I’m going to have to be a lot more purposeful with my time, that’s for sure.

The kids are liking daycare and will be going to that same small Christian facility for their Kindergarten program. The ratio of kids to the teacher is very good and I think it will be a good thing for both of them. Plus it’s the only place that I found that agreed to bump Mikaela up a year to go ahead and start Kindergarten. I think she would be bored in the 4-year-old class, I definitely think she’s ready for K. Their kindergarten teacher has 30-plus years of teaching experience and has a really sweet personality. I’m really hoping this year is a good, fruitful one for both kids.

And me. I am still looking at all my nursing school options. The three on my radar right now are:

1. Temple College’s 2-year associate degree in nursing, which I would start in the fall of 2010 (the earliest I could get in to that program) and finish in 2 years.
2. Texas Tech University’s 1-year, online, BS-to-BSN degree. I would apply this fall and start in January 2010, finishing in December of 2010. It’s intense and I would wind up with a bachelor’s degree in nursing within that 1 year. It’s so intense, in fact, that they make you sign an agreement not to work that year. This option is seeming less likely for financial reasons.
3. The University of Texas’ Alternate-Entry Masters of Science in Nursing. This 3-year-program would start next summer and end in 3 years – but I would have a masters degree when I finished. The application is due this December, and they let the applicants know their decision by the spring. That’s a long time to twiddle my thumbs and wonder! This is my dream option that I’d love to get into … but UT is very competitive and there’s no guarantees. I have straight A’s since re-starting college though … so I’m going for it.

So as you can see, I have a lot to mull over. There’s so many variables and options to think about its maddening. But I’m excitedly looking forward to it and I know God will open the right door at the right time.

Done, Done and I’m on to the Next One

I am done with my first semester of this summer session. What an incredibly intense 5 weeks. I took “computers for healthcare providers” and Anatomy & Physiology I.  The computer class was a (relatively) easy “A” – the A&P I was an “A” earned by 5 weeks of the hardest studying I’ve ever done. The A&P class was from 8 am-12:15 pm Mon.-Thurs.; all other hours were pretty much occupied in the lab poring over the plastic body models, organ models and skeletons – or at home studying ’till the wee hours. I seriously spent 50+ hours per week outside of class studying. Thank God for my husband – he played Mr. mom. He’s done all the cooking and cleaning, most of the kid-tending (they were in daycare during the day) and also helped me study. Remind me to buy him a nice present when I get my first “big” paycheck as an RN …

Anyway, that A&P I class was seriously, ridiculously hard work. But I would up with a final grade of 96. The class average was 68. But honestly … almost no one (other than the very few of us that made A’s) put in the long hours that it required. Can I even tell you how glad I am to be done?

Nevertheless, here I go again. Tuesday I start an online class – Science of Nutrition, and the following Monday I start Anatomy & Physiology II. Same instructor, same time-slot, hopefully same grade!

So, that leaves me three classes to take in the fall: Microbiology, Human Lifespan/Growth and Development (a Psychology class), and Statistics (UGH! math). I am applying to Texas Tech’s school of nursing this fall. They have a one-year, online, bachelor’s-of-science to bachelor’s-of-science-in-nursing degree. It starts Jan. 2010 and ends in December. I really want it. I double-checked with them today that it was OK that I was taking some classes in the fall when I applied; they said it was.

Also before I apply I have to shove in a medical terminology class and a certified nursing assistant (CNA) class. The terminology course I can get online; the CNA course takes a month and I need to start it soon.

We’re sweating bullets about the finances … student loans only go so far. But I know if God wants this to be, He will help us out. And so many doors have been open so far, I can’t imagine things falling apart now. Your prayers for us during this challenging but exciting time are very welcome!

School time is almost here …

I start going back to college in 10 DAYS. It’s hard to prepare myself for what that’s going to do to my life … turn it on its head, I’m sure!

The last time I was in college I was a svelte, boy-crazed, naive girl barely out of my teens. Let’s just say my studies weren’t the top priority on my list.

Fast forward 10 years and add one husband, two kids and (censored) pounds. Here I am, ready to start again. And while school will not be my top priority this time either (my family is), I am much more serious about it. I am HELLBENT on making A’s. But the material is sure to be really challenging, so I’m more than a little nervous!

I will be in school Monday-Thursday, 8 am – 2:30 pm for the month of June (I’m taking Anatomy & Physiology and a computer class); July-Aug., I’ll take speech Mon.-Thurs. 12:30-2:30 pm. The kids will be in child care near our home, and they’re really excited about it. The people seem really nice and they’ve advertised themselves as Christian; plus I know someone who sent their child there and loved it … so at least I feel good about the childcare situation.

Say a prayer I make the highest grade in the class. It will help my ranking for getting into nursing school!

in bed

While I was in college, I went on a date with this guy I’d met through some mutual friends. He took me to a great Chinese restaurant. After our meal, he opened his fortune cookie and read it, followed by the words “in bed.”

Not yet familiar with this custom, I said, “You know, Ben, if you’re trying to send me subliminal messages, you need to work on being a little more subtle.”

He laughed and told me that everyone does that – you read your fortune and then add “in bed” to the end of it – and hilarity ensues. Or confusion.

Years later, I was eating Chinese with a group of friends, and we were reading our fortunes aloud. Barry’s eyes got as wide as saucers as he read: “You are good with horses.” To which the rest of us yelled “IN BED!” and howled with laughter.

This is an interesting custom. I wonder how it got started.

From the Wikipedia page on fortune cookies: 

“There is a common joke involving fortune cookies that involves appending “in bed”, “with a battle axe” or “between the sheets” to the end of the fortune, usually creating a sexual innuendo or other bizarre messages (e.g., “Every exit is an entrance to new experiences [in bed]” or “You will solve your greatest problem [with a battle axe]“) .”

… eh, not the greatest description. I’ll update this post when I can find a history of the phrase.