Nursing School Update

In less than one week Andrew and I will finally be done with this semester, making him officially in 3rd semester and me in 4th semester. I can barely believe it. Its especially surreal when I see 4th semester students trying on their pinning ceremony outfits and taking photos. 

Third semester truly puts you in the "nurse" frame of mind.  My instructors made their expectations very clear to me on the first day. It's habit to say things like "in this situation the nurse would _____". Now its become a habit to say "I am going to ______". At first it was "fake 'til you make it" but now I truly feel like a nurse. Its so empowering when I am facing challenges. I know that I can overcome them because somewhere in me is the skill or knowledge that I need. Plus, its just really fun going into a room and being the nurse!

I am so thankful to have my OB rotation last. It is hard not to feel burnt out at the end of each semester, but OB material is so interesting to read about. Before my rotation I had no idea what OB was about. I assumed it was just the process of having a baby, but I was so wrong. I had no idea that creating life could be so life threatening. Not only is your patient a pregnant women who can have serious life threatening complications at any moment, but your other patient is a baby who also can have serious life threatening complications at any moment. And from what I have seen, most pregnancies have had some level of post-partum hemorrhage or a baby going to the NICU. What I also found surprising about this rotation are the nurses. They are not the sweet passive "i love babies" nurses that I thought they would be. They are some tough chicks! Imagine an ER or trauma nurse dressed in purple and flowers. So, I never thought I would say this but I am going to miss this rotation. Especially the NICU, that was my favorite favorite. 

AH. I cant believe 4th semester is so close. Which reminds me, I need to go study for my final now :) OB final on Monday, cumulative rotation final on Thursday. Wish me luck!!

Date Day

Sometimes a date day is just whats needed. I have been missing Andrew tons lately due to the fact that we are operating on opposite schedules. So, on a whim we decided Friday was going to be our day. Andrews been wanting to get his skis mounted since last season and I have been wanting to adventure around Big Bear, so thats just what we did. 

We were in disbelief that it was actually snowing on our drive up - in November!

It was bone chilling cold and Andrew was worried about his phone getting wet but I made him take a photo anyway. Such a team player.

After the "blizzard" everything looked magical covered in a white blanket. 

We decided to be adventurous and eat breakfast where the locals eat. You know every town has that one dive where the food is amazing. Well, we found it. 

My handsome.

After breakfast we did a little shopping. I finally found the perfect pink skinny snowboard pants! Trust me, this is noteworthy. Andrew looks adorb in his new gear. 

On cloud 9.

One of our favorite things is to bring back coffee and beef jerky. Its a must.

The best date day yet. We are officially ready for this season!

Busy

We've been busy lately with things that don't involve pictures. 

This picture will have to suffice for now.

Pretty exciting, right?

around here

 This semester is SO much more different then past. For Andrew, as far as studying and clinical goes, nursing 2 is not much different that nursing 1. For me, nursing 3 is a whole new world. We rotate clinical every 5 weeks and have only 1 exam each rotation. Its basically do-or-die on these exams because theres no second chance to make a better grade. Andrew has his first exam this week. I am pretty excited to see how he does. This weekend we spent a lot of time going back and forth on rationales about everything and he did super great! Between school and work, he is the worlds greatest juggler. Fact. I am so blessed by all that he does for us and it makes me feel good that I can help him study. 

Here are some photo updates of what life looks like lately. A lot of goofing and naps in between study sessions.

This is what I look like singing "Sister Christian". Oh you don't watch The Bachelor Pad? That's too bad. 

Skills Lab "date" ;)

Can you tell it is laundry day? Hideous bed. 

This hot humidity makes pretty clouds but we are ready for it to be Fall already!

A new semester

SO....school started! It will be so strange that one day we will no longer have to buy new pencils, backpacks, binders, or paper. Its such a tradition. To me, the first day of school is like New Years, even  better actually (I have stayed up for New Years maybe twice and participated in resolutions once).  I tell myself how this is going to be my best semester, I'm going to get an A on all my exams... you know really talking myself up. Andrew probably too. Who doesn't? 

It was a great first day. Andrew went to a new hospital this semester where the phrase "donde esta dolor?" will be very useful. It sounds like he has got a great clinical instructor too. My semester had a theory on IV therapy our first day because we are starting IV's! Now I am 100% terrified of inserting an IV needle because all of the things that can go wrong. 

Per tradition, I give you another "first day of school" photo. The OCD part of me is really struggling with the fact that I am not wearing scrubs like all our previous "first day" photos. 

August

August is a bittersweet month in this house. We get to celebrate another wonderful year being married, but we have to start saying goodbye to summer break. Its been 110 degrees on average so we haven't been doing any outdoor activities. This month we got a little crazy though and went swimming a few times and took up a new hobby, cycling. This past weekend we took a special trip to Newport for a bike ride on the boardwalk. It wouldn't be a quality trip unless we spent some quality time with our little niece love and sister love. I can't wait to start looking for a place to live there next summer!

2 Years

Happy 2 year Anniversary to my sweet husband.

I love you!

insta

Sometimes I can't believe I used to be anti-smart phone. I'm not a crazed social networker but I would be sad if I couldn't take the bazillion photos a day I do now. Lately my instagram reflects my life much more accurately than my blog so I decided to update via insta. I could even title this post "things I love" because I have really hit the jackpot with my recent findings. 

Lazy weekend afternoons on the couch are a favorite.

We like to try new breakfast spots. Our opinion is largely based on the coffee quality. Daily Grill was a winner.

Easy project: switch out old dresser knobs for new ones. For me, its a great way to add color to my overall neutral theme.

Out with the shag, in with this herringbone rug from urban. 

Bath & Body Works candle "island caribbean" perfect for summer.

Our apartment just opened this amazing frozen yogurt shop, to die for. 

It's healthy if there is fruit in it right?

As promised, a yoga picture. Andrews favorite poses? corpse and child's pose ;) I'm kind of a pose monitor. I get really nervous when he tries to do handstands and make him stop. 

Organization is a great way to get motivated for school

 I don't know about you but I take perfume shopping very seriously. By seriously I mean cautiously. Sometimes I even have to sleep on a decision to be sure. Maybe its because I have buyers remorse or maybe its because I am paranoid that I will be that person with the awful perfume. With that said, I loveeee this Philosophy perfume. 

Arizona

After our Disney adventure we spent time with Andrew's grandparents in Arizona. I loved this time. Surprisingly enough we didn't play a single game. Its practically part our religion to play Mexican Train whenever we all get together. Instead we talked a lot, listened to stories, laughed, enjoyed apple pie and delicious home cooked meals. Most of all we watched Elliott and admired all his cuteness.

Hil-ar. Anything to see that baby smile. 

And its so worth it! If you haven't noticed, he is SUCH a happy baby. 

Disney

I finally had a moment to play with all the photos we took a few weeks ago at Disneyland. It was more than a year since we were all together last and it was the first time meeting our cute nephew. We love that little cuddlebug!