Gut Instinct (March 2, 2012)

This is a blog post I put on another one of my websites, because apparently I have three that have only been posted in once!
  So I woke up this morning feeling like it was one of those days”.  After fighting the feeling I manage to pull myself out of bed. Preparing to go visit some friends for the weekend, I drove my husband to work. On our way there I still had this bad feeling in my gut, although unsure exactly why. After dropping him off I made the 20 minute trip back home. Instead of taking my usual route I thought, wow I could really use a dose of the ocean and a fresh sea breeze smell. So I took the scenic drive home. With sunroof open, the windows down, and the sun beating down on my pale skin my dog and I cruised the strip. It was almost exhilarating to feel the powerful wind coming off the ocean, whipping through the car and blowing my long blond hair, as a kite would fly in the wind. A completely refreshing way to begin the day and weekend for that matter. 
   Continuing the journey home feeling lost in my thoughts. I again diverted my drive to include the scenery of Las Olas. For those unfamiliar, Las Olas is a street that houses a number of upscale boutiques, shops, and restaurants. Quite enjoyable to stroll down on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Continuing on my journey I am now three blocks from my home, when I see red and blue flashing lights behind me. Those are so unsightly when you have an uneasy feeling about the day. Well apparently I had become a little too lost in my wandering thoughts and according to the police officer I “blew through a stop sign”. A little exaggerated, I think so. I couldn't have been going more than 20 miles per hour to “blow” through a stop sign. He didn't waste anytime writing me that 165 dollar ticket.         
   So, being my fathers daughter, it was only appropriate to prove my innocence, of course after accepting my reward. So, it began with determining that the police officer wrote the incorrect street on my ticket. Also, after perusing through Google maps satellite view, I determined that there was not a stop sign that he claimed I “blew” through. Next it was time to investigate in my other car, in case he was waiting for other violators. Come to find out he was right I violated the law. Bummer that I have to give more money to the state. I guess that makes up for not having a state tax. Moral of the story, go with your gut feeling and don't "blow" through stop signs.

Wow..it's been too long...

    Wow December 2010? I guess I have been a little busy over that last 3 years. Not even sure where I should begin...well...then again the last 3 years of my life are a bit of a blur, all about to culminate in one short week, but we will get to that later. This blog was originally created to journal my experience in nursing school, but we see how much time I had for that.

   So, back to December 2010. As I had mentioned in a previous post, I was accepted into the nursing program at Broward College, which I started in January 2011. 

   The pictures above are my first day of nursing school. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was a long and tiring journey, but I would not change it for the world. To see the smile on my patient's faces, to know that I have touched their life in some way....no one can take that from me! The passion that lives inside my heart can never be melted and I know I was born to be a Nurse. I met many really great friends along the way and have learned more about myself and my passions then I knew existed. Although some of us that started together did not end together, we made it through by the grace of God. I will never forget my first day of clinical at the hospital and figuring out what they meant by a "code brown". Nothing like saying you are up to your elbows in....you know what I mean! The first words that came out my professors mouth on the first day of class was welcome to nursing school the end of your life as you know it. Literally, nursing school consumed every ounce of my attention and I can't thank my husband enough for how supportive he was through this. He saw the tears, the laughter, the joy, the pain, the accomplishment, the struggle, but most importantly he saw me through it all! On May 1, 2013 I received my Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. 

(Graduating Class of May 2013-I'm 3rd from right in front row)

   So, now that I have reached that milestone I am still not finished. I have been preparing and reviewing for the past month an a half to take my NCLEX-RN exam, so that I can be a licensed Registered Nurse. It's really hard to believe that after 3 years I am finally going to be a nurse! Most people ask what will you do? I have yet to decide what I want to do, as there are many options available. I anticipate that I will try different areas before I settle down in one area, but my first leap is to find a Medical/Surgical position in a hospital, where I can gain experience as a new nurse. I must admit I really enjoyed my Obstetrics rotation, so I am leaning towards that specialty. So there you have it my life in a very small nutshell over the last three years. What a relief that door is closed and I am ready and excited to open a new chapter! A big thanks to all my family and friends for their support along the way, not sure where I would be without you.

(Me with my husband and good friend Marsha)