The past few weeks, I dove head first into nursing school. Foundations of nursing, pharmacology, labs, blood pressures, mobility and ambulation, bed making, hand washing (oh so much hand washing!) note cards, tests, lectures, all kinds of stuff!
I keep telling myself that this is all worth it. In May, when I graduate, I'll be able to work as a nurse, granted that I find a job, pass boards, and all that great stuff.
My life goal is either to become a scrub nurse, or become a hospital administrator. I'm going to make it happen either way. I'm 24, so part of me feels like I'm too old for this, or I should have this all figured out by now, but something tells me otherwise.
I almost feel like the "odd man out" because I was never a nurse's aide. My class is full of "know it all" aides that frankly make me feel as if I should know this. I could've been an aide, I just never really got around to it. My professor told our class that perhaps that's a good thing, because it gives us a clean slate to learn upon and not take "shortcuts" that aides have picked up along the way.
I'm nervous, to say the least, but I figure all student nurses have been there in the beginning of their education. It's a lot to process, but I want this. I really want this. I just need some encouragement and to keep telling myself that.
16.7.11
getting my yoga on!
So, I've done a ton of research and reading lately on Yoga. And I'm happy to say that I love it. I've been having some lower back issues the past couple of months and a friend of mine said that yoga did wonders for his back pain. I figured it's worth a shot. My brother bought me a yoga mat for my birthday about a year ago, and I'm sad to say it's not been used as much as it should or could be.
Now besides a few netflix videos and one YMCA class I took on a vacation, I'd say I'm pretty much a newbie to the whole yoga thing. Besides, you never know if you're going to like something if you don't try it, right?
I have known about the Yoga studio in downtown Moline, IL for ages, but have never got around to taking a class. Between school and time and just a little bit of newbie fear, I just never made it down there. Last night, Indigo Wellness Center and Yoga Studio hosted an introductory yoga sessions and I figured I had nothing to lose.
The class was super low key, intimate, and I loved it. I met Abby Webster-Moran, co-owner of the studio and she was absolutely lovely. It was just me and two other ladies, so it wasn't overwhelming in any way. Abby took us through some Q & A, and then some basic poses and stretches, even learning to breathe in yoga is challenging, but worth it. She's very relaxed and gentle in her teaching style and I loved it. It's so different to do yoga with an instructor rather than a DVD because the instructor can "tweak" your pose, even if it's minor so you get more out of the pose and stretch. It's not like they're picking on you or anything, they just want to adjust the pose. I could feel a difference in my Warrior pose that I didn't get if I'm doing it in my living room. Downward Dog looks easy, but if you're doing it right and the instructor moves you a bit to get the most out of the pose you kind of realise "woah! Now I feel that in a whole new way!"
I know some yoga poses, so when she got around to Savasana, or corpse pose, my body just went "yes!" I love that pose. it's relaxing and invigorating. I walked away from that class with such a renewed sense of self and I just felt really good.
In their entrance when you walk into the studio, it has a lovely word "Breathe" written on the wall in pretty purple. It's calming and reassuring. I just really need to learn how to breathe in my life.
You can check out Indigo Studio at http://www.indigowellness.info
Definately going to take another class soon! :) Thanks so much, Abby!
Now besides a few netflix videos and one YMCA class I took on a vacation, I'd say I'm pretty much a newbie to the whole yoga thing. Besides, you never know if you're going to like something if you don't try it, right?
I have known about the Yoga studio in downtown Moline, IL for ages, but have never got around to taking a class. Between school and time and just a little bit of newbie fear, I just never made it down there. Last night, Indigo Wellness Center and Yoga Studio hosted an introductory yoga sessions and I figured I had nothing to lose.
The class was super low key, intimate, and I loved it. I met Abby Webster-Moran, co-owner of the studio and she was absolutely lovely. It was just me and two other ladies, so it wasn't overwhelming in any way. Abby took us through some Q & A, and then some basic poses and stretches, even learning to breathe in yoga is challenging, but worth it. She's very relaxed and gentle in her teaching style and I loved it. It's so different to do yoga with an instructor rather than a DVD because the instructor can "tweak" your pose, even if it's minor so you get more out of the pose and stretch. It's not like they're picking on you or anything, they just want to adjust the pose. I could feel a difference in my Warrior pose that I didn't get if I'm doing it in my living room. Downward Dog looks easy, but if you're doing it right and the instructor moves you a bit to get the most out of the pose you kind of realise "woah! Now I feel that in a whole new way!"
I know some yoga poses, so when she got around to Savasana, or corpse pose, my body just went "yes!" I love that pose. it's relaxing and invigorating. I walked away from that class with such a renewed sense of self and I just felt really good.
In their entrance when you walk into the studio, it has a lovely word "Breathe" written on the wall in pretty purple. It's calming and reassuring. I just really need to learn how to breathe in my life.
You can check out Indigo Studio at http://www.indigowellness.info
Definately going to take another class soon! :) Thanks so much, Abby!
4.4.11
Table for One Please?
I just recently got out of a pretty long relationship. I used to spend something like 83 percent of my time with this guy, so coming to terms with "being single" has been extraordinarily difficult for me. There are other factors, but I'm not going to get into them.
The one thing we liked to do together was go and get dinner at a restaurant sometimes.Now, I can cook, but sometimes it was easier with time to grab a bite at a restaurant.
I don't do it very often, if at all, but now that I'm single, eating out alone is well,.... weird. Awkward. Almost shocking. Maybe it's just me.
The other day I stopped into my local Buffalo Wild Wings. I was hungry. I wanted some bone-in spicy garlic wings, and I had some time in my schedule after school. The server told me that I could sit anywhere, so I chose a little table where I could sit and watch the television easily. I felt awkward just sitting there by myself. I fiddled with my purse, organized some receipts in my wallet and tapped my nails on the table anxiously, waiting for a server. It wasn't a rush hour or anything at about 4 pm, so I just waited patiently. I wasn't in a rush or anything, but I was hungry. I looked to make eye contact with a server in hopes she'd notice me. A full twenty five minutes passed and I finally walked up to the counter and said, "Um, I've been sitting here a while, and no one's come over."
Her eyes got wide and she rushed a server that had just come on the clock over to where I was sitting. I couldn't blame this poor server for the hostess' mistake. When she took my order she asked, "Are you waiting for someone?"
"No. Just me." I said, sheepishly. I felt stupid because yeah, it was just me. Alone. I almost had an inclination to be like "No, actually I've been stood up," or "He's not here yet, but I'll order anyway" in an effort to make myself feel a tiny bit better. But I didn't.
I got my wings and celery and got to eating. Even eating my wings alone was uncomfortable. I felt like eyes were on me. They probably weren't, but I felt like it. I wanted to eat and get out of there. I did end up getting my meal almost for free with all the confusion about my being served, so I left the server a nice tip.
It's like a simple comfort to share a meal with someone. Sharing time, and conversation, food and drink. Eating engages all the senses and nurtures the soul. I don't think we are meant to eat alone.Meals are suppose to be a communal thing. I mean, I can cook and eat a bowl of rice at home by myself, but I think that's different.
A few weeks before this, I had dinner with my younger sister and brother for my brother's 18th birthday. It was nice because I don't get to see my sister much since she's studying in Ohio. The fact that we were able to come together, all three of us, was nice. We were able to catch up and eat together. We talked and shared stories. It was pleasant.
Perhaps I need to realize the independence of enjoying something alone, but that is a process. I need to enjoy something as simple as my soup and sandwich and savor that moment to myself. It's just not ingrained in me.
Eating alone is such a stark reality. I think from now on, unless I'm taking a friend or family member out or something, I'll take mine to go. Chinese take out for one, please. I'll enjoy my lo mein noodles in the comfort of my own home.
The one thing we liked to do together was go and get dinner at a restaurant sometimes.Now, I can cook, but sometimes it was easier with time to grab a bite at a restaurant.
I don't do it very often, if at all, but now that I'm single, eating out alone is well,.... weird. Awkward. Almost shocking. Maybe it's just me.
The other day I stopped into my local Buffalo Wild Wings. I was hungry. I wanted some bone-in spicy garlic wings, and I had some time in my schedule after school. The server told me that I could sit anywhere, so I chose a little table where I could sit and watch the television easily. I felt awkward just sitting there by myself. I fiddled with my purse, organized some receipts in my wallet and tapped my nails on the table anxiously, waiting for a server. It wasn't a rush hour or anything at about 4 pm, so I just waited patiently. I wasn't in a rush or anything, but I was hungry. I looked to make eye contact with a server in hopes she'd notice me. A full twenty five minutes passed and I finally walked up to the counter and said, "Um, I've been sitting here a while, and no one's come over."
Her eyes got wide and she rushed a server that had just come on the clock over to where I was sitting. I couldn't blame this poor server for the hostess' mistake. When she took my order she asked, "Are you waiting for someone?"
"No. Just me." I said, sheepishly. I felt stupid because yeah, it was just me. Alone. I almost had an inclination to be like "No, actually I've been stood up," or "He's not here yet, but I'll order anyway" in an effort to make myself feel a tiny bit better. But I didn't.
I got my wings and celery and got to eating. Even eating my wings alone was uncomfortable. I felt like eyes were on me. They probably weren't, but I felt like it. I wanted to eat and get out of there. I did end up getting my meal almost for free with all the confusion about my being served, so I left the server a nice tip.
It's like a simple comfort to share a meal with someone. Sharing time, and conversation, food and drink. Eating engages all the senses and nurtures the soul. I don't think we are meant to eat alone.Meals are suppose to be a communal thing. I mean, I can cook and eat a bowl of rice at home by myself, but I think that's different.
A few weeks before this, I had dinner with my younger sister and brother for my brother's 18th birthday. It was nice because I don't get to see my sister much since she's studying in Ohio. The fact that we were able to come together, all three of us, was nice. We were able to catch up and eat together. We talked and shared stories. It was pleasant.
Perhaps I need to realize the independence of enjoying something alone, but that is a process. I need to enjoy something as simple as my soup and sandwich and savor that moment to myself. It's just not ingrained in me.
Eating alone is such a stark reality. I think from now on, unless I'm taking a friend or family member out or something, I'll take mine to go. Chinese take out for one, please. I'll enjoy my lo mein noodles in the comfort of my own home.
22.3.11
Nothing Like A Cuppa Tea
I am, what could be called an extreme tea enthusiast. And I'm proud of it. There's nothing more comforting for me than a hot cup of black tea.
I think perhaps it has to do with my upbringing. My parents are both from Eastern Europe, so I've been drinking hot tea regularly since I was a toddler. Sometimes with lemon and sugar, and sometimes with milk. Always hot, though. I've never really enjoyed iced tea. In my opinion, tea should always be hot. It brings out all the flavor in the leaves when you steep it well.
My favourite tea is a cup of Earl Grey tea with just a little bit of milk or the lighter tasting Lady Grey. I like Tetley Teas, Stash, and Celestial Seasonings. I do enjoy fruit teas as well. Last time I took a trip to Europe, my aunt took me to a tea shop and I brought home a delicious strawberry loose tea blend. I use it sparingly, as I can only get it in Europe. I regularly order tea with a bit of lemon if I'm eating at a restaurant, but I have to specify "hot". Otherwise, I'll get iced tea.
My sister came back from a study abroad trip to England and brought me the most wonderful loose tea set from the renowned English tea shop Fortnum and Mason I tend to prefer loose leaf tea to tea bags, since the bag can restrict the flow of the tea leaves.
I received a set of three teas in a cute little canister set. It included an Earl Grey blend, an Afternoon tea, and a great Royal Blend. My favourite has to be the Royal blend since it has a great strong flavor and you can really taste the Ceylon leaves. The Afternoon Tea has a lighter flavor and the Earl Grey, the classic light citrus like all Earl Grey.
It's really a shame that more Americans do not drink hot tea. In Europe, it's the first thing that's asked when you're welcomed into someone's home. "Tea? How do you take it?" I love it. Hot tea is great because I feel as if it feeds the soul. It feeds my soul and is great for late night blogging. :)
"Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world. ~T'ien Yiheng"
I think perhaps it has to do with my upbringing. My parents are both from Eastern Europe, so I've been drinking hot tea regularly since I was a toddler. Sometimes with lemon and sugar, and sometimes with milk. Always hot, though. I've never really enjoyed iced tea. In my opinion, tea should always be hot. It brings out all the flavor in the leaves when you steep it well.
My favourite tea is a cup of Earl Grey tea with just a little bit of milk or the lighter tasting Lady Grey. I like Tetley Teas, Stash, and Celestial Seasonings. I do enjoy fruit teas as well. Last time I took a trip to Europe, my aunt took me to a tea shop and I brought home a delicious strawberry loose tea blend. I use it sparingly, as I can only get it in Europe. I regularly order tea with a bit of lemon if I'm eating at a restaurant, but I have to specify "hot". Otherwise, I'll get iced tea.
My sister came back from a study abroad trip to England and brought me the most wonderful loose tea set from the renowned English tea shop Fortnum and Mason I tend to prefer loose leaf tea to tea bags, since the bag can restrict the flow of the tea leaves.I received a set of three teas in a cute little canister set. It included an Earl Grey blend, an Afternoon tea, and a great Royal Blend. My favourite has to be the Royal blend since it has a great strong flavor and you can really taste the Ceylon leaves. The Afternoon Tea has a lighter flavor and the Earl Grey, the classic light citrus like all Earl Grey.
It's really a shame that more Americans do not drink hot tea. In Europe, it's the first thing that's asked when you're welcomed into someone's home. "Tea? How do you take it?" I love it. Hot tea is great because I feel as if it feeds the soul. It feeds my soul and is great for late night blogging. :)
"Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world. ~T'ien Yiheng"
18.3.11
"It's a BOOK." Just a book.
I was on a news webpage this morning, getting my morning news reading done when I noticed an advertising banner for a children's book called "It's A Book" by Lane Smith. Simple enough title. The ad asked questions like "Can it text? Can it tweet? Can it blog?" I got curious and clicked over to the website for the children's book and it directed me to a youtube video. In it, a donkey and I think it's a gorilla or monkey are sitting down together. The donkey is internet and technology savvy with his laptop on his lap. The monkey is an old fashioned book reader with a plain old fashioned book. Donkey starts asking question about monkey's book.... see the video below
But these new E-Readers intice me. They hold thousands of titles, cost less to own. I don't think wouldn't deter one from purchasing books. I read a statistc that said "when people buy an e-reader like the Kindle or the Nooks, only 15% of them will actually stop purchasing printed books." Yes, it's more cost effective. No ink, or paper to use, lower printing costs, etc. More cost effective. Newsweek even ran a story comparing e-downloads to bound books. There isn't a defined "better option," but it's interesting to think about.
At the end, the monkey and a little bird tell Mr. Tech-y, "It's a book jackass!" in plain enough English.
Okay, I'm sorry, but this alarmed me. Are future generations not going to know what a simple bound book is? How to turn the page? Are my future children not going to know what to do if I were to hand them a book? I hope it never comes to this, but it makes sense. How many people in my generation would know what to do with a record player if given to them? Will books become this way? Are we so technologically dependant to simply ignore a simpler way? We tweet, we text, we type, e-mail, blog, etc. How often do we pick up a book? A physical, turn the page book?
With bookstore giant, Borders filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month and closing over 200 stores, it makes you wonder. The new electronic reader devices like the Nook and Kindle are great, don't get me wrong, but will the printed page become a thing of the past? Will libraries become a thing of the past?
If you're like me, I love bookstores. I frequent Barnes and Noble and Borders regularly. There's just something special about cracking the spine on a new book.
But these new E-Readers intice me. They hold thousands of titles, cost less to own. I don't think wouldn't deter one from purchasing books. I read a statistc that said "when people buy an e-reader like the Kindle or the Nooks, only 15% of them will actually stop purchasing printed books." Yes, it's more cost effective. No ink, or paper to use, lower printing costs, etc. More cost effective. Newsweek even ran a story comparing e-downloads to bound books. There isn't a defined "better option," but it's interesting to think about. I could see E-Readers being great for college textbooks. I'm a college student and lament at the very thought of the price of textbooks. Expensive beyond belief! I think the market could be huge to offer e-"text"books or PDF formats. There are some that do, but some people just prefer the physicality of an actual text. I mean, I don't think I could handle reading an electronic version of the Bible. How we use these E-Readers and E-books will affect our media, our schools, our homes, technology, even social aspects.
I don't think that traditional books will ever disappear, but it's interesting to see how our use of technology affects everything. I mean, after all, I'm blogging.. on a computer.. typing word onto a screen.. Isn't that funny?
16.3.11
And it starts...
So, I'm going to be 24 years old this year... and I figured that by this time in my life, I would have accomplished so much... as much as I have accomplished and have to be proud of, I haven't attained the goals that I really thought I'd have done by now. Since I'll be 24 soon, I am starting this blog and maybe a vlog to document my journey to these goals and perhaps discover who I'm suppose to be.
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:11-13
I figured by 24, I'd be finished with school, in a great job, possibly engaged, or married.... and I'm not. I'm still in school, not that it's a problem. I do have a good job, but it's not so much a career yet. I'm not married, engaged, or even dating. Have I failed myself? I don't think so. I think I've realized a lot about my life. Some of those goals were unrealistic. To assume that you'll have your life figured out by the time you're 24 is unrealistic in a sense.
I think straight out of high school, I figured everything would be really easy. I figured: School will be a breeze, money's not a problem... but when reality hit, it hits enough to make you ponder a lot things, even second guess at times.
I'll be 24 in a couple of months, and I see my life as a new page. I just got out of a long relationship, very painful breakup and being alone terrified me. It was extremely hard on me. I'm beginning to heal though. Now I see it as an opportunity. For myself. To better myself, to work hard, and put myself where I need to be. I hope you'll join me for this journey.
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