Checking in!!

Just completed my 2nd week for my BSN program. I can honestly say that it's kicking my ASS, but I am DETERMINED to do well. 2am have become my new bedtime. APA format is getting on my nerves. But receiving a 97% on my first paper, is PRICELESS!!!

New lengths!!

For the past few years, I've been obsessed with my hair. So obsessed that I've made online hair sites/blogs a part of my everyday reading. I love the way my hair looks and feels. I also love the compliments that I receive about my hair. Through the years, I've set and achieve many goals for my hair. And I am happy to report that I ended 2010 with BSL hair!!

Friendship weekend!!

This weekend was all about spending time with friends. Got to bond with my dear friend Anne at her bridal shower. Even got to meet some of her close friends and relatives. Will have to make sure to get a special picture with her Dad at her wedding.

Me and Anne

Then met up with my girl Cheryl and friends at PF Changs to bid farewell to Cheryl as she will soon depart to Baltimore. But I'm not even going to be sad about her leaving since it will be short term and I'm in Baltimore at least 2x/year.

Me and Cheryl

And to wrap up her birthday week, Nyomi got to spend the day with 2 of her close friends Lauren and Shoshi.

Shoshi, Nyomi, and Lauren

I'm glad that both me and my daughter have such good friends that we enjoy spending time with!!!

The "Other" Grandma

We have no family where we live. My parents live in 1 state and my inlaws live in another. However, since we've been living here, we've been blessed to have 2 friends fill the role of grandmother to my girls. Recently, my girls spent time with my dear friend and I just knew that she too would be the "OTHER" grandma!!

Inner Strength!!!

Truth be told, I really hate to exercise, but I am just too vain to let my body go. However in Sept. 2010, I had surgery on my knee and basically let myself go. Clothes that used to fix me comfortably, are now either too tight or unflattering. I went from a comfortable 140lbs to 160lbs. So for New Years I decided that I wasn't going to make any list filled with unrealistic expectations/goals. However, I did tell myself that I will get back into shape and I would make eating healthy a top priority. Can't wait to see my summer body!!!

Eight years ago today.......

I became a Mom. Words cannot express the joy and challenges these 8yrs has brought to my life. As I watch my daughter blossom into a little woman, I am often left to reflect on my life at her age. I am constantly in awe at how blessed she is. Living in a home with both parents that love her dearly. Being exposed to an array of social activities and cultures that often times seem so regular to her. I love the fact that my daughters life will be so much different from mine. However, I realize that it is my responsibility for her to not take any of her blessings for granted and to be grateful and respectful of her many blessings. Praying that I am able to see my daughter reach many more birthdays!!

Happy 8th Birthday Nyomi!!

My new bed!!

I've only been in nursing school 24hrs, and already my laptop has become my new bed.  With 4 papers due in 1 week, sleeping in a bed doesn't seem possible.  Thankfully my laptop makes a nice headrest...LOL

The NEXT Chapter

So today, I reentered the role of student at Ohio University.  I have to admit that I didn't enter this role by choice, but rather out of the need to not limit myself.  My hospital has decided that in order to advance, one must at least have a BS in Nursing, and my BS in Biochemistry will no longer make the cut.  So here I sit, at the age of 35 with a husband, 2 small kids, a dog, and a part-time job, a student once again.  I'll have to learn what the heck APA writing is.  I'll have to logs hours upon hours of forum decisions to ensure my instructor that I am indeed an active participant.  And I'll have to learn to not procrastinate.  Because in the end, my goal isn't to just make the grade to pass the programs, but rather to lay the foundation for me to reach my ultimate goal of a Family Nurse Practitioner!!

Goals for myself are:

1. Graduate from Ohio University in 18 months with a 3.5 of higher GPA
2.  Take on more responsibility on my unit to build up my clinical knowledge.
3. Enroll in a MSN/NP program by 2014
4. In the next 7yrs be a Family Nurse Practitioner.


Someone once said that it's important to write down ones truth so that it will one day become their reality.  So today I am writing down my truth!!

Let the journey begin..........

Becoming more BOLD!!

This year I've decided to step out of my comfort zone and become more bold.  Instead of wearing my classic all black/charcoal grey outfits, I am going to add more color to my wardrobe.  There is nothing that speaks more boldness that a pair of leopard print FRANCO SARTO shoes!!

Ringing in 2011

Well 2010 was a very good year.  I started my 365 day challenge.  I joined a gourmet cooking group that has brought me so much pleasure.  Even discovered my inner party animal when I attended a 70s party.

My hopes for 2011 is that I discover more inner piece.  That I let things go.  And that I realize that my actions will have a lasting impressions, so I need to do whatever possible to make them positive.  I realize that I am a work in progress, but my prayer is that my progress is for the better.

May my GLASS runneth over in 2011!!!