Sunday Salon: Life (or the lack thereof)

This week was not the best blogging week. I know I occasionally update on my personal life in snippets, but because I have a little downtime today (and because my personal blog is very neglected) I thought I would just update on this blog a few things about why I've been MIA lately.

I think I've mentioned before that this semester has been a lot crazier than the last two semesters of nursing school, and I've been having a really hard time keeping my head above water, so to speak. Instead of having three five credit classes, I have five three-credit classes -- but the workload in each three-credit class is heavier than it was in the five-credit classes of last semester. I've also had my first taste of a twelve-hour shift this semester. My clinicals have been at a children's hospital on the cancer floor. It has been exhausting, but also absolutely rewarding. Because (contrary to what the media portrays) nursing jobs are very difficult to get right now, I may have to settle for something different at first, but I really, really want to work with kids who have cancer. I loved that floor and hope I have the opportunity to work someplace like it in the future. This week I am going to switch to an adult cancer hospital for the rest of the semester, and I am hoping that works out pretty well also. From what I've heard, it is a really great place to learn (although of course, if you are a patient, you don't want to be sick enough to have to stay there).

Things have also been pretty busy with church lately. In the church I am a part of everyone has responsibilities called "callings" that rotate around. Depending on the congregation and the area you live in, you may have a calling for a few months to a few years. Right now, I am the secretary for the women's organization (Relief Society) which is busier than other callings I have had (often I end up playing the piano). It is rewarding but my Sundays have been busier doing church responsibilities.

Personal life has been busy too, with lots of big decisions being made in the last few months. My husband decided to join the Army to pay for his dental school. He is now sworn in and is officially a second lieutenant, although he doesn't have any responsibilities right now except to finish dental school and do a good job so they can make use of him afterward. :) We also decided where to go for dental school -- UCLA. It wasn't a dental school that we were really considering at first, but once my husband interviewed there he was really impressed with the program and we were very excited to be accepted. We move this summer (he graduates with his first degree in April and I graduate in August) and then it will be head first into a completely different life! It is exciting but very intimidating, especially as I peruse the job ads for nurses in LA. I have found one that I particularly would love to get and a few back-up plans as well, so hopefully at least one of those works out.

This weekend has been busy as well, so I am glad it is a holiday. My little sister got engaged a few weeks ago, and our mom and her future mother-in-law came to visit this weekend and to help her figure out some details of her wedding. I tagged along. :) This will be the first and probably only chance I have to be a bridesmaid, and I am excited. Fortunately my sister has great taste and the dress I'll be wearing is pretty rather than some of the bridesmaid monstrosities out there.

Aww... they're cute. 

Other than that, I have been trying to steal some time to read (I haven't in two days, which is ridiculous for me) and sleep. Hopefully this blog will be a little more active this week, because I miss reading and blogging as my relaxation time. Now it's time for me to go frost some homemade oreos... nothing like treats to induce relaxation.