Life calls.

It's been awhile. The to-do lists finally caught up with me, (more like chased me down and roughed me up a little bit). My Spring semester of my junior year has offically begun. Nursing has once again, consumed my life. It's only day 4. Dear Lord Baby Jesus, help me.

I'm sure there will be many times I will kick and fuss and wine and complain about how much work I have and how much I wish I had a break throughout the semester, but the truth of it is, I love Nursing. I cannot imagine myself doing absolutely anything else in the entire world. And THAT keeps me going. For whatever CRAZY reason, God has put a passion for working with people in my heart, and there's not much I can do about it. Other than to relentlessly keep pushing forward despite the fact that at times everything in me wants to simply give up. But I can't, because something deeper within drives me. Sometimes crazy.

I have continued to be blessed in many ways. I've had some pretty special people come into my life. Some friends, and some more than friends. We'll leave it at that, simply because I like to keep parts of my life a secret. Bottom line is this--these people, they make me happy. Really happy. They encourage me, uplift me, challenge me, and they've changed me. You know who you are. You're loved. A lot.

I've also had some pretty amazing oppertunities thrown my way. A few weeks ago I found out I was accepted for an externship at Hershey Medical Center in the PICU/PIMU (pediatric intensive care unit/medical unit for you non-medical people). There were over 800 some applicants hospital-wide, and I competed against 15 other students in my unit for one of four spots. Monday of this week, I found out that I was accepted for an externship at Mayo Clinic in MN in the pediatric oncology unit. They recieved over 1,100 applicants, and I was one of 110 that got picked. aoifeja;oeijfaweioj! Needless to say, it was EXTREMELY overwhelming. Never in my WILDEST dreams did I imagine getting the oppertunity to study at such a prestegious medical facility. I was also offered an interview for an externship at UPMC in Pittsburgh, but polietly declined considering I had already been offered two wonderful oppertunities.

I have a lot to think about and I am diligently praying as to which oppertunity I'd like to take advantage of. Both are equally wonderful, and I'm honored to have been given a chance at either one. I will keep you posted on my decision.

More blessings...one of my best college friends is getting pregnanter by the day. I know that's not a word, but it's true. She is absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to meet her little girl. I call her Adilyn Grace, but a name has yet to be decided. Not only is she expecting a baby girl, but she's getting married at the beginning of August and has asked me to be a bridesmaid. I am beyond thrilled. This girl means the world to me, and I know she's going to make the most wonderful wife and mother.

Right now I have the flu. I can't say it's much of a blessing, but it's been a good reminder that my body needs rest. I've been training just about every day for the last couple of months for an event I'm doing in April. I put a lot of stress on myself to perform well and get frusterated when the numbers on the scale don't show improvement. I've been told by many, who care deeply about me, that I need to rest, but I'm stubborn and don't listen very well. I think having the flu is God's way of saying--chill out. So, I am.

I will spend tonight the same way I have spent the past few Thursday nights. Cuddled up beside a dear friend watching the Jersey Shore. It doesn't get much better than this. (Except maybe if snooks were here).