Back At It

Whoa...I was totally MIA for a while!  I think since my last post I have had a mild mental breakdown, a birthday, passed my course and clinical rotation AND had a 2 week break!!  I've been busy!

My last week of class and clinical was high stress.  My clinical rotation ended well; I had some wonderful patients and a great review from my instructor.  We had good nurses (one of which I strive to be one day) who took time with us and were great teachers.  My lecture portion of school was insanity.  I had an exam the last week and my cumulative final on the following Monday and then freedom.  It seems so long ago now!  I spent ALL weekend before the final sitting on my butt at the table studying.  My eyes were so sore, I had an insane headache and my shoulders reached an all time high due to my constant stress.  My back was also killing me from being hunched over my laptop...seriously, could I complain anymore! (I am sure I could).  Somehow, I was able to pass my class.  I was so worried I was going to fail...which is by far my biggest fear in this whole journey.  Failure.

After my final on the 12th, I met a few classmates at a bar to have a celebratory beer.  It was fun and after I received my grade (via the app I purchased on my way home that day!) I was shocked I passed and did pretty well AND finally able to relax a bit.  Wow, I was utterly exhausted.  I was physically, mentally and emotionally drained.  I am pretty sure those 6 weeks were some of, if not the most, stressful I have had in my 32 years!!  I am SO glad it is done!!  Summer session came to an end and now to gear up for the fall.  Fall, they tell us, is a lot less intense.  We follow a traditional college semester.  15 weeks instead of six.  I will have psych and advanced med/surge rotations for clinical this semester.  Psych is first.  We also have a basic nursing course, pharmacology, psychology and advanced medical/surgical courses to keep up with.  My week will consist of Monday and Wednesday in a hospital for clinical from 7am-1pm.  Tuesday is from 1pm-5:30pm and Thursday is from 1pm-8:30pm.  Fridays...wait for it...I am OFF!  I am sure this will be dedicated to many hours of reading and studying, but at least I can sit in my PJs in the comfort of my own house!!  As I have started reading over some of what is in store for me this semester, my Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are sure to fill up quick.  I also need to be organized to make the most of my two late start days.  The gym and I need to get reacquainted and fast!  All this sitting is no good and my body is paying the price.  If my "Freshman Year" was only a week long, can I say I have gained the dreaded "Freshman 15"???

My break was in one word WONDERFUL!!  Erin and I had some quality time together.  Our little mini getaway was perfect.  I was able to focus back on her and our world for a little bit.  Our world needed some attention!  Erin, thankfully, had the same break I did.  Where did our summer go??  She has to start back at school tomorrow too...blah!  BUT, our favorite season is coming up, so that is a plus.  This break was short and packed full, but it was the mental break I needed.  We spent a week on the beach.  One thing I noticed quickly was how easy it was for me to jump right back into non-school mode.  I was able to relax and go about doing anything and everything besides school and studying!!  I was slightly bummed we didn't have a lot of time just sitting at home, but being away from home forced me to ignore house work and my mental "to-do list" and just relax and focus on my Erin.  We had a getaway for just the two of us and then a week with her family.  Eating in restaurants, snacking on the beach, cooking, lounging around, watching TV and movies was just what we needed!  Being surrounded by babies and friends and family was wonderful!!

I am repeating myself again, but I just need to give my wife her well deserved praise.  Erin is simply amazing and oh so great to me!  She is my rock through this experience.  During my stress I am not a pleasure to be around.  I take out my frustrations in my mood and sadly, Erin gets the brunt of my stress.  I remind her all the time that I love her and that my bad mood has nothing to do with her...I hope she hears me and knows I couldn't do this without her constant love and support.  She takes care of me so well and is always happy to do so.  She never complains and tries everything in her power to make this journey easy for both of us.  I love you my Erin!!


Tomorrow morning I will be back at school...this time with all the undergrads as well.  I am leaving a bit early to make sure I have a place to park and hopefully remain calm as I navigate through those crazy kids!


Thanks for all your continued support and for sticking with my lazy blogging :)

Here is to the start of a smooth fall semester!!  Only 337 days until graduation!!