Top 25 Movies cont...

A long time ago I said it was my mission to finish my list of TOP 25 MOVIES over the break. I finished a few months after that and forgot to post my own personal little reviews! They aren't in any particular order and I watched them in a random order as well. Here goes:

1. The Godfather - 1972

I know I’ll probably be hated for this – but I didn’t really care for this movie/see why its been ranked so high on all these lists. I guess that’s why I am not a pro. However, I did think that Al Pacino did an amazing job and thought he was the best character/role. It also seems to be an accurate portrayal of how Italian families/the mob worked back in the 1940s & 50s.

2. Schindler's List – 1993

Such a long film, but so worth the wait for the last hour. Yes the beginning two hours were important, but it really touched me when they started to pull it all together/end the film. Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), what a great man that saved 1,100 Jews during WWII. Liam did an outstanding job at this role, and so did his “costar” Ralph Fiennes (as the antagonist). Even though this was filmed in ’93, the black and white really made it seen as if you were back in the 1940s. Overall an exceptional film that deserves some of the highest marks.

3. Shawshank Redemption – 1994

Even though I have only watched four of the movies on my list so far, I can say this is/will be a favorite. What an amazing story of friendship, freedom, and hope – Tim Robbins & Morgan Freeman play prisoners in Shawshank Prison. It really teaches you to never give up hope and to “get busy living or get busy dying.” Loved it!

4. The Graduate – 1967

This is one of the older movies on my list – from 1967. To me, it was a good storyline for the time and probably led to all of the romantic-drama-comedy type movies that are popular today. It didn’t 100% keep my attention, most likely because I am not used to watching old movies and the “action” compared to today is a lot different. However, I could see why it is a classic and of course Dustin Hoffman did a great job acting the part of a college graduate that has an affair with Mrs. Robinson, but ultimately falls in love with her daughter Elaine.

5. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest – 1975

I wasn’t too sure about this movie, but I really really enjoyed it. Maybe because I have always liked Jack Nicholson and I am interested in psych-related topics. But that aside, his acting in this movie is amazing. The movie is a perfect combination of funny, dramatic, and sometimes a bit of downright disturbed! Great story of a man in a psych unit tormented by the dreaded Nurse Ratched. By the end however, Mr. McMurphy strangles Ms. Ratched (she survives) which leads him to being punished – has a lobotomy. What a way to end the movie.

6. The Dark Knight - 2008

The sequel to Batman Begins doesn’t disappoint. The action scenes in this movie make it an amazing movie to watch – too bad I never saw it on the big screen. I also think that Heath Ledger playing the role of The Joker is what makes this movie so great – I have always been a fan of Heath but he hits it out of the park with this sadistic role. Christian Bale & Aaron Eckhart are also both talented actors that make this movie a must see, even if you aren’t a Batman fan!

7. Pulp Fiction - 1994

John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, & Uma Thurman star in this quirky, eclectic farce. You want to laugh at some of the things that are said, but it’s outright violent or just plain vulgar so I didn’t know whether to laugh or be shocked. I’m not into these types of movies and it was hard to “follow” for 2.5 hours – random stories intertwining. I guess that is what you get with Quentin Tarantino films.

8. Fight Club - 1999

This was definitely not my kind of movie – too weird & violent. Maybe there is some kind of deep meaning and I’m sure you could analyze a lot of different points, but I was too distracted by the gang mentality and violence. That said I guess it had a type of interesting “spin” because Tyler Durden was a projection of the narrator the whole time...along with many underlying psychosocial themes.

9. Memento – 2000

Interesting movie about a man that loses his short-term memory. His wife is raped and murdered and he vows to get revenge on the man that committed this crime. Problem is...he can’t remember anything after the murder, so he tattoos memories, takes Polaroid pictures, and writes things down so that he can look back at the “facts”. The movie is a tad confusing because it is going back and forth in time throughout the entire thing, but it is a unique idea for a movie – definitely a psychological thriller!

10. The Pianist – 2002

What an amazing story of a Polish Jew pianist (Adrien Brody) surviving through WWII. I mean clearly I didn’t live through the time of the war or can’t imagine what it would have been like – but this to me seems to be a pretty accurate portrayal of the immensely difficult times. Jews are shot at point blank range, starvation occurring, so much hardship – but Adrien survives to the end to once again continue his professional career as a pianist.

11. WALL-E - 2008

WALL-E is only animated film on this list and it definitely wasn’t a “kids” movie – in my opinion. I had heard a lot about the deeper meanings behind it and that proved to be so – no one is on planet Earth anymore because of all the contamination, pollution, trash, etc. It isn’t a life-sustaining place and all the humans now live in space. They don’t walk, really move or do anything – they are obese and just eat liquid food all day and do basically whatever they want in this “perfect” world. The movie doesn’t have any acting or voices really (minus a few words) so the score has to hold its own. I wish I could have seen it on the big screen with surround sound because the graphics and music were great! A love story was also intermingled in this portrayal of consumerism and humanity, which gave it a positive ending and hope for the future.

12. Requiem for a Dream - 2000

Definitely an interesting film by Aronofsky. Jared Leto and Ellen Burstyn do a flawless job of portraying addiction and the psychological/physical trauma that accompanies it. I love the camera shots/videography of this film – so unique. The amphetamine and heroin effects on these characters are gut wrenching and sometimes even hard to watch (when Jennifer Connelly’s character turns to prostitution in front of crowds to support her habit). It ends sadly with all characters basically at the end of their ropes.

13. The Hurt Locker – 2008 (2009 in the US)

One of the newest films on my list and a winner of many Academy Awards (6 wins including Best Picture). A shockingly honest view of the war in Iraq – this portrays the lives of three Army men in the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit. I have to say, this is definitely one of the best war movies I have seen – such a gritty portrayal of courage, human spirit, trauma and struggles. I was on edge the whole time waiting to see what happened next – definitely a movie to see.

14. Crash – 2005

Apparently for years I thought this movie was something completely different than it was. However, it was a fascinating movie about racial and social tensions in LA. The story intertwines many different characters from all types of backgrounds and walks of life. It really made me think about issues that people face in this world – at some points it was hard to watch – but overall a great movie.

15. It's A Wonderful Life – 1946

I watched this for the first time ever this year on Christmas Eve. It’s a heartwarming tale of a man that has big plans for himself but ends up staying in his hometown to take over the family business. Time goes on and they show moments of George Bailey’s life – Clarence his guardian angel comes – and they then see what life would have been like without George Bailey. He realizes how much of a difference he has made and how wonderful his life really is – with his family. Great classic movie.

16. Gone With the Wind - 1939

At first I was kind like okay...gone with the wind...*rolls eyes* BUT I see what the hype is about. I really enjoyed this classic, timeless movie featuring the romance of Scarlet O’Hare (Vivien Leigh) and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable). I also actually found myself cracking up at many of the lines Scarlet had – too funny.

17. Chicago – 2002

What a wonderful musical!! The songs, dancing, acting all were well sung, danced, and performed! Roxie Hart (Zellweger) and Velma Kelly (Zeta-Jones) are in prison in Chicago in the 1920s for murder and this is their story. Richard Gere & John Reilly also have performances that were on point. Overall a great rendition of a classic musical!

18. A Beautiful Mind – 2001

This movie portrays the life of a man who has schizophrenia, John Forbes Nash – but he is also a genius – an amazing mathematician. I think that this sheds insight into the life of a man with mental illness who struggles but also overcomes many challenges. But you also have to remember that everyone with schizophrenia is not like this or destined with this outcome. All that aside, it’s an inspirational and emotional film that I really enjoyed.

19. Rain Man - 1988

The second Dustin Hoffman movie on my list and he definitely doesn’t disappoint in this – acting as a man that has Autism (especially in the 80s) is not an easy task. Charlie Babbett (Tom Cruise) is an arrogant SOB who finds out he has a brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) when his father dies leaving Raymond all his money in his will. Charlie “steals” Raymond in hopes of getting half of the money. They end up bonding over a week’s period. This was a great heartwarming story of a man opening his heart for a brother with Autism!

20. The Prestige – 2006

A mysterious thriller in which two magicians in late 19^th century London will go to almost any length to become the best of their time. A tale of deception, trickery, obsession and sacrifice in which the end mat surprise you! I realized once starting this movie that I had seen it before a while back, but couldn’t remember the whole thing so continued watching. I definitely appreciated it a lot more this time and would recommend it to an older audience. Great acting by Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale & Michael Caine (also has Scarlett Johansen & David Bowie).

21. The English Patient - 1996

This is a love/war story staring Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe & Kristin Scott Thomas. A man (Fiennes) is burned in an explosion and a nurse (Binoche) takes care of him during this time. The movie flashes back to Fiennes life in Africa and love story that develops between him and Thomas. For the most part I liked this movie, but I think it was a little long for the plot (2hr 41min). Not a favorite, but a deep love story and good acting by the main characters. I think I need to watch it again to appreciate the true beauty of this film.

22. City of God - 2002

This is the only foreign film on my Top 25 list – its in Portuguese and set in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the 60s-80s. It tells a true story of the crime ridden and drug crazed slums during this time. It’s crazy seeing kids/adolescents/adults...basically everyone carrying around guns and killing people left and right, stealing, smoking pot, doing crack etc but it seems to be an accurate portrayal of such poverty/crime/drug use. “Rocket” narrates the story and wishes to be a photographer – he captures pictures of the “war” and ultimately the death of the boss.

23. Psycho - 1960

I think this is my first time to see an Alfred Hitchcock film, so I am glad one made this list (one of the few black and white films on my list as well). The “old timey” movies just have a different feel to them – one of rawness as well as innocence. There dress is different, acting, voices, all of it is fairly unique for the times. Anyway, this is a classic horror/psychological thriller movie in which Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) takes 40,000 from her boss. Long story short she stops at the Bates Motel where she is murdered (famous shower scene). The plot thickens when we finally found out (so surprising...*sarcastic*) that Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) has multiple personality disorder! I think what makes this film half of what it is is the music/score – dramatic!

24. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – 2001

I can definitely see why this movie is on top lists – the computer graphics, special effects, beautiful scenery, costumes, acting, fantasy & adventure – it has it all. It also leaves it open for the next two films for Frodo Baggins and the rest of the gang to try and destroy the ring.

25. The Goonies - 1985 - courtesy of Kristin – haha

Glad I finally got to see this classic 1980s movie. A family story of adventure – filled with pirates, treasure, and of course the bad guys! I know everyone raves about this but honestly it was so corny at times it was hard to watch. I guess I have to remember that it is 26 years old. I am biased because I prefer movies of this time like Pirates with Johnny Depp, perhaps in 26 years they will be saying the same thing about that movie. It was funny at times and of course the classic line of “hey you guyyyss!!” I could probably live without seeing it again though :)

2011 is over!!

Once again haven't written in months and months - I have been so busy. It was funny reading that previous post because I did almost all the things that I said I was going to:

• Donated my hair again in May 2011
• Got a job as a TA at UT in August 2011
• Graduated & got the Outstanding Graduating Student Award in December 2011
• Traveled to London, Paris, Brussels, Bruges, & Amsterdam in December 2011
• Got a job as a professor at Concordia University in December 2011
• Oh and lost a total of about 65 pounds!

WOOHOO so many things I have done and thats just off the top of my head. How is 2012 going to even surpass that? It starts with a cruise leaving on my birthday - Jan 29! I think this will be a year of travel - which I love!

Helllooo world

I haven't updated in so long - like a month and a half. That just tells you how crazy busy I've been. Well like I said - I got a job woohooooo....so I started that in February and have been liking it so far. It's definitely had its challenges....and challenging patients to say the least. I'm sure I haven't even scratched the surface yet - basically you should expect everything in healthcare - just when you think you've heard and seen it all.... :)

I'm still doing the full time school thing. I'm definitely going to graduate on time and it's still a priority - butttt it doesn't feel as important as it did before. When you have patients to take care of and things to complete for work - that kind of takes a priority because its peoples' lives and I could get in trouble/fired for things....so it somewhat takes precedent. That said, my classes are semi-interesting. Some are better than others like always. I have definitely learned a lot though about being a prof - things to DO and NOT to do...based on situations that have happened this semester. I can't wait though to have my own class!! I think I might apply for a clinical position after I have about a year experience. We'll see what happens but that would be awesome!

As for other news - just basically working two shifts a week, going to school, working out and hanging out with friends when I have time! I have lost about 43 pounds total so I am trying to keep up with that - plus I need to buy some new clothes since not one of my pairs of shorts fits me now.... haha. I definitely keep busy but it's awesome having things to do and of course money in the bank! :) I also want to take a trip in December after I grad so I'll be looking into countries/flights/all the info about that probably this summer. Oh and I am still going to donate my hair. I havent set a date, but it will be sometime before school lets out. It'll get really hot here in the summer too so off it goes! I'll put some before and after pics online when I do it!

Gotta go read articles for my test tomorrow. Hasta luego!

Update

I haven't written in a while - as soon as I got back from my Mom's after the weddings things started up immediately around here. I don't think I was prepared for what this semester has brought me....

I am in 12 hours of grad classes (which really 9 hours is full-time, so its a lot). But not only that -- 3 out of the 4 classes have clinical hours. 1 -15 hrs and the other 2 - 60 hours each. I really don't know how that is going to all work because another new thing in my life is that I GOT A JOB!!! I will be working part-time nights (after orientation & being on days for however long they decide). So that makes all of this even more tricky. Switching back from days to nights and doing all the school work - it exhausts me just thinking about it, so I can't imagine how I'm going to feel when it starts. It will be worth it -- and as many people have told me....I am young! haha.

So anyways - a lot of new stuff is happening around here. I am trying to get some school work/clinical hours out of the way before I start so maybe it will make it easier once I start. We'll see how it goes. I'm excited though to start this new part of my life!

Bye 2010...2011 here we come!

I haven't made a Christmas post, but it's cool because most of it is displayed in pictures on my Facebook Page. Overall though I have been having a great break. I thought I would be ready to go back to school already, but this time I'm actually not ready yet! :) (Movie update - I have watched 10/25 of my list - and have written a little paragraph about each - will post later when I complete!)

I have been seeing/reading a lot of people that are saying, "Thank God 2010 is over" - some version of that. However, for me 2010 was a pretty good year! I am going to miss it, and I know that I will still write "2010" for a few months hahah. The most memorable thing of 2010 is obvious - I passed the NCLEX and became a nurse! woohoo.

New things 2011 brings...

1. My graduation with my master's degree wooohhoooo. I am so excited for it, even though it's still almost a year away...actually only 11 months now!! :))
2. Hopefully a nursing job - whether it be in Houston or Austin only time will tell.
3. Continue to workout. I have done a great job so far, but want to continue.
4. Eating healthier. Now that I have a routine workout schedule, I need to change a bit what I am eating. It's not all bad, but it's not all good either.
5. Saving money for a trip after I graduate. I am not picky and will go almost anywhere once - but as of now it looks like it might be Turkey/Greece. We'll see!
6. Sign up for at least one 5K race.
7. Working on and developing my teaching portfolio.
8. Stay involved with everything at school, get the most out of it I can, enjoy learning, and build connections.
9. Send in a postsecret.

As of now that is all I can think of, but I am sure there is plenty more! In everything I do, I hope to do it with a joyful heart. Be optimistic. Be thankful & grateful. Be encouraging. Be inspirational. Be passionate. Things this year will be done 100% and be done BIG. :)

Top Movies

So I decided one thing I might try to do (over Christmas break...if I can) is to watch some of the top rated movies. I looked online on IMDB (Internet Movie Database) and a few other websites to see which movies they thought/or were rated by thousands of people to be the best movies.

The thing is....I'm not much of an "old movie" type person and of course that was mainly what was listed...so I think I will merge some of the overall movies with some of the best of 2000s and also Academy Award Best Picture Winners. As for now, here is the list I have come up with (not in any particular order):

1. The Godfather

2. Schindler's List

3. Shawshank Redemption

4. The Graduate

5. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

6. The Dark Knight

7. Pulp Fiction

8. Fight Club

9. Momento

10. The Pianist

11. WALL-E

12. Requiem for a Dream

13. The Hurt Locker

14. Crash

15. It's A Wonderful Life

16. Gone With the Wind

17. Chicago

18. A Beautiful Mind

19. Rain Man

20. The Prestige

21. The English Patient

22. City of God

23. Psycho

24. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

25. The Goonies - courtesy of Kristin - haha

There are others listed, but they either really don't appeal to me (there are pretty much all the Star Wars movies, Lord of the Rings, and older ones I'm not 100% interested in) or I have already seen them (The Departed, ET, Toy Story 3, Hotel Rwanda, Slumdog Millionaire, Million Dollar Baby, Forrest Gump, Gladiator, Up, The Silence of the Lambs, The Wizard of Oz, Inception, etc).

You might be thinking....it is going to be expensive to watch all those movies...welllll I got Netflix for free for one month and if I can't finish then it is only $10/month after that, so definitely a great deal.

WOOHOO - what grad school is really about...

So I am done with my first semester after getting my RN license - I guess technically my first semester of real grad classes. They were definitely a "different sort" of classes and I had no clinicals so that was interesting too. I really think I learned "what grad school is about" this semester...it really is about asking questions, seeking out information and answers, problem solving, exploring, and finding your interests/niche. Although grades are important, they don't play that large of a part in your own individual learning now.

We had a project for one of my classes and it was pertaining to Mercer's Maternal Role Attainment Theory (now Becoming a Mother). In a separate class, we had read an article written by Mercer and Walker - and guess what? Dr. Walker actually teaches at UT. I had the bright idea of randomly going to her office to talk with her about the theory. It was definitely a highlight of this semester. Having these resources available, seeking them out, and having an intellectual conversation of mutual interest - what an amazing experience!! And it was all just of my own doing, my own curiosity - and the great thing was was that I was able to hold my own...I conversed with one of the most well known maternal researchers - I could contribute to the conversation and even challenge her thinking! It was wonderful connecting with people and experiencing true scholarly discou

rse. I won't forget it.

Now I have a 5-6 week break before classes start again so what am I going to do with all this free time now? As for now, I am attending multiple holiday parties - wooohooo. I will also spend time with the fam doing Christmas stuff of course. Another big thing is that two of my best friends from high school are getting married in January - so I have a few events for that! I'm also touring new AE applicants around the nursing school and talking with them about my experiences in the program thus far. I really enjoy working with students and can't wait to do it as a job one day!

Break so far: (I don't have a camera anymore because mine is broken....sad days)

Nursing Party - at a beautiful home - me with Kim & Sam

Cheesecake Factory - me & Kristin

The only place I get desserts - Cheesecake Factory - holiday peppermint!

Worthy

I don't say it often, because I know that I am blessed and not really deserving of anything. What have I done that is so special to deserve the best or really anything....? but secretly I know I am worthy. I know I am deserving. I know that I am intelligent, dedicated, and hard working. Others are blind to this...

It can be very frustrating. I want others to see this in me and see how much passion and ambition I have. A little voice is yelling inside me - COME ON SEE ME FOR WHAT I AM WORTH! But then again, does it really matter what others think? Unfortunately in our world, it usually does...

Headache

Just to inform everyone - I had my first real headache today. Shocking I know... And I caused it myself because I was stressing out too much.

I feel bad for people that headaches often: hard to concentrate, hurts, etc. Sad day.

Ambition?

So I was thinking about my life lately and a question kind of arose from this: can you be too ambitious? At first I was like, no, ambition is such a great thing...but then when I started to think even more...it also needs to be combined with the concept of "realism" Going after things that you want or would like to do and putting a lot of energy into them is awesome. Doing this though without any boundaries or taking on too many lofty projects, not as awesome. So I guess it's a fine balance of doing things that you can handle and doing them well. It's kind of like would you rather be mediocre at a lot of things or really good at one thing...good question.

I think this came up just because sometimes I feel really busy, but sometimes I am just sitting around not really doing anything. It kind of depends on what is going on...so in those down times I start little projects or really become interested in something. Then I have a lot of stuff going on, so maybe some of those might fade away.

I hope that I can find my real passion that will stick with me forever - because as of right now - I have a lot of things that I like to do. Maybe I shouldn't be restricted to just one passion or be great at one thing. Maybe I'm meant to be great at a lot of things...I don't really know. I guess I will just have to see where my life leads me. :)

OH you know...

Sometimes I think about the amazing resources that I have around me. I am blessed to be in the position I am in right now. Education has become a passion of mine and I've become fairly involved in it recently - now its just time for me to put this to practice!! I kind of might have a potential job in the hospital so I want to wait and see about that before I apply for a TA position.

Anyway, I spoke with one of my professors today about being a teacher and you could just see the joy radiating from her. I aspire to be like that - passionate, educated, intelligent, creative, caring, etc. I want my students to really GET something from my class and remember that experience for a long time... and she said this interesting statement "you have to like being a student to like being a teacher." And I think this is true - you like learning new things, you like interacting with people, you like courses and academia, you like the experience and feelings you get from being at school or learning something new. If you hate going to school as a student, whoever says you are going to want to go back (as a teacher...everyday)?!

I just am thankful for the people that I surround myself with and the positivity and passion they bring to life. I can't stand all the negativity and complaining that has been going on in some of them lately - so its sad but I just don't talk to them as often. We have so much to be thankful for, so find something to be thankful for and just leave it at that.

Totally random but I am going to THE HOUSE OF TORMENT tonight, so am a tad bit freaked out. haha. Especially if I see this pop out at me...

Scary? I know...

P/F

So its official - I changed my advanced pathophysiology to pass/fail. It took me a long time to decide, but I thought it is better to just pass than stress myself out studying stuff like this...

"First grad school semester"

So I know I have been in grad school for 4 semesters already, but this is the first one that our group is split up - and we are with different students (Nurse Practitioners students, PhD, MSN, etc). It has definitely been an interesting experience and plus I have no skills or clinical classes, so it gives me extra "free time." haha. I know it is spent on reading, writing, and presenting since that is apparently what grad school is all about.

So far though, I really like it. It pushes you to be self-motivating and find things that are particularly interesting to you. I like seeing different peoples' perspectives and having a variety of classes I am not used to (it is kind of sad being away from my whole AE group, but it makes it all the more fun when we see each other and it hasn't been for a long time). The only thing is that everyone is now getting jobs so it's even more hectic trying to get together...it's also like you are seeing all the people around you getting jobs...and you aren't. I have mixed feelings about this - I am still in full time school and I don't know if I am ready to take on a full time job too - this is what so many people have done already. I would have time for nothing!! And the fact is then they complain/moan/bitch about school and how they don't like anything about it - or they even try and get dates moved back on assignments (or maybe just ask for no points to be taken off for late work). Is this really fair? I mean come on, you decided you needed a full time job too. I don't know, it just kind of makes me a little mad just because I am in some classes with them and the fact that I have a pretty optimistic personality. Can you really not find ANYTHING you like about grad school?

Anyways, "off my soapbox" as Barbara Moore would say. So I can't believe that the course schedule for spring is already coming out this week - what? so this semester is almost half over? haha. crazy. I will graduate before I know it - that will be an amazing day!! :)

So with this "free time" I have now, I am now the MSN representative for the Graduate Studies Committee at the UT School of Nursing. All the tenure faculty are on this board and then two student representatives (one MSN and one PhD). They discuss graduate curriculum, etc and I have my first meeting in a week or so, so that is exciting! I also signed up for 7-8 teaching classes, about 2 hours each, to learn more about teaching as a graduate student! I hope to get a TA position...and eventually become a professor. I know how much teachers have influenced my life and I can't wait to have students of my own! So in saying that...my foundations of nursing education class is definitely a standout and my favorite class this semester.

As for my personal life - still working out about 4-5 times a week. I lost about 20-25 pounds so far so thats exciting. Today was the first day that I ran for 20 minutes straight - I can't believe I started at 1 min and have increased to that! Maybe I will sign up for a 5k or something soon. We'll see. :)

A lot is on my mind and plate right now, so I am just getting through it day-by-day. I am definitely thankful for my life and what I have been blessed with.

WOOOHOOOOO!!!

I PASSED MY STATE BOARDS AND AM NOW A RN!!! :) :)

Ten on Tuesday

This one was about traveling, which I love, so decided to do it! (Plus I am avoiding reading for school today) :)

1. Favorite way to travel (plane, train, automobile, etc.)
I like them all - but if my end point was something like NY - I would prefer to fly (unless it was like a week long road trip and you stop a lot of places in between).

2. Where’s your favorite place to travel to that you’ve been to?
Oh man....a tough one. Austria is probably the most beautiful place in the world that I have been to so far. I loved Greece too.

3. Where’s the place that you want to go but have never been?
SO MANY!! Back to Europe, Turkey, China, Thailand, Australia, Hawaii, Costa Rica, back to Canada, DC, this could go on forever

4. Do you deal with traffic well?
Yeah sometimes - I just hate wasting gas since I have a truck.

5. Ever had an emergency while traveling?
Not that I can recall - but I barfed a lot on a plane ride once. Gross. Oh and on a church conference one year, my old Pastor had to fly home immediately because his wife went into labor.

6. Do you have a passport? What countries have you been to?
YES! US, Canada, Germany, England, Austria, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Czech Republic, Vatican City, Spain

7. Are you’ve light packer or do you pack everything but the kitchen sink?
In the middle - I can get rid of stuff - but I usually pack a lot

8. Do you take the fastest route or the road less traveled?
Fastest - unless I purposely want to go a longer more scenic route because of the beauty/drive

9. Do any activities on the road? (like road games, reading, sleeping, etc. )
I pretty much can't sleep anywhere unless I am flat, so sleeping is usually out. Sometimes I read if I am a passenger obviously :) I like to just listen to CDs and sing my heart out!

10. Use a paper map or GPS?
Probably paper, but if not then Google Maps on my iPhone.

Ten on Tuesday...

and we're back.... :)

1. Where did you go to college?

I completed my B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in families and personal relationships at the best school - The University of Texas at Austin. I also took a few summer classes at Lonestar College in The Woodlands. I am still currently at UT getting my Masters Degree in Nursing :)

2. What did you study?

Read above. It was just easier to write it out like that.

3. Was college really all that it was cracked up to be?

Hell yeah....and more. Definitely the best experience of my life - which includes studying abroad.

4. How far were you from home?

150 miles.

5. Did you have the same roomate all four years?

Nope, but close. My freshman year it was Taylor. Then my sophomore, junior, and senior years it was Caitlin. My sister also joined in my senior year.

6. Where did you order food from at 2am?

I didn't order food that late. I would go downtown and then eat Taco C after.

7. Did you date in college or were you tied down?

Not really either.

8. Funniest drunk college moment?

Oh goodness - way too many of those.

9. Did you make it to class on time?

Yes, I can (almost) say I never skipped classes and was (almost) never late. If I am in the class, I want to learn and get a good grade, so I was there on time. It's also just respectful.

10. What was your favorite class in college?

A lot of them. Top ones - Family Relationships with Dr. Loving, Parent-Child Relationships with Dr. Dix, my research practicum, A&P, Children's Lit, Individual DIfferences, and Music.

Grad School - pretty much all of them but not so much adult health. Gotta love the moms, kids and babies! :)

Done with Integration!!

So I am done with integration - wow - that 5 weeks flew by! I had an amazing time. I loved my placement and preceptor. It worked out perfectly that I was placed last out of all the maternity people because I'm sure I got the best placement. When talking to some of my other friends, their nurse was with them 24/7 in all the patients rooms, etc. my nurse let me be super independent. I really liked that because I got to organize my day, go see the patients - just basically think things out on my own. I know that was the point since we are going to be independent nurses - well actually...I guess we technically can work as nurses now that we are done with all our RN coursework, but I was so grateful for that. I will really miss all the nurses on the floor and pretty much everything about it. It's weird because I would be going to the hospital in like 4.5 hours if I wasn't done. :(

Now onto fall!! A lot of things are coming up. One big one including the pinning ceremony I have been working on since about February. So much planning and collaboration has gone into this and it is coming together. (It better be...since its in less than 2 weeks...and peoples families are even coming in from out of state). No pressure or anything. I'm also pretty nervous about speaking in front of approx 150-175 people.

After that, I will be taking the NCLEX (state boards) sometime in September. I wish I could just go ahead and pick the date so that I knew when it would be. It's also a few of my good friends in the program birthdays - actually 4 of them have a birthday in August and September so hopefully that bring some fun among the studying! I also made a movie for my friends that we have been putting off watching since we all had totally different schedules during integration.

I haven't even mentioned my fall classes yet. haha. I am in 4 classes M-W and none of them have clinicals...this will be an interesting experience. I feel a lot of reading, writing, and presenting coming up. It'll be a totally different feel since it will be the graduate school work now. Hmmmm. Updates to follow.

The UT seal for our pinning ceremony program!

Earlier Post

I had written this right when I started Integration and I guess forgot to post it. It wasn't finished, but I will go ahead and post it.

So I just started integration last week. It is a preceptorship for 5 weeks where we do the entire nurse's schedule and eventually take all of their patients - getting ready for us to become nurses. I take the boards in 2 months! Crazy. I then have a little over a yr to then get my MSN. I'm sure it will fly by.

About integration - I am placed at South Austin Hospital in Postpartum. This is a much smaller hospital than I am used to. The other hospital I did my maternity rotation at had about 60 beds and this one has 19 (PP). It's kind of nice, but probably as much doesn't go on here. I am doing one day shift and the other two shifts a week are nights. Nights are also totally different for me and so much quieter on the floor!! So far I like it, but it's not my favorite. We'll see as the time goes on. I have been thinking about that recently - just what area I want to be in, what city, etc. I've kind of been having conflicting thoughts. I really love maternity, but I love a lot of other things too: pediatrics, adult ER, and psych. At the same time, I love how in nursing you can choose whatever area you want - and then switch later if you are tired of it!

Other than my integration, I am staying busy with studying for the NCLEX. Two of my friends and I bought a review online and have been doing that about once a week.

Ten on Tuesday...again on time!

1. What is the worst movie you have ever seen?

Probably Jeepers Creepers 2 and I also fell asleep during The Notebook and The Avaitor - heaven forbid!!

2. Do you have a favorite Disney/Pixar film?

A favorite....umm yeah ALL. I absolutely loved the new Toy Story (3). I also love Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, and Up. Ok that is pretty much all of them. haha.

3. Do you have a favorite movie from the 80′s?

This is kind of like a ? before. I don't really watch "old movies." Well I just looked up The Shining to see when that was made and it was 1980 - so there we go!

4. Are there any movies you saw more than once in the theater?

Hmmmm. Probably not. I can be a penny-pincher and especially for $10 a movie. I can almost say with certainty I have not seen a movie again in the theaters at least in the last 6 years. Some of my friends though are like - "yeah, Harry Potter for the 8th time...." um no.

5. What is one city/area of the US (or country you live if you do not live in the US) that you have not seen but would like to see?

Oh gosh, I want to go everywhere. My top 2 choices now are Northern California and Washington DC.

6. What are your favorite toppings on an Ice Cream Sundae?

I'm not much of a topping person. I LOVE ice cream for what it is. If I had to chose, I guess caramel.

7. How many proms did you go to? What color was your prom dress? If you went to multiple proms, what color was your favorite prom dress?

I went to 2 proms. I had a shiny red/maroon-ish dress my junior year. My senior year it was black and short and I loved it.

8. Is there a sport or extra-curricular activity that you didn’t get to try as a child that you wish you would have? (e.g. gymnastics, piano lessons, ballet, etc.)

I got to do a lot - dance, piano, saxophone, basketball, volleyball, etc. Maybe I would have wanted to do acting classes.

9. How many siblings do you have? Are you the oldest, middle, or youngest?

1 younger sister, so I am the oldest. A lot of my personality totally goes with this - take it for what its worth. :)

10. Do you feel like you fit in with your age group? Or do you feel younger/older than your age group?

Sometimes I do. I sometimes feel like an old grandma that has a great perspective on life and what am I doing in this body. haha. Other times though I just want to play around like an 8 year old and be a kid forever. So I guess it works out that I am 23. :) (Oh and a psychic once told me that I have a much older soul).