Trademark Pages

Hey everyone! So, today was the first day of Christmas Break for me and what a relief it was! I spent the entire day doing crafts with my roommate. We got a little crazy and decided to try to sell some of our creations on Etsy.com. As of now, we're still working on getting our shop up. So, while we're working on that, Kristina (my lovely roomie) has put up some information on her blog for you to take a look at. If you are interested in contacting us about our creations, please e-mail us at trademarkpages@yahoo.com. Take a look!

Central Asia

This next summer I have amazing opportunity to go to Central Asia and work with orphans. I'm so excited to embark on this journey with the girls on my team and cannot wait to see what God teaches us. I am not going to lie, the thought of going overseas terrifies me. But I know God will use this experience to bring glory to His name. Central Asia... here I come!

At long last...

Thanksgiving break has arrived! Hallelujah! The last two weeks in school have been insane, but at least it's over with. It's so nice to be at home and just relax with my family. Granted, I have been working on a lot of homework, but it's me getting ahead on some stuff, so it's actually helping me a lot. It's just nice to actually get to sit down and have some quality family time, especially with my mom, who I don't get to talk to a lot when I'm at school.

my lovely mother. this picture perfectly defines us. love you mom!

But, it's already going by so fast. So, Thanksgiving Break... slow down a bit, would ya?

starting your day off right

There's nothing better than starting your day off with a cup of coffee, a pumpkin muffin from Wanda's (well done Wanda's) and time alone with God in the prayer chapel. You just feel like your day goes great after that. :)

monday = my favorite night

Mondays are my absolute favorite night of the week... for a few reasons. One... I get to go to bed early since I usually don't have much homework due on Tuesdays. But more importantly, Mondays are the one night when all 4 of us in our apartment are actually in our apartment and get to spend time together. And what better way to bond than over a good episode of Chuck?!?

I love Mondays. I love spending time with my roommates. Today even included a few more pleasantries. I got to have dinner with the lovely Rashelle Soderholm, who I feel blessed to have met this year and cannot wait to get to know even more. And currently, one of my roommates (no names will be mentioned) and a friend are doing the Zumba DVD and it is quite entertaining to watch.

Again I say... I LOVE Mondays!

Is it Christmas yet?

Needless to say being in the School of Nursing, working part-time, and trying to actually have a social life is a heavy load to try and balance. And yes... I am managing, but I'm just exhausted. Which I've been told I'll get used to. But, I just love my sleep. But I also want to see my friends and family. But I also need to pass my classes.

The other day I thought to myself... I can't wait until Thanksgiving! For those of you who don't know me, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday... even more than Christmas. It's a true bonding holiday for my family and I look forward to it every year. And then I realized it would be a nice break from school. Alas, my joy was shot down when I remembered I'm going to have 6 chapters of reading, 2 take-home quizzes, and 1 exam plus finals to study for. Happy Thanksgiving!, right?!?

So, this year as I currently sit in my apartment longing to be napping (as one of my roommates is currently doing) I find myself longing for Christmas break instead. The true breathe of air I need. So, I ask again... Is it Christmas yet?!?

What have I gotten myself into?

Well... I survived my first few days of School of Nursing. I've been bogged down with way more information than my brain can handle. Then again... I suppose I should get used to this. This is the life of a Nursing student. Don't get me wrong... I'm super excited to be embarking on such an amazing adventure, but every once in awhile I catch myself thinking What have I gotten myself into?!?

Then I try to remember what the faculty keeps telling us. Each of us have been selected to be in this program for a reason. I know God has a plan for me and that He has given me a true passion for the field of Nursing. I feel so blessed to hear the faculty for the School of Nursing talk about how they each truly believe God placed us here for a reason. I cannot wait to have some of these amazing women pour into my life the next few years and help me grow both in my education, but also in my walk with the Lord.

It's going to be an intense journey... I know that, but I also know that I have an amazing support system. The School of Nursing staff and faculty have made it clear they are always there for us, and for that I am blessed. But I also have a family that supports me and encourages me in everything I do. And I can't forget my roommates. I'm living with some amazing young women this year and am so excited for us to grow together and really encourage each other.

It's gonna be a wild ride... but I guess all I can really do is buckle my seat belt, hold on, and see where He takes me!

Amazing Opportunities

This past Monday night I had the amazing opportunity to shadow D'Ann Park, who is one of my best friends' mom, and also like a second mom to me. D'Ann is an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) nurse at Loma Linda Medical Center. As a Nursing student, this was an amazing opportunity to look into the life of Nursing for an evening.

Shadowing D'Ann and watching her work with the patients and her team was incredible. It gave me tingles to think that this is what God could have planned for me. Naturally, D'Ann explained in full detail everything she was doing as she was treating her patients and also patiently answered any of my questions... no matter how simple. The other nurses on the unit were extremely nice as well. Each of them took me into their assigned rooms and explained each of their patients as well.

And even though it was a long night (from 6:30 pm to 2 am) I had an amazing time. D'Ann and the other nurses taught me a lot and it was great to see nurses in action. I cannot wait to begin Nursing School in the fall and see how God uses this renewed passion in my life to bring glory to Him.

A Break From Chaos

Other than the peace that comes found with Christ, there are few things that help to soothe the soul as music does. Recently, I have been surrounding myself with mellow tunes in an attempt to relax in life. Lately, it has been A Fine Frenzy's One Cell in the Sea and Joshua Radin's Simple Times. These two albums have easily become two of my favorites. They don't lull you to sleep, nor do they keep you awake with excitement. It is pure loveliness that quiets the soul. And after a day of chaos, there is nothing like sitting in the library with friends and enjoying some good tunes as you do your homework.

Daydreams

I have this undying ache to travel and experience new places. I want to live somewhere that there is actually four seasons, versus the hot, hotter, and hottest we have her in Southern CA. 

I want to be surrounded by beautiful trees that reach the clouds, not desert.

I want rain and lots of it, not the little trickles we get 2 weeks out of the year.

I want a beautiful park that I can stroll through anytime of the day so I can take a book and sit under a tree and read for hours, undisturbed.

Alas, I must keep in mind that I still have at least three more years here in Riverside. Once I finish school, my plan is to save up some money and move away. Ideally, Oregon or Washington, but I know that might not happen right away. And that’s okay. I just can’t wait to see what God has planned for me, although the reality is I must. Hopefully, His plan includes travel, but I must learn to trust that He knows what is best for me.

Until then, I can sit and dream of all the places I want to visit…

Awkward Silence...

Maybe it makes me a dork, but one of my favorite places on campus is the library. I love the quietness of it. It is a place that brings peace and tranquility. More importantly, I am ultra-productive when I’m in the library. So, this semester, I’ve made it a habit to come to the library every Tuesday night. I’m usually graced with the lovely presence of Kristina Osborne or Jessica Collins. Tonight it happens to be Kristina by my side, with Bradyn on her way to join the fun… Or the awkwardness I should say…

The only downside to the library? Finding a spot that meets all your needs. I am referring to the need of a table that will hold your entire group or an indoor table if it’s cold outside. The trickiest one is finding a table that fits your party AND has enough outlets to equip all the laptops that your group has brought. This was the problem this evening.

Kristina and I were hoping for one of the larger study group tables (for a few reasons). First, they always have extension cords by them so everyone can plug their laptop in, making it highly convenient. Second, they have these amazingly comfortable chairs that make it very easy to get comfortable while doing work. And lastly, it’s nice to have a larger table to spread your stuff out on. The problem this evening? They had already been taken.

One in particular was occupied by one person. That’s right a SINGLE HUMAN BEING. I feel like it’s a tad rude to take a 6-person study table to have all to yourself. As Kristina and I searched the library, we decided we would have to fight the awkwardness and just ask the lady if we could join her, because we needed those outlets darn it! So, we walked over and politely asked her if we could join her. The expected response? Oh of course, no problem. The response we received? “Umm as long as you don’t talk.”

Well… excuse me! So now, Bradyn, Kristina and I are sitting here in silence, afraid to speak to one another. I can’t speak for the others, but all I really want to do is burst out in laughter at the awkwardness of the whole situation. I notice she keeps looking at her phone to check the time, so we’re all secretly hoping she has to be somewhere soon. Then again, I’m sure she is thinking the same thing of us...

A Pleasant Surprise

 

Today I received a very pleasant surprise in my mailbox. I went to The Post to see if this lovely necklace (see picture below) I ordered form Etsy.com had come. I’ve been wanting it for months and finally forked up the money to buy it.

So, I’ve been checking the mail everyday to see if it has arrived. Alas, it did not come today, but I received something much better than a piece of jewelry. I received a letter from one of my best friends Adam, who is Mormon and is away on his mission in the Dominican Republic.  When Adam first told me he was going all the way to the Dominican Republic, I remember I cried. Of course, we can still write to each other, but for two years I will not be able to see him face-to-face. It is especially difficult, considering he lives around the corner from me. Right now, it’s not so bad, but this summer is going to be rough. But at least there is only a year and a half left until I can see him.

When he left I was worried I would only get letters saying what he was up to, but not include his sense of humor that I love so much. Thankfully, when I read his letters it is like he is right next to me telling me the story himself. I love it, because I can just picture the way he is saying things and it makes me glad that I am not missing out on that part of our friendship. And of course, the stories always give me a good chuckle.

It will be so weird to see him when he returns, because we will not have seen each other for two whole years… which is insane, considering we used to see each other every day (even if it meant using webcam). But I can’t wait until he returns and we get to spend time catching up and talking about how much we’ve changed. Adam is in my prayers every day and I hope you will keep him in your as well.

All You Need Is Love... Any Kind Will Do

First off, I would like to apologize for having taken forever to put up a new post. Life has been hectic and I’m still trying to get used to this whole blogging business. I would love to tell you all about my Valentine’s Day weekend, which was amazing, but not for the reason you may think. I did not have a hot date or a romantic weekend, but instead spent it with friends and couldn’t have asked for a better Valentine’s Day weekend.

It all began Friday night, when I was hanging out with my best friend Bradyn. She was the Resident Assistant on duty in the dorms. We decided to rent a movie and get dinner from Panera before she had to be back at school. So, we decided on Ghosts of Girlfriends Past… bad choice. I mean, I had someone warn me it wasn’t great but it was just plain awful. But, at least we suffered through it together.

Then, Saturday morning I had the usual Saturday morning breakfast at Panera with one of my closest friends Megan, who is basically a sister to me. We enjoyed refreshing orange juice and delicious bagels and just got to sit back, relax, and talk about life, and it was wonderful. Then later that afternoon, one of my best friends Jana was home for the weekend (from her college in SLO) and we went to dinner and a movie with our friend Tamra. What did we see? What else would we have seen on Valentine’s Day weekend but the new movie Valentine’s Day?!? It was your classic chick flick, full of cutesy plot lines and an extremely attractive cast. But I enjoyed dinner more than the movie because there is nothing better than just catching up with old friends, talking about life over a good burger.

Sunday was a crazy day, but nonetheless lovely. I help out with the 2-year-olds at my church on Sunday nights for a group called Puggles. And since it was Valentine’s Day, we had a little party. I decided to bake cookies (my grandma’s recipe) and let them frost them and decorate them with sprinkles. The recipe ended up making a ton more cookies than I meant it to, so when I got home, my roommates and I decorated the rest as we listened to Michael Bublé, or Mike Dublé as he is known around our apartment.

This weekend was one of the most relaxing ones I’ve had all year. It was so nice to spend that quality time with my dearest friends. And yes it was Valentine’s Day, and no, I don’t have a significant other, but who cares? Bradyn said something to me this weekend that stuck with me. She said, “Valentine’s Day is about all kinds of love, not just romantic love,” and I started really thinking about it. She is completely right. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about your husband/wife or your boyfriend/girlfriend. It’s about telling the people you love, including friends and family, how you really feel about them. So, next year, don’t mope around because you’re single… it’s not that depressing. You still have friends and family that love you, so show them how you feel about them.

The Calm Before the Storm... Or So I Thought

Considering the fact that as a Pre-Nursing major I have spent the last 3 semesters of college taking no less than 17 units, I was actually looking for the light load of 12 units I'm carrying this semester. At first, I thought I was going to lose my mind because I would have so much free time. Little did I know...

Somehow, within the first 2 weeks of school, this has become one of the most stressful semesters yet. I thought I was in for easy A's and nothing but free time. Apparently, I forgot I am taking the TEAS test (to get into the Nursing Program), applying to the School of Nursing, still working 2 part-time jobs, and have friends and family I would like to see occasionally. My schedule this semester is jam-packed with things every day, back-to-back. And days when I don't have class, work, or some other event, I lock myself in the library so I can finish the homework for the measly 12 units I am taking.

Don't get me wrong, I would rather be busy than be bored, but I thought this semester was going to be relaxing and the so-called "calm before the storm" that is Nursing School. Apparently I was wrong. I feel like I haven't had a break since the semester began. Luckily for me, I have people like my roommates (Tiffany, Kristi, Desiree, and Kelli) and best friend (Bradyn) who keep me from going insane at school. Without these ladies, I would probably just curl up in a ball and cry every night.

Right now I'm trying to focus on the fact that I have the TEAS test coming up next weekend and need to pass it with at least semi-flying colors. The stress of applying for Nursing School and waiting to hear the result will certainly be the death of me. I thank God for providing me with people who remind me that I am not alone in the stress of life. I know He has a plan for me in all this madness, I just wish it was a little clearer at the moment.

*Philippians 4:6-7*