WE'RE MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
By far, the best decision ever. We had so much fun and it was perfect.
Ryan and I stayed at a bed and breakfast/vineyard/winery last year in Indiana and fell in love with the place, the quaint small town, and the people. We decided to elope there and have to ceremony at the vineyard, just the two of us (and whoever from the winery/vineyard/BB wanted to show up).
The days before the wedding, we stayed at the B&B, going to all 6 of the local wineries for tasting and eating delicious food from the local joints. I was very excited to have purchased 5 and a half cases of wine to bring home as well as 2 bottles of hard cider for Ryan. Last time, I only brought 17 bottles of wine home and lets just say it didn't last very long. HAHA We'll see how 66 bottles of wine lasts me (so far 1 and 3/4 bottles down).
The day of the wedding, we relaxed at the B&B, watching TV, and just being chill. Two o'clock rolls around, I go get my hair and makeup done. The salon downtown was awesome, very friendly, and excited to be doing "elopement style" wedding (which wasn't much different than traditional weddings, but ok). After that, the ball was rolling- I quickly went back to the B&B, met the "minister" and photographer, and slipped into my gown. Ryan waited downstairs with the minister and I was upstairs taking pictures with the photographer (who made the whole experience even more perfect.)
The ceremony was at 4:30 at the vineyard's stage between the two areas of the property. I walked down the long lane of the property (in heels!) to meet my handsome groom in the middle and we walked up the stage together. The ceremony was pretty perfect, especially our vows we wrote to each other. The only downfall of the ceremony was the "minister" was VERY unprepared with little details not addressed as well as saying our last name wrong (even though we coached him several times prior to; I really don't think its that difficult). However, it wasn't enough to ruin it because no one else was there that really cares. The B&B/vineyard/winery owners watched the ceremony as well as the photographer, and "minister's" wife. After it was over, my husband (!!) and I signed the marriage license, went back to the B&B and opened a bottle of champagne and toasted with all who was there.
The rest of the evening was spent with the photographer doing pictures at the ceremony location as well as beautiful areas downtown. The locals were very gracious, including the teenagers roaming downtown, with many congratulations and well wishes. Our evening ended with a local hamburger joint (similar to White Castle, tastes less-gross, however, later learned similar after effects) with grease in a bag and a milkshake called "wedding cake".
The next morning, we packed up the car to head home. On our drive, we thought to call the lawyer to see if any documents have been sent from FF. Low and behold-- the lawyer has the papers! FF has signed the legal document to give up his parental rights to Jordan. I don't care why his reasons are, though we have speculations, I am excited to end the battles of the ex and legally give Jordan the father he deserves. Best. Wedding. Present. Ever. :)
I am so happy to be married to Ryan. Life has pretty much resumed to normal and I am enjoying my 3 weeks off until my big girl nursing job starts in mid-July. And I'm enjoying the wine too :)
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
The NCLEX experience: the B-Rob edition
Everyone's experience is different, but this is my recollection and thoughts are based on how I felt.
Nothing prepares you for taking the NCLEX. I know nursing school is supposed to do that... but still...
My school "spouse", Stache, and I scheduled to take our Ohio boards in Lexington, KY because at the time we registered, the soonest available within a 100ish mile radius was there. We got there the night before, staying a hotel, and prepared to get up at the butt crack of dawn for the biggest and most important test of our career. And by prepare I mean, give up studying, eat chinese food, and take a couple hits of whiskey.
I could not sleep at all, kicking myself for not drinking more and/or bringing some sort of sleep aid. Finally at 4am, I gave up and attempted to beat Candy Crush level 125 in order to pass the time.
In the morning, we were revved up. Nerves, nerves, nerves. We got there, waited for them to call us up individually, trying to stay as positive as possible. Then, into the room we go. It feels like a jail cell with cameras monitoring your every move and using a palm vein hand scan to get in and out of the testing room.
Headphones and earplugs on. All I could hear is my heartbeat through my ears as the tutorial played. Then the first question comes up.. lub dub lub dub goes my heart. So loud that I worry other people can hear it. I finally take the earplugs out because its too loud to think. With each question, I take a deep breath and carry on, hoping for the right answer. Several questions threw me off, and I did the click and pray method.
For those who don't know how NCLEX works, the minimum number of questions is 75 and the max is 265. The number of questions past 75 varies on the tester's ability and will shut off accordingly. At 75, you either beasted it or failed; any question after that falls into the gray area of "not enough to fail, not enough to pass"; until you've reached one of those destinations, the test keeps coming. At 75 questions, I did not feel confident in my answers so far, and hoped to the high heavens to see question 76 because it would mean I still have a shot. 76 came up and a wave of relief came over me (never in my life was I glad to see more test questions!) After 76, I'd get a question, confidently answer; get another, and be completely lost. At 86 (I think), I got a math question-- answered it, and BANG! It's shuts off. I literally threw up my hands like "holy sweet for jesus-- what happened!" If I could get a copy of what the camera saw me do right when it shut off, it would be on YouTube.
I quickly did my 9 questions or so survey at the end, ran out to the car and thought of many ways to hide my drinking straight the Jack Daniels bottle. Stache was still examing it, and all I wanted to do was find a bar. I called/texted whoever I could to freak out while I waited. And waited. And waited. Finally Stache came out, and we found the nearest restaurant that served alcohol.
My only saving grace was I was 100% sure I got the last question right. My pharmacy math is pretty on par (thanks to 8 years in various pharmacy settings). After 48 hours, you can pay the testing company $7.95 online and get your unoffical results; unless your license number becomes available before then. I paid the $7.95-- it said pass; but until I saw the license number I wasn't 100% cleared.
No words can describe the relief that is felt when you see that license number. All the work over the past 4 years is seen right before your eyes in the form of a six digit number. I can actually say--- I'M A NURSE! And to all the people who thought I couldn't do it, look me up on the Ohio Board of Nursing for proof. :)
Some thoughts for many who have still yet to face their board exam:
1) Most of the specific content I studied was not on the exam, however, every question counts! Even if you absorb one bit of info that you don't think is going to be on there, its better to feel as prepared as anyone can be for the biggest test of your life.
2) I did do "the trick"; and no, I was not able to re-register for the exam with the automated excuse of "its been awfully early since you've taken that exam, eh?"... or something of the like. I didn't take much merit into it, because if someone fails, you can't retake it for another 45-90 days.
3) TAKE YOUR TIME. I've never been that slow on taking an exam, but I literally breathed deeply before every new question.
4) For those of you who understand what this means: Juxedpose and negate (or however Klimek spells it) DID help a bajillion. Take the first two answers, pick which is best based of knowledge, logic, and common sense; then keep comparing each answer to the winner til you find the most logical/best rationale.
5) YOU CAN DO IT! :) If you have any questions or freakoutery--- I don't mind to hear from you. :)
With the NCLEX passed, my nursing student career is now officially over! I can't believe it, but I am so excited to see where my career will take me. :)
Nothing prepares you for taking the NCLEX. I know nursing school is supposed to do that... but still...
My school "spouse", Stache, and I scheduled to take our Ohio boards in Lexington, KY because at the time we registered, the soonest available within a 100ish mile radius was there. We got there the night before, staying a hotel, and prepared to get up at the butt crack of dawn for the biggest and most important test of our career. And by prepare I mean, give up studying, eat chinese food, and take a couple hits of whiskey.
I could not sleep at all, kicking myself for not drinking more and/or bringing some sort of sleep aid. Finally at 4am, I gave up and attempted to beat Candy Crush level 125 in order to pass the time.
In the morning, we were revved up. Nerves, nerves, nerves. We got there, waited for them to call us up individually, trying to stay as positive as possible. Then, into the room we go. It feels like a jail cell with cameras monitoring your every move and using a palm vein hand scan to get in and out of the testing room.
Headphones and earplugs on. All I could hear is my heartbeat through my ears as the tutorial played. Then the first question comes up.. lub dub lub dub goes my heart. So loud that I worry other people can hear it. I finally take the earplugs out because its too loud to think. With each question, I take a deep breath and carry on, hoping for the right answer. Several questions threw me off, and I did the click and pray method.
For those who don't know how NCLEX works, the minimum number of questions is 75 and the max is 265. The number of questions past 75 varies on the tester's ability and will shut off accordingly. At 75, you either beasted it or failed; any question after that falls into the gray area of "not enough to fail, not enough to pass"; until you've reached one of those destinations, the test keeps coming. At 75 questions, I did not feel confident in my answers so far, and hoped to the high heavens to see question 76 because it would mean I still have a shot. 76 came up and a wave of relief came over me (never in my life was I glad to see more test questions!) After 76, I'd get a question, confidently answer; get another, and be completely lost. At 86 (I think), I got a math question-- answered it, and BANG! It's shuts off. I literally threw up my hands like "holy sweet for jesus-- what happened!" If I could get a copy of what the camera saw me do right when it shut off, it would be on YouTube.
I quickly did my 9 questions or so survey at the end, ran out to the car and thought of many ways to hide my drinking straight the Jack Daniels bottle. Stache was still examing it, and all I wanted to do was find a bar. I called/texted whoever I could to freak out while I waited. And waited. And waited. Finally Stache came out, and we found the nearest restaurant that served alcohol.
My only saving grace was I was 100% sure I got the last question right. My pharmacy math is pretty on par (thanks to 8 years in various pharmacy settings). After 48 hours, you can pay the testing company $7.95 online and get your unoffical results; unless your license number becomes available before then. I paid the $7.95-- it said pass; but until I saw the license number I wasn't 100% cleared.
No words can describe the relief that is felt when you see that license number. All the work over the past 4 years is seen right before your eyes in the form of a six digit number. I can actually say--- I'M A NURSE! And to all the people who thought I couldn't do it, look me up on the Ohio Board of Nursing for proof. :)
Some thoughts for many who have still yet to face their board exam:
1) Most of the specific content I studied was not on the exam, however, every question counts! Even if you absorb one bit of info that you don't think is going to be on there, its better to feel as prepared as anyone can be for the biggest test of your life.
2) I did do "the trick"; and no, I was not able to re-register for the exam with the automated excuse of "its been awfully early since you've taken that exam, eh?"... or something of the like. I didn't take much merit into it, because if someone fails, you can't retake it for another 45-90 days.
3) TAKE YOUR TIME. I've never been that slow on taking an exam, but I literally breathed deeply before every new question.
4) For those of you who understand what this means: Juxedpose and negate (or however Klimek spells it) DID help a bajillion. Take the first two answers, pick which is best based of knowledge, logic, and common sense; then keep comparing each answer to the winner til you find the most logical/best rationale.
5) YOU CAN DO IT! :) If you have any questions or freakoutery--- I don't mind to hear from you. :)
With the NCLEX passed, my nursing student career is now officially over! I can't believe it, but I am so excited to see where my career will take me. :)
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