My new planner...

This is my first experience with Plum Paper (they are not paying me for this, I just wanted to share it)

What I love is the ability to customize it. There are tons of options for additional sections (school, work, teacher, fitness, home, etc....). You can customize the cover too. Warning it isn't cheap like an off the shelf planner but I feel like this investment in personalization with help me stick with goals and planning... at least here is hoping.

Are you curious? Go to Plum Paper to check it out!

That should be my referral link, I can earn a small amount if you order over a certain amount. Then I can use it to build my next planner! If my referral link doesn't work leave your email & I wi;; email you a link through the Plum Paper referral service! 

What is the hardest thing in the world?

So after I watched the Trump thing I went to the doc on Netflix with Leo Decaprio on Global Warming. 

Seriously? I guess I was on a roll but anyways it was an eye-opening bucket of sadness. Only because God gave us this great land and we are taking it for granted. Like most things in America, we abuse it, take advantage, use it up until nothing is left worth anything. (I do love the USA don't get me wrong) I just hate that we have gotten to this place, you know? 

How does the governmental organization for environment protection consist of a lot of people getting paid by Big Oil... um, Conflict of interest much????? If this was healthcare and a doctor being paid by big Pharma prescribes addictive drugs then licenses would be lost and criminal prosecution. What is the difference? 

I fell like I have robbed my children of the idealist happy life with greenery, thriving nature, healthily grown substance, animals at peace. 

Why does the world have so much hate, destruction, & abuse? 

Is this Sodam & Gomorrah? 

Can we change? Myself? Americans? The World?

I have a heart of gold but I know that change is a personal mountain that I often fall down rather than plant a flag on top of. I need to change my actions towards social responsibility and personal responsibility for my health, my longevity in this world and leading my daughters to err on the side of goodness and not destruction (of themselves, others, or our planet). 

(personal quests begin now)

Me: Yesterday I did some ab work, I'm going to do some after this post. If I can do it for 7 days in a row I'm going to add something. 

Mother Earth: I'm going to try to quit my addiction to plastic disposable utensils. I'm going to buy some metal spoons & forks (my family uses a lot so we don't have enough). I hate dishes but I hate wasting money and be a contributor to the problem. 

What are you going to do?

Dirty Money

So I recently stumbled upon this show on Netflix called Dirty Money. It has some great investigative stories about various things and they have been pretty interesting. I'm on the Trump one right now. I feel like sick to my stomach watching it. First of all, I usually don't discuss things like politics or the president because it is an invitation for others to respond negatively. Which I'm not a fan of inviting negative energy. Anyways, I did not vote for Trump and could go on a tangent on how this guy like How? Did this guy get to be president? Watching this show about how he is mainly just a big name, a spoiled rich kid that has done some business with super shady people (like terrorists). I feel like I just woke up in bed with Donald Trump I wanna go cry in the shower while I dry heave all the way there. Haha

Talk to me in 10 years... I love America but I fully acknowledge it is seriously flawed in most areas. We have problems that may never get fixed. I'm not scared because I have God but the potential futures of this land make me sad. What happened to Ethics? To stewardship? To improving our land and our people? To love, respect, & peace?

But check out Dirty Money, you don't have to watch the Trump episode but they are all pretty appalling and yet the effects are still felt.

Motivate, Encourage, Uplift, Mentor...

First of all, I want to say that I should be studying but I'm not perfect. Now to my point...

It has come to me a realization that I want to inspire, motivate, & mentor. I had an experience where I was maybe uplifting someone with positive encouragement. You see I've always believed that a person (ie myself) can be whomever they want to, do whatever career choice they desire. If you have the drive and determination then you achieve your goals. So I also believe this to be true for everyone.

I don't live in Fantasyland so I know there are real boundaries in the world, obstacles, speed bumps, and long journeys. But I still believe that if you are willing then you can... I would not be in the middle of a master's degree program if I did not believe this.

I think I used to think that they only way I could deliver this message as through supporting my nieces. And now I feel like I still have that support or advice to give (my nieces don't need me for that). So I probably won't go into some major thing while I'm busting butt in school but I think it will be a real part of my future. Maybe I can join a mentoring group or start something. Maybe at a high school or YMCA. Maybe I can get other local professionals who share my desire to join in. I'm not political but I am aware of needs and changes that could improve certain populations.

I'm a positive person, I'm a hard working, I thoroughly enjoy helping others and get high off it. Because uplifting others is uplifting to my soul...

You have got to watch this...

Hacksaw Ridge

I want to start off by saying this movie is graphic, in the blood and guts sense of things. That probably helps to get you emotionally connected to the real-life experience of Dos. However, the message and feeling this movie can elicit in someone is profound and should not be missed. 

Why do I love this movie?

I tend to like some military movies (The Guardian, Private Benjamin, Officer & a Gentleman, etc) and this movie is more along The Guardian in that it has some realism to it and a little bit love story but that part is background music to the message or meaning. 

I'm not going to give the plot away but it made me motivated and that I am not on earth to service myself but to serve others and God. That the superficial garbage is just that. That I totally understand that dying for your country thing. I know people fear to join the service and dying but as someone who has had thoughts of joining I have not feared my own death because I know the greater good it could service if it happened. However, being a spouse I know my view shifts when I think of my loved one joining because it is focused on my potential losses. It is not focused on the duty of service and dignity in dying. 

Regardless of how you feel about the military, please watch this movie because this man was the definition of courageous, I only hope to be half as much. 

*****

Week 4 Pharma (+opinion poll)

Just updating you on the life of a graduate student, a graduate student in the healthcare world.

I took my 2nd exam and passed so I'm glad about that but nothing can make me happy unless I get a 95% or better. I just need to stockpile points so I can have a good gap for the final.

I'm learning GI but truthfully it is all a little bit of repeat because I've learned some already thru my first RN program and from being a hospital nurse. But I will say that isn't quite the same as the role of "provider" aka script giver. My time looking up drugs and consulting the pharmacy will be reduced because you only get 15 minutes with a patient unless you are doing an annual. No one knows it all, especially with the constant changes in healthcare, but I hope my patients won't mind if I consult my clinical apps, verify things, and then implement the plan. I know I wouldn't mind because I'd rather have the best care, not guessed care.

How would you feel if your provider (NP, MD, etc) used a smartphone/tablet to look up something regarding your health?

I'd really love some patient insight on this.

Is this a coincidence?

Ok people, about to have mind blow..... well maybe not quite that supermassive of a deal but get this.

In 2011 Ashton Kutcher starred in a movie called No Strings Attached.

Also in 2011, Mila Kunis starred in Friends with Benefits. 

They weren't even together (I'm pretty sure?). Of course, it all started with the awesome That 70's Show but who would have thought that they would each be starring in movies that were about the tribulations of sex within friendship. Wonder what it would have been like if they had just starred in the same movie together... Either way, I'm glad they are married with kids because they are a cute and I'd like to believe a really sweet family/.

This little light of mine...

Exam 1: passed
Exam 2: next week

If it were easy, everyone would do it...

Dear Diary,

I've in mid week 2 and have had longer than I will have on future exams to prepare for the first one. Yet I feel unprepared, I feel unsure of what I know, unsure if what I think I need to know is really what I'll be tested on. I feel stuck. I can't seem to throw myself into this studying habit. I'm afraid it will take a devastating event to get my engine started.

But I've taken several Quizlet quizzes with 100% each, some matching matches.

I started with a fleeting "yes, I can smash this exam I'm going to get it done!." Now I'm just scared.

This is what graduate school feels like... at least for me. The rollercoaster of graduate school...

So there but for the grace of God...

Week one Pharming

I'm back to school for term number 5. I'm stressed and have dreaded this course since before I opened my admission letter. I could use some prayers but I'm going to try my darnedest to complete this with success. So it's looking like my blogging days are on hold, we'll see. My job is school, my future plans depend on it. So happy new year, happy spring, happy growth in new things...

So what happens after the holidays?

To be honest a lot of good intentions and lounging. Hahaha

As my mind starts to shift mentally to prepare for the next term of Grad school (& the course I've feared before I ever got my admission letter). I had a lot of projects, cleaning/organizing that I wanted to achieve but haven't done much. Christmas sucked sometimes, just laziness. Its harder with kids, it is true. At least for me since I haven't found that sweet rhythm yet. So with a new year starts a new you!

Goals:

Get Healthy
Get Focused (particularly for school)
Get Clinical Preceptor Commitment
Get Lily some education

I'm a big goal and list type of person so it's always a working thing, modifiable & adjustable.

Do you have any new goals for 2018?

Merry Christmas

Happy birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas!

I hope that everyone is blessed not only today but in the new year. And may the world be kinder & more compassionate in 2018. 

Military Life

Are you (or your spouse) in the military?

I'm interested in finding out some personal insight/opinions. I have considered the military as an employer several times in my life. Recently, I've gotten some information from a recruiter from the Air Force because it is the only branch accepting WHNPs. While some of my family are strongly against the idea of me joining the military, it is still something I can't rule out. My biggest concern is how my kids would be impacted. With moving at least once (if I only served 4 years) and the potential for my deployment (although less likely than a FNP and probably only for 4-6 months). 

I'm gathering information as I continue with school. 

Some pros would be: job security, honor in serving as a Captain (probably), healthcare/potential retirement benefits, military discounts.

CVS Trip

I went to CVS today to spend about $9 ECB from my Thanksgiving trip.

My breakdown:
I spent $33.11 OOP
got $18 EB back
Which would be about $15 on this stuff. I've never tried any of the makeup product but am trying to expand my makeup abilities. Get cute and maybe look have a sharp professional look. At least need some good headshots. I've got a month until my $18 EB expires so who knows what else I'll get but if you need any makeup they are having some great deals.

The Christmas Gift that almost wasn't...

A couple weeks ago my husband ordered me a gift. It hadn't come yet so he checked the status on the retailer's website. It was sent to an address that we lived at 10 years, maybe a couple miles from our current house. I suppose my husband was "click happy" and didn't bother to read the shipping address. We went to the post office to see if it might be there. We went to the old house but no one answered. We didn't leave a note but decided to see if the retailer had gotten it back. While they had not they were very nice with working with us to fix the problem, even giving us free 2-day shipping so the replacement could arrive before Christmas.

So, I thought that was the end of story. But this afternoon someone came to our house and handed the package to my mom, saying they opened it figuring it would be someone's gift and checked the billing address. 

I don't know who lives in our old house and they certainly owed us nothing. It was a simple mistake. They could have kept it or returned to sender. So I just want to say thank you & God bless those with an honest heart and the kindness to deliver a gift to the correct house. While the gift of this item is a material possession I could live without, the true gift is knowing there are still good people in the world, in America. 

So don't get too caught up in the materialism of the holidays but remember to be kind, compassionate, and giving. Those gifts will outlive any material item. Merry Christmas!

DIY Gifts

Are you making any of your gifts this year?

Recently I have tried a few DIY recipes for household products and am going to use some as gifts. I use Pinterest to find the awesome recipes. Click my link to pinterest on the right and go to my crafty album. 

Homemade Vanilla

Toilet Bombs

Challah

Taco Seasoning

If you've used Pinterest then you probably know that you can find almost anything on there.

But if you prefer to buy your gifts, why not a Zulily Gift Certificate. They have such a wide selection from baby gear to clothes for the family, even pet things at times. 

Try the cute reindeer as a little extra embellishment. Lily & I made a few of them the other night, Fun project for kids! 

Happy Gifting!

Tuesday Tunes

This week's song is a catchy little old song that reminds me of love. It also reminds me of How I Met Your Mother. But this song could be applied to many of the people I love and has a good beat tht I can clean to. Sing it with me...

The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)

And if Netflix hasn't taken HIMYM off the life-up then I'd watch an episode (it was featured in several episodes). Because when you love someone, anyone, wouldn't you walk some miles? 

For my daughters, my husband. 

Thrift Store Trip

So I like to go to some thrift stores every now and then and see what kind of magic I can find. I will say that stores of second-hand items vary greatly. The Goodwill stores near my home are not that great, maybe I've just come after all the decent things are gone OR maybe it is related to the organization of the store but I've rarely gotten anything at them. However, the very best second-hand shop I've been to is a Goodwill in another town (another state), I go to it about once a year but secretly wish I go about once a month haha. When I lived in Palm Beach County the Goodwill was pretty good too. Got some of my favorite jeans there. So do not judge one store based off of another!
My latest purchase was at my local thrift store. I was going for the purpose of needing some 18th-month clothes for Trinity, the selection was limited but probably expected due to the closeness to the holiday shopping season. I got some items for her and picked up a few more...

Above: 2 toys for Trinity $4

Above: 2 pairs of Torrid Jeans $18.99

I "might" be able to get a lower-priced brand of jeans at Walmart for that price, just one pair or slightly more. If I were to go to a Torrid store the price be about $64-74 for one pair, so I definitely got a good deal there! The toys I'm not sure what would retail for brand new. 

Do you shop at thrift stores?

Tuesday Tunes - Christmas Edition

Well it's December so that means it is time to bust out the holiday jingles (if you haven't done so yet). This week of my little musical segment I'm focusing on my favorite Christmas songs. Although, I am honestly still in a 90's R&B kick (or something with TLC, Boys 2 Men, etc). Which makes litte sense to me because I've a rock godess with heavy mental & alternative tendencies but I do grow up around then. Perhaps when I heard those songs my heart was still innocent & dreaming of a fairy tale... then life occured & bring on the Zombie muhahaha. But anyways, here is my (quickly put together) grateful 8.

8.Dean Martin - Let it Snow

7. The Drifters - White Christmas

6.Amasic - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

5. Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song 

4. Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack

3. You're a Mean One, Mr Grinch

2. My Chemical Romance - All I want for Christmas is You

1. Judy Garland - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

While I love most any Christmas song, the last one has been my favorite a long time. It makes me reflect and miss my grandma. But always a message dear to my heart keep going, move forward, it will be OK, we will meet again. 

Merry Christmas

Kohls Shopping...

Who doesn't love $15 Kohls Cash? Well, I loved it so much that I was able to score two of them with some post black Friday shopping. What is better than earning them? Redeeming them baby. Below is what I got...

Big One King Size Comforter Orig. $119.99

Moana Girls Tee Orig. 20

Baby Girl Jumping Beans Plaid Henley $16

Men's Sonoma Flannel Shirt Orig. 40

St. Nicholas Square Gingerbread Salad Plate $4.99

-------------------------Cost Me Out of Pocket $56.34------

Saved $154.59

used $52.12 in promo code & my previous $30 in Kohls Cash & $5 reward

I also earned $10 in Kohls Cash for use next week 

Moana Shirt - a birthday gift for Lily

Red plaid shirts - Lily & I already have one that matches them so we are going to be a red plaid matching family

Salad plate - it is going to be used as out Santa cookie plate for Christmas Eve

Comforter - Just something for me & the Hubs, we needed a change in the boudoir