Happy Birthday to My Friend, Floyd

flickr photo: sunrise

Instead of a birthday cake, I thought you would enjoy this sunrise photo better.

Happy Birthday, Floyd!

PS I tried to leave a message on your blog, but it wouldn't save.

~Linda

Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com

Thank-you, Bonnie and All My Friends

glitter-graphics.com

One of my faithful blog readers (and good friend) left a beautiful message in the comment section of my website that most of you who get this by e-mail may not see. I just want Bonnie to know I found the note, and send thanks for such a sweet, thoughtful gesture. Many others have sent affectionate messages of congratulations by e-mail and via my Facebook. What a gift of friends I have. Thanks to each of you.

Take Care on the Journey,

Your Friend in Life,

~Linda

I'm Sure The Perfect Nursing Job Waits For Me!

Remember that song, "Torn Between Two Lovers"? Not that I remember much of it, but I feel like I'm torn between two worlds while I come down from school mindedness, and now to the tasks of the real world!

I put in one LPN application in yesterday, and although they said they were looking for a LPN and later, an RN, I don't think they are actually hiring now.

I need to be careful about using my references, taking six hours of my time, and offering up my fingerprints to apply for a job I may not really want, or may not come close to getting.

(This job opportunity was word of mouth from a friend of a friend...)

Hubby and I are home together during the day now. I cook, and he cleans the kitchen. I'm on the computer, and he's reading the paper. I've been cleaning the house, cleaning out my closet, and cleaning up all the old paperwork from school. He's reading the paper...

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what kind of nursing job I want. Right now, if I apply for a RN position, I have to put on my application, "Graduate nurse awaiting NCLEX-RN".

So, if I can find a job near Columbus, Ohio, that will use me as a LPN until I get my RN proper, that would be great. I'm highly skilled. I'm experienced in most every aspect of nursing. (If I don't know it, I'll learn it!) I'm honest, loyal, and dependable. I'm a great team player and a hard worker!

Tomorrow is a new day! I'm sure the perfect job is on its way!

Sunday is the birthday of my friend, Floyd.
January 29 is grandchild Zach's birthday.
February 1 is Buffy's birthday!
I'm sure there's more, but this is from Linda's Celebration List.

Take Care on the Journey,
Your Friend in Life,
~Linda

Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com

RN School Complete. Sunset Comes Slowly.

For the rest of my friends and family who haven't heard the exciting news...I finished and passed all my tests and coursework from Bohecker College today!!!!

We also filled out the paperwork to apply for the state boards - NCLEX-RN. I will take that test in about a month when it is scheduled with the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBON).

It was a rather hectic day without emotional goodbye's and very little looking back. I was up before dawn to prepare a "Christmas Card" for each of my classmates, and study for the last two finals. Actually, the cards were something to give my classmates with my e-mail and phone number, so we can keep in touch. This may be the last day I will see everyone together - depending on who passes all these final tests and the HESI.

We had a big bad test at 8:30 a.m. in Psych that was proctored without the instructor being present, because she was in route from an out-of-state nursing job. (So, we couldn't argue any of the questions with her. ha ha)

During the time after that test and before the next test, I was going to brush up for the final in Med-Surg. (I spent most of my time last night studying for the Psych test.) But, we were required to fill out paperwork for the NCLEX as soon as we finished the first test. During that few minutes, I passed out all my "Christmas Cards" to the class.

I also had to run to the business office and pay my last payment - a book they say I got on Oct. 5, 2009, that I don't remember, but I gave them the $62.29 for the book, and everybody is happy.

I was more impressed that the statement showing zero balance on my account started with the numbers 5555. Now who could have predicted that?

At 12.30 p.m., we were suppose to start our final in Med-Surg, but no instructor was in sight. The class was in hypermode with nervousness. Some classmates were scheduled to take the HESI Test at 1:30! Finally, we started on the Med-Surg test after our instructor found enough paper to make copes at the last minute.

By then, we were wondering if our psych instructor would get there in time (from her out-of-state job) to grade our tests and tell us what we made before we were done here on our last day of school. Otherwise, we had no way of knowing if we passed, because this instructor doesn't have an office. Nor does she do any e-mail with us. (We could wait until the grades are mailed to us, but in this age of technology, who can do that?)

So, as we finished the Med-Surg test about 2 p.m., we gathered in the hallway looking for our psych instructor. We heard that the scantron checker was 'broken', and that she was grading all 35 tests by hand. That would be about 3,500 questions for her to grade by hand while we waited (quite noisily) in the hallway in front of the elevator.

Some were still taking the Med-Surg test. Some classmates had gone on to take the HESI. One or two left the building in tears. I waited and talked on my cell phone to youngest son in South Carolina.

Finally, our instructor came running up with our test results that she had graded by hand after driving five hours from Morgantown, WV and having had no lunch, and feeling very - what shall I say - flustered? I held her lunch and extra paperwork for her while she handed out our results. I wished I could have done more to help her with the anxiety of the day. I was happy to see that I had passed just fine.

When the Med-Surg instructor stuck her head out the door of her classroom, several students ran over asking about certain test questions and wanting to know when they would get the results of today's final. She ran back into the classroom... But I'm happy to report that she later did e-mail us with our results even as she was making supper for her family at home. I passed that one!!!! My last test there ever!!!!

So, all-in-all, we finally finished this day. I did look back as I left the building. It was a chilly 40-degree sunny afternoon. A couple of my classmates waited in the lobby to discuss certain numbers with instructors. It was that close.

At home, hubby has flowers on the table. He kisses me and says "congratulations".

Occasionally, I check my Facebook to see what my classmates are saying about their day.

My favorite response on Facebook is my classmate who wrote, "...I'm all done with nursing school...I passed all the tests...I am blessed."

I see a few of the usual "Happy Sabbath" messages on Facebook and realize that it is Friday.

Sunset has come very softly as in slow motion today.

Later, my sister and I talk on the phone. She lives in Tampa, FL.

I ask, "How can we get you here for my graduation?"

She answers, "We're driving up for your graduation!" (An 18-hour drive!)

See, we always think alike! We're as excited as two sisters can be who don't see each other very often.

My two sons would be here if they could, but are making up for it in other ways. We'll take lots of pictures and perhaps a video.

Well, more on that later.

Tonight I'm looking forward - and I'm very thankful for this blessing in my life.

Take Care on the Journey,
Your Friend in Life,
~Linda


Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com

Making A's on My Finals!!!

Two tests down and two to go!

I made an A on my final in Nursing Concepts this morning. Considering I failed the very first test in that class, I'm quite excited with the final product.

We had a new teacher/instructor who is very professional and knowledgeable. I enjoyed learning from her, and I hope she keeps teaching for a long time.

Tomorrow is the final of finals in Psych and Med/Surg. I'm preparing tonight and expect to do well, as I've studied hard in those classes and haven't missed a day!

I don't expect fanfare, but I'm so happy to be finished with honor.

One tiny thing, it would be okay with me if someone happened to mention to their dad, "Mom finished with flying colors."

Take Care on the Journey,
Your Friend in Life,
~Linda


Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com

Happy Anniversary to Sandy & Craig

glitter-graphics.com

For my sister, Sandy, and her best friend and husband, Craig.

To a long life and lots of love!

Take Care on the Journey...

~Linda & Jim

Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com

Graduation Commencement Announced

The commencement program for my graduation from the RN program at Bohecker College is set for
February 20, 2010
At 11 a.m. at the Vets Memorial
in Columbus, Ohio.

Photo from
http://www.terryberry.com/

I'm aware that this is the day and time that many of my friends and family are attending Sabbath church services, but I will be at graduation, and everyone is invited.

Take Care on the Journey,
Your Friend in Life,
~Linda


Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com

HESI Passed With a Score of 927

We took the HESI exam at Bohecker College today, and I made 927.

The school currently requires 750 to pass. For the record, on a practice HESI taken a few months ago, I made 843.

Anyway, this is great news. Only two more days of testing for Med-Surg, Psyc, and Concepts of Nursing. So far, I've done well in all those classes, so with some good review and a few hours of study, I'm all done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also for the record, a few years ago I was sure that I would not pass any RN program. It's not a matter of being smart, but of confidence and not giving up. Sometimes you can give that to yourself; sometimes other people help along the way. I'm thankful for all my family and friends who had no doubts! Thank-you from the bottom of my heart.

Take Care on the Journey,
Your Friend in Life,
~Linda

Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com

My Husband Lost His Job!

Someone who always reads my new postings said they didn't read yesterday's article titled, Hot Chocolate and Unemployment, because they thought it was about 'coupons'.

My painstaking effort to be 'positive' turned out to be too camouflaged!!!!!

Anyway, you can find the posting, Hot Chocolate and Unemployment, HERE if you didn't catch the disguised title yesterday.

There's tons on snow in Columbus tonight - although not near as much as in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where my snow friends (and former neighbors) are still digging out with amphibious assault vehicles and Sherman tanks!

Take Care on the Journey,
Your Friend in Life,
~Linda

Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com

Hot Chocolate and Unemployment

(flickr photo perla)

Someone placed a reciprocal link from this website to selfgrowth.com where it describes my website as one that, encourages positive thinking.

Based on that assumption about me, I'd like to give you the recipe on how to make a steaming cup of sweet, hot chocolate from a chunk of bitter cocoa. Or, that infamous, cool glass of sweet lemonade from one very sour lemon.

And maybe now, I can provide some direction to those who find themselves on the edge of a "hubby lost his job" precipice wondering which way the wind will blow.

Most couples kissed at the stroke of midnight six days ago. At 5 p.m. today, my husband and l kissed the start of a new beginning in life. That is the moment he became officially unemployed!

With two bachelor's degrees, a master's degree, and a lifetime of financial/accounting experience, Mr. M. became conjoined with the gangling line of unemployed men and women that snakes all the way across America. Somewhat like the, 'Hands Across America" back in 1986. That hand-holding line of seven million participants covered 4,152 miles from New York City's Battery Park to the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.

Today, I'm addressing anywhere from 10 to 13.5 million disquieted people who find themselves swirling in the foreboding winds of change and finding little to hang on to.

For the record, hubby did not quit his job, even though I believe his company would have preferred it that way. He told them, "It's a matter of honor. I have done my work well and faithfully and see no reason to give in to the matter of why I should be gone". So, they bid him farewell and held the door open as he left, holding his briefcase in one hand and his integrity in the other.

On the bright side, as most of the East Coast is fighting a bitter winter storm this week, we like the thought that hubby doesn't have to shovel a snowpath to the car at 6 a.m. in the morning, and we are stocked up on lots of oatmeal and hot tea.

We plan a rare visit with oldest son within a few weeks and long walks on the wooded trail. The honey-do-list will be extended to include interludes with the dishwasher and washing machine. He will soon start to prepare another resume and go through the job-hunting process, although this time he may be able to accept part-time work.

He says, "One must have faith, believe in destiny, self-direction (choices), and look forward to the opportunity of the future."

I'm thankful for instant hot chocolate, and that it's not the season for lemonade (because I never get the right mix of lemon and sugar).

As for the precipice, it's bridged with a bright outlook for my job possibilities as a registered nurse within a few weeks, and a long list loving family and friends that reaches all the way across this land.

It reminds me of the song, This Land Is Your Land
(Woody Guthrie)


This land is your land,
This land is my land
From California, to the New York Island
From the Redwood forest,
To the gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me.

As I was walking a ribbon of highway
I saw above me an endless skyway
I saw below me a golden valley
This land was made for you and me...

Take Care on the Journey,
Your Friend in Life,
~Linda

Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com/
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com

New Posting At Good Deals and Happy Birthday to...

Happy Birthday (January 1) to my friend

"OLIVE"

For those who don't already get it via e-mail, there's a new article over at my coupon blog HERE or http://goldencoupons.blogspot.com.

Have a Blessed New Year,
Your Friend in Life,
~Linda

Home: http://dustyangels.blogspot.com
E-mail: bestnurse@usa.com