Exam 6 of 8

So today, I had my 6th exam. And despite my lack of confidence I pulled off an A!!!! yeah. Even with all the studying I did, I felt very unfocused and was having a difficult time sitting to study. But despite that, I guess I was retaining some info. This exam covered Cardiac (Failed that exam in school), respiratory, and Cancer. None of my strongest topics in school only because they are so detailed and you have a lot of medications to know. But this time around was a success. I have my last two exams scheduled for the first week of January.

Once those exams are finished I will do a Focus competency exam where I demonstrate I am ready for my clinical exam. I have 10 days to complete it and then I can schedule my clinical exam. So close and so far away. I am definitely ready to be done.

Thanksgiving/Birthday

This year, for Thanksgiving I had to work in the morning. Because of this I could not go with my family. However, I did get to go with my friend Carmen down to Southern NJ and spend the evening with her family. It was a fun and lively group that I felt very comfortable with. Carmen, let on that it was my birthday, so her father played guitar and sang happy birthday to me in Spanish (they are Puerto Rican) and English.

I spent the night there and the next day we went to her sisters condo just outside of Philadelphia. We even went into Philly and I had my first Philly Cheese steak. Hmm it was good!

For my 31st birthday, which was on Thanksgiving this year, I invited a bunch of people over the first weekend in December. It was fun to have my brother come and meet some of my peeps. It was a good group of people and a good time. Some how I didn't take any pictures but maybe next time :-)

Philladelphia Marathon!!!!

On Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 I finished my second marathon. I had been training for 6 or 7 months for this race. My training went extremely well and I had a goal time of sub 4 hours. But as marathons are unpredictable I had some issues at the end of my training that forced me to not finish the way I like. So when Marathon day came around, I was truly uncertain if I could finish. By that point I just wanted to be less than 5 hours. The morning was a beautiful, clear, sunny and crisp day. The start was an unseasonably warm 40 degree one. By finish it was in the 50's. This is perfect weather for a marathon. Not too warm is the goal and no rain.

At 7am I stepped into my race corral. The official start time is 7 am but with a wave start it takes a while to get going so that everyone is not running on top of each other. 2o min later I crossed the start and began a long journey to the finish. The challenge to a marathon, unlike any other race, is that the longest distance you do before had is 23 miles. So on race day...it is a whole new distance. Also you can never plan how you are going to feel. You may have your worst training leading up to it and have your best marathon! Or you may have great training and have a bad marathon! My training was a mix. The unforeseen challenge I had was near the end of the training. I work on my feet at a hospital where I often walk 20,000 steps, mind you the average person gets about 3-5000. So I did not take this into consideration as I got to my very long training. I began having trouble with my legs not recovering. So I ended up running very little for the last 5 weeks or so. About 2 weeks before the marathon I pushed through a 12 mile run to make sure I could handle it and that was the most I had done in weeks. Not a recipe for success.

The first few miles were good. I began to feel lots of pain around mile 12. It was tempting to split off with the half marathoners (13.1) and finish early. But I continued on. Every mile was my only goal for the last 1/2. I would tell myself, "you can't quit till the next mile!" That mile would come and go. I had constant encouragement around me when I would least expect it. I had people who were tracking me and they would send me a text message telling me how I was doing...and that I could do it. Fun!!! And yes I had my phone on me. A runner always has her phone on her. What happens if you get 13 miles out from your house and can't run back...I need to be able to call someone. I carry a belt that holds fluids and my shot bloks (gel blocks that I can eat to maintain my energy and electrolytes).

When I crossed the line I could see Trish on one side and Audrey on the other. The other cool thing about this race is that they had our first names on our bibs. So as you are running people are yelling out your name to encourage you. You feel like you have so many fans.

I bundled up and made a very slow, painful walk back to the hotel. My first marathon didn't hurt like this...because I was able to train more and I had a different type of job. In the hotel, Trish called for 2 buckets of ice and I took a VERY cold Ice bath! brrrrr! It helps with inflammation and shortens your recovery. After that we headed to a restaurant called Marathon grill where I proceeded to devour a gigantic Cheese burger. For whatever reason after my long races, all I want is a cheese burger. I guess it's the protein and iron.

I enjoyed this marathon in a different way then I did my first. God spoke to me a lot as I ran. I had my i pod on and listened to worship music. Along the way I would find myself in tears. I am learning more and more that as independent as I am that I truly can't do anything with out God. "For I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!" That truth was more real to me through this marathon than any other experience in my life. When we are fully abandoned to God He can do amazing things in our lives. Is this marathon the amazing thing....probably not but it is an example of how he can do great things! I hope I never forget that in my life.

The Philly marathon Expo where I picked up my packet and shirt!

There are a lot of Campbells but only one SaraJane Haha! This is just a small list of the 20,000 runners!

Hanging out in our fancy hotel in the heart of Downtown Philly, and walking distance to the race. I love discount websites :-) Though the downfall was our great city view...that was the rooftop of a building with a half empty Gatorade bottle.

Relaxing on a fun chase lounge. One of these days I am going to own one...they are so comfy :-)

Me at the finish. 4 hrs and 40 min. No where near my goal time but great considering I was hurting by mile 12!
Post run with a view of the city. Everyone else was sitting but I couldn't bare to try to sit on the ground and then get back up again.

Post race meal at the appropriately named Marathon Grill. My usual a gigantic Cheese burger....That's all I want after a marathon.

Trish (left), me, and Audrey (right)! They came down to celebrate my marathon with me! Most races I come to the finish and go home. This time I had someone to celebrate with.

Thanksgiving Home fellowhsip!

Every 3rd Friday of the month a group of us get together for Home fellowship in Jersey City. It is a time of worship, bible study and a LOT of fellowship. We get together around 7 and sometimes don't leave till 1 or 2am. We are just a fun group of goofy people who enjoy hanging out. Sometimes it is making up songs about someone or whatever.

In November we changed it up a bit and had a Thanksgiving Home fellowship! We went to our friend Sal's place where he catered good Italian food. There was a DJ and we just hung out, danced and talked. It was a good time.

Since, I am no longer in the nursing program, I have lots more time to hang out and I have been truly blessed by these new friends. Sundays after Church, Wednesdays after Bible study, and on the weekends we often hang out late. God has truly blessed me with friends that are such an encouragement to me.

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My friend Trish and I!

Curt (left) and Jared (right)
Curt is an Oregon State fan all the way in NJ. His father went to OSU. Not many Oregon anything fans here in Jersey...so we have fun ribbing each other...and I must say my team came out on top in the Civil war. Yeah Oregon :-)

One of the young boys, maybe 5, got a hold of my camera and took all the pictures on here except the top and bottom. I think we have a future photographer.

His shoes. We had lots of pictures of the floor and people's shoes. Very artsy!

Meredith and I. She is my fellow nursing student...different programs but we get each other. We understand the stress called nursing school that is unlike any other schooling.

Philly Marathon update

So It is less than 2 weeks away I run the Philadelphia Marathon. I am really excited but at the same time apprehensive. I am not as well trained as I have in previous experiences which can make for a difficult time. I had some physical issues that kept me from running for the past 3 weeks. Last night I ran 12 and felt ok. But I never got as many long 20 mile runs as I had hoped. So this will prove to be an interesting experience and I am sure more painful than hoped. But I am looking forward to the challenge.

I am looking forward to the experience. I have a hotel room down there and some of my friends from church are coming to cheer me on. I will keep you posted.

Nursing Update

So I have finished 5 of my 8 exams. I have been pathetically consistent with straight B's. That was until test 6. I did not do well on that exam and unfortunately I have to redo it. The bad part about that is that I have to wait 60 days to retake it. This really puts a cramp in my plans of being done with the 8 exams by Thanksgiving. They won't let me schedule the Clinical exam until I have finished the 8 exams and the clinical exam is 3 to 6 months out from the time you apply. Ugg. this could place me with finishing at the same time 1000's of other NJ nurses are finishing there programs in April. Why does this matter? Well, the wait time for the NJ State board of Nursing exam I have to take goes from a 3 week wait to a 3 month wait. And also then I am jumping into the job market with all these nurses. In a country desperate for nurses...NJ is one of the few states that is not actively seeking new grads. This is due to so many hospital closures in the past few years.

I guess there is no need to worry about what tomorrow holds, and just focus on today. It is not like God has not been incredibly faithful through this entire process along the way. So tomorrow I will call and hope that I miss read the info, and if not I will take a more relaxed approach with my tests since I now have 2 months to finish.

The NY Yankees made it to the World Series and a few friends and I managed to get some tickets to go see them at the new Yankee stadium. It was an amazing opportunity and so much fun. Enjoy some pictures. And by the way the Yankees won the World Series! I am a Atlanta Braves fan but they didn't make it so I chose the home town team to cheer for. Besides Philly is in the same league as my Braves :-). Besides it was fun to pick on the Philly fans.

My friends Michelle and Manny at the world series.

Go Yankees!

Being kept safe by the sharp shooters! It's a different world in NY.

Michelle and I

The flag and our Military troops who were honored at the world series. I love this photo!

We moved

It has been a month and I am finally posting some photos of our new apartment. We moved into a 3 family home earlier in October. It is in a nice neighborhood in Bloomfield, NJ and is close to the main part of town with lots of restaurants and more hair and nail places than you can imagine. I won't be using them :-). It has all hardwood floors, is bright and airy as well as roomy. It has 2 bedrooms and a 3rd room for an office.

Our very big kitchen. Not fond of the yellow but love the space.

Looking into the kitchen from the dining room. My room is on the left.

Our front porch. We are on the second floor.

Our living room. I removed the carpet so now it is nice hard wood floors. I love the windows....Makes it so bright and airy.

Our built in China hutch in the dining room.

Our stained glass window in the dining room.

Faith on moving day...she was so stressed out and out of her mind!

Faith packed in a box when we were getting ready to move.

Land of the free because of the brave!

This summer I got the opportunity to go to a Freedom concert here in NJ with my good friend Carmen. It was intended to raise money for a scholarship fund for students whose parent was killed while serving in the U.S. Military. It was a great opportunity to celebrate and honor our troops who stand in harms way every day in order to protect our freedom.

This week has been a tough week for our military and it saddens me deeply that so many of our men and women who had survived Afghanistan or Iraq were killed when they came home by a man who said he was one of them. Please keep them in prayer and if you see one on the street shake their hand. Because we are free because of their sacrifice and so many before them.



Micheal W. Smith singing at the freedom concert!

Billy Ray Cyrus

Lt. Oliver North honoring scholarship recipients as well as wounded vetrans.

SWEET!!!!

Today was test 3 of 8. It was the more difficult of the three so far. But as you can tell by my title I did well....once again. I got another B. When I walked out of the test room to where you pick up your results, she said, "Way to go SaraJane." At that point she handed me the paper that showed I got a B. I asked her how do others do on these exams and she said, "they either fail or barely pass with a C. You are doing great!" Sweet that is such an encouragement that based on how others are doing I am doing well. I have 2 more exams in the next 2 weeks. I may have to push back the second exam depending on how our move this weekend goes...but either way I am flying through the material and doing well at the same time. What a blessing!

Finally I post! :-)

Sorry I haven't posted recently but for those of you asking...the past 4 posts are brand new. Enjoy!

32 weeks!

I started a woman's Bible study on Wednesday morning through Bible Study Fellowship. This morning was the second week. It is a 32 week study of the Book of John. Wow, if you haven't read through the book of John lately...I encourage you to read it. I have been so challenged this week by it. There are something like 200 woman who come and a waiting list of people wanting to join when they can get more teachers. Each week we do our Bible study independently throughout the week and then we meet with our discussion groups and talk about the questions we answered that week. Afterwards we all meet up and a woman gives a message on what we covered.

This week was an overview of the book of John and we read all 21 chapters of it. John stated in 20:30-31 these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. The whole book is a testimony to this point. Chapter 1 points to the fact that Jesus is God and He is the creator. Jesus came that we might know God. Chapters 2-12 are a record of the many signs that Jesus performed in order that people would believe that He is God. He healed the sick, turned water into wine, walked on water. Jesus' signs prove that He is God. Not only that but He claimed to be God...All people must respond to that truth. He can't be just a good man. He is either as Hesays He is, God, or He is a liar or a lunatic. Lastly the final chapters Jesus prepares His followers for His death on the cross. Jesus, died a brutal, torturous death for the forgiveness of our sins, but He conquered death in raising again.

I know this is a lot but, if you read the book of John everything is in there. It is a book that calls us to action and in one week has impacted me in so many ways. I can't imagine what 32 weeks of this book will do for my life. Some might believe this is brainwashing but this is not something someone is telling me, this is in the Bible, something I read for myself and studied for myself. I pray that these things I am learning won't just be heard but that it will change my actions and my purpose in life.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11

Times are good!

So much to blog and so little time. I am keeping very busy these days! I work mostly full-time for the hospital, rapidly finishing up school, and God has blessed me with many great friends and lots of things to be involved in at church. Recently I started working one Sunday a month in the nursery, holding babies while their parents get to go to church. And starting this October I will be joining the Worship team on Sunday mornings. Beyond that I have been really blessed with some great friendships that I have really been encouraged by. What a change from last year when I was so busy with school I didn't have time.

After church there is a big group of us that always go and hang out for lunch. 2 weeks ago 4 of us went over to Edgewater and went to the driving range. The driving range is on the Jersey side of the Hudson river and the view is of the NY city skyline. Afterwards we went and ate at Chevy's restaurant.

We're moving!!!

As of October 3rd my roommate and I will have a new place to call home. It is the second floor of a 3 family home (very common here in NJ). It has 2 bedrooms, a 3rd room for an office, a large kitchen, dining room (or sitting room) and living room. It also has a small porch off the second floor and a small yard that the landlord said we could fix up and use. Boy will Faith be happy. It is all hardwood floors and even has a built in china hutch as well as a stained glass window. I can't wait to take pictures and show you all.

The amazing thing...Apart from paying heat it works out to be about as much as we pay now between rent, renting a spot for each of our cars, and laundry at the laundry mat. This one has free parking, and free laundry facilities and is SOOOO much nicer. And to top it off we get to control our own heat. Praise the Lord for that. Last winter we were freezing in our apartment and I really didn't want to go through that again. Besides, I won't have to listen to BEEP, BEEP, BEEP and the roar of loud trucks as they come and go all hours of the night right outside my first floor window.

18 miles

Well, today I ran my first 18 mile run in preparation for the Philadelphia marathon. Usually I do my long runs on the Saturday but with having to work every other weekend it is a bit tough to do such a long run and then have to go stand on my feet for 8 hours and take care of patients. My job is physically demanding and is posing the biggest challenge in preparing for this marathon. My goal was to break 4 hours this time but now I feel like maybe since it is my first time doing a marathon with such a physically demanding job...maybe my goal will just to finish! I'm to competitive for that but at the same time this was a bigger adjustment than I realized.

18 miles covered 4 towns and a lot of steps. I usually use mapmyrun.com to map out a route which helps me know how far I run. The day was warmer than usual. Usually Faith (my dog) runs all of the miles with me but she has been sick so I only took her for 3 of the miles. As I have said before some days you go out and the run feels great...yes even at 18 miles. And other days it is a fight to just get through it. This run was a mix of both. By the last 4 or 5 miles I was wishing that I could switch feet like you change shoes. That seems to be the biggest problem for me is that because I am on my feet for long hours at work, they are more sore when I run these longer distances. But despite the pain, when I finished it was such an accomplishment. I love to have a goal and to meet it. Less than 9 weeks out from the marathon and I have many more runs like this. I have 2-3 18 and 20 mile runs as well as one 23 mile run before I get to the starting line. But what an accomplishment it will be to be out there running with thousands of other crazy's like me and to cross the finish after 26.2 miles. Can't wait to tell you about it.

Test 2

So Yesterday I took test number 2 of 8 and I rocked it. I got a B on it. YEAH!!! I am already scheduled for the next 3 exams between now and the 14th of October. Then I will just have my last 3 med surg tests to cover. It is going quickly and is easier than I expected. I guess I learned something in that crazy program I was in. Thanks for all your encouragement!

Marathon training

The marathon is 73 days away. By now, I had planned to have at least one 18 mile run done but unfortunately, I had a 3 week stretch with little running. Normally I run anywhere from 30min to an hour during the week and then on Saturday I have my long run which progresses in miles every week. I try to run at least 3 runs in the 20 mile distance before the race. You never run over 23 miles in training because at this distance it really only hurts your training rather than help it. However, due to an injury at work and some other problems, my running stalled for 3 weeks. This week, I was finally able to get out on the road and hopefully this Saturday I will do my first long run since the 1/2 marathon.

Marathon training is an amazing experience and I love to get out on the road and just run. There is no pressure, nobody talking to you, just you, the pavement, and God. It is often when I do my best thinking and processing. Though it is not easy to stay motivated and focused week after week.

I also love to take my dog. Many think I am crazy but she loves the runs. She is so happy out on the road and enjoys every second of it. She is three now and has done lots of running with me. She knows when I am throwing on my running shoes and sits by the door just waiting for me to leash her up and head out the door.

NYC 1/2 marathon

August 16th I ran the NYC 1/2 marathon which started in Central park. There were over 15,000 runners at the starting line...by far my biggest race I have been apart of. It was amazing to be around so many runners. We had an early start, having to be in the starting corrals by 6:45am. We had some famous runners like Ryan Hall and Deana Kastor.

My goal time was to run it in under 2 hours. However, the humidity and heat was so significant that I wasn't able to make it. But I was just excited to do this race. When I crossed the finish line, I was delirious and not making much sense. A medic ended up giving me salt and lots of fluids. In the end I was fine but many people had the same reaction because of the heat. It was ironic that we have had such a cool summer and very rainy...but this was one of the hottest days of the summer. Even at 6 am heading to the starting line it was warm and muggy.
Me at the starting line. Behind me were the corrals.
After running through central park we came out on 7th ave and ran through time square. What an amazing feeling it was when I came out of central park and to run down this street with all the buildings and we had the road to ourselves. Normally this street is packed with cars.

First exam

So I had my first exam for my new program. And I passed with flying colors...and not by the skin of my teeth as I got used to in my other nursing program. This was the first of 8 and it was way better than exams from my previous program. So far it seems to be a great program and I am looking forward to moving through it. My next exam is Sept 15th.

I schedule the exams myself online and then go to a Pierson Testing center a few miles from my house to take the exam. I don't have to go to classes since I already have done all the nursing classes. The hardest part is keeping motivated to study daily but I really want to finish ASAP so that seems to be keeping me going.

Life is good!

Life has been good! I am learning a lot, getting connected and building a lot of solid friendships, back in school, and working. For the most part I have a complete and unexplainable peace about not finishing nursing school in my previous program. However, on days like today when they took their last final...there have been moments when I wish things could be different. I was so close...but I know God had His hand in it all. As the weeks have passed I can see so many things I would not have been able to be apart of because of nursing school. I have finally been able to really connect with people here and find my place here in NJ.

Today, I was speaking to one of the nursing recruiters at my hospital. She was saying that our hospital currently has a freeze on hiring new graduate nurses. This is not just happening at my hospital but many of the area hospitals. While, much of the country is facing a major shortage of nurses...NJ is not facing that currently due to so many hospitals closing down leaving experienced nurses to fill in the gaps. She told me that come January when there aren't many nursing students finishing school the picture will be much different. What a relief to hear that. The reality is that once I finish my nursing I have to give up my job as a tech. I am no longer legally able to work as a tech. So I can see just another way that things are working out for the better.

Tomorrow I am spending the day with my friend down at 6 flags Great Adventure and then Sunday I will be racing in the New York City 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles). This is a good chance for me to gauge where I am at for my marathon. I would love to do under 2 hours but my priority is to run with my friend and enjoy watching her celebrate her first ever 1/2 marathon. I find a lot of joy helping and seeing others run races like this and realize that they just accomplished a major goal.

Here is something that has spoken to my heart lately. It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how much I fail or how uncertain I can become...God's promises are faithful. Every morning no matter what happened yesterday...it is a new day and His promises are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Where else can we find such promises.

The LORD'S loving kindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassion's never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I have hope in Him."
Lamentations 3:22-26

The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD.

Calvary Chapel Beach day 08/01/09

Saturday the first was my churches beach day. Unfortunately I had to go to work in the afternoon...but I did make the trip for the morning. It was a perfect hot day for the beach. There were a ton of us just hanging out on the beach and enjoying some fellowship. This is there annual baptism day and I believe 7 people were baptized in the Ocean.

Since I have not been in nursing school I have really had some great opportunities to fellowship and build some good friendships with people in the church.

At one point I went swimming with my friend Saul. We originally only went into our waste level. However, the waves were very big. Considering that not much Surfing happens in NJ, and there were a ton of surfers out...that says something. Well, we proceeded to get hammered by 3 waves in a row. The kind of waves that slam you to the Ocean floor and flip you around. Saul lost his sunglasses so we decided to swim out a little further. Usually this is better because then you aren't where the Waves are breaking. Well after a bit out there the lifeguards were calling us back. He was swimming back no problem. Me on the other hand...I was swimming in place. The Riptide was so strong it was carrying me sideways toward the pier. On top of that the waves were crashing on top of me and pulling me backwards. Before the lifeguard got to me to pull me out...Saul had me hold onto his leg and pulled me out. I was a lifeguard for many years, and I am a very strong swimmer but I must say that one really took me by surprise. I know that the rule is to swim with the riptide till it breaks but I was too close to the pier and the waves were to big. Needless to say I have a new appreciation for the power of water. My friend likes to tell the story as if I really was in the shallow and I was flopping around in the water yelling "Lifeguard save me." He then says he picked me up and said SaraJane your in the shallow water! Trying to make it sound like I was just doing it for attention :-) Sounds a bit like something my big brother Sean would do.

I wish I had some pictures to share but I forgot my camera. I will definitely take some pictures during my half marathon coming up a week from this Sunday. Love and miss you all!

Marathon training 1

Next week I officially start my marathon training for the Philadelphia Marathon November 22. I have already ran as long as 15 miles at one time. Over the next few months I will do weekly runs that are more than that.

Marathons are one of the few races that you don't run that distance or more in your training. They find it to be more of a hindrance rather than a help. My longest run will be 23 miles. So Saturday I generally do my long run...nice and slow. My dog loves these runs! During the week I run 3 or so times and go to the gym to cross train.

Today I ran for an hour...but it was very humid and gross out. That can make a run difficult. I am proud of myself for adapting to be able to run in the summers here. I still try to get up early but the problem is when it cools off, the humidity rises.

A lot of people think that I am gung hoe for every run. I promise you I am not. I have to fight the same battles that everyone else does. The thoughts of "maybe I can just sleep in today", "I don't want to run", "Really if I just skip today will it matter". The thing that motivates me is one...my dog loves to run, two....I like the quiet peaceful time to think and pray, three...I like how it makes me feel.

Philadelphia here I come!

I have officially signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon (26.2 miles) for November 22 of this year. I have been antsy to do another marathon since I ran the Portland Marathon a little while ago.

Training for a marathon is something that requires discipline, focus and desire. But to be honest if you have the desire...the other things will fall into place. I used to help with a program that trained people who never thought they could run a marathon to be able to do so. It was so much fun for me to see people reach their individual goals and do something that very few people ever accomplish by running a marathon.

My longest run currently is 15 miles and I still have lots of time till I have to run it. I am definitely ahead of schedule but with a marathon even the best laid plans may not work. It is so easy to get injured or have something interfere.

Keep posted here to see the ups and downs of training for a marathon.

YEAH!!!!

So I found out that I was accepted to Excelsior's nursing program. A chance to start over and finish the dream that I know was placed on my heart by God. I plan to take my first 2 or 3 exams here very shortly. I have a total of 8 exams. Once those are finished I will take a 2 1/2 day clinical exam which means I will have to travel somewhere and may have to wait 4 months for. My goal is to be finished by January but in all reality I am learning very quickly that my plans are not God's plans. And I am also learning that His plans are much better than my own.

A blog of many things

Well, life is keeping me busy. I have had a very light work load since school ended because I did not make it on the current schedule and the census is low as usual for the summer so being on call has not proved very fruitful. However, I will have a minimum of 3 days a week on the upcoming schedule and hoping even more on the mid-August schedule.

Despite this I am keeping busy! I am studying to take the exams to finish my RN program which I should know about in 3 weeks. The only reason I wouldn't be accepted is if they decided I had finished less than 50% of nursing school which should not even be a question.

We have a new little one in the family...baby Jolie is 2 weeks old. I have been helping my sister n law out and enjoying lots of holding time with the precious new baby.



I am also getting a lot of running in which has been great. I ran 13.5 miles today with my dog so I am well ahead of where I need to be for the NYC 1/2 marathon in August which is 13.1 miles. I am also training for a marathon this fall. I applied for the lottery in the NYC Marathon (26.2 miles) but did not get in so I am looking at a few others, mainly Philadelphia in November. My main training partner is my dog, but I have found a friend at church who is at the same distance I am and we are a perfect match for running. A few weekends ago we ran 12 miles on a trail in Ridgewood, NJ. It was absolutely gorgeous and we were well protected from the heat with lots of shade.

Besides studying and relaxing I am looking forward to getting back to a regular work schedule. I like schedules. When I am in a schedule and routine I sometimes think that it would be nice to not have that, but in down times I realize how nice it is to have a regular routine and schedule.

Beach Day

Last week the clan added another little girl to the mix. She was born on Tuesday the 23rd at 8lbs. I was commissioned to take care of my niece and nephew for a few days and to celebrate the big event...as well as to keep their minds preoccupied while we waited mommy and baby sisters arrival we spent our last day at the beach. It began as a cloudy and humid day but ended up being 87 degrees and sunny. This was our first real day of summer as we have been bombarded with rain. My roommate Audrey joined us for the day and we had a day of sand castle building, digging a gigantic hole, picking up sea shells, and playing in the waves. I love the beach...it is beautiful and there is no humidity....now that I can call summer.

My niece and nephew chilling at the beach!
What started out as a cloudy and muggy day turned into a beautiful sunny day!
Her sun protection...the darn hat wouldn't stay out of her eyes.

Aunt and niece and no she is not as tall asme...I am just on my knees :-)
He looks like a mini version of his father. Thumbs up dude!
Building sand castles. Waiting for baby sister to come home from the hospital...a perfect way to spend the day waiting.


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Patrick started to dig a big hole and then got Audrey and later me on the task. He thought it would be really cool if it was as deep as him...so we obliged.

He started the hole but it got too deep for him to continue...

So he got Audrey in on it and later me while he gave orders...


It is getting deeper and deeper and deeper!
Wow she says! This is really deep!

They then proceeded to bury me in it and later themselves.