SPRING BREAK!!

I'm so excited! I've made A's on my last TWO nursing exams, it's absolutely beautiful outside, and today starts my 11 day break from school! Yes, I will be studying over my break because we have a pharmacology test our first day back, and I will be getting my neglected house back in order....but I'm happy for the time off! Oh, did I mention that I also have an assignment for an pediatric observational experience that I'll likely do over the break? Yeah, lots going on. And the best part....my bff may be flying in to see me for a weekend! So excited!

Not too bad for my first attempt at a hand made purse!

 I found the pattern for this cute crocheted purse here: Just One More Line and I had to try it. The pattern works up very fast & easy. I wanted to purchase a leather handle for my purse, but I checked several different stores and no one had a handle I liked, so I just crocheted it as well. I may need to add some lining to the handle to keep it from stretching, though.

 Making the liner was the hardest part for me because I don't sew. I watched numerous tutorials I found around the internet, and after two attempts,  I finally figured it out.  I don't have a sewing machine, so I hand sewed the liner and hand sewed it to the purse. I pulled that ribbon out of my scrapbooking supplies, but I will probably purchase a wider ribbon to string through.

I have started crocheting another purse with this pattern in black, but I am making it a bit smaller. Hopefully, I'll manage to add some pockets inside that one!

Crocheted Baby Blanket

So, amidst my crazy nursing school schedule, keeping on top of my studies, family stuff, etc., I managed to finished a crocheted blanket for an expecting friend. I'm debating whether or not I want to weave a satin ribbon around the edging. I thought it might be a good way of personalizing the blanket when we find out what she's having, you know, make it more boy/girl specific.

I survived the Pharmacology Calculations Test!

I am so relieved! We have 3 chances to take this test, and I passed the 2nd round.  We are not allowed to use a calculator and there are some difficult conversions on this test, converting from 3 different systems; apothecary, household, and metric.  It wouldn't be so bad, but that apothecary system is confusing and involves fraction like 1/600 or 1/34.  And, there were many conversion facts to memorize. About 1/2 my class failed the first test, but by the 3rd, EVERYONE passed! We were told this was the first time in about 8 years that EVERYONE passed this test! I'm so proud of my classmates.  :)

My break is almost over...

Well, the three weeks off over Christmas was a MUCH needed break. I spent the 2nd week babysitting a couple of my former daycare kiddos since their current sitter was on vacation. It was nice to see them and Lord knows I needed the money. Things are definitely rough financially without me working, so I need all the prayers I can get to keep us going while I'm in nursing school!

Here are the books I'll need to carry to class every day this semester. All 5 of them, though that med-surg book is the size of two, so it's more like carrying 6 books.

 I have my bag packed & ready. This backpack that Tony got from the basketball southern conference is very sturdy & just about the right size. All 5 of my books fit in the big pocket, my supplies & nursing 102 syllabus -all 198 pages- fit in the middle pocket & my lunch bag fits in the front. I don't even have my pharmacology syllabus yet. That'll need to go in there, too. I don't have enough room for a binder, so I have the units stapled together so I can easily access them during class lectures. The syllabus outlines the topics/objectives for each unit & includes the clinical check-off sheets.

Unfortunately, I can't use my cute 31 tote this semester since I have much more to carry. That tote worked out very well for me last semester, but I'll be able to use it again for my third/final semester of this program.
I weighed my bag on the bathroom scare & read 25+ lbs. And, that's without my lunch, snacks & drinks in it. *sigh* That'll be a bear to carry up & down 3 flights of stairs.  On the bright side, maybe it'll help me lose the 6 lbs I gained over Chrsitmas break & the other 6 I gained since starting the practical nursing program!

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 I had planned to spend this last week studying and brushing up on my math skills & learning conversions to prepare for my pharmacology class (today is Thursday & it starts on Monday), but I haven't had much chance to, yet. Today is the first day all week that I've been home alone with no distractions, so studying is definitely on today's agenda!
Wish me luck!! I am off to study.

[Oh joy. Studying during my break]

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I am liking blogger's updated editor! Nice!

My 'Cranberry' Necklace

I had a little time to make some jewelry

I love being on break and actually having time to be creative!