I have been away from this little writing corner for a while now and I am not quite sure why. I mean, it's not like I have been busy. Really. I have not been busy. I have been anxious to write about the most amazing experience of graduating from nursing school, and for whatever reason I have continued to put it off. But, here I am.
Off and on over the last month, I've considered no longer "blogging." I'm not really a "writer." And I have just 6 followers (although I have a ton of page views, so I know you are reading..thank you for that!) But, I figure even if I no longer "blog" at least I should write about the wrap up of nursing school. It's how this blog came to be...my journey through nursing school.
So...our 4th semester came to a close with our final on December 12th. It was a bittersweet end--such relief and also some sadness with knowing that our life and routine over the last two years as we knew it was about to end. After much anxiety and some drama regarding our final grades on the following day, I found out that I would be graduating!
My mom and both of my sisters came to town. Actually, my sister, Andrea, surprised us all and flew in and made the graduation even more special. It's been a very long time since we were all together.
I was beyond honored when I was selected by my class to speak at our ceremony. About two weeks before our graduation I put together a speech with very little effort. Over the course of the two weeks, I added and edited here and there. But, the day before our ceremony, on Sunday, I finally decided I needed to rehearse. Oops...after 13 minutes I was only halfway through. I panicked. I went back to the computer and did more editing. Still too long. I went back for more and still...too long!! I was having major anxiety. Like, seriously, my heart was pounding out of my chest, as if I was about to walk on that stage right then and give this speech. Meanwhile, my sister walks into my house surprising me, and although I tried to contain my panic, I was a mess. Finally, I decided....it is what it is. I cut out what I could and I hoped I wouldn't put anyone to sleep. It was time to enjoy my time with my family. And that we did. My aunt and uncle hosted an amazing dinner for us that night and we enjoyed some wonderful quality time.
So, Monday came. I drove Rylee to school that morning (yes, I made her go to school in the morning) and practiced my speech for her in the car. She was like.."uh, you aren't really going to say that are you?" "Yes, I am," I said. She is my harshest critic. Our pinning ceremony was lovely and my speech went off without a hitch and I don't think anyone went to sleep!
I felt so honored and grateful that my family and some of my nearest and dearest friends who made the effort to be there that day. I mean, Monday at 2:00...taking off work or making arrangements for kids or whatever. It meant the world to me for them to be there for something that was such a huge accomplishment for me. I received some of the most sincere, heartfelt feedback in cards and texts after our ceremony and my heart never felt so full.
After the ceremony, friends and family gathered for a fun celebration at the Yard House...a festive time with good music, cocktails and appetizers. I tried my best to take in every moment, as surreal as it was.
Unfortunately, Andrea had to go home the following day, but I got my mom and sister Sheri for awhile longer. Actually, Sheri stayed for a whole 10 days. We got in some good sister time. Don't remember the last time that happened.
So...what's happened since then? A lot of celebrating. About 3 solid weeks of celebrating. Cleaning the house and organizing. Catching up on life, coffee with friends, and trying to get back into shape. Cooking. And studying...because, yes, I have graduated, but now I, along with my entire class, await hearing from the Board of Registered Nursing, as to when we can take the NCLEX. I am beside myself that they are so behind in processing applications. So....we wait. And continue to study.
Tune in for more. Maybe I'm not done blogging.
