BSN, RN

What a week it has been! I don't even know where to begin. I guess the biggest news is that I am officially Catherine Crowder, BSN, RN!!! I am a little bit excited about this, in case you couldn't tell. It is very encouraging that everyone I graduated with has been able to pass the NCLEX (so far). I know I couldn't have done it without them, some pretty great professors and clinical instructors, and, of course, the mother (who is also a nurse). It is pretty ironic that I've ended up where I have. If you had asked me in middle school if I was going to be a nurse like my mom, I would've laughed in your face. But here I am! And I'm so excited about doing pediatric nursing! Love those kiddos. 

Now, that I know I have for sure passed the NCLEX, I will tell you that I was a complete wreck on Tuesday when I took the test. There's really no words to describe it. I pretty much always very calm and collected. I don't get nervous about tests. That morning, I woke up, worked out, showered, painted my nails, got ready, and then it hit me. This is it. Like I have no plan B if this doesn't work. (Although the mother thinks I could be a trainer because "you like working out and telling other people what to do"...uh, thanks?) I made it to the testing center with time to spare (I don't recommend that), got all checked in, got to my station, and started the test. I think the first couple were easy. But I got to one point, and was like, "I have no idea what is happening anymore." Thank goodness I was able to start back at Zumba that night!  

My advice on taking the NCLEX would be to do LOTS of practice questions. I wouldn't worry about content. There's literally no way to know what you're going to get. 

In other news, I finished up Insanity and have started Combat, complimented by Zumba. Party. Because the only thing better than one workout a day...is more than one! The brother ran off to Maui for his senior trip without me. Joke is on him...I cleaned out his room...you don't even want to know. Let's just say he's no longer allowed to take food back there. Today, I finally got the chance to head down to Moore, OK and help with some of the cleanup. The video coverage and the pictures don't do it justice. It's just incredible. 

So...coming soon:

• {Workout Review} Insanity
• Banana Bread Bars
• Spicy Italian Chicken 

BSN? Check.

Well, I made it! I had my pinning ceremony for nursing school last Thursday and graduation last Friday. It was a grand time, and it was especially nice to have some family in from out-of-town and to celebrate with some friends i haven't seen in a while. I'm relieved to be done, however I can't believe how fast time has gone! I'm so thankful for each of my fellow nursing students and instructors who have shared this journey with me...and to my non-nursing friends and family for being supportive and understanding (or at least for putting up with me and my madness). It really has been an incredible journey. As I was going through pictures for my slideshow, I was reminded of all the remarkable opportunities I've had in college and all the wonderful people I've met. I've been blessed! Next step = passing boards. And job hunting.

In the mean time, I'm working on house stuff, cooking, getting the baby brother ready to graduate high school and all that jazz. I've also started the second month of Insanity...killer. Like, I'm in decent shape. I've been doing extreme workouts for a while. And I'm getting slaughtered. Thank goodness for endorphins!

Hopefully I'll get some foodstuff posted soon!