GO FROGS!!

Well, I'm happy and relieved to say that I survived my first round of tests. YEA!! My next round of tests begin October 2. Until then I will continue my "normal" regimen of studying about 10+ hours a day. Sadly, two fellow CRNA students have already dropped out of the program (for undisclosed reasons). The idea of not passing my tests and having to drop out of the program is nearly traumatic to me at this point. I can't even imagine it...I have too much to lose. I do know this...Christmas is going to feel extra SWEET this year! I get nearly a month off between semesters and I'll be back home in Oklahoma permanently with all my wonderful friends and family!

On a lighter note, tomorrow is TCU's first home game of the season and we play Texas State. TCU is currently ranked 15th (not too shabby, eh?). I will be taking a break from my studying tomorrow night to show my school spirit by attending the game tomorrow night at 6 pm. It will mark the first college football game I have EVER attended! Pretty sad, huh? I look forward to the break, as it will be nice to get out and enjoy some fresh air, and support the team of the school I LOVE!! GO FROGS!!

When it rains, it pours

Life has been absolutely CRAZY for me over the past few weeks! Murphy's Law went into effect pretty much right after I moved to Fort Worth. Two days before my very first CRNA class, my LCD monitor on my laptop decided to blow out! I ended up having to go to Wal-Mart to buy a cable to hook my laptop up to my LCD television just so I could use my computer!!! My living room in my apartment turned into a circus in a matter of minutes! There were wires and cables everywhere. To top things off, I had to put my printer on the floor so it could reach my laptop, which had to remain hooked up to my non-mobile 32-inch screen LCD tv. Because my laptop got so hot I had to place a blanket underneath the laptop to protect the table from the heat (since I'm renting the furniture and have NO desire to buy it).

CRNA school is no-doubt tough. I'm nearly 3 weeks into the program and I've never studied so much in my life. The wealth of information that is fed to us is nothing short of phenomenal. It's a good experience, though. I feel very fortunate, everyday, that I have been allowed this opportunity. Yes, it's a challenge. But what fun is life if you can't challenge yourself, right? I had my very first test this past Friday (September 11) in Anatomy and Physiology. I didn't think it was all that bad, but I had studied extensively for it. That being said, I won't get my grade on it until Monday (September 14). I have a Pharmacology exam Monday and a Chemistry exam on Wednesday. The weekdays are so congested with new information that I spend the weekends just trying to catch-up from the week (absorb all the new info). I am slowly finding my study routine and getting into my groove. It isn't uncommon for me to spend 8 hours or more a day studying (on the average). Days I have class all day (10 am-5 pm) I come home and study from about 6pm-11pm, and then on my "off" days I study about 10 hours or so (including the weekends). Everyone is different, though. This is just the regimen that seems to be working for me. No matter what, though, I make sure I get adequate sleep. I do manage to sleep about 8 hours a night. Things aren't ALWAYS work, work, work. For example, after this past A&P test on Friday, Tarran and I thought a little "de-briefing" was in order, so we went to a little bar/grill called "Snookies" and had a purple margarita, which they lovingly refer to as a "Frogarita!"

My birthday was Wednesday, September 9. I am now 32 years old. Booooooo. I did spend my birthday in Fort Worth, which was unfortunate as I did not get to be with close friends and family in my hometown. I tried to look at it like it was just another day. My sister sent me flowers (see pic below) which was very thoughtful indeed.




I wasn't completely alone. Friends and family called me and sent me all kinds of messages. I still felt very special. It was a pretty great day after all. Chris gave me a special gift. He "wrapped" it up Chris-style in towels and rubber-bands (see below). He got me a brand new netbook computer and peripheral speakers! It was absolutely perfect because I could have a monitor again and actually use my tv for what it was intended for (not that I ever have time)! And I didn't have to be confined to the couch/coffee table anymore. Additionally, the netbook has a built-in webcam and microphone so Chris and I can chat back and forth that way and feel a little closer to each other. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift that came at the most perfect time. Here's the pic of Chris's beautiful wrap job! I love him!!!

Up until now, being away from Tulsa (and everyone in it) has been extremely tough on me. I've always been a very independent person who enjoys quality "alone" time, so it really surprised me how difficult it was on me. Inch by inch, day by day, it's gotten a little easier. I think I can say I'm finally "adjusted." Well, I don't cry anymore, anyway. Ha! Ha! I plan on driving home in a couple of weekends, so that also gives me something to look forward to. First things first, though....gotta go study for Pharmacology and Chemistry exams!!!