Thanksgiving, school, work

I headed down to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. It was such a fun break from school and work! All of the Salls siblings were there-so it was a full house, but tons of fun! We saw Harry Potter and Tangled, played tons of games, talked, cooked, ate, read, went black Friday shopping, and went on Saturday night date.

We went to the Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay hotel. It was so fun! There were so many cool sharks and fish. I loved reading the descriptions about each of them. My favorite part was the jellyfish though. I tried to get a good picture of that, but no luck. They had a purple light shining on them and it was so beautiful and captivating.

Picture is not the best quality...trying to get the stingrays in the background=over exposed photo.



Today I finished my last final for the semester. Only one more semester to go until I have my bachelors of nursing! I am so glad I decided to do it. I have so many ambitions, and I am glad that I am one semester closer to checking this one off my list! This past semester went by really fast. I had the best group and we worked well together and rocked every assignment. It was probably my favorite experience with group work in my entire 2 degree college experience. I have probably had other good experiences, but this is just the most recent. Usually group work is not my favorite, but these ladies were awesome! We were all committed to doing our work!

Speaking of work...I have been working a ton! Although I am really really tired, (so tired people are commenting on my looks) I really like it. I am excited to be using my knowledge and learning so much at the same time! I have also discovered, at my particular facility, I really enjoy working the night shift! Surprising I know! I have made some new fun friends at work and it makes the time pass so much faster! I look forward to seeing my patients and laughing at all the funny things that happen while I am there. My schedule has worked out so I can continue to volunteer at the free clinic! I have been there since the beginning of August! I have really enjoyed working with my co workers there and helping people in my community.

I was told that I snore

Jeffrey surprised me with a WEEK visit! I thought he would be coming for just the weekend, but it turned out to be 7 days! We had a lot of fun!....and some not so fun times such as when I got sick and laid in bed for the whole day or had to train and work leaving Jeffrey behind.

Here is what we did:

Sunday night-Jeffrey arrived at the end of ward prayer. We had fun hanging out with my roommates talking.

Monday-I was sick. We went grocery shopping and that completely wiped me out! The rest of the day and night was spent with me sleeping in bed. Who knows what Jeffrey did, I was zonked out! I also was informed that I snore, but was assured that it was "cute." Hello...I was sick! I couldn't breathe through my nose! :-)

Tuesday-I had school. After class we played football at the park by my house, then went to pizza and bowling with my nursing friends. We had a really fun time hanging out with Drew, Kim, Joni, and Ryan! I am pretty sure that I took last out of everyone...but its okay. I did get 1 strike!


Wednesday- I had my first day of training at work! Jeffrey got up and took me there at 5:40Am so he could have my car for the day. Thankfully, while I was gone, he replaced my AWFUL shower head! Seriously, it HURT me to shower. Now I have one that is so pleasant. After work we went and saw Secretariat and came home for a homemade dinner of Chicken salad sandwiches.

Thursday-Piano lesson with Lani. Jeffrey played with Joseph and Katrina while I tickled the ivories. Then we went to hike the Y. If you scroll back, you will see that I documented the last time I hiked it. Nope, not any easier this time! Why is that hike so hard for me!? The look on my face says it all. Then I went to the Volunteer Clinic to work and Jeffrey went to play with the nieces and nephews at the elementary school.

Friday-I planned out a scavenger hunt all over Provo and Orem. It was pretty funny when Jeffrey would guess the clue wrong...I caved in and gave him some hints though. After that we headed up to Bountiful. We ate dinner at Wingers and then headed to Erica's wedding reception. The saddest thing happened there. I don't even know if i can do the story justice typing it. Long story short, Jeffrey was helping this man in a wheelchair get out the door. Then he offered to help the old man down the ramp and to his car, but the man refused his help. THEN...all of a sudden the man just flies down the ramp and CRASHES at the bottom and FALLS out of his wheelchair!! Oh my! It was horrible! We run over to the man to help him back into his wheelchair. He wasn't too badly hurt, luckily! Then we headed to the Hale Theater to see the Drowsy Chaperone. While we were watching it...Jeffrey realized that his old mission companion was in the play!! The show was great! Then we went over to Jt and Kali's to hang out.
Saturday-We got up early to go to IHOP to meet the mission companion and his wife for breakfast. It was really fun to meet them and we just had a such a great time talking over breakfast. Next, we headed to a service project for an autistic school here-we were helping prepare for their gala fundraiser. Then made a quick stop by Zupas and got sandwiches to go and headed to Sandy for a Real Salt Lake game. It was the first time that either of us had been there! We had a BLAST! First of all, we found $5 parking! Then our seats were so close. Next we heard the beat of drums-yes they allow fans to bring in drums and they played the whole game! It was so fun! Sadly...we lost. On our way home we stopped by the hospital to see Jeffrey's aunt and uncles new baby boy!

Sunday-We went to a baby blessing for our good friends and then Jeffrey and Jonny took off for Vegas.

We had a busy and fun week!!

The scoop

Here is the inside scoop on the past few weeks:

1. I went on my first cruise ever to Mexico with my family! It was so fun...and it was a surprise for my Mom. I am hoping to snag some pics from my siblings...but here are a few that I have. We went jet skiing in the ocean, ate at a taco stand, rode horses on the beach, found a yummy bakery, got a massage, many trips to the steam room and sauna, a murder mystery game, and fun dinners together!

2. I had my last shift doing flu shots.

3. I GOT A JOB!!! Yes...another one! Hopefully this one lasts! I haven't started yet, but I will be working part time nights.

some good news and some bad news

Prepare for a roller coaster of emotions...

THE GOOD NEWS: I got a job as a Nurse
THE BAD NEWS: I was "let go" from my new job.

THE GOOD NEWS: My new roommates are really thoughtful and got a pie to celebrate my new job with!

THE BAD NEWS: Someone is eating my food. I went to make no-bake cookies and my supplies were all gone. :-(

THE GOOD NEWS: I went on a trip to Las Vegas.
THE BAD NEWS: I had to come home.


Now the explanations:

I have applied to so many nursing jobs! The market is just not the hottest right for nurses. I finally was called for my first interview! The interview went great! They really liked me and I felt really good about the job. A couple days later I got the call saying that the job was mine! I started training the next day! Because I had finally landed a steady job, I canceled a lot of shifts at the flu shot clinic. I started training with this new job. It was going really well! I really like the job and I knew it would be something I'd be good at. Then today happened....I was called in and let go today...for a reason that is not all that clear to me. They said they needed someone else with more experience. They knew I was a new nurse when they hired me! I had only been training one day! How could they even know my skills!? I could go on and on about how I feel this was wrong and unfair, and pretty sketchy, but I won't. And now I am missing out on all those flu shot clinic hours that I canceled for this job! Just know I am very discouraged about the job situation.

When I had received the good news of the job, my roommates surprised me with a french silk pie to celebrate! I had had 3 intramural games and when I came home we partied and were all so excited. That was so thoughtful of them!! I really am enjoying my new roommates. There have been a few mystery food and supply disappearances. I am not pointing fingers or blaming...just saying I seem to be missing some things.

I went on a little weekend trip to Las Vegas. It was so warm and fun! Okay, I will admit at times it was a little too hot... We went swimming, hiking, a fun Friday night date to Maycayo's (mexican restaurant) and to the Fremont Experience (old Las Vegas strip), helped with a Pennies by the Inch carnival, watched Prince of Persia, hung out with the fam, and more! It was a very fun and relaxing trip. Then I had to come home. Back to school and such.

more school

School started again. I'm not really feeling it. I was so motivated to finish my second bachelors all summer. Now that it is here, motivation has slipped out the window.

Only 24 more credits. 2 semesters. 1 school year.

I can do it...if I can just find that motivation again! And I need to find it quick!

Also, I need a job.

trying to be less boring

Well, the fact of the matter is, my blog is kind of boring. If i am bored with it...i must assume my readers are as well. I am sorry. I have sat down several times with a new blank page, but i can never think of anything fun/interesting to say. Does anyone still read my blog?

I guess I will just talk about some of the things I have been doing.

1. I have read The Help, The Hunger Games, and Catching Fire. I loved them all and would recommend them to anyone else looking for a fun summer read.
2. Microdermabrasion. One might say im a little obsessed with skin. I have been doing micro d and chemical peels for quite some time on my face in an attempt to rid my face of some acne scarring. But now i am trying just doing micro d more often without the peels. we will see if it works any better.
3. Went home to seattle. Went to Vancouver BC with Kali- i will write more about when i steal pictures off her camera. We went to Reeds baptism-it was very fun and then we had an outdoor birthday party for him afterwards at our house. He even shared his gummi bears with me. We also went hiking and to the beach. I enjoyed playing trolls with Maria, Annemarie, and Levi, and chatting with my loving sister Lise.
4. I love my family. The older i get and the more i hang out with them the COOLER they become. I just really love them. We did a murder mystery party at John and Lani's. I had such a great time.
5. Spending time in nature. I am going on lots of walks and hikes.
6. applying for jobs. i do a lot of this. no interviews yet.
7. Paino- Lani is a great and patient teacher and i am getting better! I am about to make it to level 2!

Favorite Dance

I love the show So You Think You Can Dance! This year it is a little different because each contestant dances with someone who has previously been on the show. I really like Alex-he is such a good dancer. Watch this video-keep in mind he does ballet!! Holy Smokes!! This definitely is my favorite dance this season...and could be my favorite dance of all time!!!

Exercise Motivation

My sister Lise and I have been doing a workout challenge together. Exercise has a lot of benefits!

These are just a few of benefits to a lifelong exercise program:
1. It improves your mood
2. Combats chronic disease such as heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, etc.
3. Helps manage weight
4. Boosts energy level
5. Promotes better sleep

These are all things I want/need in my life!

I have been doing my favorite work out DVD of all time-Kathy Ireland Core Workout. It is amazing-abs, buns, and thighs! And I am trying to run everyday.



Well, lets just say I have been slacking a little. Luckily my friend Adam showed me this video to help motivate me!

Boy! This sure changed my exercise attitude! I am so motivated I am ready to start working out twice a day!

Celebration Time! I passed!!!

I took the NLCEX (nursing boards) on Tuesday June 15th. I could barely sleep a wink the night before. It had been a busy week before. I spoke in church. Packing. Studying. Going to class. But I was ready! Not so much in the sense that I knew everything, but I just wanted to take it and get it over with. So after tossing and turning all night long, 5:55AM come and my alarm rings. I get ready. Eat breakfast, grab my snack, and suitcase and head out the door. I had no idea how long the test would take me. You are allowed 6 hours for it.

I get there. I am the 3rd person in line. Then we have to go through all of these security measures. They scan your hand, fingers, show id...I even had to take my headband off because it was too big! Nothing on your wrists. Then you go into another room, they repeat the process. Finally I am seated in booth #6. The test begins. I was calm. Some questions I knew. Some I didn't. But i just kept a steady pace. Then I noticed that I was on question #70. The minimum number you can get is 75. I keep answering. Question 75...and I hit the next button. The test shuts down. My test is over! That is when my heart started to panic a little. Could my test already be over! At 75!? Did I really get the minimum? Did I pass? They come and get you at your station and then you have to do the security measures again to leave!

And there I am 9:15 AM-done! I had scheduled a flight to Las Vegas for later on in the afternoon. Since I had so much time....I got my cracked windshield fixed and went shopping and out to lunch. It was such a relief to have the test over with!

I headed to Vegas to 1. celebrate if I passed or 2. drown my sorrows if I did not pass. The thing about the NCLEX is that you do not find out if you passed right away. It takes a couple of days to get your results!

Jeffrey bought tickets to see Tarzan at the Tuacahn theater in St. George. So Wednesday night we drove there. Tarzan was great! It was really windy, but it just kind of added to the jungle feel! We got home close to 1Am...and MY RESULTS WERE POSTED! JANET MARIE HILTON: REGISTERED NURSE!!!!

I was so excited!! So its official now. I am a registered nurse. I can work as a nurse! That sounds so crazy to me! So now I am busy trying to find a job!!

So we spent the rest of the week celebrating in Las Vegas! We swam, played Bocce ball, ate cafe rio, went to the strip, went shopping, ate at the cheesecake factory, made tie die shirts, practiced piano, did homework, watched the world cup, took naps, did p90x, mowed the lawn, stopped by my favorite Las Vegas lookout, and celebrated fathers day! It was a great week.

Now I am back at my place in Provo. Its back to real life. And my REAL LIFE now includes me being a NURSE!! How cool!!! :-)

My ride

Some of you may have seen this video. SO funny! And it just makes me so proud!

Can I just say that I have been rocking the Swagger Wagon for several years now. Yeah-you have taken a ride in Tic Tac. You know how great it is. Before this video some people laughed. But not anymore.

Will I ever be able to move onto another car?

Shout out to my SISTAS-Lise and Lani- who also are van drivers.

#2

I graduated again. Woohhooo.

It started off with John's graduation and a fun graduation party. John spoke at convocation and did such a great job!!

Then, there was the pinning ceremony. It is a traditional nursing thing when you license you get pinned. I wrote new lyrics to the song Mama I'm a big girl now from Hairspray, and a bunch of us performed it. Then my MOM was able to pin me a nurse! It was so great! She is an RN too!!



Next was UVU commencement and convocation. Just of few of us girls walked. It was very fun and I cant wait to do it again next year!


Final step-take boards! They are coming up soon!!

Pathophysiology

I just finished 17 pages of notes on pulmonary diseases. Then tomorrow morning i will study those 17 pages for 5-6 hours. Then i will take a patho QUIZ. Not a test...and quiz. Yes, that much studying does go into just a quiz. This class is hard. Sometimes i cant believe that I am study the body so in depth. I may not like studying for so many hours...but I LOVE this class. It is so interesting! It even can cheer me up when i am sad!

Example:
Me: "I am so stressed, i have so much to do. i dont want to do any of it. I just want to cry."
Jeffrey: "Would you like to tell me about your patho class instead?"
Me: "YES! that would be great."

Then i proceed to teach Jeffrey things about the body and i am happy and destressed once again!

Im almost done with my second college degree! WHOOHOOO! Im gonna be a nurse this summer! Does that sound as crazy to you guys as it does to me!???

Expanding your Horizons event-teaching young girls about becoming nurses

Sister Appreciation Night

I am on the activities committee and we put on a Sister Appreciation Night! We made this video to give ideas on how women can be appreciated.

Watch the Video HERE!!

Then on the actual night we had a formal dinner and dance! Jeffrey and I mixed up Italian soda drinks! They were a hit! Raspberry is our favorite. They showed two more movies-one of all the girls as babies and then another one interviewing the guys in our ward about their thoughts on women. Sooo funny! Each girl got to take a rose home-but less people came than we thought, so I made out like a bandit with 2 dozen red and orange roses to take home! sweet!!

First time for...

Hello. Life is busy. But so fun! Did I mention busy though? Yeah, time is flying and I feel like there are a million things that need to get done. And i am working on that list. But, I can't work all the time, and a little fun was in order. So Jeffrey took me...

snowboarding.

My first time. It was hard. Harder than skiing. But I looked like a pro out there on that bunny hill! It was a blast to go night skiing and then out to a favorite pizza place in Salt Lake!

We have also spent time watching the Olympics!!!, babysitting, a murder mystery party, broom hockey, courgarette concert, and making homemade chocolate chip cookies! All of this has happened in between trips to the library! Don't be fooled, I really am studying a lot!

California Dreamin'

Hey Friends-

I find myself with a little extra time tonight. Time for a new blog post!

I will post pictures and fun stuff...but a little reflection first.

Time is really going by fast! I can hardly believe it! It is already February of 2010 and I will be graduating in APRIL and will start working as a nurse. That is so soon!! It is hard to think that almost two years ago I started nursing school! I have changed a lot from that first day of nursing school. Mom was here helping me move. I was SO nervous. I didn't know anyone at UVU and my teacher kept sending these emails telling us that we had to have all this stuff done on the first day, but i couldn't find the information i needed to complete the assignments. I was so worried that I would be the only one who didn't do the work. Turns out...no one did. I was so glad to have Mom there as I started nursing school! I think it is so cool that my Mom is a nurse and that i am going to be one too! I'm doing my capstone right now and I am half way done. It is going really well! I have a great preceptor and I think i am starting to get the hang of things and i am realizing that i do know what i am doing, I just need to be confident!

Jeffrey and I went on a trip to CALI with some of his family. We had an awesome time listening to books on CD, eating at In n Out, the BEACH!!, being with family, playing card games, and seeing Riverdance. Thanks to Jeanne and Ryan for letting ALL 5 of us kids crash at their house!

One thing that was especially fun is that I got to see my brother Bryson. It had been way too long. We ended up having an extra ticket to Riverdance and Bryson loves the theater! It was perfect, I am so glad that he could come with us!

We also had such a great time at the beach!! It had been rainy on our drive to California, but Saturday was sunny and beautiful! We had a picnic lunch, played in the waves, and then Jared, Jeffrey and I build this awesome sand castle.

It does not always rain in seattle

This Christmas break was great in Seattle! we had SO many sunny days. Naturally, I had to brag to everyone about how nice of weather we were having in "rainy Seattle." One person in particular I wanted to make sure knew how sunny it was. Each day I told Jeffrey, "sunny today" or "gorgeous sunset today" or "you are going to love it when you come, its soo sunny"

Then...Jeffrey came to visit. It rained the whole time.

But that did not stop us from having fun! We hit up all of the Seattle hot spots!

New years eve we went to downtown Seattle, watched Sherlock homes, at cheesecake from the cheesecake factory, went to a dance at Seattle center, and stepped outside just in time to see the AWESOME fireworks off the space needle!

We went took the bus into Seattle and went to pike place market. We had some of the yummiest food there-doughnuts, pastries, pears. It was good!

We went ice skating with my sister's family the Powells! It was a blast. Watching the little boys learn to ice skate was priceless! Jeffrey and I managed to do a few tricks as well.

The Powells treated us to a delicious dinner at this Japanese grill. It was so fun to spend the evening with them on a double date. Seriously, Adam and Lise are great. I love spending time with them.

Once more, the rain did not stop us. Natured called, so Mom, Dad, Jeffrey and I jumped in the car to drive to Twin Falls. It was a great hike and we didn't get TOO wet!