Monday, April 18, 2011

Luke Days

Oh, about a month ago, Luke Air Force Base was having their "Luke Days", and it just so happened to be over my spring break, so Jearel and I decided to take Jayla. Luke Air Force Base is closer to our new house, than it was before. Our house is located in the direct flying path of the jets, and we are reminded daily, how LOUD they are. As you can imagine, it's Luke Days, all the time for us. We don't mind though (as I type this, I'm hearing them). Jearel says, "it's the sound of freedom", which gives me goosebumps. We were all super excited to get a closer look, and get an opportunity to experience a little of what Jearel's brother, Tyler does (he is currently serving our country in Afghanistan).


Jearel's sister, Amanda met up with us at our house, just to take the shortest drive to the parking area for the event. Little did we know that the farm fields, directly out of the gates to our neighborhood, housed the parking! Shows you how much we pay attention!!
We parked our car, and stood in line to take school buses over to the base. Jayla was beyond EXCITED for this, being her first time on a school bus and all. Jayla loved feeling like such a big girl (twice) that day. She even thought we were all going to school :-)

We finally got a new family picture, in an amazingly HUGE air plane. Jearel, of course, knows the name of it (he knows everything). This plane carries it everything, it even houses all the wounded soldiers, in a hospital like setting, while transporting. Obviously I found that part VERY interesting.
This was THAT plane!

Jayla and Daddy were sillier than ever that day. I love watching those two bond.
Jay even sported her bright orange ear plugs like a champ :-)

Hanging in the cockpit of THAT cool plane!

Jearel forced me to win him a shirt from the Marines booth. Okay, not really, I wanted to see if I could do it, plus, Jearel was too chicken to try it himself. We watched others for awhile, and did not see one girl pull it off. Jearel had little faith in me, but I knew I could do it ;-). You are welcome for that shirt babe!!!!
Enjoy the video of what I had to do (just keep in mind Jearel only caught the end of it), and my victory. HA!
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Friday, April 1, 2011

ACCEPTED


Yesterday around 7pm, after coming home from school, I drove straight to the mailbox, like I've been doing at least 3 times per day, for the last 2 weeks. I've been waiting to receive a package from ASU, on whether I would advance into the College of Nursing and Health Innovation Upper Division Nursing program. Well yesterday I got it, and I GOT IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe to most this doesn't mean much, but for those of you who know the details of HOW HARD it is to make it into this program, will understand how HAPPY I AM. I've busted my butt for 2 and half years, maintaining my 4.0, studied my @&s off for the entrance test into the program, and then turned in my application along with the hundreds of hopefuls, waiting to see if they made the top 80 (academically), to make it into their program. I DID!!!!! I think I earned my bragging rights--HEE HEE.

When I saw the letter in the mail, I about passed out. I ran back into my car, immediately opened it, and only saw the first word "CONGRATULATIONS". I called Jearel on the phone screaming, crying, and SHAKING. I want to remember this moment forever. It's all I've dreamed of, fought for, and sacrificed so much for. I can't believe it is finally here. I meet with the entire graduating class, of August 2012 BSN majors, on April 22nd, to order books, equipment, scrubs (personalized ASU scrubs), and obtain my schedule for the 16 month program, starting at the end of May. Again, did I tell you my GRADUATING date? August 2012. I can't believe I can finally say that!!!! Yes, I know, I need to SURVIVE the intense program first, but my money is on GRADUATING. WAHOOOO.

"You will be a part of an excellent cohort of nursing students" (my fave of the letter). That's me, I AM going to be a part of this, AND, I am so proud to be doing it through ASU. ASU, is in the top 3% of nursing schools across the NATION. I can't tell you enough, how happy am I to be a part of this, and how happy I am to use them to only further my education (hopefully reaching my doctorate).

I can not thank my family and friends enough, for all the support, help, and words of encouragement, along the way. I couldn't have done this with out you.
I know I am only half way there, and the next 16 months are going to be a roller coaster (okay, more like H.E. double L), but, I know I have the most AMAZING support system; will pull me up when I am down, understand I am still alive even if I go months with out talking to anyone, and make sure I remember to eat and bathe, with out getting mad at me :-)

I'm also, sad to be leaving Glendale Community College, and all the wonderful professors I have met along the way. I was blessed to be taught be some of the finest, and lucky to have their support. I will miss them all!!! As, for now I am going enjoy my last 6 weeks there (of classes that I absolutely do not need), and then enjoy my 1 week off before ASU takes over my life.