I can't believe it is 2012 already! It seems like 2011 flew by...

I'm anxious to see what 2012 will bring, even though my hubby will be gone for half of it. And speaking of that, D-day is quickly approaching but sadly, I don't know when! Hubby doesn't even know the exact date, but every time we talk about it the date becomes closer and closer.

I'm trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. Hubby said the hardest thing about this deployment will be me, because he knows I will miss him terribly and will be constantly worrying about him. How can I not, though? Especially with something he told me that happened recently. I guess that is something he cannot understand.

I made a vow to not complain to him about anything while he is deployed. Sure, I will miss him like crazy and wish he was here with me, but that's the extent of it. The last thing he needs to hear is how is how depressed his wife is, locking herself up in the apartment, lying around feeling sorry for herself. I'll probably do a lot of sitting and waiting because aside from work, it's not like I really have friends here and family is over a thousand miles away. If there is one thing I learned about military wife living, it's to never complain to your deployed spouse about anything. That will cloud his judgement, his thinking. He needs to focus on the mission at hand. So I guess I'll vent through blogging. And conversing with the other spouses at work. I swear like 90% of the nurses where I work are all military, whether prior service themselves or military dependents.

Hubs got his smallpox vaccination along with typhoid and anthrax and his TB test this past week. I have been freaking out over the smallpox lol...it's beginning to "look like" smallpox and the other night we saw a huge bubble underneath the dressing, which means it's probably starting to pus over. Can't wait to see it later today because I'm the one who redresses it...I don't trust him putting that bandage over it himself. This is a man who will touch raw meat without washing his hands and then touch other stuff, if you know what I mean (and then I freak out! I'm a germaphobe! But I work in a hospital, so that's okay!) At least I got disposable gloves I can wear hahaha.

The other night hubs and I saw The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. It's a mystery/thriller, basically about how this guy tries to solve a a mystery of a girl who disappeared 40 years ago and was thought to be murdered as well. The beginning was kind of slow but the movie had my attention the entire time. There was a pretty disturbing rape scene, too. If that stuff bothers you, I would reconsider seeing this movie. I could hear one girl sobbing behind me after that scene was over :(

When we walked out, we saw this little gem:

Last time I checked, I wasn't in Cleveland or Akron anymore haha.

Diamond/black diamond necklace from hubby :) for either our 1 year or my birthday we are going to put a diamond in the center of the black part on the bottom :)

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resolutions and a year in review: 2011

Last year I did a new year's meme reviewing 2010 with 3 top goals for 2011. Here were my top 3 goals:

1. pass my NCLEX on the first try! - check! I was so scared I wouldn't pass the first time around. I kept my test date a secret from everyone I know - even from my immediate family and my husband. Everyone kept trying to get my test date out of me, but I wouldn't budge. I remember my roommate asking me, "are you at least taking your NCLEX sometime in April?" and I replied with "yes" but in reality, I was taking it that very next morning! Must have been playing a good poker face there.

2. land an awesome RN job in either the ICU or ER. - I didn't get a job in the ICU, but I got a job in an ICU stepdown/telemetry unit, and honestly, I couldn't be happier. Maybe I will try the full-fledged ICU once I gain more experience. And I'm really glad I didn't start out in the ER. Again, maybe some other time. I may stay in progressive care for my entire nursing career, or maybe I will switch around. Only time will tell.

3. continue to perfect my cooking skills. - check! I'm no Martha Stewart but I think I can cook pretty well. I still have a lot to learn, though. The next test will be Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day dinner!

So, I would say, 100% :D Which never happens. Kudos to me!

And now, 2011 in review:

2011 Accomplishment - passing my NCLEX and becoming an RN! That was a huge accomplishment, I think.

2011 Discovery - hmm, I honestly do not know about this one. Last year I mentioned taro bubble tea hahaha. This year? I'm drawing a blank.

Favorite 2011 vacation/holiday - The only "vacations" I took were the 3 trips I made to Fort Leonard Wood, MO to visit hubby during BOLC. We were going to make a last-minute trip to Vegas but decided not to go because it was too expensive. We decided on Vegas once our good friend (who was also the best man at our wedding) comes back from deployment. I was going to make a trip to Ohio with hubby but couldn't because of work commitments. And I think my favorite holiday this year was Thanksgiving. Even though we were away from our families, it was nice to spend our first Thanksgiving together. I made an awesome Thanksgiving spread. We were invited to hubs' 1SGT's house, which was fun - a lot of delicious food and us wives just sat around talking about random things, including our Pinterest addictions haha. There was no Bunco at this gathering, however. Apparently Bunco is very popular among military wives and I have yet to attend a Bunco gathering.

Best dining in 2011 - probably Landry's in San Antonio. They have other locations, too, but this place is right along The Riverwalk (which is gorgeous, btw!) and the seafood is so fresh. I took my in-laws there on Veteran's Day weekend and they really enjoyed it. Landry's has the best appetizers. If you ever have a chance to go, try their shrimp en brochette and their jalapeno poppers. You won't be disappointed.

2011 regret - honestly, I cannot think of a single regret I have regarding this year. That is amazing.

Magic moment in 2011 - our wedding :) I wish Pinterest existed at that time because I see SO MANY cute ideas regarding weddings, but I consider our love and marriage more beautiful than the wedding itself.

What states did you visit in 2011? - Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas.

2012 Goals:

1. Read more. - I feel like I didn't read much because I was too busy studying for my NCLEX, and then when I got a job I still found myself studying. I am currently studying for some certifications related to my field, but lately I have also found more time to actually read things I enjoy. I am currently reading Confessions of a Military Wife by Mollie Gross which is HILARIOUS, btw. If you haven't read that book yet, you really need to. I also started reading The Hunger Games, the first of three books. Although aimed at younger adults, this book is so captivating. I cannot wait to read the other two books in the series. I also have a long list of books that I am just dying to read!

2. Learn something new. - as a nurse, I learn something new every day. This "learn something new" goal applies to something not related to my job - it could even be picking up a new hobby or "craft." Things that would be interesting: scrapbooking, knitting/crocheting, or amateur photography (I really need to invest in a GOOD camera, though, and not just a point-and-shoot one).

3. Volunteer. - I would love to volunteer on post. And by doing so, maybe I can finally meet other Army wives that I can connect with, but of course that wouldn't be the sole purpose. I love helping others and doing good for others (after all, "Do Good" was my sorority's motto!)

4. Work out more. - This has been a constant resolution of mine and a constant battle of success and failure. I was on a yoga kick for awhile, then I stopped. Then I started again, attending the free classes on post, but then I stopped because of work...I end up working the days they have yoga classes. I really like yoga, but I really enjoy bike riding, too. BLORA (stands for Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area) has a fierce mountain biking trail that I would probably never attempt, but maybe I can find some more "relaxed" trails around here to bike on. When the weather gets warmer, of course.

5. Go on a missions trip. - Every year, my hospital plans a missions trip to some area of the world. In the past, they have gone to Haiti, Costa Rica and Honduras, among other places. This year they went to Guyana, South America. I really wanted to go on this year's trip, but couldn't because of finances. I would love to go this upcoming year if finances allow and also depending on hubby's military duties.

6. Become more spiritually connected through God. - Growing up, I didn't go to church or anything. The only time I go to church is on Christmas Eve or Easter or something. To be honest, religion just seems awkward to me. Maybe that is because I don't really know about it. I'm not very familiar with The Bible or anything. I believe in God, but that is pretty much it. I really want to see myself grow spiritually.

7. Learn a new language. - I know random words and phrases in different languages, mainly Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean & Polish. I took Spanish in high school but all of that went down the drain and now that I live in Texas, I regret not knowing it. I would love to learn any language, really. My husband keeps asking me about going to Germany or South Korea, which I wouldn't mind either and that would give me a good "excuse" to learn either German or more Korean :)

What are your resolutions for 2012?

boredom

If you’ve never been clubbing, do you think you’d enjoy it or not? Why? If you do go clubbing, what do you like about it?
I don't like clubbing. Too hot, stupid drunk girls are all over the place and the music is so loud you can't have a conversation. Plus I don't really like dancing and I couldn't bust a move to save my life haha

What are you planning on doing for New Year’s Eve this year?
Spending it with hubby :) No plans to go to a party or anything. Thankfully I am off, but I work New Year's Day.

When you’re upset do you tend to eat more or less than usual? Is there anything else you do differently when you’re upset?
I eat less. I also tend to get quiet, but being quiet could mean other things, too...like I'm tired or something.

Can you recommend a good movie you’ve seen recently?
It came out in 2006, but Apocalypto. Probably one of the best movies I have seen in very long time. It is entirely in Yucatan Mayan language. It had me hooked from the very beginning all the way to the end.

How many people do you give gifts to at Christmas? Do you receive more than you give?
Immediate family, including my in-laws. And close friends.

What would your dream kitchen look like?
I never really thought about it, as long as it's big. With an island.

Are you a very tactile person? Do you enjoy physical contact with your friends, family etc?
Only with my husband ;) I don't mind hugs from family, though.

Do you think you will gain weight over the Christmas period?
I always gain a few pounds, but then I lose them so it's not a big deal.

What name do you go by?:
Melissa. or Mel.

Look past your computer screen, what's in front of you?:
Coffee table, TV.

Who was the last music artist you listened to a song by?:
Helena Beat - Foster The People ♥

Have you driven anywhere today?:
Yep. Went to the post office, Old Navy, the PX and the K-mart (Korean mart).

What are your plans for the coming weekend?:
It's Christmas, so doing Christmas-y things :)

Who was the last person you spoke to in person?:
the cashier person at the K-mart.

Do you prefer wearing hoodies to coats?:
I like hoodies. Nothing wrong with being comfortable. I like coats, too, tho!

Is there anything written on the shirt you are wearing?:
Nope

Do you own a tie dyed shirt?:
Actually I do. It's pink tie-dye and the front says "Friends don't let friends miss clinicals" and the back says "Akron Nursing" haha.

Did you make it yourself?:
nope

Have you ever been to another continent?:
Nope. Maybe one day...

Have ever had more than $500 in cash on you at one time?:
yeah

Do you ever go out of your way to avoid someone?:
oh yes hahaha.

How much was gas the last time you looked?:
$3.21, I think? And that was for 93. I have to put premium in my car.

Is there someone who would support you no matter what?:
Absolutely.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
Probably in Fort Leonard Wood lol...maybe still here. That would be nice. And probably with a kiddo.

Is there any actual chance you could be pregnant right now?:
Nope.

Do you still get carded when you try and buy things you're old enough to?:
Oh I get carded all of the time hahaha.

What was the last movie you saw in theaters?:
The Thing!

Is there someone you'd drop everything for if you could see them right now?:
Yes!

What is your birthstone?:
Pink Zircon, Opal.

Do you have any relatives who were born in another country?:
Yes, quite a few, actually. My grandparents (dad's side) are from Guangdong province, China (aka Canton)...my mom's parents, great grandma, my mom, my aunt and my mom's cousin and her husband are all from Poland. Eddie's grandma I think is from Czechoslovakia.

Would you rather visit Iceland for a week or Rome for a day?:
Rome..

Who was the last person you rode in a vehicle with?:
My husband.

What were you doing at this time yesterday?:
Probably also sitting on the couch on my computer.

What was the last thing you cooked?:
ravioli

When was the last time you slept in a bed with someone else?:
Saturday morning.

When was the last time you slept in a bed not your own?:
Not since May...

When was the last time you slept on something other than a bed?:
I don't know, probably a week ago?

What is in your pockets right now?:
Nothing. Don't have pockets.

What will you probably be doing at this time tomorrow?:
Getting ready for work.

Who do you look more like, your dad or your mom?:
My mom, I think.

Do you get along with your parents usually?:
Of course.

Where is your best friend at the moment?:
In OH-IO.

Are you an optimist?:
I try to be.

Military Monday!

Happy Military Monday :) Be sure to go to Life With My Littles to link up!

Books!

Hubby is back home in Ohio while I am stuck here in Texas. I tried so hard to get some time off so I could make a trip with him, but that didn't happen. Only one of my coworkers (so far) could take one of my shifts. I still let her, because honestly, the more time I get to spend with hubby the better since we are getting closer and closer to deployment time.

Hubs didn't want to leave me here by myself, but I told him I would be fine. Besides, I am a pretty independent person. I guess that's a good trait for a military wife to have. We'll see how that fares during deployment, however, seeing since I don't have any friends or family out here. But, I digress. I didn't want him to miss out on a trip home because I couldn't go. I forced him to go on his own for a week lol.

I really want to get a Kindle. I can't decide if I want the Kindle Keyboard of the Kindle Fire...the Kindle Fire is more fun but I also like the simplicity of the Kindle Keyboard.

I downloaded the Kindle app for my Macbook. The first book I downloaded happened to be this one:

I have been wanting to read this one for awhile now. I love this book! It's funny and so far everything is so true! Except my trips to the Commissary aren't nearly as horrifying haha. I started reading it earlier today after I came home from the airport and I am already halfway through. I highly recommend this one if you haven't read it already.

I have a whole list of other books on my list that I want to read, too:

* Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption - Laura Hillenbrand

* Left Neglected - Lisa Genova

* You Know When the Men Are Gone - Siobhan Fallon (I think I might read this one next...it's another military-themed novel, following the lives of several wives at Fort Hood, TX)

* The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

* Separated by Duty, United By Love - Shellie Vandevoorde

* I Love A Man in Uniform: A Memoir of Love, War and Other Battles - Lily Burana

* The Help - Kathryn Stockett

* The Making of a Nurse - Tilda Shalof

* A Dog's Purpose - W. Bruce Cannon

* Critical Care: A New Nurse Faces Death, Life & Everything in Between - Theresa Brown

Does anybody have any other suggestions?

Military Monday!

Be sure to link up at Semper Wifey's blog! :)

I hate coworkers who will say to you, "that's not patient" and therefore they won't help you. Nursing is a team effort. I try to pitch in and help those who are "not my patients" when I have the time. Not only will your fellow coworkers be thankful, it also earns you brownie points with your team and management. Not that I'm in for it for just brownie points. I truly enjoy helping others. Obviously, because I'm a nurse.

Work has been hell lately. We have one side where ALL of our totals as well as patients with sitters/in restraints are. I typically do my shifts in threes and of course I got stuck on that side for all 3 nights. I didn't really say anything except on my last night, telling the charge that side really needs to be split up. I mean, 3 out of my 4 patients were totals. It was awful. One night one kept climbing out of bed and became very agitated (and even a happy dose of Haldol only worked for about 30 minutes) and that went on until around 0500 when my "special bed" finally arrived (the other nights were fine thanks to my special bed :D)...my other patient down the hall was confused and kept pulling all of their wires off (thank goodness they didn't pull out my IV!)...and then of course my other patient was a 150kg bed-bound patient who can transfer from bed to chair (including a bedside commode) but decided they just wanted to lay in bed, oh, and they were going through a bowel prep...with a bleed. -_-

Speaking of bowel preps, I can't help but laugh at the names of those prep solutions. Especially "GoLytely." Seriously? haha.

Yesterday I took my ACLS course. For 10 hours. Normally they split the course up over 2 days - videos/teaching/practice and then the second day you do your skills test and written test. In this class we did the whole thing in one day. It was a very long day, but I passed my megacode and everything else and now I am ACLS-certified! Just don't go and expect me to run a code haha. Docs typically run them, anyway. By the time we find a patient and initiate CPR and get them hooked up to the crash cart, the ER doc is already in the room leading everything.

And I wish I didn't have to get recertified in BLS every 2 years now. They test you on BLS in ACLS, so having a BLS certification in addition to ACLS is kind of redundant, IMO. Oh well...

Next up is NRP (neonatal resucitation program) and PALS (pediatric advanced live support), even though I refuse to take kiddos on my unit.