2009-2010: Holly Black

Another beginning

Hi everyone,

Finals went well and I certainly enjoyed spending time with my family for Christmas!  I finished the semester with a 3.35 GPA.  After the Med/Surg II final, I headed home to do lots and lots of cooking because we had 20+ guests at my house for the holiday.  We served dinner buffet-style and had turkey, prime rib, manicotti, and lots of sides.  For dessert, there were cookies and cakes.  There is nothing like a home-cooked meal. =)

Following the race to get ready for Christmas, it was time for a break.  But, as we know, breaks don't last for long.  Today UPS delivered my books for next semester, so I will soon be looking through them in preparation.  This coming semester is going to be a lot different:  3 separate clinical rotations!

I will be taking Medical Ethics, Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing, and Maternal-Child Nursing.  The two nursing-specific courses are split into 3 sections:  Psych, OB, and Pedi.  Each rotation (and course) will run for 5 weeks.  This will be A LOT of material crammed into small blocks of time.  It also means 3 different units at 2 different hospitals!

I am really excited to get a feel for the OB and Pedi fields, as at this point--I want to be a Family Nurse Practitioner someday.  And, with the addition of Nicolas Robert to the family, I can say that I love little ones!

It snowed a bit today.  We are having some people over for Chinese tonight to bring in the New Year.

GOODBYE 2009! =)

Until next time,
Holly

Aunt Holly & baby Nicolas (25 days old) ~ Christmas Day 2009

Reading Day

Hello,

My apologies for not updating this sooner, but I have been extremely busy with exams, preparing a presentation, and writing papers!  Today is Reading Day, a day set aside for studying prior to final exams which commence tomorrow morning.

This semester I have two finals:  Pathophysiology on Friday & Med/Surg II next Monday (Org. Psych was a final project due last week).  Luckily, a lot of the material overlaps for these exams that should help with studying because there is A LOT of material.

Other than that, not much has changed.  My platoon surprised us the other night by decorating our hallway and posting "stockings" on our doors with our names written in glitter glue.  They used boot socks to make them, so it was both creative and funny at the same time.

When I get home, it will be time to help cook!  We have so many people coming over for Christmas dinner that we are serving buffet-style.

I hope to write again before the year is out.  Otherwise, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Until next time,
Holly

Thanksgiving break

Hello,

Last week was Thanksgiving break, which was much needed.  However, as soon as I got home I had to write my Med/Surg paper that was due by midnight on Nov. 22nd!  After 25+ hours of work over a weekend, the paper was finished, submitted, and I proceeded to relax for the remainder of the week.

When I go home, I enjoy low-key activities such as walking my dogs and cooking with mom.  Being Thanksgiving, much time was spent making pies and cutting up vegetables.  Dinner on Thursday was delicious.  =)

Soon enough, it was time to head back to Norwich.  Soooo...here I am!  With less than 3 weeks until Christmas break, it is the typical crunch time in the semester.  I have a few papers left, a presentation, 2 finals, and a few other loose ends.

I am also pleased to announce that I am an aunt [again!]  My sister-in-law gave birth to a beautiful baby boy just a few hours ago!  We are waiting the final decision on a name, so until then:  Welcome, baby!

Until next time,
Holly