I am here, I'm alive. Somehow my winter break completely got away from me. Just when I was getting into the swing of things by working, relaxing, and winding up family celebrations for the holidays I had to go back to school! Classes started Monday and, although I'm totally overwhelmed at this point, they're going well. After Monday, I reduced my hours at work because it was very clear that my focus needs to be on learning, being prepared each day, and getting enough sleep. This week I will be finishing up the "old" hours I was scheduled for -- but this means I haven't been in bed much before 1 a.m. yet this week. Today is no exception, as it is 1:14 a.m. as I type this. Thank goodness I don't have to be in class until 1:00 p.m. today. I am currently taking 16 credits, all nursing classes. My lectures include all of the 105 students who were accepted into the program, and our labs and discussions are broken down into smaller groups. Today was my first clinical practice, and I got to wear my new uniform scrubs (woo hoo!).
I began 2015 doing a healthy eating challenge, and it went really well. I lost 4 lbs the first week, and another 2 the following week. Unfortunately, I hurt my back moving cases of beer at work so the third week involved no exercise. I tried my hardest to maintain healthy eating habits -- but will be the first to admit that I cheated some. I've come to the conclusion that when I'm not prepared, and when I'm overly tired I don't eat as well as I should. My choices are still influenced by everything I've learned, so I am confident that I'm making healthier choices overall.
Tony and I have begun to discuss the "when" with regards to our next in vitro fertilization cycle. I am more comfortable going forward with a fresh cycle (in which I give myself shots and we get new embryos) only because that's where we've seen the best success in achieving pregnancy. It is my hope that we will be able to use one fresh and one frozen embryo this next cycle, under the pretense that it may increase our chances of finally getting to hold one of our babies! I promise to try to do a better job keeping you posted. I think some of my absence was related to the fact that I just didn't have much news to share. Things are now on the move with school, and as I get closer to my goal of losing 25lbs there should be more to tell you!
Before I go, I have to give a shout-out to my family for their never-ending support as I continue on this journey. My mom has been amazing at helping me get a study all set up so that I have a place to do my schoolwork in an environment that is conducive to concentration. She spoils me -- both with things as well as her constant love, support, and commitment to helping me succeed. Tony has been incredible about doing his own thing while I hole myself up in my room to study. To everyone who cheers me on, whether I've gotten the chance to tell you or not, I so appreciate your confidence in me and your support!
For now, I'm off to hit the hay. I leave you with the photo I posted above -- I find it to be such a good reminder in my life right now. Nothing is ever too great a challenge, and I am really working to maintain my solid relationship with God. Through Him I can do all things, even make it through the first week of nursing school! :)
