I've been "Pinned"

On Friday evening I received my Bachelor’s of Science, Nursing pin from Sacramento State University in our official “Pinning Ceremony.”

“A nursing pin is a type of badge, usually made of metal such as gold or silver, which is worn by nurses to identify the nursing school from which they graduated. They are traditionally presented to the newly–graduated nurses by the faculty at a pinning ceremony as a symbolic welcome into the profession. Most pins have a symbolic meaning, often representing the history of the nursing program for that school of nursing.” (Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia)

My buddies!!! These girls have been with me through a lot of rough times (studying, crying, worrying) and a lot of good times (white water rafting, skiing, laughing, goofing off). . . Love you guys immensely!!
Jenna VanderDussen. . . . .
Lynde Gregg. . . . .

The Pin had symbolized, in the 19th century, which individuals were indeed nurses from those who were not. This was before nurses were licensed and registered. Today the pin and pinning ceremony is kept as a tradition, but nurses must now take a licensing examination (NCLEX) to be registered as a “safe to practice” nurse. I asked Rebecca Holmes, RN, to be my official “pinner” at the ceremony and it was truly an honor that she agreed to pin me. The evening started off with each of us graduating nursing students walking on to the stage, an address from our class president and Dr. Hanson-Smith, followed by awards and a class slideshow. We were then called up one-by-one to be pinned and to provide our pinner with a flower. It was a nice ceremony which was followed by a lovely dinner at Bandera’s restaurant.

Thank you to my mom, dad, brother, Sis. Holmes, Crystal E., Matt S., grandma and grandpa, and Janell for coming out and showing support at my pinning ceremony. You all mean so much to me!!

I have laryngitis!!

I can’t speak a word!! HA!! It is funny, weird, crazy and FRUSTRATING!! Some people think its great *ahem* but I don’t think it is. . . I’ve never been this quiet in my life! Enjoy it while you can people. . . . .I’ll be back!

In a "Funk"

Starting at the beginning of this week I have been in a sort of “funk” so to speak. . . I don’t really know why. . . . perhaps it is because once again my allergies are messing up as well as asthma and sinus problems and I feel horrible. . . . . perhaps it is because I am oober stressed out about my final on Friday. . . . perhaps it is because my life will soon be changing so drastically (with graduating, finding a job, maybe moving, etc) . . . or perhaps it because other life circumstances. Whatever the reason, I am not feeling right. . . . . I feel as if a good cry will help, but the problem is that I usually am not a super emotional person. I should be extremely happy. . . I am graduating this weekend, having a graduation party, just had my birthday on Sunday, am not going to have to do any more homework, have a future and opportunities ahead of me. . . . . so WHAT IS THE DEAL??? I hope it resolves soon. . . .

Forest Theater ~ Carmel-by-the-sea

WHOOHOOO!!

Just looked up the 2008 season of this wonderful little theater! If you have never been to Forest Theater at Carmel-by-the-Sea, you are missing out! The theater is an open air theater tucked away in a small "forest" just a few seconds from Carmel beach. There are two open fire pits at both sides of the theater to add to the ambience as well as provide a little heat from the cool night air. One usually prepares some sort of “picnic” to bring to the theater (which can range from cheese and crackers to sandwiches or dessert) as well as blankets to snuggle up in. The day usually starts off by enjoying Monterey (cannery row, shops, antique stores) and then making your way down to Carmel-by-the-Sea. This exquisite little town is full of art galleries, doggy boutiques (and most stores have water dishes set out in front of them for your four legged friend. . . . . even the Coach outlet!) and a plethora of other little stores. Carmel beach is absolutely beautiful and many beach goers bring their dogs to play on the beach (mika has been several times). The productions at the Forest Theater usually start around seven or eight o’clock and last until around eleven o’clock. The tickets are $22 for adults, $15 for students and $10 for children. It is well worth the price!!

The 2008 season is as follows:

Zoot Suite ~ April 24th – May 11th (missed that one!! bummer!)

Camelot ~ May 22nd – June 15th

Evita ~ June 28th – July 27th

Looking for a group that would like to attend Camelot. . . . let me know!

James, maybe a C&C event?? (off the books perhaps?)

http://www.foresttheaterguild.org/

Thoroughly Modern Millie - A Review

May 2 – 25, 2008

Show Times:8:00 pm Fridays & Saturdays, 2:00 pm Sundays

"Millie Dillmount, a fearless young lady fresh from Salina, Kansas, determined to experience Life, sets out to see the world in the rip-roaring Twenties. With high spirits and wearing one of those new high hemlines, she arrives in New York to test the "modern" ideas she had been reading about back in Kansas: ‘I've taken the girl out of Kansas. Now I have to take Kansas out of the girl!’”

Last Friday I had a very pleasurable evening in which I, along with friends Jenna, James and Dakota, enjoyed an evening meal at Crepeville and afterwards took in a show at the 24th Street Theatre in downtown Sacramento. I usually enjoy the Broadway productions put on at this little local theatre and this show was no different. It was a cute, upbeat production focusing on the drama a young Kansas girl encounters when she pursues her dreams in big town New York. She comes with dreams, ambitions and goals, only to be robbed of all her possessions on the very first day. Her dream is to become a “modern” woman who “bobs” her hair, shortens her hemline and is an independent thinker. In order to attain her dream, she applies for many job positions in which the boss is an eligible bachelor. She believes it is best to marry well and not for love. If she can marry such an eligible bachelor, she will be able to survive in New York. Through a series of circumstances she does indeed end up working for a dreamy, single, CEO of a up and coming business. She also meets a seemingly penniless scoundrel of a man who enjoys taking a different beautiful woman out to eat every night. Yes, this “scoundrel” ends up falling hard for her while her handsome boss only sees her as an efficient worker whom he calls “Johnny” (she is Johnny on the spot, you see). I will not tell you the end of the play, as I think it is delightful and you should see it yourself! Overall. . . I would say it is about a 8 out of 10 for such a small theatre production and for the price. . . . it is only $20 for adults, $18 for students, and $15 for children or groups over 10.

Also, Nunsense will be playing July 7th – August 3rd , Anything Goes September 5th – 28th and The Sound of Music October 31st – November 23rd.

More reviews to follow!

Happy Mother's Day!

To my mother,

First of all . . . . . I love you with all of my heart! You have not only been a wonderful mother to me, but also a true and faithful friend. You have shown more love to me that I could ever deserve. You are absolutely beautiful!

Merci pour toujours!

Sarah Ann

All I am, or can be, I owe to my angel mother.

~Abraham Lincoln

Because I feel that

in the heavens above

The angels,

whispering one to

another

Can find among

their burning tears

of love,

None so devotional

as that of "Mother,"

Therefore, by that

dear name I have

long called you,

You who are more

than mother unto

me.

~Edgar Allan Poe

Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful Mothers!!

National Nurses Week, May 6-12

Happy Nurses Week to all the wonderful, awesome, great, and spectacular RNs!!

Thelma Louise Hammonds. . .

Today I lost my loving Thelma. Due to a terminal illness, my dad had to put her down today while I was at work. I was extremely sad, but I knew she was suffering. When I said goodbye to her this morning, it was as if she knew. She seemed sad, started shaking and put her head on my lap. It is never easy to say goodbye. . . . never easy to loose something. I guess I have been getting plenty of experience with this over the last several years. This dog was one of the most loving dogs that I have known. She loved everyone. Thelma, we love you and you will be missed. . . .

Rainbow Bridge:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

~Author unknown