Wednesday, August 31, 2011

In the new house almost a month

So we have been in NC almost a month. Just about every box in the house is unpacked. Those that aren't I am not motivated to unpack. Part of me says I should just toss what is in them, but I can't because some of them are important files, and knitting books and yarn, and Mary Kay product. All of this I will use in some capacity sooner or later. I just don't want to find a home for it right now.

The kids have all started school. Gwen didn't get all the classes she wanted, but I think she is ok with that now. Cornell also didn't get a class he wanted, but he is taking two math classes so he can stay caught up. He thinks this will work out better and I agree. Jacque is complaining every day that math is entirely review. I have spoken with and then emailed the counselor regarding checking the curriculum against her math from last year and possibly advancing her. I have yet to hear back. She is in band and learning to play the clarinet. Her first choice was the saxophone, but her band director prefers to have them start with clarinet and then they can test in December to switch to Sax. So, that is what she is going to try to do. Clarece, is also taking band and playing clarinet. Her 3rd year. She has expressed a small interest in sax, but really likes her clarinet.

I am still looking for work. Looking for work is a total bummer. All of my friend who graduated with me have found jobs. I know that if we had stayed in Richmond, I too would have a job. Connections make all the difference. Not knowing anyone here, and not having precepted here makes it a lot harder. In the mean time, I am going a bit stir crazy. I am finishing some knitting projects, and will probably start on some projects for Christmas. I have a football themed table runner I still need to make, and I also have a quilt I can work on. I clean the house all the time. What else can I do? Please Lord, let me find some work soon!

Our house in Richmond still isn't rented. This will be month number two of two house payments. This sucks big time! I am not entirely thrilled with the property management company that is representing us. They came very highly recommended, but they are horrible about returning our calls and they don't seem to communicate with us well. After Hurricane Irene, we had to call them to make sure the house was ok. They hadn't even been by. Not cool! Makes me wonder if they are doing all they can to rent it. I may need to look into getting released from the contract and renting it ourselves or go with someone else.

I had planned on posting the knitting projects I am working on now, or had just finished, but I haven't taken the pictures yet, so that will be another post.

TTFN, Miki

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Finally registered!

So I finally have all the kids registered for school. I was amazed at the class offerings the high school had. So much more than what we had at the last school. They won't know their schedules until Monday, but I think they are happy with all of their choices. Gwen has a lot of "learning class" and few fun classes. But, then again that is the type of kid she is. Cory made some very responsible choices, and I hope they work out for them. It is really interesting to me to see what each state thinks is important for graduation requirements. For example in order to receive a basic diploma in Virginia, you have to have 2 years of a language and I believe two years of health and PE. Here, you only have to have 2 years of a language for any diploma and only one year of PE. Only requiring the one year allowed them more class choices in their schedule. Gwen was able to request the athletic trainer program, and Cory requested a sports and entertainment marketing class. Both sound fun and interesting to me and will give them a taste of a career option while still in high school. Gwen also chose a class that had to do with business as a backup option. I think they did a marvelous job choosing this school, and in choosing their classes.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

It's official!

Well, it will be when I actually have the license, but I passed my boards. Thank you God!!! This morning when I looked on the VA board website by my name it said no license and I wanted to puke. I almost cried. My son was so sweet. He rubbed my back and said. "I'm sorry mom, it will be ok though." Some girl will be so lucky to have such a caring compassionate man someday. I am so blessed! Will say also that my girls were all in Richmond the last few days, but each of them checked on me yesterday and told me they were proud of me and they were sure I rocked it. Again I am SO blessed! When I was in the midst of my panic about possibly not passing I called my sister. She too had a similar moment last year when her license wasn't showing up, and she couldn't re register for the test. She was able to calm me down until I could call the board and see what was going on. When I called the recording said my license was current, but had a hold. Not sure what that was about. The live person I spoke with said there was no hold and that my license was good, and she even gave me the number. Yea!!! It is such a relief to know that this phase of my life is over. I met some truly wonderful people that are now dear friends. I had exceptional instructors that I can now call colleagues. Without them and the awesome support of my family this would not have been possible. Thank you all!
-Mikalan M. Krause, R.N.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Back to life, or is it life after nursing school

So from the looks of things, it has been just over 2 years since I have wrote. Nursing school has a way of taking over your life. I am VERY happy to say I am done(for the time being). I graduated in May. My parents flew out from Oregon and surprised me the day of my final which also happened to be the day of my nursing school pining. They had actually been in town for a few days and were trying to avoid seeing me. They truly surprised me and all 4 of my kids. It was a WONDERFUL visit. I then began preparing to move. Yes you heard me right, move. And we are not talking a down the street, or across town move we are talking to a whole new state. Fortunately for us, it was a corporate move, so we had a moving company doing all the packing and lifting. That doesn't explain why I have bruises all over my arms and legs though. Also, I still can't find my toaster and various other items and it took me almost 2 weeks to find my bras and pajamas that while labeled right were in the living room not the master bedroom. LAZY movers! We have been here 2 weeks and I have only really unpacked the basics so I can get around the house, cook and dress. The kids have unpacked all of their stuff, except for a box or two that must be labeled wrong, or in the wrong room. We had one box labeled dining room glass that was actually ALL books from the living room. Again I say LAZY movers. Why have I not done more in two weeks do you ask? Well it is pretty simple. I needed to study for my boards. Those pesky little test that are required to license you. Like most tests I probably over studied, and freaked out a bunch. I took it today. The minimum number of questions you can get is 75, the maximum is 265. No matter how many questions you can get in the range you can pass or fail. The test has a maximum time of 6 hours, and they suggest about 1 min per question. I took the test in 75 questions and 1 hour and 15 mins. IT WAS HARD!!! I won't find out officially until tomorrow if I passed or not, but I tried the Pearson Vue trick and it won't let me re register. This is a good sign. Now I need to unpack, find a job, and begin my life after nursing school. Which I hope has more knitting and other stuff! BTW if you want to know which of the major companies moved us, message me and I will share my experience with you.-M