1/28/10
License
My license came in the mail. I am 100% officially a Registered Nurse. That is some good news!
1/25/10
I'm 80% Sure I Failed
After graduating from Nursing School I have been dreading one huge test. The test of all tests (at least in the Nursing world). The NCLEX. Technically, I have been preparing for this one test for the last 2 1/2 years. Talk about some big pressure.
I originally signed up to take my test Feb 10th. Then I moved it up to Feb 3rd. After my friend Sarah took it really early and passed in 75 questions she told me I should take it as fast as I could. Jan 21st opened up and I took it!!! That meant I only had 2 days to cram as much as I could in my brain! One of those days I took full advantage and studied pretty hard but the day before my test, I barely studied and was pretty nervous about my test, but there was no rescheduling, so I just did it.
Going through the test I was feeling pretty nauseous and for the first 20 or 30 questions I would answer one question and pause, trying really hard to not lose my breakfast. I wanted to take a break in the first 10 minutes, but decided I would feel really dumb if I did that, so I mustered through. When question 75 came around (the minimum number of questions you can have) I just prayed so hard that the test would shut off after that question. I clicked the NEXT button and the screen went blue. I was kind of worried about it but then it said that my test was finished!!! I was so relieved that it was just over. I couldn't believe it!!! It took me about an hour and 45 minutes to complete it and I did not lose my breakfast (so proud of that!). I was scared I failed because of how embarrassed I would feel if I failed in 75 questions!! (no one at BYU has failed in 75 questions...) The only thing I could do was wait.
That day I was checking the Utah License website to see if I passed (but I knew it wouldn't be up... haha). I called the Utah Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL) and asked when the results would be up. They said they wouldn't even get the results until Monday and they wouldn't be on the website until Wednesday!!! (That would be 6 whole days!!!!) I couldn't believe it. It was a long weekend but thankfully I had my family and Rachael here to occupy me!
Today, Monday, my friend Sarah and Rachael were over and they pressured me into checking the "unofficial" results of the test by paying a little extra dough (basically means I don't have a license number yet, but the results are still legit). I caved and found out that I PASSED!!! I couldn't believe it! I seriously was 80% sure I failed!!! The test was so hard and I felt like I was guessing the whole time. It was rough and I was just trying to get through each question the best I could.
Thank you so much to all my friends and family that prayed for me on that day and before. It really helped me to stay calm and be confident in myself knowing that everyone who loves me was thinking about me and hoping for my success.
So, Thank You from the newest RN!!!
-Andrea Gardner, RN BS (registered nurse, bachelors of science)
I originally signed up to take my test Feb 10th. Then I moved it up to Feb 3rd. After my friend Sarah took it really early and passed in 75 questions she told me I should take it as fast as I could. Jan 21st opened up and I took it!!! That meant I only had 2 days to cram as much as I could in my brain! One of those days I took full advantage and studied pretty hard but the day before my test, I barely studied and was pretty nervous about my test, but there was no rescheduling, so I just did it.
Going through the test I was feeling pretty nauseous and for the first 20 or 30 questions I would answer one question and pause, trying really hard to not lose my breakfast. I wanted to take a break in the first 10 minutes, but decided I would feel really dumb if I did that, so I mustered through. When question 75 came around (the minimum number of questions you can have) I just prayed so hard that the test would shut off after that question. I clicked the NEXT button and the screen went blue. I was kind of worried about it but then it said that my test was finished!!! I was so relieved that it was just over. I couldn't believe it!!! It took me about an hour and 45 minutes to complete it and I did not lose my breakfast (so proud of that!). I was scared I failed because of how embarrassed I would feel if I failed in 75 questions!! (no one at BYU has failed in 75 questions...) The only thing I could do was wait.
That day I was checking the Utah License website to see if I passed (but I knew it wouldn't be up... haha). I called the Utah Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL) and asked when the results would be up. They said they wouldn't even get the results until Monday and they wouldn't be on the website until Wednesday!!! (That would be 6 whole days!!!!) I couldn't believe it. It was a long weekend but thankfully I had my family and Rachael here to occupy me!
Today, Monday, my friend Sarah and Rachael were over and they pressured me into checking the "unofficial" results of the test by paying a little extra dough (basically means I don't have a license number yet, but the results are still legit). I caved and found out that I PASSED!!! I couldn't believe it! I seriously was 80% sure I failed!!! The test was so hard and I felt like I was guessing the whole time. It was rough and I was just trying to get through each question the best I could.
Thank you so much to all my friends and family that prayed for me on that day and before. It really helped me to stay calm and be confident in myself knowing that everyone who loves me was thinking about me and hoping for my success.
So, Thank You from the newest RN!!!
-Andrea Gardner, RN BS (registered nurse, bachelors of science)
1/17/10
Primary Stories
**Read post below first**
We are in sharing time and Always Has the Correct Answer raises her hand and answers the question to which the teacher (actually her mom) says, "That is exactly right!" A Little Off his Rocker leans over to me and says, "Typical." I about died laughing.
First day of class with my new Primary class. I walk in and A Little Off his Rocker is bouncing off of walls and talking. A lot. Always Has the Correct Answer quickly informs me that "I will get used to him. He is rowdy." Later in class, I ask a question and Always Has the Correct Answer answers correctly. A Little Off his Rocker says, "You'll get used to her too. She always knows the right answer." Turns out both were right. :)
After sacrament today, Plays the Wii A Lot comes up to me and hands me a piece of paper. It said on the outside, "To: Open it Sister Gardener Sincerly, Plays the Wii A Lot" I open it and it says, "Sister Gardeners. I went to a party on Friday it started at 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Sincerly, Plays the Wii A Lot" I think he just wanted to tell me he went to this party. Like I said, he likes attention. But I like talking to him, so it's all good.
Came Out of Nowhere wanted to know today if we could touch our spirits. I told her no because our spirits are inside our bodies. She suggested cutting off her arm and then she could touch her spirit. I didn't quite know what to say to that, except "no." We then moved on with our lesson.
Not really about my class, but during the Primary Program back in November, I sat next to this adorable little 5 year old boy. He and his friend had a part in the program together which was probably a total of 5 words. After going up to the microphone and saying their part. The 5 year old little boy is walking back to his seat and pauses to turn to the audience and say, "Thank you people." With a nice little wave and smile. Only to come back to his seat and tell me that he said "thank you people" while laughing at how clever he is. It was funny and adorable.
We are in sharing time and Always Has the Correct Answer raises her hand and answers the question to which the teacher (actually her mom) says, "That is exactly right!" A Little Off his Rocker leans over to me and says, "Typical." I about died laughing.
First day of class with my new Primary class. I walk in and A Little Off his Rocker is bouncing off of walls and talking. A lot. Always Has the Correct Answer quickly informs me that "I will get used to him. He is rowdy." Later in class, I ask a question and Always Has the Correct Answer answers correctly. A Little Off his Rocker says, "You'll get used to her too. She always knows the right answer." Turns out both were right. :)
After sacrament today, Plays the Wii A Lot comes up to me and hands me a piece of paper. It said on the outside, "To: Open it Sister Gardener Sincerly, Plays the Wii A Lot" I open it and it says, "Sister Gardeners. I went to a party on Friday it started at 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Sincerly, Plays the Wii A Lot" I think he just wanted to tell me he went to this party. Like I said, he likes attention. But I like talking to him, so it's all good.
Came Out of Nowhere wanted to know today if we could touch our spirits. I told her no because our spirits are inside our bodies. She suggested cutting off her arm and then she could touch her spirit. I didn't quite know what to say to that, except "no." We then moved on with our lesson.
Not really about my class, but during the Primary Program back in November, I sat next to this adorable little 5 year old boy. He and his friend had a part in the program together which was probably a total of 5 words. After going up to the microphone and saying their part. The 5 year old little boy is walking back to his seat and pauses to turn to the audience and say, "Thank you people." With a nice little wave and smile. Only to come back to his seat and tell me that he said "thank you people" while laughing at how clever he is. It was funny and adorable.
The 7 Year Old Characters of Primary
Apparently I took my last post (Done Forever) quite literally as its been over a month since I've posted anything. What can I say, now that school is over we just have work (for Ryan) and boring studying for me (NCLEX). Not all that interesting.
Today, however, I realized that I have Primary, which is always entertaining no matter what. Here are the fun characters of my class. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Keep in mind these kids are 7 (turning 8 this year) and I totally love every single one of them. They are hilarious and so cute!
Always Has the Correct Answer: Any question you ever have, this girl knows the answer. She always has her hand raised but sometimes you have to ignore it because you want the rest of the kids to answer and learn too. It is quite likely that she will ruin your object lesson by pointing out what the whole point of it is within the first 10 seconds (it's like she can read your mind). She is super nice and always includes the other kids in everything (like asking if the new girl wants to give the prayer or asking why Has to Warm Up to You is crying--see below). Oh, and she does Yoga. She's 7. 'Nough said.
Bishop's Daughter: Best friend of Always Has the Correct Answer. These two are inseperable. They remind me of Stephanie and me when we were little (that is if we were ever in the same Primary class). They always have to sit by eachother, no matter what. It's cute. She really is the angel child. Doesn't talk much, but listens well. I like her. Oh, and she brought a Japanese Book of Mormon to church one day, I was a little confused. Thought that maybe her dad went to Japan on his mission and he could speak it--nope. She is just learning it because she can. I think that is awesome.
A Little Off His Rocker: This boy will randomly begin to meditate in the middle of class. I know the prophet said we should take more time to meditate but I don't think the middle of class is the time to do it. And I don't think by folding your feet on your chair, putting your arms up and placing your thumb to your middle finger while humming "mmmmmm" is what the Prophet was talking about when he said, "Meditate." It is all I can do to get him to "sit on his bum and put his feet on the floor." He also continually tells us that his mom won't let him eat candy, ice cream, sugar, etc. which I think is ridiculous and when I bring treats, he definitely gets it first. :) Oh, he enjoys Judo (martial arts), favorite color is "Rainbow," and is "rowdy" according to the other kids.
Kid With the Lisp: Really cute little kid. Natural hair color: Brown. Hair color now: brown with awesome blonde "highlights." I'm 99% convinced that his mom just had some leftover dye after doing her own hair and wanted to experiment on him. I don't think that is right. He is quiet and really obedient and has a very cute laugh. One of my favorite boys in my class for sure. Oh, and for his "about me" paper--What do you want to be when you grow up? ganckster. Ya, Ryan and I laughed about his during Sacrament today. One of those "I can't control this" kind of laughs. Luckily his will is better than mine and we finally quieted down before causing a scene. But really? Ganckster? wow.
Plays the Wii A Lot: We cannot get through a whole lesson without talking about how he played the Wii last night and after church he is going to go home and play the Wii some more. To which Always Has the Correct Answer says, "I don't think we should play video games on Sunday." Haha. I totally agree but what do you do? He always tries to catch my eye in Sacrament so he can wave and say in his high-pitched voice, "Hi Sister Gardner." He likes attention. Also, we can't get through a lesson without talking about his sister is really mean to him. She is 5. Poor guy.
Has to Warm Up to You: Cried the first 4 or 5 times I was there in Primary and still will every once in a while. She is really clingy and needs to get to know you before she will like you. Pays very very close attention to detail and is a perfectionist for sure. Needs the right color brown to draw her hair on her picture. Worried that they won't sing to her in Primary for her birthday. Worried she won't be able to see the table that they are doing sharing time on because her seat is too far to the side of the room. Yes, concerned. But adorable too. So nice and reverent. I really love this girl because she is attached to me, which makes me feel needed... haha. She is adorable.
Came Out of Nowhere: Last Sunday this girl shows up that I have never seen before so I was pretty sure she was a visitor. But she quickly informed me she wasn't a visitor (to which I felt kinda bad about). So then I just assumed she was less-active. But then, this girl knows almost more than Always Has the Correct Answer and talks even more than her (I know, impossible right?). I still am not sure where she came from . But found out today she isn't supposed to be in my class, so perhaps she will disappear as fast as she appeared. Who knows?
All of these characters lead to an exciting, funny, entertaining, and spiritual lesson (of course, why else do we go to primary?). They are so fun and I love teaching them every day. They are the best little 7-year-old class I could ask for (ya, all the real rowdy ones or in the other 7 year old class... oops...).
Today, however, I realized that I have Primary, which is always entertaining no matter what. Here are the fun characters of my class. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Keep in mind these kids are 7 (turning 8 this year) and I totally love every single one of them. They are hilarious and so cute!
Always Has the Correct Answer: Any question you ever have, this girl knows the answer. She always has her hand raised but sometimes you have to ignore it because you want the rest of the kids to answer and learn too. It is quite likely that she will ruin your object lesson by pointing out what the whole point of it is within the first 10 seconds (it's like she can read your mind). She is super nice and always includes the other kids in everything (like asking if the new girl wants to give the prayer or asking why Has to Warm Up to You is crying--see below). Oh, and she does Yoga. She's 7. 'Nough said.
Bishop's Daughter: Best friend of Always Has the Correct Answer. These two are inseperable. They remind me of Stephanie and me when we were little (that is if we were ever in the same Primary class). They always have to sit by eachother, no matter what. It's cute. She really is the angel child. Doesn't talk much, but listens well. I like her. Oh, and she brought a Japanese Book of Mormon to church one day, I was a little confused. Thought that maybe her dad went to Japan on his mission and he could speak it--nope. She is just learning it because she can. I think that is awesome.
A Little Off His Rocker: This boy will randomly begin to meditate in the middle of class. I know the prophet said we should take more time to meditate but I don't think the middle of class is the time to do it. And I don't think by folding your feet on your chair, putting your arms up and placing your thumb to your middle finger while humming "mmmmmm" is what the Prophet was talking about when he said, "Meditate." It is all I can do to get him to "sit on his bum and put his feet on the floor." He also continually tells us that his mom won't let him eat candy, ice cream, sugar, etc. which I think is ridiculous and when I bring treats, he definitely gets it first. :) Oh, he enjoys Judo (martial arts), favorite color is "Rainbow," and is "rowdy" according to the other kids.
Kid With the Lisp: Really cute little kid. Natural hair color: Brown. Hair color now: brown with awesome blonde "highlights." I'm 99% convinced that his mom just had some leftover dye after doing her own hair and wanted to experiment on him. I don't think that is right. He is quiet and really obedient and has a very cute laugh. One of my favorite boys in my class for sure. Oh, and for his "about me" paper--What do you want to be when you grow up? ganckster. Ya, Ryan and I laughed about his during Sacrament today. One of those "I can't control this" kind of laughs. Luckily his will is better than mine and we finally quieted down before causing a scene. But really? Ganckster? wow.
Plays the Wii A Lot: We cannot get through a whole lesson without talking about how he played the Wii last night and after church he is going to go home and play the Wii some more. To which Always Has the Correct Answer says, "I don't think we should play video games on Sunday." Haha. I totally agree but what do you do? He always tries to catch my eye in Sacrament so he can wave and say in his high-pitched voice, "Hi Sister Gardner." He likes attention. Also, we can't get through a lesson without talking about his sister is really mean to him. She is 5. Poor guy.
Has to Warm Up to You: Cried the first 4 or 5 times I was there in Primary and still will every once in a while. She is really clingy and needs to get to know you before she will like you. Pays very very close attention to detail and is a perfectionist for sure. Needs the right color brown to draw her hair on her picture. Worried that they won't sing to her in Primary for her birthday. Worried she won't be able to see the table that they are doing sharing time on because her seat is too far to the side of the room. Yes, concerned. But adorable too. So nice and reverent. I really love this girl because she is attached to me, which makes me feel needed... haha. She is adorable.
Came Out of Nowhere: Last Sunday this girl shows up that I have never seen before so I was pretty sure she was a visitor. But she quickly informed me she wasn't a visitor (to which I felt kinda bad about). So then I just assumed she was less-active. But then, this girl knows almost more than Always Has the Correct Answer and talks even more than her (I know, impossible right?). I still am not sure where she came from . But found out today she isn't supposed to be in my class, so perhaps she will disappear as fast as she appeared. Who knows?
All of these characters lead to an exciting, funny, entertaining, and spiritual lesson (of course, why else do we go to primary?). They are so fun and I love teaching them every day. They are the best little 7-year-old class I could ask for (ya, all the real rowdy ones or in the other 7 year old class... oops...).
12/16/09
Done Forever
For those of you who do not know, I recently finished my VERY last day of my undergraduate career at BYU. It really has not settled in yet that I will not be going back to school next semester. I mean, I've been going to college for 4.5 years (almost) straight. School has always been there in the back of my head somewhere and now, I feel like I should be reading, studying for finals, finishing some homework, writing a paper, etc. but alas, I do not need to because I am done. Wonderful. We had our graduation dinner we last Saturday since we didn't get a real Graduation hoopla. Afterward, Laura and Sarah, hubbies included, came over and we played the best game of Guestures I've played to this day. It was hilariously amazing!! We will definitely be having more of those nights. So glad our husbands are friends now too! Here are some pictures of the wonderful ending. Enjoy!
Us enjoying our last day with SAM, gonna miss that guy!
12/6/09
What's That I hear?
Oh ya, that must be Ryan singing "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland" in the bathroom. Is that the sound of Christmas nearing?
For the Gardner home, yes, yes it is.
For the Gardner home, yes, yes it is.
11/30/09
Thanksgiving
What is Thanksgiving without 80 degree weather? Well we don't really know because our Thanksgiving was filled with sun and heat! I forget how great California is until I go there and enjoy the fantastic weather!!
Our day started early with an hour drive to Dana Point for the Turkey Trot. We all did it except the Bri/Kell family. I was really proud of everyone because we all finished! Even Ryan said he ran the whole thing, so we are totally ready for our half marathon in April! :)
After the run we did a lot of getting ready, cooking, picture taking, watching football, and eating. It was a great Thanksgiving and yes, we have a lot to be grateful for.
Our day started early with an hour drive to Dana Point for the Turkey Trot. We all did it except the Bri/Kell family. I was really proud of everyone because we all finished! Even Ryan said he ran the whole thing, so we are totally ready for our half marathon in April! :)
After the run we did a lot of getting ready, cooking, picture taking, watching football, and eating. It was a great Thanksgiving and yes, we have a lot to be grateful for.
Ryan and I before the race
11/23/09
Best Friends
11/21/09
11/20/09
What's all the Traffic For?
*Update: we counted the number of cars at the drive-through on Friday night at approx 9:30 PM and we counted 66 cars. Wow, it was crazy!
And, we did finally break down today. We stood in line for about 35 min before we ordered. We were number 89 and they were on 25! wow! It took about another 30 min to get our food. Was it worth it? Well, I'll have to say yes! It was delicious! We loved it!
And, we did finally break down today. We stood in line for about 35 min before we ordered. We were number 89 and they were on 25! wow! It took about another 30 min to get our food. Was it worth it? Well, I'll have to say yes! It was delicious! We loved it!
13 going on 22?
All in all, it was fantastic! After a lot of waiting and being cold, they let us in the theater 2 hours early so we could be warm (also a plus of the Nordies group) and before we knew it we were watching New Moon.
This book was actually my favorite (so much emotion... I love it) so I was really excited for this movie, and I was not disappointed. The acting was better (especially by Edward and Bella, not so much for Jacob... sorry) and the quality was definitely better. There were funny parts as well as the sad (not as sad as the book makes it though).
It was a grand night and we all had a blast, feeling like we were special getting to see the movie all early and such. We walked out of the theater at 11:30 to see those who had the midnight tickets and I had to giggle a little bc we had already seen it. It was fun doing a premiere showing. Thanks Becs and Brooke (and baby) for coming with!!!
11/13/09
London & Germany & Paris Oh My!!!
For the last week, my husband has been traveling all over Europe training the Euro-ites how to be a real business man. (Ok, or just training them on Salesforce, but same thing). It is one thing when he goes away for a conference or when he goes to Alabama to do some trainings, but when he goes to Europe, one thing changes: no cell phone usage. That means for a whole week I don't get to hear his voice (except when he cheats and uses his boss's cell phone to call me--thanks for cheating!). No small texts or a call to see how things are going. We have been surviving off of emails explaining our day and what we did and didn't do. Twice we caught eachother online and got to chat, which was fun, but it was like 10 PM his time and 2 PM my time. So, needless to say, it wasn't very long.
All in all, Ryan is doing a great job training the Euro-ites all about business and I am really proud of him. He will (I'm sure) post more about his fabulous traveling when he returns, but for now you only get to hear my side of the story, which is that he hates Europe. He used to love it, back in the day, but now, it does not give him any satisfaction. Mostly because it is dirty there and there is really no depth to life without a woman by his side. So, needless to say, he swears he will never go back without me to show him that Europe really is a great place, as long as I'm there with him.*
Welcome home Ryan (in roughly 22 hours!)
*This was all from emails Ryan sent me... I have the proof if you need it. No, really, I do.
All in all, Ryan is doing a great job training the Euro-ites all about business and I am really proud of him. He will (I'm sure) post more about his fabulous traveling when he returns, but for now you only get to hear my side of the story, which is that he hates Europe. He used to love it, back in the day, but now, it does not give him any satisfaction. Mostly because it is dirty there and there is really no depth to life without a woman by his side. So, needless to say, he swears he will never go back without me to show him that Europe really is a great place, as long as I'm there with him.*
Welcome home Ryan (in roughly 22 hours!)
*This was all from emails Ryan sent me... I have the proof if you need it. No, really, I do.
11/8/09
Here's a Little Advice
Here's a little advice... Don't get Hives. They are not fun! I somehow ate a tree nut today (or so it seems) because I had a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting, my heart starting pounding, and I had this fun little rash all over my body. I started getting all itchy and when I looked, I had this rash all on my tummy and my back and then strangely on my wrist (shown below). I took 4 Benadryl (I threw up 2 of them, so I took 2 more) and now I am feeling fine (no hives and all).
The worst part is I became a nurse so I would know what to do in these types of situations, and yet I still went to my mom and said, "What do I do?" Thanks mom for taking care of me!!
The worst part is I became a nurse so I would know what to do in these types of situations, and yet I still went to my mom and said, "What do I do?" Thanks mom for taking care of me!!
oh, and ps. it was much worse than this picture paints it out to be...
The Rest of Halloween
Our actual Halloween day wasn't too eventful. Mostly, I finished cleaning the spare room, which took a long time, but is now not filled with boxes of our random stuff!! We got a call from Jeffrey saying he was in Sandy at Chipotle getting a free burrito because he wore tin foil. Needless to say, we headed there immediately and got a free burrito for wearing a tin foil crown and sailboat hat! It was fantastic! That night we watched The Island with Becca and Jacob and make pizzokies (which were fantastic!). Ryan was upset that we didn't see kids walking around trick or treating so we had to make sure our neighborhood was actually trick or treating before Ryan would be happy again. He says it was not right for kids to not be trick or treating on Halloween night. He was very particular about it! Anyway, we had a great Halloween and it was a great time!
For our ward party I volunteered to make cupcakes for the cake walk and so Lynne and I made these beauties. (They are spiderwebs, in case you couldn't tell! Haha)


My Crown!
10/25/09
Pumpkins
We had a great Halloween Celebration last weekend with Steph and Michael. They finally found time to come see us up here in no man's land Draper and carve some pumpkins with us!!! This year I caved and bought those cool stencils that you can carve more than just triangle eyes and a jaggedy mouth and we went all out!! It was a fun night... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
This one is mine and Ryan's pumpkin. I choose treat.. anyone else?
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