▶ ▷ GRADUATE!

I just graduated woohoo!! I can now have the BSN title next to my name. Hopefully, I pass the NCLEX and add the RN title next to it too.
 
I survived even though I had some regrets. I'm happy to have graduated with honors considering I did not take nursing school seriously when I first started (as referred to my previous post). I graduated .02 away from a Magna. It is not a big of a deal but that is just a really close gap which bothers me so much. And I exactly know the classes I just brushed off *cough* Intro to Nsg and OB/Peds*cough* One class was just plain boring and the other involving kids was not my cup of tea *le sigh*

My GPA is still good for grad school I hope. The next chapter from now is passing NCLEX and getting a job. Oops no. Here's my itenerary:

 Pass NCLEX → Europe trip (booked!) → Get a job

Everyone could attest that jobs are a lot harder to get during this recession. Although nursing positions are starting to open up compared to 2009-2010, the job market is still tight. You either have to: 

   1. know someone (connections), 

   2. have previously worked in the hospital, or 

   3. just be super awesome and likeable. 

Many people are stressed over the competitive job market. Luckily, I do not stress over these stuff. I know it makes me sound irresponsible, but I would like to enjoy this break from school especially that I am still young. My plan A is to get a job and I will keep applying.  If I don't get a job, my plan B is to apply to grad school or do pre-med, since nursing is giving me a hard time, lol. There is a solution to everything and I always think positive. I'm just really thankful of now :)

▶ ▷ Osama Bin Laden's Death: Moral Victory

It was the night of May 1st 2011 when Obama announced the death of the most prominent terrorist leader, Osama Bin Laden. And here are my thoughts about it.

In my opinion, Osama Bin Laden's death is a moral victory, but does not equal the end of terrorism. As the leader of Al Qaeda, bin Laden's idealogies still lives on and will continue to influence terroristic groups. Jihadists already declared revenge over bin Laden's death on militant forums. One commentator name Assad al-Jihad2 stated:

"Woe to his enemies. By God, we will avenge the killing of the Sheik of Islam. Those who wish that jihad has ended or weakened, I tell them: Let us wait a little bit... The battle between us and international tyranny is long and will not be stopped by the martyrdom of our beloved one, the lion of Islam."

He further added:
"The weight of Sheik Osama is equal to that of the whole United States... Which country managed to attack the Pentagon? Which countries managed to send the most powerful country in the world into decline? The one who did that is a nation called Osama bin Laden."

Source: The Associated Press


Bin Laden is killed, but the war is not over. Although his death means there's progress and justice, I am afraid his death also invites more terrorist acts from his followers. We should take all necessary precautions and be prepared because retaliation is, without a doubt, going to happen. As a last note, salute to the Navy SEALs and all the troops.
Photos from the White House

▶ ▷ A late post about the Royal Wedding

In this modern day and age, I forgot that monarchies still existed until the wedding of Kate and Prince William. The royal wedding was truly fairy-tale like. A prince and a lady getting married just like in children's stories and Disney movies.

The royal couple with royal kids waiting to find their royal match to breed more royalties./FLICKR

I loved how it was very grand and beautiful. Very classy with many royal families I never knew existed in attendance. People were wearing beautiful couture outfits with matching cocktail hats (that only they could pull off). And all I was thinking was, "Wow this is how the rich people roll, huh?"

Lady Gaga?/REUTERS

There was too much media coverage that it can't be ignored even if it's the least of someone's interest especially to those who don't live in England like me. One thing that caught my eye though, aside from the fashion showed in the wedding, was this:

Royal Wedding Cake/GETTY

Now that is beautiful and YUMMY - a multi-layered fruit cake. It was described to be an 8-layered cake consisting of 17 individual fruit cakes. I don't even want to eat and destroy that thing if I ever saw it. The Prince had his own cake too, how greedy lol.

Prince William's royal chocolate cake/FLICKR

Clearly, I am more interested in the aesthetics, clothes and cake than the wedding itself. It was a beautiful and joyous event nonetheless.

▶ ▷ Fave hair and studying before exam!

This has been my all time favorite look because it's so easy to do and still manages to look cute!

No such hussle like burning your hands in a hair-damaging curling iron. All you need to do is....

.
.
.
.
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Yup! Hair braid! Take a shower the night before and while your hair is still damp, braid it (if you can braid by yourself or ask someone to do it) :). Leave it overnight (or if you are like me who wakes up late, come to school with the braids on and put a hat on, lol) and then just take it out. You'll have very nice curls, guaranteed!

I had to look presentable for my final presentation as an undergrad. It was 80 degrees and I was afraid my hair would be frizzy if I left it straight. It worked out and I think our presentation went well :)

3 MORE EXAMS~ We were studying for my 4th exam for Crisis during break. And you know what happens when you study with friends during a 3-hour break...



Yeh, that sums it all :)

Last day of clinicals... ever.

Today was our last day of clinicals. That means many things.

1. Last day wearing this ugly burgundy scrubs :)

2. Last day cleaning a patient without getting paid :)

3. Last day being a student nurse :)

4. Last day of taking less responsibilities :|

5. Last day spending 8 hours twice a week in the Medical-Respiratory Intensive Care Unit with the most amazing nurses in the hospital :(

It's good and quite sad. The four of us who were chosen to be in the M-RICU prepared a lot of food for the staff because they were so great to us.

They loved us and we love them. The mentors who taught us for 6 weeks became our friends. We looked up to them as role models and someone we, as students, can confide to about the crazy days of being a nursing student and the challenges of being a soon-to-be professional nurse. And they understood us. The mentor-student relationship we created was extraordinary and this experience solidified my decision to be a nurse. I am personally going to miss everyone.

It was an amazing experience. I will never forget my last day of clinical as a student nurse.

Diary #2

Today, my sister and I went jogging. It was not that cold but it was very gloomy out because of the rain. I had an ulterior motive on why I wanted to jog though, haha I actually needed to go to Center City to buy some things. Shame on me for using exercise as my excuse to shop. At least I'm hitting two birds with one stone right?

Actually, there was 60% off on swimsuits in Old Navy and it was only for FOUR hours! I had to go!! I bought $90 worth of swimwear and I only paid $35. How awesome is that? Plus, I also had to buy a pack of 'thank you' cards and I thought only Valu Plus has it for cheap. I went there and it was closed and just learned the Dollar Store has it too. I bought all I needed and I'm happy I did not spend a lot.

Afterwards, my sister and I went to my friend's house who is leaving to PH next week :( We had fun and ate a lot of food. Then, our friend's dad drove us home. I think he was driving 200mph in the rain on the highway. I blinked and we were home already. I did not even have time to be scared although it was! I'm so glad school is almost over and I get to do more stuff without worrying for next week :)

My new obsessions!

My two obsessions right now are Jessie J and Adele. These two UK artists are just amazing and I listen to them everyday.

These are the two albums in 2011 that I'll get for sure.

Adele - 21
1. Rolling In The Deep
2. Rumour Has It
3. Turning Tables
4. Don't You Remember
5. Set Fire To The Rain
6. He Won't Go
7. Take It All
8. I'll Be Waiting
9. One And Only
10. Love Song
11. Someone Like You



Jessie J - Who You Are (Her album just dropped in the US 5 days ago!)
1. “Price Tag” feat. B.o.B
2. “Nobody’s Perfect”
3. “Abracadabra”
4. “Big White Room”
5. “Casualty of Love”
6. “Rainbow”
7. “Who’s Laughing Now”
8. “Do It Like a Dude”
9. “Mamma Knows Best”
10. “L.O.V.E.”
11. “Stand Up”
12. “I Need This”
13. “Who You Are”

And of course, I am also currently obsessed with Casey Abrams from American Idol. If he gets voted off, I do not think I will be watching idol as much. He is, in my opinion, a musical genius. :)