Graduation

I am now an alumnus of UAB. I just can't believe it. Reality is slowing setting it that I will no longer see the same nursing students in my class every week like I have for the past two years. I'm exciting about starting my new job. Not so excited about studying for and taking the NCLEX. Pretty thrilled that the wedding is 2 months and 1 day away. And, as of yesterday, Deavin and I have been engaged for 1 year and six months. It's crazy that it has been that long!

Friday, May 6th was the senior recognition ceremony. I was very nervous and sweaty, though I have no idea why. My parents, Deavin, and Ryan were my honored guests, with a surprise appearance by Elizabeth and her boyfriend, Ben. We celebrated with the grease of Bob Sykes barbecue and fries.

Saturday, May 7th was graduation day. My ceremony was at 2 PM. The graduates were all hoarded in George C. Wallace gymnasium for an hour before the ceremony. (Side note: I love how the gym is named after Wallace - ha). Once again, I was very sweaty, but this time I was not the only one. The ceremony lasted less than 2 hours and I didn't even trip across the stage as I feared. My lovely honored guests at the graduation were my parents, my grandparents, Deavin, David, Ryan, Mike, and Bradly. We had an after party (because anywhere I go is a party) at my parents' house with them, my grandparents, Linda, Holly, Cody, David, Ryan and Deavin. Why am I writing down everyone's name, you're asking yourself? Well, because I may forget who was where. And it's not something I want to forget.

Waking up the morning after graduation at 5:10 AM to get ready for work was...slightly difficult. Possibly more difficult than being quiet enough for Ryan not to hear me walking around the house. Ha! I have one more weekend as a CA at Children's Hospital.

So anyhow. I'm looking forward to the Couples Shower this coming weekend at Whitney & Michael's house. I'm just hoping it's more than just me, Deavin, Whitney, Michael, and Ryan sitting around and staring at each other.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

That morning started out with a bang. I was called to get out of bed and go downstairs at 5:30. The storms were already beginning, and for my house, this storm was the worst. The winds were unlike any I have ever heard before. It brought down many trees and power lines in the neighborhood, though no major damage was done to person or property. Eastern Valley Road and Tannehill Parkway both looked like a big mess.

The evening storms came too quickly. I do not know the exact number of tornadoes that charged through Alabama that day, but it was unbelievable. I watched live video of the tornadoes as they passed through Cullman, Tuscaloosa, and Birmingham. This thing was HUGE. The tornadoes left so much devastation across the state, killing and injuring people, and destroying homes and lives along its way. The two places that hit home the most with me are, of course, Tuscaloosa and Pleasant Grove. Both are in terrible conditions and leave this empty, aching feeling in my heart. Particularly with Pleasant Grove, there is so much destruction that much of my childhood is only a memory now. It's a humbling feeling to ride through a town you lived in for 18 years and seeing homes absolutely ripped apart. It also leaves me with a helpless feeling, knowing that no matter how much I donate or volunteer to help out with any relief effort, I cannot change the fact that these tornadoes happened and that these families' lives are forever altered. Seeing how the community has joined together in an effort to help is amazing. It's so relieving to see people genuinely caring for strangers as if they were family. I am so fortunate that my friends living in Pleasant Grove are alive and have no destruction to their homes. May God bless all people involved - those whose homes were destroyed and lives turned upside down, family and friends of the people affected, and for all those who are volunteering their time and strength. May God sustain each and every one of us through this tragedy and use it to strengthen our faith and for His glory.

Aftermath in Pleasant Grove

Pleasant Grove

Tuscaloosa

From the video that was shown live on the news of the tornado going through Tuscaloosa.

And the very same huge tornado traveled to Birmingham, hitting Pleasant Grove, Concord, Pratt City, and many other unnamed and overlooked places along the way.

Kittens

Molly the Cat had her kittens on Saturday, April 9th. I was violently ill with something like the flu and missed work that weekend. They're so cute!

The Brighter Side

I passed the ATI on the first try with an 81%. I will never forget the feeling of my heart racing and pounding out of my chest as the results pulled up on the screen. My blood pressure was probably near stroke levels. I graduate in 4 days! I'm just so excited (sarcasm) to wear my green cap and gown with a gold tassel. I'm pretty sure the PG purple and gold was better than that! Ha.

Even better news - I am UAB's newest labor and delivery RN! Set to start on May 23rd. I am so excited to begin this new journey! I have already had my ID badge photo taken and went to the physical that's required of all new employees. I will be working with my nursing school friend, Alicia, too.

This is my story

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.

Last Day!

Today was the last day of nursing school. I had my community health nursing final exam, which was a catastrophe. However, I don't care - it's over. No more college classes ever. This is so crazy.

The only thing that remains is the comprehensive ATI next Wednesday, which is more like an exit exam, and has no weight in regards to my GPA or grade for a specific course.

Now I just want the job offers to come in!

Life Changes

The reason why I decided to have so many life changes occurring at once is somewhat unknown to me. I suppose I thought it would be a great idea, simply overlooking the undeniable stress that would ensue. But really, I somewhat enjoy the fun that surrounds all of these events and changes. New beginnings don't always have to be scary.

I graduate in 26 days. I will be Bethany Howard, BSN. That's a big deal. And if I play it off and sound like I have convinced myself like it is not a big deal, slap me. It's been four years of sweat, tears, and most definitely blood. Lots of blood. This is not just some minor detail in life, but a pretty huge accomplishment that allows for me to begin a rewarding career of helping and serving others.

The wedding is in 89 days. I'll be Bethany Cottingham. That's so surreal! The lady in charge of flower arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres flaked on me. I'm flowerless at this point. Big problem! Hopefully this will be fixed soon. Showers and teas will be the weekend after graduation. Of course, I have that really sad idea that no one will show up and I'll just be standing there alone. There's still so much to do. A place to live. A job to find. An NCLEX to pass. :( This too shall pass! As my sweet friend Amy reminds me every week, "Don't worry, Bethany. God's timing is perfect."

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests me made known to God. And the peace of god, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:6-8

Oh, and one final thought: Hyphenated last names are ridiculous.