Anyone wanna trade spines with me?

So, back surgery awaits me again. It has been almost a year since my last surgery. At least I made it this far. Now I am going to have a fusion. My doctor told me from the beginning that a fusion was inevitable. He had just hoped it would be many years from now. Me being in school to get my bachelor's degree was to help me be one step closer to joining the Navy. Now I feel like it is one step closer to not working in a clinical aspect of nursing. I have at least 40 years left of nursing and I know my back can't tolerate that if I continue to have a physically demanding job. So, maybe with my BSN I can start teaching, at least clinicals. That would be less physical and more of what I want to do. I can't imagine nursing without working with patients but I have to protect my back. A spinal fusion at the age of 25? What surgery would I have when I am 35 if I continue doing what I do? I love what I do. Who wouldn't love being a part of bringing a baby into this world?

At least I have a family that is here to support me no matter what choice I make. When I first reinjured my back (about 4 weeks ago), Jason was a step ahead of me when I would try to do something. Now I feel like I am a burden because I have to ask him for his help. What happened to the Jason I had 4 weeks ago? Just because time has gone by doesn't mean I feel any better. Does he not realize the more time that passes, the worse my back feels? Isn't that common sense? Maybe I am just being selfish, but I don't think so. I think it is expected as a husband to be there for me and help me. Maybe it is a woman thing thinking he should read my mind, but I don't think so. He knows I have a bad back. I don't know. Maybe he will come around.

The Countdown Begins...

4 more days...4 more days until the kids get out of school. Then again, that just means that there will only be 81 days until they go back! It is so nice to come home from work and not worry about getting good sleep since it is so quiet. Now I won't get the greatest sleep because I will be too busy wondering what they are getting in to. Oh well, life goes on.

Why Stop There?

So, I'm currently in school to get my Bachelor's degree in Nursing. I just started late last month so I have a little while to go yet. Anyways, the last few days I have been wondering, "why stop there?". Why not get my Master's? I kind of enjoy school. Not the constant logging in to my courses to make sure I have completed all my work. What I am enjoying is rediscovering my knowledge...and USING it! I know this sounds really corny, but I look forward to writing my 2-3 page paper every week. Maybe it is because it is still new. Maybe once I am a few more weeks in, I will hate it. I don't know. I like this much more than my previous nursing school experiences. Probably because there are no clinicals and it is all online. Therefore, my only obligation is to my computer!

Here is my crossroads...What the heck do I get my Master's in?

Do I take the education route so I can teach prospective nurses? What about the saying, 'those who can't do, teach'? I don't want to lose any clinical skills or knowledge, but I love to teach and mentor. I would find it fulfilling to know that I played a part in students becoming nurses.

or...

Do I become a Nurse Practitioner? If so, what kind? I have come to love women's health, but would rather go with the prenatal aspect and stay away from the GYN part. Maybe there is a Perinatal Nurse Practitioner. I'm sure there is...maybe, possibly. But it is kind of hard to find a job as a Nurse Practitioner.

or...

Do I use my Master's degree for management purposes? I don't really think I want that responsibility. Manager's don't have friends. You can't be in management and expect people to like you. It is pretty much unreasonable. So, I think that is kind of out of the question.

or...

Do I become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist? Can you say $$$$$$$$$$? I used to want to become a CRNA, but after thinking about it, decided that I wanted to have some variety in my career rather than sit in on surgeries and stare at blood pressures, heart rates, and oxygen levels. I know there is more to it and do not intend to insult anyone, I am just not sure if it is for me or not!

What does everyone else think?

Kristen :)

to shave or not to shave...?

So, I have been hoping Olivia will forget about shaving her legs, but it has become a daily question. I have the razor, shaving cream, and lotion. The one thing missing is the courage to shave a 10 year old little girl's legs. I know it is a self confidence issue rather than her wanting to be more 'grown up'. She hates all the hair on her legs. I just don't know how to approach the issue. Do I tell her that there are things about our body that we don't like and we have to learn to accept it, or do I shave her legs and teach her that just because we are able to 'remove this flaw' doesn't mean we can remove them all? I am in the midst of a dilemma and I need advice. I never thought I would really care this much, but I have been the mother to this child since she was 7. I am not ready to accept that she is growing up (beautifully, may I add). I am starting to think I am making this a bigger deal than she is. Hopefully she will grow up to appreciate the choices I have to make for her while she is still my little girl.

Kristen

The Beginning

We decided to start this blog so our family and friends can stay updated about our life. Jason has a new job as a Parts Manager at Firestone. I am a labor and delivery nurse at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, MO. I am also going to school for my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (hopefully finishing by the end of the year), with plans on applying for the Navy Nurse Corps. Christian is 11 and can't seem to stop riding his bike on the dirt trails by our house. Olivia is 10 and is all about being a girly girl (she is begging me to shave her legs...eeeeek). Daniel is 9 and constantly talks about his dream of being a zoologist (perfect job for him). Carter is 5 and rides his bike....actually he sneaks Daniel's bike out of the garage....NO TRAINING WHEELS!!!!!! For the most part, the kids get along really well with each other. Jason and I are currently trying to add a little one to the family. Given that my back problems become tolerable enough. Keep your fingers crossed! Having 4 kids is not easy by any means, but we wouldn't trade them in for the world. They have the best personalities. They are all sooooo different. It is a great mix in this house. I am going to try my best to post regularly. I may even try to get Jason and the kids to make some posts. Should be interesting! Keep following!

Kristen :)