De-stressing

I have learned both in class and at work lately how important relieving and preventing stress is. During my CNA class, we discussed how to relieve stress. We must, or our emotions and tensions might be taken out on the resident, who does not deserve those acts at all. And a friend at work has been dealing with the effects of stress after visiting his mom in the hospital for the past few weeks. So I got to thinking about how I like to deal with stress, which is running or walking.
The more I thought about how much I love to run, I realized what I really enjoy is God's creation. Growing up in Iowa, the scenery on my jogs was always quite beautiful. All the land is green for miles and miles, with grass and trees and corn (of course!).  I also realized today that this is why I couldn't enjoy running as much in Chicago. I felt as if I was being pressed in by the city, and my feet would complain from the concrete path. I wasn't craving the run; I craved nature. So today I decided to take a few pictures of what I see along my jog.

My view as I begin my run through our pasture

Some nature (empty walnut) and modern industry (rusted steel)

My dad planted these walnut trees when I was a young child. Now they are so tall!

Praise be to God! His creation is beautiful!

Catching Up

Warning: Later on in this blog post will be a rated R picture for graphic images. PLEASE do NOT look at it if you do not like blood! For my nursing buddies (Lisa and Danielle), enjoy!

OK, I am failing at this whole bloggig thing this summer. Mostly, I have just been attending CNA classes and working while I am not there.
Last weekend, a couple of my friends came over to my Grandpa's farm to go swimming in the pond. It was perfect weater, and the water was just right! I look forward to going again on Saturday if it isn't storming!

This is an old picture.. But it shows how beautiful Iowa's praries are!

Saturday is also Risefest, which is a mashup of a bunch of Christian bands and speakers in Sheldon. Two bands that I like, Remedy Drive and Tenth Avenue North, will be there! However.... one more important thing is happening this weekend.... Ben is coming to visit, all the way from Denver! I cannot wait! We are going to finally celebrate his birthday with a day-date in Sioux Falls.

WARNING: THIS IS THE SECTION WITH BLOOD!

Now, for the graphic image part. So Monday I ripped off my whole entire toenail. Nope, it didn't hurt actually. It just felt funny when I stepped down, so I looked, and there it was. My whole toenail just barely hanging on in one corner. Even the part of the nail that is usually covered by skin... that came off too. Now, however, it stings quite a bit. I am putting my health care skills to the test and soaking it in some Epsom salt to draw out any nasty staph aureus that might be hiding in there. I know, biology nerd.  Well... here's the picture!

My brother says it looks like my feet have been through a battle, and he's right. A few days earlier, Jager got me with her rope. I have two really nice rope burns around the front of my ankles. Three injuries in three days. Luckily, I have been injury-free since Monday! I will try to keep that going.

Peace out girl scouts! 

I'm Going To Be A CNA!

Yesterday, I had my first CNA class! By the end of June, I will have completed the 75 hour course, and will be ready to take the test to get certified! I am really excited and I can't wait to get a job in a hospital so I don't have to work in the shop any more.

 To be honest, my first class was pretty easy. A lot of it was common sense, but a lot of it I learned in my Nursing Concepts class at Trinity. Hopefully that means the rest of the class won't be too difficult. I guess we will see what tomorrow brings!