it's a lot like leaping off a cliff

Whelp. I did it.

I went and registered for the first of 7 classes I need to take to apply to nursing school.

I have wavered over this for a LONG time. At least a year. After a year, I STILL want to do it.

It won't be easy. It will be expensive. I will be asking for some serious responsibility-shouldering from my family.

But after being a SAHM for 10 years, I am DYING to do something else. Something that will help people. Something that I am really interested in. Something that is flexible enough that it would work with the Laundry's schedule. Something where there are actual JOBS out there. (Seriously, have you all LOOKED for a job lately? I watch CNN and all, but as part of this whole process, I decided to look for a job in my former fields and see what was out there. NOTHING. Especially not for someone who hasn't worked in 10 years.)

So here we go.

It is terrifying.

And? Exhilarating.

When I got my registration form and paid my bill, I felt a little thrill. That rapid heartbeat, tingly scalp, adrenaline rush.

Then, I went to the bookstore and bought my books, and I got that other feeling. The one in the pit of your stomach that makes you feel like you might barf.

So I went outside, with my new textbooks hugged tight to my chest, breathed in some icy air and told myself I CAN DO THIS.

It's one little baby step. And there's always a chance to modify the plan along the way if I need to. But it's the first step I have taken for ME in a very long time.




Confidential to Jennifer: The Dansko clogs feel FABULOUS on my feet. I have achy feet and legs just in a regular day. Honestly, that is one of the things that makes me nervous about nursing... how much my legs will hurt at the end of a shift. But, my nurse friends rave about these shoes, as does my OB-GYN, and I have to agree. They are a little heavy, which takes some getting used to. I would say they are worth the investment. I have also heard great things from nurses about Crocs. They have a professional line . Non-skid, reinforced toes, no holes (gotta keep fluids off your socks). I don't think either one will win you a fashion award, but I wear Crocs around the house a lot and they also help my achy feet and legs. I'd love to hear about your nursing school experience, by the way!! Email me at laundryforsix@gmail.com.

Confidential to Erin: I will definitely do a review of the Flip. The one thing I can say is that it IS hard to hold steady because it's so small. So some of the videos are more herky-jerky than they would be with a bigger heavier camera. I do love the size though - I can throw it in my purse and pull it out to film some of the silly things the kids do that I normally would not have captured. I don't have an iPhone, maybe an iPhone can do the same thing? We do have a bigger video camera that is not digital, and I think we will be keeping that too for videoing birthdays and Christmas.