Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Books, Munchies, Running Shoes, and School

All week I was ready to make this particular 5x7inch piece at our craft party with the girls. I saw an idea online to Mod-Podge a page from a book onto a canvas and paint a black silhouette on top. I was on the hunt for a good bargain book at a thrift store, as I would not be the type to just rip a page out a good book I already own in good condition. haha Found a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, which is the first of that seven-book series. I already own one copy of this book, but like I said can't be ripping out of that cop. (Besides, it is also sitting on my bookshelf back at my parents' house right now.) I grabbed it from the shelf and figured that would work.

Later that day I realized this was actually going to be perfect for my project. This particular book is one of the first I remember reading when I began enjoying reading for fun when I wasn't at school. Then, I wanted to rip out a good page. Not just any random page, but a page with a worthy quote on it. I ended up choosing the page where Professor Dumbledore says, "It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends." This is a noteworthy quote from the series.

My original idea was to paint some sort of tree on the page, and I did a little idea searching. Decided I would attempt to paint a tree with a girl on a swing. I'm actually pretty impressed with my painting skills this time around. I'm pretty proud of this little project, and it is now hanging on my wall in my bedroom. Actually next to another Harry Potter craft I made, as suggested by Karena's little sister. Passerby may not understand the significance of the whole thing to me, but I know it. This little project says "Jessica Boschen" in many ways.


A certain cousin of mine sent me a message the other day asking if I had read a particular book.  I replied I had not, but I had a feeling he was suggesting I should. He sent me a copy in the mail, which arrived a few days later, with a note saying how much laughter it sparked for him. I kept reading and was enjoying it, so I sent him a message saying as much. I love book recommendations and discussing them with others when I get the chance. I have not read many memoirs in my day, but I'll admit this one was enjoyable. I may not have laughed as hard as Cousin Aaron, but it still made me smile, and I flew through it. Fey covers all sorts of ideas in the pages.


I also had found a little recipe for some Nutella cookies I wanted to try making.  We had a little party like I said on Sunday. Crafts all afternoon and then sort of watched the football game. We went for mini everything. Mini cookies, mini pizzas mini tacos, lil smokies.... you get the idea. Here are my bit-size Nutella cookies. Good if you like chocolate or Nutella, and they have a sprinkling of sea salt on top, which I thought added a nice touch. Great size, too.


The munchies come at us from time to time. When I have the munchies these days I usually crave some yogurt, fruit, or nuts. My nutrition class makes me even more conscious of what I eat, as did my Food Policy course a few years ago. Found myself laughing the other night at a moment where I was sitting on the couch with a plate of carrots, apple slices, and banana slices with a bowl of melted peanut butter for dipping. All while my roommates munched on processed candy and chips. Sure sure, I maybe enjoy those things from time to time, but the moment made myself laugh. Fruits are my candy! :-) Here's a grape, vanilla yogurt, and granola parfait I slapped together for another little meal one day.


Found myself a new pair of running shoes with some bright colors on clearance a few weeks ago. I've been putting them to good use with one of my latest hobbies I'm sure many of you have read about already. All I will say is that I find them to be much more fun outdoors than running laps around the tiny track at the fitness center or on the treadmill. I have myself a membership for the fitness center here in Syracuse for the month, and it is nice to have. When that wind is too strong, I don't like running outside. Some cold air is alright, but not the wind.

I also enjoy some swimming laps in the pool. Alright, so the Syrcause fitness center does not a full size pool. This is a little fitness center that is part of the hospital in town (soon to be relocated actually, though, as the hospital expands I hear). However, I still enjoy swimming some laps and doing strength conditioning exercises with the resistance dumbbells.


I've put my running shoes to use on streets with a little snow on them, but today I tried them out while the snow was actually falling. I've read it can be fun, and I was ever so exhilarated after some news I received earlier that morning (which you shall read about down below). The temperature was still nice, so I figured if I wanted to go 10am was better than later in the day when snow would become heavier and the wind would pick up. You'll notice not much snow on the ground yet at the park, but there is definitely more now as I sit and write this at 8pm.


It was a fun little jog. :) New life experiences! Gotta love some hobbies with new twists.


Already at mid-term with the winter term at Southeast Community College, where I am currently taking Basic Nutrition and Intro to Psychology. I spend hours throughout the week with my digital textbooks, notebook, and cups of hot green tea. At first it was a little weird doing homework again, but I do enjoy school and learning.


These are a few courses I knew I needed before I could start up in a nursing program for a Bachelor's degree. I also laid out the list of what I have left and checked the classes posted for next term. I also picked up conversation again with student services at University of Nebraska Medical Center. Mid-morning (prior to my little snowy run,) I received an e-mail containing a letter. This led me to signing my agreement for Honors Admission to the UNMC College of Nursing Accelerated BSN program. So excited! This means I am guaranteeing myself a spot in the limited program, contingent upon maintaining my high GPA in my remaining pre-requisite classes.



It is too late for the program this year, but I am gaining a spot in the program to start May of 2015. I will then graduate in May of 2016 with my Bachelor's of Nursing and receive my RN license after examination. This will be good timing for me. A year may sound like a lot, but I know time keeps flying. I can't believe we are in February of 2014 already. In the mean time, I will continue to take the remaining pre-reqs I need and gain some different work experience. Made my day to receive this letter, though! One step closer to making this nursing path a reality. :-)

Stay safe if you are in snowivlle, stay warm, and to everyone... have a wonderful week!

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