Mini vacation to Seattle

After a busy summer with the added bonus of studying for my nursing state boards we decided we needed to get away and do something fun. We drove to Seattle to see a couple Mariners games and took the kids downtown to the Aquarium and Pike Place Market. We had a great time, the Mariners won both games, the kids were worn out and it was a great relief from the stress of mi vida loco.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Seattle waterfront


Pike Place Market


A tribute to Mr. Mariner








The Mariner Moose

No pictures, but good news nonetheless...

I took my nursing boards on Wednesday morning and must say what a miserable time that was and about as bad having to wait 48 hours to get results. For those not familiar, the test ranges in the number of questions from 75 to 265 and a 6 hour time limit . When the computer "thinks" it has a fair shake on your competency, it shuts off with no warning-- That's it, you're done. But you don't know if you pass or fail. I took a break at about 200 to go outside a get a nibble and some fresh air (the time clock keeps tickin'). I was in about 4 hours by then. It is very hard to stay mentally alert at this point. I had to keep reminding myself to focus because any ? could be my last. My head was starting to pound. Another 25 ?'s and down she goes. A relief to be done, now the wait. My headache went from pound to pounding with extra cheese. The drive home was a blur, (that's safe!). I took some tylenol and tried to sleep but that didn't work cause my jaw hurt too and my stomach was in a knot. I got up and played Lego and Barbie with the kids which was a helpful distraction. My headache finally subsided sometime after midnight when I went to work. This morning at work I felt sick to my stomach like I took a Mike Tyson haymaker, knowing that in only a few hours my score would be posted. My nerves were shot and I was grumpy and probably not very efficient. I checked online with my phone about 0700 and the results were in. What a relief!

I just want to say "thanks" to everyone for their support and encouragement. In no way did I feel any pressure at any time from anyone. My problems are from putting pressure on myself. Good or bad?? That's just me. I couldn't have done it without the support of friends and family, especially Lisa who had to make quite a few adjustments and sacrifices in the past 5 years. So now, we shall move on...