A Pit, A Peak, & A Little #BackThatAzzUp

Pit

+ Within the last 3 weeks, I've had 3 different job interviews at 3 different hospitals for 3 different RN positions. And I didn't get any of them. That brings my job applications I've sent in up to, oh, at least 100-200. At least. And my interview count up to 6. And my job offers up to....ZERO.

+ It's still winter in Minnesota. And snowing. And blowing. And ANNOYING!

+ I've been having major writer's block lately (if you couldn't tell by my lack of posts). Luckily, I have one post really dear to my heart scheduled for next Tuesday. And I'm working on another fun little post idea that probably will officially put me on the crazy train. But that's okay.

+ I will be in a CPR class from 8:30am-3:00pm tomorrow. Save me by tweeting me or something tomorrow, y'all!

Peak

+ It's Friday and my brother and sister are both coming home this weekend!

+ I went 1990's pop and country music crazy yesterday and downloaded a bunch of new-old songs.

+ I have another interview lined up for February 12th. My 3rd interview with this hospital/clinic system.

+ This is random, but this Pit & Peak thing reminded me of what my clinical instructor during my first semester of hospital clinicals in Rochester used to do. In post-clinical, we would share a "Pit & a Pearl" of our day. It was so therapeutic, helpful, and reassuring.

And because I love you all, here's a great 90's song to jam on this Finally Friday!

These Wings are Made to Flyyyyy

 Crappies

- I got a reply about a clinic job I applied for & didn't get a second interview (because I have no experience). I'm used to them by now, but it still sucks.

- I really want a place of my own soon. But that can't happen until I get a good job. The only "me" time I get right now is at night before bed when I'm watching Netflix.

Happies

- I went to lunch last Saturday with my BFF's to Panera & it was just what I needed. All three of us are having sucky lives right now related to jobs and living arrangements. We all spent 2 hours venting to each other & it actually made us all feel better. I love my girls! 

-  I had a sister day yesterday with Hannah. Moka had $1 off all iced & blended drinks - um..hello! So we went there & got one to bring to my mom at work too. Iced Jamaican with cream, sugar, & half a shot of vanilla - yummmmm! We also went to Target & I splurged on myself. But it was all clearance so it's totally okay! I got a black maxi skirt for $7.48 (yes, it's maternity but who cares!) & two OPI nail polishes for $3.52 each. A steal!

 

- I may or may not have a new bookshelf to replace my wobbly shelf that my DVD/DVD Player is currently on. Depending on how generous my old high school wants to be.

- One of my sponsors this summer, Alejandra from Munchkins & Military has a birthday giveaway going on right now! It runs through next weekend so get your entries in! I know I'm entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

- This jam is currently playing on Spotify. So back that azz up all ya want to it; I approve.

Happies & Crappies

Crappies

- Let's see....NOTHING.

Happies

- This past weekend was fabulous!

- If you don't follow me on Instagram, you should because I'm posting clothes you can buy. My question for people that sell their clothes: how to you keep shipping prices in mind when setting final prices to sell something at? Flat rate priority mail shipping is around $5.60 so I would think you set it higher than that so you're actually earning money? This is when I wish I had an iPhone or iPad so I could use Poshmark & make everyone's life easier!

- Thanks to Kaitlyn from Wifessionals and her awesome tutorial, I now have a set of social media icons on my sidebar that match my design!

- Expect a new URL in the next week or so. http://www.sweetsilverliningblog.com (Thanks to Sam for help with that!). Anyone know if I have to claim the new URL and start my Bloglovin followers over again? Or do I just post another Bloglovin link in a post & contact Bloglovin support?

- It's been in the 70's, 80's, & 90's all week. Finally!

- I got paid. Finally!

- I bought a Smart TV with a bunch of my gift card winnings from Target. Best purchase ever. Now I can watch Netflix without dragging my computer to bed with me :)

- My high school, Lourdes, is moving to a brand new school that they built next school year. Their having an open house for people to tour the new school on Sunday. Apparently it is gorgeous. Expect pictures.

And the best of all...

- I get to see my Nursing class get pinned on Saturday morning!!! I'm meeting up with my fellow December grads & we're sitting together and supporting our class. I probably say this once a week, but I am so proud of our class & all we've accomplished. It took a lot of hard work to get to this point & I can't believe we're all finished! It's definitely doing to be bittersweet. Happy to be seeing all of us together again. Sad because this is probably the last time we'll all be together in one place.

Happies & Crappies

Crappies

- Um...can you say huge snow storm in MAY?! Almost 14" of snow here in SE Minnesota. Schools were cancelled, power was out for 9,000 people. They even pulled snow plows off the road in some areas because it was such bad road conditions. Apparently, April Showers bring Snow Plowers....

*I can't take credit for that joke. One of my senior year roomies totally came up with that.*

- I'm still waiting on my first pay day check from my former employer. I was supposed to get the paper version of the check on the 25th or 26th of April, but being I quit that day, I never got it. I'm still waiting on them to mail it. Or maybe they'll include it with the next check on the 16th? Either way, I need some cash-o-la now!

- I think I slept on my neck wrong Wednesday night because it is killing me!

Happies

- This homemade iced coffee I'm drinking is delicious.

- My sister comes home on Tuesday & we're going shopping for my cousin's baby shower! I love all things baby. 

- I finally downloaded Spotify after not understanding what was so special about it for, like, a year. I'm obsessed. Love the Top 100 Country Tracks playlist!

Have a good weekend. Peace out.

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - It's been gloomy & rainy practically every day this week + it's supposed to snow tonight. I feel like weather is under my crappies every week, along with every other Minnesotan. Sorry if you're sick of hearing it, but we're sick of living it. :) - There are other crappies this week that I don't want to get into for employment purposes. Just know it was the biggest crappie this week... - Boston + Texas = Pretty sure this week sucked for everybody.   Happies   - Dinner & Drinks tomorrow night with my mom & aunts! - I got to see Caitlin for the first time since December!! Brunch was delicious & catching up was lovely. Sad I don't get to see her again until October. - Maybe shopping tomorrow/Saturday will relieve some of the crappie mentioned above.   Yeah...this week wasn't a very good one....  

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - Do y'all know how much I hate disorganization? Like, it really bothers me. Really.   - All this negativity & hate in blogland right now. Advice from one of the most positive & inspiring guys I love:  

If you don't like what someone is saying or doing, do not participate. Go somewhere else. Go outside for a walk. Choose to better yourself.
— Bob FRIEND Merrick™ (@TheBaubShow) April 6, 2013

   

Don't contribute. 2 wrongs do not make a right. God gave us free will to choose right from wrong. So much to discuss! Go enjoy your weekend!
— Bob FRIEND Merrick™ (@TheBaubShow) April 6, 2013

- This MN weather! I mean, really?! Ice & snow in mid-April?! I'll be honest, I'm writing this post on Thursday afternoon because, as of right now, we're planning on taking a day trip to Winona tomorrow, but if the roads are going to be bad, we're not going. We'll see what happens. Happies - I made Chocolate Mini Cadbury Egg Cookies yesterday & I threw in some Mini M&M's too for good measure. It's like an Easter cookie yummy goodness..mmmm.... - Getting closer & closer to being an official employed RN...woo! - Natalie is giving away $20 to Amazon on my blog! It's open through next Friday, so don't forget to enter! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - Irresponsible people in positions of power irk me. No further details will be provided.   - My spring cleaning is behind schedule, in part due to the above problem.   - All this Easter candy is just sitting here all up in my face saying "C'mon, just one piece won't hurt..."   Happies   - I had coffee with the BFF's on Wednesday. Mmmm...   -  We've been having highs around 50 the last few days here in Minnesota...finally! Now if all the snow would melt.   - I opened my store for previews of things I'm selling. I'll put them officially for sale once I get everything posted. Right now there's a bunch of shoes, plus-size belts, & TONS of purses plus a few odds & ends. Once my spring cleaning kicks into full gear expect a butt load of plus-size clothes up for sale!   - There are two houses for rent: one on the same street as me & another about 3 blocks up. Both in walking distance of jobs and both are 3 bedrooms. Divided three ways, the rent is basically the cheapest you can find in Rochester. Me and my BFF were talking &, come summer, if we are both still in Rochester with no prospects of moving soon & our budgeting looks good (oh, and if the houses are still available...fingers crossed!), we might inquire into them. I'm so ready to move out and feel like an adult. No one tells you how tough it is moving back home from college.   - I'm going out for dinner & drinks with said BFF's tonight at Wildwood. This place should pay me for as much time as I spend there... Hope you're enjoying this beautiful weather!

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - We're supposed to possibly get snow showers on Easter. Mother Nature, I said I will move if it snows again; don't make me follow through!   - I'm seriously missing my nursing BFF's lately. I've never gone this long without seeing them in the last 3 years that we've known each other! Luckily, I'm almost positive I'll be taking a ride back down to Luther for their pinning ceremony in May; super, super excited about that!

    Happies   - I had an interview yesterday for a nursing position. It went extremely well. I'm not going into any further details yet. Mixed feelings on this opportunity.   - I've been craving some Happy Hour since Tuesday night. Yesterday after my interview, I made it happen and it was so worth every sip.   - It's my Momma's birthday today!! We're celebrating with my homemade carrot cake & presents.   - My cold is basically gone. Just a little bit of stuffy nose action.   - Little Big Town concert last Friday night was amazing. Click here for a recap of my time.   

 

- I may be having coffee with one of my nursing BFF's on Monday since she has to come through Rochester on her way back down to Luther!   

 

 

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - My sister had a cold when she came home this past weekend. Well, everyone in my family seems to have picked it up. I've had it since Monday afternoon. As of yesterday, it was getting a little better, but let's hope I feel a lot better by this afternoon for the concert! I haven't been sick for probably a year, so this is not very fun. I guess being a nurse has sort of boosted my immune system because all through high school & the first 2 or 3 years of college, I got sick at least 4 times a year.   - It has been miserably cold here in MN the last few days. Last year at this time, I was wearing flip-flops and dresses. It was almost 80*. This week, the windchill has been approaching 0.   - I didn't get an interview for the Birth Center RN job I applied for. I wasn't expecting to anyway. I'm just sick of not getting anywhere with this job hunt.   Happies   - LITTLE BIG TOWN CONCERT IS TONIGHT!!!! Expect a full recap next week on the blog!   - I'm applying for two nurse positions with the Rochester Public School system. I won't elaborate for fear of jinxing myself, but fingers crossed.   - I had a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble so I splurged & bought the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. More on that little obsession next week.     Hope you all had a great week! If you want to stay connected for the concert tonight, you can follow me on Instagram or Twitter. Hopefully I'll be sending out some pictures during the show :)    

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - I have shoveled 20 inches of snow in the past week & a half. No lie. Last week, we received around 9.5 inches. This past Monday, we received 9 inches. This morning we received about 2 inches. Spring, I thought you were supposed to be here early this year?   - As everyone & their mother knows by now, Google will be shutting down Google Reader on July 1st. I presume this means that GFC will also be shutting down. What does this mean for you? Well, you should import your blogs you follow via GFC into Bloglovin. All the cool kids are doing it :p You should also get Bloglovin if you don't have it. Because that is the only way I will be reading blogs from now on! I'll have a tutorial for you next Tuesday!     Happies   - I received my giveaway winnings from Erin @ Living in Yellow in the mail! I am IN LOVE with my new Banana Republic Tote! I've been needing a new purse & this is perfect for Spring!     - My siblings are coming home this weekend! I have someone to hang out with! Josh has Spring Break this next week and Hannah is coming home for the weekend.    - Thanks for all your amazing comments on toxic friendships. I'm glad other people can relate to what I went through. And if I could help anyone that is currently going through a similar situation, that's just icing on the cake.   - I've perfected my at-home coffee drink of choice! Brew either a Starbucks or Caribou K-cup. Add a shot of Vanilla syrup, a splash of Half & Half, and two dashes of Cinnamon. It actually tastes really similar to the Vanilla Spice Latte from Starbucks!   - Little Big Town = 1 week from today!  

Go enter Logan's giveaway!

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - We are planning on taking a trip over to Winona on Saturday afternoon since my sister gets back from New Orleans at 5pm on Saturday and her school will technically still be on Spring Break. We were going to stay overnight in her room (freshman year of college, deja vu much?). The weather isn't looking so good - possibly another storm. Boo. If it is bad weather, we're not going.   - I can't figure out whether I want to repaint my room this summer or not. It's still yellow with light blue sponge on it from...oh....7th or 8th grade? It's a lot of work though. And I hate painting. And my dresser and desk are super heavy. Not to mention that my desk is so big, it would have to be taken apart. And since I bought it from a former Luther student, it didn't come with directions.   - Shoveling 10 inches of snow on Tuesday morning was not my cup of tea. Living in Minnesota sucks sometimes.     Happies   - Spending time with some of my BFF's Saturday night was fun.   - I applied to a nursing job that opened up at Mayo!   - Little Big Town concert is exactly 2 weeks from today! Expect a full recap!   - My first Notes on Nursing feature was yesterday (Thanks Misty!) and I have more people lined up!     How was your week?

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - I still don't have a job. I'm going crazy without having anything really productive to do. Plus, I need the money.    Happies   - Per Kaitlyn @ Wifessionals suggestion, I downloaded this program called Evernote to better organize my blogging. It is genius and a miracle worker. I'm obsessed!   - My sister, Hannah, is headed to New Orleans tomorrow with her college, St. Mary's University, to help with Hurricane Katrina victims. Hopefully she'll blog about her time there when she gets home *hint hint, hint hint*  - I'm super excited about a new venture on my blog starting next Thursday! Details will be revealed on Tuesday :)     Well, obviously, not much happened this week.    I need a job.  

   Click here to enter Kristine's giveaway! 

Happies & Crappies [Giveaway]

      Crappies   - Honestly, I can't really think of any!   Happies   - I got so much love in the mail this week, including my nursing license!   - I applied to another RN job: in the Birth Center at one of the hospitals here in town. Fingers crossed!   - I talked to one of my Rochester professors yesterday afternoon when I went to pick up money from selling one of my nursing books (cha-ching!). She works at the aforementioned hospital...connections are good...   - I found out on Sunday I won Erin @ Living in Yellow favorite things giveaway...sa-weet!    - I'm involved in two giveaway currently: My Four Sweet Years Giveaway runs through Tuesday at midnight, so get your entries in! I'm also giving away 2 months of ad space in Logan's giveaway! Enter both Rafflecopters below!   a Rafflecopter giveaway    

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cbf7c55/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - I felt like I failed NCLEX after I finished. I didn't know most of the material on the test and got a ton of Select All That Apply questions (which I suck at). - I woke up Tuesday feeling dizzy and still had to study all day, came home Wednesday from the test with a headache, and woke up Thursday morning with a headache. - There are almost no Registered Nurse job openings in Rochester. All of them are for NP's, CNA's, and HHA's...all of which I am not qualified to do.   Happies   - I started reading Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan. It's all about how she was suffering from this unknown autoimmune brain disorder which no one had heard of, which is linked to schizophrenia, autism, and possibly the actual cause of "demonic possessions" throughout history. SO GOOD! Especially for a medical nerd like me! - International Delight Iced Caramel Macchiato tastes exactly like Starbucks. Go try it! - I made a delicious Spinach & Chicken Tortilla Bake for supper Wednesday night. It's from Rachael Ray's magazine and was delicious. ..... ..... - Oh yeah, and I PASSED NCLEX!!!! Some of you (most of you) probably already know since I posted it on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook right when I found out. Technically, they are unofficial results, but I looked up my name in the Minnesota Board of Nursing License Directory and it says Application Status: Passed Exam 2/06/13!   Therefore, I demand all of you call me Breanna, RN, BAN!! Muah hahaha! Just kidding :)

  Go enter Mandy's giveaway! My first giveaway is coming on Monday!

Happies & Crappies

      Crappies   - I think I'm getting sick? I've been coughing and having somewhat of a runny nose lately. It's probably from all the stress of NCLEX. Oy vey.   - My face is also breaking out from said stress. Double oy vey.   - I haven't received my new ID yet. Which I need to be admitted to take the NCLEX. Which is on Wednesday morning. If I don't receive it by Monday afternoon, I have to reschedule the NCLEX. And who knows if they have anymore slots in February open still. Triple oy vey.   - The weather lately has been extremely horrible. Ice, snow, below zero temperatures with windchills in the negative double digits, clouds. Anyone else ready for April?   - I feel bad for all the non-nursing people reading this blog lately because all I talk about is NCLEX and being on the job hunt. Sorry. Well, not really; this is my blog about my life and my life right now is NCLEX and applications.   - I didn't get the other hospital nursing job I applied for: part-time in the ER. Boo.    - A wonderful teacher from my high school was fired (unjustly). Oh and all the upset comments from alumni and parents on an online newspaper article about it were removed. Um...Catholic school covering it up much? Read all about it here.     Happies   - I get to see my 3 year old & 5 month old cousins this weekend. I haven't seen them since Christmas!   - The first of us December grads took the NCLEX yesterday morning!!!   -  Valentine's Day is coming up. And so is my 200 Follower/4th Blog Anniversary Giveaway!     Unfortunately due to massive stress this week, I've had more crappies than happies. But let's hope I get my ID in the mail today or tomorrow (or Monday, for that matter) and I have a feeling next week will end with more Happies than Crappies :)    

 

Happies & Crappies

Crappies

- I have been majorly slacking on the NCLEX studying lately. Like, I'm barely managing 2 hours a day. As each day goes by, I keep losing the will to actually study. I've been keeping up around a minimum of 60% on all my practice tests (which is good; we're supposed to get around 60.), but I just feel like I'm not going to pass. And I know everyone feels this way before NCLEX & right after they take it. Oy vey. I take the test in about a week and a half (Feb. 6th).

- I seriously need a job. I am broke. Like $50-in-checking-to-my-name broke.


Happies

- I'm going to dinner with two of my BFF's, Beth & Sarah tomorrow night. Can't wait to hear all about Sarah's trip to NYC this week.

- I got my Adie's Lovelies jewelery in the mail on Tuesday and, oh my gosh, it is ADORABLE! I'm obsessed.
 
I got this cute bracelet in eggplant.


And this cute necklace in Antique Brass.

- When I pass NCLEX, I no longer need to worry about studying. ;)

- One of my nursing BFF's Jill (the girl in the LOVE shirt in my header!) just got back from volunteering in Tanzania this past month. She helped deliver a baby. She is awesome and pretty sure her Christmas & New Year's beats yours.

- The new Vanilla Spice Latte from Starbucks is yum-o.

- There are a gazillion giveaways going on right now. And you should know about some of them. Cause they're awesome: Whitney's giveaway and Cait's giveaway. Go show them love & enter!


Hope your week left you with more Happies than Crappies!
Go link up with Steph & Sarah!

Happies & Crappies

Two blog posts in one day? What? I should be studying for my NCLEX you say?

But I just had to link up with Stephanie & Sarah for their new endeavor - Happies & Crappies. How cute of a name is that?!

 


We're starting with the bad so we end on a good note!

Crappies

- I didn't get the Ortho job I applied for at the other hospital here in town.
- I have not been doing as well as I've wanted on some of the NCLEX practice questions.
- We are supposed to have a high temperature on Monday of -3 or something ridiculous like that. Low temperature Monday into Tuesday of -14. Yes, that is the temperature.
- Nicki Minaj as a judge on American Idol sucks. Just sayin'.


Happies

- I still have yet to hear back from the Part-Time evenings E.R. job I applied to at the same hospital.
- I still have a little over 2 weeks to practice for NCLEX before I have to take the test.
- My mom & I are having a shopping day tomorrow complete with Target, Starbucks, & Kohl's.
-  I downloaded RaeLynn's new single "Boyfriend" yesterday. Love it!

- I am 9 FOLLOWERS away from 200! Once I hit 200, there is an awesome giveaway planned so spread the word & bump that number up to 200 ;) If you want to participate, you still have time. Just leave a comment or e-mail me by clicking the mail icon in the sidebar!