Happy September

Happy new month.

The month of August was an eventful one for me, friends and family.

I moved into my new apartment in Chicago. I love it out here; it's right by the lake and I love being on the 14th floor. I've furnished the unit for the most part, but still getting things in order. I'll bring in the photos later.

I got done with my job training after 4weeks, and I've been doing well on my own, thank God. The facility is under new owners and management, so things are getting very busy.

My father turned 60 on the 24th. I thank God for his life! He's such an amazing father and an inspiration (I'll talk more about him in another post).

My big sis Rosie, got engaged to her boo! Those two are so cute together! Can't wait to begin bridesmaid duty and the whole wedding process.

I pray this month brings us all joy, love,  peace, and fulfilment.

Have a great week ahead, and enjoy Labor Day!!

xxxo

Birthday Dinner

My birthday was on Tuesday, July 15. To be honest, I didn't have anything planned until a week before, because I thought I'd still be prepping for my board exam.

Actually, I did have something in mind. I was going to do a joint shindig with my friend, Clara in Champaign. My plans fell out because I was to go to Chicago for my mom's event (I didn't want to miss it).

Anyway, I called a few friends of mine, and because it was sorta late notice, some couldn't make the  trip cos of work.

I wanted to have an intimate celebration. Although I tried my best to stay off the dinner cliché, it was scheduled a day before. The reason being was because my initial plan (to go wine tasting) was almost impossible. We couldn't find good deals, wineries and vineyards were not within range, so I settled for dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse, Brazzaz here in Chicago.  And honestly, I enjoyed my night. And because it was an intimate outing, everyone was free to talk about anything. Highlight of my night was cracking up at Funke's expense (private matter) haha! We then went to Nouveau Tavern to end the night.

I won't bore you any further with the stories...here is a collage:

I went with a neutral theme: gold, silver, beige, ivory, cream, metallic grays, nude, soft pewter...you get the gist. I wanted sexy and elegance which was to tie in with wine tasting.

I still want to go wine tasting. Might set something up with the girls.

Thanks for stopping by

Life...

Between my new job and moving, my life has been pretty busy, to say the least. 

I started work as a registered nurse two weeks ago, and for someone who's never gotten a working experience (Clinical don't count), it's been a lil challenging, and by challenging, I mean handling paperwork, documentation, etc etc

All we use here is paper-chart. It's very different from the computer charting that I'm already used to...but I'm getting the hang of things. I work 3-11pm shift, but there's no telling if I'd get off at that time--always expect the unexpected (I think that's how you say it).

Moving on...

Last weekend, I moved in a day and a half from Chicago to Edwardsville and back, then again the following day...driving for 4+hrs was not the ish at all! I hate moving, so the whole process was quite frustrating. I moved my things to my parent's basement, but since they live in the suburbs, I thought it'd be wise to squat at a friend's apartment for the mean time. Her apartment was only 13mins away from my workplace, whereas the suburbs is about 45mins.

But yeah, yesterday (Sunday), I moved into my apartment in South Shore, off S Lake Shore Drive. 

I love this place, it's environ, the lake view, and oh my unit is spacious!! Closets everywhere...I so needed that. I'll bring in pictures when it's furnished. I'm off work this weekend, so I'll definitely go furniture hunting/shopping/whichever. 

P.s. I'm blogging from my iPad, so I'm not sure how the format will turn out. Guess I'll find out later. My laptop is down, finally. I've had it since 2009...it's served me well.

Happy Monday. 

Have a blessed week.

xxxo

New Beginnings

This month of July has been more than a blessing to me; in fact, this year has!

You recall that I took my boards on July 3rd. My official result was sent a week after that. 

I've been at my parent's for a week now and I've spent my days here chillaxin.

Two days ago, I got desperate as I thought I should resume my job hunt as my post-nclex-break came to a halt. I reached out to a nurse friend of mine who told me to apply at a facility. I immediately got on Google, called the healthcare center, and thereafter, was told to come in the following day-- yesterday.

So yesterday, I walked in with my resume, filled out an application, and took a short readiness nursing test, after which I had an interview with the nursing supervisor/hiring personnel. I thought it went well as she eagerly congratulated me for passing NCLEX.

 Today, I got a call that I got the job and I'm to begin next week! Say whaaa? 

Now I'm left with no choice but to speed up my moving process. Because I've already made plans to look for an apartment and celebrate my birthday this weekend (my birthday was yesterday..yes, I was out job hunting on my birthday), I'll go the following weekend and will only have TWO DAYS to move!

This has got to be one of my favorite birthdays ever!

I got my first nursing job in my city, and downtown Chicago at that! 

Time to start my "big girl" job.

Can't lie, I'm super nervous...as I should be; but I'm very excited for this new chapter of my life!

I'll definitely share how my first week goes. 

Can't wait to sign off as: CUmesegha, RN ;)

xxxo

I Passed NCLEX!!!

I am beyond ecstatic and grateful to God for seeing me through boards.

I received my Authorization to Test (ATT) on the 11th of June and I didn't know what day I wanted to schedule to take the exam. I knew I wanted to be very prepared and so I stalked the Pearson website and changed my test dates 3X! I studied intensively for 3weeks and tested on July 3rd.

As requested, here are the resources that I used to study.
Note that I did not study every material in and out. I certainly did not have the time to do so.

1. Kaplan. I registered for Kaplan the following week after graduation. I took the 4-day review class (which wasn't all that beneficial, in my opinion) and did all practice questions; 1000+ q-banks and 7 question trainers. I reviewed most wrong answers, and rationales. I also watched some of their LOC videos. Watch all of them if you can! I bought Kaplan for $500...you may be lucky to get a discount of some sort.

2. Hurst. My good friend Vanessa gave me her Hurst review book. That book deals with a lot of content but I mainly focused on Peds and Orthopedics. My weaker areas.

3. Kaplan Content Review, Kindle App. This is the review book, but in kindle version and free! I downloaded the app on my iPad from Amazon, skimmed through, and found very helpful information. You can bookmark, make notes and highlight important points. If you want the book itself, it sells for about $40.

4. Saunder's Comprehensive Review, 5th Edition. This has a lot of info, from OB to Peds, to Med-Surg. I didn't get to read the book at all; the sight of it scared me! However, I did some of the practice questions on the CD, though they seemed a bit too easy! Not very helpful in setting standards, but I highly recommend the CD for practicing SATAs(select all that applies). Again, I only did a couple questions.

5. Lippincott's Prep-U. I initially bought this back in March in preparation for my exit HESI exam for about $90. It has lots of practice questions and recommends you reach a mastery level of 8 in all areas to be ready for boards. This was actually the most helpful of them all. [And to think I once took it for granted!]

6. Apps and Google. In the beginning stage of studying, I searched for free apps on my tablet and did some questions and read everything therein. Also, you'd be surprised what you will find on Google, especially allnurses site.

I also practiced the SATA questions found on Kaplan review. I made sure to use every bit of information on Kaplan, only because I spent a good amount on it. Meh!

I had roughly 3 weeks to study, and I did so intensively!..OK, kinda. But the last week, I gave it my all. Went MIA on my social life and I'm glad I made that decision.
You've got to minimize distractions, people!!!

I can't say all of these helped me. Some people have used other resources, or only Prep-U or Hurst and have passed. And on the other hand, unfortunately, many have had to retake the test. I'd say use what works for you. For me, it was Kaplan and Prep-U.
Personally, I think Kaplan questions are a lot harder than NCLEX, and that is why they recommend you reach 60% on the trainers and cumulative q-banks.

Don't forget to pray. I very much believe in the power of prayer!
If you're not religious, do what works for you--yoga, retail, exercise, beer?

And no, I did not take the day before the test off. Studied all night, as per my norm...

Well I hope this helps some of you.
Best of luck. You will do fine!

xxxo

Say Yes

There's no way I'll listen to this song and not blog about it!

Yesterday, Michelle Williams released a video to her new song, Say Yes featuring her sisters, Beyonce and Kelly. This song is phenomenal!

I remember singing this song in Nigeria every Sunday and in my household. It is very refreshing to hear and holds true to it's meaning.

The song is a remix of an original Nigerian/West African gospel.

"When Jesus say(s) yes, nobody can say no."

Watch Destiny's Child deliver:

All it's telling you to do really, is to trust and believe. Have faith in whatever deity you worship/believe in, and if non...believe in yourself!

The weekend is almost here guys!!

xxxo

Black Midi

Lately I've been very much into midi dresses.

Oh, hi! This is a very late post, and I'm only able to do so because I'm taking a much needed break. But anyway...

I wore this to a friend's birthday dinner last month and I had initially bought the dress for my graduation but decided to stay off black for the occasion. I paired the dress with my silver heels from Asos and I loved the combination along with my pewter earrings. 

Have a great week!

xxxo