The World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates

The World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates is a gathering of some of the most influential world leaders, Nobel Peace Prize recipients, former presidents and representatives of multiple Nobel Peace Laureate organizations.

Basically, it's a BIG deal.

Check out the schedule to see all of the big names in attendance...
http://www.nobelforpeace-summits.org/schedule-for-2012-world-summit-of-nobel-peace-laureates/

My pictures from the event aren't of great quality, but I'd like to share them with you anyways. Along with a few quotes I managed to scribble down while being inspired by these amazing people!

NIU Representatives!
Nora, myself, Shay and Behe

"Seek knowledge. Be courageous. Take time to understand an issue. 

Have a vision for the kind of society you'd like to see."

Ms. Ingeborg Breines

Our view was from very far away!

"Unite, go forward and you will succeed."

Dr. Shirin Ebadi

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is a BEAUTIFUL building!

"Help guide the traffic."

Sean Penn

Panel on "A World without Nuclear Weapons"
David Martin
Dr. Shirin Ebadi
Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala
Dr. Ira Helfand
Mrs. Ingeborg Breines

"The best way to protect your own self interest 

is to show genuine concern for others." 

His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama

Sean Penn making his acceptance speech
for the 2012 Peace Summit Award

"We need a new world order. More just, stable and humane."  

His Excellency Mikhail Gorbachev

Panel on "World Peace and Nonviolence: Never Give Up"
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama
His Excellency Mikhail Gorbachev
[???]
Professor Jody Williams
Professor Muhammad Yunus 

Yes, the Dalai Lama is in fact wearing a red visor that matches his monk outfit. Pretty awesome.

Many of the laureates applauding Sean Penn as he receives his award.

A few observations I made during the few hours I spent learning from these world leaders...

1. The Dalai Lama is funny. Seriously! He made me laugh multiple times. His sense of humor was refreshing and enlightening.
2. Nuclear power = nuclear weapons. The two go hand in hand.
3. Programs on peace education should be in schools! (Not my idea!)
4. Do you know what types of investments your bank makes? I plan to learn where my bank invests. I will not support a company that invests in nuclear energy/weapons. 
5. Doctors have a code of conduct. The #1 rule is "Do No Harm".  Why don't scientists have a similar code of conduct? (Again, not my idea!)
6. Service has to be of service to humanity. (Again, not my idea!)
7. "The war against poverty of life can only be fought globally." (Again, not my idea!)
8. Dialogue & Education can bring about world peace!
9. "Poor people are bonsai people. They are good seeds but society never gave them space to grow." Professor Muhammad Yunus
10. If the old system is (obviously) not working, throw it in the basket! Advice from the Dalai Lama. 

Overall, this event provided me with a new sense of direction and empowerment for my life. I may not be able to make a huge impact on the world, and I would be naive to think I could single handedly bring about world peace. Regardless, I now understand the important role I have been assigned to advocate, educate, research, understand, and take action towards world peace. 

Growing Up...

Really sucks.


Pretty much every day I say how much I can't wait to grow up.... graduate... get married.... have babies... blah blah blah.

Well, today, I would like to say that growing up royally sucks. You know why? It's happening too fast!!! I am having one of those weeks when I realize how quickly time flies by. Its terrifying.

If time is flying this fast during college, I'm horrified to think how quickly it will fly by when I start working full time, have kids, pay bills, etc.

I am also using this as my excuse for not blogging over the past couple of weeks. You know it's bad when my mother even notices I haven't been blogging! I promise I have been up to lots of fun & exciting things to update you about.

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The MOST exciting thing that happened recently was going to the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Chicago. This thing is a BIG DEAL. Check out the website to see just what a big deal it is: http://www.nobelforpeace-summits.org/

This was SUCH a big deal that it deserves a post of its own. I will update you all with pictures, quotes, inspiration and a full recounting of the day later tonight or tomorrow.

Teaser Photo: Can you guess who the man on the screen is?

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Being in clinical the second half of this semester has been pretty awesome! I have seen some pretty awesome things:

1. A Vaginal Delivery: I actually assisted with the vaginal delivery. I was up close and personal, let me tell you! It all happened so quickly that I didn't have much time to react emotionally to the "miracle of life" that just occurred. After everything calmed down, the mom kept telling ME congratulations on seeing my first vaginal delivery. What a sweet woman! This is when I first go the idea to become a doula.
2. A C-Section Delivery: I was pretty nervous to go into the OR to see a c-section. The surgery can be pretty intense and I didn't fare too well in my other OR observation experiences. This time, though, I made sure to drink lots of water and I snuck in a snack before heading into the OR. I think this really helped. I didn't feel woozy at all during the procedure. Again, there was so much commotion that I didn't have time to marvel at the miracle of birth. After seeing the procedure, though, I hope to avoid a c-section when I have children. I totally understand why these moms have a long and difficult recovery period. 
3. A Day in the NICU: I can't talk about details of what I saw but I can tell you that my experience in the NICU was AWESOME! I loved it :) The nurses taught me so much and working with the little babies was so amazing. I just wanted to stare at them all day. 

After these awesome experiences, I think I want to work in pediatrics and the NICU while being a doula on the side.... Totally do-able, right?!

Check out this (poor quality) video!

Dwight from The Office helps Michael to prepare for the birth of Jan's baby...

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Last Friday night I went to a dinner at the NIU Alumni Association. I was under the impression that this was an event to honor scholarship recipients. I was a bit surprised when I realized that the scholarship recipients were actually just invited to be recognized at an event that was really aimed at honoring ten very successful alumni. Luckily, a good friend of mine was my date for the night! Dinner was pretty good, even though they gave me fish for my "vegetarian" dinner. Four hours later, I left the evening impressed with how long-winded people can be, but I was also inspired to be a successful alumna.

Fancy, schmancy table settings. I didn't know which fork to use first!

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Last week, I had to take an exam called HESI. This exam is like a practice NCLEX and predicts student success on the NCLEX. For those of you who don't know, NCLEX is the licensing exam nurses take after graduation. Our entire education in the nursing program is aimed at passing this exam. Our degree is pretty much useless without passing this exam. Therefore, the HESI was pretty stressful and not to mention difficult. Luckily, my test predicted I would do well on the NCLEX :)

My friends and I have a habit of going to Aspen Leaf for frozen yogurt after every nursing exam. HESI last week was no exception. It was even a bit more exciting when I realized I had a full punch card to cash in. This meant 16 oz of FREE FROZEN YOGURT! You don't believe me? Check out the pictures below...

Right on the money!

Totally FREE!

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This past weekend, I went to Peoria to visit Ross. While I was there, I had an awesome time as usual. I'm pretty darn excited to move down there for the summer. It'll be here before I know it. While I was there, I managed to snap a couple of pictures. Check them out!

Idea from Pinterest.com - Fried eggs inside of a ring of bell pepper!
It was a little difficult to eat, but absolutely delicious!

Kevin (Ross's roommate) and I buddied up to drink Starbucks and do
 homework together while everyone else was at the show Saturday night. 

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This week has actually been pretty relaxing. I have been busy and productive but, I feel like I have had a little bit more time to breathe than usual. A couple of the highlights of the week so far were....

Finishing a year long devotional book with Ross!

Going home and eating eskimo cookies!
They're so good, I didn't even have time to
snap a picture until the plate was almost empty!

Stay tuned for a post about going to the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates! I have been incredibly blessed with so many amazing opportunities. PTL (Praise The Lord)!!! 

Much Love <3

Sushi and Diet Coke = Love

I am in love....

Checking In...

Hello All!

Once again, life took over my time this past week or so. After learning how to read EKGs, studying until 2:00 a.m. and passing an exam about the cardiac system I finally have a moment to breathe.

I've gotta catch you all up on what's been going on lately.... Get ready for a parade of pictures!

#1. I saw a live birth at clinical! (No pictures of this adventure, sorry!) Being present and actually assisting with labor and delivery was a PHENOMENAL experience. I always thought I would cry when I saw the "miracle of life" in person, but I was so in awe of everything that happened in that room, I didn't even have time to get emotional. After coaching multiple mothers through labor, I am seriously considering working towards becoming a certified doula! What is a doula you ask? Check out this site and find out :)

#2. I got to go home for Easter Weekend :))

Friday night Ross and I double dated with our parents at The Improv in Schamburg.
We were all in tears by the end of the night! Steve Trevino was hysterical.

When we went to the comedy club,
I was the only one in the group under 21.
How embarrassing!!
They stamped my hand... "Under 2"

The Easter bunny brought me a French Press!

My sister gave me a pedicure :)

We got dressed up for Easter Sunday!

Mom made a FABULOUS fruit pizza!

#3. I got more surprise mail from my Baba!

Nurse-y note pad!

Happiness!

Note pad already in use!

#4. Nursing school has it's perks....

Alexa and I upgraded to trenta iced coffees!

Only in nursing school....

#5. Growing up has its perks.... and its downfalls....

Perk: Being invited to jewelry party and buying new pearls!

Downfall: Getting pulled over for having a headlight out.

#6. New-ness

Period Tracker App - It has an abstinence mode?!

Tofu noodles! Guilt Free - Only 20 Calories!
They're actually pretty good.
As long as you rinse them well,
they take on the flavor of what you put on them. 

Welcome to my life people :)
Much love <3

For your viewing pleasure...

As I've said to my friends once or twice before... my uterus is glowing. 

Yesterday and Today

Hello All!

Life has slowed down momentarily. It feels fantastic. Is this what it's like to live real life? I had time to sleep for a full 8 hours, I had to find ways to fill my time between commitments and I haven't been stressed at all today!

I know you are all waiting anxiously to hear about my mundane every day life (sarcasm,sarcasm,sarcasm). I seriously wish I had more exciting things to write about... What's worse is that I sometimes actually think these things are blog-worthy. Even if they're not, it's all I've got so I'm going to tell you about it anyways.

For example, I received in the mail a packet to register to vote! How cool! I didn't even know they did that. Anyways, I filled it out and sent it off today. I will be registered to vote for the election this Fall. I missed the last election because I was still 6 months away from being 18 years old. I definitely feel like an adult right now.

I also learned how to edit out my address! Technology is awesome.

In the mail I also received this gift from a Catholic organization who was asking for money... Little do they know that I'm a broke college kid with next to nothing in my checking account.

I'll keep the free gift, though.
My favorite is the "I am a Catholic" identification card.

On my way home from clinical yesterday, I saw Animal Control driving around. I honestly have never seen an animal control vehicle in real life.

My favorite part: Vehicle Makes Sudden Stops
Good to know.

Today, however, was a tad bit more interesting. And by a tad, I mean I just won't tell you about my mail or who I saw driving. It's probably just as boring of information.

First Venti Iced Coffee of the season!

An article about henna in the Northern Star (NIU Newspaper).

Now that I read the article about henna, I really want to get it done. I learned a lot by reading today, though.
1. I never knew there were actual henna artists.
2. I never knew there was safe/unsafe henna.
3. I didn't know henna was originally used for brides.


I learned something new today! I hope you did too.



Much Love <3

Sushi Night

My friends and I are super classy.


Actually, we live in utter chaos most weeks, so home-made-sushi was living it up!


For the first time EVER my two best friends and I were able to wrangle our boyfriends in for a triple date. This was a monumental occasion! We've all been dating our boyfriends for one or more years. It was about time, people!

I hope you enjoy the pictures about 1/2 as much as we enjoyed spending "family-time" together :)

The Family! (minus one)

Each of the couples!
Paige & Andy
Ross and I
Alexa & Jimmy

Boys vs. Girls 

The Food: Fried rice, veggie rolls
Fillings: Cream cheese, cucumber, asparagus and avocado

Becoming sushi rolling sensei :)

I have no words...

The progression of the family picture!

Family picture outside of Jimmy John's!

The Life of a Nursing Student

Alexa shared this video with me last night and I just HAVE to pass it along to you all. 

This video portrays pretty much my entire life as a nursing student...

What amazes me most, is that nursing students across the country have the same complaints. 

We have the same worries. We can totally relate to each other! 

Does nursing school mold us all into the same kind of people? 

Or are the same kind of people drawn to the nursing profession?

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Peoria vs. DeKalb

Ross lives in Peoria. I live in DeKalb. These two cities are only two hours apart, but sometimes it seems much further. Ross and I have been lucky enough to visit each other quite a bit lately. Below are some pictures of our adventures in DeKalb and Peoria :)

He got me a beautiful new coffee mug!

We studied at the library! 

And now we transition to Peoria pictures
And apparently a 20 degree temperature difference!

Our most recent project... and we're happily reunited!

Ashley and I getting fro-yo together.
Ross shopping with his dad (I'm so proud!).
Ross playing with his new flying shark, Bruce!

The sun setting on the ride home.
(The iPhone camera didn't do it justice)