As we prepare to enter the final week of the month with a snowmagedon storm bearing down upon us, I look back on the first month of the year with wonder and relief.

My January has been full of my day job, schoolwork, and trying to find time to stop and breathe. Being in an accelerated program makes everyday feel full to the fullest. There is reading at least 5-7 chapters a week, writing numerous essays, and the in class assignments that are due each day class is actually in session. This is all on top of my daily nursing job.

If anyone out there reading is a nurse, you know the struggle of the daily work grind. The rounds of patients, conversing with doctors to get orders, completing your notes, and making sure everyone has what they needed before you leave for the day. It’s much.

As I enter this last week, preparing to turn in my Finals Essay during this massive storm we have covering most of the country right now, I am grateful that I have made it through the month. There is so much that I learned about myself, learned from my class, and learned from my job. I’ve done things I didn’t think were possible. I not only survived the month, but I am surviving with a good grade.

The unfortunate side effect of being so busy this last month was that I did not have much time to work on my book. Still unnamed, as of yet, I can only hope that once I really get the flow of school and work, I will be able to find time to work on the book as well. It is still in my top 5 of things I want to pay attention to. However, at this time, it’s taking a backseat to work, school, and trying to survive through it all. Sometimes, that is what is needed.

So, here’s to the next month! May yours go smoothly.