Summer "jobs"

While I was walking into the hall for graduation, a professor looked me and said: "Oh no, you're graduating? I needed you this summer!" My reply was, "I need a summer job - hire me!"

So she did.

I am co-teaching a junior level class at a very reputable nursing school this summer - in fact, the very same nursing school I attended. It is a health assessment class, and I've been spending way too much time thinking about it and preparing for it at a time when I really wanted to be relaxing, organizing my life (namely my crazy messy apartment), and getting some much needed exercise.

But it was difficult to turn down. They are paying me! Quite well, I might add. And I can do anything for 8 weeks, right? Especially when that something adds a great job to my resume.

So I'll be lecturing on Mondays in the morning, and teaching a lab section in the afternoon. Should be fun. And challenging!

This professor has been my ally for quite a while now. Two years ago, when I was a brand new graduate student, I happened to have my desk near her office. She decided that I was worth knowing, and has found me TA jobs throughout my tenure at the university, thus helping me earn, and save, money throughout school. I had her as a professor my very first summer as a nursing student - 3 years ago. But she's kept an eye on me ever since. What a sweetheart.

My other summer job is to take care of my best friend's son on Tuesdays. He's 12 months old, and lots of fun, and still naps (usually) twice a day. So it's a mellow day. I love hanging out with him!

Hopefully, I'll find time this summer to do some fun things, too.

It's a whirlwind!

Much news to share:

I got a job!

I passed my final exam (a.k.a. master's project defense)!

I passed comprehensive exams!

Since I last wrote, lots has happened. Obviously. And really, nothing all that exciting to report because much of the last several weeks has involved studying for exams, preparing for a presentation (making a powerpoint, making notecards, etc), and doing paperwork things to ensure graduation happens. Not catching babies. Not seeing clients for exams. Just back home in my house in the big city, plugging away with academic stuff.

It feels strange to be away from my clients . . . I miss them. I decided to take a job at that lovely birth center where I did my last quarter of midwifery school. It just felt right there. So now, I've got the summer to take boards (the state licensure exam, to become a nurse practitioner), organize my stuff/life/sh!t, and say goodbye to the friends I've made here during my 13 year stay.

So, as I was saying, I miss my clients. The one who was due June 1 and really wanted to have her baby before I left so that I could be there. The one who is sad I won't be back until after her baby is due. Another couple who is due in July - they were my VERY LAST clients as a student! It seems strange not to be taking care of them during this time. And at the same time it seems very strange to be thinking about packing up and moving to a new place. I know it's the right job. I hope it turns out well for me personally, too.

So, as my dog snores, and my house is a wreck, I should probably go do more straightening up since my parents arrive in less than 48 hours to help celebrate graduation later this week. Yikes!