Good Friends, Good Times, and Good Grades

Last night we had our ICU Nurses Christmas get together and gift exchange. We all met at Summer's house for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and fun. You might think that all we have to talk about is work- patient stories, their crazy families, MDs who make us mad, but you are wrong. We found PLENTY more to talk about. In fact, we entertained ourselves until 11pm. On a Wednesday night folks. You got to remember, we are moms. That is impressive.

Sitting around a beautifully decorated dinning room, we ate delicious food (bacon wrapped water chestnuts, sweet/sour meatballs, pesto bread, cheeses, cupcakes, baklava, cocktail wienies, and of coarse- WINE). We all talked, laughed, and shared stories. Somehow, we came to talk about Summer and her newest job. She works part time as a Nurse Educator for our beloved Alma Matter. She teaches aspiring nurses the clinical skills necessary to survive on a nursing unit. She was talking (complaining) about how this "new generation" of nursing students doesn't have a work ethic about them, they don't study, and it is obvious. Obviously, Summer spends most of her days failing students and making them redo their skills. Apparently, these students are not as good of crammers as Jen and I were.

You see, Jen and I passed nursing school, we have great jobs, and are respected in our field of work. Thank God our colleagues didn't know us in college. Jen talked about her 28 day streak of partying after classes (for 28 days straight). And, I shared with Summer my secret of not opening most of my textbooks, but taking notes, and cramming in the library before exam day. Hey, look at us now. We have matured, a little.

Summer shook her head, okay laughed her butt off, as we joked and drank together. More stories were laughed at. More wine was enjoyed. All in all, Summer, you throw a great party, and I give you an A+. You were well prepared (no cramming) and it showed. Your house was decorated like a Christmas Wonderland and you are a top notch hostess.

This was the gift I received in the gift exchange. It is PERFECT. One of the Best. Gifts. Ever!
Coffee to wake me up. Candy to keep me going. Gum to hide my coffee breath. Lotion for my dry cracked, old lady hands. Personal Items, well for an emergency. We all KNOW what I mean. And wine, something to look forward to. Thank Jen, Merry Xmas!

Okay, now I need to get back to being a mom, I think my kids are feeding themselves breakfast again.

To all the nursing students of the world, when you are ready to join forces with Jen and I (or when Summer finally passes you), we would be more than willing to share our secrets of survival with you, and our survival pack. Until then, happy cramming, oh I mean studying!