8 more months!!!!!!!!!

That's what keep telling myself. At that time I will finally be out of nursing school. Today, I was able to see the unit where I'll be working...with kids!!!! The hospital where our group will be is so nice. It's the new children's hospital at Palmetto Health Richland. All the floors have a different theme, and ours is the "Polar" floor. There are pictures of polar bears on the walls and everything! The great thing about anything to do with children--it's all bright, cheery, and fun! I am so excited about Pediatrics this semester! The great thing about nursing is that you're able to work in so many different areas of practice with so many different age groups. The problem for me is that I really enjoy every part and age group! I have a gut feeling that I'm going to get "hooked" on peds. I love kids, and making them feel better would be right up my alley. We'll see though.


In other news...we are moving!!!! Well, not me really! My parents bought a new house in Greenwood. I am so happy for them! Everything has just worked out so well so far! The house is only a year old, and it has everything that they want. Dad had Gavin and me come home last week to look at it. He still wanted our opinion. Mom is already talking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and where her grandchildren will stay when they visit. Oh Mom! Too bad those grandkids aren't even close to coming into existence! I guess she can dream, right???

Mamma Mia...

I have been hanging out with Thomas and Erin since last Friday. I say "hanging out," because it would just be wrong to call this babysitting. #1) These are two of the most intelligent, well-mannered, all-around coolest kids that you'll ever meet! #2) I get to be a kid again. Well, at least I get the excuse to act like one! We've spent the past few days watching the Olympics, out on the lake, playing games, and eating. Yep, it's a tough life. They were so sweet today! When I got to their house, they gave me a cookie cake (complete with "WE LOVE YOU, MEAGAN" and tons of icing decorations by Erin!!) We also went tubing today, which made me feel like a 13 year old again. Too bad my body isn't that young!!!! My battle wounds are the rope burns on my hands, and I'm sure my arms will be sore in the morning. What a workout! But listen to me...I sound like a baby!

Now...the reason for the title of this post. Since Thomas had football practice today. Erin and I decided to catch a movie. We decided on "Mamma Mia." Ok....has anyone seen this????????? Does anyone else think that it's hilarious that Pierce Brosnan attempts to sing in this movie???? Ohhh wow! I did a good job of holding in the laughter at first, but once he broke out into a ballad towards the end.......I LOST IT!!!!!!! I think the people in the movie theatre were laughing at me laughing so hard. I couldn't control myself. All I could think about was James Bond (007) up there on the big screen busting a move and singing!!!! If you haven't seen this...he makes for a good laugh. Don't get me wrong, I love musicals. However, I think they're best on stage. It's just random to see actors bust out into song. You start to think "Here we go again..." Still, we had a great time today, and I hope that Erin's not too worn out for her first day of school tomorrow.

I have a twin....

I spent the first few days of this week with Camille in Charleston. It was great to finally spend some time with her this summer--Gracie too! We were in a store the other day, and the clerk behind the counter was staring at us. Finally, she asked, "Are y'all twins???" Camille and I looked around, like she was asking some other two people. I was stunned...I mean, I love my Camille, but I don't know how you get the idea that we look alike! So, me (in all my awkwardness) tried to make the poor girl feel better by saying comments such as "Oh no....that's ok...I've always wanted a sister...we're so close anyways..." Good job, Meagan! Way to smooth things over. So, do you think we look alike???? Sorry for putting up such a gorgeous picture of us, Miss Camille.

In school news...I'm starting back this Thursday! Technically, I don't have Thursday classes, but Friday's schedule from 9-4:30 will make up for it! I just keep telling myself, "one year...one more year..." This semester I'll take Med/Surg II, Labor/Delivery (can't wait), Pediatrics, and Nursing Leadership and Management.


In family news...Gavin will start the long drive home tomorrow from Tyler, TX. Please say a little prayer for him. He's had an amazing summer, and I think we may eventually lose the boy to the great state of Texas! Gavin is our wild one, so the concept of him moving away isn't surprising at all. Speaking of moving (and moving closer!) Beth and Josh are moving to Atlanta!!!!!!! I just talked with her yesterday, and they'll probably be getting set to leave in a few weeks. That means that they'll be in the South at least until next August! I am so happy to have them closer to home. It seems that they've been sent to every possibly corner of this country...except for the South! We're already planning field trips! ;-) The picture over to the right is of Beth and me after one of our graduation ceremonies at Lee. I think we were "raising the praise" that we made it! It's hard to believe that it's been two years ago!


In wedding news...(Ha! No, not mine) I find it so hard to believe that I already have FIVE weddings on my schedule from now until next August! 3 of those I'll be a bridesmaid, and the other two will just be "wedding singer" appointments! Ginny just made my day by asking me to pull double duty (being a bridesmaid AND singing for hers in August.) S0, I guess I need to rent the movie "27 Dresses"...cause I'm gaining on her! Anyone need a dress?? I have nine of them...I think! Honestly, it is an honor for me to be involved in any way in a wedding. I mean, that is one day where you get to choose everything that you want...exactly. It will be so sad one day when I'm old and don't have a voice anymore...so for now...I'm singing in all the ones I can!

It's great to be back...

Well, our group survived the trip to Honduras! It was wonderful, and were able to see so many precious families! It amazes me each year to witness the appreciation that the villagers have for the smallest things we do for them. I took some stickers this year, and giving them out was like handing out $100 bills! I can think of no one else who'd appreciate something that small so much. You don't go on mission trips for the sole purpose of putting your life into perspective--but it sure does!

I hope to put up some more pictures soon, but for right now...this is it. I'm also posting a video to show you how we ride most days to get to the villages. Let's just say...it's quite an experience. Hope you enjoy!

This is becoming an annual thing...

Tomorrow morning (at 3am!!!) Dad, Gavin and I will leave for Honduras. It's Gavin's second year, Dad's 3rd, and I'll be going for my 4th! I am so excited to see these precious faces again. If you see this while we're there, please pray for us. I am so honored to have this opportunity, and I can't wait until Monday when we finally get to our first village. I'll try to log on while I'm gone to keep you updated! In La Esperanza each night, there's a small window of time where I can go to the Internet Cafe. So, let's hope for that! I'll post pictures when I get back!

Only Me...

Yesterday was our "Celebration of Liberty" at church. We've been having on-and-off rain showers for the past few days (only for it to clear up completely in about five minutes). Luckily, I grabbed my umbrella before I left. Trust me though, that was not good enough....at all. When I left for church (which is literally five minutes down the road from my apartment) the skies looked awful. I knew it was going to rain any minute. I thought about staying in my car, but I'm "Miss Type A-have to be on time-perfectionist," and I couldn't risk being late. Besides, I just knew I could beat it out! Ha! So, I get to the parking lot, get out of the car with my little umbrella...and bag...and new purse...and yep, you guessed it....it started POURING RAIN. I'm talking about a downpour (with crazy wind which blew the rain everywhere). At this point I'm halfway to the church from my car, so I just keep walking. Of course, it just got worse. By the time I made it into the church, my entire white shirt (which I just ironed) was soaked. My cute black shoes had puddles of water the pointy toes, my hair (that I'd just fixed) was a mess, and my long black pants were dripping wet from the knees down. I knew it was bad when I walked into the choir room and saw all the faces of the women there. I'm not really a crier, but I would have. The only thing keeping me from that was my dignity and the fact that I was NOT about to mess up my makeup on top of everything else! Joni was so sweet, and she helped me with damage control! Thankfully, we found a hairdryer, and Joni helped me completely dry my shirt. I think I pulled it together enough for the program. Y'all know me though. This is just not a good situation for Meagan. I wouldn't have cared as much if I didn't have a solo, but this whole show is taped and is aired on TV. I just didn't want to look like a mess on camera. Thank goodness for the divas who bring their curling irons, hairdryers, and hairspray to the church! I think I'm going to start!

Sweet Willa Kate, Gabby, and Jonah

My mom had the joy of teaching the most adorable little girl this year, and here she is! This is Willa Kate. She is just the sweetest thing you ever met. Earlier this year, I was helping Mom out in her classroom one day, and one of the other boys was reciting something he'd memorized in class that week. Well, he got sort of sick looking, and next thing you know....well, you can guess what happened next. Yep, he lost it! So, I tried to get all the other kids away from the "area," but I couldn't budge Willa Kate. She got so upset, and wouldn't leave my side...bawling the whole time!!!!!!! Mom just said, "Yeah, she's really sensitive!" As you can see, she loves the color pink! I just thought this was the greatest picture of her. One time, I put my sunglasses on when she smiled, because I had told her how blinding her pretty white teeth were. Well, she spent the rest of this day smiling and reminding me to put on my shades! I love kids.

I am typing this entry on my brand new laptop. It's so nice to have a computer again. I know it seems sad to admit, but I've been lost without it!

While we're on the subject of cute kids--check out Gabby and Jonah! I have been keeping them every week. Aren't they precious?? I'll have to share some funny Gabby stories some other time. She is hilarious. They are one of the highlights of my week!!!!