February was a blur to say the least... I finished my my last clinical on Saturday. I got a taste of what a "real" nursing schedule would be like and had three clinicals in one week. I was able to go to Park View Elementary School and work with the school nurse for 8-hours - a regular school day. It was not what I am used to because at the hospital I am always so busy but the school was a little bit more relaxed. A teaching experience to say the least! Needless to say I was exhausted at the end of the week. I have my final for this 8-week class on Thursday (eeek! Which I know I should be studying for instead of writing this but I am taking a break!) and a mid-term in my Social Ethics class. However, I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel which is Florida for 5 days for spring break! But before all that I will get to what I wanted to blog about today.
Many of you know that today is Fat Tuesday and tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the day when we make our commitments to give something up that we love for 40 days. While I am not Catholic, I like to participate in lent because I think it is a good opportunity to take something away that I like to do because I know that I can give it up if I really try. Two years ago I gave up Facebook, I cannot remember last year but I am sure it was something like "clean eating" or "no fast food" lol. This year, I have decided to give up something that is dear to me (I know it is going to sound silly) but I am giving up shopping. I think that it has become an addiction to be honest, something out of habit that I do but don't NEED to do. Every month, I like to go on my bank account and I write down my spending into different categories: food, shopping, and bills. I am not going to post how much I spent on shopping alone last year because every time I look at it, I realize that this problem is a bit out of control. I will get done from class or work and drive by a store and think, "hmmm maybe I could just pop in for a second!" or I will pass a target and only need two things and come out with twenty - a $5 trip just went to $45.
(or boyfriend ;)
These are great representations of how some of my shopping trips go!
I do however, have one stipulation. I have friend's birthdays, weddings, etc coming up so this is shopping for ME, not other people. (I know Christian is going to get on my case about this so for clarification I am allowed to buy a birthday gift lol). This is shopping for myself- all those unecessary hair ties (which I have a million of but still buy more), the number of notebooks I have is ridiculous, and I have more than enough clothing. I hope to teach myself how to be more responsible with my money and appreciate what I have.
I've heard that it takes 21-days to break a habit, so if I get 40 down then I'm good as gold, right?!
I am going to take this time to reflect and rely on God to help me. I am nothing without his strength, guidance, and love. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power" Ephesians 6:10. I know this will be hard for me but I feel confident in my abilities to overcome it!
Thanks for reading!
Love always,
Meg! :)
P.S. What are you giving up for lent?!
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