Spring forward to spring break

Spring forward ... clocks all around the country zoomed up an hour in honor of daylight savings time. I have to admit, I was really starting to enjoy the super bright, sunlit mornings that I've seen when driving to 6:30 a.m. clinicals at Research College of Nursing. But even with the time "springing forward" an hour, I still think it will be a bit more sunlight in the mornings as we finally leave the snow and cold of winter and move into warmer days of fun in the sun.

Speaking of fun in the sun, it's Spring Break at Rockhurst University and Research College of Nursing. There are tons of flights heading to an array of destinations, full of college students ready to relax and rejuvenate ... far away from the land of textbooks, papers, and exams. People can enjoy spring break in so many ways. Some are hitting the beaches in Florida, others are shopping in Chicago, while others are taking in sites in New York City.

Rockhurst students also have opportunities to give back to the world we live in during service mission trips. Faculty, students, and staff of RU are traveling to Baltimore, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras — a world away indeed; but RU students are blessed to have these places within their reach of service. I look forward to taking advantage of a service trip or studying abroad when the time is right.

Rockhurst University really has something for everyone. This year's study abroad programs including places such as Naimey, Niger; Haifa, Israel; San Bartolo, Guatemala; (all offered through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s alma mater — Boston University).

Summer studies include Universidad de Salamanca, Spain; Puebla, Mexico; and Montpellier and Paris, France. There are even studies abroad in the U.S. at an American Indian reservation located in Lakota Nation, South Dakota; or exploration of U.S. politics, law, and justice in Washington, D.C. For those who are interested in studying abroad this summer or need more information, call the studies abroad office at (816) 501-3441. There truly is something for everyone.

Spring break for me will be enjoyed here in Kansas City. I'm looking forward to spending extra time with my family; taking my children to the park and movie theatre, writing on sidewalks with chalk, and having a good water fight. Who knows, I may also visit the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art or take the kids to Kaleidoscope. Whatever I do, it will be with the people I love the most ... and that's a great spring break for me.

Everyone enjoy the time off and be safe! LJ

Back to School ... Spring 2009

Well, the break is officially over. I must say that it was wonderful being out of school during the holidays and into the first few weeks of 2009. I enjoyed it immensely and spent lots of quality time with family and friends near and far. What a privilege it is to be a student at Rockhurst University and Research College of Nursing!

As of Thursday, Jan. 22 it was back to academic business. The day began with a welcome ceremony for the incoming sophomores to the nursing program. There were speakers from the current junior and senior nursing students, faculty from RCON, and a presentation of nursing pins symbolic to those that will be received when they graduate. The program ended with breakfast and a room full of smiling, excited faces. It's amazing to think that I was sitting in that same "welcome to our program" seat just last year; now, I'm a junior student ready to help the next wave of students succeed as they begin this new journey. Again, what a privilege!

After the welcome ceremony it was time for our first class. Everyone exchanged big hugs and shared how their holiday & break was. And overall everyone was ready to dig in and get started with the spring semester of classes.

On Friday, Jan. 23 class began with a TEST! That's right ... there's no time to waste in nursing school. We had a drug calculation quiz first thing in the morning, which had to be passed with a 90% or better. All aspects of nursing skills and knowledge are critical to the health of the patients we serve; and while technology and machines are great we are ultimately responsible for knowing how to calculate medicinal doses on our own. After the test (and yes, I passed) we had orientation to our clinical sites for this spring. That was exciting and a bit nerve-racking as I realized just how much we'd be doing each week. Nevertheless, I'm ready ... because the best way to learn something is to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

The weekend has zoomed by and Monday morning class will be upon me before I know it. I can say this, I am VERY excited about being able to share another semester of "behind the scenes" as a student at Rockhurst University and Research College of Nursing.

In closing, I want to say "welcome" to all the new students at both college campuses. I hope your spring semester is fun, academically interesting and rewarding, and that you meet people who quickly transform from strangers to classmates to friends.

Remember, be who you know you are and the rest will fall into place.

Talk to you again soon! LJ

I stopped dreaming ...

I used to look forward to dreaming, but today ... I stopped dreaming. You see the world is busy and often tiring. And there are joys and accomplishments to celebrate, but sometimes they are overshadowed by the tragedies and loss. There's a few of the rich and famous, living amidst a multitude of middle class and floods of poor. We have so much and so little at the same time. Even though we breathe the same air, see the same sun, and sleep under the same moon we are worlds apart. So to get away from it all and create my own reality I used to dream. Because when I closed my eyes, anything was possible.

In my dreams, I could be the best of the best ... I could have abundance of love, peace, and prosperity ... I could see the world as one of God's greatest creations ... I could feel the presence of mankind uniting across cultural, religious, social, and economic barriers. In my dreams, I could fulfill not just my destiny but lead others to do the same. With my eyes closed, I could actually see accomplishments reached and finish lines crossed. So I kept my eyes closed tightly, longer, holding on with all my might to the beautiful dreams.

Today, I looked at the front page of the Kansas City Star, along with several world-renown newspapers, and there were pictures and stories about the new "First Family," President-Elect Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha. On the most basic levels they look like me, my husband, and two children. They are genuine, humble, loving, and respectful. Their life story is familiar. They've aspired to do great things. They took on some of the greatest challenges of a lifetime. For months I've listened and watched ... my children watched ... my friends and neighbors watched ... the world watched. And today, several days after the election is over ... several days after the initial thrill and joy and overwhelming moments of it all ... I stopped dreaming.

I ... believe ... in ... reality! The headlines across the country read, "All things are possible" and I believe it. Nothing drastic has changed on the outside ... we still have joys and tragedies ... still have rich and poor ... still have so much and so little ... but what has changed is deep down on the inside. My heart says, "it's okay to open your eyes. It's okay to see this reality and create what you want it to be. Take the paint brush and be the artist of your life and those around you. Use an instrument and make a more beautiful ballad of the song of life you hear. Feed a soul in the same manner you would a newborn baby and watch it grow and prosper."


Yes, we still live under the same sun and sleep under the same moon. We continue to breathe the same air. But now, I stopped dreaming ... because my reality is more beautiful than it's ever been and it supersedes my dreams.

Go ahead ... open your eyes ...

When opportunity knocks ...

You must be ready to answer the door. In fact, I remember when Corey Ciocchetti came to Research College of Nursing for our fall convocation, he talked to us about being ready to accept opportunities. You can't wait to prepare yourself for opportunities that will come along ... prepare yourself now, so that 'when opportunity knocks' you can literally say "yes, I would be honored to do that" and be confident that you can; rather than having to turn down something truly great because the timing was bad or you just weren't in a position to take on what was offered.

For instance, this blog I write for Rockhurst University -- one person could say it's just a fun way to express myself and share my thoughts about what's happening in my world; someone else could say it's just freelance writing that doesn't have any major impact on anyone; yet, I say, this blog is "opportunity" continually knocking ... because from week to week and post to post you have no idea who is reading it, what they find interesting or relevant, and what ways they are planning to use your talent for writing. I can personally say that in the last month I've had two 'opportunities knock on my door' because of this blog. And because I have prepared myself through previous occupations and academic development, I was able to say, "yes, I would love to do that!"

It's a great feeling to see one part of your world manifests itself in so many other areas. It's gives this blog new life and meaning. It tells me that these are not just words written to blind eyes and deaf ears ... they are seeds that are being planted and the first fruits of the harvest have just begun to spring forth.

So here I am with laptop in hand, continuing to share with the hearts and minds who cross this path and read a line or two. It is my hope that something will catch your attention, inviting you in for a longer stay, and whispers to you to return again. One thing I can offer, I will be here continuing to live and love and share and breathe new life into this page of words.

It's so much more a part of me than I possibly will ever understand ... and it connects me to you in ways that I surrender to the infinite possibilites of "when opportunity knocks ..."

LJ

Showdown in the "Show Me" State

Missouri ...

From the City of Fountains to the Gateway Arch of St. Louis, it has been very clear during the 2008 Presidential election that Missouri is on the map! The candidates for the White House have made several stops in the "Show Me State" this year including the following:



The Show Me State Welcomes Senator Barack Obama

August 26, 2008, Senator Barack Obama watched his wife, Michelle, as she spoke at the Democratic National Convention. He watched from the living room of "the Girardeau family," a local Kansas City family.

The Show Me State Welcomes Governor Sarah Palin and Senator John McCain

Sept. 8, 2008, Govenor Sarah Palin and Senator John McCain spoke at a rally held at a retirement center in Lee's Summit, MO. Senator McCain said that they must win Missouri in order to win the White House. They also made a stop at Arthur Bryant's to enjoy some of Kansas City's fine barbecue.


The Show Me State Welcomes Mrs. Michelle Obama

Oct. 1, Mrs. Obama campaigned for her husband in the historic 18th & Vine district of downtown Kansas City. She was introduced by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II and spoke to a crowd of over 3,000 people who lined the streets of about three city blocks. She also took a quick tour of the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

The Show Me State Welcomes Senator Joe Biden

Oct. 8, the 2008 Vice Presidential candidates (Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin) had their Showdown in the "Show Me" State. They met at Washington State University in St. Louis for their first and only debate before the election in November.

Thursday, Oct. 9, Senator Joe Biden made stops to speak at Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph, MO); William Jewell College (Liberty, MO); and a final speech at the capital of Missouri, Jefferson City.

Why have the Missouri voters received so much attention? Because Missouri stands by it's name ... the "Show Me State." If you show me a Presidential winner, I will show you someone who won the state of Missouri. Traditionally, Missouri has a trend of picking the presidential winner. In fact, according to an Associated Press article "only once in the past 100 years have Missourians favored the losing candidate."

Missouri voters ... if you are registered and cast your vote for the 2008 Presidential election, you can be certain that the country will be watching to see who takes home the "Show Me" state.

So do me a favor ... on November 4, get out and VOTE! Show Me who Missouri says is ready to lead our country as the next President of the United States of America.

Show Me! LJ

And the winner is ...

Did you watch the presidential debate? I did ... and was so proud that this election has brought about something truly extraordinary. What's so extraordinary? Well, people are watching, listening, and making decisions; and for the first time in history, many more young voters are engaged in the voting process and being voices for the candidates they believe will best support their current and future plans.

This, by far, is no typical election. For starters we've had the extraordinary representation of our country through the voices of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin, who aren't our country's typical presidential/vice presidential candidates and/or nominees; and that alone pulled masses of people into political movements. People are getting onboard in ways that I've never seen ... everything from campaigning on corners, to knocking on doors and hosting neighboorhood parties, to donating funds and wearing T-shirts, to making phone calls and volunteering, to help on college campuses and making YouTube videos, and so much more. I have personally been more active in giving, speaking to others about voting, and being well-informed about who these candidates are and where they stand on the issues that affect our daily lives and country as a whole. No longer am I a child waiting for the next leader to decide what direction my life heads for the next 8 years ... I'm a adult with the power to be an integral part of determining who that leader is and what he says is of value or worth for me and the world I'm a part of.

What do I want you to know? I want you to know that you matter! Your voice matters! Your decision matters! And please believe that your vote matters! It's not enough to know the candidates name, to hope for someone to win, and to stand on the sidelines and clap. You absolutely, positively, must take advantage of your right to "vote!" People, both Democratic and Republican alike, triumphed over many, many challenges to secure that very freedom for all. America is a country where we can exercise that freedom; and I want to encourage you to stand up and say, "I was a part of the decision ... I spoke for myself (and my family if you have children or other loved ones who aren't able to vote). My voice was heard."

That's what living in this beautiful country is about ... freedom, in every way ... from sea to shining sea. So register to vote by Wednesday, Oct. 8. And I look forward to standing with you in line on Tuesday, Nov. 4 to cast a 2008 Presidential vote.

God bless one and all ... LJ

Check out "Hollywood Declares Themselves" on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olpCyDA4kYA

Starbucks Coffee, here I come!

I'm not an avid coffee drinker. Sometimes, drinking coffee will even give me a bit of a stomach ache. But now that school is actually "in" session (i.e., TEST taking time has started) I had to make a pit stop at the famous coffee house, Starbucks. I didn't want to make a second trip there later this evening, so I grabbed two hot beverages with caramel (honestly I don't even know exactly what I got) and hit the road back home to prepare for this evening. Tonight will be a late night of reading HUGE textbooks, filling out study guides, and preparing for my first test in Adult Health I.

I had to pull nearly an all-nighter on Thursday for a test on Friday. Why I do that to myself, I don't understand. Yes, I passed the test, and quite well. But procrastination in Nursing school must come to a end. It's such an unhealthy and grueling way to get things done. Not to mention, the frappuccino's I bought only kept me awake for so long. I told a nursing classmate, "we should invent coffee IV's so we can actually stay up longer." Who would've thought Starbuck's thought the same (see image ... LOL!!)

At least I did get to enjoy a picnic this Saturday, and my two sons had a blast being able to "run free" in the park. Sunday will bring about church time, family time, and more studies. Monday will start up the weekly school routine. A typical Monday for the Jackson's includes ...

• Awake, dress, walk Elijah to the bus stop; exchange hugs and kisses and good-byes
• Grab school bags, daycare items, and "Isaiah" too, and off we go
• Drop Isaiah off at daycare; exchange hugs and kisses and good-byes
• Arrive at school, class time, lunch break, more class time
• Pick up kiddos, grab snacks, drop off kiddos
• Off I go to Christianity II class at Rockhurst University (http://www.rockhurst.edu/)
• Head home, arrive home to all my guys; give kiddos baths, read books, exchange more hugs and kisses and put them in bed
• Eat, shower, grab a textbook and read/study until sleep calls my name

Yes, so much to do and only 24 hours per day to do it all, including some quality time for fun, family, cleaning, relaxation, and so much more. Who says you can't have it all? Can't do it all? Be a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, a nurse (in the making) ... and a person who loves, and gives, and receives, and honors, and respects, and thanks, and worships, and laughs, and strives, and fulfills. I'm a living example that "Yes, you can!"

Be who "you" know you are ... the rest will fall into place. LJ