School, you temptress.

I love school. I love being a student, sitting down and learning, reading, asking questions, the whole lot. Some people have seen me only in my social element (i.e. at singles functions or church) and think the above statements are shocking. Others have seen me only in school mode. And yet some saw me at both. I'm fortunate enough to have good friends for all over the U.S. and some now abroad, but it occurred to me that if these friends compared notes, they might argue that they're talking about different people. I wouldn't call it hypocritical - I just know myself enough to know that different people bring out different qualities. I'm comically funny around my mom and oldest sister (they think I'm funny, so I gladly step in to play the part. And they are such a good audience, who can resist?!). But study buddy friends and former roommates can only imagine me saying "no, I'll pass. I want to study for my test tomorrow" when they're off to get midnight milkshakes.

Now, what do school and friends have to do with each other? Well, here's my announcement to all my dear friends and family who have been wondering what I'm going to do with (part of) my life - I'm going to nursing school!! Those who see me as a social butter fly - you might be thinking "WHAT?! Are you crazy?" Those who've seen me in academic mode - you might be thinking "About time girlfriend!" And there are likely still others who are still scratching their heads. 

Here are the emerging details: On monday I meet with admissions and start paper work, as it can take up to a year to be accepted to a program. Thankfully my grades, test scores, and previous classes are specific/high enough, thus giving me a foot up in the process. Ideally, I'll graduate Spring of 2012 from BYU-Idaho, and start the nursing program Fall 2013. It might get pushed back to Fall 2014, due to the number of variables involved. 

The decision came after years of deliberation, pro's and con's lists, counseling with parents (and now parents-in-law!), praying, thinking, researching, and more. I've always wanted to be in the medical field, but kept spiraling off to other distractions, some were good and others were time wasters. As I've gotten older, and like is more (ha) predictable (hahaha), my elusive dream started to seem feasible. Now, with our recent move to NY for the foreseeable future, it seems like I'll be in one place long enough to embark on such a dream. 

So, while all the logical and practical puzzle pieces have started to fall into place, I have felt as I often do with other major life choices - when it comes down to it, it just feels right.