Guess who's back? Back again? 

Rachel's back, tell a friend. I really hope I'm not too old for you to know what song those lyrics are from. If so, please don't tell me. :)

Well, as the lyrics suggest I am BACK and BETTER than ever at Regis! I sit here in the computer lab on the 2nd floor of college hall. Everything looks the same, feels the same except for the oddly deceiving smell of spring outside the window: it is January 14 and 62 degrees! What a trick. My mind keeps telling myself I am almost to graduation based on how it feels out, but nooooo, hold your horses, you have another semester of papers, clinicals and exams to go! 

Winter break was good, I know you are dying to know. FAR too fast, however. By the time I caught my breath it was Christmas. Then, boom, New Years! Then before you know it, it's back to the grind. I thought the best and most efficient way for me to share about my winter break would be to list my most recent experiences, thoughts and realizations in a succinct, to the point list. I tend to drag on and on as you may well know by now:

Top Winter Break Thoughts and Realizations

-Cooking is actually fun? 

-The song 'Thrift Shop' by Macklemore is contagious, amazing and soon to be my morning alarm clock

-I apparently like running?

-I miss Homeland... even hearing the theme song at the Golden Globes gave me goosebumps. And Claire Danes is becoming more like Carrie in real life than one could ever hope, is she not? (Sorry to those non-viewers)

-I am super proud of my family, friends and boyfriend. I really surround myself with some kick-booty people!

-Watertown ROCKS...especially the middle eastern super markets.

-On that same avenue, I recently discovered an AMAZING condiment called Pomegranate Molasses. It is VERY healthy, full of flavor and tastes great on vegetables. Here is a recipe I started making over break that is killer:

Dice up any veggies you want: I did carrots, cucumbers and green peppers. Chop up parsley and some mint, mix with veggies. Add the molasses and voila! You can also add vinegar if you want a little tang. You can eat it as a side with dinner, as a snack, or, in a sandwich.

Top Winter Break Experiences

-I FINALLY GOT AN RN JOB. AND it's per diem! AND it pays great! I guess patience is a virtue!

-Lots of silly TV (Spongebob Squarepants, Impractical Jokers)

-LATE sleeping: slept until 2pm one day!

-Returned to clinicals for winter break intercession: yes, in a way I really did miss my preceptors, coworkers and patients ( I guess that's a good sign)!

-Got a new stethoscope (a big girl one) and a much needed haircut: hello bangs!

Well, I promise next week to get back to nursing land where this blog is suppose to reside. I guess I am just half back to school, half of me back in December. Thank you for rejoining me on this crazy, awesome ride. And for the last time, here's to the first day of the semester!

Rachel  (Bella will be back next week. She's still on vacation, too)