some good news

I mentioned yesterday that Thursday's night shift was less than stellar, which is putting it lightly.  After sleeping the day away I had a slightly better outlook and then some good things came my way.  Doesn't life have a funny way of working out?  Just when you think things are down and out, some good comes your way.

It made me step back and realize that even in the struggles I am incredibly blessed and these challenges are just part of the journey.

So on to the good news...

(1) I made the Dean's List for the summer semester!

Don't judge - I study in my Beats and without makeup.

This wasn't on my radar at all and it just showed up in the mail last week.  It reminded me that the hard work does pay off and now I'm more determined than ever to keep it up.  Plus, I'm halfway done with the fall semester which means I'm also halfway through the program! CRAZY!

(2) My loans were forgiven!

After wrapping up my last year of teaching, I found out that I was eligible to have my undergraduate loans forgiven in exchange for completing 5 years at a Title 1 school.  The amount varies based on grade level and content, but teaching 8th grade science put me in the highest category. I submitted my forms this summer, had them returned because they were expired, resubmitted the forms, and then basically didn't hear anything.  I assumed that I would have to start paying on them again come graduation and I had accepted that being in crazy debt was my reality.

Then I got an email on Friday saying something about "thank you for your payment." I panicked thinking that my automatic payments had started back up and I wasn't prepared for that - they've been in deferment since starting nursing school.  However, when I opened the email I saw this instead:

I actually spit out my Spark when I saw the amount.  That's more money than I've ever had at one time.

And my heart almost stopped.  It took me a few hours of checking the email and logging into my account to actually believe it.  I'm still in shock a little bit!

Yup, those loans are actually paid off! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.

(3) The giveaway I won from Kaara and Jacquelyn arrived yesterday!

During September, Kaara and Jacquelyn hosted the Move It Challenge and for each week you linked up with your fitness you were entered to win an Advocare Cleanse.  And I won! I didn't realize that I would be getting so many amazing goodies so I'll let the pictures do the talking.

How cute are these messages Kaara wrote around the box? Made me even more excited to open it!

Advocare Slam, Bowl Game Berry

Advocare Herbal Cleanse, peaches & cream

blogilates blender bottle

crocheted coasters

Advocare Spark, pink lemonade

Advocare Coffeccino, mocha

bracelet

earrings

crocheted head wrap

adorable card

I've never tried the Coffeccino and I love mocha flavor so I'm really excited about that.  And the Slams are perfect for my night shifts at the hospital.  Plus, I'm dying over the crocheted items. They are so soft!  I love it all and I am so excited about it! Please stop by Kaara and Jacquelyn's blogs to show them some love - they are wonderful girls that I'm so lucky to have found!

I'd love to hear what good things have come your way lately! And I know it's cheesy, but thinking positively about the things that are challenging us really does make a difference. I encourage you to try next time something has got you feeling down.

xoxo,

Cait

PS - that blender bottle is perfect for the Fiber Drink that comes in the 10 Day Cleanse. I'm starting on Tuesday with Mel and Holly.  It's not too late to order yours!

Five on Friday!

Happy Friday! 

1. I've lost track of the days.  Studying and going to clinical means that my days themselves are very structured but my weeks are often all over the place. As a result, I feel like I don't ever know what day it is. And even though it's Friday today, it doesn't feel like it. Let me correct myself - it doesn't really have the same meaning that it used to when I worked Monday through Friday.  I used to be "Woohoo, finally Friday! I have 2 days off to hang out and not work and take care of the millions of things I couldn't get to during the week because of my job!"  But now I have the luxury of taking care of those tiny errands that easily add up during my week as a glorified study break. Winning?

How life used to be.

Life now.

2. My student loan interest rate went down! Just got an email telling me that the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 means that my loan interest rates dropped down to 3.86%. Truthfully, I don't remember what they were originally but hey, I'll take any break I can get.

3. My scholarship came through! My school requires you to pay your tuition upfront (loans and/or personal money) and then after 2 weeks they process any scholarships. As we speak, $1084.74 is being transferred into my bank account so this means I will continue to eat this semester!

4. Only 2 psych clinicals to go! Psych is just not the field for me, you guys. I have the utmost respect for those who work in the psych field and it has been wonderful to learn about it. There are many more parts going into the care for our mentally ill than I realized. But dear Lord I do not wish to work there.  We go on Wednesdays for 12-hour shifts and I only have 2 more visits to make! 

5. I can't stop drinking Starbucks. I have a serious addiction and not only is it not a great post-workout fuel, but it is draining my bank account.  I need an intervention!

via

 Hope you all have a great weekend and that your football teams win! Unless you cheer for the Purdue Boilermakers, the Alabama Crimson Tide, or the Tennessee Titans.  In that case, prepare to lose. Love ya!

xoxo,

Cait

PS - Lots of exciting news and posts next week so be sure to check in!