How are you preparing?

I'm a CNA and I used to work nights but I've changed to only Friday and Saturday nights since I'll be starting nursing school. I've been eating more healthier foods and plan to pack my own lunch for school. All the money I make at work has been going straight to the bank and have stopped my impulse shopping. I'm budgeting and saving money for unexpected expenses. I'm trying to do everything I can to make sure I'm successful in the nursing program.

I quit my job.I cut my really long hair. I stopped salsa dancing 3-4 nights a week to save money from cover charges. Cutting out the dancing was the biggest besides quittng work.

I also quit my job, used the summer to find quick, but nutritional meals, researched healthy snacks, tried to lose weight by implementing some type of daily physical activity, and worked on strengthening my faith. My husband and I also looked for ways to save money, by changing our cell phone plan and our satellite TV plan. My husband was able to change his work schedule to be home earlier on my class and clinical days so that our dogs aren't caged all day. My husband is so good about stepping in on household chores. He doesn't mind cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. I also made sure I told my family how it would be for me and that they may not hear from me as much, although I will schedule a morning to catch up on calls. My mom tends to call 3-4 times a week.

Good luck everyone. It's going to be quite a ride!

I've cut my hair (easier for a ponytail). I quit my job but only because it would've required me to work while I was in class (I'm looking for a weekend job currently). I'm resuming my grocery budget because I'll be taking my lunch everyday. I've also already been preparing family and friends for my disappearing act. :). Oh and I also went through all my bills and cut everything back that I could.

Why did you cut your hair?

I am a single mom of two boys, ages 7 & 2. I cut my bills down as much as I could, no cable or satellite, changed my cell phone plan, gave up pedicures, changed my shopping habits for the necessities, saving money on bills by letting my house get warmer in the summer and bundling up in the winter, I didn't cut my waist length hair but I did change the color. I used to have my dark blond hair highlighted so that it was a much lighter blond, now I don't have the extra time to go sit in the salon and get it done or the extra money, so now I dye it a dark brown at home from a box. It still looks good but I miss being blond, going back to it will be my reward to myself after I graduate :)

LOL its funny to hear people making changes to their hair....I too cut mines into a short bob look but Im thinking to go a little shorter. Just wanted a change & the idea of hair constantly being up in secured ponytail I know I am sure to have alot of headaches. I have been studying lab values, watching nursing students youtube videos, reading up on a little patho, buying last minute older edition supplemental books, starting & laminating cheat sheets (notecards) for clinicals, organizing binders on my shelf, watching my account go into the negatives :), looking for a possible part time PCT job and spending as much time possible with the family.

funny.... I used to always have my hair short and now for close to a year I have grown it out so when I became a student I would become a new me!

I have to quite my full time job so I have a week left there. I am currently looking for part time on the weekends work as well. And, I am still trying to figure out how I will survive financially but I do know that I am determined to make this work. I already have short hair. I am just getting it trimmed. LOL! I had to put that part in there. I have also lost weight. So far i have lost about 50 lbs. I have alot more to go but I wanted to be more mobile for the hectic lifestyle change. I also have healthy ready to go snacks planned. I have a little lunch bag with the blue icey's to keep things cool. I am as ready as I can be!

I've been organizing my office so that everything is at hand. I started this weeks ago, but for some reason everyone and their mother has decided to come visit this summer, so I hope I get done before school starts.

My husband is awesome about doing house work, but he can't cook. So I've been getting recipes together for the crock pot or easy for him to make when I can't.

I'm learning to say no to social events. I still will make a point to meet friends for dinner, etc, but I just can't worry about hurting people's feelings if it doesn't work for me.

I have been growing my hair out so I can put it into easy updos/pony tails.

I organized and put together an office that I believe will really help me study well.

I have quit my job and hired a cleaning lady to come every other week while school is going for me. My husband doesn't mind helping but is usually working long hours to support him and I.

I have been brushing up on medical terminology, math calculations/dosages and looking through my textbooks.

I have also increased my workout days and increased the times to build endurance for long days. I have also been focusing on healthy eating for energy, including what snacks and meals I can have and make once school starts.

More than anything, I've been trying to relax and see as much as my family and friends as possible.

I spent the summer working on drug calculations, and getting refreshed on the math basics. Since I will be working full time and attending a nights and weekends program, I also looked up many crock pot, and 30 minute meal recipes so the family won't starve. I also have been trying a stress management/meditation process to help me focus. I will basically be gone 14 hrs a day M-Thurs, so stress containment is a priority! I keep telling myself that I CAN do this, and the hectic pace is just for a little while. I am kind of jealous of everyone cutting their hair. Mine is super thick and grows at the speed of light, so short hair is not cost effective or low maintenance for me. I see continued flat ironing, and ponytails/french braids for the foreseeable future. Good luck everyone!