If I went to work everyday and did not give my patients their medications, did not complete and chart my assessments, did not notify the doctors of my concerns, and I just sat around and collected a paycheck, I WOULD BE FIRED! Fired for not doing my job.

So, why is it ok for these members of Congress to continually NOT do what they are hired and paid to do? The fiscal cliff has been looming over their heads for, lets face it, YEARS. Yet, these people can't come together and compromise on a plan that is going to help the American people. They are working harder at opposing each others ideas and plans than they are at working together to come up with new ones.

I wish they would just knock it off already. Complete the task you have been given, or you will be FIRED!

Hmmph.

New boots

Look what Dustin got me for my birthday!!!

He was so excited to give them to me that he needed to do it 5 days early! I have to say, the man can pick out a mean pair of cowgirl boots. The top goes clear up to my knees, and they are soooo comfortable!

Do you know how much I love these?

I am drinking a peppermint hot chocolate while reading another new book (a huge accomplishment on my part), there is banana bread baking in the oven (with chocolate chips), and the dishes are done.

Today is a better day than yesterday.

I read a quote the other day that I want to share:
"Beginnings are scary, and endings are usually sad, but its the middle that counts" -unknown

I was thinking about it today when I went shopping for a couple new shirts. Depressing, by the way. I have developed this roll of back fat that I can't seem to figure out how or when it crept up on me. Anyways, I was in the fitting room thinking about how my body is already starting to change. I got really sad thinking about the unknown. What will I look like after I have this baby? Will I be able to get my pre-pregnancy body back? How big will I get? Will I have stretch marks? This new beginning is scary. Then I thought its the middle that counts. Not my mid-section "middle" but the journey. This is all new to me so of course I am going to be nervous and apprehensive of the the "what if's". Chances are that 6 months from now when I hold my new baby, Ill be sad that my pregnancy has ended and nervous all over again about a whole new set of worries. The beginning of motherhood. Then there will be the next phase to start/end. A never-ending cycle.

That's just life, right? The beginnings are scary and endings are sad, but its the middle that counts. All I can do is do my best at each junction in life and try to be as happy and healthy as possible. Its not always easy, but I should try.

Its the middle that counts.

Plus, I got some new slippers, so I am pretty much happy for a while.

Well, it has been awhile, hasn't it?  I just haven't been in the mood. It was like one day I just didn't like writing on my blog anymore.

However, the other day I took a look back at some of my past posts and realized that it is kind of fun to be able to look back at times past and reminisce. So, needless to say, the blog lives on!

What's the latest in my life you ask? Can't think of much, except that I'M PREGNANT!!!! Can you believe it? It was literally 13 years ago today that Dustin and I started dating. Now, we are (finally) starting our family together. I am so nervous, but so excited.

I couldn't be happier.

**Side note, every time I write on my blog, I double check for grammatical errors out of fear that Uncle Mike or Cait will judge me.  You see, they are both sticklers on grammar. Its a lot of pressure to live up to, but I do my best. **

karma?

A few short days after taking a new lease on life, I get the flu.

I haven't been sick in at least a year. Is this my body's idea of a rebellion? I mean, I have this week off of work and had all these plans to hang out with friends and, what was it I said, be in good company? Ya, well, now its 1 o'clock in the morning and I'm up sipping on hot tea and honey to help my sore throat. I could have floated the river, done crafts and various DIY projects that I had in mind, cuddled a cute baby, and who know what else!!! But instead, Im outta the game for two days.

What the hell?

All is not lost people. Like my good friend Gloria Gaynor said- "I will survive!!!!"

side note:  I truly thought Aretha Franklin sang that song, but thought I might double check with Google before giving the wrong artist credit.  Good thing......

First off, I want to say that the last post was a little, well, lets say, dark? I was in a mood. Better now;)

I went to something called "Night Owl" after work the other day and the topic was "self care and creating calm for nurse". LOVED IT!! The whole hour we talked about stress and people's perceptions of stressors, good stress, bad stress, healthy coping, etc. It was great!  I'm normally not into that kinda stuff, but this time I felt like it was just what I needed.

The woman brought up some really good points that made me think about how easily stressed out I am and how I need to take better care of myself. One interesting topic was how stress creates a long term change to the body. Not just those frown wrinkles and weight gain, and more interestingly, cancer!  Now, now, I know you are probably thinking "duh!", but I guess I never really thought about the connection. She noted how the mind is a very powerful thing, and when we continually think negative thoughts and carry negative energy, it sends that negativity to all the cells of our body....long story short, the cells do not work to their potential or fulfill their roles entirely, thus- risk for cancer. Can you see the connection?

I was very motivated to make some changes.

Here are some of my "Things To Do In Order To Not Give Myself Cancer" objectives:

• Read More
• Nourish my body (I mean, REALLY try hard to eat better)
• Sit in silence at least once a day for at least 10 minutes
• Laugh often
• Be in good company
• Get movin'
• Stop allowing myself to over sleep. Shoot for 8 hours of sleep, no more. ( I tend to allow myself to oversleep these days. Waste of a day)
• Be mindful and self aware (remain present, watchful, aware of what is happening around me without become emotionally involved or captured)
• Be truly present (I could expand here but it would be another entire paragraph)

These are just a start people!  Any ideas that work for you to help keep your mind healthy? Send 'em my way....

I have been trying really hard lately to hang out with my friends more often. I feel like I need them around me to help me stay grounded and connected to the things that really matter. Its been a busy summer so far with lots of weddings, engagements, barbecues, and random get-togethers. You know, the fun stuff. I can't help but wonder, though, if things will be different in the future. Everyones getting married and starting families and its hard not to wonder if one day these pictures will all be just a memory of things "the way they were back then", you know?

Anyone who really knows me knows that I don't really like change - and things are changing around me.  I'm struggling a bit and I can't quite put my finger on why. I'm having a hard time being "content" lately. Is there a pause button that I can push to make life stop for a minute and let me figure out my emotions? You know, get it together a bit more. Im all over the place- like I don't know if Im coming or going or what!

Hard to explain.

 

102 degree weather = water fight with Jay.

I won.

He needed to recoup with some boy time with Dustin...

My favorite part of today? Getting this in the mail!

Wanna know how I know that I am my mother's daughter? (What a stupid-sounding sentence, by the way)

When the highlight of my day is getting to relax by watering the plants and dry spots in my yard.

Thats how I know.

Thanks for the genes, Mom. ;)

I need a garden. I didn't get to plant anything this year because of our trip and I'm really jealous of my friends garden. We were hanging out the other day and she just went out and picked some fresh radishes right from her garden for us to eat, and it was delicious. I'm thinking I want to do boxes like this. Can Dustin make these for me this Fall so I can start a gardening adventure next Spring?

Guess we'll find out....

BTW, I promise that Dustin is not wearing the same shirt in every single one of these pics. I mean, we did just have our backpacks, but we weren't that desperate. I promise these are actually a few different shirts. ;)

Here are a few photos from the trip.

                             ~Vatican City~

                         ~The Colosseum @ night~

                         ~Now that's a parking job!~

                      ~Florence from the top of the Duomo~

                        ~The Trevi Fountain~

                                ~The Eif~

                                ~The Wine~

      ~Milan~ (Someone tell that guy to get out of our picture. Rude.)

                     ~The Arc De Triomphe, Paris~

                       ~Dustin in Chamonix, France~

                          ~Chamonix~

                         ~The glacier at Chamonix~

                         ~The Louvre, Paris~

                   ~A very dramatic photo of the Mona Lisa~

                              ~The trains!~


Just a taste. If anyone is interested, I have approx. 900 more photos for your viewing pleasure .....

           Should I buy me some of these fake nerdy glasses?

Funny quotes by Dustin on our trip:

"Its a well known secret that I'm scared of heights."
"I don't know where we are, but I think I know."

Trust me there are others, but taken out of context they just aren't as funny.

Silly Dustin.

Dear Molly,
Look at your sweet little face. I already miss the sound of your nails on the hardwood, the jingle of your collar coming down the hall, your snoring at night. I miss your excited pounce. I will miss the sound of your howl when I come home. Oh, how I will miss that. I miss your squishy face and your close cuddle.  I will miss how you were fiercely protective of us, and how you took care of Duke. Thanks for teaching him how to be a good dog. He doesn't know what to do with himself without you. Neither do we. We are a mess without you, big girl. Thanks for waiting for us to come home, so we could be with you....love you up before you left us, and say goodbye.  We will love you forever. Our sweet girl, Molly.


I just can't stop crying.

BTW- One of my goals when I get home is to try and NOT complain. Tucker said I am a "complainer". I got mad at first and then realized he was right. I am. But, that's just how I deal with things- to talk about them. Needless to say, when this lady at the airport rolled her eyes at me when I asked her if we were waiting for the right flight, and then I tried to complain to the boys, they didn't wanna here it ;( Stupid lady anyways... Hhhmmmpphhh.

I cannot wait to get back to Idaho where the people are nice and the words "customer service" actually mean something. Let's just say things are different on the East coast.

Well, we climbed all 710 steps of the Eiffel Tower and took the "lift" all the way to the top. Our treat to ourselves for surviving the journey? Snickers. ;)

I should clarify. It's just that you reach a certain point in a vacation where you miss your "normal", you know? My own bed, my dogs, my people, my language. I have had a life changing, wonderful, time here though. That's for sure! I feel so lucky to have been able to make this trip ;)

I hate European toilets. Just google pictures of them and you will see what I mean. Especially the ones with no toilet seat! Who the hell thought that one up? We are going up the Eiffel tower today. It's a bit smoggy out today though so we will see how the view is. Coming home Friday and I have to say, I'm a bit excited to get back home. Not looking forward to that flight though.

We made it!!! A little sketchy there for the first connection but we made it! There is a spa here at the hotel so gonna go check that out

We are in Milan and headed to Chamonix, France today! It's a day filled with catching trains with very little time in between. Wish us luck!

Today was one of the worst days I have had in a LONG time! It all started at the train station this morning when our credit card, and only form of money at the time, wouldn't work. Thanks Wells Fargo, for the empty promises, by the way. Do you know how it feels to be in another country, not know the language, and have your only means of money not work? Luckily we used the rest of our euros to ge the tickets and make it to Florence. Once here, we tried to call the bank and they promised that we can just use the credit card for cash advance at any bank. After an hour of looking for a bank and standing in line, we were told that they won't do cash advanaces and we had to get a pin number for our card to be able to use it at an ATM. ....the tears are building up at this point. We head back to the hotel to make, yet another, call to the bank. They can get us a pin. But they have to mail it and it won't be there for 3 days! No amount of convincing would work. So, we decide to just borrow the cash from Tucker. Back to the ATM. I waited outside. The boys came out and told me that Tucker's card wouldnt work overseas. Dead serious? That's when the second panic attack of my life took place. Full on panic attack. Bawling in the street, can't catch my breath, inconsolable panic attack. WE'RE STRANDED IN EUROPE is what I'm thinking. The boys felt so bad and tried to calm me down but it's too late. Too,too late. "We're just messing with you" they say. Haha, not funny. I freaked you guys. I mean really freaked. Mom, remember how I freaked the day we went to sign on the house and I hit Dustin's truck? Like that. So we finally found one of the exchange places and practically lost a fortune just to get some freakin cash! Our Visa decides when it wants to work. I'm grouchy and want to go home.

We went to Vatican City, St.Peters and the Sistine Chapel today! Wow! Amazing! We are Headed to Florence tomorrow and really excited to see a new city. I can't figure out how to post pictures to this blog from my iPad or phone, so you'll have to wait for pics .....

We made it!!!! Wifi not working in the hotel, can't use the calling card.... But we made it. The flight was rough, especially the last jaunt. Dustin threw up when we were landing in Phili. ;( poor guy can't handle the turbulence. We'll do our best to post but the Internet has been hard to come by so we'll see. Ciao.

We are headed to Italy first thing in the morning!!! I am so excited and nervous and everything all at the same time!! Can't believe the time has come.

I will try to update my blog as we go along. I am taking our iPad so I should be able to fill you guys in on how the trip is going.

Stay tuned....

Doesn't this look good?  Cuz it is ;)

 Caitlin is letting me borrow her juicer for a little while. This little concoction here is carrots, celery, spinach, 2 strawberries and a pear.

As gross as it looks, its actually pretty dang good.

Plus, look how full Ruby is......

She's so full that she couldn't even open her eyes all the way and her arms were just hanging there.  Man, what would it be like to be a baby again?

Love this little girl.

I have successfully prepared my lunches for the next three days. I have to say, this is pretty delish.

     
          Don't you think this will be SOOOO good with rice?

First, I would like to thank by beautiful breakfast, for keeping full                                ALL morning. ;)

                                                                                             

Secondly, did you know that I got to watch an Open Heart Surgery today?  Yep. I did.  It was sooooo cool and I am so lucky!

I'm off the hook for jury duty! Thank God.  I always complained that I didn't understand why people get so upset when they get called for jury duty......but now I know why.  It sucks. Totally more stressful than necessary.

I wonder how many calories you burn at the grocery store? Putting the food in the cart, then taking it out to be scanned, putting it in bags, taking it from the car to the house, and then finally putting it away. Its exhausting work! By the time I am done with grocery shopping the last thing I want to do is make dinner!

How rich do I have to be to hire someone to grocery shop for me?

Dustin and I went Steelhead fishing today. Check out this monster!!! 

I caught it within the first 20 minutes we were there.

31 inches!!  So heavy. Oh, so heavy.

Look how full her belly is with eggs.

That part kinda makes me sad  ;(

                           
                     Then, I caught another one....

Man! He was a fighter. He was a native though, so I had to put him back ;(  And here Dustin is, trying to catch up to me.

                                             
                           He never did.

Crazy!

You guys have to watch the documentary "Fat, Sick and nearly dead". Very impressive and quite inspirational. Check it out....

I'm getting old. Wanna know how I know??  Every time I walk or drive passed a group of more than two teenagers, I think to myself- "Little punks!"

What?!  They probably are.

Oh Summer, Where Art Thou?

Man. Its a nice day.

As I sat there on the couch, getting ready to take a nap (you see, I have been off work for a week and I have to go back tomorrow. So I am trying to soak up all the sleep/lazy time I can) I told myself that maybe I should get my lazy bum up off the couch and take that crazy dog on a walk. You would have thought that the incessant pacing back and forth and whining would have given me a clue that he needed some exercise.  Anyways- So we ventured out. It was glorious!! And, I think it worked- I think I actually got some energy outta that silly dog.

When we were walking down the street, not too far from my house, guess what I found in the street? A 9mm shell casing. Yikes!  What is this L.A.?  I was gonna take it home to show Dustin, but then I told myself I better leave it. You know, in case its evidence for something. Oh crap. Now CSI is going to be after me because my fingerprints are on it.  I must go retrieve it at once......  Nah, they'll never find me. Im too elusive.

Guess who is blogging from her new IPad? Now I just need to become an efficient Apple product user!! I'm trying.

Betsy had her knee surgery today and I had a really hard time not being the "annoying-nurse-daughter-in-law". I came in when they were setting up her PCA (the pain medication pump) and I was secretly spying on their every move.

I couldn't help myself and I just had to ensure that they ordered her Lovenox so she doesn't get another DVT. Bowel care? Check. Anti-nausea? On it.

Gotta look out for family, you know?

I didn't go overboard, but the nurse did ask me if I was a RN by the time I left. Heeheee. How did she know?

Let me just vent for a minute...... I can always delete this later.

If I had to toilet one more frickin' person this morning I was going to cry. What am I, the toileter? Oh, you have to pee again even though we just got you up and walked you allllll the way to the toilet 15 MINUTES AGO!!!!!!!!!????? Sure. Lets go.  Every call light I answered I wanted to say: "Let me guess. You need to pee?". But I didn't. I wanted to, but I didn't. They all had chest tubes, IV poles, braces, oxygen tubing, etc that we had to pack up and take along. It was like a 15-20 minutes process, every time. Anytime my butt hit the chair to think, rest, or God forbid actually teach my orientee, someone had to pee.
I just feel like I didn't go to school to be a nurse so that I could be a flippin' waitress that toilets people. That's what it feels like sometimes.

You all are probably reading this thinking "whats the big deal, its just walking someone to the bathroom". But its not and I can't explain it 'till you've done it. Repeatedly.

I am in a bad mood in a big way. I am going to go to sleep now and then probably wake up his afternoon and delete this post because it is soooo wildly inappropriate and rude.

I do feel better though.

Its 3 am and do you know what's on my mind right now?

When do you use synchronized vs. non synchronized cardiac defibrillation for a patient in Vtach?

My mind decided to think about this right now, so guess what, I can't sleep until I find the answer. Don't worry, I googled it. (It has to do with whether or not the patient has a pulse or not, in case you were wondering).

So anyways, now I can't sleep. Can't turn my brain off.

I'm up.

This stupid genius brain of mine is really starting to tick me off.

;)

Sometimes, people amaze me with their strength and resilience. Sometimes, its astonishing the things people can go through without feeling bad for themselves. Sometimes, I can't believe how strong a woman, especially a mother, can be. And sometimes, you get lucky enough to have these people sent into your life to teach you strength and patience.

You are doing better than I EVER would, Cait. And even though you may not think it, you are teaching that little girl already- how to be strong, compassionate, hard working, dedicated, and patient. Hang in there little buddy. She'll come home soon.

I love you dearly.

;)

It's 65 degrees outside. I'm laying in the sun, drinking a Coors Light and playing fetch with Sadie. I'm soo happy right now.

Dustin thinks I need this.

     We went out today and I shot one just like it. Tempting.....

Today it was sooo nice outside. Dustin and I took the dogs on a walk and it was just like a summer evening.  Someone in the neighborhood was even barbecuing at their house so the air was very summery. Quite nostalgic. I can't wait for the weather to heat up and be able to have long evenings, walk the dogs, play outside, and be warm ;)  Am I going to have to eventually move to a warmer climate?

FYI, give it until about August of this year and I am sure that I will be saying that I am ready for cooler weather and can't wait for it to snow.  LOL. (Thats short for "laugh out loud", Mom). Sidenote: My mother has successfully figured out how to post to the blog. She, however, remains "Anonymous".

Winter in Boise would be soooo much better and easier to handle if it would actually snow!

Should I quite my job and become a logger in Washington? Would they hire me?

Doesn't my dog know how annoying I find it when he licks his chops? That sound is the most irritating sound in the world. You know that part in Dumb and Dumber when Jim Carrey demonstrates the most "annoying sound" ....Well, he was in fact lying, because dogs licking their chops and dogs' nails on hard wood flooring are the most annoying sounds in the world!! Fact.

My mom can't figure out how to post a comment to this blog.  Is anyone else having that problem, or is it just her? Cause I feel like its probably just her.  Lol.

Pretzel bites

Oh yesssss I did! These were legit. Tasted like the real deal. There was a small explosion in my kitchen when I added 3/4 cup baking soda to some boiling water, but the tragedy was avoided and a masterpiece was created.  I made these tonight at 10pm.  I also made cinnamon covered ones but those are not as good as these delightful, bite-sized, cheese covered pretzel bites. I won't tell how many I ate. More than 10? You'll never know....

What we know for sure is that Tucker and I should never be allowed to play pool together. Ever. Its dangerous for all involved.

Lol.

I'm not kidding.

Okay! Okay! I guess I'm up!!!

Why am I not asleep right now? I want to be asleep right now.

Is an approx. $3.50/hr pay cut worth it to stop working nights?

I am really starting to think so......

But the real question is, is getting up at 5 a.m. really going to be any easier for me?  LOL. I think not....

Oh my goodness. Have you guys seen this show "Bad Girls Club" on the Oxygen network? These stupid, I mean, these girls are the definition of Crazy with a capital "C". The whole point of the show is to put these crazy girls together in a house and hope they fight.

And they do. All the time. Like every day. Fist fights.

No class.

Oh, wonderful day!!!

Everyone, meet Ruby!

Today is a glorious, happy, great day! I got to hold Ruby for the first time. I have been waiting, not so patiently, for 3 months for this. She makes me positively giddy beyond myself!! Can I brag for a moment? She is the cutest thing ever. I mean, EVER. She weighs 4 pounds and its all in her cheeks. I just need to get a better picture of her for you, one close of up her face, so you can see what I mean. I feel like singing out loud. She made my WHOLE DAY.

Plus, I got an iPhone today! Whoop Whoop. Tucker and Cait had to show me how to use it but I'm getting there. Movin' on up!!!!!

                                                   
                  By the way, Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!

Friends.

I feel good today.

I met with some friends from nursing school today. Yes, I do actually have friends. We went and had sushi at one of the best spots in Boise. Yummmm.

I love getting together with old friends and catching up. We are all at different stages in life (ie. some married, some single, some parents, some not, etc.) so, its fun to listen to everyone's latest happenings in their lives.

My friend Cait's baby girl just fed from a bottle for the first time today. HUGE progress. (She was born premature at 23 weeks. 1 lb 3 oz. Ya, real early, real small. So hearing about her progress today makes it an even better day!

Plus, I have made it to the gym pretty much everyday since last Monday. I feel good about that too. But guess what, not one pound lost.

O-well. Right? Right? Someone please say something.....

Awkward.

Have you ever been to the gym and someone working out behind you was making noises that made you question what EXACTLY was going on back there? That happened to me today.

I mean, I'm all for a good workout, but does it really help to scream out loud while bench pressing?

I dunno, maybe it does.

Did you know that Jennifer Aniston is 43? Man, I hope that I look like her when I am 43. Lots of water and hours on the elliptical.

I hate ellipticals.

But I love water.

We are off to a good start.

Yummmm

I made these tonight. Jay came over and we made these together. Don't worry, I am going to take some of them to work tonight to share. Can't compromise my gains at the gym this week. ;)

Thanks for emailing my this recipe, Cait. 

This is so funny. Can you imagine seeing someone up on the mountain wearing one these. Its called "Beardo". It makes me smile.

So Cute.

OMG! How cute are these girls? This blows my mind!! This little girl is a GANSTA! Lol.

Couple things...

Dustin had to work tonight so I went to the mall this afternoon to walk around. I was in the changing room at Macy's and this lady starting singing to herself- loudly. I mean, so loudly that I actually laughed out loud. It was so bad and annoying. I wouldn't have minded if the lady could sing, but she could not. Nails on a chalkboard. Why she was singing so loudly in a busy dressing room is beyond me but I almost said "Shut Up!" out loud, but then I just laughed....... still kinda funny.

Second thing. Whats with today's fashion? Everything is neon in color! All of the shirts are all baggy and not very figure flattering or short and show your belly. This is not a good look for me. Who decided to bring these looks back? I just want to find something classy, maybe in a beige, thats makes me look thinner that I am. Not a pair of neon green skinny jeans and Chuck Taylors with an oversized belly shirt. Is this too much to ask for? I guess this is why I need to wise up and start shopping at reliable stores for grown-ups. You know, places like Ann Taylor, Anthropology, GAP, Express. I doubt they are pushing out the neon themes. 

On a good note. I made it to the gym today.



On a bad note. I am about ready to ruin my workout with a nice glass of wine. 

                                                                                                             

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Caitlin!!!!

Ok, its one day late, but just go with it.

How come whenever you have a really good night/day at work, and you feel all good about it, it has to be followed by an absolutely miserable next shift?  Why is that?

Is it Gods way of keeping balance?

The best part of being a nurse is having people step into your life that truly touch your heart-really make you think about whats important in life.

What I have learned in the last two years is that life is a precious and very special gift. It can be taken from us in a matter of moments and the life that we once knew to be our reality can change within the blink of an eye. I have been blessed to see these changes happen firsthand because I believe I have truly learned things about life that I could not have learned in any other environment. It makes me think twice about my own life and priorities. Our lives can literally be taken from us or the people we love, without our permission, at inconvenient times, without notice, at any moment.

My Uncle said to me yesterday that he was glad I started this blog because its the only way he knows what I'm up to and that I'm still around. He was teasing me of course, but it got me thinking. How unfortunate is it that my Uncle, who lives about 3 miles from my house, should have to keep up with my life through a blog. Why do we (people in general) distance ourselves from each other? I know how precious little time we all seem to have, yet it somehow happens that I only see most members of my extended family once a year, if I'm lucky. Why do I let that happen? Shouldn't we make it a priority to see those people we love, family or friends, more often? To build memories, share stories, teach each other, laugh with each other...

There are just those nights at work that I thank God I do what I do and work with the people I work with because it inspires me to be better at life. I don't want to be that person who wakes up after having a stroke and wish I had taken the time to be active while I could still walk, or ate rich, expensive, elaborate foods while I could still eat, or reach out and hug my family while I could still move my body by my own will, or say 'I love you' while I could still speak.

Its just too short you guys, this life we have. We should do better with it.  Thats all Im trying to say.

Ahhh! The sun!!

Its a beautiful day out and I just got back from walking the dogs with my Mom. It's pretty nice to live close enough to just meet up with her around the block :) I love that we live so close, but I absolutely hate this neighborhood. Ghetto.

I have to work the next three nights. They keep playing all of these pizza commercials on t.v. for the SuperBowl and its making me sooo hungry. But I'm being good.

Im headed out the door to get me some edu-ma-cation :) Going to the annual Heart Symposium to learn me some heart stuff. Uhh huuuh.

Should be pretty interesting actually. I love learning about hearts and now that I am out of school, I really like it when I get to go to these all-day classes. Makes me feel mo' smarta'. Lol.

Plus, mi madre dyed my hair last night so I'm feelin' fresh.

Ok, sorry.

Sorry. I guess I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed or something. No one is going to want to read my sorry little blog if all I ever do is complain.

I will not give up! I will not!

I am going to finish this cup of coffee and go to the gym. I just need to try harder, thats all. Right?

On a side note: I wonder if my family will get together this summer for a camping trip? Its always so fun.

BS!

Did you hear?

That stupid beaver, Puxatony Phil, saw his shadow. What a jerk. Doesn't he know I am dying here? Dying people! I need the sun, warmth, color, activity! And what's this guy so happy about, huh? What-Its funny to lead people to believe that they will have to endure more cold? Whhhyyyy I aughtttaa....

Anyhooo. I feel like giving up on my diet. How can a person follow a diet plan and not loose a single pound? I will not sit here a lie that I haven't fallen off the wagon a few times- But its not like I'm sneaking BonBons and Cheetos in the middle of the night either. Last summer, I joined Weight Watchers Online and in 10 weeks I lost 13 lbs. I felt really good about it because the weight loss was slow and healthy. I did that without even really increasing my activity. But here we are, only 6 months later and I can't even lose a freakin' pound? What is this-a joke? I might as well just give up and eat whatever I want because I will be happier that way anyways. I have spend all this time eating crap I don't even want to for NOTHING! I have never been the type to be able to starve myself or stick to a diet of strictly vegetables. I need carbs and protein or else I freak, literally freak out man! Hhmmppphh. I am spent. Put a fork in me, I'm done.

I'm Baaaack!

We made it. No injuries, just sore muscles. We couldn't have asked for better weather either. It was soooo sunny and warm, which is unusual for Fairfield- Its normally windy and cold. We had a good time. Here is Stephanie, Michelle, and I enjoying a little glass of wine the night before the big ride

We may have had more than one glass, and I may have regretted that decision in the morning....

I don't have any other pictures of us actually snowmobiling because my camera, although nice, is also very big, and unable to be carried along on the jolting, cold ride. :)

Headed Out...

We are headed out to Fairfield tonight for a weekend of snowmobiling!! I haven't been riding for 3 years so I am kind of nervous about it. I haven't always had good experiences riding, you know. I crashed into a wall that I couldn't see and was thrown from my machine, which in turn crashed into Dustin and fractured his leg. Ooopss. Another year, a friend of our fell into a creek bed and almost broke her back. But, ehhhh, Im sure this weekend will be fun. Here we come freezing weather and bitter wind! Yeeehaaawwww!

Ouch

I managed to make it to the gym two whole times this week! And my legs are soooo sore.

The thing I hate about working out at a gym is how boring it is to do cardio. I go to a really cheap, ghetto gym. There are no t.v.'s on the workout equip. (like they have at Axiom). So, I find myself just thinking about how long I have been on the elliptical, or looking at the timer and watching as each, tortuous second goes by. Its miserable. I have found that reading a book while doing my cardio helps because it distracts my mind. Only thing is, its hard to read a book and run or do the elliptical at the same time---another reason why I need an e-reader!!

My legs are sore, but I like it. ;)

As for today's plan: dishes, laundry, clean the house, return a book to the library, audits at work, go to the gym. Half-way done!!!

Blogging

Having a blog is kind of like writing in your journal. Only completely different.

I am always tempted to get on here and rant and rave about what is really bothering me: work, relationships, body image, etc. etc. BUT, I stop short to remember that everything I write on my blog can be viewed by ANYONE in the world- if they wanted. (LOL. I laugh because like anyone is really out actively searching for MY thoughts on the internet.) Nonetheless, it is true.

We had a big meeting at work yesterday about how we should be careful when using "social-media" and talking about work. Basically they said don't do it. Don't Blog/Facebook/Twitter about your job or coworkers. But, isn't all the fun of communicating with family and friends the ability to vent about whats stressing you out, weighing heavy on your mind, making you miserable, etc.? I guess, these days, you should just make a phone call or write a letter. God forbid you should violate HIPPA for cryin' out loud.

I think people are too sensitive these days. I don't see what the big deal is if you don't divulge where you work, names, room #s or any other specifics. Sometimes I just wanna tell my funny stories from work, you know....

Needless to say, none of you (All 3 of my blog followers) will be hearing, or should I say "reading" me talk about work. Never. Can't do it. Not allowed. Sorry.

My blog has no theme...It's not a "cooking" blog or a "craft blog" or a "how-to" blog. So whats the point? I dunno? If I could have a theme I would want to talk about the only thing I do- Nursing. But, as we just addressed, that stuff is top secret. Am I being cynical?

I guess my theme is: "Wake-up-and-write-about-whatever-the-hell-I-want" ...except work

Yess!!

It's snowing!! It's snowing!!!!

Finally.

Although, it won't stick around for long.

At least now there is a reason for it to be so stinkin' cold outside and so very, very grey.

..........................

In other, not-so-good news- I have hives. WTF? They are not thaaat bad, but there are a few. The last, and only time, I have ever had hives was the week of my NCLEX exam (that's the big test that decides if you are going to be a nurse or NOT.) I was, understandably, a little more than stressed out, but I thought I was actually handling it all very well.

My subconscious, apparently, thought different. Dustin would wake me up in the middle of the night and tell me that I was waking him up grinding my teeth because I was having such stressful dreams--Yikes! Isn't it funny how your body handles things? I mean, at the time, I thought I was actually pretty calm and prepared, yet I would toss and turn, grind my teeth to the core, and broke out in hives. Ha.

So why do I have them now? Am I really this worried about what kind of Tablet I am going to get? Nahh, don't think so. But really, I wonder why though??