My ramblings

I hate blogger

2008-08-03T23:22:00.001-07:00

Typepad is my new home :)

I had created a blog for our family on blogger, all to find myself yelling and screaming at my poor laptop. I think blogger is cursed, and after just 2 days of typepad, it will be my new home.

www.alexfazio.typepad.com

:)

I'm Married!!

2008-07-16T09:27:00.001-07:00

I know this blog has been pushed to the wayside...but wanted to update that we are finally married and it was truly the best day of our lives and we want to do it all over again!! Here is a picture from our wedding :)

We created a blog for our family so michael and I can both post...so check it out

www.fazfam.blogspot.com

There are some honeymoon pictures up, and I am sure that is where I will be posting from now on :)

2 months no blog?

2008-05-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Im slacking!

I am making a new blog actually to make it easier, it will be more focused on myself and michael, our wedding, honeymoon, moving plans, new house, new puppy, etc etc. As soon as I have it up I will link it here :o)

The wedding is right around the corner, its coming so fast!!!! Plans are all on schedule as of right now, there are some things to do here and there. Dress fitting is this weekend, and I am praying it goes ok and that its as beautiful as I imagine...we shall see! Michael and the guys are getting fitted for their tuxes this weekend too, I cant wait to see him, I know he is going to look so handsome. For those who dont know, he has recently lost 90 pounds doing an outdoor fitness/bootcamp program, it seriously has changed our lives for the better in so many ways, its been such a blessing!

Next month is the bridal shower and bachelor/bachelorette party, we are doing a joint thing on a party bus to stateline, sooo excited it should be a blast!!

We had our engagement pics taken last week by our photographer, they came out so beautiful, I cant wait for her to shoot our wedding, I just love her!

Invites were sent out this week, that was the biggest relief ever...I spent soo much time on them, but they were so worth it!

Ok enough wedding rambling. I am off to work, my last 2 weeks of working nights (thank the LORD!). I cant wait to work days and feel like a normal person again, it will be such a relief!!!

Sigh

2008-03-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

Having a full time job stinks. Dont get me wrong, I love what I do, however being in school was a much different busy than being at work for 40 hours a week. At least I was home, and able to blog, and all that fun stuff between studying, now, between working night shift, all I seem to do is sleep!

Have been super busy with the wedding, we just went through our guest list and have 280 guests!! Holy geezo, thats a lot. We are excited to be able to spend the day with family and friends though, and it will be here before we know it! (less than 4 months now). The last couple weeks have been spent working on invitiations and programs for the ceremony, I think I am more excited about these than the food we are serving!! (now the cake, thats a different story!).

Michael wants to start blogging, so we made a blog for both us of to be able to blog and share stories with our families and friends. As soon as its up I will post the link here, we plan on keeping it for years and each year publishing each entry, we think it will be a great way to be able to reflect on our lives, because we now see how easy it is to forget the little moments we have each day!

What Ive been up to...

2008-02-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

Havent posted in a long time, just been busy with life I guess.

Started my job at a local hospital and loving it, I am working night shift on a cardiac unit, the unit I love, the night shift not so much, but I am adjusting slowly. Since we are moving to Arizona in August, I only plan on being here until then, and its a great place to start. I have a great mentor/preceptor who I love and am learning a bunch from. Plus, I cant complain, I havent had a real pay check in years!!

Everything is a go for our house, we picked out all the fun stuff a couple weeks ago on a quick trip to Arizona. We did tons of upgrades and are so excited about it. As of now, August 28th is our move in date, so we will stay with Michaels parents for 3 weeks or so. I cant believe it is really real now that we are going to have our own brand new home, its so fun, exciting, scary, etc etc...so many emotions!! We are also planning on starting a family as soon as we are settled in a new area with jobs and what not, so many things to look forward to!

Wedding planning is coming along, we have a few more loose ends to tie up and we are doing most of it this week. Its been tough with starting a new job, but we are chugging along and plans are coming along nicely. I cant believe the wedding is in 4.5 months!!!! It seems like yesterday it was 2 years away!!

Off to run errands before work tonight!

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSINGLicensee Name: YOUNG ALEXANDRA DIANNE
License Type: Registered Nurse
License Number: 719792
License Status: ACTIVE Definition
Expiration Date: October 31, 2009
Issue Date: February 08, 2008
County: VENTURA
Actions: No

Related Licenses/Registrations/Permits
No records returned
Disciplinary Actions
No records returned
This information is updated Monday through Friday - Last updated: FEB-11-2008
Disclaimer
All information provided by the Department of Consumer Affairs on this web page, and on its other web pages and internet sites, is made available to provide immediate access for the convenience of interested persons. While the Department believes the information to be reliable, human or mechanical error remains a possibility, as does delay in the posting or updating of information. Therefore, the Department makes no guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, currency, or correct sequencing of the information. Neither the Department, nor any of the sources of the information, shall be responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the use or results obtained from the use of this information. Other specific cautionary notices may be included on other web pages maintained by the Department. All access to and use of this web page and any other web page or internet site of the Department is governed by the Disclaimers and Conditions for Access and Use as set forth at California Department of Consumer Affairs' Disclaimer Information and Use Information.

Still waiting!

2008-01-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

Omg, this is insanity. I check the board of nursing (BON) website a hundred times a day to see if my name is up as an RN yet...this is crazy. I guess my school delayed in sending the transcripts, and now I have to wait up to 2 more WEEKS. Its now the 30th and the BON hasnt up done an update since the 28th. Dont they know that nervous, totally crazy students like myself are waiting on pins and needles to see if we passed?! Um hello, because if I didnt, then I had better start studying now so I can re-test in 45 days!! Oh dear god, if I dont pass, I will not be a happy person. Lord help my poor fiance who will have to deal with me! ;o)

Started orientation at my new job this week, its been so boring so far, but I have my first day on the floor this Friday, yay! And I have the weekend off, best part! Although next week I am doing three night shifts back to back...not too sure how fun that will be, but its what I got hired for, so I better learn to adjust!

Everything is a go on the house, we are going in a week and a half to do all the fun stuff and pick out all the fun things (floor, carpet, fixtures, etc). Cant wait!

Alright, off to barf my brains out, keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Long time no ramble...

2008-01-26T08:48:00.001-08:00

And since I have nothing better to do today, why not blog?!

Everything is a go for the house, we talked to the mortgage company and our realtor, and they are starting to build!! We are so excited, blessed, nervous, sad, etc etc...sad because it will be really really hard to me especially to leave my family in California, I have lived here, in this house, my entire life, and its going to be a huge adjustment. We are excited about the possibility that we can have our own house, brand spankin new, just the way we want it. I feel that at 25 that is a great accomplishment, even if it does entail moving a state away. We are nervous financially, I know I will find a job there no problem, but its scary to commit to a house payment for the rest of your life!! We are going out to Arizona again in Feb to do the fun stuff, pick out our cabinets, our flooring, landscaping, bla bla. Cant wait!!

Still have not gotten my result on my state board exam...its killing me!!! I check literally every single hour, even though I know they update it at midnight once a day, lol. Pathetic I know, but I cant help it!

Wedding planning is on hold until I get my results...but I have so much left to do. A couple vendors still to book (cake, rentals) but for the most part we have everything (place, food, DJ, florist, photographer, videographer, coordinator, hair and makeup, dress). We still need to find a tux for Michael and the groomsmen, but I dont see that being a problem. I know I am totally weird for this, but I love wedding planning, I dont think I could ever do it just for the reason that I know some brides are crazy and psychotic, but I love planning my own wedding and I will be sad when its all over.

The next 8 months will be crazy...we have the wedding in July, the honeymoon right after, we have to move a week after the honeymoon into Michaels parents house for 3 weeks, I have to start my job immediately, and we move into our house August 28th. Yikes!

Hm, what else is new? Got some books this weekend for pleasure reading to attempt to calm my nerves, 'Big Boned' and 'The Memory Keepers Daughter.' Have you came across any good reads lately? I havent read for pleasure in quite a long time, so I am looking forward to it!

Can I barf yet?

2008-01-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

Because I am about this close ---> .

I took my state board exam this morning...and I am feeling so sick to my stomach that I cant even stand it!!!

Am I a nurse or not?!?!

We got a house!

2008-01-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

I have been a horrible blogger.

Not sure if anyone who reads this remembers when Michael and I looked at new homes about a year ago. We had found one we really loved, put the money down, and backed out and got the money back. We werent happy with the loan and the builder we had originally thought we loved so much, and the timing just wasnt right, so we held off and we are so glad we did!

So, fastforward to this past weekend, we went to AZ to visit his parents before I start my job, and ended up falling in love with a house. It is so perfect and just so "us" and so we took the plunge and signed the contract. We got approved for a great loan for first time home buyers, and the best part, we have $40,000 to play with for upgrades!! Here is a pic of the outside until I get the ones of the inside off of the camera. It is 3200 square feet, 2 story, 5 bedrooms plus a master retreat, a loft, formal dining room, formal living room, great room, covered patio, huge backyard, etc etc...we are so excited about it!!! All of this for $185,000!!! If your from Cali, you know that this is an absolute steal! Granted we are moving out of state, but its only a 5 hour drive, and 1 hour on a plane! It is so worth it and it is giving Michael and I so much to look forward to. Our move in date is August 28th, 2008. 5 weeks after our wedding!!!

I got a job!

2008-01-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

I got a job yesterday, as a NURSE. Holy cow it was the weirdest experience ever, but so cool at the same time! Its on a cardiac unit, working night shift (7pm-7am), and I start on Jan 14th. I am so excited I cant even stand it, finally, a pay check!! Its so weird, it hasnt even set in yet that I graduated, let alone have a job as a nurse. I am so excited to start!

Here's to a great start to 2008!

2008

2008-01-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I cant believe it is 2008 already, that seems just crazy to me.

2007 was a great year for me/us

-Graduated from nursing school
-My sister graduated from cosmotology school and moved back home
-Michael and I joined bootcamp, I lost 12 pounds and Michael has lost 58 to the date!
-Went back to a blonde

2008 is an even bigger year for me/us

-Will take my state board exam and actually BE a nurse
-Will start a new job as an RN
-Our wedding on July 12
-Our honeymoon...2 weeks in the Mexican Riviera....Heaven!
-Moving out of state
-Buying our first home
-Hopefully starting a family :o)

Heres to a great 2008!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T23:44:00.000-08:00

I finally did it!!!!!!

2007-12-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

Tag!

2007-12-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, with really pretty ribbon!

2 . Real tree or Artificial? I would say real, however we are moving to Arizona and trees do not hold up there! So it will be artificial for us from now on :o(

3. When do you put it up? Well its mid-december and my mom still hasnt put ours up! When its my house...it will be up in like August if I can get away with it, I love the holidays!

4. When do you take the tree down? Probably after the new year sometime

5. Do you like eggnog? hhmm, depends on the day, I like light soy egg nog, its not so rich!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Roller skates!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No

8. Hardest person to buy for? My MOM

9. Easiest person to buy for? Michael and my sister, they like everything!

10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? I cant think of one

11. Mail or email Christmas card? Mail for sure

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? ELF!

13. When do you start Christmas shopping? This season has been chaos because of school, I have done some, but not much, I need to get on that ASAP!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No way

15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas? Same things as Thanksgiving, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatos, fudge, anything sweet, PUMPKIN GOOEY CAKE, oh and Gorilla Bread (thanks michelle!)

16. Favorite Christmas song? NSYNC's 'Merry Christmas' (pathetic, I know)

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Last year we traveled, this year staying home, I graduate 5 days before Christmas, woo hoo!!

18. Can you name Santa's reindeer? hhhmm, sleepy, dopey, bashful, oh wait...lol

19. Do you have an Angel on top or a star? Nothing now, we'll see what it is when my mom drags it out this year

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? We celebrate Christmas Eve with my moms huge family, so there are gifts then and the just us gifts on Christmas morning

21. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Costco and Walmart

22. What Christmas gift do you want most this year? Digital Rebel...I wont be holding my breath.

TAG your it!

Merry Christmas to me!

2007-12-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

2007-11-27T06:13:00.001-08:00

Christmas shopping? Whats that?

2007-11-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I talked to my girlfriend, who so sweetly bragged about having ALL of her Holiday shopping done. Um, I havent even began! No, cancel that, I havent even had time to THINK about it. Money is tight right now with saving for the wedding, on top of other various expenses, bills, life, etc...so we'll see what we can come up with this year, its going to be tough. I sense a lot of baked goodies!!

Had a nice relaxing weekend off, had a couple of papers to write, some little things to do here and there, went and tried on my wedding dress (I would post a picture, but Hunnie I know you read this!). I have gone back and forth with buying this one dress I fell in love with, or having a custom dress made, and after yesterday, I think it sealed the deal. The dress was in the right color (ivory, the first sample I tried on somewhere else was white), it all just felt so right, so I have to come up with the money for that now too and get it ordered! I feel so lucky to have found such a beautiful dress I love so much! Now I dont have to stress about whether or not having a dress made will come out right, because this one is just perfect!

Have some parties coming up next month, should be super fun. The anual ugly christmas sweater party is in December, and I am also having a small graduation party on December 20th (if you live close, come by!), should be lots of fun. For Thanksgiving I am going to my aunts house, I cant wait because I get to see my niece (shes really my second cousin, but I feel too old calling her that) who was born this week, Brooklyn Paige, she was a chunker at 8 pounds 7 ounces. Cant wait to meet her!

Hope everyone has a fab turkey day!!

The Holidays are Here!

2007-11-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

Ok so I realize its only the begining of November, but I cant help it, I just love this time of year. Aside from the stress of school and not being able to actually ENJOY it, I still love it. I love being able to put on warmer clothes, and actually use my blankets at night instead of having to throw them off from the heat. I LOVE wearing socks to bed and being able to cuddle. Love eating warm oatmeal in the morning, and lighting my holiday candles. I love that my room smells like pumpkin pie right now with my glade plug in scented warmer. I love that Thanksgiving is coming and I am actually going to be off and be able to spend it with my family. I could go on forever, but I will stop there ;o)

Halloween, which is also mine and Michaels 3 year dating anniversary, came and went and was just ok, we didnt do anything super special, money is tight right now, we just did a room 'make-over' but I havent had a chance to take any pictures. It looks so nice! We painted the walls a warm chocolate milk-like color, got a new king size bed (we were sleeping on a full before, can you believe it?), we got all new furniture, and it just is really nice to come home to a nice room and have a place to unwind. That was kind of our anniversary/christmas gift to eachother.

Started bootcamp again this week, we finished the last session and had a blast. Michael lost 30 pounds, and I lost 9. We are seriously so loving every minute of this, we love the people, have made lots of new friends, and are just so motivated which is a great feeling.

I am in my Preceptorship right now in school, which is working 120 hours with an RN in the role of a nurse rather than a student, I have done 2 days so I have 8 more to go. It has been ok so far, I am enjoying it and just anxious for December 20th to come around. I cant wait!

Today is the first Saturday I have had off in a while, so I just plan on relaxing, watching some movies, maybe starting on a paper I have to write, and enjoying the time off...I love lazy days!

Anyway, hope everyone has a fab weekend!!

Randomness.

2007-10-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

From Nichole :o)

I sing really loud in the car. I mean REALLY loud.
I must walk around every store I go to multiple times before deciding on what I want. This is why I always end up shopping alone.
I cannot eat leftovers, I cant clean them out of the fridge, I want nothing to do with old food, it seriously makes me gag, especially if its on dishes.
I can people watch all day.
I have never ran out of gas.
I have a secret love for Jack in the Box tacos- even though I have no clue what type of meat substance is inside of them, I heart them.
I hate drinking water. Hate it.
I am a closet neat freak who lives in a horribly cluttered house with way too much stuff and it makes me anxious every day, I hate it!
When I was 5 I bit my toe nails, and my dad has it on tape!!
I hate telling a waiter that I dislike my food or that its wrong, I feel so guilty.
I am a really good gift giver, but I hate getting them.

Tag your it!

I cannot wait

2007-10-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

For December 20th. Really it cant get here quick enough. I am amazed at how quickly the last 2 years have flown by, but at the same time, it feels as though it has taken forever. While my nursing degree is classififed as a "two year degree" it most certainly is not just 2 years. I started taking classes in fall of 2000. I messed around for a while, dropping classes, partying, etc etc...and finally got serious in 2002. I took all of the pre-requisites (which took forever, there is a sequence to them and it takes soooo long!), and was so stoked to finally be able to apply, that is until I found out how long the waiting list was. I waited TWO years on that list, AFTER I had all of my pre-reqs done. Do you know how frustrating that is?!? Finally in January 2006 I started my first semester of the actual nursing program, and here I am, 2 months from graduating. Its so surreal, 5 years ago I never would have thought I would be where I am now. I am so thankful for my life, really I have so many blessings that I need to be more thankful for. Nursing school has put a huge strain on my relationships, with Michael, my parents, my friends, etc etc...I have had to sacrafice so much, and I have a lot of people to make up missed time with I tell ya. I have missed a lot of important events because I had to stay home studying, or had clinical, or write a paper, its always something. It has been HARD work...and I am beyond thrilled that in 2 months, it will be over, I will finally be a nurse, and be living my dream, and get out of this nightmare thats called nursing school!!!!!!!!!!!

About my love

2007-10-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

1. Where did you meet?
We started chatting with eachother online :o)

2. What was the first thought that went through your head when you met?
That he was super cute, tall, and clumsy for spilling his coffee!

3. Where was the first time you kissed this person?
Santa Monica (on 3rd street to be exact!)

4. How did they ask you out (or you ask them out)?
On Halloween, after a really fun club, he told me that he couldnt imagine himself with anyone else and didnt want to be with anyone else (awwww)

5. Where did you go for your first date?
Santa Monica

6. How long did you know this person before you became a couple?
28 days

7. Has this person ever proposed to you?
Yep :o)

8. Do you and this person have kids together?
Not yet, soon though!

9. Have you ever broken the law with this person?
Nope

10. When was the first time you realized that you loved this person?
The first week of dating

11. Do you get along with any of the ex's of your boyfriend/girlfriend?
I dont know any of them really

12. What is the best thing this person ever gave you?
A better life :o)

13. What is the one thing this person does that gets on your nerves?
Asks me to help him look for something before he has even attempted it

14. What is the thing you do that gets on their nerves?
Be easily irritated, lol

15. Where do you see each other 15 years from now?
In a house, with 4-5 kiddos, traveling, established, and happy :o)

I'm Alive

2007-10-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

But barely. School has been insane...they really make you work for it in the end I swear. I have one more exam, a final, and then a medication exam and I am DONE!!! We have some papers and small stuff to do between now and December 19th, but thats the big day and I cant wait!!! To finally be a nurse is going to be so weird!

I'm off to work, but here is a couple of pictures of Michael and I at our Boot Camp-its an outdoor fitness program we are doing and LOVE it!

Happy Tuesday!

They say its your birthday...

2007-10-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

dun-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh...

Ok so it was last week, but close enough. My birthday was lots of fun, although I had clinical all day! We went out to dinner afterwards, El Torito, my new favorite place!! I looooove their chicken cesear salad, its so yum!

Mailed out our save-the-dates this week for the wedding, yay! This month is a tough one wedding-wise, we have a few deposits we need to put down to book the last of our vendors. Ones left to book are florist, videographer, cake place, and coordinator. I found an awesome florist, the tough thing is she required 1/2 down, which is a good thing when next year rolls around and we are totally bombarded with expenses, but stinks for right now since money is kinda tight, especially with me working less because of school, and the holidays, you know the story! We will get through it though I am sure, just a little stressful. Our wedding website is up and running now, check it out. www.michaelandalex.com

Right now is major crunch time in school...I only have tomorrow and one more clinical day and then its on to preceptorship (working one on one with a nurse for 10 shifts) and I am DONE!!! Holy cow, I cannot even believe how fast it has gone by! So needless to say, the next 4 weeks are going to be hell, but thats ok, I just gotta push through and stay focused!

Have a great week everyone!!

Sunday Musings

2007-09-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone, and a happy one it is over here. I have nothing I have to do all day today...I havent had a day like this in so long! Although my sister will be moving back home tomorrow (she graduates from hair school tomorrow, so proud of her!) so I have to move out all my crap that has migrated its way into her room since Michael has moved in. I want her to feel like she has a place here and that she is being welcomed home, I am so excited to have her back!!!

School is going well...I had a hugemungo test on Monday and got a 98, yippie!! (I earned that 98, I studied my flippin butt off!). I also had a huge paper that was due last Wednesday in the midst of studying for the exam...I managed to get it done, all 86 pages of the darn thing! I better get a good grade on that, it was hard work!

In better news, my birthday is coming up this week (Wednesday!). Too bad I have to spend it in a 13 hour clinical day :o( I think we are going out to dinner afterwards with my parents, sister, 'brothers' and my aunt and possibly my cousins. My michael has to work so I wont be seeing him, total bummer, plus I work the next day, so who knows when we will celebrate but thats ok. Its so funny how the dynamics of birthdays change from when your little to when your older. I could care less about gifts, its more about just spending time with people and having fun, and even if that doesnt happen, no big deal, i still turn a year older ya know? This year I will be 25...25 is a good year for me...I will finally be a nurse, a wife, a resident in another state, and a homeowner. Wow, thats a lot! We are planning on 26 being a year thats just as exciting! ;o)

Someone sent me this little video clip, and I just think its the funniest thing ever. You have to watch the whole thing, this dog is so smart!! Enjoy!

Laughing Babies

2007-09-12T05:23:00.001-07:00

Someone sent me this clip in my e-mail the other day, and I thought it was too cute not to share! I love the sound of babies laughing, its the sweetest thing ever!

Fall seems to be *trying* to get in the air, however summer just wont leave! Gotta love southern california!! Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back at Starbucks (which I may have already mentioned in my love for Starbucks post), however its still too hot to drink one!! Possibly this morning, seeing as its 5:25 am and I am getting ready to leave for clinical, the weather will permit for one. We shall see. I cant wait to drag out my pumpkin and maple candles, and actually USE my comfy fall blankets, I wont hold my breath though, it may not be til December at this rate.

School is back in full gear, an exam this coming monday that I am super nervous about, a paper due, you know, the usual. 3 and a half months left, and I will be a nurse. It is so crazy to even fathom that in my mind...at times I feel so lost, and at other times so confident and on top of it. Lets hope today is an on top of it day, because I cant afford to do anything wrong and jeapordize my graduating. Graduation is officially set, December 19th. I wont even know what to do with myself after that day!!

We are toying with the idea of staying here and moving to Arizona after the wedding. Still unsure about it, but its a thought. I think its pretty crazy to plan a wedding a state away, plus I have a job as a nurse basically the day I graduate if I wanted it at the hospital I work at now. Which of course is not where I will stay, but it would be a great place to work at to pull a lot of over time shifts. We'll see what happens, I will keep you posted!

Anyway, off to Starbucks, happy hump day!!

Slacker

2007-09-03T09:32:00.001-07:00

I feel like I havent blogged in forever, I miss you little blog.

Hm, lets see, whats new.

*started school August 20th. It is so weird to be in my last semester of nursing school, to be planning my graduation, and actually see a light at the end of the tunnel that I never thought I would see! I am so excited to be done and move on, I cant even begin to explain how much strain being in school has put on my life, my relationship, my WEDDING PLANNIN, geez!!

*speaking of wedding planning, nothing really new on that front. Have an appointment with a florist tomorrow, I am excited because she comes highly recommended and is super sweet. I am very picky when it comes to the flowers I want (and dont want) so we'll see how it goes. Also found a bakery that can make a huge cake for 250 guests without breaking the bank! (hard to do in southern california). My beloved wedding planning is on hold for now, but thats ok...come January I will be back with a vegence!

*the weather here is out of control...over 105 for the last 5 days. Not to mention I had to work one of those days for 12 hours, with NO AC the entire day. The generator went out at the hospital, it was a nightmare!

*have been quite obsessed with Starbucks these days, late night study sessions have been the norm the last week or so. So excited that pumpkin spiced lattes are back, however its been too damn hot here to enjoy one! These days its a Venti non-fat caramel machiato, upside down please with 2 splendas. Its so funny how our generation has become the "starbucks generation," like seriously, do we NEED to pay $4 for a cup of COFFEE people? No, but we do, I am just as guilty. I could probably pay for my wedding if I just cut Starbucks out of my weekly guilty pleasures (which have been daily this week). But, its the one thing I really enjoy, even as silly as it may be to spend so much on it. How sad, I dont shop for scrapbook supplies anymore, but have no problem shelling out $30 a week on coffee drinks. Hey now that I am going to be a nurse, I can hook us all up to IV drips in the flavors of our choice!!

*been babysitting a lot lately, bringing in lots of extra cashola. I decided we are starting to save money each week for Christmas this year, just a little cash set aside each week so that Christmas doesnt deplete our wedding savings. We will cut out eating out and put it towards Christmas and moving to arizona. (but no, I will not be cutting out my starbucks addiction).

*arizona. We are still up in the air. We are going to move there at the first of the year, and see how we like it, and what opportunities come up as far as jobs and houses. Who knows, maybe we will find ourselves back in California, only time will tell. I am open for anything, especially if it means being able to start a family sooner with my soon to be hubby.

*thats all...hope everyone has a fab week, its a short one with the holiday today!

2007-08-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

Um...yea. Today I went to a bridal show, and some how won $2,000. Holy cow, I never win anything!!!!! I am so stinkin excited I dont even know what to do with myself!!!!!

I start back to school in the morning, so if I am MIA til December 20th, thats why. I am starting to count the minutes til I am a nurse, I cant wait!!

Have a great week everyone!

Why do I find this so funny??

2007-08-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Tag.

2007-08-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

Your it.

I was tagged by Nichole awhile ago, just havent gotten around to it ;o)

Never in my life have I: met anyone that makes me as happy as my hunnie

High school was : over rated and 7 years ago! (holy canoli I am old!)

When I'm nervous : I bite my nails

My hair : needs to be done!

When I was 5 : I became a big sister!!

When I turn my head left : I see my sister and my cousin Michelle, I love them!

By this time next year : I will be a NURSE, living in Arizona, and MARRIED!!!!!! (and hopefully starting our family) omg so weird!!

My favorite aunt is : Baby (yes, I have an aunt named Baby, really.)

You know I like you if : I talk to you?

My ideal breakfast is : cereal or oatmeal and fruit of some kind

My Favorite blonde is : Katie

My favorite brunette is : Michael

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds : Monkeys?

I shouldn't have been : so lazy all summer, I did NONE of my summer reading!

Last night I: went tanning, oh how I love tanning.

A better name for me would be : I like Alex.

I've been told I look like : a pregnant woman, hence the reason I am busting my butt at the gym these days (this was not recently, but a long time ago when I was heavier, someone really did ask me that, I was mortified!!)

Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend!! :o)

Long time no blog

2007-07-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

Ok so I haven't updated this in forEVER!! I guess I have been MIA ;o)

First things first...new baby in the family as of yesterday at 3:30, Jackson Robert Young, yippie!! My cousin Jason is going to be the best daddy ever, he waited so long for this little guy!! This is NOT the most attractive picture, but I think its funny how his eye one eye is open, plus its the picture of his big debut. Welcome Jack, we love you!!

Michael and I got back from Arizona this past week, we had a blast. We did a lot of house shopping, its just amazing what you can afford. We looked in Queen Creek, an area thats just starting to develop, and found homes that were like 3000+ sq ft for under $250,000!!! If you arent from cali, that may sound crazy, but us cali folks know that is a bargain!!! We went to a Diamondback game while we were there, its a really cool stadium, its air conditioned!! Much fancier than Dodger stadium, but still not the same! It was nice to get to see the family and just relax for a few days, now its back to life and reality!

Wedding planning is coming along great, am sending out save the dates this week so I am working on all the addresses we need, which right now is for 300 guests!! I am hoping that number goes down seeing as a lot of them are on the east coast and will most likely not be able to make it. We are planning wedding #2 for September or October of 2008 in New York to celebrate with all of them, I think I might just turn into a bridezilla between now and then with all this planning! No, really though it has been really enjoyable, and things are coming along nicely. Here is a list of things that have been done.

Ceremony/Reception location booked

Photographer booked- check her out. www.chelseaelizabeth.com, I LOVE her!!!

DJ booked- he rocks!

Caterer booked- we decided to resist the oh so yummy, dried out, over rated wedding chicken and switch things up. We are going with good ole' southern style BBQ at our wedding, and we are SO excited about it, this food is seriously so yummy, and totally within our budget!!

Coordinator booked- Zipora is great, I met with her and felt like we were friends instantly. I wasnt going to have one, but after meeting her, and realizing that in 5 months we will be living in Arizona, I needed someone to be able to do things for me in cali should they come up, and someone to make sure the day runs smoothly, with a possibility of 250 guests, things can get crazy I am sure!

Dress- I found THE one! I cant post it here because Michael reads this, but I found it this weekend while shopping in Arizona and I am so excited!! The best part, I can order it online for almost half the price!!

Bridesmaids dresses- not ordered, but picked out, they are super cute!

Officiant- check!

Things left to do: cake tasting (I have about 10 bakeries that I have contacted, we are so excited about this!), florist (I know everything that I want so its just finding someone that can do it within my budget), book rooms at the hotel by my venue, book honeymoon (we are going to Riviera Maya in Mexico, I cant freakin wait!), book day of transportation, and book hair and makeup. All of these things are not urgent or pressing, so I have time :o) I am trying to get a bulk of it out of the way before this semester starts again on August 20th, because after that, life is going to get crazy again!

Speaking of school, I go back August 20th, have 8 weeks of school, and 8 weeks of preceptorship, and I am a NURSE!! Holy Crap that is crazy to think about, school has gone by faster than anything in my life!!!!!!!! I am so excited to go back, I miss my friends at school and I miss being in school, it kept me busy and I was always learning.

Summer has gone by so fast, I cant believe its almost 3 months I have been off, I guess work has kept me busy. I really love this new job, its a really great learning experience and I know it will look great on my resume.

Its baby season I guess, I just remembered that the lady I babysat for is having her baby girl today via c-section, baby Hanna is going to be the most loved, spoiled little girl ever!

Thats all my randomness for now, hope everyone has a great week!!

Where the heck have I been?

2007-07-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

I think sometimes I forget that I have a blog, today I remembered and here I am :o)

Last couple weeks have been kinda crazy, starting this new job (still training), not wanting to work at this new job actually (but in need of the money). Oh well, such is life!

Had a fun night last night, went to a fireworks show with Michael and my sister and her friends showed up too. Too bad all of simi valley was there and it took us 25 minutes to drive 2 miles home!!

I have been busy with wedding planning these days, meeting with 3 vendors today actually, 2 photographers and 1 DJ. I am excited because Michael is going and my sister is coming too (MAYBE even my mom, shes off today). I LOVE one of these photographers and want to book her like yesterday, but I wanted Michael to see her work and I also wanted to have him meet another one to have someone to compare her too.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

We did it!

2007-06-16T20:13:00.001-07:00

We put the money down for our wedding...its official!!!!

July 12, 2008........only a year to go!!

Plumper?

2007-06-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Is that a word?!?!?!?!?

Tonight over dinner (which happened to be yummy italian food) my dad tells me I am plumper than I used to be. Gee, thanks dad.

I had cancel gym membership on my to-do list for tomorrow for money purposes since my little accident, looks like I am going to work OT to pay for that membership because I do NOT want to be called plump, especially by my dad!!

Apparently...

2007-05-30T19:34:00.001-07:00

I need to go back to drivers ed and learn how to parallel park.

I attempted to do it the other day and conviniently smashed the front end of a really nice, brand new Infinity. I left a note (like a good, moral person should) and found out it was a guy I work with at this new job, even worse. I decided to pay out of pocket for the expenses and it is going to be around $1200...plus $60/day for a rental car for him, AND it will take EIGHT flippin days to fix!!! Ugh, how could it take EIGHT days to fix a dang dent??? (well its a pretty deep dent, but still!). Lovely. The whole reason I got this summer job was to pay off my existing debt, not to create more! The worst part about it...the reason I was there the morning I hit his car was for a class that ended up being cancelled!!! I wish someone would have called me to let me know, I wouldnt be in this stupid mess!!

And the frosting on the cupcake (I like cupcakes better than cake), I got a parking ticket today because I didnt think I needed a new parking pass for summer session. I am just a genious huh?

Needless to say, I am not buying a lotto ticket today!

I <3 this girl

2007-05-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

Ok so I admit, this is not the most flattering picture of myself, in fact its really quite horrible, but this picture really captures the relationship me and my sister have...I just wished we didnt live so far apart and were able to be together more often. In all her crazy, loud, hilarious, randomness...I just love this girl.

Its getting hot in here....

2007-05-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Dang it was like 100 yesterday I think!! Today it has cooled some and we are heading to the BEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o) I feel like I havent been to the beach in forever and Michael and I want to take advantage of it before we move away from it all when we go to Arizona. We are going to Ventura, our favorite place next to Santa Monica, and renting bikes to ride around for the day and having lunch on this pier. I cant wait! :o)

A few random things going on with me...

*School is over for the semester as of MONDAY and I cant wait! Aside from a 6 week class I am taking in the summer, I am so stoked to have some 'me' time and not dedicating all my time to others.

*I won another scholarship, $1000 and I get it in a couple of weeks, yippie for putting it towards my credit card bill!!!

*I started a new job and am no longer babysitting. I am working in the ICU at the hospital as a monitor tech and unit secretary, just in 1 day I have seen so much and I am so excited about it. They are also floating me to the ER which will be exciting too!

*We decided to push the house buying date to July, that way it will be done around January/March and I dont have to worry about having an offer letter before I even finish nursing school

*Michael is in the managment training program at Claim Jumper restaraunt and I couldnt be happier for him, he loves it and is such a hard worker! I owe him so much for all he has done for me since being in school, really you have no idea, its crazy!

*Michaels step dad is having surgery on the 18th of this month for his back, if you could just say a little prayer for him, he is really nervous about it! (boys are such babies at times!)

Thats all for now! Off to the beach :o)

2007-05-08T20:18:00.001-07:00

I love Conan!

2007-05-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

awwwwwwwww

2007-05-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

Erins wedding :o)

quickie house update: so they didnt accept our offer, but after thinking about it long and hard, we realized it is for the best. We could get the house, but we would have to move in December 30th, which means we have to work our loan 60 days prior to then and we just dont think we will be in a situation that will get us a decent loan with an affordable intrest rate. So while I am sorta bummed (I was sooo looking forward to picking out all the fun stuff for the house!!) we are fine with it because we are going back in June and we know they will have the same houses (they have 350 left to build) for the same prices, and it will give us more of a cushion as far as the move in date...so while I am sorta sad, I am ok with it too :o)

So...

2007-04-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

We put in an offer, yippie!!

We asked for a lot that faces a green belt, we asked for a years paid HOA, and we asked for the company to cover all closing costs. We find out on Monday or Tuesday of this week. We are SO excited, nevous, anxious, scared, etc etc...

Cross your fingers for us!!

Tomorrow is the big day!

2007-04-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

So Michael and I are leaving for Arizona tonight after I finish with clinical to :::hopefully::: put the money down to start the build for our new house!! I say hopefully because we want to take a good look at all the models again to make sure we are making the right decision, and then we also need to take a really good look at the lots that are available and pick the one that works best for us. The model that we are most likely going with (the largest one) has a lot open right now on a greenbelt (so rather than facing other houses it overlooks this grassy park like area, which would be so nice because there isnt much green in arizona, especially in summer!) and we really love the idea of the greenbelt, plus this lot is about 20 feet away from a 'tot lot' which is an area for kids to play and I think it will be great for when we have kids in the next couple of years. It is all so sureal to me, that we are going to have our own home, be living together, be married in a little over a year, I will be an RN...this year is going to fly by it seems!! I am just so thankful to have Michael in my life and so blessed that we have this opportunity!! (even if it does mean moving away from the beach!).

Erins WEDDING is tomorrow, yippie!!!!!! This wedding is going to be a blast...her family is a crack up and I am so excited for her.

School is stupid right now. Thats the only word I can use. I have never seen such disorganization and lack of communication, EVER! I cant wait for the summer to get here, and more importantly for December to get here so I can graduate and be done!

Hope everyone has a rockin weekend planned!! I will update with pics and the house info when I get back!

Finally!!

2007-04-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Its about dang time that this freako got voted off American Idol. I am sorry, I have always been a fan in this show and I do believe that people can improve...however him being around this long was just a plain joke in my book! Now the competition can begin...the next 6 weeks should be really interesting, I cant wait!!

On a different note...Michael and I got all of our paperwork faxed in today for our house...it was SO weird to sign some of the papers. Its not official until next Saturday, but its still so weird to me that we are going through the motions of having our own HOME! Its so exciting :o)

School is dragging right now...I cant wait for summer! Every day it seems like its something, and most of the time I feel like I am wasting my brain! I cant wait for next semester to start in August...it will be my final semester there and I will have my degree in December!

Nothing exciting going on, nothing new, I miss my sister, I miss my friends, I miss my LIFE...but other than that nothing exciting to report!

Long week!!

2007-04-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am SSSOOOOOOO glad that this week has officially come to an end!! I had something going on every single day of the week, between school, clinicals, a nursing convention, and more clinicals...I was soooo excited to get home tonight and be able to take my shoes off for the long haul. I have tomorrow off, and then next week is just as crazy, so I plan on enjoying every second of tomorrow!

Going to Arizona in TWO weeks!!!!!!! Shyza! (love that new word). I cant believe Erins wedding is so soon...and even more so I cant believe Michael and I are putting money down on a home!!! Its soo crazy to me, so overwhelming, so scary, but so exciting at the same time. I cannot wait to have a home of my own to share with my soon-to-be-hubby!!

School is going pretty good, I am finally done with Psych and am seriously psyched about it, lol. I couldnt handle it there anymore, it really was a real life looney bin!! Not my cup of tea, thats for sure. I finish this semester May 14th...have 3 whole months off...go back in August and graduate in December!!! I cant believe I am almost done with my 3rd semester and will just have one more to go, time has flown by so fast, its amazing to me.

Last but not least...if you havent tried this makeup (bare essentuals), run out and get it!! Its such a nice makeup, I LOVE it. I have been using it for a week and have been really pleased with it, its so easy to use, really light on your skin, and doesnt make you break out!! I am so happy I finally bought it, I dont think I will ever use anything else again!

Thats all for now...off to watch a movie and wait for my hunnie to get home!! :o)

hhmmmm.....

2007-04-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

So Michael and I have been doing a lot of thinking...and we (think) we have decided to go with a larger home. We want our first home to feel like a home...and if we went with the smaller models, we would be moving in 5 years when we have kids anyways, and if I knew I was moving in 5 years, I wouldnt really feel like it was "home," because I know myself and I wont get attached to something if we are just going to move out. SO...here are some pictures of the larger model, this home is 2600 sq feet...3 car garage...and just "bigger" (this isnt the one of the larger models that I love, but I will be grateful for any house we live in, and I do like this one a lot, just dont love)

This is right when you walk in the house to the left, its a living room and its pretty big when your standing inside (note how flattering this picture is of me, lol)

This is to theright when you walk in, that archway is to the kitchen, so this would be a formal dining area

This is looking dead on down the hall from when you walk in, the kitchen has an opening right here to the left and then when you keep walking there is a dining area to the right and an area you could use as a living room to the left

This is standing in the kitchen looking out, the area in front right there would be the dining area (so directly behind where we are standing taking this would be the walk way to the formal dining area)

This is from standing in the dining room looking into the kitchen, on the right there is a pantry and the entry to the garage and a bathroom.

This is on the other side of the dining room, like I said it could be another living room-ish area, or we could just make it a bigger dining room, who knows...I love the fireplace...

This is upstairs...the den. I love that there is a den, and then a little nook that you can use for an office (scrapbook room for me please!!). You can have shelves built into it, or do whatever you want, I think its fun and I love that its in its own corner! Down the hall are the regular bedrooms, a laundry room, and a bathroom with a double sink and a tub.

This is inside the master, its huge! (another great shot of me!)

Master bathroom...the walk in closet is to the right (I think, I forget we looked at so many homes!)

Another view from the other part of the den..its really big and I love it! (love the floor too!)

So thats the bigger house...all this for $242,000 (base price). We have alot to think about...who knows what we will end up with, what we will qualify for, etc etc...but its so exciting to think we could have this as our first home!

Randomness.

2007-04-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am horrible at updating this blog, but I think its a trend for most bloggers so I dont feel so bad. Nothing super exciting in my neck of the woods...just a few random tidbits/updates/boring info about my life :o)

*spring break this week, yippie!! Although it really isnt a spring break at all. I am working 4 of the days, and in clinical on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday I am spending studying for an exam on Monday, fun.

*Got to see Erin and Abby on Saturday night for a little girls get together, laughed too hard and ate too much, always a good thing!!

*Going to AZ in April for Erins wedding and going to put the money down on our house...I am beside myself I am so excited!

*Summer starts in May and I cant wait...I so am needing a break right now!

*hopefully starting a new job this week or next, I am stoked because we are in money saving mode big time around here

*Doing my Psych rotation in nursing school right now...pretty crazy. Literally.

*thats all folks.

Told you it was boring!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Arizona Cont....

2007-03-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

This is the front of house #2 (my favorite). The one on the left that is the craftsman style home. This doesnt co-inside (sp?) with the layout of the inside as the door will be on the right side. I am in love with this house. LMK what you think!

This is right when you walk in the front door. I would put a table right where that inlet is where the stairs are as a place to put your keys and stuff when you come home. To the left would be where the living room is and you can see the indentation where there is a place for the entertainment center. The living room has a lot of windows which I love, its a small room, but cozy :o)

This is if you keep walking, and this would be the dining room. To the left is a sliding glass door. I like how the kitchen is open to the dining room so its not like its own space. There is no island here :o( but I still love it

Here is the kitchen. I wouldnt choose these colors or floor, but it gives you an idea of the layout

This is taken from standing inside the kitchen looking out. I love the archways in the house. That white door to the left is the pantry

I love those two pillars to the right and left and how they have an inlet for something like a picture or some wall decor, I would light them up with a candle or something too, I just love the way they look.

This is walking up the stairs (duh), there is no loft :o( but there is this inlet in the wall if you keep walking straight right here where you could put a small desk if you wanted to.

This is in the master, again I love the arches.

another view of the master, no balcony :o(

This is a view from the top of the stairs, I like how there are windows in the stairwell and that little shelf where I can put something as well.

Pros: I love the outside of the house, I think its much nicer than the one Michael has picked out, I love the feel of the house when you first walk in, I love that its CHEAPER so we have more room for upgrades to work into our loan, I like that its small but still roomy which means less money on furnishing, I like the seperation of the living room and dining room, I like that the master bathroom has the closet attached

Cons: Its smaller, its only 3 bedroom with no loft, the master bedroom, bathroom, and closet is smaller than the other one, the yard is smaller.

What do ya'll think??

Arizona...

2007-03-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Michael and I got back late Monday night from a much needed trip away to Arizona. We spent the weekend looking at houses for the most part....and we came down to 2 that we really love...I will upload the pictures of each...let me know what you think!!

These are house #1 (Michaels favorite). This is the larger of the 2 homes that we are deciding between.

Photo #1- exterior- this is the best of the 3 exterior choices that you have on this model (I am not very fond of it to be honest)

Photo #2- view from walking in the front door (love the floor they chose in this model, its this really neat black hardwood flooring, I love it!). I dislike how your dining room table would have to go under that hanging lamp, I dont like the idea of walking in and seeing your dining room.

Photo #3- A little to the left of where the dining room table would go, I like the french like doors that look outside, but I am still not sold on the layout of the downstairs of this home

Photo #4- this was taken as if my back was to those french doors in the previous picture. I like the living room area, it feels cozy, but it just feels too "connected" to the dining room.

Photo #5- the kitchen. I LOVE this kitchen...love the island, love that there is a huge pantry, just love everything about it, but its kinda in its own place, and I feel like I would be like in a corner in here cooking. I do love the space of it and the island though.

Photo #6- This is up the stairs which brings you into the loft..its a pretty big room, and if we ever wanted we could convert it into a 4th bedroom. Michael said we could use it as a second living room type area/office/scrap space but I am not sure if I love the idea of that...I know me and I know my scrap area is usually a mess and I wouldnt want that for company to see.

Photo #7- The bedrooms that are down the hall if you go right coming up the stairs. There is also a laundry room there, a bathroom, and a linen closet.

Photo #8- The master bathroom, it has a double sink, a tub, a shower, and a little seperate room with the toilet.

Photo #9- The master bedroom. I love that there is a balcony, I think its so super cute, I dont like that the closet is seperate from the bathroom, it would be off to the left from where I stood taking this picture. Its a big walk-in closet, I just dont like where it is.

Pro's to house #1: it is the larger of the 2, it has a loft that is an optional 4th bedroom, the kitchen has an island and a much larger pantry, the master bedroom is huge and the bathroom is really big.

Cons: it is more expensive, I dislike the look of the outside of the home, it reminds me of being in like George Washington times or something, I dont like the feel when you first walk into the home of the dining area being right there, because its a bigger house and because of the loft we would have to spend more money on furnishing the home AND it will cost more to put in the upgrades like hard wood floors, paint, etc.

Dont you hate it...

2007-03-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

When your making something in the toaster, and its so small that you cant get it out, no matter how hard you try? Ugh. I made an english muffin this morning and couldnt get the thing out. By the time I did, there were sparks in the toaster from shoving a knife in there, and the muffin was botched. lol.

Something odd I came across last night. A while ago Michael had drank some Tequilla when we made Margaritas one night, and about 20 seconds after he had taken one drink, he broke out in like hives all over his face and neck! It was horrible. So I thought maybe it was just the mix or something. So last night, he makes this really nice romantic cute dinner and buys a bottle of white wine to go with it. He drinks about half a glass, and I look over and the same thing happened!! I think he is allergic to alcohol! How sad is that?!

I think I broke my back. Well not really, obviously I wouldnt be up and typing this if i did, but its really messed up. Yesterday I woke up and couldnt even stand up straight, it was like a million pounds of pressure on my lower back! So of course, I worked all day yesterday carrying around a huge 17 month old baby, and have to do it again today. It feels better today, but I think its from tripling up on motrin. I cant think of what it could be from, possibly from when I fell down the stairs a few months ago, maybe just flaring up again...I dont know but its terrible :o(

Hope everyone has awesome plans for the weekend, I am studying for my final, woo hoo!!

Poor neglected blog

2007-03-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

So I noticed the other day that I dont update this as much as I should, I swear I have good reason!! things have just been kinda crazy with school and working! Lets see whats new in the life of Alex (and no I am not full of myself, if your reading my blog then I am assuming you want to know)

-Finished up this part of clinicals this semester, I made it through with no UPA's (write ups), thanks god!! We lost 5 students from the program in like 3 weeks time, it was crazy! Now we are moving on to Psychiatric nursing and home health, I hear its pretty interesting to say the least. I'm excited about it, it will be nice to have a break from the regular ole bed baths and bed making!

-Wedding planning...nothing really new here. I have decided to have my dress custom made, nothing that I have found is exactly what I am looking for, so a good friend from school knows someone that makes custom wedding dresses, so I am excited about that! We havent put the downpayment on the place yet, my mother is a procrastinator so it doesnt suprise me!

-We are going to Arizona the weekend of St. Pattys Day to look at houses, we fly in on Thursday morning early and leave late Monday night. We are planning on getting together with a couple realtors to just look at houses the entire time, and I have to sneak in some time with Erin and Shanna too of course :o)

-Living with my parents is starting to wear on Michael and I. We are SO grateful to be able to have this opportunity to save money, we really are, but it just wears on certain parts of a relationship if you know what I mean...we know its for the best, and its only a short time, but its just hard, especially on top of nursing school.

-Sent in my taxes this week, I am praying for a return!!! I didnt make all that much, but I am still praying for one! even just 50 bucks, SOMETHING!!

-Studying today for an exam I have tomorrow...I think I have gotten to the point in school where I am just burned out! I just have no real motivation to study or to do much of anything really...I am just OVER it and so looking forward to the summer!

-Missing my sister like crazy lately...our lives are just so different than they used to be...we used to spend every day together, shopping, going out to eat, having fun, etc etc...since she has moved away we never have time with just US anymore, and I so miss that. I am so proud of her though, she will be finishing up her degree before me, and shes only 19! AND she moved away from home, I am still here! I think our relationship has matured a lot in the sense that we have become much closer since she hasnt been here, which is nice. I am hoping that she wants to move with me to Arizona at the end of the year!!

-Wow, I cant believe its going to be the end of THIS year that I will be in Arizona...that is just so crazy to me. After 24 years of the life I have here in Cali, all of it will be changing. I know it will be for the best, there is just SO much about Cali that I will miss...the weather, my family, my friends, my dogs, being FAMILIAR with the area, etc etc...its a weird transition, but a good one. Michael and I are planning on starting a family soon after our wedding, I am going to be working come this time next year doing what I have dreamed about for so long (being an RN), we will OWN a home!, and we will be able to have the life that we want but just cant have in California. We wont be alone in Arizona either, thats the awesome thing. Michaels parents are there, he has an aunt and uncle and cousin there, and another uncle and aunt and 2 cousins, and then there is Erin and Kyle, and Shanna (until she moves), and Michaels sister and her boyfriend...so its not like we are just up and moving where we dont know anyone, I dont think I could handle that, but this I think I can handle...it will just be an adjustment!

-I applied for a new job that I am excited about in the ER, hopefully I will hear this week, I cant wait. I need some extra money to save for the wedding and to pay off my credit card that just keeps going up and up and up...I am applying for several scholarships too that I am hoping I get for that very reason!

well, enough rambling from me, that was a long update!!

(no subject)

2007-02-25T19:09:00.000-08:00

Got this quiz from Amber...kinda silly but I had to update this with SOMETHING!! I tag Nichole!

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend? Michael
3. Your hair? bad
4. Your mother? yelling
5. Your father? sleeping
6. Your favorite Item? food
7. Your dream last night? dunno
8.Your Favorite Drink? diet coke
9. Your dream car? denali
10. The room you're in? office
12. Your fears? fire
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? mommy
14. Who did you hang out with yesterday? Erin
15. What you're not good at? reading
16. Muffins? good
17. One of your wish list items? dress
18. Where you grew up? simi
19. The last thing you did? eat
20. What are you wearing? jammies
21. what aren't you wearing? socks
22. Your pet? annoying
23. Your computer? top
24. Your life? crazy
25. Your mood? tired
26. Missing? Michael
27. What are you thinking about right now? School
28. Your car? OLD
29. Your work? bugs
30. Your summer? cant wait
31. Your relationship status? happily engaged
32. Your current favorite color? pink
33. When is the last time you laughed? right now
34. Last time you cried? last week
35. School? tomorrow

Ive been a bad, bad blogger

2007-02-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

I swear...school has been CRAZY!! I miss my blog :o(

Literally thats been what I have been doing all day every day it seems...school. Either a paper to write, a test to study for, a fundraiser to work on, etc etc...thats all I do. I am so so SO happy that I have sat-tues off of both school and work, yippie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy to just relax, even though I have to study, spend time with Michael (who is off work tonight for the first time in FOREVER), and with my sister who is here to visit for the weekend. Yay.

Have been doing a lot of wedding planning lately...our official date is now June 28, 2008. We decided since May might mean rain and our venue is outdoors, we pushed it to the end of June which works better anyways since I am starting an RN residency program in Arizona in February of 2008 that wont be finished until May. So many exciting things happening for us this year...next year at this time we will be living in a house in Arizona, I will be an RN :o), we will be closer to being married, and closer to starting a family...so excited about that.

Arizona is a weird thing to think about...it means so much opportunity that we wouldnt otherwise have in California, but it also means leaving everything I have ever known in my life, which is so unlike me. Thankfully Michaels parents live there, as well as my long lost friend Erin, and Shanna (who may be in Mississippi by then), and my sister has hinted that she may move out there to start her career, and Michaels sister and her boyfriend are there too...but everyone that is important in my life (aside from Michael of course and those that I just named in Arizona) is here. My parents, my dogs, my friends, my co-workers, my school friends, etc etc...so it will be really hard to go. I guess I shouldnt think about it until the time comes...but its getting closer. We are going to Arizona St. Pattys weekend to look at homes, I cant wait.

Wedding planning is going good...its so fun to pick out the little details! I made a couple of mock-ups of invitations that I will be making, they came out really cute actually. I will have to get around to posting a picture of them one of these days.

Shouts to KAT who delivered a beautiful baby GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you, cant wait to see more pictures of that precious baby!!

Off to study, hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!!!

VEGAS BABY!

2007-02-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

Yup...you guessed it. I am going to Vegas this weekend, I cant wait! Leaving early tomorrow morning and staying through Sunday evening, I am soo so excited!!!!

I will have a drink for all of you! :oP

Mi vida loca part duece

2007-01-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

So apparently I thought my life would slow down, no luck in that department. I am not sure if I am working too much and need to cut back, but it just seems like every day its SOMETHING. Here is a run down of this week:

Mon: up at 6, school from 8-5 (stayed late for a meeting)
Tue: up at 6, got to work at 8, so that means leaving at 7:15 to drive 16 miles because of all the F'ing traffic! worked all day watching a 1 year old
Wed: up at 4, left at 5:45 to get to clinical, was there until about 7pm, came home and did paperwork until 10:15
Thur: up at 6, left the house at 7:15 again to be at work at 8, worked until 6 again watching a 1 year old
Fri: up at 6, again worked at 8 and watched a 1 year old all day

Dont get me wrong, I love my job, I LOVE Nathan, but 5 days packed back to back like that just make me a little looney. I guess I just need to get the hang of waking up early almost every dang day huh?? lol. I got a treat today and slept til NINE!!!!!!!!! Yippie!

Its my best girlfriend in nursing school, Katie's, Birthday today!! Happy Birthday friend, hope you have a great day!!

Have some pics from Arizona that are taking FOREVER to upload, so I will try to post those later today. While I know Michael and I will be in Arizona in less than a year, I am just not sure exactly how it will pan out. We just arent sure how much we will qualify for, how we will get the money if we DONT qualify for the full amount of the home, etc etc...we are new to all of this, so we are learning as we go. Hopefully we can plan a trip for early March and meet with his Uncle who is a mortgage broker out there and we can discuss our options, we shall see.

I have been studying about the renal system (kidneys) the past 3 weeks...and I dont know if this is self induced, but I seriously feel like I have a kidney stone (again!). I have had several in the last 5 years or so, and they are SO painful. The weird thing is, I have been drinking more water in the last couple of weeks than I ever have, so it doesnt match up. I am praying that I dont, because its seriously the worst pain EVER!

anyway, thats about it for me this week, wish I had more exciting things to report!!

Shouts to baby post...please come out already, we are anxiously awaiting your mommy to post your pictures so we can see who shes been bloging about!! :o)

Bla Bla Bla

2007-01-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

Is what I feel like today, nothing to talk about, nothing to say, but tired of studying already and its only 10:45 am. Hence the reason I am blogging, gets my eyes away from the books!

Had a great day yesterday, my aunt and sister came for the day to go shopping and have lunch with me, we had so much fun. We went to the new mall in simi, and were there from like 11 until 7, thats a crap load of shopping! I always enjoy visiting with my aunt, she is the person I am closest to family-wise aside from my mom, and I know I can always ask her advice and talk to her about anything and everything. Got some new kicks with my giftcard from Christmas, some yummy smellies from bath and body works, and some workout clothes. Since my schedule has been crazy with school and working, I have been working out at home with my turbo kick tapes, although I would MUCH rather go to the gym with my long lost gym friend :o), I never seem to be home when the classes are! So this will do for now, until my schedule slows down.

Have been doing some more wedding-schtuff, and have completely changed the style/type of wedding dress I am going to wear. I change things all the time actually, so it will be interesting to see what happens when I do finally get married in terms of what I thought I wanted when I got engaged, and what it ends up being :o)

I did decide on my boquet a long time ago though, that hasnt changed. Here is a pic of 2 that I like, I think I like the all pink peonies the best, but I also like the other colors thrown in. The first pic matches better with my wedding party colors (fuschia and tangerine).

Hope everyone had a fab weekend!

MIA

2007-01-19T17:14:00.000-08:00

This week has been crazy! I guess I better start realizing that from here on out LIFE is just going to be crazy, but I miss my old, boring life, where I didnt have anything to do half the time...I guess times are a changin and I better get my butt used to it!

Nothing exciting going on really...had a busy school week, 13 and a half hour clinical, and then a dialysis clinic day the following morning that was pretty sad actually...some of the patients had to go every single day for dialysis, I could not even imagine how difficult that would be!

My aunt is coming to visit tomorrow for a fun girls day, shopping and lunch, I cant wait! I havent had a Saturday free in a while, so I am excited to spend it with her and just relax.

off to work out, its FREEZING here right now, I figure that'll warm me up for sure!

Hope everyone has a fab weekend :o)

Crazy Week!!

2007-01-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

So school started on Monday, blah. Seriously, I think I just might die. It just gets harder and harder...I feel like sometimes they push us to the point of just wanting to quit and call it a day! I had lecture on Monday from 8 am until 2 pm...then Tuesday was a math exam and hospital orientation, 12 hours worth of that (we did get out a little early)...then Wednesday was 13 hours worth of clinical!! To top if off, I had to work (babysit) Thursday, Friday, and today as well. I am so tired and I just want to spend tomorrow sleeping, but I need to start my studying as well as my care plan, ugh. Gee can you tell how happy I am about school right now?

Had family pictures taken last weekend by Michelle, they came out so great. We went to this park that is literally 30 seconds from my house, and you would never know. Here is one of my favorites. You can see her new photography website at www.thinkpinkincphotography.com! I went back to brown with my hair...just got tired of keeping the blond up, altough now I am already whinning to my sister for highlights, so I am sure it will change soon!

I found out that Childrens Hospital in Phoenix offers the same program that I wanted to get into here in California...and it starts sooner and isnt quite as long, so I am super stoked! It is a 14 week program, and it starts in February, and I can apply this summer, which is AWESOME. This means I may be pushing the wedding back until June, but we wanted to do that anyway for fear that the grounds at the outdoor place we chose may be too muddy in May. Although May is a great month for us, becuase its both of our parents anniversaries as well as when we got engaged, I am ok with pushing it to June, and the best part is that I would be done with the RN program at Childrens.

Planning a trip to Vegas in Feb to visit the friend I talked about a while back that I re-connected with. I am SO excited I cant even explain it. I just cant wait to give her the hugest hug, and to snuggle her sweet baby boy. Ryan is 4 months old now, and will be 5 when I get there, so still small enough to snuggle!!

Hoping I make it to a crop today after babysitting...I am SO tired right now, and its like 45 minute drive from where I work, but I may just say what the hay to have some girl time...I have NOTHING ready to take with me, so no scrapping for me, just chatting and shopping!

Peace out!

Just a quickie

2007-01-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie post...its back to reality...school is starting on Monday, and I am dedicating my weekend to reading ahead so I know what they are talking about in lecture for once. Today I have a math practice, and for some reason I am nervous about the math this semester, I am nervous about everything this semester, its supposed to be really tough, so cross your fingers for me that I make it out alive!!

Got a scary call from Michaels mom this morning...her husband took her into the ER after her Doctors office called to let her know that her Hemoglobin was 5...for non-medical people, thats really low. Hemoglobin is a measurment of the oxygen/iron carrying capacity of our red blood cells...and the normal value for a woman is 12-16. So when its low, basically you dont have adequate amounts of red blood cells that are properly carrying oxygen and iron to the areas of your body that need them...and you can be at risk for heart problems especially since the heart is a muscle and it needs oxygen to survive. Say a little prayer for Val if you get a chance, hopefully she gets this all worked out and is back on her feet again!

Enough nurse talk...nothing super exciting to talk about, still havent uploaded the pictures from the snow, I will beg Michael to do it today!!! (there is pics of the house I am in love with too!). Will post more later, on my way out the door :o)

p.s. Kat, if your reading this, did you fall of a cliff?? Update your blog!

2007

2007-01-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

Dang, time flies! Its so weird to say 2007, it feels like I was just in Vegas ringing in 2000. Now I am an old fart that celebrated the New Year in bed, falling asleep. Michael thankfully got here when there was a MINUTE left til the New Year, it was so sweet, he sped home from work and didnt call me because he wanted to suprise me. I think I was fast asleep by 1:20, lol.

So our time in Arizona was too much fun, and went by way too quick! We flew in on Christmas Day and suprised Michaels mom, it was so sweet, she was SO excited to see us. We went to Sedona and Flagstaff on a mini-trip, both of those places are so beautiful, if you havent gone you have to go sometime! I am trying to post some snow pictures but cant find them on the computer, so I will make sure to do that sometime this week. It was sooooo cold!! Michael and I are seriously thinking about putting a downpayment on a home in April of this year, it takes 8 months for it to be built, so it would be done just in time for when I graduate nursing school. We have the money now that is required to put down, which is exciting, so we have to put a lot of thought into it in the next couple of months. This house that I fell in love with is seriously so gorgeous, I love it. It couldnt be more perfect. As hard as it will be to move out of California, Michael and I want so badly to own a home, and to have a big family, and there is just no way we can do it here, so Arizona it is, even if its just for a couple of years to get on our feet. I will keep ya'll updated, I am just so excited about it!

I was bummed that I didnt end up meeting up with my girlfriends Erin and Shanna when I was in Arizona, maybe next time!! I know for sure I will be out there in April for Erins WEDDING!

Santa was good to me this year...I got a Zune (like an IPOD, except Microsoft makes it!), cookbooks, an herb garden, pajamas, a cute jacket, lots of cute scarves, cash, gift cards, smelly bath stuff, a Coach bag (from Michaels mom and sister, sooo was not expecting that!!), a new PINK blow dryer, a ceramic flat iron, hair products, more gift cards, and lots of socks!! I wasnt expecting to be so spoiled!

I am so loving this Chicken Tortilla Soup, its soooo super yum I cant stand it! I have to share the recipe, its that good (I think so anyway), and you dont feel too guilty eating it!

1 large can tomato juice
2 cans of low sodium beef broth
2 cups of water
1 medium onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
1 rotisserie chicken (cooked), bones removed and shredded (we just use the breast, but you could use leg meat too if you wanted)
1 can of corn
2 cans of black beans
1 small can of diced green chilis
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 packet of chicken taco seasoning

Heat a large pot on medium-high heat. Add butter or oil, and saute the onion and the garlic for 3-5 minutes. Dump everything else into the pot, bring it to a gentle boil for about 10 minutes, and then let it all simmer on medium-low heat for about 45 minutes-1 hour. My favorite toppings are non-fat sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado! You can also add different things to the soup, I have had it with carrots, celery, potatos, and bell pepper. The ingredients I posted are just my personal favorite!!

Enjoy!!

Oh I wanted to add another goal for 2007...pay off my credit card!

Last Post of 2006

2006-12-31T22:48:00.000-08:00

So its 10:48 and I am sitting here waiting for my hunnie to get home from work, we are so bummed out that he had to work late tonight and we may not be able to ring in the new year together...but such is life, right? :o(

I cant believe 2006 will be over in an hour...the year has just flown by, and I wanted to reflect on it a little before I crawl into bed and pass out

In 2006 I...

-Started Nursing School

-Went on a fabulous Caribbean vacation with Michael and his family

-GOT ENGAGED :o)

-Got a new job that I love watching the cutest baby ever

-Got a $1,000 scholarship, yay for free money!

-Re-connected with a life-long friend that I am so happy about

-Gained 10 pounds

Ok so I am not so happy about the last one, but late nights of studying, fast food, and no time for the gym will do that to ya I suppose, I have gotten my butt back in gear and I think Michaels as well, so it will come off in no time. 2006 was a great year for me, my favorite year yet...I feel like right now my life is filled with so much happiness and love, as well as a sense of accomplishment with all I have done in nursing school, its been a really rewarding year and I hope 2007 will be even better.

Here is what I predict and hope for 2007...

-I will graduate Nursing School

-Michael and I will save up as much money as possible

-I will pay off my credit cards

-Michael and I will purchase our first home

-I will use my endless supply of scrapbook stuff!!

So how do you feel as you reflect on 2006 and what do ya'll hope for 2007??

Wishing all of you a safe and happy New Year!!!!

Arizona here we come

2006-12-29T08:29:00.000-08:00

What a crazy couple of weeks!!!

I am in Arizona right now, spending the week with Michaels parents, and its soooooo nice! I havent thought about school ONCE, its been so long since I have been able to do that!!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, I know we did. We spent Christmas Eve with my moms side of the family like always, about 60 people, all family and friends that we call family, all go to my aunts house and we eat dinner and open gifts, its really fun and my favorite time to get together. Christmas morning we spent with my parents and my sister, and then hopped on a plane and flew to Arizona and have been here since. We went house hunting yesterday and saw the most BEAUTIFUL homes that I wanted to buy right there...all under $300,000....in California, we cant find anything under $500,000, and what we are looking for would be well over that...so its nice to dream while we are here, and look at what we like and dont like. Its just amazing what you can get for your money, I am so so so excited to seriously start looking in June of next year, since we will be here in December 2007!!!

Something super exciting (and kinda sad), I saw snow for the first time this weekend!! We took a road trip for the night to Sedona and Flagstaff and it was snowing, it was soooo beautiful, I will post pics when I get home!!

Just a quickie post, hope everyone has recooperated from the holidays!!!!!

FINAL-ly

2006-12-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

So today is my final for this semester, woo hoo!!! I admit I didnt study all that much, but I justified it by getting really good grades on the previous exams, so I am not losing sleep over it. Hopefully after the final I can get some Christmas shopping done, I havent really done all that much, so hopefully I can put a big dent in it today.

The ugly sweater party this weekend was a blast! I only have a couple of pictures, I am waiting for my cousin to e-mail me better ones and I will post them, there were some pretty funny sweaters! I drank a little too much wine, but other than that it was fun! I think we will make it a family tradition, its another excuse for us all to get together around the holidays, which is always so much fun, I just love a house filled with family and friends, and good food too!!

This week is going to be kinda crazy, and then the following week we will be in Arizona! My parents bought us plane tickets for Christmas to go out to Arizona, we were planning on driving, so it will be SO nice to not have to be in the car for 7 hours, the flight is just about an hour long, and the airport is only 30 min from our house. I cant wait. Michaels mom thinks we are driving in the day after Christmas, we are totally going to suprise her by flying there ON Christmas...and we are going to play an evil trick and call her on Christmas day and say the car wont start and we wont be able to make it...when she sees us she will be so happy, I cant wait!

Hope everyones having fun with last minute Christmas shopping, I know thats what I am doing this week!!

2006-12-15T20:02:00.000-08:00

From the fabulous Nichole W...

A-Available or single: neither!
B - Best Friend: Michael, Sara, and Michelle
C - Cake or Pie: Cupcakes!
D - Drink of choice: Diet coke
E - Essential item you use everyday: cell phone, lip gloss, flat iron
F - Favorite color: pink
G - Gummy Bears or worms: regular gummy bears and sour gummy worms
H - Hometown: Simi Valley, Ca
I - Indulgence: hhmmmm....at the moment truffles from costco!
J - January or February: Feb because of Valentines Day :o)
K - Kids & Names: We would like 3-4 kids, and the names...First born child will be Mathew or Madelynn (depending on the sex), and I love too many other names!
L - Life is Incomplete Without? The love of my life and my family
M - Marriage Date: May 17, 2008...sooooo long away!
N - Number of Siblings: 1 sister
O - Oranges or Apples: apples with peanut butter please
P - Phobias or Fears: Car accidents, a fire in my house, and losing someone I love
Q - Fave Quote: "I'm in love I'm in love and I dont care who knows!!!!!"- buddy the elf
R - Reason to Smile: its the holidays!
S - Season: I have to agree with Nichole...summer!! I love sandals, cute pedicures, blonde hair, a TAN, shorts, etc etc...
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: Michelle, Kat, Jody, and Araxi
U - Unknown Fact about Me: I ratted out my best friend in 5th grade for lighting a match in class. who does that?
V- Vegetable You Don't Like: brussel sprouts
W - Worst Habit: biting my nails, cutting people off when they are talking
X - Xrays: never broken a bone
Y - Your Fave Food: everything :o)
Z - Zodiac Sign: Libra

I just like to smile, smilings my favorite

2006-12-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

Ok if you have never seen the movie Elf, you should be shot. I just love that movie, and I think I quote it at least once a day!!

So basically there is like less than 2 weeks left until Christmas, and the list just keeps on growing. I work today and tomorrow, and Thursday is a girls day out that I am super excited about and could care less about working on my "to-do" list, and then I have clinical Friday and Saturday, and a final on Monday that I will be studying for. That leaves me less than a week to do all my shopping, gotta love waiting til the last minute!

We picked up our Christmas Cards last night at Costco, I would post it but some people that read this will be getting one in the mail and I dont want to spoil it, it came out super cute!!

My poor little Nathan (the little guy I babysit for) had surgery yesterday and has his arm in a full cast, he had a ganglion cyst on his wrist and so they removed it, hes only 14 months old, so babysitting him today should be interesting to say the least!

I had the healthiest breakfast today...chocolate truffles from Costco, they are soooo good!! You get 2 huge boxes for like $10 or something, and they are really really yummy!

I know you all want to run out and buy this lovely holiday sweater, so sorry to break the bad news, but I won it on ebay and will not be selling it as it is so beautiful. This is the sweater I am wearing this weekend to the bad sweater party, what do you think???

Weekend Woes

2006-12-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

This week was such an odd week in clinical. First, I had a patient who was only 27, which is really rare for a medical-surgical unit like the one I was on, its almost always people over 60. The weirdest part...he was SO CUTE!!!!!! I have never ran into something like that, but I almost felt like I was blushing everytime I was in his room. Now dont get me wrong, I love Michael more than anything in this whole world, and would NEVER do anything like that, nor would I ever be un-professional as a nurse, but it was just so odd. The whole 2 days I took care of him he had his shirt off, and he had abs of like steel and arms that were to die for!! My other guy was such a sad story, he had Alzheimers so bad that he didnt even remember his own childrens names, I just felt so sad. He didnt know where he was, who he was, or what he was doing there. It just broke my heart into a million pieces to see his kids come in and he had no recollection of who they were. I really feel that when that happens to people, their spirit is already in Heaven, and that is why their memories are gone. Ugh it was just so hard. I also had a patient whose wife recently passed away, on the day of their 60th wedding anniversary, and he was crying the whole day, it made me so so sad. Ok enough nurse talk.

Spent the day today making Pumpkin Butter, and its sooo good. Especially on a slice of hot toast, YUM! We are sending goodies to Michaels family back east this year (like we did last year), and we gotta get them out this week, so its crunch time. I have half the pumpkin butter done, and then we will be making Bannana Walnut bread as well, yum!

Sooooo much Christmas shopping to do! I dont even want to think about it thats how behind I am.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, happy thoughts to Arleena who may be having her baby boy this weekend, so happy for her and her hubby!!

Last one.

2006-12-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

I promise.

If you have not tried these cookies, please leave your house immediatly and run and buy 5 boxes. They are seriously SO good...a mix between a thin mint girlscout cookie and an oreo, but even BETTER!!!!!! (in case you cant see they are Trader Joes brand)

p.s.

2006-12-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Please tell me I am not the only one who is obsessed with these cheap cookies??

Oh Christmas Tree

2006-12-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

Where the heck are you??? Its almost Christmas and we dont have a tree yet, my parents need to get the ball rolling around here!!! We have been super busy with work, school, my dad got in a car accident (hes totally fine) and totalled his truck, and then the next day he took the spare car and broke that too! Hopefully decorations will be up this weekend, I cant wait to have my own house to decorate, I LOVE the Holidays!!!!!!!!!

My favorite part...The family bad christmas sweater party, its next weekend and I am soooo excited!! This is the first year we are doing this, but I think its going to be an anual thing, I cant wait!! I just bid on the most hideous sweater on e bay, so cross your fingers for me that I win!!!

TWO weeks left of school this semester, I cant wait!!!!!!! I have a 3 week break that I am super excited about, the week after Christmas we are heading to Arizona and I get to hang out with Michaels parents, and also see Erins house and hang out with my girl Shanna who will be a NEWLYWED!! shes getting married next Saturday and I am so happy for her!! (check our her blog, www.mynextthirtyyears.com ) And then I might be going to Vegas for a few days to visit with my girlfriend Krista who just had a baby in October, hes so cute, check him out. How cute is that outfit?!?! He looks just like her, I cant wait to meet him finally.

I have no Christmas shopping done, seriously, none. I am so behind its not even funny, and I have no time!!! ahhhhhhhh

Mi Vida Loca

2006-12-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

Ok so why is it that this time of year always seems so overwhelming?? Between school, and the various Holiday to-do's, my job, Michaels parents being in town, etc etc...it never ends. I totally forgot about making home-made goodies to send to his family back east this year...I think instead of 20 different cookies like we did last year, I am going to make this yummy pumpkin spice bread with a little 8 ounce jar of apple butter, it will make it much quicker and easier than last year (last year I also wasnt in school so I had tons of free time!). I hope they like it (if not then tough!!).

Here is another cute photo from our photo shoot with Michelle, I love this one!!

Shouts to my girl SHANNA who is getting freakin MARRIED in two weeks!!! Cant wait to see her when we go to Arizona the week after Christmas, so super excited to see her girls again and her new hubby!

Michaels parents are in town this week, its been so nice to see them. Michael took them along with my mom yesterday to see the place we want to get married (I had to work). They all loved it, my moms only concern is that its outside and it will be in May, but hello, its California! It barely rains all year let alone in May. So...there is a possibility that it may get changed to June or July, we shall see. That may work out better for us considering I am going to apply for the RN residency program at Childrens Hospital and hopefully will get in at the begining of the year...if thats the case then we would push it back for sure. Who knows, its still all up in the air. It bums me out, but in the scheme of things, whats another month or two??

Meeting Michaels parents for breakfast this morning, if he can ever get his a$$ in gear!!!!!! I swear waking this boy up in the morning is impossible sometimes, he doesnt want to even see the light of day before 10am. Then Clinical this afternoon and again tomorrow morning...after this weekend we only have TWO weeks left of clinical, and then I am officially half way done with nursing school. I cant even believe how fast time has gone, blows me away sometimes. Just cross your fingers I make it through this Clinical rotation, this instructor is a killer!!

Gobble Gobble

2006-11-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey day everyone!! Hope everyone has a wonderful day filled with family and yummy food!! I know I am!

Michael and I along with my dad are headed off to my aunts house, a few aunts houses actually. So excited about it, havent seen the fam-bam in a while and I need my fix!

Also made some YUMMY to die for pumpkin gooey cakes...if you havent made them, you HAVE to! You will not be disapointed!! Its a Paula Deene recipe and you can find it on foodnetwork.com.

So in light of Thanksgiving...I am thankful for so much today. I am Thankful for my wonderful Mom and Dad, even though they may make me crazy at times. I am Thankful for a sister who is growing leaps and bounds and is doing so much better than I ever thought she could. I am Thankful for Nursing school because it has given me the opportunity to learn and experience WAY more than I ever expected. I am Thankful for my in-laws to be and I cannot wait to see them on Christmas! I am Thankful for Katie and Jess (my best nursing school buds), without them I would go crazy. I am Thankful for every single one of my friends. And mostly I am Thankful for my health and blessings in my life.

What are YOU Thankful for today?

{No Subject}

2006-11-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

So basically tonight I was chatting with my mom...and come the first of the year she wants to quit her managment job and sell the house and move to Tahachapi with my dad...not sure where the heck that leaves me...kinda worries me.

Michael has been living with me for about 3 months or so...and we have a couple thousand dollars saved up...right now its tough with the Holidays, but we are doing a good job (I should give him the credit really, he is saving it all). Our goal is to have $10,000 (although I would like $20,000) saved by the time we move out of here...which should be this time next year, or so I thought. I am not sure if my mom is just going to up and leave and leave me to fend for myself (so not like her)...or help us buy a condo, or rent something, or what. I didnt push the subject because she said we would talk about it more after the first of the year...so we shall see. Dont get me wrong, I would LOVE to live somewhere and have it just be Michael and I...but that doesnt leave us much room to even pay the bills on our salary, let alone save money. Should be interesting to see how it all pans out (I didnt realize my mom was so anxious to move, she said today "the only thing keeping us here is you" which made me feel just great! lol).

Weekend was dedicated to all school stuff, as always. Nothing fun to report!

Forgot to post this...My best girlfriend Michelle took pictures of Michael and I for our Christmas Cards and save the dates for our New York wedding...LOVE the way they came out!! Will post more later!!

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells...

2006-11-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

Ok its official, I can play Christmas music in my car and I am SO excited about that! I LOVE this time of year, even though its not a "winter wonderland" in California, I just love it!

Got this cutie survey from my Suzy to get everyone into the season...if your reading this I better see it on your blog!!!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Both please...just not together. And with the eggnog, extra rum!!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? he lays them out under the tree at our house...yep, still, even though I am 24
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I love small white isicle lights on the house...however my parents are obsessed with the HUGE colored bulbs so I just close my eyes pulling up to my house and admire my neighbors!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Michael and I have hung it over our bed the last 2 Christmas's!
5. When do you put your decorations up? Day after Thanksgiving
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? hhmmm...tough one. I would have to say turkey breast with herb butter and cornbread stuffing with sausage and apple, its sooo good!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Waking up with my sister on Christmas morning and running out into the living room before waking our parents up to see what "Santa" brougth us. Hey I still believe and its still working!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? He's at the North Pole right now
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, with my moms family we all get together and have fun
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Me and my mom pull out the ornaments box usually and put ornaments and lights on it.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Never in my life have been in snow
12. Can you ice skate? Yep
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? thats a tough one...I think I got a bike one year that I was in love with and rode the entire day
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? My family
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pumpkin Gooey Cake (thanks Michelle!)
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas Eve at my aunt babys house with all my family...I love being in a house filled with my family and yummy food!
17. What tops your tree? I dont think we have a tree topper actually
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? hhmmm...probably Jingle Bells or Holy Night
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum!

I cant believe its already almost Thanksgiving! Hopefully everyone is planning on spending it with family and friends...I know I am!

2006-11-10T20:45:00.000-08:00

Ok so I know I just posted a buttload of pictures, I wanted to show them to Michelle and it was just easier to post them here...these are kinda like the theme that I would like for pictures of me and Michael at the beach...I love all of them! So sweet and simple, yet fun too!

Nothing at all exciting to report...working on a care plan thats due in a week...and preparing myself for CLINICAL tomorrow, ugh, I just HATE clinical. I cant wait for tomorrow to come and go...you have no idea!!

So yea...its not even 9 pm on Friday night, and I am off to bed. Seriously...I cant wait for nursing school to be done!!!

Photos I love

2006-11-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Poor Unfortunate Blog

2006-11-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting you. So sorry.

Geezo...things have just been madness around here, but I guess thats just going to be the story of my life and I am just going to have to get used to it.

Last night I was at dinner with Michael since we wont be together for the next 4 nights (he works til midnight and I am fast asleep when he gets home), and the table next to us had this elderly man, probably about 75 or so, and a young girl who was probably 16 or 17 (obviously his granddaughter). The girl was obviously so un-interested in being there with him, almost like she was embarassed, and she barely engaged in conversation with him the entire time...and he was sitting there with the brightest smile on his face, so happy to be with his granddaughter, talking about anything and everything at the same time...and she was TEXT MESSAGING people...I couldnt help but to cry because I was just so upset inside that this girl was going to regret that when her grandpa passes away...My grandpa passed away about a year ago, and I would give ANYTHING to be sitting at that table having dinner with him one last time, literally, anything. I am sure I was the same way at that age, but as I have grown older and somewhat wiser, I have come face to face with the harsh reality that people dont live forever, as much as we would like them to. I just wanted to walk over there and tell her to enjoy him, especially since he looked like such a sweet grandpa like my Bumpa was. Gosh, I miss him so much.

Ok so I have come to the conclusion that everyone and their mother is pregnant right now...it must be in the water!!! My babysitter (the lady I babysit FOR I should say) just told me yesterday they are trying, and I have about 7 friends from high school that are pregnant right now...its so weird. I think I have come to a point where I am not so much jealous over that not being me (probably because my life is just so crazy throwing a pregnancy in the mix is just NOT possible), and I am excited to get to that point in my life...I am excited to be done with school and have my degree, and then i can focus just on my husband, and getting pregnant, and having our first child...with no stress of how I am going to provide. Granted I have nothing against anyone who has a child without a degree, I just know myself and know the things I worry about, and being able to provide for my future children is a big one. So...as much as the baby bug bites me every now and again, I am excited about where I am in my life right now, and happy for the time down the line when it will happen :o)

So Michael has decided for sure that we are going to be doing another wedding in New York after our California wedding...I am excited about it, but a little stressed at the same time. We arent going to do the whole ceremony again, but we are going to have a reception with a DJ, food, alcohol, etc...and we decided that we want to wear our wedding attire again (at least I do, how cool to get to wear your wedding dress twice?!?!). I also want to hire a photographer (or try to con a friend from here that I could fly there with me) to take photos of Michael and I in the streets of New York...Here are some pictures I found on the knot and I just LOVED them and think it would be so cute. (New York is a huge part of Michaels life, his father was born there, and was one of 10 kids that all live there, so every summer and winter he flew to New York). We arent sure when exactly the wedding will be, probably June of 2008 (our other wedding is May 17th, so mark your calendars!!!). It should be interesting to try to plan 2 weddings...we shall see!

Nothing super exciting to report...off from school today for Veterans day, woo hoo!!!!!!!!! Please remember those family members and loved ones who served as Veterans for our country today, thats what the day is all about (not just a holiday like I just got excited for! lol)

WHY on earth did I choose NURSING?!?!

2006-11-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

I swear to God...days like today make me wonder why I chose such a fast-paced, crazy career like nursing. I had the worlds WORST day in clinical...I cant even begin to explain it...everything was behind starting from when I got there, I have an instructor that is on my butt about every single thing that I do (which is fine, its what shes there for, but it was my first flippin day back in an adult-care setting, give me a break lady!!)...had 2 patients who had tons and tons of meds, not to mention every health problem/ailment you could imagine...I dont know how I made it through the day, I got home at 8pm, and have to be out of my house tomorrow morning at 6...this is going to be a loooooong weekend!!!!!!!!!!!

Melting Pot

2006-11-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

So last night Michael and I went to the melting pot for our anniversary dinner...and it was, hhmm, interesting. I am still not sure if I liked it 100%...it takes a while to eat there too, because its like courses. The appetizer was great, it was cheese fondue with french bread, veggies, and granny smith apples to dip...YUM, seriously, soooo good. Then you choose what meats you want, and they bring you a plate of RAW meat...it totally freaked me out. They bring you like this oil that you cook the meat in...and it was good, but I just really really didnt like the idea of raw meat at the table!!!!! Then they bring you dessert...which is a pot of chocolate fondue (you pick the kind you want, they have tons!) and strawberries, pineapple, bananas, brownies, cheesecake, pound cake, and marshmellows to dip into the chocolate...that was super yum!!! Again, I still am undecided, I dont know if I would go back, but we had fun and thats what counts!

Things have been crazy lately...since starting this new job Michael and I barely see eachother, which is a bummer, but its good at the same time because it keeps me busy, and I can study when I am at work which is awesome. Although I have an exam on monday that I am so not prepared for...and I have clinical all day today and tomorrow, and then Sunday family pictures...which I am so super excited for!!! I always find a way to fit in studying though, so I am sure I will do fine!

I guess I should be studying instead of blogging!!

2 years ago today...

2006-10-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken. (I know you all just LOVE my costume, lol)

Its mine and Michaels 2 year dating anniversary today...its so crazy how fast time flies!! We are celebrating on Thursday since we are both working all day today (and he works all night so I will barely see him!), we are going out for a romantic dinner at a fondue restaraunt, I cant wait!! Yum!

Seriously, Michael has changed my life in so many ways it blows me away. He has taught me so much, and I will be thankful for him every day of my life. He has taught me to be thankful, he has taught me how to laugh at times when I didnt think anything was funny, he has taught me how to make the most of every day because you dont know what tomorrow holds, he has taught me to love more than I ever thought I possibly could, and most of all he has taught me to be patient because all things will happen when they are meant to happen...I am the most blessed girl in the world to have a man so wonderful in my life, and I cant wait to spend the rest of my life with him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fun Weekend

2006-10-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

For the first time in a while I actually had a fun, enjoyable weekend. Michael and I both had Saturday off, so we went with my dad and sister to visit my grandma and great grandma (who is 97) up in Los Alamos. Michael has never met my dads side of the family, so it was nice to get to see him with them, he loved my grandma, and she fell in love with him because he is Italian, lol. My grandma had a stroke a year ago right before my grandpa passed away, and she is almost back to her pre-stroke self, which is so nice to see. She has her heart SET on me wearing her wedding dress she wore 58 years ago on MY wedding day, and I dont know how to break it to her that its not my style. Here is a pic of what it kinda looks like...its LOOOONG, and off white (I am wearing bright white), and long sleeved and has a high neck, the total opposite of what I plan to wear!!

I am so honored that she wants ME of all her granddaughters to wear it, but its not not the dress for me. I have a year and a half to break the news, I am sure I can come up with something good between now and then!

Nothing super exciting to report...somehow I managed to get some food poisoning or some bug last night, I was up at 2 am puking my guts out, NOT FUN!! I ate the same thing as everyone else, which is what makes it so weird. My stomach is still un-easy. Hate that feeling!

I hate the time change...it feels SO late and its barely 8:30. I think I am going to bed super early tonight!

I love catching up

2006-10-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

With old friends.

Yesterday I talked to my girlfriend Rachel, that is in Idahoe right now. I havent talked to her in soooo long, but we used to be great friends. I love catching up and hearing about the happenings in peoples lives, its so nice. Here is a picture of her and her Fiance, Brennen. Wishing them a world of happiness!

Nothing too exciting in the world of Alex today, aside from a math exam in about an hour that I am sooo nervous about...if you dont pass it on the third try, your kicked out of the program. Yikes! And the worst part, there is a new exam every friggin 8 weeks! Thankfully I have always gotten 100% up until now, just pray for me that I will continue to do so. Math is a weakness for me, but thankfully I have 8 years experience working in a pharmacy under my belt, so I know a thing or two about calculating med dosages, thank GOD! As if nursing school isnt stressful enough, ya know?

Getting a knitting lesson tonight and super excited about it, I cant wait to LEARN and stop being so frustrated about it. I actually had a dream that I was knitting last night and I was sooo proud of me, lol. Pathetic! Thanks Colleen and Wendy for offering to help us out. And Araxi, thanks for coming so I dont feel so stupid!!!

Thats it for now, just a short one.

Time Flys!!

2006-10-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow! So yesterday I volunteer for this "new student tea" for students who will be starting nursing school in January (which is when I started last year). It felt so weird being there, and totally remembering sitting in their exact seets like it was yesterday, but it was a YEAR ago!! I remember being sooo scared, not knowing what to expect, being overwhelmed, wondering if I could do it, etc etc...and here I am, almost halfway done with nursing school. Its so crazy how fast time has gone, I cant even believe it. And its been 5 months already since I have been engaged, that is just crazy. So that means exactly a year and a half until our wedding, I cant freaking wait! Gosh, it will be such a long time coming by the time it finally happens, but I am sure it will be here before I know it!!

Speaking of wedding stuff...I havent really had the "planning bug" quite as bad as I did, but its still fun to look at different things. The Knot is the most addicting website EVER.

I know this may seem like an odd idea to some, but I have been STUCK on the idea of having chandeliers hanging from the tree at the place we are getting married. The tree there is HUGE, exactly like the one in this picture, and I just love the way it looks. Funky, but fun and elegant at the same time. Love her dress too, minus the flower on the top.

Weekend Recap

2006-10-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Had a pretty laid back weekend, although I had school Friday all day and Saturday all day, at least it was just at school and not real "clinical" at the hospital, I didnt have to be up at 4 am on Saturday for the first time in a long time, yay for that!!! My sister came home to do my hair this weekend, still not sure how I feel about it. I will have to get a pic up so you know what I am talking about. For those who dont know, she is just starting cosmotology school and new to all of this, so when she does my hair, its more like "practicing" than anything...but hey it was free, plus it gave us 6 hours just to talk and catch up (yes, thats how long it took her to do a partial weave, no cut, just color, 6 hours.).

Next weekend I have no clinical on Saturday, so I am going with my dad and sister (and maybe Michael) to visit my Grandma, I am so excited I cant wait. Its been forever since I have seen her, and I know she looks so forward to seeing us ever since my Grandpa passed away last year, shes been lonely, so she loves for us to visit. Hopefully she will help me with this quilt that I have been dying to make...I have it all ready to go, I just gotta figure out how to sew it and she is the quilt master!

Shouts out to 2 girlfriends this weekend that got MARRIED!!! Nichole and Olivia. I am so happy for the both of them!!! Wishing them all the happiness in the world and hoping they enjoy their new hubbies!

Lately time spent with Michael has been scarce...it really makes me sad. Now that I have this new job, I am at school Monday, then tues-thurs I am working til 6 or 7 at night, which most of the time he is home all day and just going IN to work at 6, then Friday and Saturday I have clinicals...and Sunday was our one day to be together all day and he is going to be working Sundays now...I know its for the best, we will be able to save more money, but it just really makes me sad...at least now with us living together we are TOGETHER every day, even if it is when we are both snoring! lol

Saw this on someones blog and thought it was cute.

5 Weird things about me I bet you didnt know

1. I cant stand the smell of open food in the fridge. I dont know why this bothers me so much. I hate when people put left-over take out containers in their fridge and it makes the entire fridge smell like old, gross food. I actually hold my breath whenever I open any fridge because it makes me gag. (this is probably why I cant eat cold pizza like a lot of people I know, it reminds me of smelly food in the fridge.)

2. I got braids in my hair when I was 21. Yes, real braids with extensions like the kind black girls get. I thought it was cool. Looking back at the pictures, it wasnt so cool.

3. I brush my teeth in the shower. I dont happen to think that is weird, but when Michael moved in he informed me that it is.

4. I am the queen of lists, but I never seem to follow them. I make to do lists probably about every single day, and every week I make lists (various ones, school stuff, cooking, working out, etc).

5. My favorite favorite thing on earth to eat is toast with avocado smeared on it. If you havent tried it, please do. Buy a ripe avocado, cut into slices. Toast 2 pieces of fresh white bread til golden brown (not too brown). Spread a little low fat mayo on the bread, and layer the slices onto each piece of toast. sprinkle with salt and pepper, and use a fork to sorta mash the avocado into the bread. It is seriously the BEST snack ever and I would eat it every day if I would. (but since I am broke I only do when avocados are on sale).

Ok I have to add a 6th one just because I think it is funny. I used to stuff my bra with shoulder pads in Junior High. Please tell me that someone else reading this stuffed their bra too, because I am begining to think I am the only pathetic akward teenager that did.

Hope everyone has an awesome week!!

If you have ever read anything in my blog...

2006-10-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Please read this.

I know sometimes my posts are filled with complaining about school or this or that, or gossiping, or talking badly about others (which I tend to do a lot), and not that its bad that we do those things, but this is for sure not one of those posts.

Today, as I was avoiding doing the things I should have been doing, I stumbled across this womans blog, and was so drawn in I read it for hours. It isnt just some regular ole' blog about scrapping, or the weekend "to-do's" it is the most heartfelt journaling I have ever read in my life. I seriously think that after reading this blog, I am a changed person. All of the things that I complain about, and whine about, and bitch that "arent fair," are NOTHING compared to this womans story. She should write a book someday, that is how amazing she is. I could go into detail about what I learned about her and her family just by simply scrolling through pages of journaling, but if you want to know about it, I think you should read it, because I know I could never put into words what has taken place in her life. I am posting about Jody because I hope that in some teenie tiny way, she may inspire you, she may encourage you, she may motivate you to look at your life differently than you have been up until now. (and I can gurantee she will bring a tear or two, or ok maybe 1,000, to your eye).

Here is the link to her blog...my favorite entry is in her December 2005 Archieves...titled 'the barbie tree.' After reading that, the things she journals about daily make more sense, and have so much more meaning.

http://jodyferlaak.blogspot.com/

And for anyone who wants to read the story of the tragedy that happened to her family, here is an article

http://www.bethel.edu/alumni/Focus/Spring/03/teagan.html

Enjoy, she really is an amazing woman.

Funkdafied

2006-10-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

I dont know why, but I am just in this weird funk right now. Cant really explain it. Maybe its school. Maybe its other things, not too sure, I just know I gotta kick it, and quick. I hate feeling this way, kinda un-motivated about everything, maybe I need to go shopping, new clothes always make me feel better (sad I know).

I am DONE with the wicked witch of the west. Took my final in her class yesterday and was thrilled to walk out the door and slam it behind me. I got an 87 on the final, and something like 89.44 in the class or something (why the hell cant they just round it to 90!?). Starting fresh with a new instructor (who was my clinical instructor last semester, LOVE her), and feeling good about it, so good I am actually going to bring my book and read AHEAD for next mondays lecture today when I babysit. Thats a first.

Michael and mines anniversary is coming up, Halloween, we are excited about it. I cant believe its been two years, seems so long, but feels so short. I seriously dont know where I would be without him in my life right now, he is the best thing that ever happened to me (besides flat irons, lol).

Off to school and then work, yuck.

Why oh why...

2006-10-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Does Starbucks have to have the yummiest drinks this time of year? I cant get enough, its horrible. Thankfully it doesnt rain or snow too often in California, otherwise I would be drinking these bad boys every single day. Pumpkin latte= LOVE.

So today I got in touch with someone I have been trying to get in touch with FOREVER. She was my best friend in Jr. High and High School, and we lost touch when she turned to drugs and a life of bad stuff...but I have always thought about her, every day almost, and she found me on myspace of all places. I know that website has a bad rap, but ya know, I have re-connected with so many friends because of it, and I will be forever greatful to Tom. We talked for an hour today, and it was the best feeling ever, I love re-connecting with people that were such a big part of your life. Its just such a great feeling to catch up with an old friend, she was more than a friend, she was a best friend at one point, almost like a sister, I know her entire family, she knows mine, we spent so much time together for years. I am hopefully going to visit her and her new baby, Ryan, in November. She just had Ryan on September 1st, and I cant wait to meet him. I am so thankful that she has turned her life around, and I am even more thankful that she was just as happy as I was to get back in touch. Makes me happy inside.

Not much exciting here, scrapping with Michelle tomorrow, thats always fun, love girl gossip/fun time, its the best. Last weekend at Childrens Hospital this weekend, happy to be done, but sad to leave, I love that place.

Life is Crazy

2006-10-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Long time no post. Life has just been crazy, I swear nursing school takes it out of me, I cant wait to be DONE. Speaking of done, I have a final on Monday and then I never have to deal with this STUPID instructor again. Ugh, cant stand the woman, she is EVIL.

Nothing really super exciting is going on...celebrated my sisters 19th birthday on Sunday, I cant believe shes 19, that means I am old. I dont know why, but 24 feels so old to me. The one thing I am thankful for, is as I have gotten older, I have become so much closer with both my mom and my sister, and thats awesome.

This is a shorty post because Im gonna go work out, woo hoo!

How pretty is this table set-up? These are the colors Michael and I chose (well, I chose) for our wedding, arent they bright and fun?? I love the look of the long table, still not sure if we will haev those or round ones. We shall see, Lord knows I have plenty of time to figure it out!

Leave it to me...

2006-10-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

To make a complete idiot out of myself. So I have this new job, babysitting (she calls me the 'nanny' but I like babysitter better, makes me feel younger) and yesterday I worked late so they could go on a date together. There is only one little boy, Nathan, so just turned 1, and hes cute as ever. So last night, around 8, I put him to bed like usual. I walk down the stairs (which are hardwood), and thud thud thud thud thud thud...thats me, falling down the stairs on my butt. I thought I broke my back! I was laying there, crying (really I was) for like 10 minutes, and the worst part...Nathans mom and dad walked in from their date as I was laying there! LOL. I felt so stupid. They were so sweet about it of course, but I felt so dumb.

School is just crazy right now. I have an exam, a teaching plan, and a community project paper all due on Monday. I cant handle this crap, its just too much. Last night was supposed to be my study night when I got home from babysitting, but instead I crawled into bed and took a Soma and passed out! so, I guess that means tonight I am staying up late...because Friday I have a nursing convention that I have to go to in Aneheim all day, and then Saturday I am at Childrens Hospital again, for a 12 hour shift. So basically, I have Sunday to do everything that is due on Monday, lovely.

Lately I have been feeling really thankful for everything I have in my life. So today, I am thankful for my health (as much as I may complain about my weight), because I can walk, I can talk, I can see, and I can hear. What are you thankful for today?

Ok how CUTE is this wedding photo? Dont know these people, but its still super cute!

Blog Thief

2006-09-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ok so I stole this from my girl Kats blog, but it rocked so much that I had to!

10 songs that make me remember (in no particular order). And if your reading this, TAG your it!

1. Crossroads (Bone Thugs n' Harmony): 7th grade, Q105 (our favorite radio station), we used to call and request this song and give 'shout outs' ALL the time! I had this song on just about every single mixed tape (and I had TONS). It reminds me of laying out by the pool at my best friend Kristas house, where we didnt have a care in the world aside from what boys were coming over, lol

2. Best of Burden (The Stones): reminds me of the houseboat trips my family has taken every single year for the last like 15 years, Lake Mohave, Forever Resorts houseboats, its the BEST vacation ever. We play this song several times a day when we just lounge in the lake drinking all day long, gotta love family vacations

3. Friends Forever (Vitamin C): as dorky as this song is, it came out the year I graduated high school (2000) and it was played as we all walked out and I remember totally bawling when I heard it

4. Walk This Way (Aerosmith): I apparently sing this song in my sleep according to my cousins, so its the joke every time we go out and they request it at every bar we go to together, cracks me up

5. Back That Ass Up (Juvenile): one word: clubbing.

6. Better off Alone (Alice DJ): Grad Nite 2000...with my best friend Angie, BEST night of my life (for reasons I am embarassed to say now, but it was a blast!). We danced our bootys off to this song all night

7. Mesmerized (Ja Rule): No real meaning to it, its just a song me and my sister love singing in the car and it reminds me of her and makes me happy every time I hear it

8. Get Low (Lil John): CLUBBING. When this song comes on at a club, EVERYONE is up on the dance floor, you cant help but want to shake it when you hear this one

9. I wanna know (Joe): reminds me of my first love, awwww, 18 year old love, soooo glad I am over that phase in my life

10. Celebration (Kool and The Gang): because its played at every single family wedding and it just reminds me of celebrating life and being happy!

Speaking of celebrating life, today was a sad sad day, I want to tear up just thinking about it. I was on a unit at Childrens Hospital called Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and my 2 patients I had both had something called ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). Lauren was 18 months old and Jonathan was 16 months old. Both the sweetest kids you will ever meet in your life, and both so sick. When kids have ALL they usually get bone marrow transplants because their bone marrow is 'bad' and not producing the cells they need to have a healthy functioning immune system, so they get the transplant (from either a donor or cord blood) and everyone crosses their fingers that it takes and that they 'get better.' The sad part is that for them, getting better is living a year or two longer, because the prognosis of ALL is really poor. They were trying to get Lauren 'well' enough to be able to go home so her parents could enjoy her before her disease advances too far, which just broke my heart. Laurens life is basically living in a bubble. She has a plastic shield between her crib and the outside world, that has arm holes for the nurses so they can do simple tasks without having to put on all of the isolation gear (gown, mask, hair cap, booties, and double gloves). To go into Laurens room, I had to scrub in for 5 minutes, and put on all the gear, so really she doesnt even get to see your face, which is so sad because I so wish she could have seen me smiling because she was so stinkin cute. The best part, is that she doesnt know she is sick, she is just happy as can be. She knows she takes medicine, she knows that we have to listen to her heart and take her temperature and other vital signs, she knows she isnt allowed to walk past a certain line in her room, but she has no idea that she wont be living for much longer. I guess its better that way, if I had a choice I would want to live with a chronic illness and not know it too. I just felt so sad for her and her family, 3 months ago she was a happy, healthy 15 month old baby, and now she is still happy, but far from healthy. I loved the kids I got to take care of today, I just wish there was a cure for what they had so they could get healthy. I dont think I could ever work in a unit like that, its just so sad.

Ok I have been up since 4 am and got 4 hours of sleep last night..I am just a little bit beyond beat!

HUMP DAY

2006-09-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

Today was supposed to be my "fun" day off, turned out not so fun, ugh. Spent 3 hours driving down to Childrens Hospital just to get a stupid badge to wear for 2 more clinicals, how lame is that?! Drove Michael to pick up his car (which was acting up again after just dropping like 4 grand into it) in the valley, another hour in the car. I hate driving! lol. I did get to spend time with my sister today which was super cool, I miss having her around.

I cant wait for Friday, getting some spa treatment and good ole' girl shopping with Michelle, I am super excited.

My birthday was ok, it kinda sucks because on your birthday you realize all the people that DONT call you. Sounds kinda selfish, but it does kinda hurt your feelings a little. Scored some sweet gifts from Michael and the fam bam, gift cards, money, new ink for my printer! (only a scrapper would get excited about that), some teeth whitening stuff, and some tanning lotion. I am going to start tanning again (bad, I know, but something about a TAN just makes ya feel so dang good!).

Nothing really too exciting to report...loving my new job, and schools just SCHOOL.

Hope everyones having a great week!

How wacky and fun is this cake?!?!

I passed!

2006-09-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Wooooo freakin whooo!! I passed the exam with an 86%, not bad for a crazy lady writing it! I was kinda worried for a minute that I did bad, but turns out I did much better. Yay!

I am aching for a vacation, and school barely started! I miss our cruise so much, that was the BEST time, I cant wait for another vacation like that (next one will be our honeymoon I'm sure).

Guess what tomorrow is?! My BIRTHDAY! I so dont want to turn 24, I liked being 23, lol. Nothing really planned, I am actually working until 6, and then dinner planned for afterwards with the fam-bam and Michael. My sister is coming out so I am super excited about that, get to spend the day with her on Wednesday!

This picture is one I made Michael pose for in the exact spot he asked me to marry him. We didnt have any pictures of right when he did it, so we went back on the last day. awwww...I just love him!

I used to love Sundays

2006-09-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Now, not so much.

My Sundays used to consist of lounging around with Michael since it was our only day off together, watching our favorite show, Desperate Housewives (which premiers tonight), cooking dinner together, etc etc...now, I am cramming for an exam that I have the following day, pulling my hair out because my instructor doesnt TEACH us crap, and stressing. I cant wait for Sunday to go back to the way it used to be. I graduate in December 2007, but technically we only have 11 more months of SCHOOL (summer and breaks excluded), which is sooo awesome. I cant flippin wait. I love school, dont get my wrong, but I loved my LIFE too.

Fun for the day yesterday: going home from Childrens Hospital in LA after being there for 13 hours, I got on the 101 going the WRONG way for 20 miles. Who does that, really? I think I am losing brain cells!

Off to study. gross.

YUM

2006-09-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Had a fun day off yesterday. Drove down to Childrens Hospital in LA for NO friggin reason, the ID/parking place was closed, so the trip was pointless, ugh I hate when that happens. Took my girlfriend Angie and her daughter Asheley (who will be 1 in 2 weeks and is the cutest thing ever) to my aunts house to swim, had a blast. My aunt and uncle took us out for Sushi for our birthdays (since they are a week apart). Yum. Seriously, the BEST Sushi place, and its in this run down motel on PCH, but its the bomb diggity. Im still thinking about it.

Babysitting today and tomorrow, no clue when I am going to have any time to study for this next exam, sigh.

Saw this on Michelles blog, thought it was super cute!

The stuff I love right now:

1. Honey Bunches of Oats ("its a mouth full of joy")

2. Its not 100 degrees outside at 8 am

3. Its past midterms, and in 4 weeks I will be halfway done with second semester

4. Vegas for Thanksgiving ("Vegas Baby")

5. My family and friends

6. American Crafts paper, I think thats what I love the MOST

7. GREYS IS ON TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8. Planning my wedding, as far away as it may be, I love every moment of planning every single detail

9. Michael. I love him all the time, but especially right now (lol, hes sleeping).

10. A spa/girls day with Michelle next Friday, cant wait!!

Happy Thursday!

{No Subject}

2006-09-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Nothing too exciting going on around here, wish I could say there was. Got this from NicholeW's blog, thought it was a cute way to post

Yesterday:
Had class with the worlds worst nursing instructor ever.
Ate greek food with the girls from nursing school.
Got my TURBO JAM dvd's.
Turbo-kicked with Michelle.
Thought about cleaning the house, and quickly changed my mind.

Today:
Already worked out and its only 9:30 am.
Babysitting.
Talked to an old friend.
Need to take a nap.

Tomorrow:
Driving all the way to Childrens Hospital in LA for a stupid badge.
Taking my girlfriend Angie out for her birthday.
Possibly cooking dinner.
Study.
Work out.

See. Told ya there was nothing exciting.

Wiped out

2006-09-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

Ok so school is just wiping me OUT! I had my last 12 hour clinical at St. Johns in Oxnard yesterday, and this week will start 12 hours at Childrens Hospital in LA. I like the 12 hour clinicals, but they totally wipe you out, big time!! I had a great last day though, I was so proud of myself, I did EVERYTHING on time, my charting, vitals, meds, etc etc...it was a great day!

Nothing too exciting to report, my b day is coming, yiipppiieee!! Not doing anything super-special, going to dinner with the fam, hopefully having girls night out with the girls from nursing school, maybe something special with Michael, we shall see!

Off to study and write my scholarship essay, I am in desperate need of some money!

What do you think of these cards & magnet for our save the dates? I just LOVE these!!

This totally sucks

2006-09-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

Ok so this new blogger 'beta' rocks because of the easy options and simplicity of changing your blog around...however it sucks because you cant comment on peoples blogs unless they also upgraded to blogger beta. Total bummer, most people just have regular blogger :o(

Tonight was a fun night, when I got back from babysitting Michael had a really nice dinner, Spaghetti and meatballs with fresh french bread (the sauce for the pasta is his family recipe, its SO stinkin good!!!). I stopped on my way home and picked up some wine (although I wish I loved red wine, I cant stand it, so we opted for a white, even though it so doesnt go with pasta!). I had 3 glasses, yum! For those that dont know, Michael and I live with my parents, I have always lived with them, but I convinced him to move in after we got engaged so we could save money for our house that we are hopefully buying around this time next year. So its been an adjustment (he had his own place before, so we had plenty of 'alone' time), but its really for the best, and he gets along great with my parents. The whole point is that my parents are on a "road trip" this week so we have the house to ourselves, hence the wine :o)

On a side note, 5 weeks left of this AWEFUL nursing instructor that I have and I am done with her! woooo, cant wait!! I swear, labor and delivery and pediatrics is supposed to be the FUN rotation in nursing school, and this has been absolute HELL. I love my clinical instructor, thankfully I dont have the aweful instructor for both theory AND clinical, but I am just so anxious for it to be over that I am not enjoying myself. Although 2 weeks ago I got to see a c-section, and 2 vaginal deliveries, all in one day. Then I got to do the assessments on the babies, give them their shots, first baths, etc etc. My favorite part was wrapping up those sweet babies and handing them to their parents for the first time, its such a special time and how lucky those nurses are to be able to be there for that. I dont think I will ever be an L&D nurse though, I just couldnt do it. There is so much liability due to the fact the the Doctor isnt even there until the last 5 minutes of the delivery, and it just makes me nervous. Plus, all the things that could go wrong that we read in our text books, eeek! freaks me out!! My favorite part so far about this rotation has been teaching the new moms and families about their babies, breastfeeding, etc. It makes me feel like I have a purpose rather than just BEING there. Although it IS a bit akward, considering I have never breastfed (duh), but at least I SOUND like I know what I am talking about. This Saturday is my last clinical and then its onto pediatrics at Childrens Hospital in LA. Cant wait for that!

Off to snuggle up and watch a movie with Michael. Have a great weekend everyone!

p.s. here is a picture of Michaels mom and step-dad from our cruise this past May...I miss them SO much!!! They are the greatest people I have ever met (aside from my parents). They are in Arizona and we are planning to move there next year, I cant wait!!!! Love you guys!!

New look & Wedding Dress

2006-09-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ok so I changed my blog up a little, its so much easier with the new Beta Blogger! Thanks Toni for the advice!

This is the wedding dress that I think I have my heart set on, I could always change my mind in the next year and a half, but for now, I love it. Its so perfect and its everything I want in a dress! (and its really reasonably priced too!)

I heart Target

2006-09-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love Target. How sad that spending money makes me feel SO good! I havent bought myself ANYTHING aside from books and school supplies since January pretty much, so it was so nice to go and spend money. I got some workout clothes, a cute white shirt, a super cute headband, some $1 spot scrap stuff (super cute for $1!), and some socks. It feels good to buy stuff for ME and not for school or other people. I cant wait to be done with nursing school and buying stuff for myself again.

So I went to the Dr today (the GIRL Dr), and I have to say, everytime I leave that place I am a little freaked out. (I know this blog is being read by GIRLS anyway, and girls that are my friends better yet, so hopefully no one is offended). Last year, I think it was around this time, an anual pap came back "abnormal" which REALLY freaked me out. So I got a referal, and went in for a Colposcopy. If anyone has had one, then you know its not the most comfortable thing in the world. So then after that, I had to go in every 3 months for 1 year, and then go back to just once a year. So far it has been ok, no further changes in the "abnormal cells" but it totally just freaks me out. The reason that they are abnormal is because I have HPV, and I learned today that 1 in 3 women have it, so its not uncommon, nor is it a "gross STD" or anything like that. The reason it freaks me out, is because I know that I now have more of a chance to have cervical cancer in the future, and if the cells become more abnormal than they are now, chances of a normal conception/pregnancy go down. My Dr said to not stress about it, that cervical cancer is a slow growing cancer, and if I was to have it, it would be picked up on my anual pap, but it still worries me. I left crying because I would never forgive myself if Michael and I got married and I was not able to have children. So I talked to him when I got home, and he just said we would pray about it, and that if its in Gods will for our lives, everything will work out. I told HIM that we would be trying immediatly after nursing school, LOL. So anyways, if your reading this and you havent had a pap in a while, GO IN! Thats what we have health insurance for, and its something that could potentially save your life.

Ok depressing stuff aside, Gotta post this recipe for Pumpkin Cream-Cheese muffins. I LOVE the fall and love this kind of stuff. mmmmmm I am drooling thinking about these.

Pumpkin Cream-Cheese Muffins

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons brown sugar
4 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons white sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped pecans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/3 cups canned pumpkin
1/3 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour 18 muffin cups, or use paper liners.
2. To make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until soft. Add egg, vanilla and brown sugar. Beat until smooth, then set aside.
3. For the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Add butter and cut it in with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
4. For the muffin batter: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the center of flour mixture and add eggs, pumpkin, olive oil and vanilla. Beat together until smooth.
5. Place pumpkin mixture in muffin cups about 1/2 full. Then add one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture right in the middle of the batter. Try to keep cream cheese from touching the paper cup. Sprinkle on the streusel topping.
6. Bake at 375 degrees F (195 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes.

Can we say YUM?!

First Exam

2006-09-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

So today I had my first exam with this new instructor from HELL. I was so friggin nervous, I seriously had no idea what to study, this lady is so all over the place she should be thanking God every day she HAS a job! I was sooo suprised to come home and see I got an 86!! I so thought I failed (especially since she the average score was 66). I am really super happy!!!!

On a more important note, today is such a sad day. I wish people still felt the way that they did the days and weeks following 9/11, it almost seems as if people have been so quick to forget. I know its difficult, since so many of us werent directly affected by what happened, but I know that my life has changed since that day. I still remember so vividly watching the one tower burning and seeing the second plane crash into the other tower. I will never forget the camera zooming in on the building, only to zoom out because they realized that the objects they couldnt make out were people jumping out of the hundreth + story of the building. I dont even want to think about what I would have done had I been there. I am so thankful every day (and today especially) that I have the life that I have and that I have been so blessed. In class today we took a moment of silence to remember those lost that day, and I couldnt help but to cry. It was just such a tragic event and sometimes it still seems so unreal that something like that could happen to us, the United States of America. I just wish we were as united today as we were on 9-11-2001.

We will never forget.

2006-09-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

1. Three things that scare me: my house catching on fire, losing someone close to me, snakes

2. Three people that make me laugh: Michael, Beana, Katie

3. Three things I hate the most: Rude people, bad drivers, bad hair days

4. Three things I don't understand: Spanish, French, and Chinese

5. Three things I'm doing right now: Listening to my dogs bark at nothing, blogging, drinking a diet root beer

6. Three things I want to do before I die: Have lots of kids, sky dive, and travel to Europe

7. Three things I can do: scrapbook, watch bloody surgery on TV while eating dinner, laugh until I pee my pants

8. Three ways to describe my personality: caring, fun, emotional

9. Three things I can't do: pick up dog poop, drink water, let my nails grow out

10. Three things I think you should listen to: Jack Johnson, kids on the playground, rain against your window

11. Three things you should never listen to: William Hung, AM radio, gossip

12. Three things I'd like to learn: How to knit, how to save money, how to let things go

13. Three favourite foods: in-n-out, cereal, dessert

14. Three beverages I drink regularly: Diet coke, diet mountain dew, ice blended drinks from Dr. Konkeys and The Bean

15. Three shows I watched as a kid: Full House, Saved By The Bell, David The Knome

16. Three people I'm tagging: Any 3 people that are reading this

Feeling better today than I was last night, although I woke up at 6 am because Michael was having an asthma attack. Maybe I will take a nap. I love naps.

Feeling down tonight

2006-09-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

Not really sure why, just am I guess. I think its the baby bug biting me again. I swear, something is in the water, EVERYONE I know is pregnant right now, its insane. I dont know if its the new trend, or what, but I am so envious of everyone. So sad that it cant be ME, even though I know I will be there someday. I try to be happy for everyone, but sometimes its so hard because this evil part of my personality is like overflowing with jealousy. Its horrible, I know, but I cant help it, its the way I feel. It sucks to do things the "right way," to go to school, get married, buy a house, and then have kids. Cant we just skip to the kids part?? I just cannot wait to be a mother, and although I am enjoying my time now with just me and Michael, we both want children more than anything. I am crossing my fingers that we will plan on getting pregnant on our honeymoon, that is what we want as of now anyway. 2008 seems soooo far away!!