Mi Vida Loca

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

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}

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...

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!

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

Poor Unfortunate Blog

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?!?!

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

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...

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

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

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!!

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

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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

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

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!

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

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

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}

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!!

I love this guy! <3

I hate blogger

If I wasnt so dang CHEAP I would use typepad. I have a post thats in my "posts" section but the darn thing wont publish. WHAT ever!!

Nothing too exciting going on...really liking this new job I got as a nanny. Its for an 11 month old baby, Nathan, and he is just the sweetest, cutest, FATTEST little guy ever, hes so much fun!

Had chinese food with Michael tonight, NOT my favorite, but he swore this place was "amazing" (it was alright, no different than any other chinese place).

I miss my sister, cant wait to see her, hopefully next week.

Have to work tomorrow, ugh. I cant wait to be done with this job at the hospital, its just plain stupid and I cant stand working there. only 2 more weeks and I am done.

Michael goes for his interview tomorrow, I am super excited for him and cant wait to hear all about it.

Im craving a white blizzard...I must get one before work tomorrow!

The end.

Fun for the day

Was blog-surfing and found this, so here is the entertainment for the day :o)

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? mmm...probably in Huntington Beach, being there makes me happy
2. What's your favorite article of clothing? lately I havent been much into fashion (havent gone shopping in MONTHS), so probably a hoodie
3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? big kissable lips!
4. What's the last CD that you bought? I dont even remember its been that long!
5. Where's your favorite place to be? In Michaels arms, awww
6. Where's your least place to be? Lindas lecture
7. What's your favorite place to be massaged? my feet
8. Strong in mind or strong in body? I think you have to be strong in mind to be strong in body, so strong in mind :o)
9. What time do you wake in the morning? I wish it was earlier, but usually around 9, if I have school then 5 or 6
10. What's your favorite kitchen appliance? kitchenaid mixer
11. What makes you really angry? bad drivers
12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be? piano, I love the piano
13. What is your Favorite color? PINK
14. Which do you prefer, sports car or SUV? a small SUV, I have my heart set on a kia sorrento or a highlander hybrid
15. Do you believe in afterlife? I believe in Heaven
16. Favorite children's book? The giving tree
17. What is your favorite season? Summer
18. What's your least favorite household chore? dishes!
19. If you could have one super power, what would it be? to fly
20. If you have a tattoo, what is it? A hibiscus flower with leaves on the small of my back (real original, I know I know)
21. Can you juggle? yea right
22. The one person from your past you wish you could go back and talk to? My grandpa, I wish I would have learned more about him and from him before he passed away
23. What is your favorite day of the week? Sunday
24. What's in the trunk of your car? Thank God I didnt answer this a month ago. Now there is water bottles, jumper cables, my spin seat, school books, and my skills bag for school
25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? hhmmm tough one, probably a hamburger, from in-n-out, with extra cheese paper!!

Ok if you took the time to read this, you better be doing it on your own blog!

I am trying to avoid studying right now, but it looks like I gotta break down and do it. Just got back from kickboxing, love that class.

Nothing exciting going on today, maybe a BBQ at Tawns later, I havent been able to see Dylan since I've been sick, cant wait to see him!!!

Long time no post

I feel like I havent blogged in forever, probably because I havent, lol. Life has just been busy, I have been sick since we got back from Laughlin and today is the first day I actually feel better. Went to the dr and they said it was viral, so I basically suffered for 3 weeks hacking up my friggin LUNGS!! So glad to be feeling better though. Got in a good workout last night for the first time in a while and my glutes are wishing I wouldnt have! It feels good to feel sore, means I'm doin somethin right!!

So I started school on the 21st, and its INSANE. I have the instructor from hell, I dont know how she is still teaching. I am sure she is a great person, but as an instructor she is just aweful. So unorganized. Very rude. Says tacky things. ugh. The other day a lady that has a son with special needs (all the students knew that from being in class with her last semester, however since the instructors change, she had no idea, nor do I think she would have really cared) asked some sort of question about something to do with the possiblity of a child being born with brain damage or some sort of disability, and the instructor responded with something about "those kids will ride the little yellow special bus for the rest of their life" OMG! how rude can you be?!?!? She also was talking about young girls having babies to have someone to love them, and she continued to say that "babies dont love you, children dont LOVE YOU, they are just parasites" WTF? So I have 7 more weeks to deal with this crazy lady, wish me luck!!

Clincials have been good so far, we are doing labor and delivery, and my last shift I got to see a c-section, 2 vaginal deliveries, and got to do the assessment and first shots for the babies. It was such a great experience, I really loved it. Got a break this week because of Labor Day, woo!! Now if I could just get myself to study...

Wedding plans are the same...everything is pretty much PLANNED, now its just the waiting part. A friend of mine recently got married at the place we chose as our venue, and I cant wait to see her professional pics!! Here is one that her mom took. Gosh it makes me wish school could just FLY by and we could be married already and start our lives together.

Speaking of Michael, I just love him. He is the most amazing person I have ever had in my life, and sometimes I think I forget to tell him that. Its been an adjustment to live with him, especially HERE, but its been really fun, and we are making things work. The best part is that Michael is saving money like crazy, and that was the whole goal. Aside from the bummer of having to put $4,000 into it for a new engine and radiator last week, and then new tires (another $500), we have still managed to save money, woo hoo. He has been nothing but sweet whenever I have asked him for money, even if its for something stupid (like white dreams from the bean that I am obsessed with these days). Lately we have been having these cute conversations about our future kids names, every once in a while one of us will say "what do you think of this name?" and we talk and day dream, its so fun :o) We cant wait to be there, but we are enjoying the time until we do. We really want to have kids ASAP, so we are counting on a honeymoon baby! (that could always change, but thats the plans for now). I know Michael will be such an amazing husband and father, and I cant wait!

We decided to go to Vegas for Thanksgiving this year, kinda a random thing to do, but it should be fun. Michaels mom invited us, along with our family friends the Reeses (yea like the candy), and its always a good time with them. I cant wait. I told Michael to start saving money for my pina coladas now! Vegas has to be just about the only place that I will be drunk the entire trip (I am not much of a drinker, but something about Vegas just says GET DRUNK). I cant wait.

Lately we have really been into this show called 'flip that house' and we really want to do it. Its a show where people buy a 'fixer-uper' and fix it up, and then sell to make a profit. Most people make between $50,000-$100,000 in like 2 months time, which is amazing. I told Michael he should consider doing it next fall, he could go to Arizona and spend a couple months fixing up a house and sell it, and we could use the profit to buy a nice big house (wishful thinking, but it COULD work!). I dont know, I have been having mixed feelings about Arizona lately. I really want to go because I know there is great opportunity for a young couple like us that want to start a family, but at the same time, EVERYTHING is here. Everything that I have never been away from, and am scared to death of leaving. This is my HOME, and its going to be so hard to leave!!! Maybe, just maybe we will win the lotto and be able to stay. (rriiiiiiight.). Michael is going in for a job interview this week, its actually a reall cool story. Granted it would be selling cars, but the guy told him he could start him between 60-80K a year. If he could make that and my salary as an RN, we COULD live here...but his heart is set on Arizona. Its only 6 hours away, but its just hard for me to grasp moving to another STATE! I just love California, I dont know anything else. We have time to think about it, and time before we leave, but I dont wanna go!

I miss my sister. For those of you who dont know she moved out to live with her cousin (our cousin I guess) in Long Beach to go to cosmotology school, and although plans havent worked out as well as they wanted it to (they started in July, got kicked out for something stupid, have to start back again from the very begining in OCTOBER), they are doing great, much better than they were a year ago. I just wish that mine and my sisters relationship was closer, but her and my mom bump heads way too much for her to be able to live here and have it be a civil environment, so its for the best, but I just miss having her around. She always makes me laugh and I love that about her.

Sigh, I guess now I have NO excuse to not study, now that I have written my life story. Thats all for now.

Sick

Back from a fun-filled weekend in Laughlin, and now I am sick as a dog, blah. Losing my voice, coughing, headache, etc etc. I hope I get better because school starts MONDAY. yikes, cant believe the summer is over already!! I am excited to start, but not at the same time. The next 9 months are going to be crazy, school every week, with 2 weeks off around christmas, all the way up through May. I am excited, because after May I only have half a semester left, but I just know this is going to be a tough few months!

My cell phone broke in Laughlin, now it wont even turn on. On my list of 'to do's' before Monday. I hate to do lists.

Wedding plans kinda at a stand still, I honestly have planned out everything, the dress, the tuxes, the bridesmaids dresses, the cake place, the site, the catering, the centerpieces, the flowers, etc etc...my countless hours on the knot paid off I guess. Of course my mind could always change, but as of now, its just waiting. I hate waiting. I hate that when people ask when our wedding is and I say 2008 its like its not important because its "so far" away. It drives me crazy. I know it IS far away, and a longer engagment than most, but still, it doesnt make it any less important. I just cant wait for January 2008, I will be graduated and be an RN, and be finalizing the wedding that will be May 17, 2008.

We talked with Michaels parents in Laughlin this weekend, and we are going to start looking for a house in October 2007. We want to have one before I graduate, even if it means living apart for a couple months. The market isnt going to go down anytime soon, so the sooner we buy the better. Now I am especially excited because my girlfriend Erin will be moving there in the next couple of months. Now I will have someone I know other than Michaels parents and sister to hang out with and scrap with! I am so excited to start my life with Michael in Arizona, to us, Arizona is a way of making our dreams a reality (buying a home, starting a family, buying a boat, etc etc). Here in California they are all just dreams and its all they will ever be. It was so cute, this past weekend Michael kept suggesting names for our future children. So far we have for a boy Mathew (matty for short), Mason, and Brayden. For a girl its Hadley, Olivia, Brooklyn, and Paige. Of course 7 kids is just out of the question, but its nice to talk about it, makes it seem not SO far away.

Got this for Aprils blog and thought it was cute.

I WANT: to be done with nursing school already
I HAVE: a cough and sore throat, and it really sucks
I WISH: I had a million dollars
I HATE: driving next to big rigs on the freeway
I MISS: my sister
I HEAR: my laptop
I WONDER: how many kids Michael and I will have
I REGRET: nothing. I wouldnt be who I am if my life hadnt been the way it was. (ok, maybe I regret some nights I got way drunker than I should have, but thats about it)
I AM NOT: as patient as I should be
I DANCE: when I want to make Michael laugh
I SING: In the car, at the top of my lungs, and I pretend I am good
I CRY: when I am emotional
I AM NOT ALWAYS: as sweet as I should be to Michael
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: SCRAPBOOKS
I WRITE: when I have to, I would rather type
I CONFUSE: ?
I NEED: to go to the college and run my errands
I SHOULD: do the things I need to do, lol
I START: school next monday
I FINISH: nursing school December 2007
I TAG: anyone reading this


Thats all for now, off to take some cough medicine and a NAP!

Why is it that all of the cute new CHA scrap stuff comes out when I am totally BROKE? ugh. So much cute new stuff, I am going to have to sell lemonade outside on the weekends or something to be able to pay for it. Love me some scrap goodies.

So yesterday, Michaels jeep died on us. The mechanic said that his engine is shot and a new one is $4,000...he moved ino to SAVE money, not spend it!!! So frustrating, but thankfully we are living with my parents so he isnt having to pay rent like before. For now he has my car and I am car-less, which sucks, but we will make do.

Cooked with Michelle today, made the yummiest chicken and dumplings ever. so good.

Bridal shower tomorrow, looking forward to it (only know the bride and no one else so its a little akward, but should be fun fun!). Her wedding should be super fun, its in September in San Diego, another reason for me and Michael to have a weekend getaway there, cant wait. Here is a picture in La Jolla from last time we went, it was so much fun.

Am trying to figure out how to upload pictures from our digital, Michael still hasnt shown me so I have to wait for him to be able to put anything up, ugh. So until then, my blog is pretty boring.

Having a girls night out tonight with my girlfriends Tawny and Brittany and Tawns new baby, Dylan. Cant wait!! The Crazy Chicken (love their avocado salsa) and a chick flick, oh so much fun.

I'm out.

Busy weekend

My weekend was pretty busy, even though I didnt actually 'work.' Friday night I spent the night with my girlfriend Tawny who just had a baby, it was a fun girl night, movies and dinner. Saturday I helped my friend Onica with a wedding, and holy crap was it HOT!!! Saturday night I went with Michelle to dinner and a movie, we saw The Devil Wears Prada and it was so super cute! Sunday I got up at 5 am to watch my Godsons and it was just a crazy day. I'm glad the weekend is over and I am off work today, yippee!!

I have 3 weeks from today until I start school, I am so enjoying the last of the summer...as much as I want school to start so it can be over already, I am really loving having time off.

Nothing super exciting to report today, I am taking it easy, my back has been KILLING me all of yesterday and today it feels worse. I am going to do a long stretch sesh, hopefully that helps!

Thats all for now :o)

Oh yea, the adorable baby is my best friend Angies daughter, Asheley. Isnt she just the sweetest?

Just got in from the gym with Michelle and really need to kick my working out into high gear for sure!! Now that Michael is all moved in and the stress is gone from having the drama with the room mate, hopefully we can get into a good routine of eating healthy and working out together. we'll see how that goes.

Nothing exciting to report, worried right now about my credit card bill that I dont have the money to pay for (always a stressful thing). I need to pick up some shifts at work before school starts back so I can pay it off.

I hear my pillow calling my name, off to bed! :o)

Finally!!

Finally Michael is moving in!!!!!!!!! Its a LLLOOONNNGGG story as to why its taken this long and why I am so relieved, but I just have to let it go and know that its over, and hes finally moving in! I am so happy and excited, I cant wait. Its gonna be a crazy weekend considering we are working opposite schedules, but we will figure it out.

Cleaned my scrap space tonight, so depressing!! I always want to hold on to everything, thinking im going to use it "some day" but I just cant use an entire room for scrap stuff, so I condensed it down and got rid of TONS. The box is so heavy I dont even know how Im going to carry it out of my room, but we'll figure it out. Hopefully some of the Foxies will take some of it, and whatever is left maybe Yez can take to the Childrens Hospital.

On a side note...I really miss my sister. Its been really hard to be excited about Michael moving in, when I know that the reason there is room for him is because my sister isnt here anymore. I just feel like she has replaced me with our cousin, and I wish things could go back to the way they used to be. Hopefully when she finishes cosmotology school we will be able to spend more time together, its like I feel like so badly I want a close relationship with her, but its just "not there" if that makes any sense.

Gotta get to bed, working tomorrow at 6 am, yuck!

Dylan is here!!

My close friend from high school Tawny finally had her baby. He was born July 12th, at 3:30 am, 8 pounds 8 ounces and 21 inches long. Poor girl was in labor 16 hours, THEN they did a c-section. Dylan is happy and health, and SOOO cute!!! He has a ton of hair. Everyone is so excited that he is finally here. I will post some pictures of him.

Yesterday I watched my best friend Angies daughter, Asheley, took her to have pictures taken because she hasnt had any since she was a month old, shes 9 months now, and a package at Walmart cost me $50!! omg I was so mad! I looked on their website and they have packages for $6.88! Why did I pay $50?? I called back and raised hell with the little 16 year old idiot girl that took the pictures, and she told me to come back and she would fix it. Thank God, I am so on a budget right now and did not expect to pay that much at Walmart.

Its getting closer to Michael moving in, this Sunday. I am super excited, but a little nervous at the same time, I have never "lived" with anyone before. I cant wait to spend every day with him though.

Nothing else exciting going on, boring ole' me

Here is the picture

I almost forgot!

Happy Tuesday

Here I am again, abandoning my blog for months. I always say I am going to start blogging again, and just never get around to it. Lately I must admit that it is my new obsession with a wedding website called The Knot. It is seriously amazing the things you can find on there, I just love it, and the message boards are great. I know that next month when school starts back up again, my time to myself will be limited with studying and school stuff, so I am enjoying it now. I am off work this whole week, wooooo!! All I have planned is getting my house ready for Michael to move in, its already THIS Sunday!!! Yikes. I am super excited about it, but at the same time it will be a huge adjustment. I have never lived with anyone before, I mean yea I stay at Michaels all the time, but its not the same as living with him. I know this is the best thing for both of us though, so I am really happy that my parents have given us the opportunity to do it. We will be able to save money so that we can buy a house when we get married. (that sounds so weird, get married).

Wedding ramblings: I have decided on my wedding colors, they will be orange and fucshia. Our wedding date is May 17, 2008. We were going to pick May 25th, because its on a Sunday and everything is cheaper on Sundays, but thats memorial day weekend, and I dont want our guests to have to travel from out of town on a holiday weekend. So May 17th it is. I have the place picked out too, I pretty much have it all done "in my head" so to speak, and we will finalize stuff next summer. The place is truly AMAZING. I love it. It is an outdoor ranch/garden, its HUGE, they have this gorgeous old red barn thats great for photos, and the lawn where the reception will be has 4 huge trees around it, that are decorated with white lights, and the best part is that there is an old Victorian style home that will just make for amazing photos. I will put a picture up. We can also use the home for a cocktail hour, or cake cutting, or whatever we wanted, plus there is a really cute decorated bride and groom room for us to get ready in. I cant wait! I know a girl (from the knot) who is getting married there this August, so I cant wait to see how her wedding turns out! She is super sweet and helpful too.

School ramblings: Gosh, school...I have forgotten what its like to STUDY. I told myself that all summer I was going to review the last semester, memorize all my meds, pathophys, etc...and I havent done JACK! After Michael moves in I will, its just been crazy lately though. I also need to buy my book, and go to the library to copy my instructors lecture notes for next semester. I am SO nervous about next semester. I guess this instructor is super mean, and really hard to get along with, yikes!

So thats my update. Nothing really exciting to report. I will try to update this thing at least twice a week. Try is the key word.