Don't worry about the storms, dance in the rain!

Moving on when you don't feel like it!

2011-07-18T10:25:00.002-05:00

Well, haven't posted in awhile. Actually, I haven't posted since the heartbreak of losing our baby at only 6 weeks. I know that God will work everything to good, all we have to do is trust in Him, however, this has been a very tough road to walk through.

I feel like I cry all the time. Why am I still crying when it happened 2 months ago? I trust Him, I really do, but my heart is hurting. I so wanted to be a mom, I thought those dreams were coming true....I already loved that jelly bean in my stomach. When they confirmed that I indeed was miscarrying, I seriously couldn't even process it. Just couldn't believe it. It is setting in more and more, but not sure how to move on.

Some days I am fine, other days I struggle, but I am so thankful that He has not left my side the entire time. He is with us wherever we go and whatever we go through! Thanks so much for all of your prayers, David and I feel them and we love you all!

Announcement!

2011-05-06T11:41:00.003-05:00

Hard to really see on that picture, but we found out yesterday that we are expecting!!! I took about 4 tests to make sure, haven't seen a doctor yet. Such a surprise, but we are SO happy!

I am about 4 weeks pregnant, I think, so we should have the baby sometime in January. I am not posting on Facebook about it yet, but I just had to tell someone!

Please help me pray that this little one grows healthy and strong!

Pic of Daddy to Be!

Love you all!

Valentines Day!

2011-02-15T10:32:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone had a super day yesterday. I love my husband every single day and tell him every single day, but it's nice to have a special occasion where we can focus on being gushy all day!

He bought me some gorgeous pink roses and wrote a sweet card (oh, and some chocolate). I got him a card and a really big heart shaped Reese Cup.

Then, we went to lunch at Lulu's. It is a down home kind of place but they have the BEST fried chicken. They will either cover the cutlet with gravy or cheese sauce. I got the cheese sauce and it was literally one of the best things I have ever eaten.

After that, we went and shopped around a little and waited for Miss Laila to be done at the groomers. We have never had her groomed before, but she needed it so bad, she was getting shaggy. I was a little worried about how she would do, she was shaking like a leaf when we left her. But, when we picked her up, the groomer said that she was such a sweet girl!

She got a bone for being so good and for being our valentine!

I cooked a HUGE meal for dinner including: ceasar salad, cheddar garlic biscuits, grilled chicken, fetticini alfredo, and cookies and ice cream for dessert. Wow, it was so yummy, but so rich!

All in all, it was a great day with great company! Can't wait until next year! :)

2011-02-05T21:15:00.006-06:00

So, this has been a pretty good week. I cannot believe it is already February...hello, didn't we just have Christmas! :)

I thought I would have a little good and bad segment here on the blog. Because on a day where everything is going bad, there is still a little good!

Anyway, the bad.....

Yes, my coffee maker is not working, not even a little bit. It isn't draining right and is just making a huge mess. I have been so fed up with it that I tossed it in the trash can this morning. So, I have no coffee. Ugh, really bad.

The good?

My hubby says I can go shopping for a new one! We can't afford a really expensive one, but I am hoping to get a nicer one that my last one. It only lasted about 4 months. Not cool.

Oh and guess what else good happened this week?

Ok, so it didn't snow as much as they expected, but hey, we are in San Antonio! We got a lot of ice, though, and they had to close all the roads...but guess who didn't care at all about the cold....

Can you guess?

She was snuggled up and warm from head to paw!

Fresh Start!

2011-02-01T15:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

This past month I have been feeling so blah. Not really sick or anything, but just run down. The house (or more acurately, apartment) had gotten really cluttered and messy, we were doing a lot of take out and very little cooking, and I had a hard time getting off of the couch.

Right now, I am not working, so I was pretty much feeling like the worst wife ever. My husband never complained or anything, but I just couldn't seem to pull it together.

I am slowly starting to feel more like myself. I guess it was the combination of stress, back pain, and a lot of stuff going on in our family. Luckily, I am snapping out of it and realizing that God has it all under control and worrying about it won't do anything and just makes me depressed.

So, today I have been a cleaning maniac! That picture really could have been me, minus the nice hair and makeup. I tackled laundry, dishes, changed sheets, etc. I even dusted the ceiling fan and cleaned the microwave (which wasn't really dirty, but just felt so much better to have it scrubbed). Boy, is my hubby going to be excited and surprised when he comes home!

I also made a run to Target to stock up on groceries. I started clipping coupons again. I really only use them when I am buying the product anyway, but it saves a lot in the long run. Hello, free money! On my $60 bill, I saved almost $10, which feels really good. I need to buy some ink for my printer so that I can't print coupons from home. There are some good ones online. Yay for coupons!

Other than that, I am really trying to make better eating choices. It's hard being home so much, because I want to snack all the time! I will never be a size 2, but would love to get down to a healthy weight. I know I would feel better about myself. I also need to start exercising. We have a gym at our apartment, but it's really small and is usually pretty crowded. We are thinking about joing Planet Fitness. I was a member there for over a year during college and I loved it. It's nice to have a place with lots of equipment, tvs, and a locker room. It's pretty inexpensive too, which is really important.

Hope you all are doing well and having a blessed day!

2011

2011-01-13T20:02:00.003-06:00

Hope everyone is having a fantastic 2011. Here are just a few pics I have taken since the beginning of the year. Hoping 2011 is going to be the best yet!

Me and the hubby at Frederisksburg! Cute little German town with lots of shops.

David and his birthday cake! Happy 26th!

New Guestroom linens.

Playing around with my new camera!

My two loves!

Work Gloves

2011-01-12T09:49:00.002-06:00

After all the drama of moving cross country, I now realize the importance of owning a good pair of work gloves . Packing and moving boxes is hard work on your hands and can even cause carpel tunnel syndrome. When you wear a nice pair of gloves, you can stabilize your wrist and not strain your hands and muscles.

My wrists were so sore after ripping tape off of boxes last June when we moved from Alabama to Texas. I wish someone would have told me how simple it was to avoid.

100 post on this blog!

2011-01-04T19:17:00.003-06:00

Hello, All!

I did not fall of the face of the Earth, I have just been neglecting this blog. I really want to remember to blog more often, at least once a week maybe more. We will see if I can keep up with it!

I cannot believe Christmas is over, it went by so stinkin fast! We had a quiet Christmas this year with just the two of us and it was really nice. Then, my parents came and spent the week with us. We had so much fun!

After they left, I must have caught some kind of virus because I have run fever since Sunday afternoon. Not really high, just low grade, but I just feel so blah. So, here I am...stuck on the couch and figured why not blog a little?

I have got to get this house back in order, the in-laws are coming on Thursday! YAY!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week! :)

Flu Season Over :(

2010-11-02T20:34:00.003-05:00

So, I have been neglecting my blog because I have been really busy with work, church, housework, etc. But alas, I think I am done with flu shots this year. They even cancelled my last three days, which is not really good, because we could have used the money.

Now, I keep getting asked what I am going to do now. And you know what, I have no idea. Sure, I could probably get a job at a hospital and work on a floor, but that kind of lifestyle is hard when you are in the ministry. I really want to be with my husband as much as I can and working weekends just isn't going to work for me. Not to mention, the holidays are really important to us now that every member of our family (ALL OF THEM) are over 800 miles away.

So...if you have any ideas please share. I am looking for like a doctor's office job, or something that is Mon-Fri, but those jobs are hard to find and a lot of them require 1-2 years of hospital or acute care.

In other news, Laila got really sick yesterday and threw up about 10 times in less than an hour. We freaked and took her straight to the vet, where she got a shot for the nausea and fluids for dehydration. We were worried about what was going on and then we got a little "surprise" this morning. She pooped on her pad this morning and I noticed it looked strange. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was part of my earring that I had lost a couple days ago. It was a rather large wooden oval bead. Yeah, she swallowed the thing whole. Yeah, no wonder she was sick. So that was one pricey earring.

Anyway, I am tired. Good night all!

1st Anniversary

2010-09-25T15:28:00.002-05:00

So one year ago today I married my best friend. I cannot believe how fast time flies. We went and spent the night on the Riverwalk last night and it was so much fun. It is just beautiful down there and we had a balcony overlooking it!

In honor of the day. Here is a list of some of the reasons I love my David!

1) He is so romantic. He loves to surprise me with dates, flowers, sweet emails, whatever he can do to let me know he loves me.
2) Whenever I am sad, I know just as soon as I get into his arms, everything will be ok.
3) When I am sick, he is the best doctor! He gives me my medicine, gets me food and drink, and takes such amazing care of me.
4) He is going to be the best dad one day. The way he loves me and Laila, he will be amazing.
5) He is so laid back about everything and is so easy to please. He doesn't mind if the house is messy and all we have for dinner is sandwhiches, so go with the flow kinda guy!
6) The way my face lights up when the phone rings and it is him. He still gives me butterflies!
7) The way he holds my hand.
8) The way he leads worship, it melts my heart.
9) When I am upset, he listens and kisses away my tears.
10) How serious he takes his job. He is such a hard worker!
11) The way I can tell him anything. He is my best friend.
12) The way he looks when he sleeps.
13) The way he does little things to take care of me, like update my internet securtiy, vacuum for me, and gets gas for me.
14) The way he insists that I drive the newer car and he drives my old Honda, even though he usually drives further than me.
15) The way he makes everything a little sweeter than it used to be, like Christmas, and other special events.
16) The way he spent the night in the hosptital with me back in March. He slept on the couch and didn't want to leave my side.
17) How honest he is...he doesn't beat around the bush.
18) The fact he still takes me on dates. Very often!
19) How much he loves my cooking and how he goes on and on about how good of a cook I am! Yeah right!
20) How much he loves God, me, and our family!

Love you, Baby!

Busy Bees

2010-09-07T20:13:00.002-05:00

We have been SO busy over the last couple of weeks:

1) I started work. Back to giving flu shots to people at WalMart! It is SO much fun, I absolutely love it and wish I could do it year round. I meet the sweetest and most interesting people and really feel like I am helping people.

2) Laila got spayed. Oh my, it has been SO hard. Her ovaries were deeper than usual and it caused her to have a longer incision, two vets worked on her, she got cold during the surgery (they had to leave her on a heating pad), and she came home on antibiotics and pain medicine. She was so miserable for the first couple of days. I just had to hold her or she would cry. She is now back to her old spunky self. She still is taking medicine, but doesn't seem to be in any pain. She also has to wear this intertube thing around her neck to keep her from chewing her stictches. Apparently she is too small for one of those plastic cones.

3) I just recovered from a short virus or cold or something. It literally was the worst I have ever felt. I thought I was dying. High fever, cough, sore throat, and just felt so achy. I have heard there is something going around, and of course, if it's going around, I will catch it.

4) Some people don't seem to realize that I have a life even though they are not aware of the day by day events now that I moved to Texas. I am tired of only hearing from people when there is a problem and then I am expected to drop whatever I am doing to tend to it. I know this is not making much sense, but I am tired of being treated like an adult and then all of a sudden they feel like they can get on to me like a child. Ugh...anyway I am just rambling at this point.

We are doing well and trying to adjust to San Antonio. It's hard adjusting to a new role in ministry, but also a new church! We miss Kingwood so bad it physically hurts sometimes, but we are really enjoying serving Valley Hi and getting to know the people here. Thanks for all your prayers, we need them desperately!

Skype!

2010-08-26T21:49:00.002-05:00

My Dad sent us a Webcam so we could Skype! It is so awesome being able to actually see friends and family. It is almost like a visit, I love it. I got to talk to my sweet niece, Emma, and actually see her sweet face. When we left she was only 6 months old and now she is 8 months. No telling when I will see her again, we are going home for Thanksgiving, but they will be on a cruise with Katie's parents. So, that stinks, but this helps and I am so glad to find something that helps with this homesickness!

We love San Antonio, but there is no place like home! So, if you have a Skype account look for me. My User Name is JessicaHolleyRN

Love to all!

Reasons I love my Laila!

2010-08-18T13:15:00.002-05:00

Some of the reasons I love my puppy, Laila:

1) The way she gets so excited when we have been gone and then come back home, whether it's Dad coming home from work or us coming back from church, she is so excited. She runs around and kisses us and just the happiest puppy in the world!

2) The way she makes little sucking noises when she is asleep in my arms, she sounds like a little baby.

3) When she hears the shower curtain open she runs and licks the water off of our feet. No matter what she's doing in the house, when she hears that noise, she makes a bee line!

4) The way she loves to fetch her two stuffed bunnies. She will do it for hours, if we let her. We never even taught her to fetch, she has just always done it.

5) The way she loves to cuddle up with Mommy, she wants to lay her little head right on my cheek and catch some zzzzz's.

6) When I cry, she runs to me and licks the tears away.

7) The way she loves people. She loves anyone who comes to our door, is at the vet, or just people around the apartment complex. And of course, everyone LOVES her.

8) The way she is protective of Mommy, but when Daddy is home, she chills and knows that he will protect both of us.

9) When I drop ice, she comes and stockpiles whatever she can grab. Then she will sit down and eat them all.

10) The annoying habit she has of sniffing out the dryer sheets when I am doing laundry. She always finds it and runs away with it, in about 2 seconds flat.

11) When I say "You want a treat?" or "Want a cookie?" and she gets SO excited and wags her little tail.

12) When David tries to kiss or hug me and she has to get right in the middle of us and give us love too. She can't miss out on kisses!

13) How she curls into a little tiny ball in her bed.

14) How her little ears stick straigt up, just too funny.

15) When I am talking to David on the speaker phone and she comes over and licks the phone when she hears him.

16) How she loves us unconditionally, no matter what.

How Big Is God?

2010-08-14T12:26:00.002-05:00

I have a book of my Meemaw's poems that she wrote many years ago. They are so encouraging and uplifting. Here is one that I have been reading the last couple of days. Hope it encourages you!

How Big Is God?

When the storms of life are beating,
And the waves are rolling high;
On the sea of life we're tossing
Does He really hear our cry?

When we're being persecuted
Those we've trusted have let us down,
They've spread doubt and vicious gossip
Is He really still around?

When the clouds of gloom hang heavy
Seems there is no sky in sight,
Wait There is a ray of sunshine
To scatter clouds and banish night.

All the time He's been there waiting
For His discouraged, stumbling child
To cry out, in faith believing
He'll bring victory, give a smile.

He's big enough to calm the waters
To bring us safely through the tests,
Yes, big enough for every problem
Never doubt, His way is best.

Schedule!

2010-08-14T06:38:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I have been falling behind on my housework lately. Yes, I have been sick, but it was bad before then. I am not working for a few more weeks and when I am not working my job is keeping this house up. My husband was coming home to a messy house after work and that wasn't fair.

Yesterday, I started feeling better and just couldn't stand it anymore. It wasn't FILTHY, it was just cluttered and needed a deep clean. After taking my Laila to the vet, we went and bought cleaning supplies that I needed that I was running low on. I then cleaned straight for 4 hours. Wow, that is sad to say considering the size of our apartment. Washing dishes took at least an hour, because we had a problem with our dishwasher and they were covered in this white crusty stuff. (Not sure what happened, but the dishwasher is now fixed and my dishes clean after TONS of scrubbing by hand)

Some of that was laundry too...the rest was dusting, scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, etc. My husband helped with the dishes and vacuumed for me (our vacuum kills my back)I am sick of a full day like that, want my house to just stay clean. I am so happier when I have a clean house. Literally, I am in a better mood.

Anyway, I decided to start a cleaning schedule for everyday of the week. So, with less than an hour a day (sometimes a little more) my house will stay clean. I will have to work on laundry a couple times a week too, but that doesn't consume much time. Here it is:

Monday: Bathrooms (sinks, toilets, bathtubs)
Tuesday: Ironing (worst day of them all)
Wednesday: Sweep and Mop Kitchen and Bathrooms
Thursday: Kitchen (stove, all the little nooks and crannies, frig, etc)
Friday: Dust
Saturday: Windex all mirrors

Sunday is too busy to schedule anything. Really gonna try to stick to this, will make my life so much easier if I can do it!

Mean Girls...All Grown Up!

2010-08-09T22:12:00.002-05:00

So, most of us were familiar with Mean Girls when we were growing up. In Highschool, they were the girls that picked on what you were wearing, made faces at you behind your back, and basically just made your life more difficult. But, don't we think that adult women should act better than those girls....we should never find a "mean girl" in our workplace, group of friends, or even our church, right?

The answer is wrong and is sometimes frusterating to women! Why doesn't she like me? What did I do to her? How can I get back at her? How can I expose her to others?

I sometimes worry too much about what people think of me. I am a "people pleaser", I like to make people happy. I will admit that sometimes I get frusterated when people get upset or are rude to me. But, hello, you cannot please everyone. Jesus was perfect and even He couldn't make EVERYONE like him!

I have been struggling with this for awhile now and recently started reading the devotional book "Mean Girls, All Grown Up" It really has helped me learn how to deal with people that are just, let's face it, difficult. And I am guilty of holding on to grudges against people who are mean to me. That just perpetuates the negative attitude!

It seems SO simple now when you think about it, but what is your first response when someone is rude to you or hurts you. Do you cry? Gossip about her/him? Think of a way to hurt them back? Get angry?

How about...Rejoice? Yes, I mean rejoice. That's what the Bible tells us to do! Look at this:

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
-1 Peter 4:12-13

So, actually, when you face adversity of ANY kind, and lets face it, a "mean girl" one form...consider it ALL joy, because God is setting you up for a blessing! Yes, but only if you do things the right way. If you do things the wrong way, you are only lowering yourself to the "mean girl's" level, you are no better than her. So when she zaps you with a good one, what do you do? You smile, you are polite, and you pray for her. It is extremely hard to do and I am not always the best at it, I will admit. But, it is the best thing you can do for yourself and for her. Remember, God will seek justice for you, it is not your job!

I would encourage every woman to read this book. We have all experienced "mean girls" and all have probably been a "mean girl" to someone else and we will be judged and rewarded at how we respond!

Pet Peeves

2010-08-07T17:47:00.003-05:00

I have quite a few "quirks", I guess you could call them that. Or maybe I am just plain weird. Here are some of my pet peeves/quirks:

1) Spoons from restaurants...just thinking about all the people I don't know putting their lips on the same spoon just grosses me out...I always try to find a plastic spoon or just hardly let my lips touch the spoon
2) Couples that are SO clingy...this annoys me. I love my husband, but I do not hang all over him in public. Holding hands or a quick peck is just fine.
3) Parents who brings their kids to a movie theater and lets them just scream the whole time. Seriously? We paid to watch this movie!
4) Odd number dates. I hate any date that ends in an odd number...except for fives. Because you can count by fives. I know this is very stupid, but I can't help it...I would never choose a wedding day that ended in a 1,3,7, or 9. September 25 is fine, though. Explaining this during wedding planning is very hard, BTW, they all looked at me as if I was crazy. Maybe I am.
5) People who always say they have no money and always seem to be struggling, but then you see them with IPhones or expensive new clothes or even a new car. I know it is none of my business, but do they just not get it?
6) When you smile at someone and they do not smile back. That is just plain rude and it makes me mad!
7) Cotton balls...I hate the feel of them. Pulling one apart just gives me the willies. I can't stand it.
8) Fake people...people that smile at you or are really sweet to your face, but it it just feels very fake...can't stand this, would rather them just not even smile at all.
9) Drawn on eyebrows. Do they really think they are fooling anyone?
10)Fake flowers. Hate them...now, I do have some fake greenery in a vase on my mantle, but that's as close as I can get. I just do not see the point in fake flowers. Yuck, why? Just why?

Nap, Toothbrushes, Shrek, & Bubbles

2010-08-06T20:45:00.003-05:00

Today has been a nice lazy day. I love that my husband has Fridays off. It is so nice having extra time to lay around, watch tv, and just chill with each other.

We spent the morning with Laila and in our jammies. It was awesome. We watched I Love Lucy, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Racheal Ray. We ate lunch here and just chilled. After lunch, I napped. It was a great nap, I woke up with a lot of energy and not feeling yucky, like I do sometimes after a nap.

Then we went to Target. It was one of those midweek trips for all the little things you realized you were out of and needed before the next grocery run. Our list included: new toothbrushes, toilet paper, mouthwash, and dryer sheets. Exciting, I know. David also bought me a new purse that was only $10 and is super cute.

Next we went to the dollar movies. We have this dollar theater (well, actually $1.50) that is fairly nice, close to home, and is such a cheap way to have a little fun. We saw the new Shrek! It was really cute and also kind of sad that this is the last one.

After that, we headed home to free Laila! David decided to take a shower and then give her a bath. Well, she got away from him and ran to me in the living room soaking wet and freaked out. Poor baby, I wrapped her in a towel and held her for a few minutes. Next thing I know, David is calling to me telling me to come to the bathroom for a minute. I relunctantly went in and was amazed at what I saw:

-A bubble bath drawn that was piping hot
-My robe hanging on the hook waiting on me
-A towel for my head to rest on
-Candles
-A book

We have one of those really big bathtubs. I love it, one of my favorite things about our apartment. David knows how much I love bubble baths but he has never set one up for me before. He then left me in peace and I just got to relax. After a few minutes, he came back with a big glass of diet coke! Ahh, my husband is the bomb. He rocks. I soaked in that tub for at least 45 minutes, maybe longer. I feel so relazed, perfect end to a perfect day!

A Lucy Find!

2010-08-05T08:00:00.003-05:00

Ok...look what I found at Ross!! OMG, I just had to get it, of course, I did not NEED it, but how could you turn this down for only $5.99?

The only thing that makes me a little sad is this saying is SO true and I miss all my friends and family. Nothing better than a cup of coffee with a friend. But anyway, how cute is my new travel mug! Thanks David for agreeing that I just "had" to get it! I love you!

Things I miss in Bama!

2010-08-03T11:40:00.003-05:00

Here is a list of everyone and everything I miss about Alabama, in no particular order!

1) My Parents
2) Emma Sue
3) My brothers
4) My Sister in law, Katie
5) Kingwood Church
6) Friends that I have had since childhood
7) The small town feel of Alabaster, SA is a BIG city!
8) Worship at Kingwood
9) Our Sunday School class
10) Publix
11) Any place with white cheese dip, here we only have yellow!
12) The Galleria
13) My doctor...I need to find a good one here
14) Sunday lunch with the family
15) Sno Biz
16) Moes, can't believe they don't have one here :(
17) Having friends and family close by to hang out with
18) Joes Italian, man, no place like this exists anywhere else!
19) Helping out in Epoch and our small groups
20) Seeing familar faces around town, not sure if that will EVER happen here, just so big

We are loving SA, but there is no place like HOME!

Dinner & a Movie....at the same place!!!

2010-07-30T23:18:00.003-05:00

So, tonight we did something a little different. We went to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. It is a cinema chain here in Texas that is part cinema, part restaurant. You sit in a row of movie theater chairs like normal, but instead of a row in front of you, there is a long table.

There is a menu and pieces of paper on the table. The menu is HUGE, everything from your typical popcorn and candy, to burgers, shakes, pizza, and salads. Once you decide on your order, you write it on the paper, and a waiter comes and gets it. It was so awesome. Need a drink refill? Put up your paper and a waiter is write there to hook you up.

Its called a drafthouse because they do serve alcohol, but it seemed like most people ordered sodas and food. It was not any more expensive that going to a restaurant, and it was super fun and the food was awesome!!! The atmosphere was also really funky and eclectic. We will most definitely be going back!

Another rule is that they do not let in kids younger than six and no one under 18 can get in without a parent, which is nice when you are paying to see a movie. I love kids but hate trying to watch a movie in a theater with kids, especially when it is an adult movie.

We saw Inception and LOVED it....very fast paced and thought provoking...it keeps you guessing! Overall, great date with the hubby!

Mastering the Art of Ironing

2010-07-27T18:23:00.002-05:00

So, I guess today has been rather boring. David left this morning and took his car, he usually drives mine. The problem is that we have only one key to my car, and he has it. So, yep, I am stuck here all day. Woohooo...which isn't that bad considering the only place I was going to go was the grocery store. Oh my, I need a friend here in SA.

Anyway, I did some housework and cuddled with Laila and basically lounged around in my jammies all day. At some point this morning, I saw the iron. The iron and I do not get along. I normally end up getting frustrated with it and wanting to sling it out the window. Needless to say, my poor husband has to go around with wrinkly pants since the dryer just doesn't give dress pants that nice crisp look.

I starting thinking about how I need to learn how to manage this beast. My husband is a worship pastor now and he deserves crisp dress pants and I deserve to not cringe every time I go near that iron. It is a very nice iron and was a fairly expensive one that I recieved as a wedding present. So, I set a goal for myself today...learn how to iron dress pants, without crying and without any violence befalling the iron.

I searched online for tips and found a really good article that explained step by step how to properly iron dress pants! Wow. So much I didn't know, like the fact you are supposed to turn them inside out first and iron the pockets, waist and fly. This makes ironing the pants SO much easier. The hardest part is lining up the pants so you get the nice crease down the front.

I spent almost an hour wrestling with about three pairs of pants...they are not perfect, but they are 100% better than most of the pants I have ironed in the past. I am proud of myself and can add a new skill to my list. And I did not harm the iron one little bit in the process, it did however burn one of my fingers.

Anyway, big day for Jess...I know, I know, I need a friend like I said, or maybe a job, or both!

Oh Monday, here you are again...

2010-07-26T12:16:00.002-05:00

So...it's Monday. The apartment always seems so empty on Monday. David is off Fridays, so we get to spend the whole weekend together. But, then Monday morning comes and he has to go back to work.

I feel so lonely here in this apartment all week by myself. Since I am not working yet, I am tackling laundry, dishes, and other household chores to keep me busy. Laila is a great comfort to me and really helps me not be too homesick. I think if I didn't have her, I would just sit and cry all day.

We are SO thankful to be here in SA and for this amazing opportunity, but it doesn't make it easy being away from all of our friends and family. Everyone says it will get better...hmmm...I hope so.

75 Questions You Probably Never Have Been Asked

2010-07-24T21:34:00.002-05:00

Take this survey with me if you want!

1. First thing you wash in the shower? Hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie? I never wear hoodies

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Yep, it was my Laila girl, does she count as a person?

4.Do you plan outfits? absolutely

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? a little tired, but good

6. Whats the closest thing to you thats red? a throw pillow

7. Do you say aim or a-i-m? aim

8. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? I dreamed that David was crying the other night, woke up in a panic to see what was wrong, and it was Laila crying to be let out of the bathroom (where she sleeps)

9. Did you meet anybody new today? nope :(

10. What are you craving right now? CARBS, since we haven't been eating them

11. Do you floss? not as much as I should

12. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? cole slaw

13. When was the last time you talked on aim? years ago when Dave and I were dating

14. Are you emotional? OH Yes...just ask my husband

15. Would you dance to the taco song? not sure what that is...but sure

16. Have you ever counted to 1,000? not that I recall

17. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? lick it

18. Do you like your hair? yeah

19. Do you like yourself? most days

20. Have you ever met a celebrity? hmmm...not really

21. Do you like cottage cheese? yes!

22. What are you listening to right now? Cake Boss on TV

23. How many countries have you visited? Canada and Mexico

24. Are your parents strict? they weren't too strict

25. Would you go sky diving? never in a million years

26. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? absolutely!

27. Would you throw potatoes at him? ummm no

28. Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in? nope

29. Have you ever been in a castle? no

30. Do you rent movies often? we have Netflix, does that count?

31. Who sits in behind you in your math class? not in school anymore, thank the good Lord!

32. Have you made a prank phone call? no

33. Do you own a gun? nope

34. Can you count backwards from 74? sure

35. Who are you going to be with tonight? David and Laila

36. Brown or white eggs? white, because they are usually cheaper

37. Do you own something from Hot Topic? no

38. Ever been on a train? yes

39. Ever been in love? of course

40. Do you have a cell-phone? yes

41. Are you too forgiving? I don't think so

42. Do you use chap stick? all the time

43. What is your best friend doing tomorrow? leading worship at Valley Hi AG

44. Can you use chop sticks? no, I wish I could though

45. Ever have cream puffs? yes, yummy!

46. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? yes, strange movie

47. What was the last question you asked? Where is Laila?

48. What was the last CD you bought? I can't even remember...oh yeah, Glee soundtrack

49. Boys or girls? ummmm....for what?

50. Did you ride the bus at school? nope, never did

51. Is your hair curly? straight

52. Last time you cried? a couple of days ago, I wasn't feeling well

53. Ever walked into a wall? yes, all the time!

54. Do looks matter? yes, they matter, but they are not the MOST important thing

55. Have you ever bought anything from Pac Sun? perfume once

56. Have you ever slapped someone? probably my brother when we were younger

57. Favorite time of the year? Christmas time

58. Favorite color? PINK!

59. Are you sarcastic? sometimes

60. Do you have any tattoos? never

61. The last person you held hands with? David

62. Do you sleep with the TV on? nope, I did before I got married, though

63. Where was your default picture taken at? for my blog...I think it's a wedding pic

64. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? no

65. Do you like your life right now? very much

66. How often do you talk on the phone? everyday I talk to my mom

67. What is your favorite animal? my Laila

68. What was the most recent thing you bought? David a red shirt for church

69. Do you have good vision? with glasses/contacts :)

70. Can you hula hoop? YES!

71. Could you ever forgive a cheater? it depends

72. Do you have a job? not yet

73. Can you handle the truth? absolutely

74. What are you wearing? a purple dress

75. Have you ever crawled through a window? yes, when locked out of the house

Good Morning!

2010-07-24T10:59:00.002-05:00

Good morning all! We are just being a lazy family today. Drinking coffe, chilling, and watching tv make for the best Saturday mornings!

Lai went to the vet yesterday and this round of shots included the rabies vaccine. Smaller dogs act like babies when they get vaccines, makes them really sore, sleepy, and a tad irritable. She is still very sleepy. On the brighter side, she weighs 3.4 pounds now. She gained almost 1 pound in 3 weeks, I was shocked!

After going to the vet, we came home and she and I crashed for almost 7 hours. I have no idea why I slept so long, just tired I guess. After that, David and I went out to dinner and shopped for something to wear Sunday. This Sunday the choir is wearing red and neither one of us has anything red. I found a really cute dress with some red in it at Ross. I will post pics of me wearing it, if I can remember. We also got Laila a new toy for being so brave at the vet. :)

Today we are going to try to go to the dollar movie and see Iron Man 2. We still haven't seen it! I need to do dishes and laundry, so I am not sure why I am still sitting here procrastinating! Lol. Talk at ya later!

Since Moving...

2010-07-21T20:38:00.002-05:00

Since Moving to San Antonio (here after reffered to as "SA"), I have:

1) Got everything unpacked and settled, well except for that one box full of misc stuff that I have no idea what to do with
2) Met a TON of amazing people at Valley Hi Assembly of God.
3) Joined the Choir and "trying" to learn how to read music, I suck at it!
4) Got my hair cut off!
5) Realized how HOTTT it is in Texas...that's one of the reasons for the haircut.
6) Fallen in love with our apartment complex and the trash man who comes to our door every night to collect our trash (how awesome is that?)
7) Found out that like 5 people I know are pregant, man, must be something in the water!
8) Realized being the "Worship Pastor's wife" isn't as intimidating as I thought.
9) Fallen even more in love with my Laila, she and I have become close
10) Missed my family and friends every single day
11) Come to realize why God brought us here, my husband actually has a job that he loves!
12) Got my temporary Nursing License in Texas, permanent one is on the way!
13) Signed up with Mollen to give flu shots in the fall again this year, hopefully will give me time to find a really good permanent job
14) Visited Schlitterbahn and want to go back when its not so crowded!
15) Experienced SA food, oh my, its amazing! Such yummy mexican food!
16) Went to the RiverWalk and really want to go back, just haven't had the time.
17) Shopped at H.E.B. Grocery Store, oh my goodness, amazing! People in Alabama, you have no idea the deals this store has and the HUGE selection!
18)Learned to adapt in a different church, I miss Kingwood terribly, but am learning to love my new church as well
19)Spent my first day as David's secretary the other day! So much fun, going to try to do it about once a week! I get paid in kisses! :)
20) Started to love our new home and realize why God put us here!

San Antonio!

2010-07-04T19:24:00.002-05:00

Well, tonight my husband informed me that I haven't blogged since June 1st. He said "you aren't going to tell everyone about our move?"

I am sure all of you know by now that we moved to San Antonio, TX. David is the new Creative Arts pastor at Valley Hi Assembly. That just means he is over worship, drama, and some graphic design. We are thrilled to be moved into our new home, but sad to leave family and friends.

I am heartbroken to leave my 6 month old niece, Emma Sue, because she is so young and she will have changed SO much by the next time I get to see her. That has been really hard, but I know God will help get me through.

San Antonio is nice though, very hot, but beautiful. We love the Riverwalk and hope to go to Schitterban soon. The food is amazing as well, the best mexican food you have ever eaten!

If any of you are ever in SA, please let me know...we miss familar faces! Thanks for all your prayers, we need them!

Meet Laila!

2010-06-01T11:45:00.003-05:00

We have a new member of the family. We are having so much fun with her. Housetraining is going well, she is a little doll!

Pain in the....back?

2010-05-17T18:28:00.002-05:00

So...woke up about a week ago with pain so bad that I could hardly move. My first thought was that it was my kidneys again. Turns out after tests, that it is not my kidneys, but some sort of back pain. It is unbearable. I haven't been able to work in over a week and I am so annoyed to have to be laying in bed all day!

I went back to the doctor today and he took x rays, gave me more medicine and a steroid shot, and is setting me up with an MRI sometime this week. He thinks my job might have put strain on my back. It involves a lot of lifting, bending, standing, and picking up kids and it may not be something I can physically do.

However, not sure what we are going to do if I lose this job. I will have no health insurance and David and I will both be without an income! Yikes! Please pray for us, I am scared, but I know God is in control! love you all!

Nurse Appreciation Week

2010-05-06T16:39:00.002-05:00

So this week is Nurse Appreciation week. It is very nice that this day exists, nurses work very very hard with very little appreciation. Because basically we take care of cranky, sick people. It can be a very frustrating job, but it can also be very rewarding.

I cannot believe it has almost been a year since I have graduated, wow, time flies. And let me just say nursing school is nothing like nursing. Not even close. Nursing school is a breed of it's own, yuck.

So the hospital gift to us was these really cool bags (three of them) for groceries. They are really big and insulated to keep hot foods hot and cold food cold. I really love them, it will be great shopping with them. They also gave us a porcelin (sp?) travel coffee cup. Both the bags and the cup have a Children's logo on them which is the best part. I am so proud to work for a hospital that does so many great things for children.

Happy Nurse Week everyone! Go hug a nurse!

Wednesdays are hard!

2010-05-05T15:59:00.002-05:00

So here it, my longest day of the week, Wednesday. The day begins at 5:00 am when my alarm goes off...45 min later I leave for work. After working until 3:15 I come and hang out at my parents house until Dave gets done with worship practice. We then eat dinner, then he has choir practice. After that we head to Epoch to teach small groups...usually we don't get done until 8:30 or after. Then I FINALLY get to go home, take a shower, and get things ready for the next day.

On non-Wednesdays I am in bed my 8 or 8:30 (because I get up so stinking early) but on Wednesdays it is much later. Which pretty much means Thursdays are hard. Ugh, don't get me wrong I love the girls in my group and I am so happy to have them, but man, I am exhausted by the end of the day. I almost dread Wednesdays now because it feels like a marathon. Something is going to have to give, but I do not want to give up my group. Maybe I'll just have to hit Starbucks before church for that extra jolt...

Just a job...

2010-05-03T20:12:00.003-05:00

So, I am having a hard time at work. I just dread it, it's so hard. I know, I know, I am new and it will get better. That is what everyone says, but not sure it will. It is so different than "real nursing". I loved floor nursing in practicum, but this is just crazy. I keep thinking it's because it is just new and different, but what if I never like it?

To tell you the truth. I just want to be a stay at home wife. I want to be able to cook, clean, and have time to work on stuff that I want. Our apartment is a mess, I never feel like cooking, and I am miserable all the time. Is this normal? There is just no way right now that I can quit, we need the money.

My husband says to look at this as "just a job". To let the criticism and stress roll off my back and to just go for the paycheck. As sad as it is, I am just going to have to take his advice. I care too much. I care that I am miserable, that I feel like an idiot, and that the kids I see are really sick...ughh, not been a good day!

What? All by myself?

2010-04-29T19:24:00.002-05:00

So...work is crazy. Really, really challenging because nursing school teaches absolutely nothing about the OR. It is so much to learn, orientation for a new nurse is supposed to be 6-7 months or longer.

Well...summer is almost here. Summer is H-E-double hockey sticks apparently in the OR because all the kids are out of school and have time to have surgeries. So, basically they are going to be short staffed. Guess what that means? They are freezing my orientation and making me staff a room all alone. AHH! Now, they are saying they are going to stick me in easy Eyes and Plastics rooms (the team I am joining after orientation) and Dental rooms (really boring) and that I will be fine. I hope so, I still feel like I know absolutely nothing. After the summer, I still have to finish orientation, so that means I wont be done until late Fall.

Anyway, tomorrow I guess is a trial run. They are putting me in an eye room (my favorite, not sure why) by myself with a good scrub person and hopefully all will go well. Fingers crossed!

New Project

2010-04-25T09:01:00.002-05:00

So, I have been watching Dancing with the Stars as usual this season. I have always liked Kate Gosselin. I know she is not perfect and she has made her share of mistakes over the last few years. I just feel like I have this weird connection with her, not sure if it's because she is a nurse, a type A personality, or just the way she loves her kids. But, I have always been fascinated with her and very defensive of her.

She is going through a messy divorce with someone who was not faithful to her. She is being drug through the media and photographers follow her around all the time and she has still tried to show a brave face to her 8 little children. Anyway, I did not think she was the best dancer, but she represented all of us who try. I would have looked just about like her or worse out there.

So, this brings me back to my lastest project. I was watching DWTS on Tuesday and saw that she got the boot, she cried her eyes out and my heart went out to her. I felt as if the Lord was telling me to start praying for her. Not just a little prayer every once in awhile, but really interceding for her and her children. She used to go to an assemblies of God church faithfully, and maybe she has fallen away from the church recently, but I belief she knows the truth. I also believe she is in a real crisis right now and needs to be lifted up.

So, that is what I am going to do. It may sound stupid, but she needs our prayers, not our criticism. So, I am now praying for Kate as well as Maddy, Cara, Alexis, Hannah, Leah, Aiden, Collin, and Joel. I am as well adding Jon to the list. Just feels like something I should do. Who knows where it will lead if anywhere.

Back to the land of the living!!!

2010-04-22T15:59:00.002-05:00

So, after 2 weeks of intense pain, taking pain medicine, and feeling down right sick....drumroll please.....I AM SO MUCH BETTER!!!

I ended up having to stay in the hospital for two nights. It was definitely very weird being on the patient side of healthcare, it was very eye opening. The nurses and my awesome doctor took very good care of me and pumped me full of IV fluids and antibiotics. The conclusion was that I had a very bad kidney infection and for some reason my body wasn't tolerating the oral antibiotics I was taking.

Now, I am back at home and going back to work tomorrow. They are going to let me do some computer classes for a week or two and not make me go right back to all the craziness of a regular day! I am glad I am going back to work on a Friday that way I do not have the pressure of a whole week, just one day and I can rest on the weekend!

I am really going to start spending more time on this blog...I really enjoy it and like being able to go back and seeing the year and things I would've not remembered or thought about.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for me during the last few weeks! Love you!

Kidney Infection

2010-04-11T19:58:00.002-05:00

So, I woke up today with a horrible pain in my back and right side, a headache, and feeling sick to my stomach. Thinking it would go away with some coffee and Tylenol, I got up and got ready for church. During the course of the morning the pain got more and more severe. I was in tears by 12 and we decided to go to the doctor.

Turns out after urine tests and blood work that I have a kidney infection. Man, never thought these could be so painful. The doctor gave me an antibiotic shot, antibiotic meds, and some pain medicine. I was told to drink lots of water and stay home from work tomorrow. I then had to call work and tell them what happened, and they were very understanding. I have taken the medicine, drank the water, and boy oh boy I am still in severe pain! The doctor told me that if I wasn't better in a couple days to come back and they would check for stones.

I am really hoping I start feeling better, don't want to miss anymore work. I am already taking off Friday so Dave and I can go to a worship conference in Florence. I think I am just going to stay in bed all day tomorrow, although I know I will be tempted to do housework, I did dishes tonight, probably shouldn't have pushed it, but they were driving me crazy! Nurses make the worst patients!

American Idol and a Blog

2010-03-30T19:45:00.002-05:00

So today was good. I am still having a hard time waking up in the morning. I go to bed before nince everynight and you would think I would wake up feeling pretty rested. I mean that's eight hours of sleep, but no, I wake up feeling like a zombie. I think no matter what time you go to bed...when you wake up at 5 am, you will be tired. That really sucks.

Work is starting to develop a routine. I am scrubbing this week and it can be very frightening, but I am holding my own. I can't believe I have been there 3 months now. Wow, 3 or 4 more months and I will be done with orientation and on my own...a very scary thought!

On another note, I got my vacation week approved!!! We are officially going to Disney at the end of June. I am so exited because: 1) It is our first vacation together, 2) David has never to two of the parks and never spent a whole week there, and 3) I LOVE Disney World. We are so blessed to be able to stay in an amazing condo in Orlando which is only a few miles from the partks! Can't wait!

Worst blogger in history...

2010-03-28T20:15:00.003-05:00

I am so bad about updating this thing. Which stinks, because I really like blogging, but I never seem to find the time to just sit down and do it. While watching Julie and Julia again for the second time I was inspired to start my blogging back up. I was also inspired to start cooking some new recipes, but how can you not while watching that movie.

Man, this weekend has gone by WAY too fast. But, it always does...how is that possible? I feel like the week goes by so stinking slow and then am SO excited it's the weekend, blink my eyes, and it is over.

Work is stressing me out. I know I take it way too personal. I shouldn't care so much, but I hate feeling like I have no clue as to what I am doing. I wind up feeling like a moron all day. I am hoping I get the swing of it soon, I have already been there for three months...now I am about halfway through orientation. Wow, that is a scary thought.

Dave and I are doing well. I seriously married the most amazing man in the world. We just celebrated our 6 month anniversary and I love him more today than I could ever imagined. He helps me out so much and he is there when I need him. We are having so much fun being married...so cool living with your best friend.

Anyway, I need to be heading towards bed soon. 5:00 am comes very soon. I am going to try to update this thing at least once a week, but I have said that before. Love you all!

Ok, I haven't posted in FOREVER!

2009-10-29T11:38:00.004-05:00

Man! It's been too long. I am going to try to keep this thing updated!

I am loving the married life and just trying to find a job! I know God has the right one for me.

I will leave you with a pic from the wedding. Didn't I have the most beautiful wedding cake ever? Ok, so I know I am partial! Love you all!

We are moving to B'ham!

2009-05-20T13:33:00.003-05:00

That's right! David and I will be starting our married life back home. Why? Well, we feel like God wants us here. I am hopefully going to get a job at Childrens Hospital (dream job) and David is looking for a job.

So, I am home job hunting this week and probably will live at home for awhile so I can save some money before having to find our own place!

We are very blessed and this transition is very hard, but very exciting! David is excited about working and learning from Micah at church and we know God has a master plan for us!

Wedding planning is going amazing! Things just falling into place...God is good! More updates to come! Stay tuned!

I am ENGAGED!

2009-04-26T00:14:00.003-05:00

So, most of you probably already know, but I am engaged! David proposed to me and I said yes, of course. I wanted to write a little blog about how he did it because I know everyone wants to know.

We are in Long Beach this weekend and I met with the pastor's wife this morning about children's church (David set this up to occupy me, but I didn't know at the time). I spent the morning with her talking about children's church, cirriculum, etc. and then David called me and said to meet him at the church when we got done and we would go to lunch. I left and headed for the church still completely clueless.

I walked into the church (with an armload of Walmart bags) and noticed that there was rose petals scattered in the sanctuary. I immediately knew what was about to happen and started shaking. Literally, my knees turned to jello. I then started calling out for David and he never answered so I walked in the sanctuary and their were rose petals scattered everywhere and candles lining the aisle. I got to the front, where the alter is, and there was a table set up with pictures of us, ticket stubs to movies we went to, restaurant reciepts, and cards I had given him. I turned around and David was coming up the aisle playing his guitar and singing "All I Want is You" which is the first song he ever sang to me.

He started telling me how the guitar can be enjoyed by people listening to it and but it wasn't plugged in so only the people there could hear it. When you plug it in, the whole world can enjoy it. He said it was time for the world to know about us and time for us to start our life together. He reached in the guitar and pulled out the ring (it was tied to a string) and then got down on one knee, told me how much he loved me, and asked me to marry him.

BTW, of course the whole time this is going on I am crying, covering my mouth with my hands, and shaking like a leaf. I couldn't even form the word "yes" I just started nodding. He slipped the ring on my finger (which is BEAUTIFUL) and of course there was lots of hugs, kisses, and excitement! Then the phone calls started! It was absolutely perfect and something I will always remember! I am probably leaving out details and he could tell it better, but I was having an out of body experience!

We are getting married September 25, which is only 5 months away! I have a lot to do before then, but we really didn't want a long engagement. Just pray I find a job fast!!!

Love you guys!

Haven't updated in awhile...

2009-04-11T22:24:00.002-05:00

So, sorry I haven't written in awhile. This one will be short, but I wanted to give a quick update.

I am DONE with practicum (except for finishing up my final paper) and winding up most of my other classes, graduation here I come!

Tomorrow is David and I's anniversary! We have been together a whole year. We celebrated with dinner and a movie tonight and decided to give each other Easter Baskets as anniversary gifts in the morning, because our anniversary falls on Easter this year. Thanks babe for a GREAT year! You are the best! Pictures to come!

Any ideas?

2009-03-16T11:07:00.002-05:00

So, next Sunday we are having a potluck lunch at the church. I was wondering if any one had any good ideas on something I could bring. I will probably make my famous chocolate chip cookies that everyone at the Way goes nuts for, but I need a main dish. The thing is, that I would have to cook it that morning and it won't be eaten until lunch, so it needs to be good until then. I am stuck!

David's class...

2009-03-09T20:48:00.003-05:00

Here is some pics from the class on worship David taught on Saturday for the Bible college at our church. It was amazing! I am so proud of him!

Jessicaology

2009-03-09T12:11:00.003-05:00

What is your salad dressing of choice?
Ranch

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Cheesecake Factory or Stix

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
Mexican

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Cheese, Pepperoni, or Sausage

How many televisions are in your house?
Three

What color cell phone do you have?
black

Are you right-handed or left-handed?
right handed

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
wisdom tooth and some warts

What is the last heavy item you lifted?
my suitcases

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
with drugs at the hospital

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
no

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I like my name

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
maybe

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
probably 6 or 7

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
when I got a speeding ticket

Last person you talked to?
David

Last person you hugged?
David

Season?
Summer

Holiday?
Christmas

Day of the week?
Saturday

Month?
December

Missing someone?
yeah

What are you listening to?
TV and the dishwasher

Watching?
Smallville

First place you went this morning?
IHOP, thanks David!

What's the last movie you saw?
Australia

Do you smile often?
yes

Do you always answer your phone?
yes, unless I don't recognize the number

Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
no idea why someone would be texting me so early, but I guess maybe David

If you could change your eye color what would it be?
I wouldn't want to change it

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
Cherry

Do you own a digital camera?
yes

Have you ever had a pet fish?
yes

What's on your wish list for your birthday?
not sure

Can you do push ups?
no

Can you do a chin up?
no

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
excited

Do you have any saved texts?
no

Ever been in a car wreck?
no

Do you have an accent?
I guess

What is the last song to make you cry?
Not sure, probably one David sang to me

When was the last time you cried?
today

Plans tonight?
study for HESI

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
sure

Name 3 things you bought yesterday.
I actually didn't buy anything yesterday

Have you ever been given roses?
yep

Current hate right now?
nothing

Name three people who might complete this?
who knows?

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
maybe, but prob. not

Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
no, but almost

Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now?
Of course

Does anyone love you?
most definately

Would you be a pirate?
no way

What songs do you sing in the shower?
nothing

Ever had someone sing to you?
yes

Have you held hands with anyone today?
Yes, David

What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
whatever my mom listened to probably

Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
both

Do you like pulpy orange juice?
yes, I like pulp

What is something your friends make fun of you for?
being clumsy

Have you ever ridden on an elephant?
no, but I have ridden on a camel

What are you saving your money up for right now?
nothing, but I am setting money aside to go to the worship conference in a couple weeks! YAY!

When is the last time you ate peanut butter and jelly?
I hate jelly!

What song(s) do you want played at your funeral?
I don't want to think about it

What were you doing 12 AM last night?
sleeping

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
I am tired. I need coffee.

Strange simulation today...

2009-03-04T19:19:00.002-06:00

So, today's METI simulation was strange. Our patient (the METI dummy) was a pregnant woman who had been in a car accident at 22 weeks, had just done cocaine, and who was bleeding. As we were trying to save her, her lesbian partner (played by an instructor with lots of costume get-up) busts in and starts freaking out. Me and my friend Ashley move in to help calm her down (the other students were working with the "patient") and she is just hysterical. Then, the mom of the patient (played by another teacher) comes in and starts freaking out.

I stayed with the mom, calmed her down, and pulled her away from the patient so they could get labs. Then the two woman start fighting with each other. Me and Ashley had to pull them apart and talk to them seperately. It was crazy. This simulation went on about 30 min. or shorter, but it felt like forever.

When it was over the instructors said our group did so well! We calmed down the partner and the mom and were supportive, but firm. It was a lot of fun, but SO funny seeing the faculty like that. I think they were the ones having fun, they got to be actors for the day.

So retarded!

2009-03-04T09:51:00.002-06:00

Nothing make me more mad then when nurses are portrayed like this. It is so unrealistic and I just want to take these people on a 12 hour shift and see how they look after that. Nurses are one of the hardest working group of people on the planet. If you disagree with that, then go see for yourself. They hardly ever sit down, are constantly thinking all the time, and are lifting, changing, and controlling very stressful situations. It is definitely harder than I once thought.

Today I have to go to a METI simulation. METI man is a dummy that breathes, blinks, pees, has pulses, veins, etc... He allows us to practice on him and sometimes he lives, sometimes he dies. Today we have an extra stressor placed on us...an irate family member (played by an instructor)...We have to save METI and control the family member at the same time. It should be interesting. Hopefully he'll live.
I really do not want to have to go. It's all the way in Fairhope! Oh well, hope everyone is having a good day!

Pics from this past weekend!

2009-03-03T14:16:00.006-06:00

I went to Birmingham this past weekend and had a great time!
We watched the Sims' kids and had fun (right before I cut myself and ending the day in the ER)...The kids are the cutest and I had a great time playing with Addyson, Carsyn, and Brayden!

I also got to wake up Sunday morning to see this out my windows! SNOW! BEAUTIFUL SNOW!

Then I had Malorie's bridal shower! She got lots of good stuff and everyone loved the cake my mom made!

What I woke up to last week!

2009-03-03T14:00:00.003-06:00

Pics of the damage some jerk did to my car last week! They stole my stereo, my CDs, and my GPS! So mean!!

Quiz with my sweetie!

2009-02-23T11:11:00.001-06:00

I got this from Crystal and thought it would be fun! David and I did a quiz about each other!

David's questions about me.

1. She is sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Yes Dear, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Office, or American Idol

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on her salad? Ranch

3. What's one food she doesn't like? Mayo

4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does she order? Diet Coke

5. Where did she go to high school? Kingwood, Thompson, and Hope Christian

6. What size shoe does he wear? 9

7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be? Snowmen

8. What is her favorite type of sandwich? Turkey and Cheese

9. What would she eat every day if he could? Mexican, of course

10. What is her favorite cereal? I have never seen her eat cereal

11. What would she never wear? Gothic style clothes

12. What is her favorite sports team? Alabama

13. Who did she vote for? McCain

14. Who are her best friends? Me, Aunt Pam, Natalie, Malorie, Betsy, the whole clan

15. What is something you do that she wishes you wouldn't do? tune her out when she is trying to talk to me

16. What is her heritage? English, Irish

17. You bake her a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? I wouldn't bake her a cake, I would bake her cookies or brownies

18. Did she play sports in high school? no

19. What could she spend hours doing? spending time with me or reading

20. What is one unique talent she has? she is amazing with children

My questions about him.

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Smallville,The Office, American Idol, or some guy movie

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch

3. What's one food he doesn't like? he likes most things but doesn't like strawberries (I have no idea how you cannot like strawberries)

4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order? Dr. Pepper...always

5. Where did he go to high school? Shoals Christian

6. What size shoe does he wear? 10

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? music

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? ummm...meatball subs

9. What would he eat every day if he could? Italian

10. What is his favorite cereal? Reeses Puffs

11. What would he never wear? anything too uncomfortable or something I hated

12. What is his favorite sports team? Alabama all the way

13. Who did he vote for? he didn't get to vote, because he forgot to change his voting location after he moved

14. Who are his best friends? Me and Ryan

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? ask him so many questions

16. What is his heritage? Irish, German, English, Native American

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? he prefers cookie cakes

18. Did he play sports in high school? Football, basketball, and baseball

19. What could he spend hours doing? watching TV, playing video games, and singing and playing guitar/piano

20. What is one unique talent he has? he can talk just like Elmo!

PRAY!

2009-02-20T16:51:00.001-06:00

I am speaking tonight at church about everything God did for me and how He healed me! I am very nervous and HATE talking in front of people! Everyone please say a prayer for me! I love you all!

Valentine's Surprise Part C!

2009-02-16T21:40:00.004-06:00

Part C was that David bought us tickets to see Confessions of a Shopaholic. I had been telling him how much I have been wanting to see that movie (I have read ALL the books) and he took me! It was really good (but a lot different than the books). He also bought me a Diet Coke at the movie and brought it to me. I tasted it and it was Regular coke and he took it back and got me a Diet one (I guess the lady heard him wrong). He was super sweet for going to see such a girly movie with me...he even posed with some pics with me! Yay for a GREAT Valentine's Day! Thanks David, I love you more than words can say! You rock!

Valentine's Surprise Part B!

2009-02-16T21:40:00.001-06:00

After breakfast, we took our time getting ready for the day and just had fun hanging out. We decided on O'Charleys for lunch. While waiting to order a server came by and gave us a free appitizer (the homemade chips with chili, cheese, and cilantro). I am not sure why we were gifted these, but I think they made one by mistake. We gladly accepted and they were delicious. David ordered the Cajun Chicken Pasta, I ordered the Pecan Chicken Salad and of course we ate a roll as well (how can you not?). We had so much food left over.

Next we went shopping at a few different stores. Next, David told me to go out and have fun while he "got a few things ready". I dropped him off at my apartment and went to get a pedicure! That was my dad's gift to me and I loved it! Here is a picture of my toes afterwards...

I then shopped a little more until David called to say he was ready and I could come back. I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the door, but I wasn't expecting anything so amazing. I opened the door and the whole apartment was lit up with candles...tons of candles. A CD was playing our favorite songs and there was dinner on the table. David was nowhere to be found. I called his name and he came into the living room all dressed up. I was speechless. Literally. I just froze. He came over and took my purse and shopping bags out of my hands and we danced. It was the most romantic thing ever...like out of a movie. Here are a few pics...but the pics do not do the room justice!

Then we ate. He had gone to Moes (that's where we went on our first date) and gotten us both chicken nachos! They were yummy! Then he told me I could open part C!

Valentine's Surprise Part A!

2009-02-16T21:05:00.005-06:00

David had a day full of surprises planned all out for me for Valentine's Day! This is part A. I woke up Saturday morning and David came in and we started talking about breakfast. I finally went into the kitchen to make some coffee and cook breakfast and this is what was on my kitchen table! Ignore the mess on the table...I was in the middle of laundry from the day before. He surprised me with a dozen pink roses (my favorite), a cute teddy bear, and a box of chocolates! LOVE HIM!

Here is a pic of my roses when I put them in some water.

Then I decided to go ahead and let him open his present. I got him a big bag full of goodies! His favorite candies and snacks mixed with a few odds and ends. Of course, he got a mushy gushy card as well!

Then I finally got around to making breakfast. David wanted a Toaster Strudel so I made the icing into a heart and cut up some yummy oranges for him. Of course he wanted milk to drink (he loves milk)! I made myself some cheese toast (which I burned) and some coffee! Then I awaited part B!

Bad Mood!

2009-02-11T17:24:00.002-06:00

I am in a stinking bad mood right now...Here is a blog dedicated to it! I normally try to look at the positives, but all of this is contributing to my moodiness...

1) I have a monster headache right now and nothing is cutting it!
2) I need to be writing my midterm paper right now and just don't want to...
3) I bought a black shirt for Senior pictures today, but it isn't exactly what I wanted.
4) I have to speak at David's church in a couple of weeks to a bunch of people who hardly know me and am nervous.
5) I miss my family!!!!
6) I hate when friendships die...it shouldn't be happening like this...
7) I need a hug and no one is here and won't be for days.

Ok...not so bad when I look at it! I am doing ok, just a little lonely! Next post will be happier, I swear!

Update!

2009-02-06T10:10:00.002-06:00

So, I haven't blogged in awhile. I have just been too busy! Practicum is going great. I love working with the kids and am learning so much. I already have 72 hours, so I am almost halfway done. It is sad sometimes to see all the kids with cancer and other chronic diseases, but knowing you are making a difference is very rewarding. I love it!

I do not love the weather and the cold that is going around. I am sick, yet again. David is sick too. I am going to MS this weekend and I am sure the weekend will consist of cuddling under blankets, cold medicine for two, and watching movies in between naps! It will be nice to see Dave, I miss him SO much!

I love it!

2009-01-29T08:59:00.001-06:00

So, I officially love being a nurse. Practicum went awesome. I love the nurse I am working with and love getting to take care of the kids. It is so much fun!

I work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so I will be completely wiped out when I am done! Thanks for all your prayers!

Such strange feelings...

2009-01-25T20:11:00.002-06:00

So, tomorrow is an important day. I start practicum. For those of you who may not know, practicum is kinda like an internship. I work with a RN and basically do her job for 200 hours. She is right there with me and helps me out, but I do all the meds, IV, procedures, assessments, etc.

I am half excited and half scared out of my mind. I am excited because this is what I have wanted to for so long. I love children and the thought of getting to be part of their care is amazing. I am thrilled to be able to see what my future job will be like. I know I will learn so much.

I am terrified because I do not feel ready. I do not know enough to be a nurse. They say everyone feels this way, but I don't like that. I am one of those people who does fine if I know what to expect. I have not a clue. Clinical and the real world of nursing are completely different. I just don't want to do anything stupid (which is easy when you are completely wiped with so many 12 hour shifts). I will be working like a mad women to try to get all these 200 hours in as fast as humanly possible. This week I work Monday, have class Tuesday, then work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! These are 12 hour shifts (7a-7:30p). Then next week I have class on Tuesday and work Wednesday and Thursday. The schedule repeats it self after that. So, I will be working every other weekend for awhile (except I am NOT working on Valentine's day...I am spending it with my David)

Anyway, I absolutely LOVE my preceptor (the nurse I am working with) and am glad to have such a cool, young nurse! If you think about me tomorrow please say a prayer. I will try to update soon and let you know how it is going! LOVE YOU ALL!

25 Things You May Not Know About Me

2009-01-24T08:21:00.003-06:00

1) I hate making my bed, but do not feel right about the day until the bed is made.
2) I love Yellowbox flip flops and wish it was warm enough to wear them.
3) Some nights I sleep 12 hours, some nights I sleep 6.
4) I absolutely do not feel human in the morning without my cup of coffee.
5) I absolutely HATE taking out the trash.
7) Dollar Tree is my new favorite store, they have really cool things in there.
8) I love dressing up and wish I had more opportunities to get dolled up.
9) I am not a patient person. At all.
10) I am in an orange kick right now, I have a huge basket of them on my kitchen table.
11) I melt inside when I see my boyfriend for the first time during the day (even after almost 10 months)
12) The "momma" in me comes out a lot when dealing with kids. I don't know how it's in there.
13) I literally get excited when my favorite pajammas are clean and I get to wear them.
14) I exercise on Wii-Fit daily mainly because I do not want that thing yelling at me for not working out!
15) I absolutely love Jon and Kate plus 8 and Tabitha's Salon Makeover.
16) I can always find something in Hobby Lobby that I cannot live without.
17) I want to learn how to garden and plant flowers.
18) I cook a completely new recipe at least once a week.
19) I wish I could take a bubble bath every single day. (And for you bubble bath haters, I do not sit in a pool of my own dirt. I am clean before I get in, I mean I do not roll around in mud all day.)
20) I would marry David today if he asked me, I am 100% sure about this one!
21) I love Borax laundry booster. It rocks!
22) I think that God has called me to work with children.
23) I hate the way the Grove opperates!
24) Sonic Happy Hour rocks and I love the Cherry Lime-aid!
25) I love Redbox and getting to rent movies for $1.

Date Night!

2009-01-22T16:49:00.002-06:00

Well, tonight is date night. I have been very lucky this week that David is working in Mobile! I have gotten to see him every single day this week. Tonight we are having a date night. He is bringing home dinner and I rented the movie "Made of Honor." I am excited! I have the best boyfriend in the world!

Neopolitan Baked Ziti

2009-01-17T23:34:00.004-06:00

So today I cooked dinner for David and Ryan (his roommate). I offered to do it because they are two guys and their idea of cooking is throwing a frozen pizza in the oven. I figured they needed a home cooked meal.

So, anyway I was wondering what to cook and wanted to try something different. I saw an episode of Rachael Ray's talk show and she was making a really yummy looking pasta dish she called Neopolitan Baked Ziti (you know Rachael with all of her cutsie names). I changed it up a little bit and it turned out fantastic.

All you do is cook the ziti, then toss it in tomato sauce (I made my own) with some browned hamburger meat (I added this, Rach's was meat free). Put the pasta and sauce in a baking dish. This is the part that makes it Neopolitan: you top it with a white sauce. I made a quick roux with butter, flour, and milk and then just poured it on top. Of course then I topped the whole thing in Mozzerella and Parm cheese. It bakes on 400 degrees for 25-30 min or until bubbly!

They loved it! It was so yummy. I served it with bread and a salad and even made Oreo pie as dessert. The best news: there are tons of leftovers! YUMM!

Wii Fit!

2009-01-16T18:33:00.002-06:00

Anyone have one of these? I got one for Christmas and am addicted! So much fun and so hard. I have done it almost every single day and I still am having fun. I did it this morning and sort of want to do it again, but I probably won't because I don't want it weighing me again. LOL. Us girls are weird, aren't we?

But, I am actually losing weight. Slowly, but surely. The biggest difference I have noticed is that my pants are actually about to fall off of me! YAY!

Haven't done one of these in awhile...thought I would post it here!

2009-01-16T07:11:00.002-06:00

78 Things You Didn't Know About Me Until You Read This:

1.
What Color Is Your Toothbrush?
a purple and white one I got from the dentist a few weeks ago.

2. Name One Person That Made You Smile Today?
David

3.
What Were You Doing At 8 Am This Morning?
it's not quite 8 yet. I woke up at 5:30 and couldn't go back to sleep!

4.
What Were You Doing 45 Minutes Ago?
watching the news

5.
What Is Your Favorite Candy ?
sour gummi worms

6.
Have You Ever Been To A Strip Club?
uh, that would be a negative!

7.
What's the last thing you said out loud?
Ok, I love you! Bye.

8.
What Is The Best Ice Cream Flavor?
cookies & cream

9.
What Was The Last Thing You Had To Drink?
coffee

10.
What Is The Longest You Have Gone Without Sleeping?
not sure...probably too much more than 24 hours. I like my sleep!

11.
Have You Ever Made A Promise You'd Die To Keep?
sure

12.
Have You Bought Any New Clothing Items This Week?
no

13.
The Last Sporting Event You Watched?
football...sadly it did not go so well.

14.
What Is Your Favorite Flavor Of Popcorn?
CHEESE!

15.
Who Is The Last Person You Sent A Message On Facebook?
Aunt Pam maybe

16.
Ever Go Camping?
yes, but I am not a happy camper, not my thing

17. Do You Take Vitamins Daily?
I never remember to take them, but I have some!

18. Do You Go To Church Every Sunday?
yes

19. Do You Have A Tan?
I have never had a tan in my life. I am so fair skinned!

21. Do You Drink Your Soda With A Straw?
depends what I am drinking out of, but I hardly ever use a straw at home

22.
What Did Your Last Text Message Say?
it said "For What?"

23.
What are you doing tomorrow?
cooking for David and Ryan

24.
Where Is Your Dad?
probably headed for work

25.
Look To Your Left, What Do You See?
my bathroom

26.
what Color Is Your Watch?
silver

27.
What Do You Think Of When You Hear Australia?
Kangaroos

28.
What did you do yesterday?
I cleaned my aparment and worked out on Wii Fit and then did some schoolwork. I also made various phone calls for school.

29. Do You Go In At A Fast Food Place Or Just Hit The Drive Thru?
usually drive thru

30.
What Is Your Favorite Number?
4...not sure why

31.
Who's The Last Person You Talked To On The Phone?
David

32.
Any Plans Today?
I need to go to the grocery store

33Biggest Annoyance In Your Life Right Now?
I want to be done with nursing school.

34.
Last Song Listened To?
ummm....not sure

35Can You Say The Alphabet Backwards?
no

36. Do You Have A Maid Service Clean Your House?
no

37.
Favorite Pair Of Shoes You Wear All The Time?
flip flops in the summer...in the winter I always wear the same shoes and they are getting old. I need to toss them, but they are SO comfy.

38.
Are You Jealous Of Anyone?
no

39. Is Anyone Jealous Of You?
not that I know of

40. Do You Love Anyone?
yes, lots of people

41. Do Any Of Your Friends Have Children?
yes

42.
What Do You Usually Do During The Day?
depends on the day

43. Do You Hate Anyone That You Know Right Now?
no

44. Do You Use The Word 'hello' Daily?
sure

45. Do You Like Cats?
No. Not in the least.

46.
Have You Ever Been To Six Flags?
yes.

47.
How Did You Get Your Worst Scar?
I don't have any scars. Well, I have a small chicken pox scar.

48.
Last Smoke?
don't smoke...gross.

49.
Last Cd Played?
umm...David Cook

50.
Last Bubble Bath?
yesterday. I love them!

51.
Last Time You Cried?
yesterday from all the stress!

52.
Last Meal?
frozen mac and cheese dinner and an orange. I have been in an orange kick lately!

53.
Have You Ever Dated Someone Twice?
no

54.
Have You Ever Kissed Someone & Regretted It?
sort of

55.
are You In Love?
yes

56.
Have You Ever Lost Someone?
yes

57.
Have You Ever Slept Until 1pm?
oh no. Unless I was sick or something. I am an early bird.

58.
Have You Ever Been Drunk And Threw Up?
nope, never been drunk. Never even tasted alcohol!

59.
List Three People You Can Tell Pretty Much Anything To?
David, Mom, Dad.

60.
List Three Favorite Colors/shades —
pink, blue, purple.

61.
Laughed Until You Cried:
many times

62.
Went Behind Your Parents Back?
I'm sure...nothing major though

63.
Who Posted This Before You?
Dana from church

64.
Gay Marriage?
unbiblical

65.
Lowering The Drinking Age?
no way

66.
Straight, Gay, Or Bi?
straight!

67.
Who Are The Best Huggers That You Know?
David and Timmy

68. Do You Believe In Love At First Sight?
not really

69. Is There Something You Want To Tell Someone?
not really

70.
Would You Kiss Anyone On Your Top Friends?
my boyfriend

71.
How Many Kids Do You Want To Have?
I'd like 4!!!! It's my favorite number, remember? LOL!

72. Do You Want To Change Your Name?
when I get married I will

73.
Last Time You Saw Your Father?
a little over a week ago :0(

74.
What Time Did You Wake Up Today?
5:30...yuck

75.
How Old Are You?
22

76.
What Were You Doing At Midnight Last Night?
Trying to go to sleep

77.
What Is Your Favorite Thing In Your Room?
my bed

78.
Where Is Your Best Friend Right Now?
they are all over.

First day back!

2009-01-13T18:49:00.002-06:00

Today was the first day of my last semester of school. It's amazing how nice everyone is when they know we are about to graduate. Haha.

This semester is not going to be bad at all (knock on wood!). I only have three classes (one class only meets 3 times the whole semester). All of my classes are on Tuesday, so that works out. I hardly have any tests, but I ended up with several papers.

The biggest thing will be Practicum. We have to work 200 hours with our nurse. Which seems like a lot, but when you think about it...you could get it done fast. I mean within a month or two, working 12 hour shifts.

I am SO ready to be a "real" nurse and move on with my life. I am also a little nervous about growing up and making it on my own. WOW! That will be a tad different! Ahhh!

Ok, World...I Am Back!

2009-01-12T21:46:00.003-06:00

Ok, So I took a break from my blog, but I am back! I had a wonderful birthday, a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a great trip to Florida since I wrote last.

I got wonderful gifts for my birthday and Christmas (Wii Fit, Kodak digital camera, boots, red coat, crock pot, flowers- pink roses to be exact, movies, etc...)
After Christmas I went with David and his amazing family to Florida. His cousin got married so we spent a day at the wedding, a day at church/shopping/touring Southeastern (where Dave went to college), day at Epcot, and a date filled with putt-putt, shopping, and yummy food. I had so much fun and David's family spoiled me rotten. I love those guys!

After that I spent a couple of days in David's hometown of Florence, AL and got to kiss my sweetie one New Years. It was wonderful.

Then back to Alabaster to visit some more with my fam and I miss them so much. It was great spending so much time just chillin' with Mom and Dad and Tim (and Clark when he was around).

I am now back in Mobile and had a wonderful weekend with David. His birthday was last week, so we celebrated that. I made him homemade chicken fetticine alfredo and a cookie cake. YUMM!!
Then today we got to celebrate our 9 month anniversary. We hung out and I helped him organize his warehouse...we have fun doing anything.

Tomorrow I have to start school back for the last time. I still haven't heard about Practicum, so everyone pray! I really want to get Peds! Ok, it is getting late and I need sleep! 6 clock comes WAY to early! LOVE YOU ALL! More to come later!

My last day to be 21...

2008-12-17T13:54:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is my birthday and I cannot believe it. This year has flown by and I stand amazed! This year has brought good and bad (but mostly good) and it's nice to get to reflect back over it.

This year I have:

Had my heart broken.
Celebrated my grandfather's 80th birthday.
Fallen head over heels in love.
Grown close to new friends.
Been on a carribean cruise with my mom.
Completed another 3 semesters of nursing school, which is the hardest thing I have ever done.
Got a speeding ticket.
Started an IV.
Watched a baby being born.
Become a part of an amazing church called The Way (they have a CUTE worship leader)
Almost failed a class.
Gained like 15 pounds..yuck.
Survived a hurricane.
Made-over my apartment (with help from my mom)
Saw my brother graduate from highschool.
Watched my Tim grow even taller.
Finished 4 clinicals.
Been blessed beyond belief.

Yes, 21 has been a great year and I hope 22 is just as good!
Love you all!

Diets

2008-12-13T14:50:00.002-06:00

So, today we had to go get measured for bridesmaids dresses for Malorie's wedding. Measurements are no fun unless you are like a size zero-four. Lets just say that I have gained so much weight since nursing school started. Blah, why in times of stress do I gain weight while some people lose weight?

My measurements were so messed up. My bust size needs a smaller dress than my waist size, so we had to order a gigantic dress and I guess will have to tailor it. I was hoping to lose more weight before the wedding, it is six months from today. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do that with my hectic schedule? I would appreciate any help I could get!

Yay and Praise the Lord!

2008-12-09T16:19:00.002-06:00

So...I passed the class I was really worried about, just barely. I made a 70.23 and will take that! I will definitely graduate in May!

Thanks for everyone's prayers and well wishes. I am going to be in Pensacola until Friday and then will head to Birmingham! No school until January 12...What will I do? LoL.

Love you all!

Thanksgiving pics!

2008-12-03T11:53:00.002-06:00

The Holley family is awesome... I guess I am an honorary member for now!

Me and my sweetheart. I look horrible!

Like this one!

Such a beautiful place!

The whole gang! There sure were a bunch of us!

I had such a great time with these people. Now, I know how David ended up so sweet, what a wonderful family!

LAST CLINICAL FOR ALL TIME!

2008-11-19T10:33:00.002-06:00

Today is my very last clinical! YAY and praise the Lord!

Too Funny...

2008-11-16T18:57:00.001-06:00

David forwarded this to me. His mom sent it to him...Thanks, Mrs. Janine!

QUESTIONS THAT HAUNT ME!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to 'put your two cents in'... but it's only a 'penny for your thoughts'? Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they 'slept like a baby' when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change?
They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why is 'bra' singular and 'panties' plural?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours?
They're both dogs!

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

Why, Why, Why
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'?

If people evolved from apes,
why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses
are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, 'It's all right?' Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, 'That really hurt, why don't you watch where you're going?'

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

And my FAVORITE......
The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons are suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

Do you ever wonder why you gave me your e-mail address in the first place?

~~~Now send this on to your friends and make them smile too!~~~

****A day without a smile is like a day without sunshine!****

Speeding ticket...

2008-11-16T13:42:00.001-06:00

I got my very first speeding ticket today on the way to church. I am so very sad about it! And I am such a careful driver, I cannot believe it happened!

Flowers and CVS game!

2008-11-15T20:44:00.005-06:00

So, my amazing boyfriend showed up on my doorstep with a dozen pink roses (my favorite) last night! No occasion, he just did it because he loves me! Isn't he the greatest...and the flowers are gorgeous! Hands off girls, he is all mine!

So...If you haven't heard of the amazing deals you can get at CVS, you need to try it! I promise it is worth it. I am still fairly new at this "CVS game" and am having fun trying my hand at it. I am a coupon queen, so this is fun for me. Here is everything I got this week. Let me break it down for you:

1) Lysol 4 in 1 cleaner ($2.50)
2) 3 Palmolive Dish soaps ($1.49 each)--you earn $1 back for each of these in ECBs
3) 2 Glade Air Fresheners (.99 each)
4) 2 Listerine Smart Rinse (3.99 each)--you earn $3 back for each of these in ECBs
5) 1 Smart Water ($1.59)--you earn $1 in ECBs
6) 2 20 oz sodas--not pictured ($1.49 each)

Total: $22.29
-$4.00 off of purchase of $20 or more CVS coupon
-$1.00 off of 2 Glade Air Fresheners coupon
-$1.00 off of Lysol cleaner coupon
-$1.00 off Smart Rinse coupon
-$6.98 in ECBs from last week
Total OOP (out of pocket): $8.31
ECBs to use for next week: $10.59

I am getting the hang of this!

Date night with the BF...

2008-11-14T17:12:00.003-06:00

So, tonight is date night! We are going to go eat some Mexican food and then go see the new James Bond movie! I will try to take some pics...Everyone have a good Friday night!

No air...

2008-11-13T18:47:00.002-06:00

Addicted to this song...love Jordin Sparks!

Jordin Sparks - New Music - More Music Videos

7 months!

2008-11-12T11:47:00.003-06:00

Today is our 7 month anniversary. Time sure flies when you are having fun! I love him so much and am so blessed to have him in my life. I thank God everyday for placing someone so wonderful in my life.

Anyway, that's the end of my gushiness (however you spell that). I am so excited guys, next week is my last clinicals! EVER! I am so thrilled that that part of my life is about to be over. Unless you have ever experienced clinicals, you have no idea how bad and stressful it is! Thanks to everyone for all your support and prayers throughout the last year. They really do help.

Well, in about an hour or two I have to leave for clinicals. We have a sub because our instructor is out of town for a conference. Pray for me! Love you guys!

Baking!

2008-11-07T10:19:00.001-06:00

I am baking cookies for my sweet today. Shh...don't tell! I am making sugar cookies because I have all the stuff to make them...

Yay! I love to bake!

It feels like Friday...

2008-11-06T22:57:00.002-06:00

I don't know why, but it has felt like Friday all day today. I am very glad it's only Thursday, though, because that means I still have 3 more days of no school! I am so very blessed tonight. I have the absolute best boyfriend in the world and the most amazing family ever. God has poured out so many blessings in my life and sometimes I feel like I do not appreciate it enough. I have no right to complain. About anything. Period.

I am healthy. I am clothed, fed, and have anything I could ever possibly want or need. My parents have made it to where I can totally focus on my schoolwork and not worry about money at all. That means so much to me. I really appreciate them.

And then there is this guy. Man, he is such a man of God. He truly makes me deliriously happy and I cannot believe someone like me ended up with someone like him. He is everything I could ever want in a boyfriend and he is always there for me. I love him SO much!

I am just overwhelmed tonight at God's love and peace. I put my trust in Him and I lay my worries at his feet. I hold onto them no longer!

God is in control!

2008-11-05T09:22:00.003-06:00

So, Obama has won. He is definitely not who I voted for or wanted to see in the White House. It has absolutely nothing to do with the color of his skin. Grow up, people. I am concerned with the actual issues. I do not agree with Obama's morals, his lack of experience, or his views on healthcare.

I pulled up to the Grove last night about the time the results came out that he won. People were acting so immature. The Obama fans were running all over the parking lot screaming very inappropriate things and very offensive language. I don't understand that. If McCain had've won I would not be running around the parking lot acting so crazy. I wonder if those people actually agree with Obama or are just voting for him based on the color of his skin. In my opinion, voting for someone just because of the color of his skin is just as prejudice and wrong as not voting for someone just because of the color of his skin.

Anyway, there is absolutely nothing we can do now. I just hope this nation starts acting with class and stops acting like children. I love this country and will honor Obama as God would want me to, even though I do not agree with him. God is in control and this is not a surprise to Him.

Sorry if you do not agree with me. It's ok, you don't have to. But, this is my blog!

I love when the time changes back!

2008-11-02T21:42:00.003-06:00

So...it feels like winter is right around the corner! YAY! I am so excited that it is dark so early and I love the little bit of crisp in the air. Winter is my favorite and love the clothes, the holidays, and the weather!

This weekend was nice and lazy. I was sick and pretty much slept most of it away. Dave came and bought me a few meals and took such great care of me. It's nice having someone take care of me, I am so used to being the nurse. I have such an amazing boyfriend. I love him.

Only 3 more weeks of clinical. Ever. Wow, I will be a nurse very soon and that scares me just a tad. Very sobering.

I get to vote on Tuesday along with all the rest of America. This one is a big one. Everyone pray!

Ok...I am tired. Sorry this blog is so choppy, I will post a good one soon. I am still not feeling the best! Love you guys!

Thursday is here agiain...

2008-10-30T09:24:00.002-05:00

Yay! I survived another week of clinical. It went a lot better than last week, my patients were at least nice to me. Today, I am studying HARD all day for my adult test tomorrow. I am very nervous, because I haven't done very well in that class so far. I really need to do good on this test.

I had such a great time with David and his parents last weekend. It was so much like spending time with my family and it helped to not be so homesick. So thanks to the Holleys for letting me tag along! Anyway, this is a short post. Nothing else going on! Love you guys!

TGIF!

2008-10-24T13:35:00.002-05:00

So, I love Fridays. I feel so accomplished at the end of a stressful week. I only have 4 more weeks of clinical and cannot wait to be done with it! My last clinical ever! I really love my instructor and my group, but I HATE the hospital. Yuck.

David and I are going to Biloxi for the weekend to visit with his parents. They haven't been here since David moved, so they rented a condo and we are going to hang out. I am excited to get to spend time with them again.

With everyone being so negative lately, I decided to make a list of everything I love right now! It is definitely bigger than the list of things I hate, so here goes:

1) The much much lower gas prices. I don't buy my own gas, but it still makes me excited. I got gas today for $2.55 a gallon.
2) The cooler weather, or boyfriend weather as I call it.
3) That I actually can see myself graduating nursing school in the very near future and I seem to actually know what I am doing at the hospital (somewhat)
4) That CATO was having a sale last night and I got 4 really cute shirts.
5) My boyfriend taking such great care of me. He is the best.
6) My new apartment! Well, it's not new, but it now looks amazing.
7) My halloween wreath my aunt Pam made me, so cute!
8) Monkey Munch (if you watch Jon and Kate plus 8 you will know what this is). I made some last night and it is very yummy.
9) Rachael Ray's talk show. I look forward to it each and everyday.
10) The mexican restaurant in Gulfport that me and David frequent.
11) Willow Tree Figurines. I need more, but I love the ones I have.
12) All my friends in nursing school. So great to have people going through the same things you are.
13) My amazing family for always supporting me and believing in me.
14) Monopoly at McDonalds. I go there just to get a Diet Coke and try to win. So far, no luck.

That's just a few of the things I love. I also love all of you who read my blog! Thanks!

Two patients now...oh the joy!

2008-10-21T11:15:00.003-05:00

So, yesterday was my first day picking up two patients. Oh my, the chaos. I was at the hosptial for almost 4 hours and about had a nervous breakdown. Then I came home and worked straight until about 2 in the morning. The great thing was that David is in town this week for work and he brought me dinner and a lot of Diet Coke. I couldn't have made it without him! He is the best.

Today I have to take care of 2 patients. They are both really sick and I am scared. I am also scared about having to give all of these medications and getting quized on them. Anyway, I am trying to stay calm and know that God is with me. He is my strength. I honestly do not know how people survive nursing school without Him, I sure couldn't. He called me to do this, and I am doing it for Him, He has it all in control.

Love you guys! Pray for me!

New clinical...same old nerves...

2008-10-15T09:42:00.002-05:00

Today is my first day of Adult 2 Clinicals. I lucked out again and got night clinicals (3-11pm) so at least I am well rested and didn't have to get up at 4:30 this morning. But, I am very nervous. I am just not an adult med-surge kind of person. I don't like it. I have a several hours before I have to leave, and my paperwork is done, but I still feel like I am forgetting something.

Today we only have one patient, but starting next week, we will have 2, and then maybe even 3 or 4 before the end. It is a lot. I am stressed. Everyone please say a little prayer for me today if you think about it. I really appreciate it! Love you!

Always be my baby!

2008-10-12T18:49:00.003-05:00

Today is my six month anniversary with the love of my life. I cannot believe how lucky I am to have found such an amazing person. He makes me so happy and makes me feel so appreciated and treasured. At the end of my previous relationship, I was so hurt and angry. I just wondered if there was anyone out there who would love me for me and who wanted to be with me. Well, the day David Holley came into my life he proved that there indeed was someone out there for me.

Everyday that we spend together is so peaceful and fun. There is no pressure, stress, or uncomfortableness (if that's a word). He is my boyfriend and also one of my best friends. I can tell him anything, I can cry on his shoulder, or I can act like a goofball. From day one our relationship has been like that and I am just so grateful to God for placing someone like him in my life. David, if you are reading this, please know how much I love and appreciate you. I am so proud of the man you are and the example you are to all of those around you. You rock! Love you, babe!

My apartment is now incredible!

2008-10-08T15:19:00.003-05:00

This is a small taste of what my apartment looks like now! To see all the photos go to my myspace page! My mom came down for a couple of days and we did amazing things. My apartment is gorgeous!

Peds clinical has come to a hault...now, bring on Adult 2!

2008-10-03T14:08:00.003-05:00

So, sadly Peds clinical is over. I am sad. Yes, it is nice to cross one more thing off of my list, but I really don't want to move on to Med-Surge (Adult) 2. I am scared. But, I know that God has brought me all the way through this scary mess of nursing school and He will not leave me this close to the finish line. I loved Peds. I loved taking care of kids and getting all the hugs and kisses. Strangely, you don't get all that appreciation from adults. Not to mention, the workload in Adult 2 is bumped up 200%. You don't just get to take care of one patient. You now have 3. That means, 3 databases, 3 careplans, 3 concept maps, and learning 3 lists of medications. And of course, you only get one night to do it in. It's ok. I can do it. It will be my last clinical and that is amazing! I can officially see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks to all my friends who have put up with me through this heck. I know I have been busy the last year and I appreciate all you guys support. Your prayers are helping. Now everyone pray that I get the nicest, sweetest Adult 2 instructor ever. That makes all the difference in the world. I don't mind working hard, but I do mind getting treated like dirt.

On the upside, I am about to head to Long Beach! YAY! Then, tomorrow David and I are going to Aunt Pam's for the night. They haven't met him yet and I cannot wait to hang out with them and the boys. Also, my mom is coming into town next week, so that will be fun as well. Yay! Exciting!

Love is in bloom!

2008-09-28T20:27:00.004-05:00

So, David surprised me Tuesday night after clinical and brought me some roses (pink ones, of course). I have enjoyed waking up every morning and going into my kitchen and watching them just open up. They become more beautiful everyday. It is amazing.

It reminds me of relationships. Like for example, me and Dave. When we first started going out I was so excited. I thought I would never be as happy as I was in that moment. He was perfect for me. But, we have dated for almost 6 months now and everyday I wake up and find out he is even more perfect for me and I find myself falling even more in love with him. It's amazing to be on this journey with someone so incredible. He really is awesome.

God is also amazing. He is working things out for me so well. I am almost done with school, I have the BEST family in the world, a boyfriend who adores me, great friends, and a great place to live. He really does work everything out for good to those who love Him. There have been times I have doubted Him, sometimes I mess up. But, He is still there. Nothing I could ever do would change that and I am so grateful.

Tomorrow is going to be a very long day. School from 8-3, then I have to go pick up a patient, then I have to do paperwork all night. I am just trying to remember that I am so close to being done. So close. Can't quit now.

Dancing with the Stars, Crystal lite, and Kleenex!

2008-09-22T20:18:00.000-05:00

Well...Monday is over. That is an amazing feat in itself. Mondays are my days from you know where. Class, picking up a patient, and of course, tons of paperwork to get ready for clinical.

On top of that, I am sick. Or maybe it's just allergies, I am not sure. My throat hurts, my head hurts, and my sinuses hurt. But, I don't want to complain. I will survive. A little cold isn't going to ruin my day.

On a positive note DWS is back on! YAY! I am totally addicted and it is making me want to take another dancing class. Maybe one day David and I can take one together, now that would be fun.

It is also my little brother's birthday today. He is 17, if you can believe that. Gosh, it just doesn't seem right. It also doesn't seem right that I am alsmost 22. Crazy.

I had so much fun with David this weekend. We went to New Orleans and had a blast. I totally have the best boyfriend in the ENTIRE world. He is better than yours, sorry, but he is all mine. Church was awesome Sunday. David did awesome on the worship and then Raven delivered a message that was totally annointed by God. God is doing amazing things in Long Beach. He is really touching people's hearts and The Way has already come so far! Let me just say....God rocks!

I know that this blog is a little choppy. I don't have enough energy to come up with a masterpiece tonight. This will have to do. Love you guys!

In LB once again...

2008-09-19T10:29:00.000-05:00

So...I am back in Long Beach and am so excited to spend the weekend with my sweetheart. I think we are going to go out to lunch and to see a movie. There isn't much out that isn't rated R, so we are going to see Fly Me to the Moon which is in 3D and is rated G. Should be fun, I think.

Anyway, I am officially done with school nursing and am glad to be going back to the hospital next week. I enjoyed it, though, the kids were so cute. I did my teaching project on handwashing and after I got done talking with them, this tiny little kindergartener ran up to me, threw her arms around me, and said "I promise to always wash my hands." It was adorable. The kids were so excited to be learning. Kindergarteners are so eager to learn and answer questions. It is amazing how smart they are.

Well, I think we are leaving. My amazing shrinking boyfriend is ready! Love you all!

Quiz!

2008-09-17T18:24:00.000-05:00

Have you ever liked someone older than you? yep, my boyfriend is older than me...

Do you have a good relationship with your parents? very good

Think of the person who's hurt you the most? I really don't want to...I have better now!

Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Absolutely

Have you ever been a gymnast or a cheerleader? in elementary school

What are you looking forward to in the next three months? finishing this semester

Do you have or had any gay guy friends? not really

Will you talk to the person you like on the phone tonight? Yep

What woke you up this morning? my alarm clock

Do you think you can last in a relationship for 3 months? already have

Would you ever donate blood? sure

At what age do you plan on having kids? idealy 25 or 26

Ditched school to do something more fun? not in awhile, but yes

Do you take compliments well? I try to

Does anyone hate you? I hope not

Do you like to make the first move? no way, the guy should do that

Do you miss anyone? very much!

What is stressing you out most right now? school

Does anyone love you? yep

What are you doing tomorrow? school work

Do you have a job? no

Do you fall for people easily? sort of

Are you high maintenance?not really

Are you happy with the way life is going? yeah

Do you hate it when people smoke around you? YES!

In the past week have you cried? I am sure I have, but I don't remember

Is there someone you will never forget? Lots of people

Where’s the guy/girl you like right now? at church

Is any part of your body sore? no

Last thing you ate? I am drinking Diet Coke, haven't eaten in awhile

Are you a morning person or a night person? Both

BB 10 Finale!

2008-09-16T20:22:00.001-05:00

So...I am very addicted to Big Brother. I have been from the very first one and have seen every single season. I even have gotten David as addiced as me. Anyway, I am sitting here watching the finale and am very sad this season is over. I have watched it all summer. But, the good news is that Dancing with the Stars is coming on in a few weeks so that is good, I guess.

Well, I only have one more day of school nursing. I have to go to Griggs Elementary School tomorrow and do a teaching project on handwashing to kindergarten students. It should be interesting. I am so ready for community to be over. I am ready to get back to the hospital.
Just wanted to check in with everyone. Love you all!

I Believe...

2008-09-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

So, I heard of this exercise where you write "I believe" on the top of a piece of paper and then just list what you believe. I thought I would give it a try. Here goes...

I BELIEVE:

In my Lord Jesus Christ. That a broken heart is the most painful thing you can experience in life. That mexican food WILL be in heaven. Nursing school was meant to beat you down and try to kill you. It won't kill me. Kids are life's most precious gift. Chocolate chip cookie dough was meant to be eaten raw. My boyfriend is better than any other. I have huge earlobes. Smallville is as addicting as drugs (well, at least as addictive as Diet Coke). Laughing until you cannot breathe is the best feeling ever. Clinical is scarier than an operation. Lip gloss rules. High heels make the outfit. Pajammas are the comfiest things ever and should be worn whenever possible. My family is the best in the whole world. Church brings out all my emotions. Care plans are of Satan. I look like my mom. Boyfriend weather is the best. Pink roses make me happy. Naps are awesome. Foot massages are better. God healed me. I didn't deserve it. Clean sheets are very important. The air conditioner should be set on 72 degrees. Dates with my boyfriend should be cherished and thoroughly enjoyed. Friends who go behind your back and betray you are not friends. I am a good roommate, even though I have had bad experiences thus far. My brothers mean the world to me. I am so ready to be done with school. Low-carb diets are hard.

You all need to try it...

You know you are a nurse when...

2008-09-11T20:32:00.000-05:00

You know you're a nurse when....

1) you recognize that you can't cure stupid.

2) you own at least three pens with the names of prescription medications on them (I have more than that...and a coffee cup)

3) you believe there's a special place in hell for the inventor of the call light.

4) you believe that saying 'it can't get any worse' causes it to get worse just to show you it can.

5) you wash your hands BEFORE you go to the bathroom (a definite must)

6) you believe that any job where you can drive to work in your pajamas is a cool one. (I love scrubs)

7) you consider a tongue depressor an eating utensil (never done this one, but I guess it might work)

8) eating microwave popcorn out of a clean bedpan is perfectly natural (never done this one either)

9) you've been exposed to so many x-rays that you consider it a form of birth control (not that I need it)

10) you've ever heard a patient with a nose ring, a brow ring, and twelve earrings say 'I'm afraid of shots (isn't that something?)

11) you've ever placed a bet on someone's blood alcohol level.

12) your bladder can expand to the size of a winnebago's water tank (so true! there is no time to use the bathroom!)

13) you believe that not all patients are annoying... some are unconscious

14) your family and friends refuse to watch medical sitcoms with you because you spend the whole time correcting everyone and pointing out upside down x-rays.

15) you don't get excited about blood, unless it's your own.

16) discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal is perfectly normal to you. (yes, it doesn't bother me, but it does bother everyone else)

17) your idea of fine dining is anywhere you can sit down to eat.

18) your idea of a good time is a cardiac arrest at shift change (no, not really)

19) you believe in the aerial spraying of prozac (haha...that might be nice)

20) you believe that unspeakable evils will befall anyone who utters the phrase 'Wow, it's really quiet, isn't it? (very true)

21) you have ever had a patient look you straight in the eye and say 'I have no idea how that got stuck in there.' (haha)

22) you've had to leave a patient's room before you begin to laugh uncontrollably.

School nursing...definitely harder than it sounds!

2008-09-10T21:00:00.001-05:00

So, my first week of school nursing is complete. I never really knew everything school nurses did, but goodness they do a lot. I spent 2 days helping out a school nurse and the kids are absolutely adorable. I liked it a lot. Anyway, it is nice to be around normal healthy kids. It is so sad to see all the sick ones in the hospital. But, I am starting to think one way or another I might just be a peds nurse. I really love interacting with the kids and taking care of them.

I have not been feeling well this week. I think it's just pure exhaustion. I am so tired and definitely miss my night clinical. Obviously, we have to do our school nursing during the day.

David just started his new part time job this week and he is doing well. I know it is hard on him, but it is a lot more money so that is definitely motivating. I get to see him this weekend! YAY!

Anyway, just wanted to write a quick update. Love you all!

I Love Thursdays!

2008-09-04T13:08:00.000-05:00

So...I thought I would post a few pics from me and my mom's cruise this summer. All of them can be seen on my Myspace page. It was awesome!

So, I am back in Mobile! We ended up leaving for a day and dodging the hurricane. But, no damage here, so I had to be back for clincial on Tuesday and Wednesday night. I really like Peds clinical and I think I might want to be a pediatric nurse. My patient was 5 months old this week and she was such a little grin-box. She always smiled. The only thing that's hard for me is the little kids who don't have parents or their parents don't care. It breaks my heart.

Anyway, this weekend will have to be spent studying! I need to read a lot of stuff. David is going to stop by on Saturday on his way back to Mississippi, so I am excited about that! I have the best boyfriend in the entire whole world!

Hurricane Gustav...

2008-08-30T17:23:00.001-05:00

So, we are in a waiting game right now. It looks like an evacuation is very possible within the next day. I am still in Long Beach and waiting for the official word from the school. I can't imagine that they would not cancel school, but hey, anything is possible!

Hurricane Gustav looks pretty scary, everyone keep us in your prayers. We need everyone to be safe. I wanted to let everyone know I am safe and will be safe. If this hurricane is headed towards us, I am going to get the heck out of dodge!

Love you all!

First day of Peds clinical!

2008-08-26T22:38:00.000-05:00

So, I had a busy, but great day today. I was really worried about this clinical for some reason, but it's a lot of fun. The kids are adorable, you get to play with them, my instructor is awesome, and the staff is very nice and friendly. I could see myself as a Peds nurse.

My patient today was only 10 days old. I got to hold her and assess her status and help with her mediations. She was adorable. Anyway, I am completely exhausted tonight. I was at the hospital until 8 and then had to come home and finish up paperwork. But, I am heading to Long Beach tomorrow night after clinical and I get to spend the weekend with the man I am in love with. I am just hoping we won't have any hurricanes to worry about.

Not ready for school this week!

2008-08-24T21:27:00.000-05:00

How come the weekend is never long enough? I am so not ready for this week to start. Uhh...I am so tired of school. I was sick all day today and am still not feeling 100%. Tomorrow, I have all of my classes and I have to pick up a patient at the hospital. That means, coming home tomorrow night and doing loads of paperwork.

Anyway, I forgot all about Big Brother coming on tonight...so I missed it. Dang. Today is just been one of those days. Oh well, this week will be over soon enough and I can see David again! YAY!

TGIF!

2008-08-22T20:46:00.000-05:00

So, it's Friday. Yay. One week down, many more to go. Today was good. I came home from Long Beach and "tried" to read Adult Health. I say "tried" because it is impossible to read and follow that book. It is ridiculous. I mean, who wrote that doggone thing. It's one of those books that you read until your eyes are glazed over and then you are like "Oh my gosh, I have no idea what in the heck I just read." Yep, that's Adult Health Nursing for you. Tomorrow Peds and Leadership are going to be tackled. That is the plan anyway.

Clinical starts next week and I am nervous. It always freaks me out. I am trying to relax about it. I have a nice instructor and it's pediatrics. I love kids! I just never had to convince one to take medication for me or give one a shot when 3 people are holding them down. Ahhh...it will be an experience.

So, anyway, I know I talk about school a lot. I am sorry. I can't wait until the day when school doesn't consume my life. That will be great. On a side note, I am currently reading The Shack, if you have never read it, you need to. It is amazing. It has changed the way I see God and think about Him. It's a very interesting and different book, but fascinating. You cry, laugh, and everything in between while reading it.

God just overwhelms me sometimes. His hand on my life is so amazing and He has blessed me far above what I deserve. I can't imagine my life without Him. Sometimes when I get to thinking about my blessings I just breakdown. I just feel like I don't deserve them. I worry and whine and complain so much. I have to get on God's nerves sometimes. But, you know what, He lets me complain to Him. He holds me, lets me cry, gives me peace and then usually straightens me out. I am so glad I don't have to "do" anything to earn His love. He just wants me to accept it. That is so beautiful to me.

So many people think that if they mess up God is up there with a giant lightning bolt ready to get them. Nope, He is right there with open arms ready to help you up and hold you tight. He doesn't expect perfection, He knows we are human. All He wants us to do is try our best in everything we do, put Him first, and others second. He even will give us the strength to do it. We just have to be obedient!