Pretty much my whole life, I have loved christmas. This year has not changed that fact one bit! I love the decorations, the family time, time off to reflect on our Lord, and the joy that seems to be more present during this season!
This year, I found myself committed to a bunch of different christmas activities. This past Saturday, I decorated a table for our ladies' christmas breakfast at church (using mostly my mom's things). I will try and remember to post a picture as soon as I get them. I am also planning our christmas social for caregroup, and having a christmas party at our house.
I am excited about all of these activities! We put up our tree this weekend, it's not decorated yet, but will be soon! I am going christmas shopping with my mom tomorrow, and will spend more time decorating for the rest of the week.
For our christmas social and christmas party, instead of doing a meal, we'll be doing "heavy hors d'ouevres". Does anybody have any recipes for yummy, kind of fancy hors d'ouevres like this?
Hoping you all are enjoying this season as much as I am.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Fun in New Jersey
This past weekend, Danny and I were FINALLY able to go to New Jersey to spend the weekend with my oldest sister and her family. We've been trying for a few months to see them, and it was such a blessing!
About six months ago, Danny commented on the fact that we have never spent any significant individual time with any of my siblings. Most often in my family, when we get together, everybody is there. While this is an extreme joy, and a great time, it can tend to make good conversation a little bit difficult, with between 4 and 12 kids running around. So, we've determined to make an effort to spend time with each family individually.
This past weekend, Danny had off on Friday, so we left on Thursday night for a much needed time away from Baltimore. We got to Jen's house around 11:30, and collapsed into bed! Friday morning, Danny and Doug (brother-in-law) went out to breakfast with the boys, and since the girls had a sleepover, Jeni and I actually got to spend most of the day out by ourselves! It was such a joy to have uninterrupted conversation with my sister. We wandered through an antique shop/flea market type store, talking about decorating, dreams, and plans. Then we went to McDonald's for lunch and wandered through Michael's a little bit before heading back to meet everybody at the house. The four of us adults went out to dinner on Friday night, and then came home for a movie night with the kids.
On Saturday night, we went to a concert at the church. A group called The Annie Moses Band was there, and they were phenomonal! I had not heard of them before, but it was a wonderful time! The group is comprised mostly of one family. The parents and their 5 children are all amazingly musically talented. I've never seen violins played so well. I look forward to buying some of their music, and hopefully seeing them again someday, although they are not near us anytime soon.
We were amazingly refreshed coming home, and I was reminded again of how blessed I am to have a family that enjoys being together, and while we may have our issues, we truly do love each other, and love spending time together. Thank you Lord for that blessing.
About six months ago, Danny commented on the fact that we have never spent any significant individual time with any of my siblings. Most often in my family, when we get together, everybody is there. While this is an extreme joy, and a great time, it can tend to make good conversation a little bit difficult, with between 4 and 12 kids running around. So, we've determined to make an effort to spend time with each family individually.
This past weekend, Danny had off on Friday, so we left on Thursday night for a much needed time away from Baltimore. We got to Jen's house around 11:30, and collapsed into bed! Friday morning, Danny and Doug (brother-in-law) went out to breakfast with the boys, and since the girls had a sleepover, Jeni and I actually got to spend most of the day out by ourselves! It was such a joy to have uninterrupted conversation with my sister. We wandered through an antique shop/flea market type store, talking about decorating, dreams, and plans. Then we went to McDonald's for lunch and wandered through Michael's a little bit before heading back to meet everybody at the house. The four of us adults went out to dinner on Friday night, and then came home for a movie night with the kids.
On Saturday night, we went to a concert at the church. A group called The Annie Moses Band was there, and they were phenomonal! I had not heard of them before, but it was a wonderful time! The group is comprised mostly of one family. The parents and their 5 children are all amazingly musically talented. I've never seen violins played so well. I look forward to buying some of their music, and hopefully seeing them again someday, although they are not near us anytime soon.
We were amazingly refreshed coming home, and I was reminded again of how blessed I am to have a family that enjoys being together, and while we may have our issues, we truly do love each other, and love spending time together. Thank you Lord for that blessing.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Sometimes I wish...
I didn't know everything I know.
Sometimes I wish I could turn off a "medical knowledge switch" and play the idiot when it comes to people I know and love.
For example, when my mom fell down my stairs and for weeks afterwards I had nightmares of what could've happened, and how much worse it could've, and probably even should've been. Or a few weeks ago, when my husband had an eye infection, and before the doctor even said anything, I knew that the risk for meningitis was high.
This week at work, I added another "wish I never knew" to my list. I'll spare the details for the rest of you, but I had a beautiful full term baby pass away Friday night on my shift. I spent the day helping the family come to terms with their decision to withdraw support, and spent their final hours with their little boy that they tried so hard to have. It was an emotionally and physically exhausting time.
Working in the unit that I do has been a great experience, but I can only imagine all these experiences and situations that will pop in my head when it is our time to have children, and I will wish I didn't know.
If only I could turn it off. I love what I do - but don't always love having this knowledge when it comes to my own life.
Sometimes I wish I could turn off a "medical knowledge switch" and play the idiot when it comes to people I know and love.
For example, when my mom fell down my stairs and for weeks afterwards I had nightmares of what could've happened, and how much worse it could've, and probably even should've been. Or a few weeks ago, when my husband had an eye infection, and before the doctor even said anything, I knew that the risk for meningitis was high.
This week at work, I added another "wish I never knew" to my list. I'll spare the details for the rest of you, but I had a beautiful full term baby pass away Friday night on my shift. I spent the day helping the family come to terms with their decision to withdraw support, and spent their final hours with their little boy that they tried so hard to have. It was an emotionally and physically exhausting time.
Working in the unit that I do has been a great experience, but I can only imagine all these experiences and situations that will pop in my head when it is our time to have children, and I will wish I didn't know.
If only I could turn it off. I love what I do - but don't always love having this knowledge when it comes to my own life.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
My wonderful birthday!
Wow...this week has been crazy!
Last week, on Monday, I turned 23. Growing up, birthdays were a HUGE deal in my family. We were allowed to pick the meal for the night, and I (unlike my other siblings, I believe) have never had to go to school on my birthday (except for college!)
Well, this year, I was blessed with an amazing day! I did not have to work (Thank you Lord) but Danny did, or so I thought. I was expecting a fairly normal day at home, with a nice evening out with my husband. A few weeks before, my dear friend Shelbie asked if I could spend the day with her. I was excited to do so, but not excited about being picked up at 8 o'clock! Shouldn't a girl get to sleep in on her birthday!?
Well, Danny and I got up together, got ready, and he left for work. He was overly happy all morning, so I thought something was up. At 8 o'clock, the doorbell rang, and I opened it to find my husband with a big smile, two cups of coffee and muffins for us! Shelbie's getting together with me was just a placeholder for the day, so I wouldn't plan something else!
My wonderful hubby took me to Lancaster PA for the day to spend time at the outlets. I LOVE outlet malls, WAY more than a regular mall. We had a wonderful day, the weather was wonderful, and the sales were great too!
Mid-afternoon, we went to an Amish bakery that he had found for a snack, and we ate dinner on our way home at Smokey Joe's in York PA. I had my favorite dinner of ribs and a baked potato. The day was way over my points - but I decided to write them off for the day and just enjoy my time.
We had a wonderful day - it was a wonderful gift! I got tons of phone calls from family and friends, and was very blessed to have such a great day.
Last week, on Monday, I turned 23. Growing up, birthdays were a HUGE deal in my family. We were allowed to pick the meal for the night, and I (unlike my other siblings, I believe) have never had to go to school on my birthday (except for college!)
Well, this year, I was blessed with an amazing day! I did not have to work (Thank you Lord) but Danny did, or so I thought. I was expecting a fairly normal day at home, with a nice evening out with my husband. A few weeks before, my dear friend Shelbie asked if I could spend the day with her. I was excited to do so, but not excited about being picked up at 8 o'clock! Shouldn't a girl get to sleep in on her birthday!?
Well, Danny and I got up together, got ready, and he left for work. He was overly happy all morning, so I thought something was up. At 8 o'clock, the doorbell rang, and I opened it to find my husband with a big smile, two cups of coffee and muffins for us! Shelbie's getting together with me was just a placeholder for the day, so I wouldn't plan something else!
My wonderful hubby took me to Lancaster PA for the day to spend time at the outlets. I LOVE outlet malls, WAY more than a regular mall. We had a wonderful day, the weather was wonderful, and the sales were great too!
Mid-afternoon, we went to an Amish bakery that he had found for a snack, and we ate dinner on our way home at Smokey Joe's in York PA. I had my favorite dinner of ribs and a baked potato. The day was way over my points - but I decided to write them off for the day and just enjoy my time.
We had a wonderful day - it was a wonderful gift! I got tons of phone calls from family and friends, and was very blessed to have such a great day.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tribute to Mom
Mom, these are my thoughts and thanks for you, on (or the day after!) your birthday.
~ Mom, I can not thank you enough for the countless hours you spent in the car when I was growing up. Every day for at least two years, you or Dad drove me to school and picked me up, so that I could go to school with Elisabeth, and be in a more comfortable environment. For countless years, you drove me 45 minutes to and from the barn. You usually brought a book, and in good weather, you sat in your lawn chair, or went to the park, while I spent hours at the barn. In bad weather, you sat in the car with your book, so I could spend time doing what I loved.
~ You threw yourself into every activity I wanted to be a part of, supporting me every step of the way. When it was soccer, I could count on you to always be on the sidelines, cheering me on. When it was chorus, you were at every large concert and small performance, even spending the weekend in Pittsburgh with a bunch of kids you didn't know, just to be by my side. When it was the school musical, I could find you every afternoon in the "sweat shop" alongside other moms, sewing our costumes for our big day. For home ec. in 8th grade, when our teacher barely knew what to do with a sewing machine, you came in to volunteer, so we could actually learn something. In 10th grade history, you drove half an hour each way (an extra time) and came to my class with your sewing machine so I could have an example for my "connections" presentation. For dance, you made our skirts, and pants, and helped us shop for matching tanktops, overalls, shoes, everything we needed for what we pictured. In 12th grade, when Elisabeth and I decided for some reason to put on a production with 150 kids from our daycare, you led a team of 4 other moms, sewing uniforms for our production, and helped backstage in so many other ways that day.
~ You showed me your love in so many ways, that you may think I never noticed. You packed complicated lunches for me, because I was a picky eater, and sandwiches just never were my thing. When I had knee surgery my freshman year, you spent countless nights awake with me, bring me pain meds along with applesauce or crackers every three hours so I wouldn't end up in tears, again. Then, for a month, you drove me back and forth to Towson for class, so I could still go and do well. When I busted it again my sophomore year, you drove my crutches all the way to Towson one morning that you didn't plan to, just so I wouldn't have to lose my decent spot and have to "crutch" all the way across the campus. All through college, you edited every single paper I wrote, often at 2:00 or 3:00 the morning that it's due, because I "just didn't have time" to finish before then. You drove things to me at college in the middle of the night, because I forgot them at home over the weekend.
~ You've listened to me vent for countless phone calls. You've heard my heart when I didn't even know what it was saying, and also helped me to recognize when I'm being a brat about something ridiculous! You helped me work through the hardest year I had, between high school and college, when everything around me was crumbling. You've helped me let go of friendships, and pushed me to find new ones, or restore old ones, when I just didn't think I could.
~Last year, you gave me one of the best gifts you ever could. When I fell in love with an extremely complicated wedding dress, instead of the simple one I thought I wanted, you took a deep breath, smiled, and said "We'll make it work!" You spent countless hours looking for the perfect beads for the dress, at an affordable price. You drove all over, read tons of books, and learned how to hand bead, just so I could have the gorgeous dress that you gave to me. Most of these hours, you were alone, and I was in class, or with Danny, or sometimes with you. You found a church and an affordable caterer for me, so I could have the day of my dreams.
I know we had our rough times, (as I believe every mother and daughter do), but you mean the world to me Mom. I see the things you do for me, although I'm sure there are thousands of others that I will never know. The sacrifices you've made, and continue to make, are not pointless. I walk through every day, knowing that I am loved, and my Mom is there, whenever I need her, for whatever ridiculous thing I ask. We've laughed together, and cried together.
I love you Mom, with all my heart. Thank you for the gifts you give me, every day, in the way you love me.
~ Mom, I can not thank you enough for the countless hours you spent in the car when I was growing up. Every day for at least two years, you or Dad drove me to school and picked me up, so that I could go to school with Elisabeth, and be in a more comfortable environment. For countless years, you drove me 45 minutes to and from the barn. You usually brought a book, and in good weather, you sat in your lawn chair, or went to the park, while I spent hours at the barn. In bad weather, you sat in the car with your book, so I could spend time doing what I loved.
~ You threw yourself into every activity I wanted to be a part of, supporting me every step of the way. When it was soccer, I could count on you to always be on the sidelines, cheering me on. When it was chorus, you were at every large concert and small performance, even spending the weekend in Pittsburgh with a bunch of kids you didn't know, just to be by my side. When it was the school musical, I could find you every afternoon in the "sweat shop" alongside other moms, sewing our costumes for our big day. For home ec. in 8th grade, when our teacher barely knew what to do with a sewing machine, you came in to volunteer, so we could actually learn something. In 10th grade history, you drove half an hour each way (an extra time) and came to my class with your sewing machine so I could have an example for my "connections" presentation. For dance, you made our skirts, and pants, and helped us shop for matching tanktops, overalls, shoes, everything we needed for what we pictured. In 12th grade, when Elisabeth and I decided for some reason to put on a production with 150 kids from our daycare, you led a team of 4 other moms, sewing uniforms for our production, and helped backstage in so many other ways that day.
~ You showed me your love in so many ways, that you may think I never noticed. You packed complicated lunches for me, because I was a picky eater, and sandwiches just never were my thing. When I had knee surgery my freshman year, you spent countless nights awake with me, bring me pain meds along with applesauce or crackers every three hours so I wouldn't end up in tears, again. Then, for a month, you drove me back and forth to Towson for class, so I could still go and do well. When I busted it again my sophomore year, you drove my crutches all the way to Towson one morning that you didn't plan to, just so I wouldn't have to lose my decent spot and have to "crutch" all the way across the campus. All through college, you edited every single paper I wrote, often at 2:00 or 3:00 the morning that it's due, because I "just didn't have time" to finish before then. You drove things to me at college in the middle of the night, because I forgot them at home over the weekend.
~ You've listened to me vent for countless phone calls. You've heard my heart when I didn't even know what it was saying, and also helped me to recognize when I'm being a brat about something ridiculous! You helped me work through the hardest year I had, between high school and college, when everything around me was crumbling. You've helped me let go of friendships, and pushed me to find new ones, or restore old ones, when I just didn't think I could.
~Last year, you gave me one of the best gifts you ever could. When I fell in love with an extremely complicated wedding dress, instead of the simple one I thought I wanted, you took a deep breath, smiled, and said "We'll make it work!" You spent countless hours looking for the perfect beads for the dress, at an affordable price. You drove all over, read tons of books, and learned how to hand bead, just so I could have the gorgeous dress that you gave to me. Most of these hours, you were alone, and I was in class, or with Danny, or sometimes with you. You found a church and an affordable caterer for me, so I could have the day of my dreams.
I know we had our rough times, (as I believe every mother and daughter do), but you mean the world to me Mom. I see the things you do for me, although I'm sure there are thousands of others that I will never know. The sacrifices you've made, and continue to make, are not pointless. I walk through every day, knowing that I am loved, and my Mom is there, whenever I need her, for whatever ridiculous thing I ask. We've laughed together, and cried together.
I love you Mom, with all my heart. Thank you for the gifts you give me, every day, in the way you love me.
Friday, September 28, 2007
The family "challenge"
Thanks for your prayers and your comments everyone after my last post! I am feeling much better, although you may notice that the post time is once again in the middle of the night. ;) I got a chance to catch up on some much needed sleep, and while I am still tired, the last few days have definitely been better.
When I started nursing school in the fall of my junior year, I started gaining unwanted weight, attributed to the high stress levels of the program. I wasn't too worried about it, and figured that once I had time to exercise it would be fine. Well, it is now two years later, and I have tried multiple times to lose weight, and it has just never happened for me. I usually end up extremely discouraged, and with no results.
Because of this, I rarely last more than about four days at any attempt to exercise and "watch what I eat". The problem may be that I "watch" what I'm eating, all the way to my mouth! However, I have started to lose some weight over the summer since the stress of school is over, without really even trying!
A few days ago, I got an email from my sister, challenging members of our family to do Weight Watchers together. So, I agreed! It is a time when I am feeling very ready to do something like this, and the family motivation to do it together will be very helpful for me!
I would love your prayers again - mostly for self-control in sticking with it, but also I really would love to see something work!
With that - has anybody else tried it? Any stories, suggestions, or recipes with points?
I'm starting on Monday, and will let you know how it goes!
When I started nursing school in the fall of my junior year, I started gaining unwanted weight, attributed to the high stress levels of the program. I wasn't too worried about it, and figured that once I had time to exercise it would be fine. Well, it is now two years later, and I have tried multiple times to lose weight, and it has just never happened for me. I usually end up extremely discouraged, and with no results.
Because of this, I rarely last more than about four days at any attempt to exercise and "watch what I eat". The problem may be that I "watch" what I'm eating, all the way to my mouth! However, I have started to lose some weight over the summer since the stress of school is over, without really even trying!
A few days ago, I got an email from my sister, challenging members of our family to do Weight Watchers together. So, I agreed! It is a time when I am feeling very ready to do something like this, and the family motivation to do it together will be very helpful for me!
I would love your prayers again - mostly for self-control in sticking with it, but also I really would love to see something work!
With that - has anybody else tried it? Any stories, suggestions, or recipes with points?
I'm starting on Monday, and will let you know how it goes!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Exhaustion
Currently, it's 5:40 in the morning, and I am 2 1/2 hours away from bed.
This week, I started night shifts at work, and it has been really hard! This (Sunday night) is my third night shift in a row, and I am completely exhausted. I could use your prayers to avoid sickness, frustration, and more exhaustion.
I am still loving my job (although I am needing more reminding of that this weekend) and I am thankful for how God has blessed me with it, and I am thankful that I am not dealing with a harder situation, but it is very difficult to deal with the negative aspects of it sometimes, as it means days and nights away from Danny, and I do nothing but sleep and come back here.
Thank you for your prayers, hopefully I'll be able to blog about something more upbeat tomorrow or the next day, after some much needed sleep :)
This week, I started night shifts at work, and it has been really hard! This (Sunday night) is my third night shift in a row, and I am completely exhausted. I could use your prayers to avoid sickness, frustration, and more exhaustion.
I am still loving my job (although I am needing more reminding of that this weekend) and I am thankful for how God has blessed me with it, and I am thankful that I am not dealing with a harder situation, but it is very difficult to deal with the negative aspects of it sometimes, as it means days and nights away from Danny, and I do nothing but sleep and come back here.
Thank you for your prayers, hopefully I'll be able to blog about something more upbeat tomorrow or the next day, after some much needed sleep :)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
California pics
Here are some pictures of our wonderful 5 days in California!
On the pier the first day we were there :)
One of the crazy huge houses in Beverly Hills
A cafe on the beach where we had lunch, with our toes in the sand.
The reflection pool outside The Getty, a free museum we visited.
This sunset was beautiful!
A cool picture my honey took of the pier.
Saturday we rented bikes and rode along the beach.
I'm not as good at taking moving pictures as Danny is :)
The view from our hike, it was weird to be in a mountain looking at the beach!
The beach was kinda chilly on the last day - but I didn't want to leave!
It was a great blessing to be able to go on this trip, what a beautiful state.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Home again
Well, after 5 days in wonderful sunny, 75 degree California, the dream had to end, and I flew home yesterday. The remainder of our time was absolutely wonderful. We spent endless hours on the beach, reading, napping, and just chatting.
Saturday morning, we rented bikes and rode along the bike path that runs along the coast. We stopped several times to take a break and rest on the beach. Then, on Sunday morning, we met up with Danny's coworker and our landlord, Katherine, and went hiking somewhere up past Malibu. It was SO cool to be climbing through the mountains, and looking at the ocean at the same time!
These last 5 days were so refreshing for us! Starting this job, our schedule has been really hectic, and we have not gotten much time together just the two of us. It was wonderful to be able to relax, sleep in, talk, snuggle, talk more, watch movies together, and not have anything we were responsible for doing for that long!
Sadly enough, dreams can't last forever, and I'm home now, and Danny's not. :( He is in his training class until thursday, and comes home on Friday. So, until then, I'm here in this big house in this scary city by myself! I tried today to get everything done and ready for the rest of the week (laundry, lunches, etc.) because I have to work wednesday, thursday, and friday this week. Usually by the time I get home from that, I'm pretty exhausted, and very hungry! It'll be a hard few days, but that vacation was totally worth it.
I'll upload pictures sometime when Danny gets home, he still has the cameras, with all the pictures on them!
Saturday morning, we rented bikes and rode along the bike path that runs along the coast. We stopped several times to take a break and rest on the beach. Then, on Sunday morning, we met up with Danny's coworker and our landlord, Katherine, and went hiking somewhere up past Malibu. It was SO cool to be climbing through the mountains, and looking at the ocean at the same time!
These last 5 days were so refreshing for us! Starting this job, our schedule has been really hectic, and we have not gotten much time together just the two of us. It was wonderful to be able to relax, sleep in, talk, snuggle, talk more, watch movies together, and not have anything we were responsible for doing for that long!
Sadly enough, dreams can't last forever, and I'm home now, and Danny's not. :( He is in his training class until thursday, and comes home on Friday. So, until then, I'm here in this big house in this scary city by myself! I tried today to get everything done and ready for the rest of the week (laundry, lunches, etc.) because I have to work wednesday, thursday, and friday this week. Usually by the time I get home from that, I'm pretty exhausted, and very hungry! It'll be a hard few days, but that vacation was totally worth it.
I'll upload pictures sometime when Danny gets home, he still has the cameras, with all the pictures on them!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Yay for vacation!
We are at the beach! We left early on Wednesday morning for a VERY long flight out here to California! Wednesday we got here around 12:30 California time, which left us with most of the afternoon to explore and get settled in at the hotel. We ate lunch at a cafe on the end of a pier, came to the hotel, unpacked, rested for a bit, and then we got some groceries for lunches so it's not any more expensive than necessary. We fell asleep at 8:30! Something about getting up at 5 o'clock four days in a row just was a little much for us, and it was 11:30 our time.
We're trying not to adjust to the time change too much, as I have to work right when I get home. And though we know it feels like 10:30 to our bodies, there is something slightly disappointing on vacation about waking up and seeing 7:30 on the clock. :)
The beaches here are amazing, they are SOOO long! I love that there is no humidity and such bright sunshine.
Well, we're off to watch a movie before going to the beach, I'll try to post again, but if not, I will post some pics when we get home!
We're trying not to adjust to the time change too much, as I have to work right when I get home. And though we know it feels like 10:30 to our bodies, there is something slightly disappointing on vacation about waking up and seeing 7:30 on the clock. :)
The beaches here are amazing, they are SOOO long! I love that there is no humidity and such bright sunshine.
Well, we're off to watch a movie before going to the beach, I'll try to post again, but if not, I will post some pics when we get home!
Friday, August 31, 2007
I'm back!
Last tuesday, sometime soon after the furniture arrived and I posted pictures, my internet stopped working. At first, I didn't really care - it would come back in a few minutes, I was sure. It was storming, so I figured that might have something to do with it.
Hours later - it still was not back! Danny looked at it when he got home, and basically, it was just busted. So, we called Verizon, and they could not come until this past Wednesday!
I have been able to check my email at work, but very quickly, as it's been really busy!
Sorry for being out of touch, hopefully it'll stay working!
My week update:
~ Last friday Danny and I both had off work - which was great - we were desperately needing a date day! We walked down to the coffee shop for breakfast, walked around the water while we drank our coffee, it was great. We had planned to go hiking, but it was about 100 degrees by 11 o'clock, so we vetoed that idea. Instead, we spent the day going through pictures to print and put in albums - we haven't updated ours in about two years! It was a great time - a walk down memory lane!
~ On Monday I found out that my supervisor (once again!) adjusted my work orientation schedule so that I can go to California with my honey! I am SOO excited :) We fly out on Wednesday the 5th, I come home Monday the 10th, and Danny will come home after his training on Friday the 14th. It should be a good time, we are really excited.
What blessings!
Hours later - it still was not back! Danny looked at it when he got home, and basically, it was just busted. So, we called Verizon, and they could not come until this past Wednesday!
I have been able to check my email at work, but very quickly, as it's been really busy!
Sorry for being out of touch, hopefully it'll stay working!
My week update:
~ Last friday Danny and I both had off work - which was great - we were desperately needing a date day! We walked down to the coffee shop for breakfast, walked around the water while we drank our coffee, it was great. We had planned to go hiking, but it was about 100 degrees by 11 o'clock, so we vetoed that idea. Instead, we spent the day going through pictures to print and put in albums - we haven't updated ours in about two years! It was a great time - a walk down memory lane!
~ On Monday I found out that my supervisor (once again!) adjusted my work orientation schedule so that I can go to California with my honey! I am SOO excited :) We fly out on Wednesday the 5th, I come home Monday the 10th, and Danny will come home after his training on Friday the 14th. It should be a good time, we are really excited.
What blessings!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
It's here!
It's finally here! I'm uploading a few pictures - which are not very good, but it's something :) Having a very long, skinny room makes it hard to take pictures of the whole thing at once!
I love it :) And it's comfortable - what an idea!
I love it :) And it's comfortable - what an idea!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Craziness!
Wow...these last two weeks have been CRAZY! All good stuff, but I realized this morning as I sat down that this is the first day in two weeks where I am home for more than an hour after work, just to be here.
Last week, I worked Saturday and Sunday. Danny picked me up at work, and took me to the airport, so I could fly to Florida to see my parents, my sister Melissa, and her kids. We had SO much fun! It was REALLY hot, but that never really matters when you're at the beach :) We played in the water for hours on end. Jacob (5) started jumping into the water, even getting his face a little bit wet (huge victory here), and Mattie (1 1/2) stood on the edge yelling "two, two, two" when she wanted to jump in. In the ocean, it was hard to even hold on to her, she just really wanted to be let go! Obviously, not an option. Jacob floated around in the ocean in his life vest, occasionally clinging to me, Mom or Lissa. It was a great time. I had crab legs two nights in a row for dinner, had fun times and conversations with my Mom and sister, and had a great time playing with my niece and nephew. I flew home on Wednesday night, got in at ten, and worked twelve hour shifts on Thursday and Friday.
This past weekend was the first weekend in a month that I haven't had to work! It was wonderful to finally get some extended time with my hubby. This is definitely going to be one of the hardest parts of my job, working weekends and holidays that I would much rather be spending with my honey.
Today though, it is wonderful to be home, getting some desperately needed cleaning done before Danny's parents come tomorrow to stay for a week, and getting OUR NEW FURNITURE! It is being delivered today sometime between 8 and noon. I wasn't too thrilled to get up at 7:30 on my day off, but I can't wait for it to get here! I'll try and post pictures once it's here and set up. :)
Glad to be back - and hoping to post a little more often again!
Last week, I worked Saturday and Sunday. Danny picked me up at work, and took me to the airport, so I could fly to Florida to see my parents, my sister Melissa, and her kids. We had SO much fun! It was REALLY hot, but that never really matters when you're at the beach :) We played in the water for hours on end. Jacob (5) started jumping into the water, even getting his face a little bit wet (huge victory here), and Mattie (1 1/2) stood on the edge yelling "two, two, two" when she wanted to jump in. In the ocean, it was hard to even hold on to her, she just really wanted to be let go! Obviously, not an option. Jacob floated around in the ocean in his life vest, occasionally clinging to me, Mom or Lissa. It was a great time. I had crab legs two nights in a row for dinner, had fun times and conversations with my Mom and sister, and had a great time playing with my niece and nephew. I flew home on Wednesday night, got in at ten, and worked twelve hour shifts on Thursday and Friday.
This past weekend was the first weekend in a month that I haven't had to work! It was wonderful to finally get some extended time with my hubby. This is definitely going to be one of the hardest parts of my job, working weekends and holidays that I would much rather be spending with my honey.
Today though, it is wonderful to be home, getting some desperately needed cleaning done before Danny's parents come tomorrow to stay for a week, and getting OUR NEW FURNITURE! It is being delivered today sometime between 8 and noon. I wasn't too thrilled to get up at 7:30 on my day off, but I can't wait for it to get here! I'll try and post pictures once it's here and set up. :)
Glad to be back - and hoping to post a little more often again!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Fun stuff
As a last ditch effort yesterday, I went back to the furniture store just to measure the furniture again, and see if it just might fit through the door at a weird angle or anything. I found the gentleman who had helped us before, and we went over just to check. He flipped over the chair, and as he leaned over with the measuring tape, he bumped the leg and IT MOVED! When we looked last week, we tried to take the legs off of the ottoman and they didn't move at all. So, he tried that leg, and it came off. He also tried the legs on the couch, just to make sure, and they come off too! This takes 4 inches off the size of the furniture, which means it will fit through the door with 2 inches to spare!
I am excited, to say the least. We are going to go up and pay for it on Friday (Danny's day off) and it will be delivered sometime towards the end of the month or the beginning of September.
I'm not sure what God was trying to teach me through this, but I know it was for a reason. I'm just glad that it is going to work. We spent the evening last night measuring off the living room trying to figure out how we are going to arrange it.
So fun - thank you Lord.
I am excited, to say the least. We are going to go up and pay for it on Friday (Danny's day off) and it will be delivered sometime towards the end of the month or the beginning of September.
I'm not sure what God was trying to teach me through this, but I know it was for a reason. I'm just glad that it is going to work. We spent the evening last night measuring off the living room trying to figure out how we are going to arrange it.
So fun - thank you Lord.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Wanting to live in the moment
I often find myself preparing, and thinking about the "next thing". What "next thing" you might ask? It doesn't really matter, just whatever might be next. Some days I think about when we redo our living room, when we buy a house of our own, when we have kids, when I get to see my family, or even just the little things, like an upcoming weekend, a dinner with friends, etc.
This has become more evident to me as I have started this new job. I find myself still looking for the "next thing" and realize that this is it! i do not have another semester of classes, one more clinical, one more paper, or one more exam. I am done with that time (Thank you Jesus!) and for the next year or more, this job, three days a week, is my "next thing". I don't at all want it to sound like I am not enjoying my job, I AM! I am loving it, but I find myself waiting, as if something is about to surprise me, or something will change. I have changed from being a tech to being a nurse, and I love it, so I don't really understand why I keep waiting for something different. This is not even a conscious thought for me, just something I think is in the back of my mind.
I have realized that this has become a habit, and is one I would like to break. I am often not worrying about tomorrow, but I am still caught up thinking about it. I want to live in what is going on today. I want to fully enjoy every second with my husband, every hour spent cleaning my house, every phone call with my siblings, afternoon with friends, days with Mom, etc. I do not want to be so caught up in looking ahead that I forget what is going on now. Obviously, I think it is fine to look forward to things, but what is the balance between being excited about things ahead, and discontentment with current situations?
Does anybody else ever battle with this?
This has become more evident to me as I have started this new job. I find myself still looking for the "next thing" and realize that this is it! i do not have another semester of classes, one more clinical, one more paper, or one more exam. I am done with that time (Thank you Jesus!) and for the next year or more, this job, three days a week, is my "next thing". I don't at all want it to sound like I am not enjoying my job, I AM! I am loving it, but I find myself waiting, as if something is about to surprise me, or something will change. I have changed from being a tech to being a nurse, and I love it, so I don't really understand why I keep waiting for something different. This is not even a conscious thought for me, just something I think is in the back of my mind.
I have realized that this has become a habit, and is one I would like to break. I am often not worrying about tomorrow, but I am still caught up thinking about it. I want to live in what is going on today. I want to fully enjoy every second with my husband, every hour spent cleaning my house, every phone call with my siblings, afternoon with friends, days with Mom, etc. I do not want to be so caught up in looking ahead that I forget what is going on now. Obviously, I think it is fine to look forward to things, but what is the balance between being excited about things ahead, and discontentment with current situations?
Does anybody else ever battle with this?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Frustrations
Danny and I have decided to use my sign-on bonus for work to update our living room furniture. Last week, Mom and I looked at about 4 furniture stores, and this weekend, Danny and I looked at probably 10 more! I knew what colors I wanted, but had yet to find anything that I just fell in love with (or that we could afford).
On Sunday, we went to Value City Furniture, and I found it! I had looked at a set online that I really liked, but I wasn't sure about the microfiber fabric. (Side note - yes I'm weird, but I wasn't sure about the microfiber fabric that changes colors depending on which way it's brushed.) When I saw it in the store though - I fell in love with it! I don't mind the fabric, and I love the look of it. I don't know why, but I do.
So...we got home, and realized that because we live in the city - we don't have a full size door. Our door is two inches too small for this new furniture.
Does anybody else have times where you hope and pray for something - find it or get it, and then realize that there was something you missed and it's actually not going to work?
I know this shouldn't really be that big of a deal. I'm just disappointed and kind of frustrated. I would much rather not find something I love, than find it and realize it's not going to work.
Anybody else have times like this?
Oh, and here's the furniture, for anybody who's wondering :)
On Sunday, we went to Value City Furniture, and I found it! I had looked at a set online that I really liked, but I wasn't sure about the microfiber fabric. (Side note - yes I'm weird, but I wasn't sure about the microfiber fabric that changes colors depending on which way it's brushed.) When I saw it in the store though - I fell in love with it! I don't mind the fabric, and I love the look of it. I don't know why, but I do.
So...we got home, and realized that because we live in the city - we don't have a full size door. Our door is two inches too small for this new furniture.
Does anybody else have times where you hope and pray for something - find it or get it, and then realize that there was something you missed and it's actually not going to work?
I know this shouldn't really be that big of a deal. I'm just disappointed and kind of frustrated. I would much rather not find something I love, than find it and realize it's not going to work.
Anybody else have times like this?
Oh, and here's the furniture, for anybody who's wondering :)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
The new job
So, this is not a great picture, but we took it at 6:15 on Wednesday morning right befor eI left for work with Danny's camera phone, so...it's the best we've got :)
Well, I started work on Wednesday as an official RN! I worked from 6:45am-7:30pm both Wednesday and Thursday, and I LOVE IT! The early mornings (5:15-5:30 or so) are a little hard, but I think I'll get used to it.
I started out with two babies that I was assigned to on Wednesday, and I had three babies on Thursday. It is SO wonderful to finally be doing what I set out to do a long time ago. I love being the one responsible for their meds, feedings, baths, cribs, etc.
A few funny things though...I'm finding it really hard to ignore the pages on the intercom for "an available tech", asking for something. I also have to keep reminding myself to sign my name as Kjirstin Cole, RN instead of Kjirstin Cole, CNA. I've signed a few forms wrong, but it's not too hard to fix. It's also really weird when all the other nurses walk out and I'm alone in the room with 8 babies! I never could be before, because I wasn't a nurse, so it's taking a little getting used to.
I really like the 12 hour shifts, they don't feel long at all, although I am really tired afterwards.
Overall, I love it, and I'm so excited for this new stage!
Now maybe I'll have more stories to put on here. :)
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Not in the plans
So, when I wrote my last post on Thursday, I was thrilled looking ahead at my calendar for the weekend, which had NOTHING written on it (seriously abnormal for us!) The plan for Friday was to spend the morning with my horse, stop and buy a vacuum on the way home, and finish up the bathrooms, ironing, and vacuuming. Then, the rest of the weekend was going to include some relaxing, quiet time at home with my hubby. God had different, nonetheless better, but different plans for us for sure.
On Friday morning we found out that there had been a fire in the middle of the night at Danny's parents house. We knew that they were okay, but we could not get ahold of them. So, Danny went to work, and I went to the barn. Eventually, Danny's mom called him, and we got the update...there had been a fire in the kitchen, but it was out, and she was away from the house doing laundry. When I was leaving the barn, I really was feeling like I should stop by and see if there was anything I could do for them. I wasn't sure if they were even there, but I was feeling really strongly that I should go by.
When I got to the house, Jeff (Danny's oldest brother) was already there with their parents. They all looked pretty down, and Mrs. Cole walked me through the house. It was way worse than I had expected from what we were hearing. In the living room, the carpets were soaking wet from the hoses, and there were strings of the foam that firemen use hanging from the ceiling. When we walked into the kitchen, I couldn't believe it. This was no small fire! Everything that had been in the fridge was all over the floor, mostly melted and soaking wet. The refrigerator itself was mostly melted inside, with all the shelves gone. The wall between the kitchen and bathroom had been ripped out, as had the ceiling, and part of the wall into the bedroom.
After a few minutes of talking, hugs for Mrs. Cole, and seeing the house, I called Danny to give him the update. Hearing how bad it was, he decided to come up from work. We spent the rest of the day with Jeff and Steve boxing up the house to move their stuff out. I came home around 9, and Danny followed around 11:30.
So...another part of this weekend...on Thursday, I got a call from my brother, asking if we would be willing to host the seniors of their youth group for a weekend away. Initially, we were a little surprised, but decided that it would be a good chance to serve, and hospitality is something we are trying to work on, especially with this beautiful house God has given us. So we agreed, and I spent some time on the computer trying to find activities for them.
They arrived on Friday night (yes, after the fire cleanup) around 9:30, and after getting ice cream, getting settled in, seeing the house and the area, we all got to bed around 1. Saturday morning, Danny and I sent them off to the beach and worked to get some house repairs done. In the evening, we joined them for a wonderful dinner (thanks Matt!) and a great time watching them play games at ESPNZone. After getting home from the harbor and getting breakfast ready for Sunday morning, we got to bed around 2.
We got up Sunday at 6, got ready, and headed out to church. It was a definite miracle that we both stayed awake through church! In the afternoon, we gave Danny's parents a tour through the Hollin's (our caregroup leaders) house. They are on a road trip out west, and graciously offered their home as a place to stay for a little while.
We basically collapsed when we got home, and slept for about two hours. We were exhausted!
I know this is a long post, but God used this weekend to show me the blessing of serving and giving to others. Even though it was a really chaotic weekend, and I was completely physically exhausted, the joy of serving other people made it worth it. Also, I felt less exhausted than I often do on a weekend filled with "fun" activities. It was great to get to know Matt's group, to stay up late preparing breakfast for them, to pack and move all day for Danny's parents, even though all these things were not in the plans for the weekend. It just goes to show that we don't always know these plans, and that whatever God has planned for us may be crazy, but it's better than what we would have done on our own. We were tired, but spiritually refreshed by serving others, forgetting about ourselves for a little while, and seeing the joy on their faces.
On Friday morning we found out that there had been a fire in the middle of the night at Danny's parents house. We knew that they were okay, but we could not get ahold of them. So, Danny went to work, and I went to the barn. Eventually, Danny's mom called him, and we got the update...there had been a fire in the kitchen, but it was out, and she was away from the house doing laundry. When I was leaving the barn, I really was feeling like I should stop by and see if there was anything I could do for them. I wasn't sure if they were even there, but I was feeling really strongly that I should go by.
When I got to the house, Jeff (Danny's oldest brother) was already there with their parents. They all looked pretty down, and Mrs. Cole walked me through the house. It was way worse than I had expected from what we were hearing. In the living room, the carpets were soaking wet from the hoses, and there were strings of the foam that firemen use hanging from the ceiling. When we walked into the kitchen, I couldn't believe it. This was no small fire! Everything that had been in the fridge was all over the floor, mostly melted and soaking wet. The refrigerator itself was mostly melted inside, with all the shelves gone. The wall between the kitchen and bathroom had been ripped out, as had the ceiling, and part of the wall into the bedroom.
After a few minutes of talking, hugs for Mrs. Cole, and seeing the house, I called Danny to give him the update. Hearing how bad it was, he decided to come up from work. We spent the rest of the day with Jeff and Steve boxing up the house to move their stuff out. I came home around 9, and Danny followed around 11:30.
So...another part of this weekend...on Thursday, I got a call from my brother, asking if we would be willing to host the seniors of their youth group for a weekend away. Initially, we were a little surprised, but decided that it would be a good chance to serve, and hospitality is something we are trying to work on, especially with this beautiful house God has given us. So we agreed, and I spent some time on the computer trying to find activities for them.
They arrived on Friday night (yes, after the fire cleanup) around 9:30, and after getting ice cream, getting settled in, seeing the house and the area, we all got to bed around 1. Saturday morning, Danny and I sent them off to the beach and worked to get some house repairs done. In the evening, we joined them for a wonderful dinner (thanks Matt!) and a great time watching them play games at ESPNZone. After getting home from the harbor and getting breakfast ready for Sunday morning, we got to bed around 2.
We got up Sunday at 6, got ready, and headed out to church. It was a definite miracle that we both stayed awake through church! In the afternoon, we gave Danny's parents a tour through the Hollin's (our caregroup leaders) house. They are on a road trip out west, and graciously offered their home as a place to stay for a little while.
We basically collapsed when we got home, and slept for about two hours. We were exhausted!
I know this is a long post, but God used this weekend to show me the blessing of serving and giving to others. Even though it was a really chaotic weekend, and I was completely physically exhausted, the joy of serving other people made it worth it. Also, I felt less exhausted than I often do on a weekend filled with "fun" activities. It was great to get to know Matt's group, to stay up late preparing breakfast for them, to pack and move all day for Danny's parents, even though all these things were not in the plans for the weekend. It just goes to show that we don't always know these plans, and that whatever God has planned for us may be crazy, but it's better than what we would have done on our own. We were tired, but spiritually refreshed by serving others, forgetting about ourselves for a little while, and seeing the joy on their faces.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Lists...tasks...fun!
I've been trying to get a lot of stuff done before I start work. There are a lot of things that got left in the dust (literally!) around the house while I was finishing up school. The last few days, since finishing the NCLEX, it has been great to finally feel on top of my house!
I've gotten all the laundry done, including the towels and blankets left from when my family was here for graduation. I finally got a book mailed back that we borrowed a little over a year ago. I finally decided that the "wipe-downs" that the kitchen and bathrooms have been getting just isn't enough. I have scrubbed two bathrooms, and have one bathroom and the kitchen left. Tomorrow, I am picking up a broom-vac at Bed Bath and Beyond, before the dust mites in this house stage a coup.
It feels so good! I know that the first few months of this job will probably be hard, with a demanding schedule for both of us. Starting out really on top of the house will mean that when we're both home, we can just enjoy being together, and maybe work on some more decorative projects, or other things we've wanted to do for fun.
One big thing I'm looking forward to doing is organizing, compiling, and printing a lot of our pictures. I have never been good at following through with getting pictures printed and into frames or books, which leaves us with a lot of great pictures that nobody will ever see. We have a huge box of frames that I'd like to fill with pictures, and a great photo album/memorabilia book of our first year together that I'd like to keep on top of.
With my laundry done and the house really clean, I'm looking forward to starting this job on Wednesday rested, relaxed, and feeling confident! I've been a little worried about the schedule, but as long as I can stay on top of house stuff, it should be just fine.
It'll be another big change, but one that I am looking forward to, I've wanted this job for almost 5 years, and it feels completely unreal that I am really about to start on Wednesday.
I've gotten all the laundry done, including the towels and blankets left from when my family was here for graduation. I finally got a book mailed back that we borrowed a little over a year ago. I finally decided that the "wipe-downs" that the kitchen and bathrooms have been getting just isn't enough. I have scrubbed two bathrooms, and have one bathroom and the kitchen left. Tomorrow, I am picking up a broom-vac at Bed Bath and Beyond, before the dust mites in this house stage a coup.
It feels so good! I know that the first few months of this job will probably be hard, with a demanding schedule for both of us. Starting out really on top of the house will mean that when we're both home, we can just enjoy being together, and maybe work on some more decorative projects, or other things we've wanted to do for fun.
One big thing I'm looking forward to doing is organizing, compiling, and printing a lot of our pictures. I have never been good at following through with getting pictures printed and into frames or books, which leaves us with a lot of great pictures that nobody will ever see. We have a huge box of frames that I'd like to fill with pictures, and a great photo album/memorabilia book of our first year together that I'd like to keep on top of.
With my laundry done and the house really clean, I'm looking forward to starting this job on Wednesday rested, relaxed, and feeling confident! I've been a little worried about the schedule, but as long as I can stay on top of house stuff, it should be just fine.
It'll be another big change, but one that I am looking forward to, I've wanted this job for almost 5 years, and it feels completely unreal that I am really about to start on Wednesday.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Hello Nurse!
Well, I did it! I passed! I found out this morning that I did pass the NCLEX, and will be starting my new job on Monday, July 23rd.
Thanks everybody for your prayers and support - it's wonderful to be DONE with school!
Thanks everybody for your prayers and support - it's wonderful to be DONE with school!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Well...this is it!
I am about to take the biggest test of my life. Tomorrow at 2:30, I will walk in to sit for the nursing board exam. I am nervous, to say the least! I am struggling to keep studying, overwhelmed by the amount of potential material, and trying not to think of all the possible negative situations!
Please be praying for me today and tomorrow, for peace, for encouragement, and for a clear head!
After it's over, then I can finally post some pictures from the past few weeks, and update on the weekend :)
Please be praying for me today and tomorrow, for peace, for encouragement, and for a clear head!
After it's over, then I can finally post some pictures from the past few weeks, and update on the weekend :)
Monday, July 2, 2007
Hearing Aid Funny, from GCFL
Every day, I get a joke or funny story emailed to me from the Good, Clean Funnies List (GCFL). I thought this one was particularly cute and thought I'd share.
Helen and I laughed when John, a neighbor, told us how his
hearing aid occasionally emits a high-pitched squeal that
can be heard by anyone near him. His granddaughter was
sitting on his lap one day when the device started to beep.
Surprised, little Lorraine looked up at him and said, "Oh,
Grampa, you've got e-mail!"
Hearing Aid Funny
Helen and I laughed when John, a neighbor, told us how his
hearing aid occasionally emits a high-pitched squeal that
can be heard by anyone near him. His granddaughter was
sitting on his lap one day when the device started to beep.
Surprised, little Lorraine looked up at him and said, "Oh,
Grampa, you've got e-mail!"
Saturday, June 30, 2007
My hubby's birthday!
So...Wednesday was Danny's birthday. Unfortunately, Danny has class on Wednesday evenings, and does not get home until about 10:00, and is usually fairly exhausted after being mentally taxed for 14 hours straight.
Luckily, this weekend was pretty free, so we went today to Annapolis for Danny to have a "photo" day. For his birthday I had gotten him the Photoshop Lightroom software, and since he has recently gotten a new camera, I wanted to give him the opportunity to take some pictures in a cool area. Annapolis is a beautiful little town, very clean throughout all of it, with beautiful shops, streets, old buildings and lots and lots of sailboats.
First we found a quiet little picnic bench by the water (not easy with the amount of people in the area today!) to have our picnic lunch. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the town, taking pictures, walking through cute little shops, and taking pictures.
All in all, it was a wonderful day, beautifully refreshing for both of us :)
Luckily, this weekend was pretty free, so we went today to Annapolis for Danny to have a "photo" day. For his birthday I had gotten him the Photoshop Lightroom software, and since he has recently gotten a new camera, I wanted to give him the opportunity to take some pictures in a cool area. Annapolis is a beautiful little town, very clean throughout all of it, with beautiful shops, streets, old buildings and lots and lots of sailboats.
First we found a quiet little picnic bench by the water (not easy with the amount of people in the area today!) to have our picnic lunch. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the town, taking pictures, walking through cute little shops, and taking pictures.
All in all, it was a wonderful day, beautifully refreshing for both of us :)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Really cool calendar!
So...let me give you a bit of background information. In our first year of marriage, the calendar and our schedule has been one of our biggest struggles. Not as much that we disagree with each other, but simply that we both feel like we overschedule ourselves often. We have tried several different ways to prevent this, but none have worked as well as we would like.
One of the biggest struggles is when I am at home, looking at the calendar, and Danny is at work and can't see the calendar - we end up miscommunicating or misunderstanding each other, and it can lead to conflict later on.
This past week, Danny found a very cool thing on Gmail that we both think will really help with this problem! Through Gmail, you can share calendars. This way, either of us can type into the calendar (Danny's events show up in blue, mine in pink) and we can both view it. It really helps so that we can both see what is going on, as long as we can get to a computer.
I've always really liked being able to see the calendar on paper, but it has not been working for us, so this will hopefully help!
One of the biggest struggles is when I am at home, looking at the calendar, and Danny is at work and can't see the calendar - we end up miscommunicating or misunderstanding each other, and it can lead to conflict later on.
This past week, Danny found a very cool thing on Gmail that we both think will really help with this problem! Through Gmail, you can share calendars. This way, either of us can type into the calendar (Danny's events show up in blue, mine in pink) and we can both view it. It really helps so that we can both see what is going on, as long as we can get to a computer.
I've always really liked being able to see the calendar on paper, but it has not been working for us, so this will hopefully help!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Changes to be made...
Well, I signed up for the NCLEX this morning (the nursing licensure exam). I will be testing on July 12th at 3 o'clock. Over these next 3 1/2 weeks, I could use prayer for several things.
- First, that I would keep God first in this time. I have always struggled with having consistent quiet times, and I would like to develop this as a habit and a desire over the next 5 weeks before I start work.
- Secondly, that I would use this time productively. Having just finished school, it is tempting to spend this time doing whatever I feel like doing, which most often (okay always) is not studying! I would much rather spend time with family, friends, cleaning my house, seeing my horse, etc. However, I need to do well on this exam, and want to be well prepared.
- Thirdly, that I would retain the information that I am studying! There is SO much that I need to know for this test, and it covers most of my college careeer. While I do know most of this stuff, there are a lot of areas that can be confusing or just hard to remember!
Thanks for praying - feel free to ask me too how it's going, and how disciplined I am being!
Friday, June 8, 2007
Pictures!
Alright, so I finally got around to adding pictures - it took a lot longer than I thought it would! Sorry that it took so long :) Also, please excuse the spacing - it looks different than when I write it, and I gave up!
What a wonderful month! There are some from graduation and the rest are from our wonderful trip to Bermuda - enjoy!
Graduation Day - it's over!!
Shelbie and me at our pinning ceremony - we're finally done!
Shelbie, Jeanette, and Me - friends through all the "fun" times of nursing school :)
The beautiful sunset in Bermuda
Our little private beach, most everybody at the resort was older, and didn't really come to the beach much at all, so we were usually there by ourselves!
The fish off the dock at the end of the beach, we fed them every day, and they were crazy! It's a miracle they don't eat each other when we feed them.
Our cat for the week, he followed us all over, and waited at our door for us to come back every night. You'll see him in other pictures.
What a gorgeous place :)
Danny taking pictures of the sunset, and the cat like I said, wherever we were.
The sunsets were beautiful!
A little cove where we pulled off the day we had the moped so I could swim :)
Diving in!
A little cold, but SO refreshing! And so amazing to swim in water this blue!
The lighthouse that we climbed (all 185 steps) the last day to look around the island.
It was REALLY windy!
A view of the island from the top
Danny on the moped..."Red Lightning"
as he named it
Another evening outside
One night, we went out on the dock and fooled around with some of the nighttime settings on the cameras, this is one of the pictures I took.
Danny climbing the rocks in Horseshoe Bay to take pictures. Yes, he's the one all the way at the top in sandals - making his wife very nervous!
He did get some amazing pictures though!
It was an amazing island, with so many friendly people, and we can't wait to go back someday! Sorry for so many pictures, but it's hard to choose which ones to do!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
How can I begin....
I can't even imagine being able to describe these last three weeks! I have so much to write about and so many pictures. I'll give you a rundown now, and then I'll have to do more in-depth later with pictures when I have a little more time.
Let's see....graduation! This was a blast of a week, having all my family in was so much fun. A little cramped in our little rowhome, but we managed alright. It was pretty crazy, with a lot of running around the two days of pinning and graduation, but it was a good time. We spent a day at the zoo in DC, or half a day really, because we got lost. It was great to see everybody, and thank you all for coming to celebrate with me! It doesn't feel totally real yet that I'm done with school FOREVER, but I imagine it will as the days go by.
Then, last Thursday (the 31st) Danny and I caught a plane at 3:30 to fly to Bermuda to celebrate our first anniversary (woohoo!). Wow. What a beautiful island. The beaches were more beautiful than any I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of beaches! We spent the first day just on the beach, and then on Saturday, we rented a moped and rode around the island. It was so much fun! It took a little time to get used to driving on the left side of the road, but the cars coming at you on the right helped that process along. :) We went to see the beautiful Horseshoe Bay, and rode all over the island. One of our favorite parts of Bermuda is that you can actually interact with the people and the culture more than other islands. When we were in the Dominican Republic last year, we were just on our resort (which was amazing, don't get me wrong!) the whole time. Even there, there were so many different languages, we couldn't really talk to anyone. It was great in Bermuda to feel safe all over, not worry about the food or water, and to interact with the locals!
This week, being back, I'm taking a Kaplan review course for the nursing board exam (NCLEX). It's pretty intense, but seems like it will be really helpful.
I'll try to get pictures up soon from everything, and will be posting a LOT more now that I'm back and settling into a normal life without school!!!
Let's see....graduation! This was a blast of a week, having all my family in was so much fun. A little cramped in our little rowhome, but we managed alright. It was pretty crazy, with a lot of running around the two days of pinning and graduation, but it was a good time. We spent a day at the zoo in DC, or half a day really, because we got lost. It was great to see everybody, and thank you all for coming to celebrate with me! It doesn't feel totally real yet that I'm done with school FOREVER, but I imagine it will as the days go by.
Then, last Thursday (the 31st) Danny and I caught a plane at 3:30 to fly to Bermuda to celebrate our first anniversary (woohoo!). Wow. What a beautiful island. The beaches were more beautiful than any I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of beaches! We spent the first day just on the beach, and then on Saturday, we rented a moped and rode around the island. It was so much fun! It took a little time to get used to driving on the left side of the road, but the cars coming at you on the right helped that process along. :) We went to see the beautiful Horseshoe Bay, and rode all over the island. One of our favorite parts of Bermuda is that you can actually interact with the people and the culture more than other islands. When we were in the Dominican Republic last year, we were just on our resort (which was amazing, don't get me wrong!) the whole time. Even there, there were so many different languages, we couldn't really talk to anyone. It was great in Bermuda to feel safe all over, not worry about the food or water, and to interact with the locals!
This week, being back, I'm taking a Kaplan review course for the nursing board exam (NCLEX). It's pretty intense, but seems like it will be really helpful.
I'll try to get pictures up soon from everything, and will be posting a LOT more now that I'm back and settling into a normal life without school!!!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Finito!
Well, I did it! I actually took my last final of my undergraduate career, and unless God has some very different plans for me - I do NOT plan to go back anytime soon! I cannot believe it's actually over. I keep waiting for an email or phone call saying "Haha sucker, there's another semester!" It doesn't feel very real, and I guess it probably won't for a bit, maybe the actual graduation ceremonies will give me a little closure.
The last four years have gone so slowly, and yet so fast at the same time. There have been many days when I thought this day would never come, or at least, that I would never make it to this day alive! The last two years especially have been SO hard, nursing school is definitely no picnic. There were times when I wondered if it was worth it, and looking back now, it was. Although there have been many tearful late nights, trying to finish projects and papers, there have been many smiling patients, and will be more to come. I look forward to seeing what God has for me in this coming chapter of my life.
Somehow, even with a severe case of senioritis, I managed to finish out with better grades than most other semesters, which is encouraging. I am greatly looking forward to the life where projects and papers are not constantly hanging over my head, bringing the constant stress that comes along with that for me.
Through the last few years, I have learned several things about myself. #1 - I do not do well with things hanging over my head, and being able to separate the rest of life from the stress of school. #2 - Despite #1, I also do not do well getting things done in advance. Somehow, the effects of #1 are apparently not enough for me. #3 - I do not like mornings. #4 - I do not do well with professors who make it impossible to meet their expectations, because they never tell you what they are, they simply state that what you are doing is not good enough. #5 - While I generally do well in school, I do not really enjoy it (Mom will say that we learned this fact a VERY long time ago) ;)
I look forward to this new life, with three days a week of work, and other times spent trying new recipes, spending time with my husband, finally having time to ride my horse again, time to read something other than huge books with words containing more than 15 letters in them, time to wander around our new town, and just more time to appreciate the life that God has given me.
Now all I have to do is take the biggest test of my life! The nursing board exam (NCLEX) in late June. And hopefully, more time to blog. :)
The last four years have gone so slowly, and yet so fast at the same time. There have been many days when I thought this day would never come, or at least, that I would never make it to this day alive! The last two years especially have been SO hard, nursing school is definitely no picnic. There were times when I wondered if it was worth it, and looking back now, it was. Although there have been many tearful late nights, trying to finish projects and papers, there have been many smiling patients, and will be more to come. I look forward to seeing what God has for me in this coming chapter of my life.
Somehow, even with a severe case of senioritis, I managed to finish out with better grades than most other semesters, which is encouraging. I am greatly looking forward to the life where projects and papers are not constantly hanging over my head, bringing the constant stress that comes along with that for me.
Through the last few years, I have learned several things about myself. #1 - I do not do well with things hanging over my head, and being able to separate the rest of life from the stress of school. #2 - Despite #1, I also do not do well getting things done in advance. Somehow, the effects of #1 are apparently not enough for me. #3 - I do not like mornings. #4 - I do not do well with professors who make it impossible to meet their expectations, because they never tell you what they are, they simply state that what you are doing is not good enough. #5 - While I generally do well in school, I do not really enjoy it (Mom will say that we learned this fact a VERY long time ago) ;)
I look forward to this new life, with three days a week of work, and other times spent trying new recipes, spending time with my husband, finally having time to ride my horse again, time to read something other than huge books with words containing more than 15 letters in them, time to wander around our new town, and just more time to appreciate the life that God has given me.
Now all I have to do is take the biggest test of my life! The nursing board exam (NCLEX) in late June. And hopefully, more time to blog. :)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
So sad
I read this story this morning when I found it on another blog. Please be praying for this family, and spread this message among your friends and family.Here is the link to their website in memory of their little girl, Ava.
http://avarosemeyer.memory-of.com/
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Pictures!
Alrighty - Danny helped me figure out the pictures, so here are just a few from our day at Longwood on Saturday - enjoy!
The fountains in the back are used for a fountain show throughout the day - it's amazing!
Me and my hubby on our date :)
You should've seen how far they went - everywhere you turned, there were more huge flowerbeds!
There were tons of different kinds of tulips too - I thought there was only one type!
You should've seen how far they went - everywhere you turned, there were more huge flowerbeds!
There were tons of different kinds of tulips too - I thought there was only one type!
Isn't our God amazing?!
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
My FAVORITE flowers! :)
What a wonderful Day
Last week, Danny had asked if there was anything going on on saturday, and then told me to keep the day free. As many of you may know, I LOVE surprises, and my wonderful husband surprises me all the time, even just with small things. Well, he did actually end up telling me on thursday where we were going. These last few weeks of school are really hard, and I was needing something fun to look forward to.
We left around 10 in the morning, and went up towards Philadephia to Longwood Gardens. For those of you who have not heard of it, it is an amazing place! There are 1,050 acres of gardens, some indoors, some outdoors. The flowers were absolutely amazing. They were having a wine and jazz festival that day, and the weather was absolutely perfect! We spent the day walking around in the midst of beautiful gardens, finally getting time just to talk and enjoy time together. I will try to post some pictures later - I haven't figured that out yet!
We were home in enough time to grill outside for dinner (one of my favorite things about the new house) and snuggle up on the couch to watch a movie. It was definitely a refreshing day, one that was desperately needed in the midst of all this schoolwork. I love having time to spend with my hubby, and any time away from schoolwork is greatly appreciated as well!
***15 days left until graduation!
We left around 10 in the morning, and went up towards Philadephia to Longwood Gardens. For those of you who have not heard of it, it is an amazing place! There are 1,050 acres of gardens, some indoors, some outdoors. The flowers were absolutely amazing. They were having a wine and jazz festival that day, and the weather was absolutely perfect! We spent the day walking around in the midst of beautiful gardens, finally getting time just to talk and enjoy time together. I will try to post some pictures later - I haven't figured that out yet!
We were home in enough time to grill outside for dinner (one of my favorite things about the new house) and snuggle up on the couch to watch a movie. It was definitely a refreshing day, one that was desperately needed in the midst of all this schoolwork. I love having time to spend with my hubby, and any time away from schoolwork is greatly appreciated as well!
***15 days left until graduation!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Figuring out what this is all about!
Well, I finally decided to go ahead and give this a try!
I'm hoping that having a blog will help me keep in touch, show pictures and stories with friends and family that I don't get to see as often as I would like, and maybe, help me get to know new people as well. For a few weeks, it will probably be pretty slow as I get started, but I'm excited to try and see what happens!
Let's see...who am I?
I have been married to my wonderful husband Danny for almost a year, and it has been a wonderful time. Everybody says that the first year is the hardest, but we have been greatly blessed and have had a wonderful first year together! We just moved into a new home in Baltimore and we love living in the city!
I am a nursing student graduating in just a few short weeks, and I am thrilled to be finished with nursing school! It has been a long journey, and an exhausting and frustrating one at many times. Sometimes I don't believe that school will ever actually end, but as I cross off the days on my calendar, that wonderful 23rd day of May is drawing closer!
Like I said, I anticipate starting out fairly slowly as I finish up school, but will try and share what is going on in our life!
I'm hoping that having a blog will help me keep in touch, show pictures and stories with friends and family that I don't get to see as often as I would like, and maybe, help me get to know new people as well. For a few weeks, it will probably be pretty slow as I get started, but I'm excited to try and see what happens!
Let's see...who am I?
I have been married to my wonderful husband Danny for almost a year, and it has been a wonderful time. Everybody says that the first year is the hardest, but we have been greatly blessed and have had a wonderful first year together! We just moved into a new home in Baltimore and we love living in the city!
I am a nursing student graduating in just a few short weeks, and I am thrilled to be finished with nursing school! It has been a long journey, and an exhausting and frustrating one at many times. Sometimes I don't believe that school will ever actually end, but as I cross off the days on my calendar, that wonderful 23rd day of May is drawing closer!
Like I said, I anticipate starting out fairly slowly as I finish up school, but will try and share what is going on in our life!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
