Fall Back

Since we get an extra hour tonight, I should spend an extra hour (or "an" hour) working on clearing more of this clutter since there are only FIVE days until Ginger comes to visit! However, I am just so tired that I may only be able to move myself from the living room floor to the bed with a brief "pit stop" in the bathroom to brush my teeth. It was a crazy busy day at work that not only did I hardly get to sit down, but I didn't even have much time to take water breaks (which is good since I likely wouldn't have had time for bathroom breaks). One of my patients was pretty darn sick and making me nervous all day long. Another one was stable, but kinda sick too, so I was busy even without adding in another patient! Thank goodness for teamwork and attentive/present mamas (unfortunately, that isn't always the case) who notice the little details and help me do my job better.

Well, I wish I could say that I would wake up early and be productive, but am pretty sure that isn't going to happen. I am going to Mass at my high school since it is the annual Memorial Mass and Brunch. I am going to sing in the choir and read the second reading (1 John 3:1-3...pretty good one) I am used to going to 11:00 Mass, so 9:00 would be REALLY early, but hopefully not as bad with the extra hour!

Tomorrow is Kristy's birthday, so if you have a moment to stop by and wish her a happy one, I am sure she'd appreciate it :o)
Good night.

Show Us How You Live--Halloween Costumes

So, I'm not actually going to "Mr. Linky" this to Kelly's "Show Us How You Live--Halloween Costumes" blog because that would mean that possibly hundreds of people would link to my blog. Of course, that is likely how half of my AWESOME "readers"/friends found this blog in the first place, but still...from my site meter, it still looks like sometimes people still check in on my Show Us Where You Live post about my guest room I wrote back in May. Anyway, this time I am going to participate, but not REALLY participate... I work tomorrow, so am not sure I will dress in costume, and probably will wear my scrubs with the candy corns since my two Halloween scrub tops are dirty. So, without further adieu, here's a look back at a few costumes of the past (and present).

When I was in college, I volunteered at "Boo at the Zoo" a couple times. I think I was a munchkin the year before, but this year I was obviously a "hippie". I am pretty sure this was my senior year in college making that Halloween 2001. (It would have taken too much effort to scan other pics this late in the evening and I used this one last year in this post!)

For Halloween 2006, I was some sort of "Doodlebop" cousin type thing (since I didn't exactly dress like the girl Doodlebop, but just about as crazy/maybe "creepy") I didn't have to work that day, but went to the parade and had a fun time!

Halloween 2007, I had to work the day of the parade. So, I had to wear something a bit more practical. Dora was pretty popular, and also made for a pretty easy costume to wear while also working as a nurse! It was fun and one of the people working today told me I should have been Dora because that was his favorite costume (of course, since I am "vertically challenged" the Dora costume worked extra well). I posted a couple other pictures from that year here.

Since I had just gone on a ten-day 29th birthday trip, I had to work Halloween 2008. Again, I needed a costume that was easy and practical. A lady bug worked perfectly, and I did actually start with 29 spots since there is an "old wives tale" that the number of spots is how old the lady bug is (or, maybe that is just something that was told to ME and now I know that the likelihood of that being true is slim-to-none!) I posted a couple more pictures here (and also directed people to wish Kristy a Happy Birthday...it is on Sunday, so hopefully I will post again and do that, but if not...Happy Birthday Kristy!)

This year, I decided that since I did not work on the day of the parade, I would get dressed up and go in a fun costume. I thought about being a princess or something since I had this bridesmaid dress from when my high school friend got married five years ago. However, on Wednesday when I went to the store to get gloves and a crown, I decided I also wanted a blond wig and thought I would be a beauty queen. So, I bought some ribbon and had one of the patients make me my sash yesterday. I did manage to wear heels throughout the parade which was quite a "feat" for me and my feet (my bunions are not a big fan of cute shoes!) The above picture is actually me at my sister's since I decided to go see her and my nephew (and my mom) in costume while I had it on. The picture below is me with my manager who also takes the Halloween costume thing seriously. I will admit that hers is even better than mine (hair is usually about the color of my wig!) and she had bell-bottoms that were the same color yellow--groovy!

This afternoon, I went and got a massage and then got back into costume for a party with the foster/adopted kids and their families from my agency. I talked to the new "director" (not sure of her title) and apparently she has been hearing my name since she started and feels bad it has taken so long to get me licensed. But, it is in the works and I am okay being flexible and waiting until the timing is right. There is a medical child who will need temporary care next month that they may want to request my services for. (Funny thing...a few weeks ago the mom said something to another nurse about me taking care of her kid at my house and I have never even taken care of her kid at the hospital or even met the woman, so was a tiny confused and didn't realize that it could actually be a "legit" request and not just the mom hoping someone was going to help her out!) I talked to a couple other foster moms I didn't know, and the ones that I DO know. It was a fun party and my costume was a "hit" (I picked up carnations at the store on my way so I had a bouquet of flowers instead of a wand since I broke the wand anyway...that was a fun addition to the costume!)

Well, I work tomorrow so best be headed to bed. Wishing a fun and safe Halloween to all my blog friends :o) Until next year...I may need to pull out the blond wig every once in a while since some people at work were convinced I need to "go blond"...do they not realize how much WORK that would be?!

Slip of the Fingers

Or, maybe not...

Even before I went to bed last night, I was having some reservations about what I wrote last night, or the words I chose to write about my annoyances of the day. I got out of bed once to fix a couple words, but was too tired and it sort of was too late anyway.

What's done is done. It is what it is. My fingers may not have typed things exactly the way they should have been, or really are, but that is a huge "perk" to this basically being my own personal blog. I was annoyed, I was frustrated, and things came out in a way they maybe should not have, but probably the only one who was "shocked" by the things that were written was me.

Even though it wasn't pretty, I think it was a great reminder that I am not perfect (as if I need a reminder of that!) and since this is my journal, it is good to be "uncensored" every once in a while. Although I try to "keep it real", I do spend time trying to make sure the words not only make sense but also cannot be misinterpreted. This time, I didn't really do that...and, maybe that isn't such a bad thing.

I am going to the halloween parade at my work tomorrow and am really excited about my costume. However, today it was cold and rainy which may not be fun for my choice of costume. It also will take me a while to get ready, much longer than a normal day of getting ready for work, so I should probably go to bed. I am getting a massage tomorrow afternoon and am definitely looking forward to that! In between times, I hope to make more progress on clearing some of this house clutter. It really is a mess and I have less than a week now to make it "company ready" (I know it doesn't have to be perfect, but having a place to sit on the couch and a floor to walk on would be nice!)

Good night.

A Little Annoyed

So, I know that I "only" work three days a week, but yesterday on my "day off", I had a meeting from 3:30-5:30. And, Friday is the Halloween Parade and since I am not working I can come and dress up in a fun costume (so I will be at work...on my day off). I work tomorrow (Thursday) and Saturday, and then Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. So, today was REALLY my only day off and I had a ton of stuff to do, errands to run, and my house is still a complete disaster and not at all ready for company (Ginger will be here next week, I am having a jewelry/uppercase living party the following week, and family will be staying here for Thanksgiving). I had a lot to do today and was hoping to be focused enough to get it done.

But, my sister asked if I would watch my nephew so she could get a mani/pedi.

And, since I think that moms deserve to have time away from their babies to get pampered and my nephew is adorable, I said sure.

I took my car in for an oil change/tune up, and went to the bank and the post office before the baby-sitting began. (We did go to lunch together with my brother-in-law and they paid for a portion of my meal as "payment" for baby-sitting.)

I probably could have been productive while my nephew was asleep, but that's when I caught up on facebook and blogs (okay, so part of the issue is my priorities, but I am still annoyed!)

When my sister picked me up for lunch, I found out that her husband had taken the afternoon off so he could run errands before his class. That in itself sort of annoyed me because "some" people have to take their children with them when they run errands. But, whatever, I was watching him so my sister could do her thing.

My nephew did fine, but he does scream and cry when he is tired for a long time if you aren't holding him or rocking him or paying attention to him. This is sad to say, but I'm not used to babies who can't really calm themselves because sometimes the babies at work just have to cry if we are busy and no parents are there and eventually they will go to sleep with a pacifier after tending to their other needs (that is awful, but pretty much the truth). So, I was like "hey, baby, you are fed and dry and tired and in a bouncy seat that is vibrating, so just sleep for goodness sake and stop your screaming"...okay, bad aunt but, again, being honest. Anyway, needless to say, I was not at all productive during the three hours he was with me.

Then, when my sister picked him up, she found out that her husband not only didn't run the errands he was supposed to (you know, get their Halloween costumes and go to the DMV to renew their plates) but he also was skipping class. Are you for real?! So, I'm kinda thinking that he could have watched his own kid while his wife got a mani/pedi since she stays at home all day watching him and usually her nephew too...but, that's just me. So, even though I was able to go get my Halloween costume accessories and to the grocery store after they left, the whole middle of the day when I could possibly have been productive was gone...

So, now that I have typed all this, I am thinking that it sounds pretty selfish and also may have the perspective all wrong because family really should be more important than a clean house and special time with my four-month-old nephew is not going to last forever.

But, now I feel better and should be able to sleep well tonight. Back to work tomorrow!
Good night.

Love Yourself

So...I'm really actually in a "good place" right now, but this still seems apropos. One of the things the counselor suggested at our last meeting was to stop myself from negative thinking with positive thoughts. I am me and it is okay...it is MORE than okay, actually, it is great! That has kind of been a running theme--get to know myself, be myself, be okay with my unique self, be happy despite the fact (or because of the fact!) that my life at 30 is not at all what the crystal ball would have said at 20 (or 25!). This life I am living is filled with blessings I never could have considered or anticipated, so only could come from God because it definitely isn't the way I would have written the story!

I suppose some of this stems from the tear-filled episode of The Biggest Loser I just watched. It also could be from the story a girl I know shared with me this evening that she has never even shared with her family. Could be that a "blog friend" is struggling with the way things in her life are going since they aren't exactly as planned (well, I think that EVERYONE I know has experienced or is experiencing the "this is not really how I thought my life would go" because no one writes struggles and tragedy into their own stories...at least I don't think people do!) I also got the first two quotes in my inbox yesterday and heard the Olivia Newton-John song on my iPod recently too (I really like her CD "Grace and Gratitude"...I may need to share another one soon! Too bad that YouTube video is just images of Olivia and is kind of weird, so that's why I just posted the lyrics!) Yes, we are to love our neighbor as our self, but we also have to love ourselves :o)

"Contrary to popular thinking, being worthy isn't something you earn, it's something you recognize." ~Mike Dooley

"Your worth is not established by teaching or learning. Your worth is established by God. Nothing you do or think or wish or make is necessary to establish your worth." - from 'A Course In Miracles'

Learn to Love Yourself (Olivia Newton-John)
YouTube Video
You’re hurting, uncertain
Alone again
Still searching for someone
But so afraid

And you’ll try for love
And you’ll cry for love
‘Til you learn to love yourself
And you’ll lie for love
And you’ll die for love
‘Til you learn to love yourself..

The answer is sleeping
Inside your heart
True love that you long for
That’s where it starts

And you’ll try for love
And you’ll cry for love
‘Til you learn to love yourself
And you’ll lie for love
And you’ll die for love
‘Til you learn to love yourself…

Breathe it out and breathe it in
Trust the light that shines within
Let it burn ‘til you learn to love yourself
Breathe it out and breathe it in
Trust the light that shines within
Let it burn ‘til you learn to love yourself

Love will lead you home…

Love will lead you home…

Love will lead you home…

Breathe it out
Breathe it in
Trust the light that shines within

Well, I didn't get up until REALLY late today and then was very unproductive. I am bringing my car in for an oil change/"winterizing" at 8:30. So, I won't be working at home while my car is being worked on. Then, my sister invited me to lunch which I may or may not be able to do, depending on how long my car takes. She asked me to baby-sit while she gets a mani/pedi. She is going to bring him here, so maybe I will be able to do some cleaning while he is here...maybe!

Good night.

Growing Up

Today I could NOT get myself out of bed to make it to 11:00 Mass (if I want to sing in the choir I should be there by 10:40 and that was not happening!) But, I rolled myself out of bed to make it to noon Mass at another nearby church. After church, I was pretty productive, but for some reason I chose to organize things from under the stairs rather than pick up the junk that is scattered around my living room! Oh well, there is still time before I start letting people into my house :o)

We had "family dinner" (tuna casserole...my brother-in-law's favorite!) I think my nephew grew while we were gone and he talked and talked all through dinner...it was SO cute! The day I helped my sister clean, I found this little blanket in one of the drawers. I bought it for her from etsy and thought my nephew would like it. Once she gave it to him, she found out that he doesn't like it, he LOVES it! So, I snapped a picture and plan to send it to the woman who made it :o)

After dinner (and birthday cake...yum!), I walked up to my high school to see closing night of the fall musical. They were doing Funny Girl and I was looking forward to seeing it (the shows are GREAT and I knew that some of the girls I performed with this summer would be in the cast). I did NOT know that one of the girls was going to have the lead role (Barbra Streisand's role...I have never seen it though). She did GREAT!! That show has a lot of solos!

During intermission, this girl made a point to come see me, which I thought was really sweet. She lives up the street from my parents. Her family was the first family I started baby-sitting when I was eleven or twelve. At the time, there were four children, the youngest of which was only a couple months old (crazy!) That baby is a freshman in college now, so it was a couple years before this one came along. I always tell her she is my "favorite", but the truth is that ALL of those kids are great (it was that amazing baby-sitter they had, right?! ha!) She is a sophomore in high school and on the dance team. So, I think I am going to go to the volleyball games on Tuesday night and watch her perform. (I definitely went for the no make-up/throw my hair back/wear the t-shirt I wore for cleaning look for the evening...nice, I know...but it's an all-girls' school...ha!)

Well, since it is after 11 and I have to work in the morning for the first time in like nine days, maybe ten, I should go to bed. That 5:30 alarm comes early, especially after a day when 11 was hard enough!


Good night.

Vegas Vacation Day Three and Four (and Home)

Well, I am actually back home, but will do a little re-cap of my last two days in Vegas. Last night I was really tired and didn't get back to my room until 1:00. It didn't seem worth it to pay $13.95 for Internet when I wasn't even sure I would be able to stay awake to write anything!

One of the many cool things about Vegas is that anyone can go into any of the casinos, no matter where you stay. So, even though we were staying at a cheaper hotel off strip, we spent quite a bit of time yesterday at two of the really fancy casinos. We went to the sports book at a casino that had only been open three weeks. There were nice fancy couches and big pillows and a gigantic TV screen. We bet some horses and enjoyed just hanging out in a fancy place :o) (It helped me "chill" a little bit after being annoyed that everyone was WAITING for me when I was ready to go by 10...I REALLY don't like making people wait, but I had no clue that we were on a time schedule or that 10:00 would be considered late...I was up until 1:30 and weren't we on vacation?! Anyway, it was nice to just "chill" for a bit!) From there, we went to the Wynn, which is another fancy place. The guys went to the Sports Book for a bit and the girls ended up in this cute little lounge. We ordered drinks, and then they met up with us.

My dad decided he did not want to go around and come in the door, so he slid through this hole...seriously!

The Midori sour was mine, the other green drink was my aunt's, but I thought they looked cool together :o)

My drink before this was something mango and they both were really yummy :o)

We pretty much gambled the night away (we went to New York, New York and to MGM Grand before heading back to Hooters). I was not a winner yesterday OR today, but only lost my birthday money, so that is better than losing my "own" money. I was too tired to stay up late and gamble, so went to bed (good thing since, once again, everyone seemed to be "waiting" on me even though I was all packed and ready to go by 10:15...sheesh, wasn't this vacation?! Ha!)

My aunt and uncle had to leave before us, but it was SO great having them there!

My uncle got a call from a co-worker last night that their boss died suddenly while on a business trip--shocking and VERY sad! He said things will be a LOT different since his boss is one of the big reasons he likes his job. They will be coming for Thanksgiving, so I won't have to wait TOO long to see them again!

Good-bye to our hotel. It was a nice enough place and easy to get to wherever we wanted to go :o)

The same limo driver who dropped us off picked us up (and again brought us roses...sweet!)

When he picked me up, the paper said "Amada", so that was a running joke throughout the trip.

When he returned today, he brought a new paper that said "Amanda"  :o)

And, now I am home. With the time difference, I am hardly tired, especially since I slept in the plane. So, maybe I'll catch up on some DVR and then head to bed. It was quite the shock to my flip-flop wearing feet to step into the sub-40 degree temps! Back to the reality that winter is coming and back to work on Monday :o(

Good night.

Vegas Vacation Day Two

Well, it is 1 AM Vegas time on October 23, 2009, so my 30th birthday is officially over. I received my first birthday text message at 3:45 AM. I got my second at 6:03 AM, my third at 6:35, my fourth at 6:49, my fifth at 6:59...by 8:15, I decided it was time to get up and get ready (unfortunately, it had to happen after I had one of those dreams in between snooze buttons that happened to be a not very good dream...for the sake of having my dream written down, it involved me consoling a woman about my age who had a terminal illness and had decided to stop any further treatment [yeah, nice dream for a birthday morning!] to make matters worse as far as nightmares go, she got lab work drawn by someone else who was careless and stuck me with the used needle, which is probably one of THE worst nightmares of someone working in health care...and then I woke up and went on to have a fabulous day!) I got phone calls, texts, facebook messages, and emails all day long...I already knew I was blessed, but it is really cool to have "documentation" of the extra effort people went to to tell me how special I am and send me happy birthday wishes. It really is awesome to feel that much love (I also get lots of love on days that AREN'T my birthday, but everyone came out in full force today!) :o)

Obviously, since it is "only" 1 AM, I didn't go TOO crazy, but I AM really tired, so the rest of the post will mostly be pictures (of course, when I got back to my room at midnight, blogger was down or I may have been able to write a longer, more inspiring post, but it is what it is...and, I'm thinking I may need to go back to the former way of posting because I'm just not sure I like this new way...especially when I was unable to even find spell check last night!)

My aunt and uncle got to our hotel at around 9:40. After I finished getting ready, we went to the Monte Carlo and met up with the rest of our party. I played some slots and had brunch with "the girls", but also bet horses with the guys in the sports book. I had a couple Baileys and Coffee since it was early as well as a Tequila Sunrise (a guy dropped off a bunch of free drink coupons on our table...my back was to him, so I'm almost certain he didn't see my shirt, but that would have been cool!)

We had a late lunch/snack at a Mexican cantina outside the Monte Carlo and I had a pretty green drink with Midori that was very strong and left me buzzing for a little while. I did get a picture with it, but am too tired to mess with trying to post that right now.

We headed back to our hotel after that so my aunt and uncle could check into their room and freshen up. I met up with a woman from Curves who was here with her husband staying at the same hotel. We sat out by the pool with our feet in and chatted for quite a while (her husband got us Bud Lites). I got a picture with her, but, again, lazy/tired. When I finally got back to my room, I discovered that my friend from high school and her husband had a bottle of Malibu sent to my room...SO sweet!

We had 6:30 reservations at an Italian place they all had heard of, and my aunt and uncle had been to that was near the Flamingo (we took the Monorail there). As it turned out, there were FOUR of us in that room celebrating birthdays. We got a group picture and I talked to a girl named Jessica from Ohio who turned 21 and was there with her family. Here are some pics from the restaurant--

From there, we went to Paris. My money went very far at Paris after I won 600 nickels on this machine :o) I ended up bringing home $5 more than I put in, which isn't a lot, but definitely better than nothing!

We had our final drinks for the night at the MGM Grand. I had my dad do an Irish Car Bomb with me (Ginger's husband told me on facebook to drink a yard of Guinness...well, I'm not so sure I would be able to drink straight Guinness, let alone that much, but I CAN do Irish Car Bombs and actually kinda like them...my dad liked it too!) They didn't give us big glasses for the Guinness so when we dropped the shot glass in, the drink splashed everywhere, which is why it looks like I am holding myself...I was trying not to get it on my white shirt...and, was successful at not getting salsa, pasta sauce, or alcohol on my white shirt which is very awesome in my opinion!

What a great day! My family told me that tomorrow I will have to start buying my own food and drinks...ha!

Time for bed. Good night from Vegas...night two :o)

Vegas Vacation Day One

It has been a long day, but I did want to journal (even though it costs $12.95/day for Internet and there is another post set to go in few minutes edited to add that I took so long typing this post that the post I had scheduled to post actually posted BEFORE this one...).

I had a short night since I stayed up packing, watching TV, and blogging. I got picked up at 6:00 to catch the early flight to Vegas. I chose my own row with a seat by the window, my parents sat behind me (my dad likes the window too and I don't like the aisle) and their neighbors/our friends sat on the other side of the aisle. It was a turbulent flight, but we made it, and gained time in the air because of the time difference (crazy how that works!)

When we arrived at the airport, there was a limo driver holding up a paper with my name on it (well, it said "Amada", but that makes for a better story!) The four of them surprised me and it was great (there was champagne in the limo too!) I think we even get to take a limo back to the airport on Saturday :o)

"The neighbors" are staying at the MGM Grand which is pretty much right across the street from the Hooters Hotel where my parents and I are staying, and where my aunt and uncle will stay when they arrive in the morning. We met up for "brunch" then rested for a little bit before heading out for dinner and a show (it was a GREAT show...the ventriloquist who won America's Got Talent...I can't find spell check on here and am pretty sure that is spelled wrong...) So far, I haven't had to pay for any food, drinks, or my show ticket, so that is awesome...although I'm a little disappointed that no one really noticed my "It's my 30th Birthday! Buy me a drink." button I wore all day long, but I have a shirt to wear tomorrow :o) I haven't lost TOO much gambling yet, but that is good since there are a couple days left!

Well, even though it isn't quite midnight here, my body thinks otherwise, so I should go to sleep. Today I was thinking about the post I had written to run this morning and wondering how it sounded. I am not quite sure that is how the whole "verse of birth" thing is "supposed" to work, but am thinking that I may need to do some searching when I get home too, but keep the verses coming (even if they aren't 10:22, but you think fit for me and/or this day or just like them or whatever...I'm easy to please!)

Steph emailed me these verses (her blog is set to private, so linking to her won't really do much!). I think they are great, and thoughtful, so wanted to share (since they are not "available" for others to read) Thank you SO much Steph (and to Nikki who left a comment on that post).

Hebrews 10:22- let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Proverbs 10:22-The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.

Matthew 10:22-All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Good night from Vegas where I can see the lights of New York, New York when I look out my window :o)

30 Years

So, I didn't have time to make a NEW birthday video (especially since my hard drive got wiped out after I made last year's video and the only way I know how to make a new one is to re-scan all those pictures which is not my idea of fun!). I am scheduling this post to go at 1:45 AM on 10/22/09, exactly 30 years after I was born :o) I had a TERRIFIC time celebrating my 29th birthday in California (but my pictures from that are on my other computer, otherwise I would post an "update" to the video) and am certain that turning 30 in Vegas will be SO much fun!



If, for some reason, this video won't play, I put it in a couple different forms in last year's post.

My grandma sent me the cutest card and I think it is worth sharing (just in case I end up throwing the card away, I will have my blog :o) )
"The day you were born and they said 'It's a girl!' everyone in the family just couldn't stop smiling. We had looked forward to your arrival so much, and-finally-you were here! You grew from a baby into a cute little girl, and the years that followed were filled with more smiles and happy celebrations. Of course, you're not a little girl anymore...where did the time go? But you're a wonderful granddaughter who brings smiles to everyone around you--just like you did on that very first day!"

That made me smile...gotta love Hallmark for finding great words :o)

I'm sure there will be more from Vegas, but enjoy the movie...especially all the pics of me with crimped hair...I thought I was SO cool!

Birthday Gifts

(Written 10/16/09 around 9 PM)
So, I'm feeling a little "greedy" seeing as it is my 30th birthday and have a birthday gift request/idea that I have been thinking about for a long time. This is one of those times that I sort of wish I had a lot of "readers" so I could get a lot of gifts. ;o) I was not sure when the best time to post this request would be, but I'm thinking that if I set it to post early in the morning of my birthday, that would be good...but, if I set it to go earlier than that, then people would have time to "prepare" my gift. However, since I will be out-of-town for a few days surrounding my birthday, there will still be time. So, maybe I should make it "randomly" post at a point the day BEFORE my birthday since I will likely be out "partying" in Vegas anyway. Then, there would be time if some of my dear readers wanted to ask any of THEIR friends to gift me this as well ;o)

Now the one or two of you who are reading are curious, aren't you?!

Okay, so what I want is a "Verse of Birth" (or, "Verses of Birth"). I have seen people do that on some of the blogs that I have read and think it is really neat! I think sometimes people use their birth date and find a Bible verse that just "fits" and that seems like a really special, personal, (free) gift. My birthday is 10-22 and I smile every time I catch the clock reading 10:22 (I'm a little nuts, I know!) Surely, then, there is a "perfect" verse somewhere that is 10:22, right?! Or a couple "perfect" verses?! Of course, I know that I could go searching myself, but this seems kind of fun, and maybe even easy for some of my friends.

So, there you go, I am asking for birthday gifts. I've only been telling people I am turning 30 on October 22, 2009 for the past year! Selfish, possibly, maybe probably, but I'm in Vegas and just because I am ASKING doesn't mean you HAVE to!

Set to post on 10/21/09 at 10:22 AM :o) Not "random" at all...ha!

On a Jet Plane

I am headed for Las Vegas bright and early (I am getting picked up at 6:00!) I am almost finished packing, but taking a little break to blog and watch The Biggest Loser. I skipped my workout again today since I worked ALL day at the pumpkin patch (well, 11-4:30...) I made a couple stops on the way home, then it was after 6:30 and I decided it wasn't going to happen. So, I started my "30 Days to 30" on September 17 and ended up doing 22 days (since I'm "obviously" not bringing my video to do tomorrow!). I don't think that is TOO bad considering I went on vacation and sort of was working two jobs this month. I'm a little annoyed that I worked that hard and sweat that much and believe I only lost 1/2 a pound, but it wasn't all about weight and inches, it was about setting a goal and sticking to it. Even though I didn't reach the exact goal I set for myself, I pretty much knew when I set it that it was unrealistic, but definitely worth a shot!

I am bringing my netbook with me, and I have my own hotel room, so probably will end up posting from Vegas. But, I did also set a couple posts to go while I am gone, so there actually may be more posts than usual rather than less!

Well, maybe I should pick up my living room while I watch TV rather than blog. Vegas here I come...hope you are ready ;o)
Good night!

Still here

It has been a couple days since I posted and I'm still here! I wish I could say that I have been busy cleaning my house, but I must be honest and say that my "goal" of being able to walk on my living room floor NOT on my tip toes prior to leaving for Vegas is highly unlikely. I have clothes in the dryer, dishes in the sink, and papers all around. I worked at the pumpkin patch all day yesterday and went there straight from church. When I got home, I did my workout did some visiting online, but didn't do a blog post or clean.

Today, I had a counseling appointment which went well...although I can't seem to go without crying at some point! I do think I am doing a better job of taking care of myself and feel very good about that. I went shopping for a little while after that, then stopped by my sister's on the way back to work at the pumpkin patch. I worked there until about 9:30, then had to get gas on the way home and take a shower. I did not do my work out since my legs are sore and I am tired (and I found out this morning that I've only lost 1/2 a pound since I started so I am also a little annoyed). I am still working on writing about my "brush with fame", but I changed the settings on my blog for posting and it is being super annoying when I try to put pictures in. Plus, I am working on my netbook which is a little harder than my lap top, but I left my lap top at my sister's house.

So, once again I am staying up really late with not that much to "show" for it. I need to go to the bank in the morning to get money for my trip. Then, I work all day at the pumpkin patch (what was I thinking signing up for so many days!) I would have liked to have gone to the dinner meeting with all the people from my Montreal trip, but I think that will be pushing it since I have no idea when I will pack and I believe our flight leaves in the 7:00 hour Wednesday morning.

Still here, busy, but having fun and doing well (messy house and all!)
Good night.

Those are my thighs...

and those are my arms...and those are my shoulders...and that is my back...and...

Yep, Level Two is a "killer"...surely I must be a bad measurer because these workouts are kicking my butt (or at least working my thighs, arms, and shoulders!) Oh my goodness am I sore! It is hard to tell if my clothes are fitting better or if it is just that I am wearing different clothes. It also is hard to tell if I look "better" because of the workout or because of what my eyes are able to see. In any case, I've been doing my workouts, I've been sweating, and I am feeling a sense of accomplishment with that.

I worked yesterday and today and do not work at the hospital again until the 26th. I work the next three days at the pumpkin patch. My "housework goal" is to get my living room in order before I go on vacation (or at least somewhat in order...even if that means shifting some of the clutter to the "scrapbook room" until after I get home). I can't believe that I am leaving for Vegas in four days (well, less than four days since I am leaving in the morning). I actually think I have quite a bit to do before then!

Well, I stayed up later than planned yet again (I stayed up late a LOT of days this week!). So, I think it is time to go to bed since six hours at the pumpkin patch could be CRAZY especially if it the weather is good!

Good night!

Level two

So, I am trying to use this new blogger posting thingamajig that I saw today and it is kinda crazy. And, it's kinda late to figure it out. So, there are some pics from when I went to the Pumpkin Patch on Tuesday. I love that there is a camel there (more than one actually!) The pig races are super fun and make me laugh every year :o)

Today I tried Level two of the 30 Day Shred. What in the world was I thinking?! Holy Moly, it is crazy and I'm not so sure I can do level two again tomorrow after I get off work!

Well, it is midnight and I work the next two days, so better get some rest.

Good night!

"Bumped" Post

So, since I stayed up late chatting with a friend and don't feel like writing anything new, I am actually going to "bump" a post I wrote last year on October 14 and re-post it here. It actually is extra appropriate since I am in the middle of composing an email to Angie Smith who is mentioned in this post. Thinking about all my friends who have experienced pregnancy, infant, and child loss especially on this "official" day. Interestingly enough, the "E" that is mentioned actually got even MORE sick, but doing well now. "A" is doing AWESOME at home, and the "baby" turned two. The post I wrote October 15, 2008 was pretty interesting as well...although I'm not sure what the "secret" was that I mentioned...ha!

The past two days have been cold and rainy. I guess it kind of goes with the emotions of these days. I do actually LOVE the rain, and the cooler weather brings the comfort of sweatshirts, warm socks, and blankets. I'm NOT ready for snow and ice, but rainy and cool is fine :o)

There is a lot I wanted to write, but it is already kind of late and I need to finish up some laundry before I go to bed. Little "E" is hanging in there, I visited my "A-team" girl and her mom today, and the "baby" is officially one year old. I go back to work tomorrow for three days before my vacation. I am hoping I can keep my cool in the morning and not worry about "the list". What is meant to happen will happen, and I will not be doing it alone :o)

It has come to my attention that tomorrow, October 15, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day . As part of that day, there is to be a Wave of Light (I'm not sure if I did this whole "link" thing correctly, but I think you can get to the site by clicking on this Post's title as well...). I will actually be at work during "my time" for this Wave of Light, but will plan to light a candle when I get home. I visited Angie's blog and she is doing something VERY neat there. I scrolled through over 500 stories of families who have lost babies and prayed for them...I am sure there are even more stories now. What a blessing to all those families to be able to put their stories somewhere to share, and get prayers they may or may not have received at the time off their loss.

So, to Angie , Emily, Kristy, Kenzie, Kim, Angie, Chrissy, and all the others who have shared their babies and their stories with me, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today (as you are every day). You and your children have blessed me more than you know.

Good night. (That still took me thirty minutes to type...all that "linking"! I'd better do my laundry quick and head to bed...still haven't started packing for my trip!)

Good night (the 2009 version...ha!)

Words that Speak

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return..." For Good Wicked Soundrack


"Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child."



"Life breaks and falls apart, but we know these are places where grace is soon to be so amazing.
It may be unfulfilled, it may be unrestored, but when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord, just watch and see. It will not be unredeemed." Unredeemed Selah


"Kindness refreshes and restores the tired and broken." ~When Did I See You Hungry?

"Mercy brings you to your knees, forgiveness lifts you to your feet. In time, you will find, grace will reach your lowest low and never let you go." Arise Avalon

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'." ~Erma Bombeck

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." ~Frederick Douglass

Hmm, this was an "idea" I had since I wanted to post those lyrics from Wicked after hearing them this morning, and also the song from YouTube for other reasons, and then thought of other good songs/found other quotes and now it sounds like I am having "issues" or something. I'm actually doing fine. I had a good day. I thought this was going to be a quick post, but it ended up taking WAY longer than if I had actually written something myself (more than 30 minutes MORE than I was anticipating)! I have a dentist appointment in less than 8 hours and have a CPR class all afternoon. I actually think I need to "study" before I go. So, enough of this "randomness", but there is some "food for thought" and "words that speak" here anyway...
Good night.

More to Come...

I really want to spend time in reflection about all that happened this weekend, but tonight is not the night. It is now after midnight, I worked all day, and I need to get everything together for a meeting tomorrow morning (starts at 8:30...ugh!) I did do the Shred when I got home since I couldn't miss ANOTHER workout! So, in the mean time, here are a few pictures from what was quite the "spiritual" weekend.

My Godson's Baptism

Paperwhite bulbs at the Memorial Service

The view from my seat at the concert

I was supposed to meet with the counselor tomorrow, but she called to let me know she was not feeling well and wanted to reschedule. I ended up talking to her for at LEAST 15 minutes which is 1/4 of a "visit" that was free...ha! I did point that out to her and it made her laugh...I'm ALWAYS up for free therapy ;o)

Well, I have no clue where the stuff for my meeting is and am sure I won't want to wake up earlier to search for it, so better get to that and then hit the hay.

Prayers to {aefilkins} and her family who found out today that the baby she was carrying had passed away. Also, October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, so prayers to all who have experienced such loss, or loves someone who has.

Good night.

Fill 'er Up

Not EXACTLY the same as "Re-fueled" but pretty darn close (I like that post...especially the link back to my post about Poppy Joy...Angie is sending me an autographed copy of the book...exciting!)

I am skipping The Shred again tonight. I had a pretty exciting day/night and think that doing an 11:00 work out would not be a good idea considering sleep, or lack there of, was a contributing factor to the "funk" and I need to be at my best for a Monday at the hospital!

This day was filled with interactions and events that "filled me up", including a long, very sound, night's sleep.

I need to go to sleep and want to spend extra time when I write about these things, so I will make a bullet list (as if I will forget, but you never know!)

• Actually being off on a Sunday when I can attend 11:00 Mass and sing with the choir.
• The Perinatal/Pediatric Memorial Service
• The concert and all that transpired there (in one word, "awesome"!)

More to come, but sleep needs to come first because I cannot start my work week the way it ended...that would not be good!

Good night. (The countdown to my birthday is 1 week and four days, but I am leaving in just TEN days...hint hint to my t-shirt designing friend... ;o) )

Another Funk?!

Boy, do I feel out of sorts! While my past couple of posts have been somewhat silly, they also show what kind of funk I've been in. My three work days this week really were crappy and I was SOOOO crabby...well, I FELT crabby, not exactly sure what other people would say to describe how I was acting. I stayed up way too late every night, so also worked on very little sleep which either contributed to, or was the cause of the horrible way I felt. Things were really busy on the unit and I also had a couple patients (two of my three) who were what my mom would call "energy vampires" and every little thing they did irritated me and I was spinning around like a Tasmanian devil (one of my co-workers actually did compare me to that) and could not hear myself think...

And, since one of the things the counselor told me is that I spend a LOT of time in my head. I think A LOT...so, I suppose when I can't hear myself think that creates quite a problem! It was an awful feeling and I really was pretty crabby from early on Wednesday all the way through about three o'clock in the afternoon yesterday (Friday). By that time, things settled down a little bit for me, or it was like a switch turned and I was all of a sudden "ok". I was able to help out one of the other nurses who was busy and offer help to the other nurses, something I hadn't been able to do.

However, even though I got sleep last night, my funk was not quite finished. My best friend from high school asked me to be her son's Godmother and this morning was his Baptism. Her father-in-law is a Deacon, so it was a private Baptism and it was really nice. After the Baptism, I ran a couple errands and relaxed at home for a little while before going to their house for a party and football. Oh, did I mention that it SNOWED last night...I don't ever remember it snowing before my birthday! And, I finally turned on the heat on my house when it reached 54 degrees inside. Anyway, at the party, my friend's dad asked me what was new with me, etc. Usually, I can't WAIT to tell people all about my life, what I've been up to, how great things are, but for some reason I was irritated by him talking to me and admit to being pretty short with my answers. Even in the moment I knew I was being really rude, but didn't really do anything to change it. I actually was pretty quiet today and didn't feel much like talking at all, so watched football and rested my eyes, and played with the kids. It was fun spending time with my friend after everyone else left, but I think I was too tired to truly enjoy myself, and be myself.

Driving home, I drove on the stretch of road where the sister of a girl I went through grade school and high school was killed on Thursday. This was the first time I had been on that part of the highway and it felt "weird". Today also would have been the sixth birthday of a patient whose family was/is very special to me. He passed away two years ago last month...

Then, after I got home, my mom called me. I haven't talked to her in days, but, again, was pretty "short" with her and didn't feel like chatting. That is SO unlike me because typically I could talk anyone's ear off!

Tomorrow is my hospital's annual Perinatal/Pediatric Memorial Service. I like being involved with this event, but am not as excited about it as I was hoping. I was supposed to be the "co-chair" of the committee, but someone else took over pretty much everything (not the other co-chair) and didn't let anyone else give input. I am sure it will be nice, but it is hard because I was really looking forward to having some ownership in making it special. I also have two tickets to a concert. I am really excited about seeing this Christian group and know quite a few of my "blog friends" would go with me. I bought two tickets, but still do not know if I will bring anyone. No one I have talked to has heard of them. I am really excited, but don't really want to bring someone who wouldn't be excited too. I think it would be easier to go alone, and maybe more enjoyable (especially since I am in this "funk"...maybe I NEED to be "alone")

I don't like this funk, but hopefully getting some sleep will allow it to leave quietly and not come back for a while. I am meeting with the counselor again on Tuesday. I think I am ready for her to give me some ideas on how to deal with these "funks" or set some goals. We have talked a bit about some of my "issues", so I know some of what is going on, but not necessarily how to deal with them or work through them...guess that's why I am not done having visits!

Good night.

Too Tired Tonight

'Twas totally telling to try to talk like that. Then, 'tis true that twitter terminated the tomorrow that trusted to be "top". Today "tanked" too. Too tired to Shred tonight. 'Tis tragic yet true. Too tired to type (yet this has taken me 20 minutes so far!)
________________
It was another crabby day until around 3:00 when the crabby cloud seemed to leave for a while. I am really tired, which could be the root of the crabbiness. My cell phone did ring with twitter updates during the night from yesterday that didn't make it through for some reason even though my phone was on vibrate. When you go to bed at midnight and the alarm goes off at 5:30, waking up at 2:53, 3:42, and 5:22 is not good (especially after having two yucky days at work already). So, I'm skipping my Shred again. I had pizza, microwave popcorn, and a fall release Woodchuck for dinner (I have never heard of this "limited release" and it is AWESOME!). I am going to watch my DVR of Medium and go to bed...

Goodnight from Crabbyland. I hope I don't make a trip to visit you again any time soon.

Skipped Shred for Social

So, after a shift that is best summed as "sucky", she (that is, me) set out to see if a social setting could save the "suckiness". She was served some cold yet satisfying supper and sat to see (hear) what's shaking with said staff (co-workers). She spoke silly stuff and shot the (what's that phrase?!) and stayed 'til Seamus (and she) sought sleep.

So, she skipped her shred for social, but also skipped some sleep.

She slept so soundly yet so so short. Still, she surmised this shift was sure to be superior.

So sorry, sir (er, lady), super sh**** is on the schedule for the second shift. "Sweet", she says. Start over?!

Stupid shift. Shred not skipped. Still sleepy. Should be sleeping.

Substitution please...tomorrow SHOULD be superior...right?!

Crazy Crabby lady cannot sustain subsequent shifts of "suckiness".

Sleep, sleep, sleep.

Cups o' Joe

Cup o' Joe number 1
=>Some kind of grande pumpkin flavored latte at the hospital coffee shop (?maybe a Starbucks).
I met with a woman at the hospital about a couple of the hospital committees I am on at 9:00 this morning. The hospital implemented this structure nearly five years ago and are looking into seeing what is working, what is not, and what changes need to be implemented. I feel like I have an excellent grasp on how it is "supposed" to work and was able to give her some good feedback. When we agreed to meet, she told me she would "buy me a coffee" since we were meeting early on my day off. She forgot to bring her money, but had $1.25 to give me...that maybe would have paid for a "regular" coffee, but not a "special" drink. It was pretty funny. We talked for a LONG time...probably a lot longer than she planned, but it is something I am passionate about and once I got going, she let me talk. I think it was well after 10:00 when I said good-bye and went on my way.

Before I left the hospital, I called interpretive services. I was hoping one of the interpreters I really like was working. She wasn't, but the one who answered was willing to help me (after I explained what I wanted her to do!) I couldn't stop thinking about one of the patients I cared for on Sunday...the mom who was SO exhausted with her two, hopefully not three, sick kids. Since she didn't speak English, I couldn't just stop by or call the Ronald McDonald House to check in on her. HOWEVER, I was not going to let that get in my way (my heart wasn't going to let me!) So, the interpreter and I had a three-way conversation with the mom. As you would imagine, she thought it was SO sweet of me to call and check on her. She didn't have anything I could "do" to help, but at least she knows I was thinking about her, and cared enough to ask (not sure what I would have done if she had asked me to come visit or something...I think my immune system is pretty darn good after this many years of working with kids, but knowingly exposing myself to the flu is probably not the best idea!) I thanked the interpreter multiple times for her assistance and feel MUCH better knowing that I did all I could do. :o)

Cup o' Joe Number 2
=>At 1:00 this afternoon (after a trip to the grocery store and gas station), I went to this cute little coffee shop that I had never visited. It is close to my house, so I may need to go there more often! I had a grande caramel apple latte (and carrot ginger soup) while visiting with a woman I met last year at a Bible study. She and her husband both converted to Catholicism and he is leading his third Bible study at their parish. She is taking classes to be a spiritual advisor. She is super sweet and we just had some great conversation. About an hour and a half into our visit, I told her how great it was that she NEVER mentioned the fact that I was single and not dating (I don't consider going out with "J" once "dating"...) This comment REALLY caught her off-guard. That thought had NEVER crossed her mind. I think that kind of reaction is EXACTLY what I needed in this point of my "therapy"...a person who doesn't know me all that well, but through the course of our conversation realized that I really AM happy right now with the way things are, with the things I am able to do with my life, being able to use my talents the way that I do... It was just awesome, a special gift...as seemingly "random" as it seemed for us to get together for coffee and a chat, it really was not "random" at all (as I have come to know that not many things are "random"!)

After my 2 hour coffee/chat, I stopped by my sister's to drop off a couple outfits (I usually bring him a new one every time I see him...yesterday I brought other stuff, but I had to bring my sister some other things today as well, so took along some cute sleepers :o) ). Then, I went to Carter's since my coupon was about to expire, and I definitely can't let THAT happen! I stopped by Kohl's to return/exchange my suitcase that didn't exactly survive my Montreal trip. However, it came as a three-piece set and I didn't even THINK about bringing the other two pieces until I was half-way to customer service...ugh! I was going to stop by Fashion Bug as well (one of my three coupons WILL expire, but I still have time to use the other ones!) and also Hallmark, but I skipped those and just went to TJMaxx and picked up some hand weights for my "Shred". They only had 2 pound weights right where I could find them, so I got them. Just a tiny step up from my cans of cream corn, but I bet I will be able to tell when I use them tonight!

Cup o' Joe Number 3
=>It was gray, windy, and chilly and I was pretty darn cold after all my errand-running, so I HAD to get another coffee. This time, I drove through my favorite coffee place...and decided I should try a grande "half-caf" pumpkin flavored latte. (My peeps on facebook were worried about me having that much caffeine and my ability to fall asleep tonight...sleep is not typically an issue for me!) It was yummy, even with only half the caffeine :o)

Then, I had a pizza, and some special fall-flavored Woodchuck (I have NEVER seen that before, so HAD to pick up 2 six-packs!). I talked to my best friend from college on the telephone whom I haven't talked to in FOREVER for quite a while (I shared my Montreal slide show with her...she enjoyed that!) Then, I watched my DVR of The Biggest Loser and once again was reminded that I could not be on that show because I enjoy my pizza, chips and salsa, margaritas, mashed potatoes, etc. WAY too much.

Well, I haven't done my workout yet, but I'm going to "mark" that I did it, so that means I have to. Back to work tomorrow for three days in a row...hopefully they are good ones!

Busy, but fun day...and, in case it was not evident in this post...I LOVE coffee!
Good night :o)