Confessions of a Procrastinator

Fabulous!

2011-10-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

It's been almost a year since I posted. We've had a lot going on here lately but now it seems like we are in a comfortable groove and can finally relax.

We put down laminate hardwoods this past weekend and that was a chore but I am totally in love with my house all over again. It made such a difference in the look of our house. I told Adam that it makes me want to clean it everyday because now I don't have to look at that nasty carpet anymore!!!

Before we moved in......we hadn't done anything to the house.

After we moved in (obviously) - we had painted the walls and cleaned the carpet.

Now with our new floors. It makes such a difference! I love it!!

I still have decorating to do. I'm just so dang picky, it's hard for me to make a decision on anything. By the time I get the house decorated the way I want it, we will be ready to sell and move on. Then, it begins again!!! I am looking for a larger rug than what we have now, since it looks really small in our living room with the furniture rearranged. So if you have any good finds, please let me know!!

On another note, I have become addicted to Pinterest. There are so many crafts, recipes, and decorating tips on there. I just can't get enough of it. I catch myself thinking about it throughout the day! I need to quit thinking and start doing. One blog I have fallen in love with on Pinterest is The Girl Who Ate Everything. She has some FABULOUS recipes on there that I can't wait to try!!!

Shutterfly Holiday Cards

2010-11-28T19:03:00.023-06:00

I have been using Shutterfly for several years now. I order all my prints from their website including my Christmas cards. I most recently ordered a photo book of all our engagement pictures for free!! I only had to pay $8 for shipping and handling. They used the highest grade material, I have never been disappointed. They deliver super fast which is very convenient for those of us who are procrastinators. :)

I wanted to show you all some of my favorite Christmas cards - I can't decide which one to order this year.

This one is quite whimsical! I would love to have this one to send out to my friends and family.

This one has a more modern look and I ALWAYS love items personalized with my initials.

I really like this card because it is very elegant looking. I wouldn't mind receiving this card in the mail and hanging it up on my mantle!

Some of my favorite things from Shutterfly - Christmas photo cards, Holiday invitations, and Photo Calendars.

Shutterfly's website is so easy to navigate and the prices are very affordable. The holiday cards start at $0.32 per card. They'll even mail your cards for you. Who wouldn't enjoy that?

So go on over to Shutterfly and order your Christmas cards, photo prints, or photo book right now!!!

It's Chili Time!

2010-10-16T09:08:00.001-05:00

I reposted this from:

A Work In Progress

It's time for me to announce my giveaway choice from CSN.

I thought with the upcoming cool weather and time with family and friends...

many of you may need this.....

Doesn't this scream...Make chili in me!?!

And you can't have a new pot without a new spoon. :)

Each item comes in a variety of colors. I'll let you choose which best fits your kitchen when you WIN.

Speaking of winning...this is how you can win!!

1. Become a follower of my blog (1 entry)

2. Re post on your blog about this giveaway (1 entry)

3. Comment about becoming a follower, re posting, and well...just comment! (1 entry)

If you follow, comment, AND re post you get 5 bonus entries!!!!!!!

Don't just do 1 do them ALL!!!

READY

SET

*available to US and Canadian readers only.

Little River Canyon

2010-10-05T08:59:00.000-05:00

On Labor Day, Adam and I rode up to Little River Canyon on the motorcycle. It was a beautiful day, not too hot and great weather. We didn't have Labor Day plans and I have been wanting to ride up there. The area was beautiful and I can't wait to go back to see the leaves change during the fall. It was a very long ride and my booty was hurting once we got back home. Who knew that riding a motorcycle could really make you that tired??

All My Rowdy Friends are Coming Over Tonight

2010-10-05T08:38:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, we went to the Hank William's, Jr. concert and it was a lot of fun. Jamey Johnson, Colt Ford, Josh Thompson, and The Grascals joined Hank Jr. on his "Rowdy Friends" tour. We missed The Grascals and Josh Thompson because Adam hadn't printed out our tickets and it was a hassle getting them printed out. We ended up having to get my mom to print them out and go up to the hospital and pick them up. Luckily, the concert was at the BJCC so the hospital was very close. Colt Ford is a favorite of one of Adam's customers/friend, Roby. Roby and his girlfriend Sandy went with us and Roby had on his famous "Good Times" Colt Ford shirt. I don't think I have ever seen him wear any other t-shirt but this one and I constantly pick on him for it too. He is definitely a good time friend when we hang out with him. He provides a LOT of entertainment for us. Jamey Johnson was very disappointing to me and Adam. We have seen him in Atlanta and it was GREAT but this time, it didn't seem as exciting. He played songs that we didn't know and hadn't heard before, the stage was very plain, and overall it was dull. Then the man came out and it was wonderful!! I have never seen Hank Jr. and I'm so glad I got an opportunity to see him. It made me think about my dad listening to this type music when I was little and it seemed so nostalgic to be given this opportunity. Hank Jr was definitely entertaining and it made me want to dance right there in the aisle, which we did. When he played All My Rowdy Friends are Coming Over Tonight, I broke. it. down. :) If he ever comes back through Birmingham, I will be going to see him again!

Gone fishin'

2010-10-05T08:16:00.001-05:00

Adam went fishing a few weeks ago and caught a pretty big fish that is now living in the freezer in the basement. He's going to get it mounted and hang it in his man cave. I can't remember the exact weight but I do know it was close to 6 pounds. He also caught a bunch of other smaller fish that he cut up for us to eat. I haven't ever eaten bass but I guess I'll be seeing what it tastes like soon.

This picture cracks me up because he looks like a little boy with his pants leg rolled up! When I was taking this picture, he had this miserable look on his face so I made him smile. I could tell that he didn't want to because a man isn't supposed to smile while holding his fish. Ha ha!!

Let the wedding fun begin!!!

2010-10-02T09:19:00.000-05:00

We had engagement pictures done in June and I finally ordered some of my favorite. I also got an 11x13 print that I'm having a hard time finding a picture frame for. It's so hard for me to make a decision sometimes - I feel like I have to keep searching until I find perfection at the best deal. I'm like this about everything though, I just don't want to buy something only to find out in 2 weeks that I missed out on an awesome deal!!!

Anyways, here's some of our engagement pictures by Amy P Photography. Amy is a good friend of ours and she is also an awesome photographer. I love how natural her pictures are. She will also be doing my bridal session pictures.

Crazy Days

2010-07-14T15:08:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time since I updated but I have good excuses, I promise!! Let me start from the beginning and maybe I can make up for these past 2 months.

I started my new job as a Nurse Practitioner on April 28 and it's been a whirlwind since I started. I am working Monday through Friday 8 to 4:30 everyday. It usually ends up being 5, sometimes 7 before I leave but I love my new job and can't believe I didn't do this sooner. I work with a great group of people and we have fun at work.

A month later, in June, I had my gallbladder out and I cannot even begin to tell you how GLAD I am to have that over with. Since I have had it out, I have more energy and even lost weight, and I am not constantly nauseated, which is a HUGE relief. I would have this done all over again knowing what I know now!!! However, I do have to watch some of the greasy things that I ate before. Those things do hurt my stomach but I can deal with that.

We've been planning the wedding too. We found our band after going to listen to them at a local bar. They're going to be so much fun!! I also found my bridesmaids dresses - I have even considered buying one for myself to wear after the wedding. I have gone to try on wedding dresses. It was fun but it was SOOOO hot!!! I know those ladies helping me try them on thought I was gross because I was sweating so much but I can't help it!!!! At one point, I was straddling the air conditioner vent while she laced up the back of my dress. I found a few that I liked and look forward to going back and making the big purchase. :) Now, I just have to go meet with the lady who owns Rosewood to organize all the food, flowers, and ceremony details. It's such a relief to have all these things done and now we just have to pay for it all.

Shannon had her baby shower for the sweet baby boys she is having sometime in August. Pregnancy was a big surprise for her and twins were an even bigger surprise but I cannot wait til they get here and we can watch them grow up. We had her shower at Emily's house and it was a HOT day but we had a good time. Emily is suzy-homemaker and we helped her make the cupcakes, which were delish!! Shannon got a lot of cute clothes and supplies she'll need for her boys, Mason and Brooks.

Fourth of July weekend, we kept the roads hot. On Saturday, we went to Logan Martin to stay at Adam's sister's place. They rent a lot at one of the marinas that puts on a fireworks display. The area is in a horseshoe shape and there are people all around the area. It was so much fun! Kolby and Bella went with us there and they were exhausted when we left. On Sunday, we got up and drove by my Aunt Kim's house to drop off the dogs where they would stay while we went to Smith Lake. They always have a blast at her house because she has 3 dogs and they just play all day long. After leaving her house, we drove to Smith Lake to spend the day with Amy, Kevin, Riley and Amy's parents. We took a boat ride and hung out on the pier. That night, they cooked dinner for everyone and even made home made ice cream. Needless to say, we were exhausted by the time we got home Sunday night. I still haven't recovered from that weekend!!! We drove for 3 1/2 hours on Sunday morning just going from lake to lake!!!

Bella taking a swim

Sunset on Logan Martin

My good friend, Lisa, from UAB had her wedding shower last weekend. I got to see a few people I haven't seen in a long time. Lisa is getting married in August at Orange Beach and I cannot wait to see how beautiful she is!!!

This past weekend, I learned how to drive Adam's motorcycle. Now, the last time I was on a motorcycle was when I was little and my dad turned it over and I fell off. He thought it was funny but I absolutely did not think the same thing!!! So, we rode up to a church parking lot near our house and got to drive. I had a little trouble at first but I caught on fast and was riding circles around Adam while he watched me. I am still a little scared of driving but I will get comfortable with it, sooner or later!

That night, we went out to Superior Grill to meet up with some friends for their birthdays. We hadn't been out like that in a long time but had a great time!

In a couple of weeks, we will be heading down to Panama City Beach. I haven't been there in several years so I'm excited to see how much it has changed. I'm so excited to relax on the beach and get a tan, too!!!

Pay It Forward

2010-05-17T19:10:00.001-05:00

*****I HAVE UPDATED THE LINKS SO YOU CAN GO DIRECTLY TO THE WEBSITE TO ORDER THE FIT BANDS MEANT FOR ADOPTION DONATION. I ALSO UPDATED THE PICTURE TO SHOW WHICH ONES YOU GET TO CHOOSE BETWEEN*****

I have a friend, Nichole, who I have known since 9th grade. She's been through lots of things with me and now I have an opportunity to help her out. She and her husband are in the process of adopting a child and needs some help with the financial portion of the adoption. I've heard of how expensive it is to adopt and I think it's outrageous. There are children out there who NEED homes and it seems like it is made more difficult because of the financial constraints placed on these parents who WANT to adopt! I did a little research and the cost of a U.S. adoption ranges between $20,000 and $25,000. Some adoptions can cost upwards of $50,000.

They also go through a long process that leads up to the actual adoption. The family has to mentally prepare themselves for the actual adoption. It can be a long, grueling process and you have to be prepared for the emotional ups and downs. There are many decisions to be made along the way and a long application process that can take a very long time. I really want to help Nichole and Rob out because I think they're going to make wonderful parents. They have a loving home and extended family to bring a child home to.

Please help them out by participating in one of these fundraising options below.

The first one is a company called Worthy of the Prize. They sell extremely cute key chains and lanyards. They donate 50% of each sale to adoptive parents to help with adoption costs. You can either go to Nichole's blog and buy off the sidebar at the top right or go directly to Worthy of the Prize website to purchase your key chain or lanyard. Just remember to choose "I would like the $$$ to go to the Akins" if you want to help out Nichole and Rob or you can decide to split the money among all the families. FYI: When you purchase a Fit Band for the adoption donation, the styles you get to pick between are just below in the picture.

Another fundraising idea she has found was through a coffee company, Just Love Coffee. For every bag of coffee or t-shirt purchased, Nichole and Rob will get $5. For every tumbler, hat or bag purchased, they will get $3 and for every scoop of coffee purchased, they will get $1. Just visit Nichole and Rob's personal website at Just Love Coffee and make a purchase to help them out!!

I hope that everyone makes it a point to visit either of or both of these websites and help my friends out. It feels so good to help someone out so feel good about yourself today!!!!

Should I buy a lottery ticket?

2010-04-20T18:26:00.000-05:00

The past week of my life has been filled with so much excitement!!! My 29th birthday was on April 3 and Adam had me a birthday party a week later at Above, the rooftop bar at the Redmont Hotel downtown. Adam had been making fun of me all week because I went and bought a dress for the party, got a spray tan and made an appointment to have my make up done. I wanted to look GOOD for my party!!! On Saturday, Shannon and I went to have pedicures and manicures. While we were there, Shannon asked me if I thought Adam might propose that night. I said definitely not because he has always said he would never do it on a holiday or birthday. So, instead of getting it in my mind that he would and then just be disappointed when he didn't, I just didn't think about it anymore.

That night, Adam took me to eat at PF Changs and then we went to the hotel to put our stuff in the room we got for the night. Adam said he had my present there and had hinted around the week before that it was this vacuum cleaner I have been wanting. Yeah, I know. Anyways, he pulls this bag out and tells me to sit on the end of the bed. I start going through the tissue paper in the bag and there's 3 roses, each having a little tag and a little something on them. The last one had a string attached to a card that had move the bag written in it. I was a little confused and Adam had to repeat "move the bag!" So, I moved the bag and there he was with my ring!!! I was so excited that he said I tried to grab the ring out of his hand. I was shocked and just kept looking at it, saying that it was surreal! You think about the day you'll get engaged for a long time and when it happens, it's so hard to actually grasp the idea that it's happening. I grabbed my phone to text my mom and he said don't tell anyone that's here tonight. Just see if they notice. What?!??!?! Are you kidding me?? Anyone who knows me, knows if I am excited that I'm not going to keep it a secret!!! My mom texts me back and says that she was wondering when he was going to do it. We leave the room and get on the elevator with a bunch of our friends and I'm just dying to tell them!! We get off the elevator and start walking onto the outdoor patio and I turn around and find my friend Amy and say, LOOK!!! I shoved my hand into her face and we both just start screaming. The whole night was so much fun but it is such a blur because I was in total shock!

I'm super excited and cannot wait to marry Adam! Now, comes all the fun stuff and I'm on a budget. I wish that some rich family member would donate $50,000 so I don't have to worry about anything but I know that won't happen. So, until someone donates to my wedding fund I'll be on the hunt for budget friendly wedding venues!!!

I also got a new job as a Nurse Practitioner with the neurology department at Children's. I'm so excited!! I start on April 26th and will be training for several months before I'm on my own. They are trying to remodel the neurology department and aren't quite sure what they are going to have me doing just yet. For now, the plans are for me to orient in the seizure monitoring unit for a few months and then transition into the clinics seeing patients. This was something that I had been praying for - to be an inpatient and outpatient practitioner. I was going to miss the inpatient part because at first this position was only outpatient. So, I went on several "interviews" with the department - of which I already knew all the doctors and they all knew me. It was really just to see if I had any questions and to tell me their own visions for the new plans. Now, I am cleaning out the scrubs from my closet and buying new work clothes!

Cake made by Emily Bell - so cute!!!

Shannon, Blair, and me

Amy and I

Stephanie and I

Amy and I

The bling - it's beautiful!!!

Valentines Day 2010

2010-02-17T23:25:00.000-06:00

I know this is a few days late but I am running behind. How unusual for me, huh? I am almost always 15 minutes late EVERYWHERE I go. No matter what time I get up or what extra preparations I make the night before. I AM ALWAYS LATE!! I'm trying to do better. I have been on time to work every morning for the past week and a half. See, we are supposed to be there at 6:45 but our assignments usually don't come out until 7 or later. So, I just got into the habit of being there right at 7. Most of the time, assignments were out around 7:10. This was okay until someone jokingly said something to me at work about being late. I argued and said, how can I be late if the assignments aren't out yet??? Anywho, I decided that I would start getting there at 6:45 so I could hang out, see if anyone needed help and get some equipment checked off like we are supposed to do. It has worked so far. I'll see if I can keep it up for a while.

So, where was I? Oh yeah, Valentines Day. This is our second Valentines Day together. Last year Adam surprised me with tickets to Dave Matthews and this year he did it again, except it was Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum!! I'm so excited. I heard that tickets sold out in 15 minutes Saturday morning so we are really lucky to be going. I wanted to go see Lady Antebellum at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville but tickets sold out so fast, I didn't even get a chance to see how much they were. So, I'm thrilled we are going.

Adam got a new table Skill saw that he has had his eyes on for a while. It was a day late but I'm sure he can overlook that! I had it set up for him when he got off work - it looked like St. Valentine himself had thrown up on it. When he walked in from work, I knew it would be the first thing he saw. NOPE! He walked right by it and I was laughing because he didn't even see it. He started to get irritated because I wouldn't tell him why I was laughing. He finally turned around and saw what it was and I think he was a little surprised that I had bought it for him. I also got him a silver University of Alabama engraved business card holder. He was really confused when he first opened it but when he figured it out, he liked it. I thought this was something unique that I've never had the opportunity to buy for anyone!!

Hope everyone else had a great Valentines!!!

Giveaway at Social Climbers

2010-02-15T14:26:00.000-06:00

Everyone knows that when you start reading people's blogs, you just continue clicking on blog after blog reading about other people and what they have to say. Soon you don't even realize how you've come upon some of their blogs! Today, I was reading over at the Boutique Me blog and found a giveaway on the Social Climbers blog. It sounds like a really cool giveaway and this is part of my entry. Go on over and read about it and participate!

There are some really cute ideas on their site that I like to fantasize about having!! A girl can dream can't she?

Not Me Monday

2010-02-15T10:30:00.002-06:00

I am participating in the Not Me Monday from MckMama.

It was not me who had two helpings of banana pudding last night after dinner. I do have to brag and say that the dessert I made for Valentines Day dinner was very tasty but it was not me who had to return for a second helping.

I am not watching DVR'd shows instead of taking a shower, studying for my boards or finishing my taxes. I would not be a procrastinator like that. It's nice and cozy in my chair but I have things to do! :)

It was not me who neglected to clean up the kitchen last night after dinner.

It was not me who ordered coffee from out of state just because I love it.

It was not me who was thankful to have today off to catch up on sleep.

Right now, I can't think of anymore Not Me Monday worthy statements because my brain is fried from working on my taxes. I have felt like I haven't been able to get enough sleep these past few days. I feel as though I could go back to bed right now - that's just lazy of me but I just dread working the weekends and I believe that makes me even more tired! My weekend is coming up. Yucko!!

Go on over to MckMama's website, grab your own badge and create your own Not Me Monday post!!

These Days

2010-01-30T12:15:00.001-06:00

These days, nothing special has been happening around here.

Last Sunday I was initiated into Sigma Theta Tau International. It's an honor society for nursing students. I was very happy to be asked to joined, seeing as how I have never had this opportunity before. I have always had mediocre grades - nothing good enough to get me into an honor society. So, my mom was thrilled and so was I!!!

This past week has consisted of working, cleaning, grocery shopping and a trip to the vet's office. I have started doing all of my grocery shopping at Publix because I can save more money there than anywhere else. Can I just tell you, I LOVE going to Publix. Everyone is always so nice, they know exactly where things are, the store is always so clean, and I can save tons of money there with their buy one, get one deals. I may have to drive 30 minutes to get to the nearest one but I would probably drive an hour just to go to one - it's that good!!

Our trip to the vet's office was a little scary. Kolby has been limping around for weeks but Thursday night when I came home, he would not let me touch his back leg. He bit me several times when I was trying to pick him up to comfort him. I was terrified he was going to need surgery that I really can't afford at this time. When the doctor came into look at him, Kolby wouldn't let him touch his leg either. So, they ended up giving him some sedation so they could look at it closer and get an x-ray of his leg. It turns out that he has a 'soft tissue injury'. We are just giving him some medicine at home every day and if he isn't better in 5 days, I have to take him back. He's supposed to take it easy, so I have been picking him up and taking him down stairs and making him lie down a lot. As I type this, he is standing - he has been standing for 2 hours now. I guess it hurts him to lie down so he just stands. Several times, he has laid down and yelped out. Adam thinks it's just psychological but I think he's really hurting. What dog bites their owner when they try to comfort them if they aren't really hurting?? I just hope he gets better real soon.

Some other interesting news - I registered to take my boards. I'm not telling anyone the date because I don't want to be nervous but I can tell you it is within the next 2 months. :) Keep me in your prayers because this test cost me $385 and if I don't pass, I have to pay it all over again - I do NOT want to have to do that!!!

Diets, Exercise, and Weight Loss OH MY!!

2010-01-15T11:14:00.004-06:00

I am participating in the Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner once again. This week, we are discussing techniques for weight loss. Since Sunday I have started watching what I'm eating. I found this great website through my People magazine called Spark People. It's totally FREE, which is what drew my attention to begin with. There is a place to log in your food, exercise and water intake and there are discussion boards. The best thing is that I can get this as a free application on my iPhone - that way I can take it with me everywhere and log my food after I eat without having to wait til I get home or get to a computer. It keeps track of all your calories, fat, and carbohydrates and lets you know how many more you can eat that day. It will also analyze your diet at the end of the day. So far, I have lost 4.5 pounds! I have 15.5 to go but I think that is a great start to my first week. I wonder how much I was actually eating before I started watching my diet??

I've also started going to the gym. I haven't been able to go many days with work and all but I go when I can. I can't wait to be able to fit into all my jeans that have been sitting in my closet for several years now. If it doesn't work this time, I'm going to have to say farewell to my old jeans. I will miss you but it's just not going to work out. :(

Good luck to everyone out there trying to lose weight and work on their Resolutions!! I just can't wait until this weather gets warmer so I can get outside and do stuff.

New Years Resolutions

2010-01-08T10:30:00.004-06:00

Kelly's Korner has started back with her Show Us Your Life Fridays. I have never participated but I want to start. Kelly's first Friday is for New Years Resolutions and Goals.

I have been thinking a lot about my New Years Resolutions in the past week. Not only do I want to do the normal things like lose weight, pay off bills, etc but I want to do things for my community and try to help others. So, after thinking and contemplating my resolutions, I came up with these.

1. Be able to fit into my jeans that have been sitting at the top of my closet for 3 years now. I want to be comfortable in my own skin and be able to shop and buy anything I want without having to go up a size in my jeans!

2. Get out of debt!!! This is a biggie for me. After being in school full time for a year and not working that much, some bills have been neglected and need to be paid off!!!

3. Volunteer more - whether it be at the church or some organization. I have always wanted to do Big Brothers Big Sisters but never did it. I think this year would be an excellent year to start this.

4. Be a better friend, girlfriend, sister, and daughter. I have neglected my family and friends in the past year because of school. I hope I can make it up to them this year!!! I will attend more functions with my friends and not use the excuse of I'm tired and don't want to go anywhere. I need to become more social!!!

5. Make it to church every weekend, or at least on my off weekends. I work every other weekend so sometimes on my work weekends, I just want to get caught up on things at the house or sleep in. I have got to stop doing this and get my butt out of bed and at church!!!

6. Get more organized. My office is a mess - but this is due to school. I haven't put everything up because I have to start studying for boards really soon. I don't want to put it up just to take it all back out.

7. Become more crafty/creative. Is this even possible??? I have been good this past year - I have learned how to do more things by watching DIY and HGTV. I even subscribed to magazines I would have never thought I would be interested in. It's fun to make things for the house. I always get a sense of pride when someone asks me where I got something that I have made.

So, that's it for now. I hope I can manage meeting all these goals. Right now, I'm going to get up and get into the shower. Last night was a late night after watching Bama win the National Championship - we didn't get into bed until 2 am and I have to work this weekend. I'm savoring every minute I can lie in this bed!!!

*****I forgot one very important goal!! I said at the beginning of December I wanted to participate in a half marathon in March. I had a plan to start training. If any of you know me - you know how much I HATE to run. I figured with a goal like this, it would help me focus and I could lose weight at the same time!! So, I will be blogging later about my plan!******

2009 Recap

2010-01-04T16:13:00.001-06:00

January - I met Adam and we have been busy building our lives together ever since. I began my clinical classes for school, little did I know how hectic it would be nor how quickly it would fly by. I met the Neurology team at Children's and I have loved being with them ever since. We went to New Orleans for Blair's Bachelorette party. I went back to working at Children's in the Special Care Unit but just part time while I finished up school.

February - Adam and I celebrated our very first Valentines together. He gave me tickets to see Dave Matthews Band and I gave him a year subscription to a Beer of the Month club. We also went to see Zac Brown Band at Workplay. Amy Pate turned 28 and we celebrated her birthday at Twist and Shout.

March - My baby sister turned 22. It was the 16th anniversary of my father and grandfather's death. Blair got married to Jason and it was such a fun wedding! We went to see Jamey Johnson in Atlanta at Wild Bill's.

April - I turned 28 and had a cook-out at Shannon's house with all my great friends there. The Swine Flu made it's appearance and the country was terrified. Adam moved to Huntsville to begin training for a management position, which we didn't know would happen as soon as it did.

May - Danny, my mom's boyfriend, passed away after battling 18 months of pancreatic cancer. We went to Elizabeth and Matt's wedding on Dauphin Island.

June - I began my adventures in Coupon clipping! I started back full time at Children's in the Special Care Unit. I began clinicals in the CICU at UAB.

July - Adam moved back home after he got a job as the manager in Cullman! We were so excited!

August - Adam and I bought a house together. My first house!!! We painted, cleaned, and moved in without air conditioner - it was VERY hot. David, my aunt's boyfriend, fixed our air conditioner before we started moving big things. I began clinical back with the neurology team at Children's.

September - I traded in my Trailblazer and bought a Tahoe, which has been what I have wanted since I could drive!

October - We dressed up as Daisy Duke and Uncle Jesse for Halloween and joined all our friends for Nightmare on 18th Street in Lakeview.

November - I had to work Thanksgiving but I didn't miss out! We had Thanksgiving at our house with my whole family here. Adam enjoyed Thanksgiving with his family while I was at work.

December - I graduated from UAB with my Masters. Had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed decorating our home for the first time. My family came over again for Christmas in our new home with lots of delicious food!

This year has been full of exciting times, too many to list on this blog. I'm sure you all have had an exciting year but I feel like God has more than provided us with happiness this year. I can't wait to see what's in store for this upcoming year.

Happy New Year!!!

Super Movie Sunday Funday!!!

2010-01-04T00:25:00.001-06:00

Even though my kitchen looks like a bomb went off in it, we made time to go see The Blindside today. We haven't been to the movie theater in a long time and I told Adam that I wanted to do something with him instead of working on the kitchen. Since I have days off during the week, I can work on that stuff but when he is off on the weekends, I'd rather just do something with him! This movie was awesome. It made me really think about how I treat people and how I should be more generous because someone much less fortunate may be in real need of something as basic as a meal or a warm place to sleep. I don't know that I could ever open my home to a complete stranger but I could make arrangements (like Sandra Bullock said in the movie). :) It also made me realize how lucky I am to have a loving mom that has provided for me all these years! Thanks Mom!!

I hope you all get a chance to go see this movie! Has anyone else seen any great movies lately? I personally can't wait until The Lovely Bones comes out. I plan on reading the book before I watch it but it looks like a fabulous movie!

Yummy Divinity!!!!

2010-01-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

When I was little, my mom and I would have a baking extravaganza during the holidays. We made fruit cake cookies, fudge, and a little white candy called divinity. Not everyone has had this candy but it is delicious. I made some during Christmas for the first time in years and it actually turned out great. The thing that makes this candy so hard to make, is that you can't make it when it is a humid day. The sugar in candy attracts water, aka humidity, and it will not shape up like it is supposed to. I made mine on a day when the humidity was about 60%. That is a little high for divinity but it turned out and I was very surprised! I wanted to share my recipe and some pictures from when I made it.

Ingredients: 2 2/3 cups white sugar, 2/3 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, 2 egg whites, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2/3 cup chopped walnuts (I actually used pecans but you really don't have to use either)

Put your sugar, corn syrup and water in a saucepan on medium heat.

Only stir a little at the beginning to get all the ingredients mixed but after this do not stir it. I know you'll be tempted, only because I was VERY tempted to!! You must have a candy thermometer to measure the temperature of the candy as it cooks - I got mine at Wal-Mart for close to $2. You want to let it come to a boil at a medium heat. Let it boil like this until your thermometer reads at a 'hard boil', or 260 degrees.

While you're letting this boil up, you'll want to prepare your egg whites. Beat the eggs whites in a mixer until stiff peaks form. I say put it in a mixer because once your other mixture is done, you're going to pour it into the egg whites while it still mixes.

So, as I have said, once your boiled mixture has reached 260 degrees, pour it in a thin stream into your egg whites while your mixer is going. Add your vanilla at this time - I always forgot this part when I was little.

At this time, you're going to want to let the mixer do it's job. At first, your candy will be very shiny but you're going to want to let the candy have a dullness to it and also want it to form stiff peaks when you raise your beaters out of it. It took me nearly 15 minutes to get to this point but it may not take you this long. During this time, set up your wax paper so you can spoon out the ingredients.

After you have reached the formed peaks with your mixture, you can mix in your pecans or walnuts into it and it's now time for the fun part! Grab 2 spoons and start spooning out small portions onto your wax paper. If you have someone at home with you, it's a smart idea to let them help you because the candy will set up very fast. Each batch will make about 25 to 30 candies. Now, you have your finished product!!

Doesn't it look delicious??? They're so easy to eat too, which can be a good and bad thing. I am bad about going into the kitchen and grabbing 4 or 5 at a time! So delicious but so much sugar!!!

These candies are good for valentines too - you can put red food coloring in them and they turn out a lovely shade of pink! Hope you all enjoy making this yourselves!

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-01-03T10:51:00.002-06:00

Everyone came over to our house for Thanksgiving this year. It was so much fun having everyone over at our new house. Not everyone has seen it since we did all the work on it. We had a lot of great food including ham, sweet potatoes, lots of great sweets, and turkey and dressing. Anna Kate was so much fun this year. She is now 2 years old and her personality is starting to show. We had her a little birthday cake to celebrate her 2nd birthday and she loved it!

We have a lot to be thankful for this year and hopefully we will have more to be thankful for next year.

We decided that the little dot in the picture was Moma Lou! Aunt Kim, Mom, and Jessica

Adam relaxing after filling his belly

Happy Birthday AK!

Finally here!!!

2010-01-03T10:38:00.000-06:00

I graduated from UAB on 12/11/09 with my Master's of Science in Nursing in Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. That was a mouthful! I was thrilled to share it with Adam and my family because they're the ones who have had to suffer during my bad mood swings from having no rest and too much stress this past year. I'm not sure where I'm going to work - I have one prospect but things are in the making and I have to wait. First I have to take my boards, which I plan on taking in March. I'm very nervous about that because the overall pass rate is not very reassuring. We shall pass that bridge when we get there. For now, enjoy these pictures from graduation. I hate wearing the graduation caps - I hate the way they make me look!!

Happy Birthday to Mom!

2010-01-03T10:11:00.000-06:00

I'm playing catch up here. I have been neglecting my blog but one of my resolutions is to keep it updated.

My mother celebrated her 58th birthday on October 23. We got her to meet us at our house and then rode together to the restaurant. If you know my mom, you know how she can never be on time. My plan was to tell her to be at our house 30 minutes before she needed to be so we could be on time - we had reservations at 6. So, I'm assuming that she is not going to be here until close to 5:30, which is when we needed to leave. I tell her to be here at 5 and guess what time she shows up? 5 pm, on the dot!!!! I had just gotten out of the shower and wasn't anywhere close to being ready. When she walks in, I tell her about my plan and she said that she knew I was doing so she showed up on time just. Sneaky, sneaky!

Adam and I drove mom to meet Jessica and Andrew at All Steak in Cullman. My family used to go there every weekend, even before Jessica was born. I remember having such wonderful times there with my mom, dad and the Marsh's. The Marsh's were family friends that we did a lot with when we were little.

I thought that it would be fun eating here again since it has been so long since we did eat there. They have delicious orange rolls that I could eat all day every day!! The food was delicious as well but I would go there just to eat those orange rolls. We had so much fun - I bet everyone was so glad to see us go because we were laughing so hard and having fun! Jessica had graciously gone by and bought a cake and candles for mom to have. When they brought out the cake and lit the candles, I told mom to look behind her. When she saw it, she was startled and shocked! She had no idea we had gotten her a cake. So, we sang Happy Birthday, ate cake, orange rolls, and went home. It was such a fun night and I'm so glad that we were able to enjoy it with my mom.

I found this picture below in some of my grandmother's old pictures. I am not sure what year it is from but I'm guessing she was around 25 or 26?? I really have no idea. She used to have really long hair which is kind of strange to think about now. She's had short hair ever since I can remember. She would look completely different now if she had long hair!

Mom at Thanksgiving 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!

Cute New Layouts!

2009-12-24T11:58:00.000-06:00

I just found this new website for layouts!! It's at http://www.shabbyblogs.com. I got mine off of this website. If you have a blog and are looking for a new layout - go check it out!

It's About Time!!

2009-12-13T15:32:00.000-06:00

It's about time for a few things - updating this blog and GRADUATION!!! I graduated yesterday from UAB with my Master's of Science in Nursing of Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Whew, that was a lengthy title. It was a fun day - first graduation, then an early dinner with the family at Outback, home to watch the Heisman awards, and then out with a few friends to celebrate my new found freedom!

Finishing up school was such a relief. Now, I don't have to worry about assignments that are due, studying for tests, or worrying about clinical hours. I just have to go to work, come home and cook dinner, and then I can chillax on the couch watching television. I am so looking forward to this.

Things on the agenda for now:

I want to start the "From the Couch to 5K" program. I have seriously gained some weight within the last month. It seems like it just all of a sudden appeared but I have noticed my pants are a little tight the last few weeks but last night they were VERY tight.

I'm looking forward to Christmas this year - I just love all the decorations. I have been working on our house for a while now and it's still not done. I want to get some lit wreaths for the windows but don't want to pay a lot for them. I am in the process of making a christmas ball wreath for the front door. I got started on it today but then realized I had bought the wrong size glue sticks for the hot glue gun. I get so many ideas from reading other people's blogs!

Paying off my debt I have acquired over the past year. I haven't been able to work full time the whole entire year so I am seriously behind on some bills. It's time to get caught up!

Finishing painting the house and working on getting it decorated just how I want it.

Spending much needed time with my friends and family! I have missed out on a lot this year and I plan on making up for it.

I hope you all are enjoying this lazy Sunday like we are. I thought we would get up and do something productive but we haven't even made it off the couches. However, I did get the christmas tree upstairs. It's still in the box but I'll have it up soon - maybe I'll get some energy in a few hours to get it up. We already have one in the living room that is not in front of a window and I wanted to put one in front of a window so that people could see it. We have lights on the front of the house, thanks to Adam. Just a few little details that need to be finished.

Halloween

2009-11-07T10:06:00.002-06:00

We didn't do much for Halloween this year. We have both been crazy busy with work and me with school. We went as Uncle Jesse and Daisy Duke from the Dukes of Hazzard. They were easy costumes that didn't require a lot of money, which is always good!

We had gone on Friday to the Thrift Store and found me some overalls that I thought I would just cut to wear as shorts. When we got home, I put them on and the crotch of them was about 5 miles long! I quickly decided against cutting the overalls. Since I had to work the next day (which was Halloween), Adam graciously volunteered to go look for some shorts. I wasn't going to have any time to go look since I was supposed to work til 7 pm but I ended up getting off at 3 pm. So, throughout the day I'm talking back and forth with Adam and I ask him how short the shorts are that he got me. You know boys and Adam is 100% boy! He tells me that they're no shorter than the ones I have at home. I'm thinking, there's no way but I also think to myself, how bad could they be? I decided to go by and get some tights because that would help hide some problem areas if the shorts were too short.

So, when I get home there is a bag on the bed. I open it and pull out the shortest shorts I have ever seen in my life!! These shorts earned their name as "coochie cutters"!! I put them on and they are SOOOO tight and I can't even button them. My butt is being pushed up out of the back of them! I haven't worn junior sizes since I was in high school and I'm sure not going to be able to start wearing them. But, thank goodness for good boyfriends - I might complain but these things make funny stories!

We had a fun night. We met everyone downtown at Nightmare on 29th Street and saw some really creative costumes. I think my favorite was Uncle Eddie from Christmas Vacation. I told Adam he needed to go as that when we were deciding on costumes. We ended up seeing 4 or 5 of them! We saw a dead Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, the lady from the Progressive Commercials, Bob Vance (which won the costume contest), and many other creative ideas. I can't wait until next Halloween because I have some great ideas!

Costume contest - Chris got tagged to participate and won second place!

What do you do with expired coupons???

2009-10-11T21:10:00.001-05:00

I know that I'm always wondering what to do with my expired coupons. I usually just end up throwing them away. Well, tonight I just found some valuable information on Madame Deals, a website I ran across.

Did you know that overseas families can use expired coupons for 6 months after they are expired?? Wonderful news, huh? This is not tax deductible but it is something patriot you can participate in!!! I hope you all use this information and do something good!!

Whew.....

2009-09-22T21:57:00.003-05:00

It's been a LONG time since I last posted. We have been incredibly busy with the house, work, and school for me. We have painted all but one room in the house and finally got our living room furniture on Sunday. I am so excited we finally have furniture because things have been so out of place because we haven't had it. Now, we just have to work on the little things we need now. I love looking at the before and after pictures, especially after all the changes we have made. Here are some pictures from our work so far.

Happy Birthday to my Daddy!

2009-08-01T11:51:00.004-05:00

My daddy's birthday is today! He would have been 63 today. It's been tough without him but I know he's watching over me and keeping me safe. I love you!

This was 28 years ago and that's me and my bare booty! This is the only picture I have of him on my computer. He was the one behind the camera mostly, you know how that is!

The Sound of Silence

2009-08-01T11:20:00.002-05:00

I have gotten off track here lately as far as going to church and doing my daily devotions. I know it has had an effect on my life because I haven't felt 'complete' for the last month or so. I have let work and school interfere with my spiritual life, which isn't supposed to happen. Today, I made a fresh start and did my devotion which I thought was very interesting.

My devotion today had me reading Lamentations 3:28-33. This particular passage talks about how we want God to answer us in the way we want him to but sometimes not getting the answer you are looking for can mean the most. To walk with God and learn what he wants us to teach others 1) we must reflect on what God wants, 2) we must repent our sins, 3) maintain self-control in challenging times and 4) have patience that God will teach lessons in our life at the right time.

Just by not hearing the answer you want to hear may be the best blessings on earth. For example, we didn't close on our house Monday even though we have been praying about it to work out smoothly. I haven't gotten mad about it because I know that it will happen when it is supposed to happen. I actually have told several people that I think it is a blessing because I have my final exam this upcoming week and I have tons of homework to finish up by Wednesday. If we would have closed on the house, you all know I wouldn't be studying - I would be moving into that house. :)

We must take time to ourselves each day to reflect on what path God has chosen for us - it may not be what we want but it is God's plan for us.

"For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.

Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion

because of the greatness of his unfailing love.

For he does not enjoy hurting people

or causing them sorrow." Lamentations 3:31-33

Exciting News!

2009-07-21T13:18:00.004-05:00

Adam and I are taking a big step in our relationship and buying a house together! We found a nice house in Smoke Rise, just outside of Hayden. As many people have asked, there are no further plans for us at the moment. We just happened to find this house when we were looking at foreclosures on the internet. It is just what we need and what we have been looking for - it has 2.5 acres of land and is about 1400 square feet with a full basement and 2 car garage. It is right between Birmingham and Cullman, so he gets closer to work and I finally will have my own house and can get that furniture out of my mother's basement.

We were scheduled to close July 27 but learned today that Fannie Mae is behind on paperwork so we aren't closing until an unknown later date. I am very disappointed but our agent said this is very normal to occur. She said it is still a possibility that we will close at the end of the month, which only gives us next week. It makes me feel a little better but at the same time, I'm really upset. It does give us a little more time to pick out paint colors and get in another paycheck before things happen. Maybe it is just a blessing in disguise!

Otherwise, we have been busy busy. I started working full time at Children's in the Special Care Unit. School, work, and buying a new house has taken up most of my free time. I'm supposed to be studying today and finishing up a project that was due yesterday but I am very distractable today. Too many things are on my mind right now. Adam got his position as the manager in Cullman and started taking lessons towards getting certified as a diver. I'm so excited he decided to do this because now we can take lots of fun trips with Barracuda divers!

I'll leave you with some more pictures of the house - just keep praying that we don't get delayed too much longer. My schedule is always full but I get a break between semesters in a couple of weeks. I'm hoping that this is why things aren't working out as planned. Maybe God just felt I needed to focus on my final exam instead of trying to move into this house. Remember, he knows what he's doing! :)

Kitchen

Back Deck

Living Room

First Target Trip

2009-06-16T17:27:00.002-05:00

I've been trying this whole coupon thing and can't manage to master the whole process. I get what to do but what do you do to find out the best deals possible? It's so confusing to me! Anyways, I did my research last night and went to Target to get a few things. I managed to save $12.27 and even the cashier mentioned how well I did! I was quite happy with myself. Here's a run down on what I got:

Woolite - $7.14 - $1.50 coupon = $5.64 (I didn't really need this, the coupon was about to expire!)

Klondike bars - $2.50 on sale (can't remember how much it originally was)

(4) Pillsbury frozen pie crusts - normally $2.14/pkg (each package has 2); on sale for $1.50 each

= $3.00

Dove deodorant - $3.49 - $1.25 coupon = $2.24

Crest Toothpaste - $3.99 - $0.50 coupon = $3.59

Northern toilet paper - $6.29 on sale (from $6.99)

Dog treats - 2 x $3.29 - $2.50 coupon = $4.08

Dog treats - $2.39 - $1.00 coupon = $1.39 (I am especially proud of this because I got 3 packages of dog treats for $5.47, down from $8.97!!!)

DiGiorno pizza - $5.50, then you get a 2 liter coke product for free which was originally $1.49 - $1.00 coupon = $4.50

Pet shampoo - on sale for $4.97 (I don't remember how much it originally was)

I bought a few other things too but they weren't on sale.

2% milk - $2.99

Dog collar - $7.69

Preen fertilizer - $15.99

I spent $72.02, which isn't too bad considering everything that I got. I am going to try and do better the next time. I feel like I was very unorganized and lost! If anyone has any tips, I'd appreciate them!

**K-mart has their Pepsi products on sale this week. You buy 5-12 packs for $12!! I didn't have time to run by there but I want to go at some point. That's an excellent deal! I usually pay close to $9.00 for a 1-24 case.**

I also wanted to tell everyone about the free food giveaways.

Chick-fil-A: (Thursdays)

6/18 - Free 3-count chicken strips

6/25 - Free Chick-fil-A sandwich

No other purchase is necessary, one per person, 5-8 pm.

Arbys: (Wednesdays)

6/17 - With any sandwich purchase, you get a free orange cream swirl drink

6/24 - Free regular roast beef with any soft drink purchase.

Arby's goes on into July and August, so if you're interested check that out on their website.

Better late than never!!

2009-06-10T17:37:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged in a few weeks but really don't have anything new (or should should I say fascinating?) going on in my life right now.

I am starting back full-time at Children's. The economy is beginning to scare me and with UAB letting go of a few folks, I decided since there was a dayshift opening and I needed the money that I should go ahead and go for it. I figure that I can start banking a good bit of money for a house when I graduate. So it's back to every other weekend I go, which kind of stinks but it'll be worth it.

I'm doing clinical at UAB in the CICU. I feel incredibly lost every time I go in there but I'm really enjoying my time there. I'm learning a lot of new information and it's fast paced. I'm beginning to worry that I won't have a job when I finish!!!

Adam is still in Huntsville and I'm really missing him. With me starting to work every other weekend, we are really going to have limited time together. I'm going to try and make it up there to visit during the week. I hate him not being in Birmingham, but it's what has to happen for now. By the way, does anyone want to buy a boat? He has a bass boat for sale and I REALLY want him to sell it! :)

Hope everyone is having a good week!

I need the strength right now....

2009-05-18T16:36:00.003-05:00

to be there for my Mom. This weekend was so much fun at the beach but on Sunday morning at 5 am, I got a call saying that Danny, my mom's boyfriend, has passed away. He had pancreatic cancer metastasized to his liver that took his life after an 18 month long battle with it. He was given 2 months to live in the beginning. Once he made it past two months and was at a year, he told me that "God has a much bigger plan for me and isn't ready to take me". After 18 months, God must have had a bigger plan for him in Heaven. I rejoice at the thought that Danny feels no more pain from the chemotherapy, sleepless nights, no appetite, and nausea. He is in a much bigger and better place than we are. He doesn't experience rainy days or a failing economy and can eat as much as he wants without getting sick. We can only hope to join him one day. I have been depending on God and the bible a lot today to provide me with guidance for my mother. She has been through a lot in her life and it doesn't seem fair at all. I have been through the anger I have for God having done all this to her. I have also learned in church that all things happen for a reason. We have yet to see this reason but it is definitely making my mom a stronger person. She doesn't have anger or resent God for doing any of this to her, which is what you would expect. She has always been (and always will be), a kind hearted soul with the patience and the ability to teach and care for others.

If you are reading this now, please say a prayer for my mother and Danny's family in this time of sorrow. They all need the courage to face the viewing and funeral in the next few days and the ability to understand that God does things in his own time even though we may not realize it at the time.

Having been on both sides of this - the unexpected death of my father and the expected death of Danny - things haven't been much easier. When anyone dies, it is hard. Time will heal all hearts is a well-known saying, but I can tell you from experience - time hasn't healed my heart from my father's death and time probably won't heal the heart of my Mother. I can only pray she continues to trust in the Lord for guidance and support.

Dauphin Island

2009-05-18T10:22:00.005-05:00

This past weekend, we went to Dauphin Island for a wedding. It was such a beautiful place and I had never been there. I want to move there now. It's so secluded and quiet! We left at 5 am on Friday and were down on the beach by 1 pm. We went into Mobile to eat at Felix's Fish Camp on Friday night. It was the best food - thanks Phil! Saturday morning, Adam and Kevin went to play golf and left me and Amy to go hang out on the beach. Saturday night was the wedding and it was beautiful. The party was even more fun! Sunday morning we got up and came home. :( It was an awesome trip and I can't wait to go back to the beach in August to see Kenny! Did I forget to mention we went to see Kenny on Thursday night before we left?? Yes, Yes! We got free tickets through my cousin - she had 2 that she was no longer going to use so we took them! It was an awesome concert!

Beautiful sunset in Dauphin Island

At Felix's Fish Camp - we were laughing so hard at them!!

Adam and the bride, Elizabeth

Adam, Matt (the groom), and Kevin

Amy and Kevin at the wedding

Adam and all his friends from his class in high school plus the bride, Elizabeth

Does anyone remember...

2009-05-13T20:28:00.003-05:00

that movie called The Dark Crystal??? Some co-workers and I were discussing it at work today. That used to be my favorite movie when I was little. We looked it up to see when it came out, which was 1982!!!! Can you believe that movie is 27 years old?? Also, I didn't realize that Jim Henson wrote it and was one of the voices!

If you like, you can purchase it on Amazon for $10!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-13T20:23:00.002-05:00

One more thing...

2009-05-04T10:05:00.002-05:00

...and I will begin to finish up my studying for my finals. Since the swine flu outbreak, at work they have us putting all suspected cases on airborn precautions! For those of you unfamiliar with this - airborn precautions are what we put patients with Tuberculosis (TB) on. We have to wear specialty masks - N95 masks and put them in negative pressure rooms. This means that when you open the door, air goes into the room instead of out of it like in a normal room. This is insane. The flu is spread by droplet, which means you don't have to just breathe the same air as them! You have to actually inhale some of the droplets that they sneeze or cough out. There are not enough negative pressure rooms for this and I would like to know who thought up this little plan? Watch me get the swine flu since I have been talking it up so much. But seriously, an N95 mask to protect us from the swine flu?!?!?!?!

What is wrong with these people?

2009-05-04T09:09:00.003-05:00

I am sitting here watching the Today show and they were talking about the little girl, Maddie, who went missing while she was on vacation with her parents in Portugal. She has been missing for 2 years now and her parents have not given up hope. This makes me very sad that people are so insane that they would take another person's child. This world has changed so much since I was little. It's a scary place now. I grew up feeling safe in my surroundings and we never locked our doors. Now, you have to keep a gun under your pillow, lock all the doors, and watch over your shoulder everywhere you go. It's a terrifying feeling to think that at any time, something bad could happen. First, the parents were blamed - maybe they did it, maybe they didn't. I feel like if someone does something like this to their own child - they should have the courage enough to admit to it and keep others from being scared it will happen to their own child.

Other things in this world make me scared - the whole Lacey Peterson thing. That was terrible and I can't believe that a person would do that to someone they vowed to love for the rest of their life. And she was PREGNANT! He didn't just kill her, he killed their unborn child. How heartless and cold is that? And, what's worse, whose to say that someone close to me won't have it happen to them? Surely it won't but it really makes your mind wander.

Another incident that I have run across has been while I have been a nurse. I take care of children all the time who have been neglected, yet still find reason to smile and laugh. One particular patient I remember was a 2 year old whose mother would bring him to the hospital and leave him. He was a chronic kid so we saw him all the time. She would not come and stay with him and rarely called to check on him. I had so much fun with him and wanted to bring him home with me. He was developmentally delayed but loved to smile and laugh. I would catch him out of the corner of my eye staring at me and I would turn and look at him and he would just laugh so loud! He had the sweetest smile. I love the fact that children like this can find reason to be happy even though they have to live with neglectful parents.

There are just things that make me frustrated and confused. Why can't we go back to that simpler life where we could leave the doors unlocked and let our children go down the street to play with the neighbors and know in our hearts, that they weren't going to be kidnapped or worse, murdered?

The other day in church, the pastor was talking about the things that his children will never get to enjoy and one of those was a telephone with a cord. How many of you remember those? Getting them all tangled up and having to figure out how to untangle them. Your parents talking on them and you playing jump rope with the cord making them furious! He also said if you were lucky, you had the 10 foot cord that allowed you to wash the dishes while you were talking on the phone. It does sadden my heart that some children will never experience these things but, on the other hand, they are getting to experience new and innovative things that we didn't get to experience as children. I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience these things - it makes me laugh that I am now one of those people who says, "Remember when we were young...."

I hope you all have a blessed week!

Swine Flu Who??

2009-04-30T11:24:00.003-05:00

So the Swine Flu has struck our country. I realize that it is a terrible thing to have but people, really - wash your hands, don't cough on people, use a tissue when you cough/sneeze, etc. All those things that your mother taught you when you were young. It just takes basic common sense to prevent yourself from getting sick.

I found an article that talks about the virus. The article does state that the Swine Flu has never before been a problem in the U.S., therefore people do not have immunity to it. I believe that if we follow simple precautions, we can protect ourselves from getting sick.

On a serious note, UAB has closed their child care center due to a positive flu swab. The last I checked, it had not been confirmed to be Swine Flu but precautions were taken to prevent further spread of the virus. In Madison, Alabama - there have been 2 elementary students with probable Swine flu. Nichole, PLEASE BE CAREFUL!! Make sure you don't let people sneeze on you or cough on you. (I know you like cooties, but now is not the time to revel in others germs!)

This is scary because working at Children's Hospital, I'm sure we will see many children infected if it spreads this far. All athletic programs have shut down their events.

Where did it come from?

I had seen several proposals of it's origination and can't locate any news articles or concrete facts. I saw something this morning on the news about looking for some little boy who came from a farm in Mexico who they believe started the spread. If anyone has any truth to this, let me know. I'm curious.

How is it spreading?

Go see this map and see how people are dying and where it is spreading.

What are the symptoms?

If you want to keep up with the latest news, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health's website.

So, to all my friends please be careful out there. If you think you're sick, stay at home! Don't go to work or go out in public. We want this to stay contained. If you think you may have the flu, go to the doctor and be tested. The only way to treat this is to catch it early. It's just like the same flu that we have every year - you have to ride it out. Experts say that if you treat it early with Tamiflu or Relenza. The antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. It can also prevent serious complications.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T11:10:00.004-05:00

I know this is titled Wordless Wednesday but I feel like I should tell you about the pictures. Just a short description!

Who would've thought that I could ever keep plants and animals alive for an extended amount of time?

My Easter Lily that I potted that will come back next year!

Just the back yard - I love how green everything is!

Roses that I planted for my grandmother's memory, since the others were taken by ex-family members. I think she would be proud. I just have to finish the rest of the flower bed.

Last day....

2009-04-28T21:27:00.005-05:00

Today was my last day of clinicals with the Neurology group at Children's. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. I never thought I would like it as much as I did. I just find it so fascinating to learn so many new things. I know it sounds nerdy, but I LOVE learning! Maybe that's why I am collecting degrees, as Adam says.

This summer, I am going to the CVICU at UAB to see how I like it there. I'm looking forward to it as well but am not looking forward to having to be there at 7 am!

Anyways, the rest of this week brings about studying for finals and finishing up this semester the first of next week. Then, I start all over for my next to last semester. YAY!!

This is where I'd like to be right about now:

Can I just tell you.....

2009-04-23T12:11:00.002-05:00

that a migraine is not a fun thing to experience?

Last night I had to go up to Children's to do some pre-participation sports physicals on high school kids. About 2 hours into it, I started feeling really weird. Almost like my body wasn't attached to me - my arms would move and I wouldn't have told them to. I know it sounds really strange but that's the best way I know to describe it. Then I lost my peripheral vision in my right eye along with flashers. I lost control of my thoughts and could hardly remember things that I find so easily to recall. I was very embarrassed because I was around a group of medical students and doctors who had never met me before. I had to ask to leave early because I was beginning to get scared.

As I left, my lips and face became numb and my right hand became numb and I could hardly use it. I was terrified that I was having a stroke! I know, call me a hypochondriac but it was the only thing that came to mind. My phone has been messed up and I couldn't get it to call anyone I needed to talk to (thanks Blackberry).

I don't have migraines a lot but I had a similar incident over 4 years ago when I was working night shift and hadn't had enough sleep - couldn't remember people's names, face and arm was numb, but no headache. It was SCARY! There was nothing like that in this situation. I have chalked it up to the stress I've been under for school.

So, this time, since I was so close to UAB and I thought I was having some type of stroke (again, hypochondriac) I went to UAB's emergency room. I was scared and crying and the people were like we will get you back as fast as we can. By this time, the numbness and tingling was gone but I was triaged and my blood pressure was 190/110!!!! Now, the nurse inside of me starts freaking out even more thinking "oh my goodness, this is it, my life is over". But, I had equal strength (not like in a stroke) and everything else was normal.

I didn't have any one else to talk to about what type of symptoms that they had with their migraines but Adam had a friend who has horrible migraines. I got him to call his friend and found out that all the symptoms I was having sounded like a migraine. I have never been so relieved in my life. After I found out this tid bit of information, I went up to the nurses desk and told them that I was just going to go home because I thought it was a migraine and if things got worse I would come back.

I went home, loaded up on some migraine medicine and Lunesta and went to sleep, praying that I would not die in my sleep because of some stroke. (again, the hypochondriac in me takes over) I didn't die, obviously. Today, I have a foggy mind and can't think straight. Good thing, because I had a lot of school work to get done so I could go up to Huntsville this weekend. Thanks, migraine, for ruining my day!

Now, I may elaborate more on the hypochondriac inside of me. Being a nurse and also studying to be a Nurse Practitioner - I see a lot and read a lot of scary things that happen to people. Things that people take for granted can turn into a serious thing. Things where people drop dead or lose their quality of life just because they didn't listen to what their body was telling them.

My family, I thought, didn't have a history of migraines (and migraines are usually familial). Low and behold, my mother tells me last night that my Dad used to get migraines occasionally. This information reassured me that I was not having a stroke, that it was indeed, a migraine.

I just had to rant a little bit on this because I was very embarrassed for showing up at the ER with a migraine. Luckily, I didn't follow through with it - I got smart and left all the bazillion people there waiting to be seen for God knows what. So, I will once again start on my homework and hope the fogginess dissipates so I can get it finished in time to go up to Huntsville to see my mister. :)

Movies

2009-04-22T14:56:00.005-05:00

I had previously put my NetFlix on hold because I wasn't working as much and wanted to save a little money in places where I really didn't need stuff. Well it worked for about 2 weeks and I had to re-enroll. I also upped my movies from 2 to 3! So much for saving money. It really is a cheap way to rent movies. Right now, I'm watching:

It is okay so far. I have only gotten into about 20 minutes of it.

A few weekends ago, Adam and I watched:

We loved this movie even though I cried! If you have pets, probably not the best movie to watch if you're down and out. I really want to read the book if someone has it to loan me for a few weeks.

We actually went to the theater and saw this:

I love Seth Rogen and thought that this movie was going to be absolutely hilarious. Adam and I went to the new Monaco Theater in Huntsville to see it and even paid extra to be seated in the VIP section! We really regretted for paying extra because this movie was not all it was made out to be. There were funny parts to it but most of it was just really weird. Definitely one to just rent, don't pay the money to go see it in the theater.

I love my NetFlix and will not be putting my account on hold anymore! I cannot live without it!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T14:53:00.003-05:00

I saw this on a friend's site and decided to start my own wordless Wednesdays. I hope Nichole doesn't mind! :) I'm sure you all know who this little guy is! This is after his much needed haircut yesterday. ENJOY!

Walk a Mile in their Shoes

2009-04-16T16:10:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share this with everyone. Children's Hospital is having a walk to benefit their CHIPs center.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the CHIPs center: Children's Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services (CHIPS Center) is a place where child abuse victims can come for help and healing. The CHIPS staff is a team of specially trained clinical counselors, doctors, social workers, and nurses who work with law enforcement, the Department of Human Resources (DHR), and child advocacy center (CAC) representatives to provide the best possible care for children and families traumatized by physical and/or sexual abuse.

On May 2, they are having a walk at the UAB Mini park that starts at 10:30. It is to raise money and awareness for the work that goes on at the CHIPS Center every single day. You pay $15 and get a t-shirt, some lunch, exercise, and the good feeling that goes along with doing something good for children!

I am walking for this cause and thought I might share it with all of you since we are reading about abuse this week.

Here is the website that you can find information and a form for signing up: http://www.chsys.org/body.cfm?id=621

Hope to see some of you there!

Have I told anyone lately.....

2009-04-07T19:04:00.002-05:00

that I'm ready to be done with school???!?!?!?!

I turned 28! WOW!!!

2009-04-07T08:49:00.005-05:00

I cannot believe that I'm 28 now. That means that in 2 years, I'll be 30. It just seems like yesterday that I was graduating from high school. Now, I am close to finishing my masters and have met many great friends along the way. I also met Adam who makes me happier than anyone ever has!

Saturday night, we had a cookout at Shannon's house to celebrate my 28th birthday. We had hamburgers, hotdogs, cookie dough ball with graham crackers, chips, drinks, and steak bites. It was a great time and I actually think it was more fun than going out on the town and spending a ton of money! It also meant we didn't feel so bad the next morning. I was so happy to see all of my friends come together for my birthday. It meant the world to me to see everyone there - so thanks everyone!

Adam making his steak bites. Yummy!

Mandy and Zach

Jennifer and Lilli

Erin and Shannon

Me and Adam

Adam's Cake

Emily's Cake

Adam and Brad

Amy L., Lilli, Ashley, and Jennifer

Me and my Aunt Kim

E-Mealz

2009-04-06T10:03:00.003-05:00

I just discovered this wonderful website! It is called www.e-mealz.com. It will give you a 5 day meal plan complete with a shopping list. The shopping list even tells you about how much the groceries will be! You can choose which store you shop at, how many people you are cooking for, and what kind of diet you want. Last night I made Meat and Cheese Enchiladas and they were very tasty. I needed some kind of meal plan where I have a menu planned out because I spend so much money in the cafeteria at work, eating out, and buying groceries that I never use. It only costs $1.50 per week to get the meal plans and it is well worth it. Last night I spent a total of $75.92 at Wal-Mart and bought all the groceries I need for the next 5 nights and a few extras. I actually spent $36.07 on groceries for the meal plan. I spent more than that on my last paycheck in the cafeteria at work!!

Going to the chapel....

2009-03-29T15:06:00.003-05:00

Bet I had you going with that title, didn't I? No, I did not get married but my old roomie and very good friend was married yesterday. It was such a pretty wedding but today I'm exhausted! We were able to take photos overlooking Birmingham like she wanted to and I KNOW they had to turn out very pretty. It turned out to be a gorgeous day for a wedding. Blair was crying when she left and it made me very sad and happy at the same time. She was upset because her friends from school are moving away and I guess the whole day full of stress just built up and finally came out at the end of the day. She made a beautiful bride and Jason is going to make her very happy. I, of course, caught the bouquet! So, Adam better be getting on it! :) Blair is probably getting packed to go to Jamaica as I write this and I'm so jealous. I know she's going to have a wonderful time on her honeymoon! Life is wonderful when you have friends like Blair - Congratulations to Blair and Jason!

Blair and Jason "seeing" each other before the wedding.

Dressed and ready to get hitched!

Me and Shannon

At the reception - Adam and I.

Sorry the picture is crooked! Blair and I before the wedding.

Jamey Johnson in Atlanta

2009-03-22T17:43:00.003-05:00

I'm sure many of you have never heard of Jamey Johnson but he is a new and upcoming country singer with a voice like Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash - any outlaw country singer you can think of. Look him up and listen to his music if you like any of these singers. We went and saw him at Wild Bill's in Atlanta and LOVED it. We WILL be going back to see others perform. We had the best seats and enjoyed watching the people making a fool of themselves dancing out on the floor. If you have ever been to the Wildhorse Saloon, it is set up much like it.

Already 16 Years

2009-03-12T16:59:00.003-05:00

Today marks the 16th anniversary of my father and grandfather's death. I think about March 12, 1993 everyday but today has been quite unusual. I had a dream last night about my father and can't recall what it was about but every time I do dream about him, it's like he's still alive and I'm trying to get to him. Sometimes I dream that we are playing outside and then he just disappears. I was up for a few hours this morning, when I realized what today really was. It's not that I had forgotten about it. I knew it was coming up. I had felt strange all morning, almost depressed. Then, I realized what today was. I recall the day like it was yesterday and tears still come to my eyes. I get that feeling in my throat and try to hold back from sobbing. It is very hard to write this but I want to let everyone know a little something about me, plus it makes me feel better to write it out.

I'm very laid back and I am pretty sure it is from this experience. Life is very precious and to lose a parent at such a young age is an experience that will make you grow up quickly. I just think that there are so many other things that are so much bigger in life than a little argument with a friend or boyfriend or not having any money. I think that family is what makes us rich. If we have people that love us, that's all we need. When I mentioned the laid back portion earlier - what I mean by that is, the things I have been through have been tough and if I made it through them, then I can make it through everything. God has thrown a few curve balls my way and I in no way think they are fair and I have been very angry with him before. I can't stay angry at him, though. It's what his plan is and it is making me a stronger person.

My grandfather was a hard working man who I loved so much. He had a dairy farm and would let me ride with him in the morning to feed the cows and stay with him all day to milk the cows. All the cows were separated by gates - ones that had been milked and ones that hadn't. I had to go back to the tractor because I had left my jacket in it. I had to go through all the gates to get to the tractor - well I ended up leaving them all open and all the cows mixed up. That was probably the only time I remember seeing my grandfather mad and boy did I never want to see it again!

My father was a very strong person, both physically and mentally. I remember little things about him that make me happy - like when he would come say goodbye to me in the morning, I remember his whiskers scruffing my face. I remember the time he let me drive my mother's car when I was VERY young (maybe 4) and ran it into the ditch - he just laughed. I remember him taking me to softball practice - he was so proud. I remember getting my first bike for Christmas and riding it behind him while he drove the 4-wheeler. I remember the time I broke off the key in the tractor and blamed it on my little sister (who was about 2 at the time and could not have done that!) - he knew I wasn't telling the truth! Parents are a blessed thing even though sometimes we may not realize it. I do get mad at my mom from time to time but then I think about the hard time that God has given her. We all deserve a break from the tragedies of life and she can't seem to find one.

Everyone that reads this - I want you to reflect back on your life and take a deep breath. Just realize that things that you think are just so terrible, really aren't terrible because things could always be a little bit worse. I love each and every single one of you!

Please!!!

2009-03-12T09:25:00.002-05:00

Today we are waiting to hear back on a house that Adam bid on last week. It is a foreclosure and we have been thinking of ways to fix it up after he gets it. There were several other offers on it and the way a foreclosure works is very weird. Just keep Adam in your thoughts and prayers today that he gets this house - it's such an amazing deal and he would be able to make a profit off of it in the future!!

How time flies!

2009-03-11T13:54:00.003-05:00

I didn't realize until today that it has been over 2 weeks since I have updated my blog! I have been so busy trying to get through work, school and clinical that I haven't had time to do anything but eat, sleep and whatever is on the agenda for the day. Today, I am catching up on reading and some cleaning. Not much has been going on since I last updated. Blair's wedding is coming up in 2 weeks! We had her lingerie shower this past weekend and I had a few pictures from that. She got a lot of great stuff including a spa day from us! I am super excited about our spa day with her the day before her wedding. Me, Emily, Shannon, and Blair are going to have massages and manicure/pedicures - that was our gift to Blair. She seemed very excited to open that gift from us at her shower.

My clinicals have been going great! I am working with a Nurse Practitioner, Sarah, in the Neurology clinic at Children's Hospital. Sarah has been a great mentor to me and I have learned so much! I never knew I would like Neurology so much. I am liking the role of the NP and look forward to finishing this degree so I can move on with my life and not have to worry so much about studying! I feel like I live at Children's - they should give me my own private suite there since I spend so much time there. It's all for the kids, right? This summer, I plan on doing my clinicals at the CICU at UAB. That way, for the fall, I can decide which way I want to go for my residency in the Fall. Time is flying and I only have 9 months until I'm finished! A little scary but exciting at the same time!

Below are pictures from Blair's lingerie shower and some pictures of me and Adam with his dog, Bella. We were just messing around one night with her - she was just laying all over us and wanted the attention so she got it! She's spoiled, along with Kolby! He was sitting on the couch watching us love on Bella and seemed a little peeved he wasn't getting this attention!

Enjoy til next time - I have a few things coming up so I will have more pictures to post soon!

Time to Slow Down!

2009-02-23T13:49:00.006-06:00

This past week was full of fun, again. Wednesday night we went to see Zac Brown at Workplay and it was a great concert. I just love his music - the first time I listened to his CD, I told Adam it was too hillbilly for my taste but now I can't get enough of him! Friday night we went out for Amy P.'s 28th birthday. Shannon, Rob, Erin, Linda, Adam and I ate at Fire and Ice which was very good and then met up with everyone at Twist and Shout. I had never been to Twist and Shout - went in one time, saw how crowded it was, and LEFT. This time, Amy L. had reserved us tables and we sat right up front. They even got Amy P. up on stage. We had a blast! Now, it's time to slow down. Adam is in the process of selling his house and we had to move his stuff out this past weekend at the last minute - a little mishap about NOT reading the contract (bet he'll never do that again). He's also buying another house, or at least bidding on one. Blair's wedding tea was this past weekend too. She got so many nice things - she was worried no one would show up. I'd be more worried about where I was going to put 3 coffee makers, 3 crockpots, etc! I'm looking forward to being able to sit at home and do nothing this weekend!

Valentines Day 2009

2009-02-17T22:31:00.004-06:00

This year's Valentines Day was great! Adam got me tickets to see Dave Matthews in April and I couldn't believe it! He had tried to fool me earlier by saying they were sold out - which they were. He later admitted that he was flipping out because that had been his plan and he ended up having to go through a ticket broker to get them. I am so proud of him though. Valentines morning, we had brunch together which was delicious! Then, the rest of the day consisted of cleaning his house, scoring Kenny Chesney tickets at the beach and then going to dinner at Cocina Superior. I had never been there before and I think it is my favorite Mexican restaurant now! Afterwards, we joined friends out at a local sportsbar and enjoyed the night. Overall, my Valentine's Day was spectacular. He's going to have to try extra hard at my birthday (wink, wink) to beat this V-Day!

Valentines Day Facts

2009-02-11T11:05:00.003-06:00

These are just some fun facts and superstitions about Valentines Day that I found on the internet!

About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged in US each year. That's the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.
Women purchase 85% of all valentines.
In order of popularity, Valentine's Day cards are given to teachers, children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets.
Parents receive 1 out of every 5 valentines.
About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.
Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the biggest holidays for giving flowers.
Worldwide, over 50 million roses are given for Valentine's Day each year.
California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine's Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America. Approximately 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period.
73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine's Day are men, while only 27 percent are women.
Men buy most of the millions of boxes of candy and bouquets of flowers given on Valentine's Day.
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.
The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine's Day.
Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentines Day candy box in the late 1800s.
Alexander Graham Bell applied for his patent on the telephone, an "Improvement in Telegraphy", on Valentine's Day, 1876.
The oldest surviving love poem till date is written in a clay tablet from the times of the Sumerians, inventors of writing, around 3500 B.C
Amongst the earliest Valentine's Day gifts were candies. The most common were chocolates in heart shaped boxes.
In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a prospective suitor. If the gift is kept, then it means she has accepted his proposal of marriage
If an individual thinks of five or six names considered to be suitable marriage partners and twists the stem of an apple while the names are being recited, then it is believed the eventual spouse will be the one whose name was recited at the moment the stem broke.
In Medieval times, girls ate unusual foods on St Valentine's Day to make them dream of their future husband.
Valentine's Day Superstitions
It is said that the kind of bird a girl watches on Valentine's Day predicts her future husband. For instance:
Sparrow: a poor man
Owl: remain spinster
Bluebird: a happy man
Blackbird: a priest or clergyman
Crossbill: an argumentative man
If an apple is cut in half, the number of seeds found inside the fruit will indicate the number of children that individual will have.
To be awoken by a kiss on Valentine's Day is considered lucky.
On Valentine's Day, the first guy's name you read in the paper or hear on the TV or radio will be the name of the man you will marry.
If you see a squirrel on Valentine's Day, you will marry a cheapskate who will hoard all your money.
If you see a goldfinch on Valentine's Day, you will marry a millionaire.
If you see a robin on Valentine's Day, you will marry a crime fighter - maybe they mean Batman!
If you see a flock of doves on Valentine's Day, you will have a happy, peaceful marriage.
If you find a glove on the road on Valentine's Day, your future beloved will have the other missing glove.

Working link

2009-02-05T19:18:00.002-06:00

Here's the link from the previous post - it didn't work.

www.firstgiving.com/lorellebaddley

Run for Preslee!

2009-02-05T09:42:00.005-06:00

I would like for everyone to take a few minutes and read this post. It is about my friend Nicki who has a daughter, Preslee, who is being sponsored in the Mercedes Marathon.

Preslee goes to the Bell Center in Homewood twice a week for physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It's a developmental center for children who are at risk for developmental delay, such as those born with Down's Syndrome as Preslee was. She has made so much progress there since she started at 10 weeks old. She's able to sit in tripod position, eating her toes, and rolling everywhere... the little things most parents take for granted. The center depends almost solely on donations and charity to keep their doors open so they don't have to charge parents an arm and a leg to send their children to class making it more assessible for everyone. The Mercedes Marathon is the largest fundraiser for them, too. It is held on Feb.15 this year. Each child that goes to the Bell Center is assigned a runner who runs in their honor and raises money in the child's name. Lorelle Baddley will be running for Preslee this year and has set up a website to raise money. Please check out the link below and donate for this great cause if you are able. The site is very easy to use. I know we have all been impacted in some way by the poor economy, but even donating $5 will be greatly appreciated! Every little bit counts.

There is only one more week left for donations, so please visit soon and make your contribution!

Lorelle Baddley's website.

Need a Photographer?

2009-02-03T11:02:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to give props to my friend, Amy, who is doing a wonderful job of pursuing her dream. Within the past year, she has started her own business of photography - Amy P Photography or here. If anyone needs a photographer, please visit her website and see what she has to offer. She does everything from pregnancy photos, infants, children, families, and even weddings. Please go visit her site - she does a WONDERFUL job!

Groundhog Day

2009-02-02T08:18:00.003-06:00

So, I don't know if anyone realized that today was Groundhog day! Phil saw his shadow so that means we are in for another 6 weeks of winter. Who would have ever thought? I am ready for some beach and some warm weather!!! Bring it on!

Sweet Addiction

2009-02-02T08:04:00.002-06:00

I was tagged by Allison and now I am supposed to tell you all 5 things that I am addicted to. Then I tag 5 individuals and give them this prestigious award for their amazing blogs! I tag Mary, Missy, Miranda, Heather, and Nichole.

Five things I'm addicted to:
1. My dog, Kolby. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have him. He has taught me unconditional love and what it is like to take care of another living thing.

2. Being in school. I've been in school for 10 years now and will have a Master's at the end of this year. I should be an MD with all the time and money I have spent on school!

3. Burt's Bee's chapstick - my lips have naturally become addicted to it and no longer produce whatever they produce to keep your lips from getting chapped!

4. Sleep - I could sleep 12 hours a day if I had the time.

5. Friends - what would I do without all the wonderful friends I have? They have been there for everything and I hope they will be a part of my life forever!

So, girls, GET BUSY!!

I'm seriously thinking about having allergy testing done when I go to the doctor today. I have such horrible allergies (the wonderful things we inherit!) and have been sneezing my head off for the past week. I think I have had a cold/allergy issue for the past several days. Has anyone ever had this done? Did they put you on medicine for whatever they found out you were allergic to? Are you better now that you are on the medicine? I have just decided it is something I'll have to suffer with but if it is going to be like this every change of the season - I can't handle it! I have been incapacitated and unable to think or do anything!! I hardly ever get sick but when I do - I'm a big baby and no one likes for me to be sick (I whine a lot!).

Bachelorette Bash!

2009-01-24T14:31:00.003-06:00

On January 9, we took over New Orleans to celebrate Blair's upcoming wedding. We had a ton of fun and it was probably the best girl trip we had ever been on. No one fought or squabbled - a page in history with 14 girls in two rooms! Friday night we ate dinner at K. Paul's and some girls went home to rest up for Saturday and some went out for a bit. On Saturday, we ate brunch at the Court of Two Sisters and afterwards Shannon and Emily had arranged a scavenger hunt, which gave everyone a chance to explore New Orleans. Later on that night we got all dressed up with our black shirts, boas, and sashes! We ate at Margaritaville and then went out on the town. It was so much fun and I can only hope to remain friends with all these girls for the rest of my life!!

Congrats Blair!!

Yes, I did it!

2009-01-05T22:04:00.004-06:00

So, I did drag out the Valentines background! The most unanticipated holiday of the year for most singles, including myself. Oh well, maybe I can find someone who will be gracious enough to be my date for the holiday. :)

Do you think this picture will get me any dates? Just kidding - this is the infamous "Amy" pose!

New Year, New Beginnning

2009-01-04T09:41:00.006-06:00

All the girls on NYE 2008 - Shannon, Jennifer, Amy, Jessica, and Me

2009 has brought everyone new possibilities and promises of a good year. I celebrated with friends and we had a blast! I have contemplated my New Year Resolutions and have come to a roadblock. I think that I have fairly common resolutions but see this year as a new beginning in my own life.

1). I will finish my Masters in Nursing at the end of this year which means I will be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner this time next year! Yay me! I am doing something I have never done as well. I'm not working full time which means I will have to 2). become more frugal than ever before. I also need to 3). save some money AND 4). pay bills. I can do it. I think that this will help me become a 5). healthier person. Working out doesn't cost money! I have everything I need right around me. I hope to 6). find a new hobby as well. Something creative. I have never been a creative person but I want to learn something this year.

I am looking forward to this new beginning. School is my main priority this year and I want to make sure I do well in it. I need to make sure I KNOW all this material because I will on my own and will be preparing for boards next year. So, in a way, I'm glad I'm not going to be working full time. I actually feel like this will give me a break - I'm working dayshifts with a maximum of 20 hours per week. I'm SOOO excited about the dayshift part of it. I've never had a straight dayshift position!! The only part that sucks is that I have to provide my own health insurance. I think I got lucky though. UAB provides mandatory insurance for all Nursing students. I just haven't figured out if I have insurance right now or if it begins when I start school. Another thing is that I'm sick right now. I don't know what is wrong with me. It almost feels like the flu but I don't think that's what it is. I'm just hoping that maybe my insurance has already kicked in and I can visit the doctor on Monday to get fixed up for next weekend. NEXT WEEKEND! How could I have looked over this! I am going to New Orleans for Blair's Bachelorette party! She is getting married March 28 and we have 14 girls going down to celebrate. The next few months will be filled with parties, parties, and more parties. That's another reason I am glad I'm home now - I was going to have to miss out on all these parties but now i don't have to!

So, let's make this year count because I know I am!

Blair and Jason

Amy, me, and Blair

The boys - Adam, Kevin, and Robert

Me and Jennifer

Goodbye Denver!

2008-12-15T23:03:00.003-06:00

So, I am making my way back home on Thursday. After much praying and debate, I have decided to come home permanently and finish my Masters there. It was just going to be hard working full time, taking 2 classes, doing clinicals, AND enjoying all that Colorado has to offer. Believe me, it was a very hard decision to make but I believe it is the best thing for me to do. So, in the Spring I will begin my clinicals with a local pediatricians office and try to find a job. Although, my mom says that McDonals is hiring - that's a no go for me. Sorry, I didn't go to college for 5 years to not use my degree!

This past weekend, a few friends from work and I went out to celebrate life! We had a great time and I will never forget any of these girls I have met while here.

Jen and Karen

Layne, me, and Jennifer

Layne, me, Jennifer, and Karen

Jennifer, Layne, Jen, me, and Karen

One more....

2008-12-05T13:26:00.004-06:00

WARNING: If you are an Auburn fan, turn back. Do not pass Go, do not collect $100. I'm not apologizing for the following picture - you had plenty of opportunity to turn back!

Hahahahahahahaha! Good luck to Alabama this weekend!

So true!

2008-12-05T13:20:00.003-06:00

I am supposed to be studying for a final but I always find something else to do. I was cruising around MySpace and was looking at one of my friends websites and found something that I think is so true! I'm an Aries and she is too. She had this on her page:

If you know me, you should know that this description is true to me! Now, back to studying....maybe.

A lot to be thankful for.....

2008-12-03T10:49:00.004-06:00

I came home last week to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. It has been a short visit but has been wonderful. Anna Kate turned 1 last week so we had a little family party for her along with a Thanksgiving dinner. We had so much food and it was ALL so good. Uncle Buddy even fixed his TDurken, which is Turkey, Duck, and Chicken - all in one. It was really tasty! We have decided to start having our Holidays at the lake - Aunt Glinda and Uncle Buddy bought a house several years ago at Weiss Lake and have been working on it ever since to get it ready for family get-togethers and weekends at the lake.

Saturday was the big Iron Bowl and I was thrilled that Alabama won. They have really surprised me this year. I feel bad for the Auburn fans but hey, it is what it is! I just hope we play well against Florida this weekend.

Today I head back to Denver and I'm incredibly sad. I will be returning here in 2 1/2 weeks to finish school. I only have one more year till I'm a Nurse Practitioner - really scary! I'm looking forward to it but terrified at the same time. I guess that I should finish packing up and get on the move! Enjoy the pictures from Thanksgiving and AK's birthday!

Fun Weekend!

2008-11-22T19:42:00.004-06:00

It's only Saturday night but I've already had a great weekend. Tonight, I'm staying in and doing homework and relaxing - something I haven't got to do in a long time. Friday, I went skiing at Keystone and then rushed home to get ready for the Coldplay concert. It was a lot of fun and one of the best concerts I have been to. Today I have been completely exhausted - I even took a nap, something I rarely do! I get to go home on Friday for Thanksgiving and I can barely hold in my excitement. I'm excited to get to see my family, Anna Kate's first birthday is Friday! :)

Skiing at Keystone

Suzi and I at Old Chicago before the concert.

Perrin, Lauren, and I at Old Chicago

No Explanation Needed

2008-11-20T16:03:00.004-06:00

PLUS

EQUALS

AND

NO EXPLANATION NEEDED!

What's up with this weather??

2008-11-03T12:10:00.002-06:00

I expected when I came back to Denver from Alabama for it to be COOOOOLD!! It's just the opposite. I'm wearing shorts and t-shirts every day. It's been consistently in the 70's and no snow! I guess I just expected more snow and cold weather. Yesterday, a friend from work (Jen) and I went to try our skills out at snowboarding at Arapahoe Basin. It's about an hour and a half drive from Denver. When we got there, only one run was open and it was a blue. We weren't too thrilled about learning how to snowboard on that advanced of a run. There were also a TON of people there and they were all waiting in line for the lift. So, we decided to turn around, go have lunch in Idaho Springs and come back to Denver. At least it was a pretty drive! Here's some pics from Loveland Pass.

Another Fantastic Visit Home!

2008-10-29T01:21:00.005-05:00

I just got back to Denver from visiting Alabama for 13 days. I wasn't ready to come back but I guess I need to work. :( At school, we were all required to perform pelvic exams on women and male exams including a DRE. If you know what that is, then you feel my (or our volunteers) pain. We had men and women who actually volunteer for these things. They do it for a good reason - to help medical students and nurse practitioner students learn to perform these procedures correctly. I have to say that it was the most embarassing moment of my life! Other than school, I got to visit with friends and family and attend the UA/Ole Miss game. It was fabulous! Shannon and I found tickets on the 20 yard line, 4 rows up in the lower level. We couldn't have asked for better seats. Although, we were sitting amongst many Ole Miss fans but I think we provided some entertainment for them. It was so much fun! On my last night there, I had dinner with my family and went through my grandmother's jewelry. We all took turns picking out what pieces of jewelry we wanted. It was quite fun and interesting. I only have a few pictures and most of them are of Anna Kate. She's getting so big! She'll be walking the next time I come home and she'll be turning ONE! Enjoy the pics!

As I continue to waste time.....

2008-10-06T14:54:00.004-05:00

Kolby is so funny! He has such a personality. Jennifer and I have been trying to catch him barking/howling on camera for the past month. When he starts to bark, if you bark with him he starts to howl and it's the funniest thing! He sounds like a moose. So, today I finally caught part of it on tape! (Sorry for my barking in the background but it's the only way he'll do it! I also apologize for the mess my apartment is in. I'm in the process of studying.)

Fall Leaves

2008-10-06T12:44:00.006-05:00

Jennifer, Layne, and myself went on a ride yesterday through Guanella Pass to see the Aspen's leaves change - it was beautiful! Layne did teach us that all the Aspen trees in the world are connected by their underground root system so they all change colors at the same time. Jennifer and I thought this was very interesting. Kolby even went along for the ride and was exhausted by the time we got home. The trees were beautiful and I'm so glad that I got to see it!

Viva Las Vegas!

2008-09-25T01:07:00.011-05:00

This past weekend I went to Las Vegas to meet up with Nichole and her husband Rob. Rob had a convention he had to attend, so Nichole and I got to explore during the day. I had a great time - I got to see a lot of stuff I have never seen before! We watched Love and Mystere - 2 Cirque du Soleil shows. I loved Mystere and Love was very upbeat. We ate at a couple of VERY good restaurants. I lost $40 gambling too. I just had to walk away after losing it after only 5 minutes. I wish I would've had more time to do stuff. Guess that means I'll have to go back!

Me and Matthew hung out for a little bit.

I had to make a little time for Hef also.

And who couldn't forget Elvis!

Jessica Simpson looked very real! I thought hers was the best out of them all.

Bette Midler

I was Ben's good luck charm!

View from the Eifel Tower.

Dinner at the Mirage before Love.

Inside the mall at Ceasar's Palace. I wish we had malls like this here!

Inside the Bellagio

Fountains in front of the Bellagio - my favorite!

So, Rob screamed like a little girl on the roller coaster in New York New York and I had to get a picture of him with this poster - fits him PERFECTLY!

These are all views from the top of the Stratosphere. Beautiful, huh?

These people were insane! The name of the ride was insanity - you hang over the top of the Stratosphere in a roller coaster type car. I would have fainted!

This was the same thing as Insanity, but this one swung you around while you're looking down at the ground. I wouldn't do this type of thing if you paid me!

These are from the airplane on the way home. I thought the mountains were so pretty.

Thoughts and Prayers

2008-09-17T12:28:00.002-05:00

I got news this week that an old boyfriend of mine was killed in a car accident in Pinson, Alabama. I haven't talked to him in years but just can't stop thinking about his family and friends who have lost a dear person. Although we didn't end on the best terms, I still feel for his family. I know what it is to lose someone so close to you. It's nothing that I would ever wish on anyone, not even my worst enemies. It makes me think about how fragile life is and how we do not need to take it for granted. Even though many of you don't know who I am talking about, I just ask that you keep this family in your prayers and thoughts that they will have the strength to get through this hard time.

Meet Me In the Stairwell

2008-09-12T14:53:00.003-05:00

This is a day late but I just checked my other email and someone had sent this to me. I believe it is what they play on the radio. Gives me chills and makes me tear up every time I hear or read it. By a day late, I say this because it is about 9/11 and that God was by each and every one of those people who died. Now, some of you may say but Ashley you post pictures of you and your friends out having a good time having drinks, etc, so how can you post things about God and believing in him? Just because I don't preach to people all the time about believing, I believe in God and I know he is there with me all the time. He helps me make decisions in my life and when they are bad, he's like a father telling me - see I told you so. I just want to make it clear that even though I may post some pictures that make people think are wrong, I still believe in God and know where I'm going when I come to the end of my life's journey.

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan ...
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you. But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

Brew Fest 2008

2008-09-12T11:11:00.005-05:00

This week, I went with Kim and Ed to Fort Collins to tour some of the breweries and taste some good beer. We first went to New Belgium Brewery which had tasty drinks! We then went and had lunch at a bar and grill downtown called Washington's First Bar and Grill - very eclectic place but had GREAT food. Next, we went to O'Dells and Fort Collins Breweries which didn't give tours but let us taste beer. I wasn't too keen on their samplings but I'm also not big into heavy beers and that's what they mainly had. We then went onto the mothership - Budweiser. This place was HUGE! It was very interesting to see how the process that beer goes through to get made and into my hand. I will never forget this trip! Enjoy pics from the new camera! :)

New Camera!

2008-09-06T22:25:00.001-05:00

These are some pictures of Kolby from my new camera. I LOVE it!

Mt. Evans Pictures

2008-09-06T22:11:00.005-05:00

I promised pictures from Kim's camera of Mt. Evans. So, here they are! Her camera takes such good pictures and I was very unhappy with the pictures from my camera. I actually went and bought another camera today. The guy at the Wolf camera store told me that cameras need to be serviced! Who ever thought of that - I never got my Olympus serviced so maybe that's why it was not taking such good pictures here lately. I bought a Panasonic digital camera today and I think I'm going to be very happy with it! I can't wait to go take some pictures on Monday of the Aspen leaves changing colors! That'll put the camera to the real test!

Me, Jamie, and Sam climbing rocks.

You see how the road has no guardrails - I think this was about the time I was texting and driving...not a good combination!

Echo Lake from the top. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!

At the top of Mt. Evans.

See how good her camera is?? This picture looks like it belongs in National Geographic.

By the way, I have no idea what this is...it was just wandering around.

This was about the time my heart fell out my butt!! These trucks were going too fast on this road and you can see we barely have any room on our side of the road!

Dinner, drinks, and fun!

2008-09-06T14:19:00.004-05:00

I'm supposed to be reading for class but I'm not! AGAIN! I'm sitting here while Jen watches the Auburn game on the internet since they aren't showing it on television in Denver. Poor Jen! She's having to listen to it with headphones on because I'm not interested in hearing all about it. :) Anyways, Kolby and I are having a little fun today. I'm trying to get him to learn how to roll over and it's not working. Does anyone have any hints? He just sits there and stares at me like, lady what are you wanting me to do? Just give me the dang treat!

Last night, me and a few friends went out to dinner at a place called Rialto Cafe. It's on the 16th Street Mall. It was delicious but our waiter was kind of slow. We were in the restaurant for 2 hours - no lie! It took forever to get our food but we were with good company and had a great time anyway. Afterwards, we had to take Katie home because she had to work this morning. Boo Katie! I went to hang out with Ed and Kim - people I met that are also travelers. They are from Ft. Worth, Texas and are so much fun to hang out with! I am going to be so sad when they leave to head to California. :( Here's pictures from last night:

Katie and I - she's a friend from the CPCU (my old unit here) who is coming to work in the CICU this week! YAY for Katie!

My new friend

This was right outside my car on the street. We don't know what it was for - very random!

This is Katie and I playing around on the weird statue.

Ed and Kim - my Texan friends!

Ed stole my camera when I went to the bathroom.

Thanks for this, Ed!

Kolby was perturbed at me that I had left him home alone on a Friday night! See the smirk?

What I'm Supposed to Be Doing....

2008-09-05T16:35:00.005-05:00

So, from the title of this post, you can see that I'm not exactly supposed to be blogging right now. But, I'm not motivated to be doing my school work like I told everyone I was doing! I'm just so tired from working 2 on, 1 off, 2 on, 1 off, and 2 more on. Just didn't have any time to relax and do nothing! I haven't updated on here in a couple of weeks and thought this would be just another opportunity to blow off what I'm supposed to be doing. The past two weeks at work have been fabulous. I have had a few sicker kids than what I normally get and I really liked it. I don't like the fact that the kids are sick, but I like having the opportunity to be on my toes and wondering what is going to happen next. I have also had my nose in the books. My two classes are pretty time consuming (when I actually study!). I'm taking a research and statistics class and an assessment class - which is 8 credit hours. I don't know what I'm going to do in the Spring when I have clinicals to go along with this!

I did find out, however, that I can stay in Denver until April OR I can go onto Salt Lake City. I haven't totally made up my mind and the whole Salt Lake City thing isn't a definite yet - still have to interview and all that jazz. Jen is going to SLC in January and it would be nice to go along with her. However, I will miss the friends I have made here. I'm just torn about what to do!! It'll just be easier to set up my clinicals here while I'm here already but again, I can set up my clinicals in SLC now if I know what my plans are. Arghhhh!

Anyways, Kolby has been such a trooper with my crazy work schedule. Jen has been living with me for about 3 weeks now but just moved to her brand new apartment today. She lives two stairwells down so she's still close. She sure does have a lot of stuff! I probably have 1/3 of the clothes that she has. I just wish I had all her clothes and shoes! I'm just very simple! Anyways, I was getting off track - I was saying that Kolby has been a trooper but I'm glad Jen was here because he at least had some company. It worked out pretty good with her here. He didn't have to stay up in his crate all day while I'm at work, like he usually does. I'm a bad mommy though! Last night, we had run out of dog food and Pet Smart was closed so Jen said to feed him a raw egg. So, for a late snack, Kolby had a raw egg. He LOVED it crazy as it sounds!! Anyways, Kolby is stocked up on dog food now. I felt so bad having to feed him an egg!

So, as far as pics, we went out for Jen's birthday 2 weekends ago and had a blast. We went to eat at the Sushi Den which was great and then to Sing Sing, a dueling piano bar. We also went a few other places in between Sing Sing and home but Sing Sing was the main attraction. Enjoy the pics below. Maybe I'll do something fun soon besides sit inside and study!

Gianna, Me, Jen, Jamie, and Kim eating a the Sushi Den.

Jen and her birthday ice cream!

Me, Jen, Jamie, and Gianna at Sing Sing.

The piano players pass out bumper stickers for 'your bumper' when you get up on stage.

Our friend Perrin, Jen, me, and Jamie at another friendly establishment.

Kolby catches his toy!

2008-08-20T22:01:00.005-05:00

This is another video of Kolby. He catches his animal when you throw it up in the air and we actually caught it in the video! We got so excited as you can tell by the video.

Kolby provides hours of entertainment!

2008-08-20T21:44:00.006-05:00

The other night, we decided to try and make a video of Kolby doing his funny things. In this video, Jennifer is making this noise with her mouth that he always runs from. You can see that he really doesn't like the noise and is trying to get away. The funniest part is at the end when he comes up to get the bone and Jennifer scares him to death with the toy we found at a concert.

Seven Falls Pictures

2008-08-19T10:16:00.008-05:00

No elevator!?! WHAT???

You mean I have to climb those??

Sitting at the first platform, only 120 more stairs left! Can you see the fear on my face?

This is the first flight of stairs we had to climb.

14,130 Feet Above Sea Level - in One DAY!

2008-08-14T23:16:00.004-05:00

Today, me and three other girls (Kim, Jamie, and Sam) went to Mt. Evans which is right outside Idaho Springs, Colorado. Idaho Springs is about 30 minutes west of Denver. Mt. Evans has the highest paved road in the United States. The wind gusts can reach up to 200 mph - this is what I read on the internet. The summit is actually at 14, 264 feet but we didn't climb that. We were cold, tired, and ready to eat! Our trip was so much fun and I am glad that we decided to go. It took about four hours to ride to the top and ride back down. We did drive in a car, not a bike as Kim thought! Sam was our entertainment as she was running from rock to rock, looking for things to climb. She has so much energy, I wish I had a quarter of it! We saw lots of wildlife - mountain goats, yellow bellied marmots, and some type of deer. The views were amazing and the roads were scary! There were no guardrails on the roads towards the top. Quite scary and at one point I scared everyone because I felt the need to send a quick text message while driving. Priorities people, PRIORITIES! Kim took some awesome pictures of the roads so when she sends me those, I'll post those but for now enjoy these pics!

This is the summit of Mt. Evans

Yellow bellied marmot - we thought they were beavers!

Baby mountain goat

Me, Jamie, and Sam

Projekt Revolution

2008-08-13T17:09:00.005-05:00

Last night, Jennifer, Lacey (Jen's friend from work), and I went to Projekt Revolution. It is just a group of bands who come to different cities and put on a show. It lasted almost all day but we decided to go at 4:00 because it was so hot and it was outside in an ampitheater. We were glad we did because it was still stinkin' hot while we were there. Linkin Park, The Bravery, Chris Cornell, Ashes Divide were the bands that we chose to watch. There were several other bands there but we missed them since we came later. I'm not accustomed to this type of music but I enjoyed expanding my music genres! I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb because I went with a white and yellow shirt on and most everyone was dressed in black - punk style clothing. I'm sure you all know I don't fit in at a place like this. Plus, it doesn't help that I'm so tall because that makes everyone stare at me even more. I walked away having had a good time and learned about some new bands I would like to listen to more! Enjoy the pics from the show!

These guys slept through the concert! How do you do that??? I think they had a little herbal help there.

Linkin Park

Jennifer and Lacey

The Bravery

Chris Cornell

Jennifer, Lacey, and I waiting for the bands to start.

Where everything happened.

Me and Jennifer

It rained and I refused to get wet so I used the shirt I bought Jessica for an umbrella.

Ashes Divide

Cherry Creek State Park

2008-08-11T17:29:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to take Kolby to Cherry Creek State Park. It's only about a 15 minute ride from where I live. I have heard so many nice things about it and also wanted to get out of the apartment. So, last week we headed up there. Although there was a storm coming in, we had fun for what little time we were there. I just took Kolby to an open area where they allow dogs off of leashes. Kolby enjoyed this but there was a shooting range nearby, which spooked him. He would stop in some spots and refused to move. I would have to walk back to get him and carry him. He's such baby sometimes!!

Kolby scoping things out

They have blueberries!!

Storm clouds coming in.

Cherry Creek Reservoir - It is beautiful! You can rent sailboats and do all kinds of water sports here.

The Sweetest Place on Earth

2008-08-11T08:49:00.002-05:00

I receieved this in an email and thought it was quite funny. I'm sorry if anyone gets offended but I had to share this one!

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Heaven , God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the archangel found him, resting on the seventh day. He inquired of God. "Where have you been?" God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made." Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?"

"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put Life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."

"Balance?" Inquired Michael, still confused. God explained, pointing to different parts of earth, "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth but cold and harsh while southern Europe is going to be poor but sunny and pleasant. I have made some lands abundant in water and other lands parched deserts. This one will be extremely hot and while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land mass and said, "What's that one?"

"Ah," said God. "That's Alabama-- the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful beaches, streams, hills, and forests. The people from Alabama are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent and humorous and they are going to be found traveling the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking and high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace." Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God? You said there would be balance!"

God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the idiots I put in Walker County ."

Note: If you are not a resident of AL or never have lived in the hot, humid South, you may not understand the weight of this blessing!

Sing, Sing!!

2008-08-09T17:36:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, I went out with Jamie, a friend that I work with. She knew a guy who is going into the army and it was his going away party. I was ecstatic to get to go do something besides play with Kolby and watch TV. First for dinner, we went to eat at Wynkoop Brewery in LoDo. I had fish and Jamie had a Thai salad. The food was excellent and the drinks were also very tasty! Afterwards, we went to Sing Sing, a dueling piano bar. Another girl from work, Annie, met us there. There were so many people there. Older women were getting up and dancing in front of the piano players. It was very entertaining. There were also a lot of groups there for birthdays. So, in a couple of weeks for Jennifer's first anniversary of her 30th birthday, we are going there! After we left Sing Sing, we went to a couple of other places that are fun too, but I regretfully don't have any pictures from those places. Enjoy the pictures!

Jamie, Annie, and I

Annie and I - just having a good time!

We stole birthday hats off of the table nearby!

Coors Field at night. So pretty!

The Shack

2008-08-04T13:18:00.004-05:00

The past week or so has been especially hard since I have been in Denver. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE it out here. I have just been a little more lonely than normal. Jennifer went back home to visit and Suzi's visit ended last Wednesday too. So, I was here all alone with Kolby. I have never had a difficult time making friends but it seems that I have here lately. It's hard for me to come out of my shell and once I did on my previous floor, it was time for me to move on. I had made such good friends and had to start all over! I still talk to them but I wish I could bring them with me down to the CICU!

So, I bought this book that I had heard about. It's called "The Shack" and is about this man whose daughter is killed by a serial killer. It's also about why God does the things he does in your life. I felt that maybe this would brighten up my spirits. Well, the first night I read it, I had dreams about my recently deceased grandmother that really made me sad. Didn't help the fact that I was already down! I continued reading it the next night and couldn't put the book down! It was a real page turner and I suggest that everyone read it. It helped me realize things about my own life. If you want to find out more about the book, visit The Shack website.

Anyways, I just wonder what is in store for my life. I have faced many determents in my life but keep going strong. I just have a feeling that there is something spectacular waiting for me!

Cousins

2008-07-26T11:47:00.002-05:00

When I was at home, I got a chance to get a picture of all the cousins. I thought that these pictures turned out really good. We haven't all had a picture together in several years. So, there's Jessica, Beth and her baby, Anna Kate and then me.