Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY, where you can win an adorable apron from Pink Sparkle and Lace!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
My Biggest Fears: Alzheimer's Disease
So this fear is totally acceptable, I think, considering how completely devastating it is to those who are affected by it. (Though I'm not sure everyone is quite as neurotic as I am, in that they worry about this at least once a week.)
Alzheimer's Disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country, and the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. To me, this is blood-curdling frightening. The idea of your memories escaping you is petrifying and the fact that there is nothing we can do to help just makes it scarier.
While I worry often about being afflicted with Alzheimer's myself, what really gets to me is the worry that those I am close to will develop the dementia-ridden disease. Just thinking about looking into my mother's eyes and her not knowing who I am makes me want to cry. Imagining Hat Dad missing pieces of his memory makes me sick to my stomach.
During clinicals, I worked with quite a few patients with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. It was so very sad to see the look in their family members' eyes when they would come visit and not be remembered. It was heartbreaking, and it certainly contributed to my fear.
While there is no cure or even preventative treatment for Alzheimer's Disease, there are things you can do if this is one of your biggest fears too, or if your heart just breaks for those who've had to face this fear. You can walk for Alzheimer's, advocate, and donate. Educate yourself, and know the 10 signs of Alzheimer's.
I think one of the reasons this scares me the most (and probably the reason most fears affect me the way they do) is that there is genuinely nothing I can do about this. I can walk for days, advocate all I want, donate my life's savings, and know all there is to know - I still can not prevent it from happening to me, my family, or anyone for that matter. I don't have the control here, and giving up control is never easy. All I can do is hope for the best, pray for a cure, and know that if I ever have to face this fear head-on that I will find the strength somewhere.
Alzheimer's Disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country, and the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. To me, this is blood-curdling frightening. The idea of your memories escaping you is petrifying and the fact that there is nothing we can do to help just makes it scarier.
While I worry often about being afflicted with Alzheimer's myself, what really gets to me is the worry that those I am close to will develop the dementia-ridden disease. Just thinking about looking into my mother's eyes and her not knowing who I am makes me want to cry. Imagining Hat Dad missing pieces of his memory makes me sick to my stomach.
During clinicals, I worked with quite a few patients with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. It was so very sad to see the look in their family members' eyes when they would come visit and not be remembered. It was heartbreaking, and it certainly contributed to my fear.
While there is no cure or even preventative treatment for Alzheimer's Disease, there are things you can do if this is one of your biggest fears too, or if your heart just breaks for those who've had to face this fear. You can walk for Alzheimer's, advocate, and donate. Educate yourself, and know the 10 signs of Alzheimer's.
I think one of the reasons this scares me the most (and probably the reason most fears affect me the way they do) is that there is genuinely nothing I can do about this. I can walk for days, advocate all I want, donate my life's savings, and know all there is to know - I still can not prevent it from happening to me, my family, or anyone for that matter. I don't have the control here, and giving up control is never easy. All I can do is hope for the best, pray for a cure, and know that if I ever have to face this fear head-on that I will find the strength somewhere.
Are you personally affected by Alzheimer's Disease? Share with me. Tell me why it sucks, how much it hurts, how you deal with it, the ways in which you cope, the efforts you've made for the cause - tell me whatever you want, whatever helps you.
Statistics from Alzheimer's Association.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Stress Case's First GIVEAWAY - Adorable Apron!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who reads this blog! I wish I could give away aprons to every single one of my readers! It means so much to know that there are people who actually care to read about my thoughts. I'm still not sure what my niche in the blog world is, but I know that I'm here to stay for a while!
I am so pleased that Nurse So Crafty from Pink Sparkle and Lace has donated an adorable apron from her awesome Etsy Shop. Thanks, Nurse So Crafty!
If you enter this giveaway, you will have a chance to win this super cute apron:
I am so pleased that Nurse So Crafty from Pink Sparkle and Lace has donated an adorable apron from her awesome Etsy Shop. Thanks, Nurse So Crafty!
If you enter this giveaway, you will have a chance to win this super cute apron:
This giveaway will be open for 10 days, as it is my first and I want to give everyone a chance to enter! It will officially close *Deadline Extended!* Tuesday, June 14 at 11:59pm.
To enter:
1. Mandatory Entry - Be a public follower (via Google Friend Connect) of this blog AND Nurse So Crafty's blog, Pink Sparkle and Lace, and comment on this post telling me how you found Stress Case.
Extra entries - leave a comment for each one of the following:
2. Follow me on Twitter.
3. Follow Nurse So Crafty on Twitter.
4. Tweet about this giveaway - TWO ENTRIES - comment twice.
5. Like Pink Sparkle and Lace on Facebook.
6. Visit Nurse So Crafty's Etsy Shop - and leave a comment here telling me what your favorite item is!
For a total of 6 possible entries! Please enter, and let me and Nurse So Crafty give you this sweet apron!
Thank you again to everyone who reads this blog - it really means so much!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Grateful Sundays
This week, I am grateful for the weather we've been having lately.
We have been having what, in my opinion, is gorgeous weather! It has been sunny, but not too warm. Granted, there have been a few days where it is even cool, but I much prefer the cool to 90 degrees and up!
It has been lovely to start off the summer slow - to soak up the sun and relish in being on a break from school (done with my last Spring final - woo woo!) without feeling like you're melting!
The temperatures for the past two weeks have been about 10 degrees cooler than average for this time of year in our area.
We have been having what, in my opinion, is gorgeous weather! It has been sunny, but not too warm. Granted, there have been a few days where it is even cool, but I much prefer the cool to 90 degrees and up!
It has been lovely to start off the summer slow - to soak up the sun and relish in being on a break from school (done with my last Spring final - woo woo!) without feeling like you're melting!
The temperatures for the past two weeks have been about 10 degrees cooler than average for this time of year in our area.
This has been such a godsend for our C25K training, because I really struggle with the running in the heat.
I am opening up Grateful Sundays for the my first ever blog link-up here at Stress Case! I hope you will consider taking the button, writing a post, and linking up here with us for Grateful Sundays!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
The One Where I Spill Potent Cleaning Product All Over Myself At Work
Last week I had an embarrassing moment. This is nothing new to me, in fact, embarrassing moments are sort of a personal forte of mine. But, I digress - let me share with you how I managed to spill cleaning product so potent you're really not supposed to use it without gloves...all over my stomach. (And then let it sit there for 30 minutes before remembering I had a spare top.)
I was a rooming a sweet little baby last week at work, and was making an effort to be super sanitary - not that I don't always do so, but I like to be extra special hygienic for the little babies. My plan was to wipe down the scale with our super-duper-strong cleaning wipes before Dad set the little munchkin down on the paper liner I would then lay on the scale. I reached up for the container of wipes, and popped open the top - no wipe sticking out. I assumed the wipes were just stuck in the bottom and needed to be pulled through the top. (I'm thinking a visual will help right about here.)
I was a rooming a sweet little baby last week at work, and was making an effort to be super sanitary - not that I don't always do so, but I like to be extra special hygienic for the little babies. My plan was to wipe down the scale with our super-duper-strong cleaning wipes before Dad set the little munchkin down on the paper liner I would then lay on the scale. I reached up for the container of wipes, and popped open the top - no wipe sticking out. I assumed the wipes were just stuck in the bottom and needed to be pulled through the top. (I'm thinking a visual will help right about here.)
I proceed to hold the container against my body (for leverage, duh) and try to pop the entire red top off the cylinder. Clearly my remote control bicep curls are doing wonders for my guns, because that top came off way easier and faster than expected. You can image my surprise when not only was there no wipe in the bottom of the container, but that it was about half full with the strongest smelling cleaning product that I've ever been graced with. Due to my extreme strength (and also, surprise), the cleanser quickly went from in the container to all over my scrub top in seconds.
My first thought was of the baby (I know, I know - so selfless), so I had the parents move to the next exam room. I got her weight quickly, and left them so as not to irritate the wittle teeny tiny beebee's tiny nostrils (working in pediatrics makes you learn a new language - new mommy speak).
After getting the new family situated, and cleaning up the remainder of my mess in the original exam room, I proceeded to sit in my soaked scrub top for close to a half an hour. It was then that I finally realized (DUH) that I had a spare top in my bag, and that I was taking an unnecessarily long bath in the cleaning product. It was a total blonde moment, and I'd like to blame it on a contact high from the strong smell.
Long story short - 3 lessons learned:
1. Don't clean your exam rooms in front of patients, because when you can't even open a container without messing it up, it's hard for them to have faith in your medical abilities.
2. Cleaning product is for cleaning, not for baths.
3. Never underestimate the strength of your biceps - even if you haven't lifted a weight in your life, and sometimes have an inordinately hard time just opening and closing doors.
Stay tuned for other embarrassing moments.
I am opening up Grateful Sundays tomorrow as my first ever blog link-up here at Stress Case - please consider joining us!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Boob Tube Babble: "Bombshell TONIGHT"
I mentioned in my Things Thursday post this week that I was wondering if it was creepy that I am super enamored with the Casey Anthony trial. (Is it weird, by the way? Am I the only one?)
The first time I heard about this case (and the many others I have since learned of from the same source) was from a woman who needs no introduction:
The first time I heard about this case (and the many others I have since learned of from the same source) was from a woman who needs no introduction:
Nancy Grace. Otherwise known as my idol, or the woman who knows all. Does anyone watch her show on HLN? She's amazing. While I might be exaggerating a little bit, she really is fascinating.
She has some very strong opinions, and doesn't have it when people disagree with her! She is (unintentionally, most of the time) hilarious. In all seriousness, though, she does draw attention to missing children and always puts victims first.
Without further adieu, I bring to you...
10 Reasons I Am Nancy Grace's Personality Twin
1. We are both always right.
2. We don't need evidence to prove the aforementioned fact.
3. No one is allowed to talk over us.
4. We are allowed to talk over everyone.
5. We refer to lawyers as animals that need to be "unleashed" (except for you, Gardening Mom!)
6. We both have lovely Southern accents (okay, this one I only wish).
7. We both love hairspray - product, not the musical (musical's not bad though, and I'm sure Nancy would agree).
8. Neither of us like, nor believe, Casey Anthony or her shenanigans.
9. We both say "Bombshell TONIGHT" when something really wacky happens! (I may or may not be copying her, but bygones.)
10. We both believe in justice! (As long as we are right...otherwise, we don't want to talk about it.)
Nancy, if you somehow read this blog - please contact me. I really think we should consider a merger here - Nancy Case? Stress Grace? It could be glorious.
Happy Hour
I am sipping on lemonade during Happy Hour today.
Last night, I had the pleasure of watching Sister Singer sing her pretty little heart out at her high school's annual Talent Show.
There was a lot of talent there, but she stood out for me - and I think she did for others as well! Not only did look totally ADORBS, but she just sounded beautiful! She sang a Taylor Swift song, and I wish I could figure out how to post the video on here to share with all of her - she totally killed it!
I love watching Sister Singer perform, especially when she can sing her choice of song. I don't know if she will end up with a career in music, but if she does choose to go that route, I think she will be abundantly successful!
Last night, I had the pleasure of watching Sister Singer sing her pretty little heart out at her high school's annual Talent Show.
There was a lot of talent there, but she stood out for me - and I think she did for others as well! Not only did look totally ADORBS, but she just sounded beautiful! She sang a Taylor Swift song, and I wish I could figure out how to post the video on here to share with all of her - she totally killed it!
I love watching Sister Singer perform, especially when she can sing her choice of song. I don't know if she will end up with a career in music, but if she does choose to go that route, I think she will be abundantly successful!
I wish I had a better quality photo, but I only had my phone :(
That's what I'm thinking about at Happy Hour today!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Things Thursday: Things I Wonder About
1. What ever happened to Heidi Montag-Pratt?
2. Why can't I have a Southern accent?
3. Do fish get tired of swimming?
4. What will my kids look like?
5. Do hamsters like running on the wheel, or are they just bored?
6. What is it like to be a boy?
7. Why do some people talk SO loud in the library?
8. Why don't more things come rhinestone-encrusted?
9. Is it weird and creepy to be inordinately fascinated with the Casey Anthony trial?
10. Where did the time go, and how are my "little" sisters turning 17 next week?
10b. How am I still turning 21 (3rd year in a row this year!) if they are 17? Hmmm...mysteries.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
What I Wore Wednesday
I'm back linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday, and No Model Lady for All Dressed Up. And this week I'm doing big things and sharing not one - but TWO - outfits!
This is an outfit I wore out to celebrate the birthday of one of Handsome Husband's coworkers:
This is an outfit I wore out to celebrate the birthday of one of Handsome Husband's coworkers:
Earrings: gift from Kindergarten Teacher
Sweater: some cheap teen store in the Westminster Mall
Top: Target
Purse: honestly so old I couldn't tell you
Jeans: People's Liberation, from Nordstrom
Wedges: Charlotte Russe
And this is what I wore out to the casino during the girls' trip in Arizona last weekend:
I've had this dress forever, and have absolutely no clue where it's from!
Wedges: Charlotte Russe
If you're stopping by from WIWW or All Dressed Up, let me know what you think! I'll come visit you and check out your outfits, too! Also, if you like what you see, please consider following me and helping me reach 100 followers, so I can host my first ever giveaway!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Girls Weekend in Arizona
Gardening Mom was kind enough to host a girls weekend for a few of her friends this weekend, and she extended an invitation to myself and a girlfriend. Best Friend Swagger joined us, and I'm so glad she did! It's always nice to get some time with Swagger, as we are both so busy and live an hour (of congested freeway travel) away from one another.
There was some of this:
There was some of this:
A bunch of these in Oatman, Arizona:
A little shopping:
Some fascinating live music:
A bit of this:
And it all ended with a fabulous breakfast (albeit with an excessively forgetful waitress) with this awesome view:
Thanks for the fabulous weekend, ladies! Can't wait for next year!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Grateful Sundays
This week I am grateful for the Colorado River.
It may seem like a strange thing to be grateful for at first, but I have so many memories centering around this river that it's hard to be anything but grateful for it.
Hat Dad is from a small town that sits pretty much right on top of the river, and though he moved away, when we were younger we used to go to the boat club there in that small town a couple times every summer. I had a handful of cousins around my age (Best Cousin is only two years older than me, so we always had a blast together), and we had so much fun when we were there. We would spend our days playing in the river, taking boat rides to the sand bars and beaches, floating downstream in our life vests, and eating lots of potato salad and hot dogs. Our nights were filled with flashlight tag, hide and seek, some game I vaguely remember involving walkie talkies, and a camp out in a tent or two (not the brightest idea in a hot river town - we all woke up soaked in sweat). I also have a vivid memory of Best Cousin spotting a snake and having a serious freakout moment - thank goodness her daddy, Uncle Firefighter was there to save the day!
As time went on, and everyone got older, we stopped going to the river as much, and we even stopped visiting that small town all that often. It was bittersweet, because while it was exciting to be growing up and watching everyone go off to do new and exciting things, it was sad to see things change.
Lucky for me, my time at the river wasn't over! A few years ago, Gardening Mom and Hat Dad decided to buy a small vacation home in Arizona, barely a mile from that very same Colorado River (albeit a bit upriver).
I love the memories we're making now at the river as much as I love looking back at the memories we made years ago. I hope one day, when we all have our own little river rats in life vests, my cousins and I can grab our spouses, an intertube, and a beer or two and float back down the river like we used to.
Next week, I'll be opening up Grateful Sundays as my first ever blog link up! Please consider joining us and sharing what you're grateful for! The link-up will open early Sunday, and will stay open until Tuesday evening to give those of you who take a blogging break over the weekend time to link up.
It may seem like a strange thing to be grateful for at first, but I have so many memories centering around this river that it's hard to be anything but grateful for it.
Hat Dad is from a small town that sits pretty much right on top of the river, and though he moved away, when we were younger we used to go to the boat club there in that small town a couple times every summer. I had a handful of cousins around my age (Best Cousin is only two years older than me, so we always had a blast together), and we had so much fun when we were there. We would spend our days playing in the river, taking boat rides to the sand bars and beaches, floating downstream in our life vests, and eating lots of potato salad and hot dogs. Our nights were filled with flashlight tag, hide and seek, some game I vaguely remember involving walkie talkies, and a camp out in a tent or two (not the brightest idea in a hot river town - we all woke up soaked in sweat). I also have a vivid memory of Best Cousin spotting a snake and having a serious freakout moment - thank goodness her daddy, Uncle Firefighter was there to save the day!
As time went on, and everyone got older, we stopped going to the river as much, and we even stopped visiting that small town all that often. It was bittersweet, because while it was exciting to be growing up and watching everyone go off to do new and exciting things, it was sad to see things change.
Lucky for me, my time at the river wasn't over! A few years ago, Gardening Mom and Hat Dad decided to buy a small vacation home in Arizona, barely a mile from that very same Colorado River (albeit a bit upriver).
I love the memories we're making now at the river as much as I love looking back at the memories we made years ago. I hope one day, when we all have our own little river rats in life vests, my cousins and I can grab our spouses, an intertube, and a beer or two and float back down the river like we used to.
Next week, I'll be opening up Grateful Sundays as my first ever blog link up! Please consider joining us and sharing what you're grateful for! The link-up will open early Sunday, and will stay open until Tuesday evening to give those of you who take a blogging break over the weekend time to link up.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Big New for Stress Case Followers!
When I started blogging, I didn't really have a goal. I didn't have a number in my head of how many followers would be successful, or how many views per day would make me feel accomplished. I just wanted an outlet to share my thoughts, and encourage me to journal my life as I lived it.
While I still don't think I've really found my niche, nor do I at all think of myself as a super star blogger, I am so excited to share with you that I have almost 100 followers! (This number includes those who follow me via Google Friend Connect, by Feed, or subscribe by email.) I can't believe ten people want to know what I'm thinking about - let alone alone 100!
Because the encouragement you all give me via comments, and just by viewing my blog and reading my (often) scatter-brained thoughts, I wanted to thank you in the best way I know how.
While I still don't think I've really found my niche, nor do I at all think of myself as a super star blogger, I am so excited to share with you that I have almost 100 followers! (This number includes those who follow me via Google Friend Connect, by Feed, or subscribe by email.) I can't believe ten people want to know what I'm thinking about - let alone alone 100!
Because the encouragement you all give me via comments, and just by viewing my blog and reading my (often) scatter-brained thoughts, I wanted to thank you in the best way I know how.
I'm hosting my first ever giveaway!
I first thought of the idea to host a giveaway when I hit 100 followers a few weeks ago, but couldn't figure out how to find something to giveaway. I don't think I've quite hit the big time where I could get something donated from a big company, and we're sort of on a budget here (we're not living with my parents because we're afraid to be on our own - we're saving every penny we can here!).
That is until I talked to Nurse So Crafty, who I am lucky enough to work with! She has an adorable blog (Pink Sparkle and Lace) and an Etsy shop filled with handmade aprons, totes, diaper covers, and more! I told her I was interested in hosting a giveaway and she was gracious enough to volunteer to donate a beautiful handmade apron to the cause!
I will start the giveaway after I reach 100 followers/subscribers and I hope you, as my readers, know how very grateful I am for each and every one of you - I wish I could mail you each an apron (wonder how Nurse So Crafty would feel about that order!)!
If you've been coming by to read, but can't quite commit yet, I hope you'll consider following me, and entering my first ever giveaway! Need to learn some more about me first? Find out some things you should know about me if we're going to be BFFs, catch up on my wedding recaps, see what I'm grateful for, or check out some of my most recent outfits!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Boob Toob Babble: I Was Never Let in on This Secret
I'm linking up with Boob Tube Babble again this week because I think it is so fun to get together and chat about your shows! (Am I the only one who takes complete ownership of the television shows I watch, referring to them as "my shows"?)
This week, I'd like to talk about a little gem they call "The Secret Life of the American Teenager."
This week, I'd like to talk about a little gem they call "The Secret Life of the American Teenager."
If you don't watch this show, you're truly missing out. While I'm not sure which American teenagers are leading this type of secret life (I sure didn't), this show is pure gold. The actors all terribly overact, the storylines are insanely predictable, and the show greatly over exaggerates most situations - but it's seriously addicting. I have gotten completely sucked in and find myself rooting for certain couples (Ricky and Amy belong together!), and tsk tsk-ing poor behavior (Madison is a moron).
To give a short background, the show is about a group of high schoolers. One of them, Amy, gets pregnant after a slip in judgement during band camp (I never went to band camp, so maybe that's why I didn't know about this secret life when I was in high school). The show follows Amy and her love life as she struggles with pregnancy and childrearing in high school. Then the show got a little wacky when another character became pregnant. There's also a really weird relationship swap that doesn't make much sense, but does make good shallow TV.
For those that watch the show, how much of a total doucher was Ben this week?
The show is also perfect for a drinking game - take a sip every time a character says "sex"during the show, and you'll get your Monday night buzz before you get through half the episode!
Do you have any guilty pleasure TV shows that hardly stimulate your brain cells, but you can't help but watch?
Wedding Recap: Handsome Husband and The Boys
I left off with the ladies having a fabulous photo shoot, and now it's the boys' turn to be showcased.
I love these photos of Handsome Husband - they make me swoon every time!
I love these photos of Handsome Husband - they make me swoon every time!
It may not seem like it in the this artsy photo, but the boys were so excited all day! One of my favorite memories of the day is seeing all the guys for the first time - they were just so very happy for Shane and I, and it was so clear by their big hugs and smiles.
(From L-R: Cousin Ronomon, Groomsmen Concussion, Dr. Groomsmen, HH, Best Man Dodger, Brother AG, Groomsmen Music, and Groomsmen Ken Doll)
So happy!
Love that bright red hair!
I love this man!
Thank you for entertaining my teenage swooning over my husband, and I hope you'll cut me some slack - I am a newlywed, after all!
Next? We take some portraits with our entire wedding party, and then off to the ceremony!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Things Thursday: Things To Look Forward to This Summer!
1. Not having to drive a total of 1 hour+ to get to and from school.
2. No more Professor All Over the Place!!
3. Twin Unicorn moving back to beautiful Orange County - and a fun BBQ to celebrate her homecoming!
4. Watching some of Handsome Husband's best friends from soccer graduate from college.
5. Celebrating Cute Apartment's graduation - this is something I know she is looking forward to!
6. Singing "Happy Birthday" to Lil C for first time - lil guy is turning 1!
7. Rekindling our annual trip to Arizona with our best friends. (The first trip to Arizona was the one in which Handsome Husband and I finally got together - story to come, promise!)
8. The Orange County Fair...something to look forward to every summer.
9. Another family poker tournament with HH's competitive family!
10. Family vacation to Oregon to see Best Cousin marry the love of her life and to see Handsome Husband's dad who lives up there, too!
11. Camping trip with Kindergarten Teacher and anyone else lucky enough to join.
12. Seeing more of and spending more time with HH, my amazing friends, and my wonderful family.
2. No more Professor All Over the Place!!
3. Twin Unicorn moving back to beautiful Orange County - and a fun BBQ to celebrate her homecoming!
4. Watching some of Handsome Husband's best friends from soccer graduate from college.
5. Celebrating Cute Apartment's graduation - this is something I know she is looking forward to!
6. Singing "Happy Birthday" to Lil C for first time - lil guy is turning 1!
7. Rekindling our annual trip to Arizona with our best friends. (The first trip to Arizona was the one in which Handsome Husband and I finally got together - story to come, promise!)
8. The Orange County Fair...something to look forward to every summer.
9. Another family poker tournament with HH's competitive family!
10. Family vacation to Oregon to see Best Cousin marry the love of her life and to see Handsome Husband's dad who lives up there, too!
11. Camping trip with Kindergarten Teacher and anyone else lucky enough to join.
12. Seeing more of and spending more time with HH, my amazing friends, and my wonderful family.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
What I Wore Wednesday
I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy and No Model Lady again this week. Hop over to What I Wore Wednesday and All Dressed Up to see some more beautiful ladies looking adorable!
This week, I am sharing my version of a sporty outfit. I got to watch Handsome Husband play soccer last weekend, and showed my ongoing support of his alma mater by wearing a hat! (Something I rarely do, considering it's on my list of things that really don't work for me.)
This week, I am sharing my version of a sporty outfit. I got to watch Handsome Husband play soccer last weekend, and showed my ongoing support of his alma mater by wearing a hat! (Something I rarely do, considering it's on my list of things that really don't work for me.)
Top: fairly certain I have indefinitely borrowed this from Sister Swimmer's closet
Jeans: Charlotte Russe
Sneakers: Vans
Hat: UCSD
Are you new, visiting from The Pleated Poppy or No Model Lady? Take a look around! Catch up on the story of how I met my very Handsome Husband, see what I'm grateful for, or find a recipe or two! If you like what you see, I hope you'll considering following me!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Prom Night
This weekend, my sisters went to their very first prom, and I was so excited to help them get beautified for their big night! They looked absolutely gorgeous, and I hope they had the times of their lives - because they deserve it!
I am so excited to see my little (even though they are both taller than me now) sisters get to experience the joy I did in high school. While I certainly don't consider it the best time in my life (things are pretty amazing nowadays!), I loved high school - especially the dances!
PS - are you looking for some new blogs to read? Check out Mingle Monday at Life of Meg!
Sister Singer went retro with her look - red lips and all!
Sister Swimmer forgoes red lips for red hot shoes!
I went to nine - count them, NINE - school dances during my time in high school and LOVED them. I loved getting dressed up, getting ready with my girlfriends, taking pictures with everyone, and dancing the night away! I found some priceless pictures of my girlfriends and I at school dances over the years - all of whom I'm still friends with! Continually feeling grateful for friends that grow with you, instead of outgrowing you.
Me and Kindergarten Teacher at junior prom.
Swagger, Fashionista, Me, and Ms. Does it All at senior homecoming.
Ms. Does it All, Swagger, Me, and Fashionista - doing as high school girls do. Swagger always has had some swagger...even since high school!
I am so excited to see my little (even though they are both taller than me now) sisters get to experience the joy I did in high school. While I certainly don't consider it the best time in my life (things are pretty amazing nowadays!), I loved high school - especially the dances!
PS - are you looking for some new blogs to read? Check out Mingle Monday at Life of Meg!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Grateful Sundays
This week, I am grateful for friendships that last.
Last night, we had dinner with Ms. Does it All, to bid her good luck on her travels as she gets ready to jet off to Spain to spend a year of her life traveling, and seeing the world! I couldn't be happier for her, and the adventure she is about the embark on!
Spending time with her (and Cute Apartment and Swagger) made me so very grateful for friendships that last. Everyone has acquaintances, but I mean friendships that truly last through everything - through growing up and the changes people go through, through living in different cites or states or countries, through arguments and blowouts, and through all the speed bumps on the road of life. These are the friendships that mean the most to me, and these are the friendships I have with my closest friends, and I am so grateful for that.
Ms. Does it All and I do not chat incessantly on the phone, we don't have a weekly girls night, we rarely even chat online. But when we do see each other, everything is normal again. We laugh and talk, and fill each other in on what's going on.
The best thing about these kinds of friends is the peace in knowing that they will always be there for you when you need them. You may not see them all the time, but they are there for you, and it's unspoken.
Ms. Does it All, good luck to you on your amazing adventure! I can't wait to hear all about it, and know you will do amazing things! I will miss you, but thanks to technology, we'll only be a Skype call away!
To all of my amazing friends, thank you for always being there for me, for forgiving me when I am wrong, and for maintaining a friendship through thick and thin. I will always be grateful for friendships, especially those that seemingly can last through anything.
Last night, we had dinner with Ms. Does it All, to bid her good luck on her travels as she gets ready to jet off to Spain to spend a year of her life traveling, and seeing the world! I couldn't be happier for her, and the adventure she is about the embark on!
Spending time with her (and Cute Apartment and Swagger) made me so very grateful for friendships that last. Everyone has acquaintances, but I mean friendships that truly last through everything - through growing up and the changes people go through, through living in different cites or states or countries, through arguments and blowouts, and through all the speed bumps on the road of life. These are the friendships that mean the most to me, and these are the friendships I have with my closest friends, and I am so grateful for that.
Ms. Does it All and I do not chat incessantly on the phone, we don't have a weekly girls night, we rarely even chat online. But when we do see each other, everything is normal again. We laugh and talk, and fill each other in on what's going on.
The best thing about these kinds of friends is the peace in knowing that they will always be there for you when you need them. You may not see them all the time, but they are there for you, and it's unspoken.
Ms. Does it All, good luck to you on your amazing adventure! I can't wait to hear all about it, and know you will do amazing things! I will miss you, but thanks to technology, we'll only be a Skype call away!
To all of my amazing friends, thank you for always being there for me, for forgiving me when I am wrong, and for maintaining a friendship through thick and thin. I will always be grateful for friendships, especially those that seemingly can last through anything.
See? I got so excited spending time with Ms. Does it All that I totally gum-smile!
Unrelated,
I asked two weeks ago, and I wanted to ask again. Would anyone be interested in linking up if I chose to make Grateful Sundays a link-up party? It was Tutor Girl's suggestion, and Holly from Everydays a Holly-Day said she'd be interested, too! Anyone want to join us? I would probably leave it open until Wednesdays, as Sundays aren't huge blogging days. Tell me what you think!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Nurse Appreciation Week: May 6 - May 12
Being that it is Nurse Appreciation Week (okay, I think the official name is National Nurses Week, but I like the appreciation one better!), I'd like to take a moment to mention a few of the nurses most important to me.
Nurse Aunties, I am so glad I got to follow in your shoes in being a member of our family and going into the rewarding profession of nursing. Thank you for being inspirations to me, and for listening to me whine all throughout nursing school (when I was lucky enough to see you ladies)!
Nurse Clinical Instructor, it was the clinical rotation in which you were my instructor that I truly went from being a student to being a nurse. You assigned me to follow the nurse who pushed me past my comfort zone, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Nurse Learn From Me, you are the reason I stopped being perpetually nervous during clinicals. You pushed me to just jump in and "just do it," and didn't give me time to think about all the reasons I was scared. You made an 8-hour shift fly by like it was 8-minutes long, and for the first time in nursing school you made me feel like I was actually doing something instead of just filling up hospital hallways.
Nurse Sarcasm, you inspired me throughout all of nursing school. Your eager attitude to try everything, and your refusal to just sit and watch the hours tick by at clinicals helped shape me into the nurse I am today. You held my hand until I was ready to venture off on my own, but I always knew if I needed help, you were right around the corner if I hollered. You allowed me to follow your footsteps, even though I know it annoyed you at times. You comforted me when I felt like quitting, and you encouraged me when I thought I couldn't do it anymore. I've said it before, and I will continue to sing your praises - without you, I don't know how I would have passed my nursing school courses, gotten through clinicals, graduated school, or what kind of nurse I would have ended up.
Former Fellow Nursing Students, I always knew I would never miss The School That Won't Be Named, but what I didn't know is how much I would miss so many of you. The camaraderie we felt when we banned together to fight for our grades, argued against the insanely disorganized bureaucracy of our school, or just helped each other through the personal battles that didn't stop just because we went into the demanding nursing program, is a bonding I think lasts a lot longer than the bruises from our IV certification class. I hope everyone is doing well, and on their way to their ultimate goals, whatever those may be.
Nurse Aunties, I am so glad I got to follow in your shoes in being a member of our family and going into the rewarding profession of nursing. Thank you for being inspirations to me, and for listening to me whine all throughout nursing school (when I was lucky enough to see you ladies)!
Nurse Clinical Instructor, it was the clinical rotation in which you were my instructor that I truly went from being a student to being a nurse. You assigned me to follow the nurse who pushed me past my comfort zone, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Nurse Learn From Me, you are the reason I stopped being perpetually nervous during clinicals. You pushed me to just jump in and "just do it," and didn't give me time to think about all the reasons I was scared. You made an 8-hour shift fly by like it was 8-minutes long, and for the first time in nursing school you made me feel like I was actually doing something instead of just filling up hospital hallways.
Nurse Sarcasm, you inspired me throughout all of nursing school. Your eager attitude to try everything, and your refusal to just sit and watch the hours tick by at clinicals helped shape me into the nurse I am today. You held my hand until I was ready to venture off on my own, but I always knew if I needed help, you were right around the corner if I hollered. You allowed me to follow your footsteps, even though I know it annoyed you at times. You comforted me when I felt like quitting, and you encouraged me when I thought I couldn't do it anymore. I've said it before, and I will continue to sing your praises - without you, I don't know how I would have passed my nursing school courses, gotten through clinicals, graduated school, or what kind of nurse I would have ended up.
Former Fellow Nursing Students, I always knew I would never miss The School That Won't Be Named, but what I didn't know is how much I would miss so many of you. The camaraderie we felt when we banned together to fight for our grades, argued against the insanely disorganized bureaucracy of our school, or just helped each other through the personal battles that didn't stop just because we went into the demanding nursing program, is a bonding I think lasts a lot longer than the bruises from our IV certification class. I hope everyone is doing well, and on their way to their ultimate goals, whatever those may be.
Do you know a nurse that deserves some appreciation?