'She's Crafty...'

(Cue Beastie Boys...)
Been out of school for a week now and on my off days I've been working on gifts and fun stuff. Made several hemp necklaces this week and yesterday was Tie Dye Day. I made 17 different items! A few didn't turn out like I wanted, but I was trying some new techniques...they still need work. Some of them came out great, too! I'll post pics of them later this week. Going into work tonight for a 1/2 shift so I'm trying to get some HH chores done before then. Here are some pics of the hemp pieces. I've got two with the funky little mushrooms, one with mood beads and one with glass beads. One has some cool bone beads...all of them were fun to make. Some are gifts, some are mine. Looking forward to some family time these next few weeks...hope you have a wonderful holiday!

OMG!!!!

I am NOT a fan of texting, but this title was very appropriate....I made a frickin' A on my final!!!! OMG! I can't believe it! I knew I felt good about it, but an A? Sweet!!!!
Woo-hoo! Christmas break has begun in a very good way!
Several of my classmates got together at Mellow Mushroom (super chill place to eat/drink/be merry) after the final to relax, chat, get to know each other as people (not nursing students) and just celebrate the fact that we are done with the notorious and deadly 3rd Semester....yippee!!!

Ahhh....time for some real relaxation. Catch ya on the flip side....

What a slacker!

Yep, that's right. On Wednesday I hung out with Lon, made some hemp necklaces, did some holiday baking, watched a movie (Toy Story 3...another great addition to the franchise!), and just relaxed. But don't worry...I printed off all of my review guides for the final and I'll be working on those this weekend.
Today I'm working and will be decorating my little cubby on our departmental Christmas 'tree'. One of the ER RN's made it...basically a large wooden tree-shaped piece with little cubby sections all the way around. I meant to get around to doing some more tie dye this week (Wednesday would've been perfect...oh well) so I could have a super groovy cubby. But I can always change it up next week.
Not much else to report...Final is on Monday, clinical eval is Tuesday morning and then we're out until January 13th. It's here, it's here...it's finally almost here!

I'm pitiful...

How sad is it that I just spent time figuring out how low of a score I could get on my final and keep an A or get a B for the semester? It's only because I'm ready to be on break, do some crafts, hang out with the hubby, etc...
Here's what I came up with. If I get at least 70% on the final, I'll end up with a high B. If I can pull off at least 80%, then I'll have a good chance at an A. But that depends on what I scored on my online ATI tests yesterday and we won't get those scores until tomorrow. But once I graduate and have my license, my GPA won't matter (unless I decide to go BACK to school later to get my BSN or MSN). So, needless to say, I used all that valuable time figuring scores and blogging about it when I could have just been studying. But who wants to do that?
Oh my goodness, I just did some more math and figured out that I could make a 50% on the final and still pass the class this semester...with a B!!!!
REALLY makes it hard to start studying...but I will. I don't want to fail or make a C or anything. I WANT to make an A and would be happy with a B on the final. Blah, blah, blah...but this is my blog, right? That's what its for...for me to blah, blah and you to read it (or not.)

On the next post I'll let you know what I decided to spend my Wednesday doing (oh, and Lon is home today...that may have a LOT to do with my decisions...) :D

A promise...

I was just playing around, making some holiday candies using Dove Caramel Promises. Some of the promises inside were worth repeating. Here are my eight favorites in Top Ten list-style:
8. Keep your promises to yourself and others.
7. Don't covet; compliment and aspire.
6. The key to happiness is enthusiasm!
5. Take chances and risks-they are worth it!
4. Drink champagne, wear a tiara, use the good china.
3. Dream in real time.
2. Smile-you ARE amazing!
And my #1 favorite promise found in today's bag is......
1. Well-behaved women rarely make history.

(Can you believe it, three posts in one day?!?!?!?)

What was the 'candy' you ask? Super easy and very popular. I've heard them called different names, but I know them as:
Thumbprints
Tiny Twist pretzels
Dove Caramel Promises (or Rolos, Caramel Kisses, Caramel Treasures, etc.)
Pecan halves

Preheat oven to 200 F. Place parchment paper on cookie sheet. Arrange pretzel twists on paper. Top pretzels with caramel candy (one each). Place in the oven for 3-4 minutes until chocolate starts to get shiny/barely melty. Be sure to watch since if they get to hot, they'll run everywhere. Remove from oven. Press pecan half into top of each candy. Cool. Enjoy!

Test 5

Made an A!!!! Yippee! One week left and then Christmas Break!!! :D I'm on my way...

Hey, where did everybody go???

There are a few blogs I 'stalk' regularly. Friends of mine from across the country or people who are living lives I find fascinating. I love to pop in on their blogs, check out new pics or posts and basically just live vicariously through them. However...when they don't update their blogs how can I vicariously live????
:)
I kid, you guys. I know you all have lives outside of Blogland (why else would I stalk your blogs?) and I know the holidays are upon us, but really...what do you expect me to do? Play on FB? I think not. So, and you know who you are, my challenge to you is to post something...anything before the end of my 3rd semester (which is next Monday!!!) Please...I miss my voyeuristic fun. :P

Christmas Favor

I have a little holiday request...everyone thinks of 'spring' cleaning, but what about 'winter' cleaning? If you go through your closets and find sweaters, clothes, jackets, blankets, shoes, etc. that you haven't used/worn in a while, maybe think of donating those to your local community kitchen. During our Psych rotation we visited the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. They are providing an amazing service to those in need. Not only do they supply nourishing meals during the day, but they have a foot care clinic, showers and lockers (for stashing your belongings so you can go on a job interview), resume, computer and skill classes, fun things for kids to do, etc. So maybe while you're fishing out all of those Christmas decorations, if you come across some things someone else might be able to use, toss them in a box/bag and deliver them to your local community kitchen/shelter.
Don't forget about leisure time, too...if you have books, magazines, games, cards, whatever collecting dust, they can use those too! Our local kitchen provides Christmas/Santa to the children who are without and also stockings to the adults (new socks, underwear, toiletries, t-shirts, etc.) Just an idea...feels good to clean out closets, too! Helps you, helps them. It's a win-win!

Holiday Checklist

Test 4: Done (worst grade yet! But passing...) Okay day...on to Test 5.
Turkey Day: Done (worked 6-3 and the house smelled great when I got home!) Good day.
Black Friday: Done (worked 9-9 and if I hadn't, would have been home studying. You shoppers are crazy!) Really good day. :D
Today...
Update Blog: working on it
Clean out closets for donations: Done
Study my butt off: Next on the list!

I'm not an SEC fan, but most of my patients had the Iron Bowl on yesterday and...what a game! Way to go Auburn! Just squeaked by, but a win's a win. Wish we were going to be able to watch Michigan play in a bowl game this year, but it may be a while before that happens again... :( Still love my Wolverines, though! I'm not giving up on you boys!!!

Only 16 days and a wake up til the final!!! I think I may actually have time over the holiday break to get back to some crafts. Hemp jewelry, painting, tie-dye...I want to do it all! Oh yeah, and work on the massive study guides we're going to get for next semester. I'll do that too...
Happy Saturday!

20 days and a wake up!

Bear with me...don't know how much I'll be updating in the next three weeks. I have Test #4 tomorrow at 0730, Test #5 on Mon, Dec 6th and the comprehensive final on Mon, Dec 13th. I also have three online tests to do in between. Add that to working three days this holiday weekend (plus my regular days) and I'm not going to have a lot of time outside of studying for much else. I did my studying for tomorrow's test and have put those notes away. Wish me luck...
Lon's decided to spend his Thanksgiving day making dinner for us (I get home at 1530). Have I mentioned...I have the best husband EVER! :)
Guess that's it for now...better start thinking about sleepy time. If I don't update before then...Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
I'm so thankful for my best bud/husband, my friends, my family, a job, a roof over our heads, cars that run, food on the table, and a smile on my face. :D

What is wrong with me?

I opened my FB account back up last night. What was I thinking????
Hopefully this time around will be a much more positive experience. Wish me luck...

Over 100!!!

Is that some sort of big deal? I just noticed my silly, little blog has hit the big 10-0...look what you've done, Christine. You guilted me into starting a blog and now it's been over two years!!! Guess I must like this chatting into cyberspace bit. ;-)

(actually my Stud post is 100 and this is 101...I apparently have so much to say!)

Tell me about it, Stud...

Any Grease fans out there? Why am I asking that silly question... Who ISN'T a Grease fan? Hello....

Anyway, I just popped on to ask a few questions. Have you ever danced so hard you were sore? Laughed so much you couldn't catch your breath? Acted super silly just because it was super fun? Remembered what it was like to just 'play' like when you were 7? I am fortunate enough to say, 'Why, yes...as a matter of fact I have and it was just last weekend.' Girls Night Out will never be the same...
(To protect the innocent, there will be NO pictures to post.)
:-P

Fall! Glorious Fall!

On our 6th wedding anniversay (10/23), Lon and I had a wonderful day getting back out into our cute, little town. It's been a while! Breakfast at the Bluegrass Grill (highly recommend it!), fantasized about our future home on wheels at Camping World for a few hours, lunch at Blacksmith's Bistro and Grill, tastings at a local brewery (Moccasin Bend Brewing Co.), photo session through the pretty cemetery across the street (Forest Hills) and we finished the day with some delish cupcakes from Chattanooga Cupcakes (best we've had so far!) Such a fun day...but the only pics we took were of the pretty fall foliage in the cemetery! Here's a few shots...

It's out of control!!!

Thought I'd try something new with this ridiculous amount of hair on my head...since I've vowed not to cut it until after I graduate, I have to come up with some new ways to fix it. So I was playing with braids in the bathroom and Lon caught me. I used to think I wanted it to reach my bra strap, then I'd be good. Well, it's past that now. And I've got six more months til graduation (actually, it's 177 days from today, but who's counting?) Check it out...yes, I just posted pics of me with no makeup and my cool little peace sign towel is crooked...oh well. That's what spontaneous is about, right? You can't really tell, but the last pic is finished. Two tiny little braids from each side of my head holding my hair back...I need some flowers, little daisies would be perfect. :) Anyway, I loved the little hippie look to it. Groovy, baby....

5 weeks and counting...

Test 3 is done. Two more tests and a final in the next five weeks...
The light may be faint, but it's there!!! I can just barely make it out...

Really should be studying...

Totally got distracted checking the blogs I stalk regularly...So, do you wanna smile? Wanna feel good? No, not good...fantastic? Check out Sara Janssen's 6-month Hoopiversary video. She is awesome, loves life and appears to be having an amazing time hooping. Yet one more thing on my to-do list. Besides, I'm in love with her dreads and am seriously looking into getting them myself. Beautiful. Enjoy the video!!! (Let it load fully before trying to view...the music she chose makes you feel happy, too!)

Happy Halloween!!!!

It's sunny, 62 degrees, beautiful blue sky...and I'm studying and Lon is working. Being a grown-up sucks some days. I'd much rather be out enjoying the day with Lon, NOT worrying about Test #3 in a week. And I know he'd rather not be inside with no windows working on a computer. Only 187 days til pinning...then no more school...for a while, at least. Hopefully unscrewing our porch light alleviates any would-be trick-or-treaters and we can enjoy our evening. :)
That's it for now...have to get back to cardiac drugs, dysrhythmias and coronary artery disease. I really am fascinated by this stuff...I just don't want to do it right this minute.

October Update

What am I doing on this sunny, cool October morning, you ask? Well, right now I'm enjoying some tasty hazelnut/french vanilla coffee and updating my blog. This morning I got up and fixed open face egg sandwiches with spinach, tomato and avocado and a side of turkey bacon...YUM-MY! Lon left for a day of editing commercial shoots and I have a day of yoga, studying and whatever-else-comes-up ahead of me. It's 62 and gorgeous right now...our high might reach 80 today. Have I mentioned how much I love, love, LOVE fall??? Now I have. :)

Test 2 is down and boy, was it a doozie! It was all GI (gastrointestinal) and you wouldn't believe how much crap (ha, ha) goes on between the blow hole and the poop shoot! I passed, but with my lowest score yet...an 80. I'm making myself be happy with it, too...not everyone passed and it has the notoriety of being one of the more difficult exams. We'll see...still have two cardiac tests and one on endocrine/DM/trach care before the comprehensive final. BUT there is light at the end of this long, dark tunnel...the FINAL final (last test at Chatt State) is now LESS than 6 short months away!!! Woo Hoo!!!! That means the NCLEX should be in about 8 months (we have to wait for them to get our transcripts and contact us with approval to test, THEN we can schedule to take the exam.) Whew! I can not even describe to you how sick of studying I am. I am trying my hardest to keep my eyes on the prize. It is worth it, I know. This is the first step towards our big dream and I'm so excited to be so close to having one thing done and being that much closer.

Yesterday we received our first copy of betterRving.com magazine in the mail. It's a free publication from one of the larger RV supercenters (sales, repair, camping, classes, etc.) located in Tampa, FL. Eyes on the prize, right? We have visions of new territories to explore, good friends to visit, freedom, road trips, bike rides down forest paths, through 'tree tunnels', alongside brooks, streams and lakes, playing cards underneath a blanket of stars, trying new foods and new activities, meeting new people, learning a ton and enjoying every minute and what it has to offer. Ready to join us yet? I know this lifestyle isn't for everyone, but it sure does seem custom made for the two of us. So all of you out there...be prepared. We might just show up to say Hi, but don't worry...we'll bring our own bedroom. :)

Welcome Lil' Jack!

Jackson Crash Cardenas joined the rest of the Cardenas clan on Monday, October 11th @ 1156 am PST. He weighed in at 7lbs 13 oz and is 20.25" long. Mommy and baby are doing great and he is ADORABLE! Not sure what he thinks about the camera in his face, but he'll get used to it...he IS Christine's son! :)
Congratulations to Tony, Christine and big brother, Greyson!

The newest Harley has arrived!

Isn't she sweet? (Even if she is wearing the 'wrong' colors. :P ) Ava Reese Harley arrived yesterday afternoon around 1330 weighing in at 7 lbs 1 oz and is 20.5" long. Both mommy and baby are doing great! Here's a pic of the fam...Charlotte, Ava, Jason and Addison (who I hear was more interested in opening Ava's gifts and eating cupcakes than checking out her new sister....3 year olds, what are you gonna do with 'em?)
Congrats, you guys!
Next in line...Jackson Crash Cardenas...come on down! I know your mommy is VERY ready to meet you. :)

The Race...The Race...The Race is on Fi-ah

It's over and done with. We had our Race for the Cure, got pictures made (complete with hot pink feather boas), got a bunch of cool freebies and enjoyed the 5K walk around historic Fort Wood.

Today is our FIRST official day of Fall!!! Hallelujah! Our high today was around 75 and next week our hottest day is supposed to be around 81. Can you say 'Happy?' I can....cause that's what I am!

Next week is my last at The Bend...I've really enjoyed it, but I'm sure Med-Surg will be interesting too...
Here's a little pic of me, Jen and Elke with our fabulous face paintings from the Race. Yes, I did tie-dye my shirt. What else would you expect???

Yep. I did it. Woo Hoo! :) First test down...four more to go and a final. Eight short months til the NCLEX!!!!

Still at Moccasin Bend Mental Hospital and still enjoying the experience. My coloring books and crayons were a hit last week, but my client said he couldn't see well...so tomorrow I'm taking Play Doh! I can't wait...it's been years since I've played with the stuff.

Did you know patient care can be fun, too??? :D

The Race for the Cure is this Sunday and our team consists of 41 members! Great turnout...Elke (the other co-captain) and I will be wearing quite fashionable tie-dye t's for the walk. Lon liked my Hippies for Nippies idea, but I knew that team name wouldn't fly for the college. ha, ha, ha!

Babies, babies, everywhere! My little brother's second baby (another girl) is due in a few weeks; Christine (my good friend from our Navy days) has her second baby (another boy) due at the same time! And I just found out a few weeks ago, someone else I know is preggers...they're everywhere! :) Congrats to all you guys!!!

Time for some well deserved R&C time on the ole' PS3. Catch ya on the flip side...

What time is it???

Too damn early. Especially since I've already made my lunch, got the coffee ready and have my oatmeal cooking....ughh...Oh yeah, and I got off work at 9 pm last night.
Yes...in my honest opinion it's too damn early for me to be awake. But alas...life goes on.

LOVING Psych! So interesting, the patients (clients) are fascinating and I'm learning a ton. Hopefully it's all sinking in pretty good because my first test is on Monday (all Psych, including the drugs). And if you haven't guessed by my bright and early rising today...I work from 6-3. So it'll be a busy weekend with a bunch of review.
If I can manage a little break for some fun, there is a cool band playing (for free) on the river front. I've never seen Blueground Undergrass Reunion in person, but they sound like a blast! They've played with Phish and Widespread Panic (who I'd love to see!) We could use a little no-charge fun. :)

Have a great weekend! Here's to hoping for cooler weather soon (oh yeah...summer came back.)

Race for the Cure!

Well...yesterday (the first day of class) I showed some interest in the upcoming Komen Race for the Cure and my instructor asked me to send an email to see if anyone wanted to do the walk, earning some required volunteer hours. You can't ask people to join a team that isn't there and you can't register a team without being a team captain, soooooo....I just went for it. I'm now the Team Captain for Chatt State RN Program's Race for the Cure team! I did that around 1400 yesterday...I already have 11 team members signed up! How cool is that?!? Our class has 133, so I expect there to be more over the next few days. Now I've got ideas of buying bulk white bandanas to tie-dye shades of pink for my team members. Wonder how cheap I can find those....
Oh...and I am starting the semester off with Psych. I'll be at Moccasin Bend State Mental Hospital for the next four Tuesdays. Should be VERY interesting!!!

Summer is officially over...

...as far as I'm concerned and I couldn't be happier. Well, I guess I could, but who couldn't once in a while. BUT...we've actually been able to turn the AC off and open the windows and doors! FINALLY! We did have to turn the air back on for a bit tonight, but at least the mornings are cooling off nicely. School starts Monday and I'm ready...very ready to get this ball rolling and done with. Nine months til the NCLEX! (RN Licensing Exam)
Lon is currently working on an exciting project and I'll let you know when it's a go. Good stuff, good stuff....And Paul is coming next weekend for a visit! Yippee!!! I love my little brothers and can't wait for Railer to come hang out with us! Hopefully we'll be able to head his way and check out NY before too long. I've never been to the NE (or the NW) and would love to see both.
Guess that's it for now. Just so happy the 100-degree weather has broken I don't know what else to say. Happy Friday!

Got the itch again!

No, not that kind of itch!!!! The open-road-itch. We've been doing a little too much 'research' on RV's, travel, RV parks, cities on our radar, (cooler) weather elsewhere, etc. Too much heat and humidity here. Butterflies about starting school after a 4-month break. The 'Bible Belt' has run its course with us...

Don't worry...we're not moving again...yet. Still have one more year in school (and on the lease). Then a year or two of working for experience. But after that...we're mobile! We still adore our cute little town of Chattanooga. And once the weather cools off a bit and we're able to enjoy the out-of-doors again, the 'itch' will settle down. But cabin fever, record high temps with no current end in sight, and stress about working less and studying more...well, they can get a girl ready to start fresh.

Enough of that...time to get ready for work. Oh! I did do something this weekend very unlike me...I finished a school project early! It's due sometime mid to late semester and I finished it yesterday...woo hoo! One less stress.
Happy Monday!

Flexibility is key

They tell us that in nursing school. Be flexible. Both figuratively and literally. Healthcare workers are the #1 group at risk for back injuries. And in the medical field, things are ALWAYS changing. Just like in 'real life.'

Pretty good chance (like definitely) we will not be attending The 16th Annual Southern Brewer's Fest this year...awwww, too bad. But there's something even better happening the next weekend!!!! My Lil' Bweeze (Lon's younger brother) Paul is coming to visit us!!! Woo Hoo! :) We can't wait to see him!

Less than four weeks til the first day of class...and when I find out the dates of my Psych rotation. Looking forward to it and nervous about it. Should be interesting and educational!

Time to get ready for work...again. Happy Tuesday!

TARDIS

Time and Relative Dimension(s) in Space.
Okay, it's official...I'm a Doctor Who fan now. Netflix rocks! We've finished Season 1 and are on to Season 2. The TARDIS is that crazy 'blue box' The Doctor travels around in...it's brilliant! :) Never knew I'd be crazy about British TV (have never been a huge fan of the comedies, except the Monty Python movies). They've got me hooked now.
***News Flash*** Lon just showed me where a Doctor Who movie might be in the works. Fun...I love fun! :) (Have you figured that out yet???)

Less than 6 weeks til school starts back up...time for reviewing is dwindling quickly. 10 months to RN!!!

Still hot, humid, and gross....summer is my LEAST favorite. Have I mentioned that before??? It's not even noon yet and it's already 92. Uggghhh....However, we do have some potential fun to look forward to...The 16th Annual Southern Brewer's Festival will be held down at Ross' Landing on the TN River August 28th. We missed it last year due to work, but are planning to check it out this year. It's my last weekend before school starts that Monday, so at least I'll have Sunday to recover! Big Head Todd and the Monsters are playing as the headliners at 9p. Gonna be fun!!!
Once it cools off a bit, we'll have the Three Sisters Bluegrass Festival in early October and that's FREE! It's also held at the same spot on the river. This town has so much to offer and much of it is low-cost or free to attend...if you haven't visited yet, you really should think about checking it out!
Okay...time to change my little quote above...found a great one from Dr. Seuss...Happy Saturday!

Monday update

Busy week, working M, T, W & F...not much to report. Hot and humid, like much of the country right now (our absolute LEAST favorite time of the year!). Love the fall (our fave) and looking forward to cooler temps in about 2-3 months. I think we can make it...
Guess that's about it...work, study, try to stay cool, and have fun when we can. :)

New Fave Show

Torchwood. If you are a sci-fi junkie (like me), love Star Trek: TNG (oh, sorry...The Next Generation), X-Files, Eureka, etc...you just might fall for Captain Jack Harkness and the rest of the Torchwood gang. A spin-off from the super hokey 'Dr. Who' series (I haven't seen the new Dr. Who...only remember the old ones), Torchwood is just hokey enough and only at times. It's from BBC America, so be forewarned about some thick accents (except for Capt. Jack who is American, apparently). Aliens, time rifts, sex, humor and a cool, underground compound. What more could you ask for? We found it on Netflix. Just finished Season 1 (from 2006) and are working on Season 2 now. Check it out...let me know what you think! :)

Here are my latest tie-dye creations. Finally did a peace sign and we think it came out great! Of course, I don't have to make it as big as the shirt (doh!). I also did some onesies for the multiple pregos out there. :) Gotta keep the chilled out, laid back, hippie-thing going through future generations, right? People these days are too tense and I think many have forgotten how to relax and enjoy the ride.

The back of the peace sign shirt is a mix of the purple & blue...should have taken a pic of that side too. Anyway, it's now one of Lon's favorites. Yea!
Another benefit of the tie-dye onesies, besides having the best dressed baby on the block, spit up, food and other typical baby-mishaps won't show up as well! Always thinking...til next time. (I do apologize for the blurry onesie pic. I've never claimed to be a photographer!)

Summer colds suck!

Yep...I've been fighting one head on for almost a week now. Hate these things. Stuffy head. Mouth-breathing at night = waking up with a sore throat and gross, fuzzy mouth. Disgusting. Need to buy some more generic Nyquil. The Dayquil version is the only thing that got me through one of the craziest days I've had at work yet (yesterday). NEVER a dull moment. Guess that's a good thing. Keeps me on my toes.

Learned something new yesterday (as usual). Ever heard of dementia? Sure you have. Ever heard of Lewy Body Dementia? Neither had I. Here's a great link with all kinds of info. Scary stuff (the brain changing/dying on you), but always good info to know. Will be working with the Alzheimer's Association this summer for a school project. Should be eye-opening...I know it will be heart-wrenching. If you know someone who is dealing with this debilitating disease, here is another link you might appreciate.

Never stop learning. That's my goal. Right now I'm learning the basics of nursing. Once I graduate, I'll learn how to be a good nurse. Then, as I'm honing that skill (for the rest of my career), we'll start traveling and I'll learn how to live in, hook up, tear down and care for an RV. I'll learn how to hoop dance. Learn things I've never thought of from people I haven't yet met. Learn how to live in a home where the entire country/continent is my backyard. Maybe I'll learn the location we want to call home, maybe that will continue to change. Guess I'll find out. I'll learn how other people live, work and play. I'll learn more about myself. And being the perpetual tourists we are, we'll learn about our country, its states, towns, people, historical places, natural wonders, our neighbors (CA/MX) and whatever else comes down the pike.

Great quote from Happy Janssens

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ::: Mark Twain

That old Mark Twain...he's was a pretty smart guy. :)

FB: Out...

I did it. Deleted all my personal info, left only a few pics of other people and deactivated my account. Of course, I can reactivate at any time...so, unfortunately I'm not completely gone from their memory banks. Not that I thought I could be, but didn't like hearing they would 'restore' all of my pages/applications upon reactivation. Just delete me, okay!
Oh well...Happy Saturday to all!
:)

New Sites

As you can see I have been posting some new Fave Sites. The Gladheims is my good friend Jenny's blog (from back in my Navy days.) It's a private blog about her family, but believe me, her kids are adorable! Thanks for the invite, Jen!!! :)

Happy Janssens and The Happy Hoop are two new links Lon found for me. This energetic and adventurous family has been on the road full time for several years now and they are doing some super cool stuff. Sara (mom/wife/blogger) is also into hooping, which I had never heard of. It looks like fun and if you visit YouTube.com, you can see some mesmerizing videos...imagine hula hoop meets yoga meets funky music meets VERY limber and talented people. Thought of another good friend, Jennifer Prince, when I saw this! :) Got my hoop out as soon as I saw the site...now, if I can just keep from damaging anything...

The NuRVers is a group of 'younger' (meaning: not of retirement age) full time RVers making their living on the road or just taking a break from the rat race for a bit. Their rallies sound like a blast!

So good to hear that so many people are seeing this as a viable option for a lifestyle. Can't wait to try it out ourselves...Must be patient...three years can go by really fast, but it seems like a long time when you're at the beginning.

Goodbye Facebook!

Well, my rollercoaster relationship with the infamous Facebook is coming to an end. It's been fun at times, got back in touch with some 'blasts from the past,' wasted WAY too many hours on a myriad of mindless, but enjoyable games, and learned how many people are out there that I have absolutely NOTHING in common with (other than a school or a bloodline). Needless to say, FB has run its course with me. All done. I'll be deleting that account this weekend. After that I should have more time to blog. Which I really enjoy...especially with a glass of wine or a pint of IPA in hand. Oh yeah, and I'll have more time for studying, too...guess I should be working on that now. Need to review the last year in anticipation for a crazy 3rd semester.

The summer so far...let's see...Mary (my MIL) came to visit us for a little over a week. It was a whirlwind vaca for all of us, but so much fun! We introduced her to our fave places around Chattanooga, played some super fun Buzz Quiz (PS3) and card games (Oh Shit is still the best!), had some good food and tasty adult beverages (of course). Oh! And we introduced her to our all-time favorite live entertainer, Eddie Pontiac! She was instantly smitten...and didn't want to leave El Meson. She and I sang and swayed to every song. (Lon just watched and laughed at us.) She had so much fun we went back the next weekend so she could enjoy his music and antics one more time before she left. Love her! Can't wait til her next visit (hint, hint Mary...October is great down here...)

Been working quite a bit since she left for MI. Time to start organizing last year's notes and start prepping for next year. If all goes as it should, this time next year I'll be a practicing, licensed RN. Crazy, huh? Then only two years til we can start traveling. We have been doing a bunch of research on travel nursing and full time RV living. We're having a hard time finding blogs or forums with truly negative feedback about either of these. Sounds absolutely PERFECT for us! So...that's our three-year plan. For now. Life is funny and has a way of changing plans for you...we'll see. Either way, hopefully in three years I'll be blogging from the open road and a new locale every few months.

Guess that's it for now...plan to update at least a few times a month, but you know what happens to plans...
'So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.' - WW

Four days and a wake up...

...and then I'll take my final! Been a great 1st year. Difficult at times, but always very interesting. On my surgery observation day I was able to observe a bilateral total knee replacement. Bone flying, tissue burning (cauterization), hammers, saws, drills...LOVED IT! Then I saw a ureter stent placement for a patient with a HUGE kidney stone in her ureter. Took like 5 minutes total...amazing. Really enjoyed surgery...just another route I may want to travel as an RN.
My super sweet mother-in-law, Mary, is coming to visit us next Friday and she's staying for 10 days! We can't wait!!! Last time we saw her was bittersweet (good to see her, but heartbreaking reason), but this time is all for fun. We are so looking forward to showing her our city and enjoying her company. And I'll be out of school so we can play every day! I do have to work one day while she's here, but I'm sure she and Lon will enjoy some mother-son time without me. :)
Liberty Shiraz has been opened! And it is tasty...mmmmmmm. It's a very light Shiraz with a little buttery taste and a slight dryness, but a clean finish. It's not the berry-heavy, big mouth feel we're used to with our favorite Australian Shiraz styles, but it's great for spring/summer. We didn't plan it that way, but we're glad it's not heavier. Perfect for a picnic...slightly chilled served with cheeses, crusty bread, olives and some fresh fruit. My mouth is watering already. Maybe we'll have to do that while Mary's here...Once we (finally) get the labels made and on the bottles, I'll post some pics.
Can't believe it's already almost May. Lon told me nursing school would fly by and it sort of is...I've heard horror stories about 3rd semester, so I'll be glad when I've completed and passed it in December. 1/5 of the previous class failed 3rd semester...so it's no picnic apparently. I'll enjoy my time away this summer, but will have to be vigilant in keeping up my skills/meds/studying prior to the fall. Just think...in only one short year I'll be graduating, getting ready to take the NCLEX and get my RN license. Wow. Exciting and intimidating...but I'm loving my classes and clinicals so I think I may have finally found my calling. It only took me 35 years. :)
Til next time, as my good friend Willy has said many times, 'If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it.'

It's my BIRTHDAY WEEK!

Lon introduced me to the 'Birthday Week' concept many years ago and I still think it's a great idea. You have a whole week to do a lot of fun stuff, a little fun stuff or fun stuff here and there. That way, if you have to work on your birthday or it rains or plans change, you have 6 more days to make up for it! We kicked off my birthday week last Thursday. I picked last Thursday because we have plans to finish it off this Thursday (even though my 'real' birthday is Wednesday). Technically, that's a week and one day, but well...I think I deserve it. I also work every Friday, so I couldn't start last Friday to finish this Thursday, well, you get the idea. After I got home from class Lon took me to one of our fave places downtown, The Mushroom (most of you probably know it as Mellow Mushroom, but we nickname most places we like). Split a yummy toasted hoagie, drank some seriously tasty beer and did our weekly crossword puzzle. (We're going to make a great retired couple, don't you think?) For some reason, we thought it would then be a good idea to head over to a not-so-great Mexican place only because they have a rooftop bar that overlooks the TN River. Of course, if you only order margaritas and queso, they can't screw it up too bad. They really should have people of some type of Hispanic heritage working there...they'd do much better! Just ask El Meson (THE best Mexican restaurant in Chatt!) Anyway, got a table on the rooftop, ordered a pitcher and basked in the sun. Fantastic start to a great week!
For Easter we had a super yummy breakfast (at home) and then went hiking on Moccasin Bend. Got a little muddy, but it was fun to explore a new trail. Afterwards, we went 'house hunting' (really just fantasizing). Watched 'Where the Wild Things Are'. Kind of disappointing. Cute enough, but not one we'll want to watch again. Been let down by several of our Netflix choices lately. The Hangover, Couples Retreat, Four Christmases...all let downs. They weren't bad enough to turn off, just none that we wholeheartedly recommend. Tonight we have Juno. We'll see...
The big finale for my birthday is....drum roll, please...another movie! But not just any movie, a Tim Burton movie...with Johnny Depp. Two of my faves! Yep, we're risking everything and venturing out to the theater (please wish us luck!) We have a new theater downtown (first LEED certified in the country...something to do with being 'green'). It has a VIP theater (with adult bevvies, real food and electric recliners) that comes with a VIP price tag. We will NOT be going to that theater (even though I think it would be cool...the tickets alone are $15-20!) Instead we're going to a matinee (hoping most people have already seen it) on a Thursday (hoping most people are at work/school) to HOPEFULLY enjoy the 3D Alice in Wonderland experience without cell phones, people talking and kicking the backs of our seats. I'll let you know how that goes.
Right now, the windows and doors are open, a nice cool breeze is blowing in, the sun is shining and it's getting up to a record-breaking 90 degrees today! Don't know where this summer weather gets off showing it's sweaty head in April, but we'll have our 60's back by this weekend. Silly summer...just can't wait for June. But it must, it really must. I NEED my Spring! And to think last year it SNOWED on my birthday! I remember...we were at The Dog (Hair of the Dog Pub, that is). This officially starts our 3rd year in Chattanooga...and we still love it! I don't know that Lon and I have lived anywhere (together) for more than two! Crazy...
Guess that's enough for today...hope it's beautiful where you are. :)

St. Patty's Day = Spring!

I love, love, LOVE Spring! It's peeking around the corner and teasing me right now, but I know it's coming. It'll be sunny and in the low 60's this weekend. Woo Hoo! Just an update as to what's been going on in my world...Exam 2 down. Two more and the final then 3 months off of school, but full time work. Made an A...yippee!

Currently doing my Pediatrics rotation in clinicals. I've worked with a 3-yr old and a 17-yr old. I was really hesitant because I had no idea how working with kids would be, but you know what? They are just patients with different problems and developmental levels. Just like there are differences in working with an 80-yr old client and a 20-yr old client. I am enjoying it...now there's another area I can consider. Good grief, I have no clue as to what discipline I'm going to want to focus on. Guess it's pretty cool that in Nursing you have tons of options! I can try something for a while, then try something else. And the travel option is available for most of those options, too.

My 2010 goal of dropping 50 lbs is going, but slowly. I'm on track, but would have liked to be ahead of the game by now. But now that Lon has exposed me to the world of tasty beers, that's going to be even harder! When I say tasty, I mean having taste. Not that yellow, fizzy, mass-produced stuff that the three mega companies put out. No, I mean REAL taste. Like when you pair a wine with a certain food to bring out nuances in each...did you know you can do that with good beer? It's not just for pizza and wings anymore. I'm currently really enjoying the more bitter beers (IPA's, Double IPA's, bold ales). The stouts and browns are good too, but they are a little too smooth and creamy for my current palate. Much better in the cold weather, like a hearty bowl of hot soup. I'm ready for spring and fresh flavors bursting in my mouth! Of course, the tastier the beer the more calories it tends to have. Oh well...we do what we must. Life is short and should be enjoyed and savored. I'll get the weight off, it just may take the full year. :)

Next week is my Spring Break...and I need it. I'll still have some school work to do and I work a few days, but the mental break will be so nice. Especially if the weather continues to warm up! That will do LOADS for my brain.
Guess that's enough for now. Back to my homework...
Until next time...try something new and different. I think keeping an open mind keeps you young!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm back...let's see what's been going on. Well, gave the 'crafty' gifts and they were well received. Yea! Pics to follow. Took my first exam...made an A! Woo Hoo...great start to my 2nd semester. It's been very chilly (it IS winter!) so we haven't been out playing in the city as much as we would like, but I heard a rumor that spring is on the way...
Found a new addiction in FB's Cafe World. Farm Town ran its course with me...we'll see how long this one lasts. Also, we've started playing Little Big Planet. One of the most unique games I've ever seen...quite surreal at times. Enjoying it, but missing my R&C tons! Maybe Crack in Time will arrive in time for our birthdays...
We haven't labeled Liberty yet so the pics are of naked bottles (don't worry, they aren't modest). I tie-dyed a couple of tiny little shirts for Addison's 3rd birthday and then did two shirts and a scarf for me. My first attempt (since like Girl Scouts or something)...really enjoyed it and plan to do more. Found instructions online how to tie-dye a peace sign...that WILL be my next project. Too cool.
Used ceramic stucco mixed with paint to create a silly/fun birthday gift for Jan. She used it to make a painting for us for Christmas. Neat stuff...will definitely continue to use it. Need to do another in my Magic Mushroom series. That could work very well. Here are the pics...enjoy! And until next time, if you want someone to know something you have to TELL them. :)