Trying to dig out...

(Friends from class at The Terminal right after our FINAL final! Tara, me, Mary, & Alissa)

That's what I feel like. I'm trying to dig out from under this pile of "must do's and need to's" I've placed on myself. Why do I do that? Why do we do that to ourselves? I need to do more questions to prep for NCLEX. I need to walk/hoop/do yoga/lose weight/start juicing/minimize. I need to appreciate more/love more/do more/be more. I need to BLOG more. I need to revamp my closet/clean the bathroom/organize everything/declutter the office (that I won't need very soon!!!). I need to get in touch with friends more/see my family more/put myself out there more. Why? Why do I need to do all this? Lon loves me just the way I am. We laugh every single day (quite a bit, actually!) Why, when things really are fine, do I put these pressures on myself that I'm not doing enough? Guess I am my own worst enemy...

Had dinner with a couple of good friends from school last night and their hubbies. We had a great time! One of them has already taken and passed the NCLEX (nice job, Mary!) and the other takes hers right before I do. I'm on track to have done over 6,000 questions in preparation for boards. That's the number I remember them giving us our 1st semester of nursing school. If you add in all the exams I took during school, I'm already well past that. Anyway, I found out yesterday that people from my class are passing boards and did as little as 180 practice questions. WHAT!!! 180??? I'm already over 4,500 with a schedule to do 200/day for the next week and a half. Why am I doing all this again? Can I stop now? No. My brain won't let me. I've had that stupid 6,000 in my head for two years now...how could I possibly stop with all this time left? However, I think if I slow down a bit, take some more time for me (yoga, walk, thrift store shopping???) and maybe hit 150 or so questions/day, I'll still be okay.

I can not wait for boards to be over and done with. When my 'off' days can be all-about-me days. When I have a few days off in a row, we can actually take a little road trip...see the fam or friends. Maybe, finally, go someplace new...like Savannah (are you reading this, Jenn???) We have been in lovely Chattanooga for way too long...we are itching to get moving and see new places, people and things. Three years...we have already been here over three years. Our longest stop yet. And, because I need some real nursing experience before we start our truly nomadic lifestyle (CAN'T WAIT!!!), we'll be here for at least another two. Good God! Five years in one spot...are you kidding me? Don't get me wrong. Chattanooga is a beautiful town. Lots of cool stuff to see and do...but we have seen and done most of it. Time for *new*. We LOVE *new*. Of course, we also do not enjoy summer. HATE this awful heat and humidity. So to move on to a much more temperate climate is something we look forward to as well. Chattanooga is quite pleasant in Spring and Fall...and Winter is almost bearable, but Summer...not a fan. When you start to sweat just by walking out your front door...how is that fun? Love being close to my family, but looking forward to saying 'See ya!' to the SE. At least for a bit. Ready to experience everything else this gorgeous country has to offer (yes, I realize I still have two years, but I'm ready!)

However...I do have wonderful things to say about work. I love working with my patients! And my coworkers are great too. :D Wow...did I ever think I'd say such a thing? No...but so glad I can. Part of me wishes I had realized how much I'd enjoy this when I was still in the Navy...let them put me through school and pay me to be an officer. No student loans to pay back. More money. But I don't regret a single moment since I left the military...how could I? I've enjoyed the last 11 years immensely and I got to marry my best friend...and I wouldn't change that for anything! Now look how much fun we're going to have! And I still have friends from the Navy that we can visit (and we'll even bring our own bedroom!) In fact, together we have friends/family that span the entire country...what a fun bonus to traveling and exploring...getting to visit and hang with good friends along the way.

Hopefully, this long, rambling post has made up a little for the lack of posting the last few months. The NCLEX is almost here and then the studying will be behind me. Life will be working, hooping, blogging, reading, road tripping, and moving forward towards that next chapter...how fun!

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

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

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

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...

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.

Somebody loves me!

Or at least my blog...thank you, Christine (from the award-winning blog at Type A Chronicles), for giving my silly little blog the 'When Life Hands You Lemons' award. I will treasure it dearly!
The rules for this award are simple:
Thank the giver of the award and link their blog.
List 5 things about yourself.
Link 5 new recipients and notify them. So......here we go! 5 things about me........
1. I am addicted to PS3. There. I said it. I am deeply in love with Ratchet and Clank and Lon IS aware. (I think he might even be a little addicted himself...) Looking forward to R&C Future: A Crack in Time and Little Big Planet.
2. I love science fiction. I'm a huge nerd and I'm okay with that. I can't wait for Eureka (SyFy channel) to start back this summer.
3. I know Christine because we were in boot camp, Corps school and Field Medicine Service School together in the Navy. We trained with Marines, punished our livers, flirted shamelessly, and had an all-around blast in San Diego. We even got thrown out of a gay bar...don't know if I should be embarrassed or proud about that one! Love ya, girl! :)
4. I'm a bleeding heart. I cry at those Folgers commercials where the dude comes home from the military and makes coffee on Christmas morning. I cry at sad movies (yes, even the animated ones), sad TV shows and sometimes even sappy Internet news links. However, I think it's funny when an obnoxious child falls and starts crying. Weird, huh?
5. I'm in school to become a nurse, but I would love to build on what little artistic talent I have and paint, sculpt and photograph the world as I see it. Beautiful and rare...to be enjoyed and cherished. Lon thinks being a nurse will open up my artistic side even more...we'll see.

I hereby bestow the following fantastic blogs with the coveted 'When Life Hands You Lemons' Award...
The Artistic Traveler, for going to amazing places, soaking up all that she can and sharing those experiences with us. Thanks, Jennifer!
Jennifer Prince Gallery. Yes, this is for the same Jennifer, but her artwork is beautiful and real (and I'm secretly jealous of her talent!!!) Can't wait to come see the studio...
Hatched, for her honesty and fabulous writing. Tina makes me laugh and always has...she's a wonderful writer and a good friend. She makes the mundane and weird funny and entertaining. Always looking forward to what's next...
Type A Chronicles. Yes, I know she gave the award to me, but she deserves another one. Not only for her adorable private blog of her super handsome kid, G-man, but for persevering in the face of great personal difficulties. She is strong, loving, hilarious and a beautiful person.
*I don't follow many blogs, so I only have 4 awards to give out...oh well. I think my four are as good as five!

A sincere, heart-felt thank you goes out to my 3-4 dedicated followers. You guys are the best!

Our first review...

Well, the wine has been made, bottled and labeled...and now it has received it's first review.
"This wine is great!" --Josh O.
Thanks, Josh! We think its pretty tasty, too...I have attached a pic of our label (Great job, Lon!) and the here's the verbage on the back:
'We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.'

In our Late Harvest Riesling you will find notes of honey, apple and apricot dominate the aroma and taste, right through the long, rich finish. Displays much of the complexity of an Ice Wine, but with less sweetness.

Lon and Rachel Jordan created this late harvest Riesling with love for each other and their country. Their hope is for all Americans and citizens of the world to have the opportunity to experience freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Of course I played with the fonts, but blogger.com won't support them. Eventually maybe I'll get a pic of the actual bottle on here...Other than that, we recently attended The Three Sisters Bluegrass Festival at Ross' Landing on the TN River. This is an annual free concert right on the water held in early October. It was fantastic! The first Sunday of every month is the Hunter Museum of Art's free Sunday. We attended that as well, checking out the new exhibit from NYC and some live music on the plaza. Fall is definitely here and we are welcoming it with open arms (and open windows and doors!) Right now it is overcast and 61 degrees. We've been getting quite a bit of rain the last week or so, but the fall colors are just starting to peek through the green. Out of my window right now I see pinks, reds, pale oranges and some light yellows. And still a lot of green, too.

8th Grade Reunion

Yes, I said 8th grade...not high school. And what a good time it was! A group of about 25 of us were all in the same class from 5th-8th grade at William J. Christian Elementary School in Birmingham. After that we went to a variety of different high schools. Some of us kept in touch, a lot of us didn't. Thanks to the ever-popular Facebook, we decided to plan a reunion. Saturday, August 15th we got together at Black Market Bar in Birmingham. George, one of the FB-er's, owns it. There were yummy drinks, delish eats, horrible/funny/embarrassing/silly photos from way-back-when, old yearbooks and LOTS of catching up and reminiscing. It was a fantastic night! I care nothing about going to a high school reunion, but this I would do again and again...great time. So good to see everyone and couldn't believe they ALL look just the same as when we left 8AC 22 years ago (well...not the same, better hair and fashion choices last night than 8th grade)! Some people have 5 kids, some have none; some are married, some are looking; all were great to see. A few of us ventured over to George's other bar (Speakeasy) in downtown B'ham. More fun, more drinks, more picture taking. Felt like a regular youngster staying out til 3 am...haven't done that in a LONG time. Gonna sleep good tonight, but so glad I went. The pic at the beginning is our homage to Charlie's Angels...5th-8th grade the three of us (Jennifer, Christy and me) were pretty much inseparable! Here's some more pics from the evening's festivities...

Almost time

Well, Micro is over (I made an A!) and Nursing I starts in 3 short weeks. Still working full time hours at the hospital, but that will slow down a bit once classes start. I've bought all my books and supplies...guess I'm ready as I'll ever be! One really nice thing, though...looking through the syllabus for the 1st semester...the skill set: it's a lot of what I do now at work. Vital signs, ht/wt, I&O (input and output), pain scale, hand hygiene, EKG's, catheters...all good. The 'Remove fecal impaction digitally'...well, not really looking forward to that lab! But I guess taking care of patients means taking care of patients...whatever their needs, right? :) We've had a pretty quiet summer...work, school, work, school. Mary Beth got married last weekend...beautiful ceremony at Dad's house. Might be going to my 8th grade 'reunion' next weekend! ha, ha, ha...the lot of us were in 5th-8th grade together and now most of us are on Facebook. That should be entertaining.

Dreading the update...

For obvious reasons, I have been procrastinating updating the blog. Not a lot of good stuff to report. We did have a great time seeing Lon's parents, family and friends in MI and we got to see LOTS of snow! That and not having to go back to work have been highlights. Not getting a paycheck, having to file unemployment and having my GI Bill temporarily screwed up (NOT my fault) have been the crappy parts. But as Lon and I always seem to be saying (and it usually ends up very true) everything happens for a reason.
Today is particularly gray & rainy and it's going to get cold enough tonight to have a chance of snow tomorrow. That may be partly to blame for the 'pouty' blog. We did watch a really good movie last night, though...very uplifting and fun. Kung Fu Panda kicked butt! Definitely recommend it, especially if you need a good laugh and a little 'feel good.'
I have my midterm and second exam next week, but I don't feel much like studying. Again...gray, yucky day may be partly to blame. Looks like a good day for a nap, a fire and a bowl of hot soup. Of course, I wouldn't start a fire until I was up from the nap! It's not near cold enough for a fire yet...still in the 40's. Maybe I should run out, grab some hot & sour soup and a firelog (for the morning)....not a bad idea.
I don't mean to sound all gloomy. Lon and I are fine. I'm really enjoying school and have a 101 average right now in A&P II! Woo Hoo! And I'll find out before April about the fall Nursing class. And he's really enjoying finally having a whole weekend off at home! He hasn't had one of those since early last May!
I promise...my next posting will be much more upbeat and happy! Hopefully the sun will be back out, too!!!

When it rains, it pours...

Well...we didn't exactly have the textbook romantic Valentine's weekend. Lon and I both worked Saturday night (yuck...it was super busy!), but we did get to hang out after with birthday boy, Josh and some of his friends (yeah!). Meanwhile, my mom was at a TN hospital visiting her dad as he was dying. My grandfather (Daddy Jr.) passed away Sunday morning. :( To help cheer me up, Lon took me on a Chattanooga road trip looking at houses. And we actually found one we were interested in and might be able to afford (even on our current income!)...but Monday morning we were let go from our crappy jobs that we were looking to leave anyway...unfortunately it wasn't on our terms though. SOOOO....we spent yesterday drowning our sorrows, bitching about the &%$! that dissolved our jobs, and drunk dialing people...sorry if you got one of those calls! We did decide two good things to do in the midst of all the crap. #1...we're going to Gallatin, TN tomorrow after I get out of class to be with my mom and her family at the memorial service for Daddy Jr. #2...after spending Wed night in Gallatin, we're heading north to MI to see Lon's parents for a long weekend...we haven't seen them in 3 YEARS! We'll get to say good-bye to Daddy Jr and hello to the Jordans. Just have to remember there is ALWAYS a silver lining to every dark cloud (you just have to look for it and recognize it for what it is).
That being said, we're making the best of it. Yes, we are now among the growing unemployed population, but it gives us a push to find something different and better to do. Something we were half-ass working on will now be our FULL time job! :) We're going to visit family and enjoy all the things we still have to be grateful for. Plus, what a good incentive to get in great shape! No insurance...better not get sick...and being healthy keeps you from needing medical intervention, right?
I am still amazed at the goings on of this past weekend, but am confident that Lon and I will pull ourselves up by our bootstraps (like we normally do) and make it work out for the best.

Daddy Jr, I really wish you could have met Lon. You two would have gotten along famously. I'll miss you very much. I love you.

Welcome Greyson!

Congratulations to Christine and Tony Cardenas on the birth of their son, Greyson Kekoa! He arrived yesterday morning, February 4th. She's been blogging about her pregnancy and it's been a long, hard road...but you made it to the finish line, Chica!!! Can't wait to see pics...Much love!

Brrr...feels like Winter!

Woke up to 17 degrees this morning...our high will be 28. Fortunately it's dry so no ice on the windows this morning when I left for school. I haven't been updating lately since I've been more interested in the status of Christine's pregnancy...poor thing. She's been in labor since early Monday morning...first baby...taking his sweet time! I'm thinking about you, Chica! Hang in there...

Not too much to report here. Still loving school...dissected sheep hearts today. The blood, heart & cardiovascular system are amazing! I've been 'teaching' Lon all about it. When you get down to the molecular level, the body is by far the most fantastic machine ever built! Too bad more people don't really know what all it does. We should follow its lead and do the same for the planet. It cleans up junk, reduces, reuses and recycles. It's very efficient...I promise I won't get all 'science-y,' but it is really cool!

Been painting more too...did some gifts so I have to wait until they've been 'given' before I can post online. Guess that's all for now...time for lunch!

So over Facebook

It was cool in the beginning...catching up with people you hadn't seen or spoken to in years (decades!), seeing how different they look, what they enjoy, if they have families...I'm over that now. I don't care to be notified when someone is getting ready for work, is tired from chasing kids around all day, is glad it's Friday, or is headed out for bowling. Who cares? It's just another voyeuristic vehicle...like reality TV (which I can't stand anyway). So I started deleting people...those people I haven't seen since 6th grade (or 12th grade) and certainly don't have anything in common with now (man, I went to school with a TON of conservatives!). Never did get interested in MySpace, but now that I'm in FB I've decided to scale it down to people I actually want to keep in contact with. I didn't go to my 10 year reunion...why should I think I might go to my 20th? I wasn't a cheerleader, involved in choir, or into my student government. I had some friends, went to class and that was high school. Big whoop. I have much closer friends via the US Navy and various places I've lived/worked. And only a few of them have decided to give FB a chance.
Okay, that's enough about that. Gotta go get ready to build rockets with about 15 10-year old boys at work. Oh...I and built my first rocket ever yesterday. Should be a blast! (get it?) ha, ha, ha!

As good as it gets...

Just finished watching that movie, again...and it made me realize how good I've got it. I may not have the ideal job or home right now, but I certainly have the most amazing man in my life...and he is a better husband and friend than I ever could have asked for...and that is way more than I ever could have expected. To be married to your best friend...how many people would give their right (or left) arm for that? And I have it. I am so lucky and I know it! Bad days at work make you realize what's important, especially in this economy (thanks, George W!)...I have an amazing marriage to a wonderful man and I would not give that up for anything. I can only hope that my friends and family know what that feels like. Oh...and here's my latest painting...I'm loving that as well! Life is way too short to take your blessings for granted. I am blessed with Lon, my family and my amazing friends. I only wish happiness, health and success for all of you.

T25DOC...Complete!

Here are the pics from 10th to the 25th...I know I'm back tracking a bit, but you're getting pics from my book and summaries this time...I'm glad I did it, but it's definitely a responsibility trying to journal every single day! Lon loves it! I think I'll try this again for our next road trip or significant outing...
12/10, Wed: A&P final, finished Christmas cards, worked on model roller coaster

12/11, Thurs: Rainy, worked on T25DOC, put up Christmas decs at work

12/12, Fri: Worked...watched City of Angels, cried like a baby...again!

12/13, Sat: Bad day at work...already blogged about that. Loved Prince Caspian (Chron. of Narnia)

12/14, Sun: BWW after work with friends

12/15, Mon: Got up, worked..yadda, yadda, yadda

12/16, Tues: Off all day, got lots done, errands/chores/groceries, watched Bed of Roses (great chick flick)

12/17, Wed: Love Ellen...always makes me laugh, got funky bindis to celebrate holidays

12/18, Thurs: Nothing exciting going on...

12/19, Fri: Lon & I both off by 3, went to Rio Picante for drinks, won NFL tickets for Sunday (Titans v. Steelers)

12/20, Sat: Worked all day, people in surprisingly good moods, trying to decide whether or not to go to Nashville tomorrow

12/21, Sun: Road Trip! Went to game, checked out Broadway (downtown Nashville), quick trip, but fun

12/22, Mon: Crazy run on old merchandise...last minute shoppers love discounts!

12/23, Tues: Another good day at work, crazy traffic, Christmas Bonus!

12/24, Wed: Christmas Eve, worked until 4:30, out for Mexican, home to open Christmas Eve prizes...


12/25, Thurs: Christmas Day! Great food, company and prizes...quiet day at home watching movies and hanging out with my best bud and hubby, Lon! Love you Baby...
That's it...all done. :)