I love naps. That's all.

I saw this nap illustration today and had to share it!

I am a huge fan of napping - and naps have become mandatory and necessary for success while working night shift.

Hope you enjoy the laugh - I sure did!

Found here.

I have a WHAT?

Hey -

Did you guys know I have a blog? Yeah, I had forgotten too!

I can't even begin to update what has happened since my last blog - I had just gotten my first nursing job! I'll do my best to catch you up to speed:

Job Update

I started my job in early March, and transitioned to night shift in April. I would have never guessed how much I would enjoy working night shift. While I don't anticipate this will be a long term career location, it's been wonderful. The ladies I work with at night are absolutely the best - funny, caring, smart, and willing to help this newbie when she has that panicked look on her face! I am convinced that having great coworkers makes a difference in how we feel about our jobs.

The only downside to my job is the drive - it's anywhere from 40-50 minutes from my house. I'll be honest - I'm tired of the commute! After driving 60 minutes to nursing school 5 days per week for 15 months, and now working out of town, my poor Jetta is taking a beating! However, we are quite the road warriors - me and my faithful car!

About a month ago I had the opportunity to interview for a position at a hospital that is 7 minutes away from my house. Did you get that? SEVEN MINUTES. And - it's brand new, and therefore BEAUTIFUL. I would love to work at this facility. Now, I'm just waiting to hear if I will be given the opportunity. Do it Lord!

Working in healthcare is stressful and can be exhausting at times (physically, mentally, and emotionally). However, there have been some very funny moments. I'll spare you a lot of the details, but one funny story involves a patient asking me if I could provide him an "excuse note" for the courts - as he was past due reporting to JAIL. Yep, he had missed his day to report for mandatory incarceration. And there he was, in front of me, asking for a note. That was a first!! Sadly, there are other stories that involve all varieties of bodily functions that would only be funny to those of use brave enough to work at the bedside of patients in the hospital. Hey - I have to laugh about these things - or I would probably cry!! Ha ha!

While this job, at times, isn't what I expected AT ALL, I really do enjoy working as a nurse. I am absolutely convinced that my destiny is Mom's and babies - but this first job has been a great launching point for me.

Transformation 2011

At the beginning of this year, I felt God prompting me to focus on the idea of transformation. You can read here about hearing that focus for 2011. I have transformed in ways I never thought possible in January!! The biggest (and most surprising) transformation this year has been my physical health and wellness. While I am by no means finished in this journey, I have lost about 35 pounds since graduating from nursing school. WOW!!! It has been (and continues to be) a roller-coaster, but I feel better than I ever have.

Jlogging

Currently I am not on the jloggy train, but I hope to be back in action soon. Right now, my Dad and I are really enjoying our bikes we got last year. We rode in a 25-mile bike event in September across the country side near the hospital where I work. It was considered a "fun ride" of sorts - that was until I noticed that we were close to completing the ride in under 2 hours! Then my competitive streak came out with a vengeance and I made my Dad STEP ON IT. I'm proud to say we completed 27 miles in 1 hour and 56 minutes. (Yes, the organizers of the ride added on 2 extra miles. Wasn't that darling of them? My knees thanked them.) I hope to keep everyone updated on my jloggy and biking progress. They have been critical in my weight loss!

***

Well, I can't really think of anything else to update ya'll on at this moment. I'm sure it will come later. In the mean time, I'll leave you with my mug - minus 35 pounds!!

Lookin' good!

Stay-At-Home-Chic

As I continue to my search for my first nursing job, my Dad has been kind enough to employ me to work with him. This opportunity has been a HUGE blessing to me.

One of the biggest blessings has been working from home. We love having an office dog, lunches together, and the convenience.

This morning I was reminded of one of the best parts of working at home. The dress code!!!

Now, normally I wouldn't take horrific photos of myself and post them on the internet, but this is merely an example of why working at home is awesome.

Yes, this is my work-wear.

Let's break it down, head to toe, shall we?

*Top: Black fleece, approximately 32 sizes too big. I love it.

*Bottom: This is embarrassing. I bought these pants when I was in college. And no, I don't mean nursing school. These pants are approximately 12 years old. I love them. Ever since I got rid of these pants as Hurricane Ike terrorized Ohio in 2008, the hole in my heart has been too big to part with anything else from my days at Ohio University.

*Shoes: Oh, friends. These are my new Uggs. I have fallen head over heels with these boots! The warmth. The comfort. I can't describe it. I was freezing this morning (and no, it's not because I was wearing 12 year old lounge pants) and put these babies on. Now I'm toasty warm!

So there you have it - stay at home chic. I realize my new nursing job will be a rude awakening as I transition from "home" lounge wear to "work" lounge wear (aka scrubs).

I'm hoping I'll be up to the challenge.

It's late and I'm tired of studying...consider yourselves warned.

Stream of consciousness time!!! You lucky things, it's midnight, and as if this moment I have ONE HUNDRED days until graduation.

Whoot! Whoot!

Here are a few things on my mind - with 100 days left, and counting:

• I am so flipping tired of studying. I don't know that I can accurately describe how DONE I am. It's somewhere between that feeling you get when you realize it's time for your annual "lady" appointment, and the feeling you get when you run into an old boyfriend who's moved on. Yep, it's right about there. That's how I feel about studying.

• I can't wait until I can write "RN" at the end of my name. It's going to be really fun. Those letters are costing me roughly the same amount of money as a Mini. Just sayin'.

• Tonight as I was holding my dog in my lap, he started humping the air. I wasn't impressed.

• I have no idea why I needed to share that last tidbit, but obviously the scars are still very real.

• I can't believe it took me this long to figure out I want to be a nurse. I absolutely love caring for people. Even if that means emptying a urinal. I have had some really gracious, sweet, affirming compliments from the patients I have cared for, and I love it. Makes this 15 months totally worth it.

• I am seriously annoyed with myself that I went to an amazing wedding two weekends ago and took exactly NONE pictures. However, I did tear up the dance floor like it was going out of style...and that's really worth more than a picture, isn't it? Plus, let's be honest, the majority of my readers attended said wedding, and we can all agree it was a blast!! No photos necessary.

• I am so excited to start having hobbies again. It's so funny, but I used to have hobbies. Now my hobbies are checking my school email, and making flash cards. Honestly. I can't wait until I can cook again regularly. I have a few recipes already in the queue: this, this, and this.

• I *cannot* stop watching "The Real Housewives" of New York and New Jersey. I realize they have absolutely no redeeming value, and perhaps are doing more harm than good, but it is perfect, mindless TV. This video still makes me laugh. I could watch it all day. Honestly, "spoken word over a Saint-Tropez beat" has to be the best description of a song EVER.

I think it's time to tuck my consciousness into bed. I'm not sure the internet can take any more of my randomness.

This is the home stretch! ONE HUNDRED DAYS!!!!!!

Baby BSN

You will notice a new addition to my blog - a countdown to graduation!!

I was talking to Kristen today, and she suggested I add a countdown clock so you all can join me as I race to the finish line!

I thought this Lilypie countdown was hilarious because this program really has been a labor of love. I feel that I am birthing something new!

I give you - Baby BSN!

Finally - an Update!

Whew, it has been an offensive amount of time since my last post! Hopefully all 2 of my faithful readers are still around - and, if not, I bid you adieu.

So, what has life been like for the past 2 months since my last post? Well, it has been a whirlwind of paperwork, presentations, *really* early mornings, a huge test where I basically had to memorize all the medications known to man, finals, and - finally - vacation!!!

I want to update you on lots of fun stuff. Since you know I operate best with lists, let's just embrace it, shall we?

New Shoes - Certainly you remember these shoes, right? NOT CUTE. Well, after walking my last mile with feet that hurt, I was in desperate need of an upgrade! Thankfully our mall has a New Balance store where an angel of mercy fitted me for the most COMFORTABLE shoes. Stylish? Not as much as I would have liked, however, I have learned in my short time walking ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY, that style sometimes has to bow it's (stylish) knee to comfort. Can you all hear my Mom weeping tears of joy at that statement?!? Anyway, this angel also told me that I walk on the edges of my feet and that these shoes have something miraculous called a "roll bar" that will keep me walking straighter! (Honestly, if you are still reading as I talk about how I walk funny, I applaud you. Wow, can I ramble or what?!?)

Vacation - We just got back from a glorious week at the beach. Yes, it was chilly, however I couldn't have cared less. I was so happy to not be studying, I would have been content if it rained all week. I thought ya'll might want to see all the awesome pictures I took. I assure you, these are the ONLY TWO PICTURES I took all week. I think if nursing doesn't work out, I have a future in photography.

This first photo makes me laugh out loud. Remember this? See - I come by it honestly! What you're looking at here is EIGHT bags of chips for our 7 days at the beach. No, we weren't traveling with a group of teenage boys - there were three of us. Honestly, I'm a little bit embarrassed to admit that, but it's just too funny!

Ok, this next photo was taken at a restaurant we went to for dinner in honor of my parent's 36th wedding anniversary. My Dad had ordered calamari and this little fried fella came on the plate. In case you can't tell, it's a tiny octopus or something. All I needed to know was that 1) It was tiny. 2) It was slimy. 3) It had many legs.

Well, thanks for hanging in there for my photo tour of a week at the beach! Compelling, isn't it?

The Final Countdown - As I type this post, I have just 167 days until I graduate from nursing school! Isn't that amazing? I can't believe that it's less than 6 months away!! I am completely excited to be finished and moving on with my career. People keep asking me which area I am planning to specialize. I am trying to keep an open mind, but I can confidently say that I have NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER to see any more old man butts. I have seen way too many old man butts. I think I'll just leave it at no more old man butts. You can imagine the rest. :o) This next quarter I am doing pediatrics, and I am excited to see if I still "have it" with kiddos!

Now, for some fun stuff to wrap up:

• For all you married peeps out there, I encourage you to read this post about handling your single friends with care. This post just made my heart happy. (Disclaimer: I have amazing friends and this is not a subliminal hint that they are anything less!!) (Disclaimer to the disclaimer: I won't say no if my married friends want to do this. I mean, I'm only human! Ha ha!)

• In music news, check out Cory Asbury's song, "Jesus Let Me See Your Eyes". He's a worship guy from Misty Edward's IHOP and this song is so good!

• Speaking of Misty, we went to this really cool church on vacation, and they sang her song, "Pledge". It basically made me want to weep openly. GREAT SONG. (Side bar: don't you love when you visit a new church and see people start to worship the way you do at home?!? Honestly, when I saw people start to raise their hands in worship, it just made my heart sing!)

• Just heard about this new (to me) group, Foursquare United Generation. First of all, don't you love that name? I previewed their album "Breakthrough" and I'm pretty sure it will soon be appearing on my iPod!

I do believe that is all for now. Classes start again on Monday, but I really am going to try and be better about blogging! Happy Spring!

Do two entries in a day constitute a blogging streak?

I didn't want to include this story in my last post because - well - I just didn't.

So, today Ohio basically got slapped in the face by winter. And I'm pretty sure winter also took Ohio's lunch money.

I go to school about an hour from my house, so today I had to brave the roads for the drive home. Before I left school, I thought I would check the weather radar on my phone to see what things looked like.

(Small rabbit trail: please know that my need to check the weather radar is nothing I have control over. My Dad is a weather radar FREAK and loves all things weather. I just checked his iPhone, and he has THREE weather applications. Also, he has FOURTEEN websites bookmarked in his web browser. I'm just sayin'...it's genetic.)

As I am letting my car warm up, I check the radar at school:

Hmm...that blue is so pretty! Yep, that's snow.

Then I check the radar at home:

Yep, TOTALLY COVERED IN SNOW.

Thanks for nothing, winter!

Things don't appear to be getting better in the near future.

I wish it was socially acceptable to wear a Slanket to school.

Not that I would EVER do that. Or even think about it.

Trying to be what I'm clearly not...

I love the blogs where people take 100 pictures of their day and post clever stories to go along with them, don't you? Pioneer Woman is a PERFECT example. Her food posts, her confessions, all with picture perfect snapshots to tell the story.

I thought that while I'm on break I would take the opportunity to be like Pioneer Woman, or even Kelly from Kelly's Korner and chronicle my day(s) through picture.

I give you: BECKY'S LIFE IN PHOTO.

Photo 1, December 15:

The above photo was taken at a local department store. I was stepping onto the escalator and saw these strange looking handbags. I immediately jumped off the escalator and took a closer look. I do believe this is a pug purse. Compelling, isn't it?

Photo 2, December 15:

I took the above photo to send to my very stylish friend to show her my killer purchase at the mall. I love bold rings! Plus, I scored this little baby for $4.53! (And yes, my pinkie naturally does that. Thanks Mom!)

Photo 3, December 18:

This photo I took yesterday at a store (who shall remain nameless, but it sounds like H-N-M) because it reminded me of Pam Beesly from The Office. Seriously, does one need that many Keds when winter is upon us?

So...that's it. I don't know if you could handle many more photos from my life, so it's a good thing that I restrained myself with these three.

You're welcome.

The One Where I Grovel...

I used to get a little irritated when my favorite bloggers would go more than 15 minutes several days without posting. I mean, entertain me bloggers! Share pictures of your cute kids and tell me funny stories about them!

(As if I didn't already see your kids at church on Sunday, where you may or may not have told me the story for your blog.)

But here I stand (write?) before you - a blogger who has not written an update in almost 1 month.

Conviction, your taste is bitter.

I apologize for not updating sooner. I have no excuse other than: this is my now.

Here are a few things I've noticed since I started nursing school exactly 6 months ago TODAY(!):

1. I used to have a great memory. Used to. Now, I can't remember dates, appointments, assignments, you name it. I just don't remember. However, if you need to know what normal lab values are for an adult or pregnant woman, I'm your girl! I am very thankful for my planner!
2. Driving an hour one way is only great when you have a really great mix on your iPod. Built in worship time!
3. I have managed something I haven't done - well - ever. I currently have a 3.5 GPA! I am really proud and have worked REALLY hard to do well in my classes.

Sadly the list of things I have noticed ends at 3. And number 3 really isn't something I've noticed, but A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. Just being real. Going to the school ranked consistently in the "Top 10 Party Schools" doesn't really afford time for focusing on one's grade point average. (Go Bobcats!)

Anyway, I'm back, at least for now. I am looking forward to my birthday next week (31!) and some time off to catch up with friends. I have been thinking what my scripture and inheritance words will be for 2010, and I'm hoping to share that with you in the next week or so!

Hope everyone has a very happy holiday!!! I leave you with this mug of me from Thanksgiving. Oh, and to offset that, a photo of my Dad and Agnes at Thanksgiving. No, Agnes isn't suffering from indigestion from too much stuffing, I think I had just said that the dog was slain in the Spirit.

(Can someone - anyone - please tell me how to get those wispy bangs to go away?!? SO ANNOYING!)

Merry Christmas!

In which I talk about Fall...

I know it's been FOR-EV-AH since I blogged. Can you believe it's been almost a month?!?

How have you survived? What have you been reading?!?

School is going really well. I am taking Psych nursing and Maternity this quarter, which has been really interesting. Funny - I am using the same techniques in maternity that I've learned in psych! I really think I'm finding my niche in maternity. I really like it. Trying to keep an open mind, but I am definitely leaning that direction!

In other news, this weekend I am going to a single's conference with one of the ladies I go to church with. I am really looking forward to it!! And - if we're being honest - I have been planning my outfits for several weeks. I mean, a girl has to look good, right?!? Of course, I'll keep you posted and I covet your prayers that this doesn't happen again.

On another note -

Is everyone loving this time of year? I absolutely LOVE fall.

Here are a few pics I snapped last year at a park (the pumpkin shot is from Whole Foods!) that just make me happy. So pretty!

Have a great week!!!

Potpourri

Let me first start by saying that this post is NOT related to potpourri directly. While potpourri is lovely [READ: in moderation, and - say - at your grandma's house], it is not an integral component here. I just like that title for the mixed bag of randomness that's about to take place.

I'll just give in 100% to my OCD tendencies and make some pretty titles so we can all follow along easily, m'kay?

Wild Olive T-Shirts

I ask you, who doesn't love a good t-shirt about Jesus? I'm not talking about a t-shirt with an ichthys, or "My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter". These are trendy t-shirts for the fashion-minded.

I just recently purchased the "Beloved" shirt, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. What's so awesome is that they have tons of verses to choose from, and they are getting ready to release a kids line of t-shirts! As for me, the "Beauty from Ashes" shirt is next on my list! Amie and Kristen are part of this amazing company - so go check 'em out and get yourself a sweet tee and "Get Your Verse On"!

Random Confession

I don't know if I've previously confessed this in my past entries about my quirks, but I am totally and completely in love with dishes. I don't know if you follow, The Pioneer Woman, but she had these dishes on her site last week, and I haven't stopped thinking about them ever since! Seeing these awesome dishes made me start thinking about - um - please don't judge me - all the amazing things I'll get to register for when TBD and I get married! [DISCLAIMER: I understand that marriage is not about the stuff, but sometimes I get excited thinking about the stuff.] For example, this, this, and this. Just to name a few items off the top of my head. :o)

Speaking of My Wedding...

Has everyone seen this video?

SO AMAZING! I love this idea and have already put several friends on "alert". I have even had an offer by a TRUE friend to do the worm. It's going to be classic!

I thought I had just a million other things to share, but they escape me now! If I think of it later, you may get two entries in ONE week! Woo hoo!

Misc. & Jort Quest 2009

Where have ya'll been?? I have been sitting here just waiting for you.

Um, ok.

Maybe not.

I know I've been aloof lately, and frankly there's nothing that irritates me more than aloofness. Aloofdom? Aloofing? Anyway, my apologies for being away for so long!!

I wish I had just loads to update you on, but sadly, I've just been trying to finish up this quarter of school and get all the details in place for nursing school [like the small detail of how I'm going to pay for it].

Because I like lists, I'll just roll out a little numbered list of what's been happening. You're lucky it's not an Excel spreadsheet. [That was for you, Monica!]

1. The Shred - Chazzle and I wrapped up Level 2 over the weekend and have started Level 3. Holy cow. I am totally NOT ready for level 3. This morning was more of a "shock and awe" campaign on Jillian's behalf. I literally sat there going "What? What am I supposed to be doing? Traveling what?" I told Chazzle that we weren't going to count today because so much of it is just trying to pick up the routines, but after the scissor crunches he insisted that we count it. Oh, and here's a quick tip - don't bake brownies while doing The Shred. Because when the smell of brownies starts traveling to where you're working out, you can suddenly talk yourself out of the Shred an into that pan of brownies!

2. Hummus - YUM. If you follow my Twitter feed, and really, why wouldn't you - you'll notice that I was having a hummus emergency on last week. Thankfully, Kristen rescued me with both a recipe and the critical ingredient needed. Here's the weird part - I didn't really love hummus that much - until last Wednesday. For some reason I saw the word - and just HAD to have it! I had to make another batch yesterday. Heaven help us all when I have pregnancy cravings!! I will try to post the recipe, masking it as my own, this week.

3. Jort Quest 2009 - I'm sure you remember my jeans dilemma not too long ago. Well, now I'm on the hunt for jorts. What are jorts? So glad you asked!! They're just jean shorts. Please see www.jorts.com for more information. Anywoo, I have been looking for a cute pair of bermuda jorts and have NOT Been able to find them ANYWHERE!! Not even Von Maur could help me out of this one. The problem is that I keep buying cute tops at all these places, but no shorts. So I'm going to end up wearing pajama pants with really cute tops. Bleh. I'm hoping that once school starts I won't really care/need them and I can just forget it. Speaking of school...

4. Two weeks from TODAY I will be in nursing school! YIPPIE! I can't believe it's here, and HELP ME LORD, I CAN'T BELIVE IT'S HERE. I'll be sure to post a photo the first day I wear my uniform and shoes so ya'll can have something to laugh at. :o)

5. TV - now that Idol is over, I hope everyone has made the seamless transition into "So You Think You Can Dance". Basically, I LOVE THIS SHOW.

For example:

Do you need another reason?? LOVE IT!!!! Also, I have decided to watch The Bachelorette. Perhaps it's the desperation of nothing else on TV on Monday nights. Maybe I kinda like Jillian saying "aboot" all the time. Maybe it's Michael, the break dance instructor. Maybe I want to see how far the foot guy gets in the show considering his foot fetish and his penchant for wearing tank tops.

Well, I wish I had a great way to wrap a lovely bow on this post and tie it all together, but I don't. So will leave you with this, and with it let me say that I love Neil Patrick Harris. And please be sure to note the way he says "Jansport" at the beginning. Gets me every time!

Ya'll come back now.

Shred-Head Update & Other Bits

How we doin' Shred Heads??? Today is my Day 13, but day 3 of Level 2, which I have titled, "Natalie is My Hero". If you are Shredding, you know who Natalie is, and if you're on Level 2, you will KNOW why sister is my hero. Seriously.

This Shred has done crazy things to me. I am sleeping better, I am feeling better overall, I have more energy, and I purchased another Jillian DVD the other day! Ironically, since starting the Shred, I have gained 1.5 pounds. But who's really keeping track of these things?

OH WAIT. THAT WOULD BE ME.

Dang it, it's frustrating!!!

I have to tell you, Chazzle is an inspiration. There is something about seeing your 57 year old father doing walk-out push ups. It makes me want to sit on the couch and watch. In fact, for a moment this morning, I had to do just that. Oh, I kid! I kid! I sat on the floor.

In other news, this past Saturday I had orientation for nursing school! Woo hoo! It was a swirl of information: books, tuition, schedules, background checks, and finally peeing in a cup. The highlight of my day on Saturday was meeting the PRESIDENT of the college while standing in line for my cup in which to pee.

Yep, I was in the pee line shaking this woman's hand.

It doesn't really get better than that.

"If you feel like you're going to die, follow Anita."

***EDITED AT 9:02pm***

Here is a brief list of the places where I am sore: My right armpit. The side of my right hand. The back of my left thigh. Ok, who am I kidding, my ENTIRE left side. I threw my bag on my shoulder when I left for school today and almost collapsed under the weight. I am seriously going to bed - NOW. I'm too old for this!!***

_______________________________________

Oh Anita. You are truly my new bestie.

So, this morning was Day 1 of my self-challenge to complete the 30 Day Shred.

I'll be honest.

It kind of rocked.

I won't lie, it was freakin' hard. I had to do the girly push-ups, and I may have only done 20 seconds instead of 30. Just keepin' things real. BUT, it was an awesome workout!

There's my girl, Anita, doing the modified movements on the right side. I just love her, don't you?

If anyone wants to do the challenge with me, DO IT! I mean, do it at your house. Because if you come to my house I'll feel all awkward and probably get up, shower, and do my hair so you can come workout with me. And that just ain't right.

Thankfully my Dad was guilted eager to join me in the task. He's such a trooper!

On a completely different topic, there are a few lurkers out there who have recently come out of hiding. Hi Lurkers! Thanks for leaving a comment! I hope you'll stick around.

OH.

MY.

WORD.

The 30 Day Shred is over. I just noticed I chipped my nail polish this morning. No deal Jillian.

NO DEAL.

A New Era of Torture Masking as Exercise...

Holy cow, what have I just agreed to?

Tomorrow I have decided to embark on the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels of Biggest Loser fame.

Why?

I think it was this inspirational post from Big Mama.

Or maybe this stirring call to arms from Boo Mama.

Seriously, am I a glutton for punishment??

I look forward to reporting tomorrow on how ripped my arms are, and how my abs have suddenly turned into Jillian's.

That is, if I'm able to lift my hands to the keyboard.

My Weekend by the Numbers...

Hi Blog Buddies!

I hope you had a great weekend. Here in my home state of O-H-I-O, spring has officially SPRUNG! Yippie! We had amazing weather all weekend, and I'll just say on behalf of all Ohioans, we needed it!!!

I was just talking to the 'rents and was reviewing my weekend, and a lot of numbers seemed to pop up. So...here's the wrap up of my weekend in numbers:

1 - number of birthday parties I attended. I have already shared that Mr. Max is turning 1, and this was his birthday party along with his cousin Eli, who is also turning one! I'll let Jen share the really great pics from the day, but I'll sneak in this one that's my favorite. Max is peeking at his birthday gift, courtesy of his cousins and Aunt Kristen. Adorable!!

8 - number of stories high I was when I rode in the BUCKET of a fire truck ladder. I have no idea what the technical term is for this piece of equipment. My best guess is the BUCKET THAT RESCUES SCREAMING PEOPLE FROM BURNING BUILDINGS! The birthday party included a tour of our local fire station, and the nice Lieutenant Fireman was giving rides to the adults. It was EIGHT stories STRAIGHT UP, and it was windy! I debated whether or not I wanted to go, but when else in life can you say "Hey, let's go see if those firemen have nothing better to do than give us rides in their bucket." I am SO glad I did it, it was a really cool experience!!!

**Interjection of a Random Fact: Did ya'll know that I went to high school with the heir to the Sutphen Fire Truck fortune? No joke. He was in the marching band with me. He played the tuba. Just thought you should know that. Carry on.***

5 - number of dreams I had last night. This weekend, in addition to the party, I attended a conference about visions and dreams from God and how to interpret them. Now, don't start sending me all your dreams, because I'll probably just stare at you blankly and tell you not to eat spicy foods before going to sleep. But seriously, this is crazy good stuff. The coolest thing was that I REMEMBERED all these dreams!!

92 - the % I got on my first of three tests this week!!! If you don't follow my Twitter sidebar, you won't know that I have three tests this week. I decided to take my Biology test early, and right before I took it, I noticed that so far the class average was a 61.3%. Kinda freaked me out. But, I persevered and got a 92%! Woo hoo! Here's hoping my other tests are equally as successful!

580 - number of dollars I spent on my car on Friday. Yep, I love life. What started out as a normal oil change and service turned into 3 additional things that needed to be fixed. Awesome. I had to bite the bullet because I'll be commuting to school in just a few short months and as we all know, "Safety First!"

10.2 - number of pounds I have lost. I can't believe it! Many thanks to Monica and the people at Weight Watchers. :o) I would also like to give honorable mention to these websites: Dottie's Weight Loss Zone and Hungry Girl. But, most of all, I would like to thank the people at Skinny Cow for making low-fat mint ice cream sandwiches.

Oh, I just thought of another fun thing, but can't really think of a number to go with it. Wait! I was 100% excited to see Miss Claire make an outing for the birthday party! Bethany and Luke looked so grateful to be tasting fresh air, as they have been caring for Claire at home since she's so teeny. She made a debut in all of her 6 pound glory! However, I do think that if she had been weighed, she may have tipped the scales at 7 pounds as she was wearing the CUTEST flower headband!

So, going into this week I'm 10 pounds lighter, and have 580 less dollars. Seems fair, doesn't it? Luckily, I'm trying to figure out how to work this into my agenda this week. I imagine it's fat and calorie free, don't you??

Have a great week this week!!!!

P.S. Aren't you proud I didn't mention Beth Moore once? I mean, I could have, because it's still rockin' me to the core. But I'll save it for another time. :o)

Yep, I'm kinda all over the place...

Hello Blog World!

Miss me? Nevermind, don't answer that.

Well, I have been super busy these days. Taking 3 classes is, how do I say this nicely, a CHORE. I feel like all my time has been zapped by evening classes or studying.

Just to keep the readers interested, here's a little glimpse of my day:

Or, if I'm really feeling dangerous, I might make a chart for Biology! It's madness!!

On a completely different note, in just a few short days, our Maximus will be 1 year old! [I get to say "our" Maximus because, well, I just do.] Jen wrote this awesome post on Sunday about the day the Max's birth father, Colton, signed the adoption papers. It's a day that I will NEVER forget! I was challenged to remember the incredible things God has done in my life, rather than focusing on that missing piece. This is why we keep people around who have great perspective.

Then, on Monday Pete Wilson, Pastor at Cross Point church in Nashville wrote this "Slap You in the Face Good" post. When I read it I felt like my space had been invaded. I don't know Pete other than his blog, but DANG. It's like I had given him free reign to call me out on my business! Specifically this section:

"Can I be honest with you right now? Some of you are hoping, longing, praying, begging for God to act in your life. But if we're really honest, you don't want God...you want what you think God can give you. Please note: God will withhold your crackers in order to detach your hope from 'other things' and attach it to Himself."

I am really being challenged in the recent days to find contentment in Him. His presence. That's it.

And wow, it seems I'm being reminded of it every dang day!

Clearly God is sending a message, people.

So, let's all be challenged together to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving; and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." [Psalm 100:4]

We serve a good, good God!

The one where I talk about shoes...

Here at TBD or Bust! you have come to expect the finest quality blogging. Inspirational stories, clever antics, and even cutting edge fashion tips. This blog is no exception.

I would like to share an emerging fashion trend that will sweep the nation.

Shoes.

Not just any shoes. WHITE shoes.

I'm calling it "Nursing Student Chic".

Now, brace yourselves, you're about to fall in love.

I give you...Nursing Student Chic.


Really takes your breath away, doesn't it?

Please join me by purchasing your own pair of white nursing shoes. You won't regret it. [Little blue heart included.]

*Writer's Note: If you don't know me that well, please know that sarcasm is one of my gifts. These are the freakin' ugliest shoes I have ever seen, and I'm totally offended at myself that I purchased them. I'm even more ashamed to think about how MUCH I spent on them. While comfortable, BUTT UGLY. Thank you.**

Would-A, Could-A, Should-A

Definitely should-a had this kit before my test on Saturday:

I'm going to try my best not to talk about babies...

...however let me just say that I saw a very teeny one this weekend, who is extremely beautiful and sweet. But I won't say anything more. Just that I love them all.

Totally.

Completely.

But I'm not talking about them.

Nope.

If you need to read more about babies, see here. Apparently it's an epidemic.

This weekend I had the pleasure of rising up at FIVE FORTY in the morning on Saturday to drive to Mansfield to take an Academic Skills test [for nursing school admission], also known as "Do you remember stuff you learned in middle school and high school?" [In case you're wondering, the answer is NO.]

I was already a little salty about getting up so early, but to be asked about rock formations and clouds? Seriously? I don't think so people. How about asking about biology, anatomy, or maybe even BABIES??

The only perk from the trip was a Diet Coke at 10:00 in the morning. Totally justified.

Other than that, the weekend was spent trying to figure out how to use the 30% coupon to Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic that I had burning up in my purse. I was trying to find something to go with this necklace I purchased from Kohl's last weekend. Thankfully, I found several shirts to match. Yippie!!

I do have to say that several of my purchases were from The Limited, where I haven't shopped in approximately 4 years. I saw a shirt that was the exact color I was looking for to match said necklace and raced in there. What a goldmine! They were even celebrating the recession by having a "Buy Two Get One Free" sale!! What 30% coupon??

To wrap this baby up [Whoops! Freudian slip!!], please check out my new favorite blog, The Pioneer Woman. You won't be disappointed.

Oh, and I was thinking of making this blog entry a little more random, I'm just not sure how I would have accomplished that feat.