must...sleep...

Sorry I've been MIA from everyone's blogs this week, but school is kicking my trash!

I had written all of this weeks posts last week, so I really haven't had a chance to log onto blogger since Monday. So please give me the weekend to catch up...you guys were really busy this week, I have over 130 posts to read!!!

I barely squeeked by my first exam, and right after went to take care of V's sick daughter while she went to the hospital to make patient assignments for her team on Tuesday. Then my brain decided not to shut off so I have gotten a total of 12 hours of sleep in the past 3 days.

I really enjoyed my first shift on the PCU (step-down from ICU) yesterday, and I am looking forward to next week. My clinical instructor this semester is amazing & gives great feedback! Since I started Nursing School I have had an instructor hovering over my shoulder while doing ANY procedure, whether it was discontinuing an IV or starting a foley....but now...watch out future patients! We are given much more freedom to do patient care, and the instructor is there more as a reference rather than someone to guard patients safety.

I also want to give a shout out to Vanessa. Happy Birthday!!!!!!!! And, here is something to bring a smile to everyone's face. This is V & I practicing for SPD in our 2nd semester (one year ago).


We took a hot dog, and poked a hole in it long-ways to use as a....well, you know...to practice our Foley catheter insertion. This is a sterile procedure, so maintaining your sterile field is VITAL, and we wanted to make sure we would be ready for testing.

Only 5 short months ago...

...I started blogging here, and now I am at my 100th post. Wow, thanks for trudging through the trenches with me as I learn more about blogger, and its etiquette ;o) I know everyone loves to do giveaways, but I don't...sorry!

So, like my 50th post, here is 100 random things about me.

1. Even though I like to make people laugh, I don't think I am very funny, or even witty.

2. When it comes to work or school I must be OCD organized, but my house is always messy.

3. I don't want to be a full time stay at home mom. Some people call me selfish, but I think everyone is different, therefore everyone's desires can't all be the same.

4. I applaud stay at home moms! You are amazing, your patience & dedication is something I will always envy.

5. I played soccer from the age of 10-17.

6. I always preferred playing rec vs school soccer b/c less was expected of me & I would be less likely to fail or let anyone down.

7. I treat my dog like he is my child. I hold him like a baby, talk baby talk to him, and would keep him dressed up if he didn't fight me so hard.

8. When my dog, Tyler, died this summer I was almost inconsolable...but when I was talking with the vet about my concerns that I could have done more, she said that she wants to come back as one of my pets in her next life. This brought me more solace than she will ever know!

9. I decided to become a vegetarian b/c of my genuine concern for animal life...I really do want to help save the polar bears!

10. When it comes to meeting new people in a group, I always seem to hang out with the guys & carry on a conversation easier with them then with the women folk.

11. I am in love with my new duplex printer, and I don't know how I functioned all these years without it.

12. I too often make stupid snap judgements of others, BUT I love it when they prove me wrong.

13. I hate it when my husband plays devil's advocate all the time.

14. I am terrified and excited for July 21, 2010 when we part ways with the Army

15. I am very critical of myself, and therefore my own worst enemy.

16. Sarcasm is my best friend!

17. When dealing with most of the elderly during my rotations I continue to ask myself, "why delay the inevitable?"

18. B/c of #17, I am getting a living will with specific instructions on what kinds of medical interventions I want done under certain circumstances. If you have never talked with your loved ones about this, please do!!!!!

19. I am addicted to Guitar Hero b/c it's the only thing I can beat Eric at!

20. I truly think Eric looks hot in his Ranger panties

21. I love to sing, but not in public

22. I love to dance no matter who is watching ;o)

23. I didn't start listening to country music until I met Eric....which is when he started listening to R&B

24. Nursing School is the hardest academic journey of my life

25. I didn't really study until I entered college

26. One of my biggest references is www.dictionary.com b/c I hate to misspell words!

27. I threw a birthday party for Koa's 1st/Tyler's 2nd birthday, with all their doggy friends from the neighborhood...and a special sweet potatoe doggy cake

28. I admire people that play instruments b/c I could never seem to master the piano without messing up a lot (even with a good amount of practice time)

29. I have already decided that perfection is impossible, so I embrace my flaws

30. I can't take my morning handful of pills with plain water or I will gag/vomit...and even with juice/soda/smoothie, sometimes I still can't keep them down!

31. Eric really wants to move to Utah if given the chance, but I fear I would never make it through the winter

32. I have lived in Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Carolina, Washington, Hawaii, and Florida. Hawaii was by far my favorite!!!

33. I hope to make a trip to Australia someday

34. I have no desire to ever visit Mexico, South America, Central America, or any third world country. If I have to worry about the water, I don't want to be there!

35. I am a germ-o-phobe ever since growing bacteria from the bottom of my shoe, bathroom stall, & my mouth in Microbiology

36. I am terrified of catching germs, viruses, & disease from clients I take care of

37. I don't know if I would be able to hold myself back if I was ever "goosed" by a client under my care...I keep thinking about how I could spin it as self-defence...

38. I can't wait to graduate, but I'm terrified about how much I won't know!!

39. I really enjoy getting different perspectives of a situation...as long as it is understood that everyone doesn't have to agree.

40. I continue to change my mind on whether I want to settle down in one area, or continue to move every few years.

41. I have never been in a major motor vehicle accident

42. When I was 10 I was riding my bike & hit my friend while she was walking across the street. To this day, all I remember is seeing her about 30 ft away, then the blood stinging my eyes when I opened them & was face down on the concrete

43. I still don't wear a bike helmet, but I always wear my motorcycle helmet, jacket, & gloves

44. I loved having a motorcycle

45. I love scuba diving, even though I am 50% thrilled & 50% terrified

46. The only reason I got certified to dive & licensed to ride a motorcycle was b/c Eric did, and we are just that competitive

47. I did most of the initial pursuing in mine & Eric's relationship, until he decided he just wanted to be friends...which lasted a very short time & then he decided that he didn't want me to see other guys

48. I am excited & terrified to one day expand my family

49. I love mental health & continue to consider it as a future career

50. I realize now how naive and rude I was as a teenager & younger adult, and am thankful for the experiences & people I have met along the way

51. My Blackberry is attached to my hip

52. I am amazed that kids under the age of 10 have cell phones when I didn't get my first one until I was 18!

53. I think the most strenuous sport I ever participated in was Swim Team, and it also kept me in the best shape

54. I would rather try skydiving before I tried bungee jumping, b/c somehow I think it's safer

55. I don't think I will ride a motorcycle after I have kids

56. People that slow down to stare at accidents drive me crazy

57. My first & only speeding ticket was here in Florida 2 years ago, I was driving 70 in a 45...but the officer lowered it to 54 in a 45.

58. While in Hawaii I got our Honda CBR 954RR up to 110mph on H2

59. I love the color blue, all shades of it

60. I don't like pink, it is just a little too girlie for me...but I recently ordered 2 shirts that looked more red online, but ended up being more pink

61. I dress very plainly, partially b/c of cost, but mostly out of laziness

62. I really want to start ordering scrub tops now, but fear that I would be jumping the gun and jinxing myself

63. As an adult, I now realize that there are some people that you just can't get along with...and I think these people should stay home

64. Since turning 26, I am starting to feel old (I know this may upset some of you...but it isn't intended to)

65. I just very recently joined Facebook, and it is so much easier than MySpace!

66. I can't wait to start saving for my "body I truly deserve" fund. (after losing 95lbs, the extra skin makes me gag!)

67. I never knew how many people blogged until I started blogging on Blogger

68. I already have the names picked out for my future boy & girl: Cooper Amos (middle name is for Eric's solder that died in Iraq) & Mackenzie Lorelai

69. I am terrified that Eric will slip in the middle names of King & Pink (since our last name is pronounced salmon) for our future kids, without my knowledge

70. While I joke constantly about being cocky & confident, I am super insecure!!

71. I hate cooking, but I love baking b/c I get to make pretty things...and b/c of my sweet tooth

72. My feet are numb for the majority of everyday, which is why I have a surplus of warm socks & blankets

73. You couldn't pay me to go back to High School

74. I almost shaved my head once for $50, I seriously considered it ;o)

75. I truly believe that my life has been better off b/c of the wonderful angels in furry coats that have surrounded me

76. I love my Wii Fit, even if I don't do it near enough, I rock @ Super Hoops!

77. I was very involved with Eric's unit's Family Readiness Group in Hawaii & FL b/c my first experience @ Ft. Lewis was so bad...I knew the only way to make a difference was to get involved

78. Even though there is a slim chance of Eric getting deployed before he gets out, when I think about him possibly deploying I start to cry

79. I still remember when my older sister would threaten to wipe her boogers on me if I didn't tickle her feet...maybe this is why I have such a hard time with respiratory secretions??

80. I love that I can still call my siblings by our stupid childhood nicknames for each other, without anyone getting angry (Kiss-a-poo, Miguel/Brahmen, Catispena)

81. I love to sing but would never try out for American Idol b/c I know I am not that good no matter who told me I was...some of those people are so delusional!

82. Eventually I would like to live in a semi-rural area. The only thing I like about big cities is the variety in shopping

83. I have been described as "abrasive" by one of my classmates. At first I was shocked, but everyone is entitled to their perspective & observations

84. I learned so much about plants & landscaping while working in the Garden Center @ Lowe's for almost 4 years...but you wouldn't know this looking at my yard!

85. I once had a man stand over me & watch while I loaded 21 bags of 80lb Portland cement into his truck b/c he hurt his pinky earlier that day

86. I don't trust people, especially people I don't know

87. Nursing School has made me lose a little faith in the medical profession as a whole

88. I really want to work in Labor & Delivery partially b/c of how much I enjoyed it, but mainly b/c I am sick of wiping butts on a Medical-Surgical floor!

89. I wish I was more imaginative when it came to crafts

90. Right now, I would much rather work with the laboring mothers than the newborns

91. I learned Sign Language in HS and have been able to use it many times since!

92. I don't like getting a pedicure from a salon when I am the only one speaking English

93. When I go to a store that the employees have name tags, I like to call people by their first name...it always seems to grab their undivided attention

94. Eric & I have the same initials, but in a different order

95. I rarely find women named Mary under the age of 50

96. I feel grossly inadequate to teach Sunday School, especially to High Schoolers!

97. I used to enjoy proofreading...but Eric's classes are starting to take a toll on my poor little brain

98. I was spanked without my parents knowledge in 1st grade...I still don't like Mrs. Bailey!

99. I wish I was smart enough to be on Jeopardy

100. I love reality shows, but mainly the shows with a real competition...I think Big Brother is stupid.


*There you have it...more about me than you probably ever wanted to know ;o)

Are you sure that's not meat?

I have been searching for some great meat alternatives, and have found one I love!! Everyone raves about Boca Burgers...but they got nothing on Morning Star Farms! So far there is no comparison, Morning Star wins hands down.

The only problem is the commissary is the only place that carries it, locally (even if the base is a 24 mile drive). I love all of their burgers, and Eric and I were both completely amazed at how much the mini corn dogs & sausage links tasted like the real thing. In fact, we finally got Eric some turkey burgers b/c he was eating all of my vege burgers! I wasn't too thrilled with the spinach artichoke bites b/c they were really bland, but everything else is great!

So, no matter if you are a vege or meat-lover, I would definitely recommend giving these a try. Hide the package from your family, and I swear they will never be able to tell the difference!

Natural huh?

Well, some form of brown has been picked!! It has only been 3 weeks since I last dyed my hair, so I will have to wait a few more...but I will probably go darker, like my natural color.

I really liked the idea of going black, but it would be a lot of maintenance, and if I ever wanted to go lighter, it has to be bleached first and then dyed the color you want (that's a lot of effort!).

I'm thinking I will probably get some highlights on top, so I won't have to dye everything as it grows out.

So many choices!!! Thanks for your votes!!!

Whipped cream on poo will still taste like crap!

I don't live in the best neighborhood in the area, so some things are just expected. I'm not surprised when I have to pick up empty beer bottles from my yard b/c it is the corner lot. I'm not surprised when I get chased by stray dogs on my run. I'm not even surprised at the cracked out hooker that walks the streets...but this??


When we first moved in, we honestly thought this house was vacant, and possibly condemned. We have been proven wrong through the years as there are random people passing through for a few weeks/months at a time. One of the residents even pounded on our door @ 0100 b/c he smelled smoke and something caught on fire...and he didn't have a phone to call 911 (he also wasn't wearing a shirt or shoes & it dropped below freezing that night).

The picture isn't that great, but they put up new wood paneling without fixing the crappy particle board that lies underneath. Also the bright blue color they chose is, umm, well, horrid! Another great tidbit is that they only did this to the side of the house that faces the main road. Yep, so the other sides are still just painted particle board.

Thank you neighbor for helping my property value drop even more. The house next to it is even worse!! I have seriously considered buying the discounted trees & shrubs @ Lowe's and planting them in front of these houses at night. That way there will be something nice to look at...and in a few years, possibly block the view of their house.

Not what I expected

I recently went to see "Defiance" with Eric, and I'm not quite sure what I expected, and am still unclear if I liked the movie.

I am so used to the sexy Mr. Bond image that it was very hard for me to wrap my head around him as the leader of forest Jewish community. This story was one I had never heard of before, and always related the tales of the Holocaust with 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and 'Schindler's List.'

It takes place in Belarussian forest with the Nazis advancing on one side, while the Russians are on the other. My heart ached for this family, and community, to survive each time they were attacked and forced to relocate & rebuild.

This is based on a true story, and while I would recommend seeing this lesser known perspective, you won't be missing anything if you wait for it to come out on DVD.

And without further ado...some silliness

Kim from The Hancock Family tagged me to share 7 random things about me. Since my 100th post is coming up fast (which you will learn 100 random things about me), I'm going to make this even more interesting by sharing just how crazy my relationship is with my dog Koa.


1. I kiss him good-bye every morning on the cheek.


2. He sleeps under the covers with me, while Eric sleeps in the spare bedroom. (He also sleeps in my bed during the day while he is alone)


3. Since I can't really shorten Koa, I call him my Koa bear. (which if you say fast enough sounds like Colbert...as in Stephen Colbert!)


4. I only give him healthy table scraps like vegetables...and his favorites are carrots & cauliflower.


5. I talk baby talk to him, and frequently hold him like a baby.


6. If Eric & I are sitting next to each other he wants to sit with me.


7. He knows the sound of the truck driving by the house & he will be staring out the window waiting for me to come to the door.





****UPDATE: I came home with a horrible headache, so I grabbed the heating pad and laid down for about 2 hours. Guess who stayed in bed with me even though Eric was making dinner...my special boy ;o)****

Concerns & Confessions

It seems that many people in the blogging world have been offended lately and this made me worry about who I have offended. I have been blogging for years, but only when I started blogging here did people, other than my family, start reading my posts. I love having the forum to write whatever I want without constraints, other than those I apply on my own. Seeing as I have always been one to buck the norm, I am curious about proper blog etiquette. I am still so new to this site that I am curious what the veterans, and everyone else, has to say!

If someone posts on my blog, is it expected that I post on theirs? Since I love comments, I really enjoy it when people take the time to write, so I always try to comment on their blogs. It might take me a few days to catch up & make my comments, but I really do love reading your blogs!! So this means that if you don't comment on every one of my posts, so what...that doesn't mean I won't post on yours. But I do have to admit that I am more inclined to visit the people's blogs that take the time to post on mine b/c I want to brighten their day like they brighten mine! I have found some amazing people out in the blogosphere this way and I look forward to seeing what they write! Which brings me to my next question...

If I started following someone, then stop, am I a horrible person? In one instance I had started following someone, then I found that after a few weeks that I didn't really like reading what they had to say, so I stopped following and stopped following someone else accidentally in the process (remember I am still new to blogger). So...

Can I wait a few more posts before becoming an official follower? Because of the previous instance, when someone comments on one of my posts or I find someone through another blog, I really like to read their blog for a little while on my own before adding myself to their following. I don't have a great deal of time to devote to blogging, so I guess I'm kind of selfish with who I choose to read...it's okay, you can call me a snob!

Am I expected to comment on every post? Some of my favorite bloggers post multiple posts a day (I have even been guilty of that!!), but if I don't really have anything to say...should I say nothing, or devote the energy to one of their posts that I might have a great deal to comment about. Like my sidebar states, I am a comment whore, so I try to spread the love...is that what is expected?

If I don't enter your giveaway, please don't be offended. I think it is a great opportunity to get more people to read your blog! I am just such a pessimist when it comes to these things b/c of my Statistics class...the odds are always against you! I have found some amazing products out there through these giveaways, and have been introduced to Etsy (which I never knew existed), so thanks for the resources, but I just don't like giveaways...sorry!

Mean anonymous comments are stupid. If you are that upset that you want to say something hurtful, stop reading it!! Why be mean and hurtful? I'm not talking about anonymous comments in general, but people that feel that need to be mean without having the balls to attach a name/identity to it. I have heard of "friends" commenting anonymously on their "friends" pages with their "honesty"...but if you can't go to that person with what is truly in your heart, why do it anonymously? If you think the person really needs to hear what you have to say, don't post it for everyone to see, send them an email. If you don't have their email, ask for it! Also, if it is bothering you that much, approach them in a way that is non-threatening if you really want the friendship to continue. If the person asks for your opinion in a post, that is a whole other can of worms...b/c they asked. Just my two cents. I'm not saying that I hate anonymous comments, b/c if I did I wouldn't allow them, and I also have the right to delete them if I feel the desire...and I have ;o) I know it's a lot of if's!

I used to be so envious of Kristina P! She was one of the first blogs I stalked, which I found through her hilarious comments on TAMN's blog...and she has a million stalkers!! I used to feel so inadequate with my few followers, but I am so thankful to those of you that take the time to read my blog!! I wouldn't be able to handle such a massive following, especially with as much poise as she does...I have too much of a temper! AND, she is everywhere, and almost always the first to comment, I think I would need kryptonite to have a fighting chance!

I hope I haven't scared anyone by my tendency to shoot you an email based on a comment you left. I'm normally not at home, so when I get the email on my phone and I want to say something I just reply to your email address. I have had some amazing conversations this way, and I am grateful that my phone service doesn't charge by the # of emails ;o)

Again, I hope I haven't offended anyone, it was not my intent...just some of my very random thoughts & questions. I want to thank everyone that reads and those who share the comment love!! I won't be offended if you stop following, we all have a right to make our own choices!

Have a great week and take the time to do something just for you. I know that I take myself for granted, so embrace the beautiful woman you are (just a shot in the dark since no men other than my brother's read my blog)...and let the world know!!!

2 Hot 2 Handle!!

I don't know what it is about the "military" haircut, but I just LOVE it!! I love the way Eric looks right after he gets his hair cut. When he was in 2nd Ranger Bn @ Ft. Lewis he had to have a "high & tight" every week, which I got pretty good at doing myself, but once he got back in the normal Army, I can't pull off a decent low/high fade to save my life.

I have never been a huge fan of the PT uniform for Ranger Regiment. Those tiny little black running shorts don't leave much room for the imagination! I do understand that they wear them b/c of the amount of running they do. But, I HATE going to Eric's work when all the guys are in these (which some wear them ALL day)...I cringe and try to keep my eyes in the skyline!


A few years ago they came out with these longer shorts and I was absolutely thrilled! Eric got a pair, but still has his "silkys" that he wears also. And since he has his "shorts" from his other Ranger unit, he sports them & his desert boots when he mows the lawn...it is so embarrassing!

But, last night he had a fresh haircut and he put his Ranger panties on & I couldn't help but admire how hot he looked in them! His cute runner's butt & legs. I guess I understand why guys make those comments when a chick walks by wearing almost nothing. My Sexy Beast is a hottie!

That being said, I still wouldn't mind if they wore these Winter PTs all year ;o)

I almost threw in the towel

Things have been going a hundred miles an hour lately with the start up of my last semester of Nursing School, Eric's change in positions @ work, and new lifestyle (I know I'm super hot, but I'm talking about becoming vegetarian...sorry ladies!)

My stress level has hit a new high, but I thought I was handling things pretty well. Then, when I got my visit from Aunt Flo, she was insanely out of control...like nothing I have ever experienced before (flow wise)! So, I'm thinking I might be a tad anemic so I'm scheduling an appt with the doc for some blood draws, b/c you can't be too careful. School hasn't been too difficult, but we'll see what tune I'm singing after my first exam. I have been in a funk the past few days and it all seem to hit the fan yesterday.

Being the woman that I am, I let some completely stupid set me off, and poor Eric was the only one around to take the heat. We talked...I cried...and he gave me the motivation I needed, like always. I wanted to give up b/c it was too hard and put it off til after school, but he reminded me that this was do-able, and he wants to help me anyway he can. (sorry ladies, he is soooo taken!)

I was completely ready to give up on the vege thing b/c of stress & some quite hurtful remarks I have received from various people. But, being the that rock he is, he gave me strength and told me to "drive on!" (it's an Army thing). We went to the commissary Saturday and both truly stuck with our diet plans. We normally sneak some kind of crap into the cart, but we held strong and got what we needed. We found some awesome buys and new things to try (tofu is WAY cheaper at the commissary, and they have the kind that doesn't have to be refrigerated!!)

I have also found the Subway of Mexican food, Moe's! They have a million different vegetarian options, and it's in the area near where I go to school and have many of my clinical rotations. The Vege-Delite from Subway was starting to get old ;o)

Some people are just stupid!

There is a local sports shooting store in our town called Panhandle Shooting Sports. It is a few doors down from the gym we go to, and Eric has gone in there a few times just to browse around, and keep an eye out for a gun I have my eye on ;o)

Well, one of the guys he works with went to this store last week and asked for something specific for the M1 he just purchased and the guy said he was out, so he asked for another accessory and the guy behind the counter replied, "we've run out of everything since that n***** is about to take office." He was floored by this response and told that guy that he didn't know who he was and that especially as a business owner that it was completely uncalled for. A guy came from the back of the store and told this "customer" that they didn't need his business.

I saddens me that people are so ignorant. Regardless of my feeling about the political standings of President-elect Obama, I have always judged him solely on his voting record and stance on very specific issues. I don't think he is a horrible person at all, I just disagree with some of his views. We can't all agree with everyone!!

To judge people based on race, really, have we not evolved past this yet? This not only makes me sad, but makes me angry! I would be so upset if others were to judge my intelligence, personality, compassion, etc based on the fact that I am a white female.



I just hope these kinds of people choose not to spread their ignorance and hate to their offspring.

I'll just consider it a compliment

If you haven't figured it out yet, my husband and I have a very interesting relationship. We love to tease each other, play jokes, and just have a good time.

When it comes to ring tones, there is no exception. My ring tone for him has been "Rockstar," for quite a while now, but since he got his new phone he has all kinds of cool programs, and he makes his own ring tones. The past ring tone for me on his phone was "Milkshake" which always make the guys at his work crack up when I called.

While on vacation we were listening to some of the songs on the new Nickelback album and now I have a new ringtone:



The lyrics he picked for the ringtone are "Well she ain't no Cinderella when she's getting undressed, cause she rocks it like the naughty wicked witch of the west. Far too pretty to be giving it cheap, that's why she's making 6-figures working 3 days a week."

...awwwwwwww, ain't true love grand! ;o)

I think Eric is getting sick of standing in lines at clubs he'll never get in...to, so help me come up with a new ringtone for him!!!

Are you sure you want honesty?

Blue violet at A Nut in a Nutshell bestowed this very prestigious award to little 'ole me.



The rules for this award are:

1. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.

2. Show the 7 winners' names and links on your blog, and leave a comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Scrap.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.

3. List at least ten honest things about yourself.

Ok, are you ready?

1. Growing up in a large family makes me want to have a small family.

2. People that litter really piss me off...even if it is just a cigarette butt. They add up!

3. I believe as a gender, women (to include myself) tend to be very judgemental. Why do I feel the need to comment to the guy standing in front of me at the bookstore, "the 80's are calling, and they want their rat tail back!"

4. I am a HUGE clutz! Just now I was walking into the bedroom and smacked my arm on the door knob...and just think, I used to operate heavy machinery at Lowe's ;o)

5. I love sitting at home and watching TV with my husband...and the pause feature with my DVR. Eric and I will get into long drawn out discussions, to include google searches for reference, while watching some of our favorite shows.

6. Even though I enjoy teaching Sunday School to the 14-18yr olds in my ward, I worry that their parents fear for their spiritual well-being from being in a room alone for that hour each week with such an unworthy person.

7. I still cry almost everytime I think about my dog Tyler...especially lately. I know some people can't understand the bond, but thanks for the support of those of you that can. It amazed me that it was my father in laws idea to send me flowers when it happened b/c he said, "in her eyes, it's like she lost a child." I know it's been 6 months...but I still miss him horribly.

8. I love to knit! I know this is something that grandmother's do in retirement homes, but I picked it up when I worked the night shift at Lowe's & I had to take a full hour lunch. When you can't leave the building, and lunch is @ 0100, you have to find something to kill time!

9. Although I have been married for 7 year, and don't currently have kids, we do plan on having kids. Am I thrilled about the whole baby thing...not really, but everyone tells me this changes when they are your own. Eric and I have also discussed doing foster care later on.

10. I know this may not come as a shocker, but I love blogging. It is such a great way to meet people and see the many different perspectives of life.

In light of all of this, I hope you will continue to read and send the bloggy love my way...and here are the 7 people I pass this award to:

1. Irish Chicken Soup
2. Steph
3. The Acting Mom
4. Becky
5. Kelly
6. Jen
7. Jeannie

You all deserve it, and please check out these amazing ladies, and their mad skillz!

It's all my car's fault!!!

I own a great little 2000 Toyota Corolla that currently has almost 200,000 miles on it! It is a manual, which I love, and it is completely, whole-heartedly responsible for my road rage!



I didn't discover this until my husband finally decided that since he drives more mileage than me, it would be more cost effective for him to take my car, which avgs 34+ mpg, while his big honkin' truck gets 19 mpg, if we're lucky. He didn't decide this until AFTER gas prices started to go down. But, it's progress.

He always commented that when I would drive his truck that his gas mileage would suck...and honestly, I would get worse mileage b/c I drove very impatiently (I'm trying not to say aggressively...let me live in my fantasy for a little longer, ok?) Well, it was proven a fact when he started getting better gas mileage in the car than I did. But it didn't really hit me why until this week.

I completely blame it on my car! Because it is a manual transmission, just the action of shifting makes me speed up & slow down faster...I don't have to wait for the engine to compensate on my driving style, so it made me drive faster. Also, this car is very small. So small that my poor Sexy Beast can barely fit in it, and forget about adults sitting in the back seat. Because of the size, I am forced to always be on edge for larger vehicles that will jump out of the bushes to squash, and possibly kill me. Who wouldn't be agitated?!?! Although, I've never been quite that agitated when driving my old bike b/c I felt more in control of the vehicle, and it was always a great adrenaline rush...being in complete control of that much power. I miss my Honda 954!

So, I noticed that since I have been driving the truck, I don't rush to get up to speed after stopping, and I drive very cautiously b/c I am scared of hurting someone with this beast! It also has a center console that is the perfect height for my elbow, thus lessening the strain on my bad right shoulder. Wouldn't you get agitated if you had to keep your right hand at 12 o'clock, with your shoulder muscles fully flexed for up to 45 minutes??

In conclusion, I should have been driving the newer, nicer...I mean safer vehicle ('06 Tacoma 4-door w/ extended bed, leather seats & DVD) from the very beginning. At least I am now doing my part to save the polar bears ;o)

Out with the old, and in with the new!

The past few months have brought many changes in my life, but most recently would be my beloved PDA. It had been a dear companion since my summer rotations through the ER, L&D, and last semester. But, it decided to crap out on me for no apparent reason this weekend...right before the semester started, Monday. I had no choice but to replace my old friend with a Palm TX. Now, if my occupation had been anything but the current "moocher" status, this wouldn't be so difficult...but I am thankful that I had enough money left on my student loan, for the semester, and the school bookstore carried something that would work.

This new semester has also split up a 3 semester partnership with Vanessa since we are now on different days with different instructors. We were both kind of upset, as were many other students, b/c we are now out of our comfort zone and working with different people. But, this ended up being a blessing in disguise b/c Vanessa's husband is going TDY for over a month, so I will be available to help get the kids to & from school on her 11 hour clinical day. She keeps insisting that she is going to pay me...but I keep telling her no! It's only going to be a few hours, one day of the week. Plus, she was there for me this summer when Tyler passed away very unexpectedly, and spent so much time with me while I cried...b/c that's what friends do!

My hair has gone from long to some blonde to short to slightly orange to light brown over the past few months, and I still don't think I am quite done. I still think that I might go black. I think it would look great with my cut, and I could pull it off. Or, I was just thinking about thick blond highlights throughout...I'm not sure which will be harder to maintain...

The first days of being vegetarian were quite challenging, but not b/c I was craving meat...my body was adjusting, and it didn't like it at first. For 3 nights in a row it felt like I had a rock in my stomach at night, and I wasn't sleeping well. But, now I am feeling great, and have plenty of energy to exercise!!! I have been trying lots of new recipes, thanks blue violet, and making sure I get the needed protein through other food combinations. I had stopped consuming caffeine in December, to include chocolate (b/c it contains more caffeine than soda), but this came to an end Sunday. I started getting migraine Saturday while helping V finish her son's room, and b/c I don't get them frequently enough the docs won't give me migraine meds. So, when one hits I can only take Tylenol and, previously, load up on caffeine. I tried the Tylenol and was able to finally fall asleep, but when I woke up Sunday for church I couldn't take the pain, so I gave in...and the chocolate bar combined with a soda did the trick, mostly. I am still going to try to stay away from it, but since this is my last semester of Nursing School...we'll have to wait and see.

The local 24 hour gym has proved to be quite therapeutic for me! I was very skeptical at first, but I enjoy being able to work out at 2 am if I can't sleep! It is a very small gym, but I bring my notes with me and read as I do the stationary bike. Plus, with my current gym jams, I can't sit still while listening to them anyway!

I won't be posting as often due to my schedule this semester. I have class/clinical 4 days a week till April, then I have 4 weeks to complete 120 hours of practicum (working with a nurse on her schedule) til I graduate May 5th!! I love reading all your blogs, and will continue to do so...just don't be too upset if my comments are a few days late ;o)

Dang, we're good!

I have been doing quite a bit of slave labor for Vanessa since this summer...and she has agreed that a pedicure, next Friday, is definitely in order, Woohoo!!

We started this summer, with what she initially described as "redecorating" her daughters room. This quickly turned into what I would call a renovation, but the end product is priceless!! She says to ignore the clutter ;o)

We painted 3 of the walls pink & put up wainscot & crown molding throughout

I love that she hangs her dress up clothes under this phrase!

I think it turned out amazing and if I never have to paint again, it will be too soon.

So, now we moved onto her younger son's room. When she told him that she wanted to paint it blue, he said "no, I want yellow like Pikachu," so she said, "we're painting it Pokemon blue," so he happily agreed! So far the walls are done and we finished the first 5 rows of wood flooring, and she & her husband finished an additional 13 rows that night. I think it looks great and we picked up some boards today for a shelf that we will put at the top of the wainscot board!

We only used the wainscot on the accent wall with the green paint...it should have a shelf in a few more days!

Koa & Molly kept a good watch while we were busy back in Josh's room

Our progress, in all it's glory!

And Vanessa fully enjoying the hard work!

I am tired, but very excited to see the finished product!! And, as V said, this is good practice for me for the future ;o)

Does my tail make me look fat?

My buddy V always welcomes my dog, Koa, to her house b/c her dog, Molly, is quite utterly in love with him...and they wear each other out!! So he came with me yesterday while I helped paint her son's room, and when her boys got off the bus the first thing out of her son's mouth was, "he used to be big, but now he's little!" Then when when our friend Kelsey came over I asked her if she thought he lost weight, and she put him in a sit, and we all noticed that his fat roll that used to sag over his tail was gone. Go, Koa...even though you had no choice. Eric has even started running with him and he is up to one mile, which is great for his knee.

My poor dog has the same problem that most of us do...he just loves to eat! I finally buckled down and bought him weight control food, and he only gets 1/4 cup, twice a day, and I guess it is paying off. I admit that he does get table scraps, but probably not what you are thinking. His favorite food...carrots, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. So, if he can lose weight, so can I!

I have been meat-free for about a week...and have lost 3 lbs. I don't think it is a direct reflection of my vegetarian choices, but rather how focused I am on what I am putting in my mouth b/c of the increased need for protein. Plus...have you ever seen a fat vegetarian?? (don't answer that, ignorance is bliss!)

So, now we are headed to Vanessa's again to put in the wood floors. We agreed that all of my slave labor with redecorating her kids rooms will be paid by her having to carry at least 2 of my future children. I think it is an even trade ;o)

Yet another sign of the massive decline of moder society

My husband sent me this article and I had to share. This article was published by BBC in 2005:

Lion Mutilates 42 Midgets in Cambodian Ring-Fight

Tickets had been sold-out three weeks before the much anticipated fight, which took place in the city of Kâmpóng Chhnãng.

The fight was slated when an angry fan contested Yang Sihamoni, President of the CMFL, claiming that one lion could defeat his entire league of 42 fighters.

Sihamoni takes great pride in the league he helped create, as was conveyed in his recent advertising campaign for the CMFL that stated his midgets will "... take on anything; man, beast, or machine."

This campaign is believed to be what sparked the undisclosed fan to challenge the entire league to fight a lion; a challenge that Sihamoni readily accepted.

An African Lion (Panthera Leo) was shipped to centrally located Kâmpóng Chhnãng especially for the event, which took place last Saturday, April 30, 2005 in the city’s coliseum.

The Cambodian Government allowed the fight to take place, under the condition that they receive a 50% commission on each ticket sold, and that no cameras would be allowed in the arena.

The fight was called in only 12 minutes, after which 28 fighters were declared dead, while the other 14 suffered severe injuries including broken bones and lost limbs, rendering them unable to fight back.

Sihamoni was quoted before the fight stating that he felt since his fighters out-numbered the lion 42 to 1, that they “… could out-wit and out-muscle [it].”

Unfortunately, he was wrong.


I am really hoping that this was just a very small area of such ignorant people...if not, we are all surely doomed!

Is beauty only skin deep?

I must come clean...I am a reality TV junkie. Don't get me wrong, I love normal television too, but I especially love watching people make a fool of themselves...and when they add in a special twist, it's too good for words.


I watched the premier for "True Beauty" last night, and it did not disappoint. They gathered 5 men & 5 women and told them they were competing for the most beautiful person in America...when in reality they are being judged on their inner beauty as well. They give them announced challenges, but also tests of character. In the episode last night, when each contestant was waiting alone in an exam room, they left every one's files out as bait to see how would look...and the final test, to see who got kicked off, was seeing how they would react to a person trying to open a door carrying 2 trays of coffee.

The girl who got kicked off looked at the files when she was in the doctors office and walked around the person trying to open the door to let herself in, and let the door close behind her. She, of course, freaked out when she found out why they kicked her off and insisted she was an amazing person & her heart was filled with love....mmmm...

I am not sure if I will continue to watch the show, and all the inevitable cat fights that will ensue, but it is interesting to see how people behave when they think no one is watching ;o)

Dude...seriously??

I truly, whole-heartedly believe that I may just be the most humble person in the world (and I know you all agree), so you can believe my disbelief when K (my fellow Floridian) from Vitrifying Hearts gave me this awesome blog award:



It means that she, in all her mighty wisdom, sees my blog as having just the right amount of lemon and sugar to make perfect summery treat. *Awe* *tear*...*sniffle*

So, now I pass this along to 10 people...only the most deserving of course...and that don't already have it ;o)

1. Michelle at Things Michelle has to tell, she is my super awesome sister-in-law that has a very similar mindset as me....therefore, genius!! I love her randomness & great pix!!

2. Brittany at Author Bee's Blog, who has been a long time stalk for me...since we both used to use MSN Spaces!! Amazing person with unparalleled wit, and you will be missing out if you aren't already a follower!

3. Jillene at Jillene's Journal, who I found through blog stalking and who I thought had every blog award known to man...but now she has one from me!!

4. My nursing buddy Vanessa @ The Rittle's b/c she has failed to make her first post, but in all the time I spend with her I know she has just the right amount of sour & sweet!

5. Wendy at Pessimistically Optimistic Meanderings, who always provides an interesting read & awesome videos!

6. Blue Violet at A Nut in a Nutshell who was a new find for me, and quite a tasty one at that!

7. Allison at Life with our Boys who was one of the first Army wives I ever met & I miss horribly!!!

8. Jacqueline at Attack of the Toddler is another awesome military wife that isn't afraid to tell it like it is...which I love!!

9. Jessica at Mama Loves Shoes has a great love for life & is a fellow comment whore ;o)

10. Motherboard at Crazyland has great perspective & always makes me laugh!

**I just want to thank the academy, and let everyone know that this wouldn't be possible without the continued love & support of my dog Koa...I love ya boy!**

I love you Koa, but the hair has got to go!

When I first decided I wanted a dog I did my research (so I had ammo for Eric's questions) and I wanted a Maltese b/c they were small and didn't shed...enter Tyler. Well, when Eric came home on mid-tour leave we decided to get Tyler a friend. We brought him to a pet swap meet and gave him free reign to pick out his new playmate. Most of the puppies were really scared, and we really like a little Chihuahua named Ginger...but Tyler had other plans. He walked up to Koa, Ginger's brother, who was just sitting calmly @ 4lbs...by far the largest chihuahua puppy I have ever seen! They hit it off and we went home with Koa.

They really were best friends

And ever since we have battled with the hair. We love our couch, but b/c of it's textured fabric, it holds onto those small Koa hairs with a vengeance...and he lives on our couch!!

He loves to be brushed but it doesn't get rid of most of the hair, so I finally purchased the furminator...and I love it!!!!


I got it in the mail yesterday and went right to getting rid of his undercoat. (I know it's winter...but he is an inside dog...and doesn't spend a lot of time outside)

So, if you have the same problem as I do...look into those eyes...


and get rid of the hair to make every one's life easier!


***Little Side Note***

Jeannie is having a giveaway at her blog. A great pair of earrings & watch that she discovered from Veronica's Etsy Store. Head on over and get your name in the drawing!!

Another great read!

I have finally cleared my DVR of all the "It's me or the dog" episodes that compiled while I was in Orlando, so I needed something else to occupy my time.

After finishing the Twilight series this fall, I was in need of something else to read...but as finals grew closer I was chin deep into my Medical-Surgical & Pediatric texts books til the very end. I found the time today to start & finish this great story.


"The Wednesday Letters" by Jason Wright is a great novel about love, faith, and forgiveness. It tells the story of a husband that wrote a letter to his wife every Wednesday since the day they married...which are later found by their children. It was very touching and I suggest you keep the Kleenex close by!!

It is a very easy read at only 280 pages, and it portrayed such amazing qualities that you wish you achieve someday in real life. It is fictional, but it leaves you with faith in miracles.

It's been decided...

I brought up my desire to be a vegetarian to Eric tonight, and he is all for it...as long as I get the needed protein in other ways.

I am going to try being a lacto-ovo vegetarian. We'll see how this goes. I think I am going to keep a food diary just to make sure I am getting everything I need.

Eric will continue to eat meat, and I wouldn't expect him to stop!!! I just feel really strongly about this, and want to give it a shot. Wish me luck!

AND, if you have any good recipes please email me!!!

We'll call it an improvement!

Did you know that NO salons are open today...NONE!!! I had no other option but to consult my sister, and she suggested I go with a dark brown. So I headed off to Wally World and stared frantically at all the brands and all the browns...so I called her back, got a suggested brand...and she said to go dark brown. But, when I looked at the box it was "not suggested" to take light brown to dark brown...and since my hair was kind of orange, I went with a medium brown in hopes it would cover my horrible mistake.


Not too bad, but I still have a weird lighter spot where the initial blond stopped...but I am not screwing with it anymore. I will get it professionally done from now on.


My hair is something I have always obsessed over...probably b/c it is on the one part of my body that is easily modified to my preference. Such is life.


Crisis dealt with...w/o tears...and I think the end product is do-able

*Don't you love my cheesy super-grin*

When good ideas go horribly wrong

So, I had my lil sis dye the front of my hair blonde in August, then 2 weeks later I chopped it short. It has since grown out quite a bit!! I have an appt with my hairdresser on Friday, but she only has time for a cut....and I desperately need the color.

Eric and I decided that it shouldn't be that hard to do my roots with some dye from a box...so we found a super light blonde and went for it. And.....

Yeah, I'm not too thrilled with the orangish tone of the roots...but we don't have a Sally's here!! So, I will be heading to Super Cuts tomorrow to get it dyed properly. And...I'm thinking....BLACK!