It's that time of year again, PCS season!

After almost eleven years of being an Army wife, I am truly ready to move after three to four years in the same place.  As I have said before, we have been exceptionally lucky when it comes to duty stations.  Eighteen months after our wedding, we boarded a plane and spent the next three years on the glorious island of O'ahu.  Three years later we headed to the swamps of Northwest Florida where we spent almost six years.  Then, the boys and I headed to North Carolina last year.  I have made all kinds of friends in our journey, and am thankful for every one of them.

One of the main reasons that lead to our decision for moving to NC while the hubby went to school, was that my brother was stationed there.  Most people have the opportunity to grow up with family close by, but I never have.  And until this last year, I didn't know what I was missing.

We found a house that was only 3 miles away, and I secured a job and a nanny.  Although my Sexy Beast was away, there was always the comfort of knowing I had family close by.  I had someone to spend holidays, birthdays, and lonely days with...until this weekend.

I have been fortunate enough to attend my brother's High School, College, and Medical School graduations, and finally, his Residency Graduation.  It was a gorgeous day and I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't already mourning their impending departure.

Gonna miss you guys!!!

It's just a number, right?

Yesterday marked a big event in my life...I left my 20's behind and boldly embraced being 30!  Well, I let it sneak up behind me and saw no feasible way of holding it off any longer.  I woke up bright and early at 0430 and slowly got ready for work.  I had originally had the day off, but needed to switch shifts for something more important on Friday.

I have truly been dreading my birthday.  Birthdays had a way of disappointing me.  There were two disasterous surprise parties in my teenage years, but nothing compares to being stood up on your sweet 16.  I realize now I had unrealistic expectations, and it was my own fault for expecting the world to stop turning so everyone would have the opportunity to recognize how amazing it was that I had aged yet one more year.

I had a nice steady day at work with people I LOVE.  I have worked in quite a few different places in my life, and I can honestly say that I look forward to going to work.  I've learned more, and certified more, in the last year than I ever thought was possible.  One of the things I love about the medical field is that it is forever evolving.  New procedures, medicines, and practices are discovered constantly, and the best part is that I never know what I will encounter.  I have both laughed and cried at work, but nothing beats having a patient or family member thank you for simply doing your job.  My favorite yesterday was when I asked a new mother if she had any other questions or concerns after I gave her discharge instructions, and she asked if she could have my phone number.  I laughed and assured her she was doing great and to keep an open communication with her pediatrician.

The highlight of my day was when my Sexy Beast surprised me with lunch from Panera Bread and my favorite strawberry cake, AND he was able to eat with me.  Love that guy!

He also held off getting promoted until today so I could be there.  Yesterday starts out a 10 day celebration together as we celebrate both our birthdays and anniversary.

I am a very lucky person, and am grateful for the knowledge and experience I have gained in the last 30 years, and I look forward to many many more!

My Next Thirty Years

Happy Father's Day!

I'm so grateful that the hubby is here to celebrate Father's Day this year!  Nothing special has been planned except letting him sleep in and spending the day together as a family.

He started off the weekend by getting the boys their summer Mohawks which was a pleasant surprise when I got home from work on Friday.  They look so white trash that you can't help but laugh.  I didn't get upset because hair grows, and this will make for some great photos for the boys to laugh at when they grow up.

I'm really missing my Dad today.  March and April were very hard for me, which I believe is because we were planning our first ever family reunion, and he wasn't there.  

I am focusing on a few things I will forever cherish.  I will always consider my Dad as MacGyver with a pocket protector.  He could weld, build, and fix just about anything.  I'm grateful to recognize many of these qualities in the hubby...although I see him more as MacGyver with an M-4 and body armor.

What do you love most about your Dad/Step-dad/Father-figure or your children's father?

Letting my Geek Flag Fly!

Although my DVR stays 65% full on a daily basis with episodes of Caillou, Blue's Clues, and Little Einsteins, I have a few shows that I'm pretty devoted to.  I know that may shatter the impeccably classy facade so many of you portray me in, but I must speak the truth.

I'm really bummed there isn't going to be a 2nd season of Terra Nova!!  I'm frackin mad! (100 pts if you can name that show)

I admit that when I first saw the previews, I rolled my eyes because I knew the hubby would want to watch it, which would inadvertently make me part of the fan base as well.  Honestly, I started to look forward to new episodes.

From my research online, the sources state that the fan base was solid, but Fox didn't think the storyline was solid enough to offset the costs of CGI.

It was the perfect geek trifecta with a little of Stargate, Land of the Lost, and Avatar!

So, I'm hoping another network will pick it up and will continue to produce the show.  Unlike when the network that produced Gilmore Girls was bought out and the show ended shortly after.  Oy with the poodles already!

This is why I need to wait for a show to be in it's 3rd or 4th season to start watching!

The hubby will tolerate a lot when it comes to my shows, but he has to leave the room when I'm watching Army Wives, Dance Moms, or Sister Wives.  What are some of you guilty TV pleasures???

Everyone isn't special

With graduation season in full swing, I was surprised and impressed to read this article about a High School commencement speaker that told the truth.

I was not the valedictorian, I was not captain of any team, and at a young age I knew the worthlessness of a participation ribbon.

When I was in elementary school, in Jacksonville, NC, I vividly remember my first field day.  Our class had matching T-shirts and we were ready to win.  There were many different events that I had been entered in, and I didn't win any of them.  That being said, I enjoyed spending the day outside and being part of a team.  After the day was over we were given our team ribbons for the events won, and a participation ribbon for individual events.  As soon as I got home, the participation ribbon made it's way into the trash.  I understood that I had won nothing and the ribbon was a reminder of that.

I am by no means saying that if you do not win, you fail.  What I'm trying to point out is that I was not ruined by not winning.  I continued to participate in field day events in the following years because it was fun and not because I needed a ribbon that celebrates mediocrity.

There have been many things in my life that I did not win, but it never swayed me from trying!  I recognize that I may never invent something that could change the world, but that does not stop me from going to work everyday and doing my job to the fullest.


I take pride everyday in living my life, and I do not expect to be praised with a participation ribbon for being an adult.

I also don't understand the point of a graduation from Kindergarten, Elementary School, or Middle School.  I understand a High School graduation because your education will forever change in college.  You don't have to apply to attend 1st grade?

Okay, rant over.

I know not everyone agrees with me, but that's why I'm the best, most wonderful, amazing person in the world (as clearly demonstrated by all my participation ribbons), therefore I don't need your approval or permission.  But if you get hateful in the comments, I will delete them :o)

A Helping Hand and Being Thankful

After final negotiations with the insurance companies, I dropped off the Mini this morning for repairs, and had no choice but to have the boys in tow.  While we waited for the Enterprise to pick us up, there was another lady waiting for the same reason.  She was quick to interact with the boys, and Carter ran right over and sat on her lap.  After we were picked up and arrived to do all the paper work, the same lady was also waiting on her vehicle.  While at the counter Carter kept reaching for her, so she thoughtfully picked him up and helped keep him entertained.  The boys did pretty well for about 5 minutes, then started trying to open the doors to leave, so I had no choice but to buckle them in their car seats as we waited for our car to be ready.  I sat on the floor and did my best to keep them from screaming, and this lady came over and did the same.

I love my boys, but being in public seems to always be a challenge.  Some people point and give me dirty looks as I try to wrangle my 2 yr olds (that are often mistaken for 3 yr olds due to their height), but sometimes people take the time to hold a door open, talk to the boys, or even something as simple as a reassuring smile.

It doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated.  It's little things like this that have the power to keep me from losing my temper or wanting to cry!

So, THANK YOU to the amazing stranger that made my morning, and THANK YOU to everyone that takes the time to provide service for those when they really need it!

*******************************************************

On a slightly related note, I'm thankful for the sand on my floors!!

About a year ago I woke up early and walked into the kitchen only to find sand tracked everywhere.  At first I started to get upset, but instead I started to cry.  I was thankful for the Florida sand that had been tracked into my house from my husband's combat boots!!  I was thankful that it was Florida sand and not Iraq or Afghanistan sand.  I was able to hold my husband in my arms at the end of the night, and know he was safe.

So, as I swept the sand off my kitchen floor this morning, I cried.  I'm grateful for the North Carolina sand on my floors!!  I'm grateful that my husband is finally here with us, and that he is proudly serving our country.

Love my Army Wife Life!!

The OPPOSITE of lady-like

At work yesterday, we were having a major lull so I was offered the opportunity to go home early.  I jumped at the chance and called the hubby to set up an impromptu date to see "The Avengers."  I made some the phone calls (using my built in bluetooth) and we planned to meet at home and leave right away.

I was sitting at a stop light, in heavy traffic, contemplating whether or not I'd have enough time to change when I got home, and my car lunged forward.  I thought I might have killed the engine, but I looked down and saw it was still running.  That's when I looked in the rear view mirror and saw a compact SUV ON my bumper.

I got out of the car to inspect and the other car was still touching mine.  I stomped over to the drivers window and screamed,

 

"DID YOU JUST HIT MY CAR!?!?!"

"it's okay!" said the driver...obviously keeping her window up while a maniac yelled at her.

That's when I literally spun around, while throwing my hands in the air, and screamed, 

"SERIOUSLY!"

"I'M GOING TO PULL OFF THE ROAD UP AHEAD ON THE RIGHT, DO THE SAME!"

I got back in my car, put on my hazards and pulled off onto a side road.  It was rush hour traffic and I saw no need to block traffic.  I turned my car off and waited...and waited...and the other driver stayed in the road.  

I called 911, and said I had just been rear-ended and "THE OTHER DRIVER IS INSISTING ON BLOCKING TRAFFIC LIKE AN IDIOT" to which the operator said, "unfortunately, it isn't against the law, but you are supposed to clear vehicles off the road if possible."

I then called the hubby and he called to cancel the sitter and said he was on his way.

I stood on the side of the road and watched as the other car continued to block traffic, and people stop to assist her to push her car off the road, until a Sheriff escorted her off the road and said he had called in the accident.

The only damage to my car was a couple indentions on the bumper from her license plate cover. 

When the cops arrived, and HOUR later, they asked us what happened, which is when they pointed out the damage on my car to the other driver, who said, "how do we know that wasn't there before?"  The cop then said, "because it matched your license plate holder perfectly."

I apologized for yelling and explained this was my first accident.  She said, "I'm a born again Christian which is why I didn't get upset."

The hubby called USAA, and her insurance called me last night to go through the details.  

I'm thankful that no one was hurt, but I'm very sad about my car, and my missed date with the hubby.

So, I'm hoping there's never a next time, but let's hope that I can conduct myself in a more lady-like manner if it ever happens again.

Happy Nurse's Week!

Since Nursing has become such a huge part of my life, I wanted to join in the celebration of a profession that has changed my life.  I've been afforded such an opportunity to educate myself and those I interact with on a daily basis.  I've had many 1st's in the last three years, but nothing compares to the past year.

When I decided to go to school for Nursing, I knew it would be difficult.  I knew it would be challenging.  But most importantly, I knew it would be rewarding.  I loved working with people, so no matter the trials I would endure, I was positive this decision was the right one.

I graduated from Nursing School in 2009 and started working right away.  I've never had a patient die, until this year.  I always tried to mentally prepare myself for how I would feel, what I would say to the family, and how I would conduct myself.  When all was said and done, all could do was hug the parents as I cried on their shoulder and tell them how amazing their child was.  I apologized for crying and the family's pastor said, "Jesus wept too."  I continue to cry every time I think of their face, their smile, and remember their sweet voice.  

I know God does not give us trials that we can not handle, and so I pray for the family to find peace at this time and celebrate the life of one of God's newest angels.

I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to meet this family, and have my life changed forever.

I know every single person has had a nurse make them smile or infuriate them, it's the nature of the job.  We are first and foremost a patient advocate, and one of my many mantras is, "it's okay to make me the bad guy."

I have many goals in my career that will take me many years to accomplish, but the one that I strive for on a daily basis is to do right by my patients.

Hug a nurse this week!!