Fascinating New Thing...

Ken took me to a dance... it was way fun! We had sushi after- yum!

So, I have been avoiding writing this post... sometimes you don't want to jinx yourself. But, after 6 weeks, its probably time to tell the blogging world about Ken.

About 2.5 months ago I moved into an apartment with some roommates. My new roommate, Gloria, decided nearly immediately that I should date her friend, Ken. So, about a month after that, I did just that.

Ken is awesome. Ken is from Aken, South Carolina. He served his mission in Canada, and graduated from the U!! He is a mechanical engineer, and works for a company in West Jordan that designs and manufactures high-end composite bicycle wheels. He loves to play in the outdoors, and he is the middle child of 5. He is 30 (I know, he's old ;-) He is pretty dang cute if I do say so myself. I think that he is the sweetest boy!

I have a great time with this one. I really feel comfortable being myself around him, and I have to say, he seems to like me. We love being together, and we laugh a lot. He came with me to Thanksgiving, and we are ramping up for Christmas... both my fam and his (his parents are coming into town).

So, there you have it. That might explain my absence of posts in the last several weeks, as we are now going on seven weeks since we started dating.

Giving Thanks.

I can honestly say that I had the best Thanksgiving.  I got to spend it with my amazingly crazy, yet wonderful family.  I have to say, that when you combine that with getting to work last night, at the job that I love (most days, anyway) I am one very blessed girl.

Sometimes the Lord's hand is very apparent in my life, and I have to "live in Thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." Alma 34:38.  I feel like yesterday was one of those miraculous days, and I am so very grateful.

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."         

                                             - -WT Purkiser

An Amazing, Uplifting Story

I wanted to share with you a true story that happened to a friend of our family amidst tragedy. 

My mom called me about 3 weeks ago to tell me that a really good friend of our family, and one of my mom's best friends, had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Sharon is a saint, and has had many trials in her life, including a battle with Lupus.  She is the mother of five beautiful girls and at this point, the main provider for her family.  She works for UVU and is about the most upbeat and faithful person that ever lived.  I cannot recount the number of kind acts that Sharon alone has performed on behalf of my family!

My parents went to visit Sharon a few days before her surgery, and she was noticeably and understandably upset and a bit distraught.  But, as ever, Sharon had faith that things would all work out.  About a week after her surgery, my parents went again to visit Sharon.  The surgery had gone well, and the doctors thought they had gotten most of, if not all of the tumor.  But perhaps the most heartwarming part of the story was told about the response of Sharon's work to all this commotion.

In August, Sharon had another more routine surgery that had eaten up all of her paid time off. So, this brain tumor left her and her family in a great predicament.  In response to this problem, an email was sent out to the employees of UVU, asking anyone who was willing to donate some of their paid time off to Sharon.  The response was overwhelming.  Over 2,000 hours of paid time off were donated to this woman to help her and her family in this time of need.  That is over a year! 

I think that it really shows that even a very small act of kindness in another person's life can make an enormous difference.  When you think you have absolutely nothing to offer this crazy world we live in, think again.  There is always a way to contribute to those around you, even if it is just a smile, a hug,  or an hour or two of paid time off.  

Do a kind deed today in honor of Sharon and all those who need a hand to lift them. Someday you may be that person who's head hangs down.

"In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Matthew 25:40

Starting Over

So, it has been a little while since I last posted... life has been crazy!!  Not only am I in full swing as a nurse, but I moved out. I know, right? Finally!!!

I live with some roommates in an apartment complex close to the U (and work) and I am loving it! It is quite the adjustment, though.  I am not in any way a fast decision maker, in fact I would deem myself a rather slow one, but this opportunity came along and I took it... it all came about in a week!!

In addition, the Seminary teacher and I broke up about a month ago. Not that big of a deal, but he was insistent on being friends, which has proved to be very emotionally draining. So, this last week I ended the friends portion of our journey.  And, it was pretty freeing, though I don't think he's very happy about it. Technically we are supposed to revisit the friends thing in a few weeks, but I don't anticipate a change in status for us.

So, in a matter of about a month I started my career as a nurse, broke up, moved away from home and started over. Its been quite the roller coaster... here's hoping that all the pieces land where they should!

Working Gal...

This week is my first week at the CMU!! Lots of orientation, and tours of this and that!! I have missed my unit!!  When I saw my director for the first time on Monday, she gave me a big hug and told me that they had missed me!! I love my job!

But, it is going to be a long next few months! By Thanksgiving I will be completely on my own at work :-/ and I have a scheduling nightmare ahead of me with all my residency, workshops, and required shifts.  Tomorrow night marks my first night shift and my first shift as an RN! Tonight I am staying up as late as I can to try and stay awake tomorrow night... should be an adventure!!!

Anyway, I think that for the next few months I am going to be buried in Primary Children's Medical Center.  Wish me luck!!

Andrea Webb, RN

I did it!! With the help of the Lord of course.

I was so very unnerved by the NCLEX, I came out ready to cry. I got a ton more than the minimum number of questions, which made me way nervous. I kept repeating the words of the blessing that Chris gave me on Sunday... "you will pass your test with flying colors." And then I panicked a bit... all the thoughts of what would happen if I failed ran through my head- things I had never allowed myself to consider before.

Then I woke up yesterday with a peace that wasn't from myself. I just refused to worry about it anymore. I was checking the DOPL website periodically all day for my license to be posted. I went to Institute last night, it wasn't there. At about 10pm, when I had just finished having another DTR with Chris, I got a text from my friend Danielle telling me to check DOPL. And, when I did, I read the words on the license verification... ANDREA WEBB, REGISTERED NURSE!!!!!!

I am so very grateful to everyone who believed that I could do it, I have had so many kind words, thoughts and prayers come my way, so thank you to all of you who supported me through this. I know I really couldn't have done it without you!! I love you all!

If you ever need a nurse, I am here! Love you guys!!

I don't know how it gets better than this...

Well then, here's that update for all of you who are curious...
I am still studying for the NCLEX... I take it next Monday. I have talked to a few of my classmates who have passed with flying colors, which is very encouraging! I am starting to get stir crazy... I want to be a nurse again! I miss the kids and my job on the Medical Unit. I am ready to start my dream job- finally!! The countdown has started until the 28th and finally officially beginning my career as a nurse!! It's been a long time coming, and I am really excited! I know it will be challenging, like anything truly worthwhile, but I am ready to take it on!!
Chris and I survived our first week!! We saw each other every night until Friday when he went home for the long weekend to St. George to visit his fam. And then we talked on the phone everyday, sometimes more than once. I was very ready for him to come home last night, and I was super glad when I finally saw him again! I really am feeling so good about this... it is so easy. He texts or calls me almost everyday in the morning just to say hi or tell me to have a good day, and he is so in sync with me. I am sure that at some point he will bug me, but until then, I am just so glad that he is so wonderful to me! As he would say, he does his home teaching every night!!
So, I don't know how it gets better than this, you take my hand and drag me head first, FEARLESS!!

It's Only Life, Afterall...

Wow! Sometimes life surprises me, and this time it was a very pleasant surprise.

This week has been really quite fun!! I was able to schedule the NCLEX... September 14 is the big day!! Hooray for the NCLEX (right?). Also this week (and the last few) my calling has been going super, duper well! I love being the FHE co-chair, and my committee is the greatest!!

Also new this week is a little friend of mine... Chris Brockman. He isn't new per say, he moved into my ward about May. I didn't really meet him until June when he was called as the Elder's Quorum President, and wound up being my home teacher. At first he bugged me (shocker, huh? Anyone who knows me knows that I am a little sassy), and then he began to grow on me. He's been flirting with me for a month solid now, jokingly proposing, etc. Our ward has formed a coalition to get us to date (I wish I were joking, but I am not... from my friends to his Elder's Quorum Presidency to a member of the bishopric and the new freshman, so many people have been working it! Its funny, but also kind of awkward to be getting all this attention :-/ ). So this last week, he finally asked me out! I can't say I didn't see it coming, but I was really excited!!

On Friday night he took me to the Park City High football game... he is teaching seminary at Park City, and a few of his students were playing (GO Miners!- they lost, though :-( ). Afterwards he showed me his room and his office in the Seminary building, we got ice cream and watched a movie. The next morning we went to a ward service project and played until noon and then we went out again Saturday and last night. He's fantastic!! My dad loves him!! He is completely supportive of me, hilarious, and a total stud. I adore him!

So, here's my disclaimer... I haven't a clue what is in store, but if my gut is any indication, I think there are only good things in the future with this one. I am not worried, or nervous, I am just trying to enjoy the fact that I actually like a guy and he likes me and he treats me awesome!

In the words of the Indigo Girls, in their infinite wisdom... "the best thing you've ever done for me is to help me take my life less seriously, it's only life after all." So, here's to letting the Lord guide me and doing what He would have me do... turns out it is the greatest and feels so happy!!

NCLEX

Some of you may have noticed that the countdown at the bottom of the blog has timed out! That means that I am officially DONE with nursing school!! It feels great to be done and be able to do all sorts of things that I really want to do! There's only one problem... I still have the NCLEX hanging over my head!!

The NCLEX is the National Licensure exam for nurses.  It is a minimal competency exam, so theoretically I should pass it with ease.  The problem is that it costs $300 to take, and I have to pass it! It is standardized (boo! I can't stand standardized tests), and it is a computer adaptive test.  That means that I can pass it in 75 questions (if I get them right) or I can pass it in 300 questions (if you miss questions, the test gives you easier questions and works you back up to the hard ones). 

So, everyone think happy thoughts as the test inches closer... I don't know precisely when I will take it, I am waiting for authorization to test  and trying to study for this nebulous icky test that is hanging over my head and preventing perfect happiness in life!

So... no more waiting!

Well, I have to tell you, I am soooo excited...

I got the job! They offered it to me today! I am officially going to live my dream of becoming a pedeatric nurse!! My interview yesterday went swimmingly, and then they slipped and told me they were sure that they would offer me the position... but I thought I would have to wait until at least next week to hear about it officially! No way! They called me today, and I start September 28!! Now to pass the NCLEX!! No pressure!

Update and Job Interviews...

Hello again Blogging world!

  I haven't posted in what seems like forever (okay about a month).  Life got crazy with school, and that wasn't even interesting to me, so why blog about it, right? Well, school is still happening, though I will be done in 10 days! Can you believe it? I'm not certain I can!

  I have two job interviews this week: one tomorrow the CMU, or the unit I have been working, and one with the Float Pool at Primary.  I have to report that I am a bit nervous, and have been fasting today as a result! I really hope to get the job on the CMU... but we'll see.  At this point, I think I am just so grateful to have interviews.  I was stressing about getting a job, as it is the first step in a long list of new goals after graduation (new car, moving out, possibly a new ward, etc.), but after going to the temple a few times, talking to some good friends and praying (and yes, having some interviews scheduled), I am feeling a little better.

  Well, that is all for now... perhaps soon I will have some big news about a job!  If not, I need to post the pics from the goings on of the summer!!

To Draw Closer to God

So, I have needed a little diversion from reading constantly about this congenital disease, or how to care for that syndrome. In shopping for Father's Day, I found this little book by President Eyring. I am in love! It is already changing my life! Check it out! I think you will love it!

Blogging Buddies

   I just wanted to give a shout out to all of my friends who are actively reading my blog, and letting me read theirs!! I love you guys!

   Most of you are friends from my life that I don't really get to interact with all that often.  But it is so fun to keep up on a little portion of your lives through this medium of blogs! I am so grateful for your comments on my blog. Its like I have a whole little posse that I can connect with even just a little through my computer! I love it! Thank you friends!!

A Welcome Return to ME!!

This is the new me... still an enigma, but way more Andie

So, I have to say that since I got home from my mission, I haven't felt much like me.  I think I have been very much "under construction."  But in the last few months, I have really been feeling like I have been able to reconcile the Post mission Andrea, and feel much more comfortable in my own skin.  That by no means that I am done with the construction, I am constantly learning, growing, changing and improving.  I make tons of mistakes, but I am rolling with life and learning how to be happy.  I really love it!

I had a conversation with a good friend recently, and she commented that she thought I had been quite a bit more happy.  I feel like life is just really, really good! The Lord really loves me, and is sending me challenges, but He is really teaching me how to deal with them!!! I want to share with you the silly little things I have been able to reconcile that have dispersed the inner conflict and made me way more me...

Music... I have finally gotten myself back into popular music. I have many new loves... Taylor Swift, Death Cab for Cutie, Dashboard, All American Rejects, The Fray, Sara Evans, and so many more! I love playlist.com!  The music on my blog is the soundtrack for my life- I update it all the time!

Friends! I have a fun group of friends, mostly from my ward that I play with all the time! I feel like I belong in a group of single people again! In addition, I think I have finally become comfy with my single status amongst the girls from High School. They are all married and having fun, having babies, and I am totally not, but I have a great life! I love playing with them, despite the incongruences in our current lives! I have wonderful friends who love me! Thanks, guys!

Professional life- Nursing or BUST! I have finally begun to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse. School has been brutal, but I am getting so very close, and while I have so much to learn, I am finding so much joy in my professional development! I am happy doing the work I am doing! This is an amazing feeling!  I love nursing!!

Playing! I have finally relaxed enough to just play! I love to run, hike, waterski, see movies, play games and be adventurous.  Admittedly life has hurt so much in the last few years I have been more timid in this area (Me, timid? hardly, I know!) and I think I have recently been coming out of it... giving the hurt to the Lord and just continuing to be happy!  I think that the Adventurous Andrea is way more fun!

Dating... the Adventurous Andrea is way more apt to date! It has actually been quite fun! Not really what I would term "successful,"  but fun nonetheless! And interestingly enough, I have no real desire to date, so it has to be fun for me to do it!! I know that sounds backwards, but that is how it has been!

Summer has helped immensely. I LOVE SUMMER!! I feel so free and ready fro life when I can just sit outside on a warm summer night and gaze at the stars!!

And, now that Andrea is back to her old self, she is so HAPPY!! Yay for life, yay for everything!! 

Lake Powell

The Powell Peeps.

Waaaaa-ter skiing. My one love!

Sun setting over Powell- absolutely amazing!

Kylie and I... the "redheads!"

Meg... I love you, girl!! Should've Said No, huh?

Em... what would I have done without you, girl?

Devin, you look so happy!

The Toesies... this is a great pic!!

The water at Powell... amazing!!

After the wedding, I spent a few days at Lake Powell... it was a blast! I wish there were words to decribe the trip... I'll use a few to try.

Hot, sunny, "We're camping!," "There's a double meaning in that," "That was a delk," "And that's why we stop at the Beaver Valley Chevron," nudity (only partial, thank heavens), "Bryce! really?", animal crackers, jet skis and stranded, Nurse Andrea to the rescue... DRINK WATER!!!, too many boys, "I'm a hot babe!", "Should've Said No!", "Sush, girl...," funny in the morning, We love Walmart, sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, music... no country! Girl power!!

And that about sums it up! Hopefully the pictures express what you missed by not being there.

Wedding...

After all the drama... my parents look so happy!! I love it!

My little bro, Nick, the married man! You got a good one Laura, take good care of him!

My family, minus Adam and plus my new sister! Welcome to the family, ready or not!

As promised... here are a few more wedding pics courtesy of Liz Frandsen, Laura's older sister and the amazing photographer! 

On Monday, my whole family went to see Wolverine as one last hoorah prior to Nick's getting hitched! It was a good flick, and Hugh Jackman is a mega hottie!

The wedding was May 12, and turned out to be a ton more fun than I had anticipated.  The sealing was beautiful... my aunt Von said she had never heard a more enthusiastic response from the bride! They were both radiant, and the sealer gave them some sound advice! Many family and friends came... it was fun to have my extended family around!!

The Wedding Dinner was at the Old Meeting House.  We had to be there early for pictures, and the time was fun... but I swear if I see Nick and Laura kiss one more time, I might be sick! Then the real fun happened! All the guests began arriving... it was really fun to meet and greet everyone! Then at dinner, they put all the single girls (mostly my cousins, but a few friends). Dinner was yummy, especially the chocolate fountain.  After dinner, there was dancing, which turned out to be my favorite part.  I couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably when I discovered that my little bro knew the Boot Scoot! Who would have thought? We danced the rest of the night away, and then saw the happy couple off to their honeymoon!

After all is said and done, it wasn't so very bad to have my little bro get married before me. Over the last few months, I have been getting tons of questions about whether or not I was okay with it... the answer is YES!! Stop asking! And the snide comments are particularly fun! I love being single! And I am not trying to convince myself of that, either!! I am happy!! I am perfectly okay with being single... I just wish everyone else would be!!

The Last Few Weeks...

UPDATE!

Graduation... or the ceremony at least! These are the girls from the program... thick and thin, we stick together!

The couple's first few dances... Laura's parents and mine join in.

Parents of the Groom... they are such a good looking pair!

My best Blue Steel!

The cake- beautiful!!!

The hapy couple fresh from the Temple, and already locking lips!

The couple at the shower!

Laura admiring the quilt my mom made!

Alex and I take a moment to pose!!

I haven't posted in a little while... its been a busy last few weeks. To recap quickly: my sister-in-law Laura, received her endowments, I walked at graduation (though I am not done until August), my cousin Daniel recieved his endowments, there was a family shower for Nick and Laura, I got to talk to Adam in Argentina on Mother's Day, Nick (my little bro) got married, I "broke up" with Buddy (if we were even dating to begin with), I spent 4 days at Lake Powell, and I started school again. Whirlwind!! But I am back, and resetting myself to get in the groove. I hope you enjoy some of the pics! I may post again later in the week about the wedding and Powell!

DONE and done.

This is the light at the end of the tunnel... graduation is only 13 weeks away!!

I am done! Not forever, but for the semester. It has been a long, long semester... too many tests, assignments, lectures and clinicals.  I am glad I will never have to do that again! Here's to not being done, but having completed 3/4 of nursing school... I am so excited to be done! YAY!!!

Happy Girl!

I just wanted to comment on my general mood of late... I am so happy!! That doesn't mean I don't have a million finals, as many worries and bad days.  It just means that when the day ends and things settle, no matter how tired or worn out I am, I feel happy!! I feel so blessed! I am beginning to see that being happy has little to do with what is going on around me, and a great deal more to do with what is going on inside of me! Yay for me! Let the axis twirl, I'm a Happy Girl!!

'Bye Buddy :-(

He's Leavin' on a Jet Plane...

     Buddy left last night :-( It was fun to see him off! I made him the brownies I owed him from losing at mini golf, and I put together a care package... playing cards, water balloons, bubbles, his favorite gum, a picture of us... all the necessities. Yes, I am super cute (he thought so, too!). We played games with his cute family, and then I helped him finish packing!

     We talked about how this is going to work with us being so far away from each other this summer. Of course we will talk on the phone, email and write letters. I think we both know I will date other people (if the opportunity arises, and if I want to) and he will play and have a good time. He was super worried that I would find someone I liked more, and it is a possibility. We have thrown around the idea of me going to visit him... we'll see. But we keep talking about what we're going to do when he gets home, and he's already naming our kids (what a goof!), so we'll just have to see. Four months is a long time. The thing is, I like Buddy. He is the greatest! He promised to come back and beat up my boyfriends... I am tempted to get one really fast just so he will come back! When his friends came to pick him up, I was doing okay.

     Then he really had to go. He said bye to his fam, then hugged me and kissed me goodbye (yep, in front of his family and friends). Then I just left, and as I drove away, I couldn't help but be sad. I really adore this kid (dang it!), even if he is a Cougar. I love that he likes me so much, that he is super possessive of me, and that he is jokingly planning our life toegther. I love how genuine he is... he won't do or say something just to say it, he means what he says. Ah! Why did I have to meet an awesome guy only to have him leave? I'm counting my blessings, though, and hopefully I will talk to him tonight!

Someone's Watching Over Me.

Wow! I can't even believe my incredible luck (let's be honest, the Lord is blessing me, it's not luck).  I was just awarded a scholarship for my last semester of nursing school! It will cover about half my tuition! I have been a little worried about how it would all end up in this my last semester... but yet again, the Lord provides! Pay your tithing! That's all I can say. It really, really pays off.

This is turning out to be an incredible last few weeks, with so many blessings! It's amazing! I am so grateful! Life is looking up! 

CAPSTONE!!!

    I finally heard about my CAPSTONE!  This is sort of a big deal... let me explain!

    The capstone semester is my last semester of nursing school!  Yay!  In this last semester, we apply for a clinical site where we will be "working" for the semester.  The big deal is usually that this placement generally ends up resulting in a job... HELLO!!!  HUGE!!! 

    This has been on my mind since I began school.  I am a huge planner, and from the middle of my first semester, I have had a career track in mind (with no way of knowing what would really happen) which has always been PEDIATRICS.  In my somewhat nonexistent nursing career, I have felt strongly that I should go into some basic unit- medical or surgical or both.  I have been trying to make myself look as good as I can in every way I can to get my desired placement. So, the little dream that I have concocted is to have my capstone on the Children's Medical Unit (CMU) at Primary Children's Hospital, and then hopefully go on from there with a job (keep your fingers crossed).  In this scary economy, all of my nursing school colleagues and I are aware that the ever plentiful nursing jobs aren't quite so plentiful anymore.  Needless to say, this capstone could be a huge blessing!

     Yesterday, I got my capstone letter!  I got the CMU!!  I am so excited!  I have so much to learn and do, but I am so excited!! Hooray for the plans working out (or at least phase one of the plan!).

My Buddy...

So, normally my blog posts are pretty general, but I thought I'd go a little personal this time! It has been a little while since my last post. I thought I should update my little world on the happenings of me! And, turns out I need to introduce my world to my Buddy. I have recently begun (and who knows how long it will last!) to date a fellow. Here's the FYI...

How we met: His nephew was my patient at the hospital a few weeks ago, and his sister decided we needed to go out. Can you believe I said yes? Who would have thunk nursing school could benefit me in ways like this?

About Buddy: His name is Chris Welcker, though his family and friends call him Buddy. He is the second of four kids in his family and the only boy (which makes him act tough- but he's really a tender fool!). He served his mission in Lubbock, Texas... and he's a little younger than me (gasp!). He is a student at the Y and a cheerleader (I know... right?). He has green eyes and brown hair, dimples and he's about as cute as can be.

Why I like him: Well, the preliminary ruling is that he is a keeper. He is a total goofball (he can just flat out make me laugh!), he is a big sweetheart (underneath the macho jock thing he's got going), he can totally handle my sass (oh man, he keeps me on my toes), and he's absolutely adorable with his neices and nephews (you should hear them call him Buddy- to die for!). Did I mention he's really quite good looking? The other highlight is he seems to like me, depite my lack of cheer skills and somewhat stubborn personality! He's nuts! I'll take it!

Drawbacks: Other than the Y Cheerleader thing? He is leaving to go to North Carolina for the summer :-( And, since you never can tell what will happen... this post is for all those who think I am a lost cause. And I may be... but we'll see what's in store for me and my Buddy.

I know there will be plenty of comments on this one! But I thought you all ask me about this part of my life anyway, so here is an actual update. No one knows how long it will last, but I am all for riding a happy wave every now and again!

I Have Been Blessed...

I was blessed to go Glacier National Park with my family when I was younger.  Isn't is a peaceful place? I love it, so beautiful!  I am truly glad that I live in this beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me.

I had a conversation last night that made me truly grateful for the path my life has taken. A friend and I were discussing life’s pathways, and how to decide as a single woman what career is really appropriate if we want a family someday.  I have been so blessed to be guided in my choices, I feel like the Lord allowed me a ton of disappointment, simply because He had a better plan than I did.  It is really helping me to put my current struggles and stresses in perspective.  I  know that if Heavenly Father knew the best for me, and guided me then, He will guide me now, and it will all turn out.  Thanks to those who are understanding and have been there for me as I have struggled, and continue to struggle.  The Lord has also blessed me with great friends and family to help me through the pain and doubt.  I have truly been blessed.

Gotta Bring a Little Luck...

I know that St. Patty's Day has already come and gone, but I think I need to call on the luck of the Irish!  I feel like I have kind of been abandoned in the luck department.  A series of unfortunate boy tales and some sad friend moments in addition to the sorry life of a nursing student have left me searching for a superstitious fix!  A few horoscopes (I know, laugh it up!) predict good, but do they ever predict anything but good?  I hope that this four leaf clover that I found (albeit online) does the trick! If you have any suggestions, keep me posted! I'd love the advice/luck sent my way!

The dress...

So, my brother's soon to be fiance asked me to be her bridesmaid last night.  So, instead of studying for my test as I should have been, I was searching for a dress, as the wedding is supposedly May 12- just a few short weeks away.  I came up with a few options, but some of the images are copyrighted, so I am posting only the top pick.  But, if you have any suggestions... it must be black, dressy (a little more formal) and modest, and preferably on the rack (we haven't a ton of time) and hopefully not too expensive.  This dress is shown in green, but will be black! What do you all think?

First Real Job Interview...

Today is my first real job interview.  I am not actually applying for a position, but I am meeting with the nurse recruiter from Primary Children's Hospital at the recommendation and arrangement of our good family friend who works for PCMC's administration.  I am super nervous, though the reality is that I have an awesome letter of rec from my clinical instructor last semester, and Bill's personal introduction to recommend me, as well as a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and a great resume.  I think it is just the idea of a crazy economy and my first grown-up interview is making me feel a little like a seventh grader.  The other facet is the lack of control! I have no idea where I will be or what I will be doing in six months! I have a great plan, but anyone who knows me knows that despite my uncanny knack for planning, nothing ever turns out as planned!  So, off to try to secure the dream job... here goes nothing!

I Love to See the Temple.

I love to see the temple... and I am so grateful for it! I had the opportunity to attend the temple last night with my stake, and I just love the peace that I feel when I am there.  I am so grateful for the support that the temple provides... I know my Heavenly Father loves me when I am inside, and I would be lost without that.  As part of the lesson in Sunday School on Sunday, I was asked to tell the class why I am grateful to be a member. I explained that I am grateful for the eternal nature of families, and the knowledge that we have of the Plan of Salvation.  And I just want to add to that the blessing that binds those two together... I am grateful for the temple.  Someday, I want my own family to be organized in the temple.

Spring!!

I love spring!  I can't help it, I just do!! And, while I've lived in Utah long enough to know that the spring preview that often rears its little head in March can be a deceitful little wretch, I am loving the sunny, warm weather!  I can't even begin to expound on how happy the sunshine and the blue skies can make me!! In addition, March promises to bring with it happiness!  For one, SPRING BREAK!! Even though it will be full of homework, etc, it will be a break!!  Another mind-boggling occurence is my best friend's (Susie) 5th wedding anniversary! Where did time go?? Seriously!! And Barb (the other of the best friends) is scheduled to have her first little man at the end of the month!! Hello SPRING!!  While she may leave me in the lurch when another cold front and perhaps even a bout of snow throw off my euphoria, I will take what I get!!

Hmmm. Irony.

Irony: at state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result.

This pretty much sums up my life.  Like when you think you did well on a test, and you actually didn't.  Or when a guy that you have been out with and aren't going to continue to date becomes your home teacher or co-chair.  Or perhaps when you are getting ready to speak in front of a lot of people and you find out that your ex is engaged.  Or maybe when you are really hoping for a situation to work out and instead it tanks miserably. MY LIFE.

Pretty, depressing, but also pretty dang funny. Learning to laugh is the key to surviving! So, I will continue to laugh... LAUGH IT UP!! Quick, before you cry!

The Little Engine that Could

The Little Engine that Could had a good thing going when he said, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!

I think I have reached point of no return. Nursing school might kill me if I let it. I am exhausted, I can't seem to keep up with the pace of this semester! I seem to have a paper due every week, more little projects than I can keep track of, and more things flying at me every day. Not to mention more drama from life itself. But, I keep my eye on August- the time when I take the NCLEX, or that scary national licensing exam for nurses. It will only get worse before it gets better, but it can be done.  

Epiphany!! HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO ME!!!

I know, it sounds harsh. But once we learn that we are the exception, and not the rule, we will all be able to sleep better at night!

I saw the movie He's Just Not That Into You this weekend! And, man, I thought that after having read the book several times I was cured (I know, I am totally lame). But I'm not.  I think that along with all the other morning affirmations you say in the mirror, I guess we must include 'He's Just Not That Into' as one of them.

 I bought the book in my younger days at the advice of my grandmother (yes, I know- pathetic! But my g-ma was pretty dang cool!) and read it. I have subsequently gotten back together with the guy that I initially read it to get over about a hundred times.  Then I came home from my mission and read it again, thinking it would empower me to find Mr. Right, when really I have done it over and over again!

For those who have seen the movie, I consider myself a cross between Gigi and Beth, though that's only a self appraisal! 

  The movie was another attempt to get my butt moving and continue to say to myself- 'He's Just Not That Into You!!!!! every morning, until maybe someday he (whoever that is) will actually be into me. For now, I have to do something about being pathetic!

I love... a few of my favorite things.

These are a few of my favorite things... my loves, if you will!!  If anyone else actually reads this stuff, they will enjoy that I have a broad range of interests! Enjoy!

This is a picture of Florence Nightingale, the nurse of all nurses! I love nursing and all it stands for. School is a different story, I'm not so fond of it, but I love nursing!

 

Best known as the boyfriend substitute!! Chocolate is one of my loves!

Birthdays! This cake was made for me by my friend Barb for my 25th birthday!!

I love birthdays!!

I love vegetables!! I once stopped dating someone because he didn't like vegetables!

 I love them! 

Sports. I love them!! I played softball competitively for years!! 

I love football, and my brothers keep me watching all the sports I can get!!

I love movies! Sleeping Beauty is one of the favorites, but I just love to snuggle up and watch a good flick!!

I am a definite bookworm! I love to read, and sometimes I would rather read than hang out with people. Thus, I read with a dictionary, and I love words! After learning Hungarian, I became a dork!! Oh well!

I love the mountains!! Whether I am hiking, running, snowshoeing or climbing, I love them!!