Life as Beckums

It's Fall, Y'all!

2010-10-01T07:27:00.000-05:00

My favorite time of year!! Why? Not just because my birthday is in fall...November 15th to be exact for anyone wanting to send presents, but because of the weather, the smells, the pumpkin spice creamer and latte's and the chance to bundle up in sweaters, leggings and boots and sit by a fire pit and just be cozy! I love it! I got up at 4 this morning (insomnia from a night shift nurse curse) and went to wal mart for fall decorations and pumpkin smelling candles. Our house is now fall-ized and smelling wonderful! The highs for the next 10 days are only up to 81 degrees!! 81 DEGREES PEOPLE!!! WOW!!! There is little to no humidity and I am loving it! I'm so happy that I can walk outside and not immediately break out in a sweat! I can enjoy sitting on my deck reading a magazine and not have to swat mosquitoes and fan myself constantly! I just love it!!!
There is not much going on in the life of the Beckum's....just work and school for Chris! I like work still...I still believe it's what I was called to do! It is a little hard being on night shift because I am totally messed up. I slept for 16 hours the other day on a day off. Crazyness. I work the next 3 nights and hopefully it will be a relaxed and calm weekend! We definitely need one since census has been up and it's been a little crazy busy. I just wanted to update the old blog. Hopefully now that fall has arrived and I'm in a better mood because of it, I will have more postings!! Have a great weekend!

Canvas

2010-08-20T11:45:00.002-05:00

I just have to say that I am a little OBSESSED with Land's End Canvas. Great clothes and great prices. Of course, they are even greater prices when it's on sale! Of course I still love my fancy shmancy stuff but these pieces are just wonderful for a laid back look! Please go look today-you won't be disappointed. Speaking of...I ordered a belt and somehow ended up with 2. It's a great piece for an outer layer belt...if you are interested, I will sell it for 35 dollars-shipping included. It usually goes for 49.50 plus tax and shipping. Just let me know!

Fun weekend!

2010-08-16T12:56:00.005-05:00

My aunt got married this weekend in Madison, Alabama and it was such a sweet and beautiful weekend! I will upload pics later! I had a great time with family and meeting some of Carolyn's friends...it was definitely a much needed weekend after a crazy few days at work! Speaking of work, I have gone to nights and.....I LOVE IT!! The only bad thing is that I miss seeing my fabulous ICU nurses Randiva and LoveBelle! Anywho...new shopping center opened in Madison that is 5 minutes from my aunts house, so you KNOW I took full advantage of this!! Here are a few things that found their way back to Mississippi with me:
This jacket is from Anthropologie and just rocks my socks off!
LOVE

I got these shoes in grey. They are suede(totally in for fall) and they have a cute little rosette on the side. What's not to love???

I also got this tarte cheek stain. I am a diehard Nars blush junkie. However, this stuff has just bumped NARS into the trash.
It is so light and smooth and NATURAL AND ORGANIC so it doesn't clog or put things onto my face that I don't know how to pronounce anyway. It is WONDERFUL. This is the exact color I got it in also. It looks kind of like BOZO the clown color, but on the skin, it really looks like a natural blush! I'm raving about it!!!!

Prayer Warriors!

2010-08-11T11:52:00.002-05:00

While I use the internet and blog sites to just talk about my life, I never ceased to be amazed by what other help the blogging world is. So many people put prayer requests up because they know how many people from all walks of life and different places of the world read them! Well...I am putting my own prayer request up. My friend Brad Jones(he played baseball at MSU where I was a diamond girl) and his wife and family need your prayers. His wife was just diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer in the glands. They just welcomed their second baby boy to the world. I can't even begin to imagine the stress they are going through. I know they are strong believers in God so this will help them out tremendously. I can't imagine dealing with something like this and not having someone as strong, loving and caring as our GOD!!! Please pray for them!

Long time!

2010-08-08T10:41:00.003-05:00

Ok Ok-I know my many fans have missed me a wholllllle lot in the past almost 2 months since the last time I blogged...so due to the overwhelming amounts of requests(mom), I will blog.
I can't believe all that has gone on the past 2 months! I have officially been an RN and have been in orientation with a preceptor. I could not have asked for a better one than Valerie! She is so patient, understanding, helpful, trusting and she totally understands what it is like to be a new nurse and feel like you don't know anything! she is awesome and I am so thankful for her patience with me! Speaking of that, I only have 12 more days of orientation until I am BY MYSELF!!! Eeeeeek! Yes, I know my stuff. Yes, I graduated and passed boards. Yes, I have worked on this floor as a nurse for over 2 months. But no, I am not totally confident that I can be a perfect nurse when I get out in 12 days! It's ok though...medicine constantly changes and I know that every day there are things I won't know, but I have a drug book(my bible), and unlimited resources with other nurses who can help me with things that I don't understand.
During orientation, I met two great ladies who have quickly become good friends! Randall and Chelsea both started at the hospital as new RN's at the same time I did. We have a compassion and heart for this business and also a love for exercising, being outdoors, our families and friends and YA YA'S! ha! These two have made my life so much easier at the hospital! We work on different floors but we work same rotation so it is really nice to have them around! Love these ladies! can't wait to go to Chelsea's wedding in New Orleans in January!!!
Other than work, my family took a vacation to Vegas and Zion National Park in Utah. It was A-MAZING!!!! We hiked, rapelled, river walked and just took in all the scenery that Utah had to offer. It was a blast and I wish the trip could have lasted weeks instead of days! I will have a post soon with my pictures but I thought I would just update everyone on my LIFE! Hope everyone has a great day! I'm going to nights starting tomorrow so we shall see how that goes!!!

It is finished!

2010-06-18T14:59:00.004-05:00

Wow. 2 years of studying to pass nursing school, a month of hard core review class and reviewing and studying and quizzing and guess what....
I AM OFFICIALLY AN RN!!!!
Wow. Words can't explain what I am feeling inside. I cried when I first found out. It was just like this huge weight was suddenly lifted. I cried because I know how hard I have worked. It hasn't been easy AT ALL, but I proved what I can do when I want something so badly.

I also cried because this sweet man is every reason behind my decision to go to nursing school. I miss him oh so much and wish he was here to give me a good "Brownie" hug and some uplifting words of how proud he is of me but I KNOW he is proud of me and was with me every step of the way and had his hand on my shoulder the day of boards. Oh yeah-God helped out a little too. Ha! I hope everyone has as wonderful weekend as I will!!

Things I NEED...

2010-06-08T09:19:00.008-05:00

Yes, as in, I actually NEED these things. Usually I have wants, but these are needs...

This would be so cute to take in to work and would make me get up and make my own coffee and not go hit up the cafeteria at the hospital every day-so in the long run, it would save me money-right mom? It can be found HERE
OR I would gladly take this one:

Yes, it would really make me "be happy". Also found HERE
As an almost nurse, I definitely need this too:

You can buy it for me HERE
Of course I would want that monogram to be a J. And probably change the pattern to a pink color with the monogram in turquoise. Just sayin....
and LAST but not LEAST I have to get new tennis shoes for running! My new friend Chelsea suggested the Nike Lunar Elite. I can't find a good pic, but you can go to www.nike.com and find those.
Ok. Have a great day!
Oh, if you can't tell-I love ETSY

I feel pretty!

2010-06-01T19:02:00.001-05:00

Go HERE now. If this jewelry designer's use of gorgeous vibrant colors don't make you happy, I don't know what will!

Yes Please!

2010-06-01T18:59:00.001-05:00

That is all.

Graduated-now what???

2010-05-14T09:22:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness! I never thought these past 2 years would fly by so quickly! Funny how it does though-whether or not you're having fun. You blink and the time has passed you by! Last night was our pinning ceremony for our nursing class. Pinning ceremonies go back to the days of Florence Nightingale. It is a special time to honor and celebrate ourselves and each other and also a time to thank all of those special people who have literally put up with us during this stressful, yet rewarding time in our lives! I am so proud of my classmates and myself. We have seen the best and the worst of each other. You have this special bond with others in your class whether or not they are your best friend. Only people who go through nursing school can understand the ups and downs we go through. You honestly can't get through it without these people and I am so glad that I graduated with each and every one of them!
I had such a great day yesterday-I went and got my hair done and went shopping with my mom and had such a great lunch at Honeybee Bakery. OMG. I had their vegetable sandwich and it was HEAVEN. I am going to have to make this at home. Grilled tomatoes, grilled zucchini, grilled squash, fresh spinach, goat cheese and a walnut aeoli=delish! It was the perfect lunch for a perfect day. I got a new camera also! It is a canon and it is MAGNIFICO! Great zoom lens, huge display and clear picture. Love it! Thank you mom and daddy! I needed one so badly. After the pinning ceremony, we went to eat at Como steakhouse. This was my first time to go and it was so much fun! Several other classmates and their families were there as well so the atmosphere was just pure celebration! So fun! My parents brought me the cutest cake and we all shared that after dinner. It was definitely a great day and ended on a great note! I will have to upload my pictures from the night on my next post and show them! I can't wait! My cake was seriously the cutest. It was made by Emileigh's bakery and I love anything they bake up!! I am getting ready to go to my cousin's shower this weekend in Oxford and spend some time with her! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I will post pictures later this weekend!

It's the final countdowwwwwwn

2010-05-03T08:05:00.002-05:00

8 days til my final
10 days til pinning
You can do anything for 8-10 days!
"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do"
-Benjamin Spock, an American pediatrician

Truer words were never spoken!

Copy Cat

2010-05-02T10:51:00.001-05:00

So, after reading Lauren's blog post, I decided I would do the same thing. Who follows me? Who has ever read my blog? Leave yo comment child, don't be shamed! I like, Lauren, love finding new blogs to read about, so be proud to want to follow the Beckums! ;-)

End of times...

2010-04-27T17:21:00.001-05:00

14 more days til my final and 16 days until our pinning.
That is all
Have a FANTABULOUS day!

LOVE!

2010-04-17T07:46:00.004-05:00

Soooo I might or might not have purchased these little beauties today while studying...
Kalista dress by Tracy Negoshian

As well as these that I've been lusting over. How can you NOT love anything turquoise?

Tarina Tarantino earrings for CHEAP here!

I can't wait for their arrival! Anyone have any suggestions on the perfect nude pump? I need some badly!

I wish I had a camera

2010-04-11T09:16:00.002-05:00

I hate blogging without a camera. I hate it even more when I have had all these fun things going on in my life and haven't been able to catch them on film! HINT HINT FOR A GRADUATION PRESENT!
Anywho-this week was a crazy week! I had so much to do but it was so fun at the same time! Besides clinical, I had a very fantastic party to go to Wednesday night at my uncle's house! It was so much fun! It was for his friend who is an author and was in town for a reading and signing at Off Square books. When I tell you my uncle is probably cooler and knows more awesome people than your uncle, just deal with it and accept it OK? Ok. At the party, we had doctors, lawyers, judges, actresses, writers, filmmakers, and of course authors. I freaking had a blast because as we all know, I'm a little celebrity obsessed. I will totally leave out the part about my most graceful exit which may or may not have included a nose dive off his porch which could have potentially scraped up my knee, cut my hand and included my purse falling in mud and water. But like I said, I won't tell you about that.
Friday was a typical work day and we didn't do much that night. I ran in the Jean Jones Race for cancer 5k on Saturday. We had a team which included myself, my brother, 3 of his friends from law school and my friend Pam and her hubby Joe! We had so much fun!! Pam and I both cut our time down! This was my second 5k and I cut my time down almost 4 minutes! 27.43 was my time and I am so proud! My next one is the Double Decker 5k and I have heard that one is tough! So I'm just going to keep on running the next two weeks and hopefully will keep my time at about the same or maybe get it to a flat 27. After the race, I went to drink margaritas, I mean, have lunch with my friend Ashley. We had fun and it was good to have some girl time without the husbands! We love the hubbies, but every once in a while, it's nice to just chat in girl lingo. I came home from that and watched Hotel Rwanda and chowed down on greasy chinese. Let me tell you-if you haven't seen Hotel Rwanda, you need to do so immediately. It isn't going to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling, but it is something that I think everyone needs to see! I loved it. I cried, I laughed and I hurt for all the hundreds of thousands of people that this particular genocide affected!
Today, I'm helping host a wedding shower for a friend, Tammy. I'm very excited because I haven't seen some of these ladies in a long time, so it will be good to catch up! I promise, once again, not to wait another week before I post something else!!!
Have a great Sunday!

Hoppy Easter Weekend!

2010-04-05T07:52:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness, I don't even know where to begin! We had such a great time this past weekend! Friday was 3 years that had gotten engaged!!! We walked up to the square, shopped around and had lunch at our fave place-Proud Larry's. It was so nice outside we just didn't want to stay indoors! Easter in Water Valley means the annual Big Dan and Bennett crawfish party! It is on Good Friday and usually means a good time will be had by all! I attended with some friends that I haven't seen in FOREVA! We went around 5 and I didn't get home until 1! It was so much fun to see people I haven't seen in forever!!! Some of us are still in school(nursing, med) and some of us have moved off(Colorado, Nashville) and yet when we get together, no matter how long it has been, we pick up just where we left off! I love my friends!! Saturday we got up and were trying to figure out what to do! Our friends, Michael and Ashley were in town and had to run something over to our house and we ended up making the decision to go fish that afternoon. It was quite the little adventure, but in the end, it was a blast! I caught 4 and Michael caught 3 and well....Chris and Ashley had a good time too! ha! We fished until a little after 4 and then came on back to Oxford. I was exhausted so we took a little nap and then got up to go to another little get together. Our friends Tate and Ashlee just bought their first house and so I went over there to visit with them and see the house and a friend from high school, Lynn, was in town from LA and I haven't seen her since Ashlee's wedding so it was really fun to hang out again! Sunday was Easter and so we got up and went to Grenada to spend some time with Chris's family. Not only did Mrs. Mylinda cook a meal that was 5 star worthy, but she made us Easter baskets!! We are NEVER too old for Easter baskets! We had to leave a little earlier than we would have liked because we both had careplans and papers that are due this week so we came home and worked the rest of the night and afternoon on those! Overall, I would have to say that we had an amazing weekend! It was so much fun and since we didn't have that much school stuff to do, we put it all off until Sunday and just enjoyed our weekend!!! Here's hoping for a good week!!!!!

Week(or two) in Review...

2010-03-26T09:17:00.002-05:00

I promise I'm not being neglectful on my blog! I've just been busy. I know, you are all playing tiny violins for me. Spring break is over. Wah. Seriously. Best week of my life-I did nothing except work. I mean, I only worked 3 days and it was great. The rest of the week I ran, layed out, hung out with friends that I don't see during the school year and I slept late. Ok, maybe 0800 is not sleeping late to some of you, but it was great not getting out of bed until that time!!! This past week just slapped me in the face about how very much spring break had ended. We started back up with lectures, clinical orientations, presentations, studying, working on papers, sim lab sign ups and much more stuff! I just wanted to cry! However, the week is over and that is one less week that I have left in school. I can't believe it!!! I have a test on Monday and after that, I will have only 3 tests left before I can add RN behind my name. How cute will that look? I think very. Joeli Beckum, RN. I know!
I have decided to take stats online this summer and possibly Chemistry. I need to go ahead and knock them out so I can (hopefully) get started in my BSN program next spring. Let's just allllll start praying now that I pass Chemistry. It's just really not my "thing" but unfortunately, I have to take it! OH yeah! We had composite pictures made Wednesday! It was kind of bittersweet! We were all spiffy in our white shirts and looking cute! We were going around taking group shots of our friends and such and I swear, I kept hearing Green Day's "Time of your life" playing in the background. Chris reminded me that morning that that day, two years ago, I had just gotten my acceptance letter and now look at me. I'm about to graduate nursing school. I really can't believe it. I'm soooooo very excited and scared!
Tomorrow, mom, Christy and myself are walking in a fundraiser for MS(multiple sclerosis). I'm really excited. As someone about to be out in the health profession, it is very important to me to spend time with causes like this. Whether I participate in them, give money or volunteer myself to help-it means a lot to participate. There are so many illnesses out there that need extra funding for treatment and studying and this is just a small way I can help out! I hope we win!
I also signed up for the Jean Jones Walk/Run for Cancer on April 10th. I signed up as a team. My friend Pam, my brother Cory and two of his friends and myself are running the 5k. Again, I hope we win, but if not, I at least hope I beat my brother's time since he makes fun of my little 5k runs!
Well friends, I'm out to study. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Fabulous Friday

2010-03-19T08:57:00.002-05:00

It's fabulous because it's gorgeous outside AGAIN!!! The beginning of my spring break didn't look promising...it was nasty and wet and cold and I had to work. However, the week has GREATLY improved. I ran my FIRST ever 5k with my friend Pam on Sunday. It was SO MUCH FUN. I ended up placing 4th out of 18(yes, i went back and counted and no 4th place is not recognized, but I recognize it) so I was more than happy! I am one of those who likes to do a lot but doesn't like to set goals. However, this was a goal I set in January and I DID IT!!! Not only have I now lost 11 pounds, but I feel so much better when I can just get outside and RUN. Just me and the pavement. AWESOMENESS.
I worked until Wednesday and now can enjoy the rest of my spring break. Yesterday I ran again(the first time since Sunday since I've been working) and then it was so pretty, I went straight to our deck and laid out for a while. It just felt GREAT!!! Last night I went to eat with some friends and played catch up. I miss my friends when I am in school! Time is few and far between. Today I am going over to New Albany to see my friend Amanda's baby! I can't wait! I've seen pictures and he is a cute little stinker!!! Sometime this weekend I am going to see Alice in Wonderland and I will tell you all what I think!
Have a great weekend!!!

Irish 5k and Gallbladder surgery..

2010-03-11T09:35:00.002-06:00

What a title right??? Well, let me explain. I am running in my first ever 5k race on Sunday with my friend Pam. It is at Shelby Farms in Memphis and I am tres excited! It is my first race. I have trained for the past 9 weeks(bite your tongue). You see, I did the couch to 5k program because as I have blogged about before, I always WANTED to be a distance runner, but God blessed me with my short little body for speed. Yes, I am fast. No, I can't run far distances....however, this program really got me to LOVE running. I love it. My body craves it. I was already in good shape because I do like to work out, but my body has totally changed in 9 weeks! I have leg muscles. I have hip flexors. I have hamstring muscles that SHOW. I am pretty pumped about the overall transformation. Now, there is nothing better than coming home from class and going out for a run around town or at the park.
Now, let's get to the good stuff. Tomorrow, Chris will have his gallbladder taken out. It is very minor surgery, but anytime you have to be put to sleep, it can be nerve-wracking! He will go in tomorrow morning and will be coming home tomorrow afternoon. He can't drive or do much for himself that first day or two so nurse Joeli is going to be around to take care of him. Well, until he gets on my nerves at least....KIDDING!!!! Anywho-his parents are also coming up so that is always nice! I want him to come to my race on Sunday, but I don't see that happening since he won't be feeling well. Anywho-I'm about to go get my last run in before my race! Wish us luck!

A day in the life

2010-03-10T07:35:00.002-06:00

School. Work. Check offs. Studying. Blah blah blah...this is what has been keeping me away lovelies! Anywho-I have one more day of lecture and then check off's tomorrow and then my spring break starts. I'm not doing anything...gotta work on a project that is due the Monday we come back and I am working at the hospital a lot but at least I don't actually have class and for that, I can BREATHE!!! Anywho-I am also running my 5k race that I blogged about a while ago. I have stuck with my program and I am so proud of myself. No, it still isn't like the easiest thing to do, but now my body actually craves running. I know. gag me. I have always liked to work out and have played sports for forever but I was always a sprinter and not a distance person. However, I am loving doing 3 miles, 3 times a week. LOVE it. I am going to do 2 more races in April and then move up to an 8k and just see what happens from there. I am running with my friend Pam, and I think that will help push me on Sunday!
Also-start saying some little prayers if you don't mind for the hubs. He has having surgery this Friday. It is a surgery that the doctor can do with his eyes closed, but anytime you have to be put to sleep and such, there are always risks and nerves involved! He is actually doing it as an outpatient procedure which I am excited about. I guess I will really play nurse Joeli for the next 8-10 days of recovery! Ha! Have a great day! I will try to blog more this next week!!

OH what a beautiful moooooorning....

2010-03-05T11:54:00.002-06:00

oh what a beautiful daaaaaay! That line is from the musical Oklahoma! I love that musical! I got it on VHS, shut your mouth, yes it was a long time ago. I love it and used to watch it all the time!
Anywho-it is an absolutely GORGEOUS day outside and I have taken full advantage of it! I went running(3 miles, 30 minutes-I'm improving), cleaned the house with the doors open and blinds open and now am about to eat lunch on the deck. It is just too pretty to stay inside. I'm trying to take advantage of it because I do have to go into work from 3-7 today and then from 7-3 tomorrow. I also won't get such a lax weekend again until spring break....ok ok, spring break is only a week away, but AFTER that, I won't get a free weekend until, well, graduation! We finished up Psych nursing this week-91.2 average for me booyah, and have started advanced med surg! I am very excited to be in the last 8 weeks of nursing school. I've been applying for jobs and am hoping to hear something back from somewhere! I really hope I get a job at the hospital I intern at now. There is a night shift position available and I would love to work night shift starting out.
Anywho-running a 5k next Sunday with my friend Pam-getting excited and nervous about that! Sorry this is so sporadic, but I've got a million things running through my mind right now-all fun and good things-no school,trust me! Have a great weekend and enjoy this AMAZING weather!!!!!!!

Study Day!

2010-03-02T08:58:00.002-06:00

I have my final Psych exam tomorrow. After this exam(prayers that I pass), I will have 4 tests left of nursing school! WOW! I am beyond excited and I will now start doing the annoying stuff that seniors do....
"This is my last first test"
"Aw, it's our last first clinical"
"Thank God we are thru with that"
"This is our last final"
"Do you remember first day of freshman 1?"
"This is the last time we will be together in this setting"
Yes, that last one is sad. I love my nursing school peeps and am so blessed to have had each of them placed in my life-some were put there to challenge me, some to make me think, some to make me cry, some to make me laugh-but ALL of them were put there to make sure I made it through these last 2 years! If even just one of them had not been there, I would have gone insane!
I'm off to study all day! Studying 500 pages of notes in a day is a task....
Have a great one!

The week from you know where...

2010-02-27T13:27:00.002-06:00

I know, I know-you've missed me right? If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all...
This week was absolute chaos in my little world. We had our regular class days on Monday and Wednesday and then on Tuesday we had a psych seminar. What is this? It is basically an 8 hour class where speakers come in and talk to us about stuff-nurses who abuse drugs, drug court, abuse and hospice. It was a good day but LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG. Thursday we had class again and then had to go take an ATI test. What is this? It is a company that my school is contracted with that helps nursing students prepare for the NCLEX. Wow. Just saying NCLEX gives me hives...but anywho-we had that Thursday afternoon. I made 78%. Just a 78? Well before you little smarty pants out there say anything, 78 is a level 2 and summarizing what it said I will be more than able to pass the NCLEX when I get out. BOO-YAH. Just sayin....however, whatever we missed on the ATI test, we had to do remedial work. While I was one of the ones who complained about this extra work(yes, the first step is admitting it), I will say that it helped me and will help me remember what I missed. Once you go back and correct something you missed, you always remember that. Gosh, I have learned a lot in my older(hush your mouth), wiser years. OK, so back to the week-Friday, we had sim lab. We had to go work on a patient that had some psychological problems. It wasn't a real patient-just a dummy. We do this after every semester. A teacher observes and basically makes sure we know what we are doing. It is nerve-wracking because your teachers are watching you and we all want to make them proud. I will say, that after 3 past simulations, this one was by far the best!
Now-this weekend I am studying. I have my third psych test on Monday and then my psych final on Wednesday. Did I mention that I made a 94 on my 2nd psych test? Well, I MADE A FREAKING 94 ON MY 2ND PSYCH TEST. Just in case you didn't read it the first time....I have 76 days til graduation. I can't believe that 2 years has almost come and gone, but it has. I am excited. I am nervous. I am scared. I will probably stay scared the entire first year of nursing. However, I know that I am competent and have the HEART to do this job. Yes, I think heart is about 90 percent of nursing. Now, I hate to leave you in a rush, but I must get back to my studies! Have a fantastic weekend!

Quick Recap

2010-02-17T07:26:00.001-06:00

Getting ready for class-here's an update...SCHOOL! Test, project, meetings, speakers, work...that's it!
Going out of town to play in a tennis tournament this weekend! Have a great day!

Fab Friday because...

2010-02-12T12:56:00.003-06:00

I've entered not one, but TWO giveaways from blogs that I regularly follow and LOVE!!
The first one is....
Over at a blog called Good Gals, Inc
This lady is sassy and southern and I love reading her blog! I think we would be great friends!
ALSO....
Over at Monogram Chick she is giving away some fabulous travel bags! BIG travel bags! Would be absolutely perfect as a new clinical bag and nursing bag! I think the pink one would look good with me! ha! If you go over and enter her giveaway, PLEASE tell her that I sent you!!!

Good luck to me...oh yeah...and anyone else who enters!

Borrrrrrrring

2010-02-10T08:22:00.003-06:00

Go Saints! That's all I got to say about that!
Not much going on in the Beckum household....Chris is pretty much working the rest of the week-yes, even on Valentine's day but that's fine with me. Valentine's day goobs me out anyway. Am I weird? Probably but oh well.
I have a test on Monday so I will spend my weekend making love to my nursing notes and books I guess...romantical right?
Not.
Anywho-have a great one and if I have some time, I will post any exciting happenings here!

Fab Friday

2010-02-05T10:18:00.001-06:00

Fabulous because....
After work tonight, Chris and I are heading out of town. Well, not tonight, but tomorrow. Love getting out of O town every once in a while! Also....in case you have been in a hole or cave or something, it's the SUPERBOWL OF ALL SUPERBOWLS!!!!
Saints vs. Colts
Who will you be rooting for?!?!?!

Just some ramblings...

2010-02-03T16:37:00.003-06:00

I really don't have much to say. Hold yo tongue....I know, it's rare. I have been uber busy with school. That's all I'm going to say about that because I am SURE my readers are sick of hearing about "how busy I am with school". So that's it. The End.
I also want to tell you all to just be happy. That's it. Be happy. We can't control life. Nope, I know you thought you did, but truth is, and I hate to be the one who tells ya, but (gasp) someone else is in control of our life. His name is God and it really is all up to Him. So don't worry with things that you can't control-boyfriends, jobs, money, break ups, whatever...there's no point to it. I know that the above mentioned are things WE ALL GO THROUGH but WE ALL GOT THROUGH THEM. So love your time with those that do mean something and just leave the rest up to Him. ok-enough of that
I've lost 9.6 pounds. Why haven't I been blogging about my weight loss? Well, because I didn't want to admit it online that I needed to lose some weight. It feels great though to have lost that. My running program is probably helping with that, but I have really been watching what I eat and honestly, I feel so much better when I watch what I eat and don't eat Taco Bell, Sonic and other fatty stuff that i LOVE.
I definitely want to lose some more so I'm just going to keep on keepin on....
Oh-last but not least......

GO SAINTS!!
We still don't have any super bowl plans, but I shall be glued to the TB on Sunday!!!!!

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

2010-01-30T10:16:00.003-06:00

I am very happy we didn't get all the bad stuff that the Hernando/Memphis area got! We got some ice but not too much so for that I am thankful! I have plenty to do to keep me inside today-school work! Yay! I am actually proud of myself for getting ahead of the game this weekend. Ok, maybe I'm just catching up but nonetheless...I'm getting stuff done! I can't tell you how much happier I would be bundled up in the bed watching Lifetime movies all day...Oooooh...now that's what I want to do....
I do have to go to the gym at some point today. I am just plugging along on my couch to 5k program and I am very proud of myself that I am still doing it! Yay me! The hubs has a test on Monday so our weekend is uneventful. I am going to a meeting tonight with some girls from school though so maybe that will shake things up a bit! Church tomorrow-trying the 0830 service...then I am going to try and make my husband take me to Bottletree Bakery for brunch. Ok-back to school work! Hope everyone stays bundled up inside and stays safe! It's days like these that make me wish I had a snuggie.....
Oh! Please say a prayer for my friend Bethany as her father in law is having surgery on Monday to remove a tumor on his kidney.

Fabulous Friday!

2010-01-29T09:29:00.006-06:00

Ok-2 new products that you must RUN, not walk to your local walgreens to get! Now! Yes, I mean I am a junkie when it comes to face care. I don't want to have a 40 year old face when I'm 30. I use moisturizers, buy makeup that has sunscreen in it, wear at least 45 spf on my face when spring comes around and I wear hats most of the time at the beach. I just don't want early wrinkles! Your skin is the only skin you have and we have to take care of it! Anywho-I think ProActiv is amazing but being in school, I don't always have an extra 50 bucks lying around to pay for it every month, so I have been on a mission to find something just as good!
This stuff is awesome! My face has not broken out once since I started using it! It has this little "scrublet" that exfoliates so it does all the work of a 3 piece set in one! I use the green kind. It even smells good and my face is always smooth and my pores are noticeably smaller!!! Did I mention it was only 7 dollars? Well, I just did. Do I sound like a commercial? Well, it's how much I love this stuff! Get it TODAY!

Another great product? Sally Hansen Complete Manicure nail color in Commander in Chic. It is the grayish color that doesn't totally make me look like Casper. I would also just like to say that I was at the gym the other day reading the people magazine must haves for spring and now, and guess what was in there? You're correct-the nail polish that I had purchased before the mag came out!! WHOOP WHOOP!

Go get these today and have a great weekend!

Team Elizabeth

2010-01-27T15:15:00.001-06:00

I saw a cover of People magazine today and on it, was the amazing woman Elizabeth Edwards. This lady has more grace, determination and class than I could or would ever have if faced with a situation like hers! She stood by her husband when she learned he had an affair WHILE SHE WAS BATTLING CANCER! Now, in the wake of finding out that he is the love child baby daddy, they are living apart and separated. Good for her for doing this in such a classy manner.While it is a truly sad story, I think in the end, she has made the right choice. A cheater is a cheater no matter how you dress it up.
In other words, I made an 86 on my first psychiatric nursing test. BOOYAH! Have a great day!

Quote!

2010-01-22T14:48:00.000-06:00

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.--E.E. Cummings
WOW. This strikes me HARD.

Fabulous Friday

2010-01-22T09:40:00.002-06:00

This email came to me yesterday from a sweet friend and I had to share. It is a little long, but it is WELL WORTH the read!

Heaven as written by a 17 Year Old Boy

This is excellent and really gets you thinking about what will happen in Heaven.
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County

Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like you are there," Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.

Here is Brian's essay entitled:
"The Room."
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."

Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.

Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body.. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out.. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards...
But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him... His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

2010 Survey

2010-01-17T21:49:00.002-06:00

Thanks Laura for giving me something to do on a Sunday night!!!

2010 Questions:
Will you be looking for a new job? Yes! I will be graduating in May and looking for an RN job!!
Will you be looking for a new relationship? Maybe as in new friend relationships...not that I am dropping any of my friends, but there is always room for more!
New house? Not this year...maybe getting some plans ready for the future...
What will you do different in 2010? Try not to dwell in the past...
New Years resolutions? Run a 5k....
What will you not be doing in 2010? Hmmm...I will not be giving up wine? I don't know...
Any trips planned? New York in October(hopefully), Nashville in April to see BON JOVI, and the beach of course...
Wedding plans? Yes-I think I already have 5 weddings to attend this year!
What's on your calendar? OH you would laugh to see it...each event is specifically highlighted in different colors...certain colors have certain meanings...duh
What can't you wait for? Graduation May 14!!!
What about yourself will you be changing? I'm sure my hair...I get bored easily...hopefully I will be changing these muscles to more toned muscles..
Will you be nicer to the people you care about? I think I already am pretty nice...but I could try adding a cherry on top...
Will you dress differently this year than you did in 09? Yes! More scrubbies....
Are you going to be in school in 10? Yes-RN school til May and then (hopefully) BSN school in August!
How will you make more money in 10? Ha! I could hook on the street in 2010 and make more money than I do now! I kid, I kid...I will be working as an RN
Will you do charity work? Of course. It's one way to give....
Will you be nice to people you don't know? Oh yes....sometimes one of my downfalls....
Do you expect 2010 to be a worse year for you than 2009? Who wants to expect it to be bad? Come on now..
How much did you change from this time last year til now? I think I'm somewhat calmer, cooler and more collected...
Do you plan on having a child? As in this year? Knock on wood NO
Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now? Absolutely.
Major lifestyle changes? Who knows?!
Will you be moving? Again-who knows!
Is there anything you are not looking forward to this year? NOt really...well, Boards makes me want to vomit just thinking about them, but if I pass, then the aftermath will be great!
What change would you like to make to your life? To follow God's direction for my life as closely as possible!

Fabulous Friday

2010-01-15T08:39:00.002-06:00

Why is it fabulous today? Besides the fact that it is the start of a long weekend...
Today is my friend Tanya's birthday! That is the best time to have a birthday-on FRIDAY! Happy Birthday to YOU!!!
Also...I got woken up this mornng by my brother calling me to tell me he was sick..yep...stomach virus...why is this fabulous? Because he called ME! I turned into nurse mode and ran and got the essentials...crackers, pedialyte and lysol. No gatorade, soup, sprite or popsicles. Why? Well, I learned something in nursing school. Apparently, all the above mentioned stuff that our parents used to give us when we were little and had the bug is not the right stuff. Good old pedialyte is the way to go. What about ginger ale? I learned that yes, ginger does help nausea, but it is best given as a tea. That's a little FYI for you.
*Disclaimer* No, I'm not a nurse yet, I must point that out and any information given comes from a nursing STUDENT as learned in SCHOOL....it is not guaranteed to cure anything....
Have a great weekend!

Losers are Cool!

2010-01-12T20:09:00.002-06:00

If you are not a fan, well you need to be. Plain and Simple.
What am I talking about?
BIGGEST LOSER!!!
There is no excuse, I repeat, NO FREAKING EXCUSE for ANYONE to not be able to lose weight(if they want to). There is no secret pill or surgery that is as guaranteed as good old fashioned DIET AND EXERCISE.
Not only has physcial activity been a part of my life ever since I can remember but getting ready to graduate and work in the health care industry, I am a huge advocate of health! NO, sometimes I am appalled at myself for eating Lucky Charms at 10 at night or maybe making a run through Taco Bell...but I balance it out. I am very active and for the most part, I eat well. So anywho...please, watch this show and just see all the bad and harmful things that having extra weight can do to you. You can erase soooooo many problems and potential problems just by losing a few pounds!
Ok-that's it! Try and make one healthy choice tomorrow!!!!!

Life is short but sweet for certain

2010-01-09T19:32:00.002-06:00

Prayers are needed for a sweet family in my hometown.
I was reminded again today, unfortunately, how short this life is. We are never promised tomorrow, the next hour, minute or even second. Life is not promised to the good or taken from the bad. Death, although an ugly and scary word, does come and sometimes it comes to those who might not deserve it. However, the only thng that we can smile upon in this very sad and confusing time is this: God IS in control. No, we don't understand it. No, we might not agree with it. No, we might not be ok with it and smile. We might not smile for a while. However, I don't think we are meant to understand death. I think, rather I know, that we are supposed to question God. That is why HE is there. HE is there for us through thick and thin and just like an earthly father, we are going to quetion him and get upset with him. HE knows this and I honestly think HE is ok with it. He wants us to lean on him and cry on his shoulder, which is his word(The Bible). It isn't going to be an easy ride when you are dealt a hand that you don't think you or your loved one deserves but it is God's hand that is always there to help you back up and lead you on your path to healing.
I always wonder if I will ever get used to death. I am in nursing school. It is inevitable that at some time or another I will be faced with death and helping other people deal with the loss of a loved one. I only hope through my own experiences and through HIM that I can help them-even if it's just with a hug and a hand to hold.
Why does it seem that the good are taken from us too soon? I sometimes think that God might get jealous of all our fun times with them and think to himself that he would like to spend time with them! It has definitely helped me through hard times...Please, take time to enjoy every second of this life. It is short-love life, love your family and love God.

Fabulous Friday

2010-01-08T09:46:00.003-06:00

So I'm starting a new tradition over here at the Beckum residence blog...I will be doing a little bloggy on every Friday about something fabulous. Whether it is a fabulous friend, family member, something that I want that is fabulous or just a good reason why this day is fabulous, I'm going to do a blog. Several of the blogs I follow do this such as Wish list wednesdays, Wedding Wednesdays, Thankful Thursdays...I think they are GREAT ideas! Why not Monday you ask? Well let's be reeeaaalllll honest about that one. What is great about Monday? It's the end of the weekend...the beginning of a week...and let's face it...unless someone shows up and hands me a million dollars or a huge shopping spree on that day, I would rather just stay in bed...
So this Fabulous Friday.....is fabulous because it is my last free weekend before nursey nurse school starts back! I'm not saying that every single stinking weekend is taken up with school stuff but let's just say that the majority of them do have something school-ish going on. So this weekend I plan on sleeping late, being lazy(with the exception of the gym and my running program), seeing friends and family and probably eating out every night! Yes, that sounds strange, but trust me...with school, eating out is a sacred thing that hardly ever happens because that time should be and could be spent studying! So...that is why this Friday is fabulous! Hope you all have a great weekend!!!!

Love UPS

2010-01-05T18:20:00.004-06:00

When I got back from visiting my parents house today, I saw a package and I squealed with delight when I saw this in the box...

I have been needing a good every day black bag and I found this beauty here
It is probably not a good thing that their bags are all on sale pretty much all the time...I am a bag addict so this might not help...
Anywho...enjoy!
Oh and the second day of the couch to 5k program is going well too. I will skip the gym tomorrow and thursday because I have to work 12 hour shifts at the hospital but I will pick it up on Friday with some light weights and the last 1st week run on Saturday...I really am hoping this helps me run!!!

Not really a resolution...

2010-01-04T12:54:00.002-06:00

I don't usually like to make new year's resolutions because they pretty much get duped about oh...let's say a week into the new year. So...I have just decided to work on a program for this year. I really want to be a runner. Yes, my 5'6" self(on a good day), with every inch of my short little legs wants to be a runner. I used to run in high school. Just little runs though. Not really any big acclompishment. I played basketball, tennis and softball so I had to be somewhat of a runner. I started training for a half marathon with two of my friends last year. Was it last year? Anywho...Hayden and Stephanie are these amazing freaks of nature. They are about 5'11" and have these legs that go up to their necks. We started out training in the mornings. Like, 5 a.m. morning. They would take off as these graceful little gazelles and little stubby(me) would bring up the tail. They made it look so easy. Needless to say, I got to about the 8 mile mark and my knee messed up and I just gave it up completely. Every once in a while since then, I will run maybe one day a month. Sooooo...I decided that baby steps are the way to go. I have heard other people talk about this program but I decided to do it today. I went to the gym and easily, I did the first day. I felt I could have done more, but the program says to not go beyond what the weekly workouts are. Are any of you wanting to try this? Here is the program. I am really excited! Not only can I start to be a runner, but I will hopefully get in a little bit better shape! Have a great day!

2010-01-01T12:45:00.002-06:00

I got this from Laura T
I love little surveys so thought this was a good way to bring in 2010...by reminiscing on 2009
The Best of '09

Feel free to copy and answer for yourself!
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? I went snow skiing!
2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions in '09, and have you made some for '10? Yes-it was just to drink more water, but I definitely do drink more water now! As for 2010? I haven't made any....
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?OH my goodnes, who DIDN'T give birth this year..
4. Did anyone close to you die? Really close? No...but there were several that I know that did pass away. Prayers for the families...
5. What countries did you visit? Ugh...none...
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? An RN behind my name...
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Nov 4 is always etched...also Dec 15...
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting through my third semester of nursing school and getting and intern position at the hospital!
9. What was your biggest failure? Um, maybe a test!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes, but just a little sick bug...nothing major!
11. What was the best thing you bought? A new camera...lame!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? I'm going to agree with Laura..there are lots of people whose behavior I could only HOPE to mimic one day...HEROES!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Let's just say tiger woods...
14. Where did most of your money go? House, school, gas...
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Realizing that I only had 1 year of nursing school left...family and friends visiting..
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? Halo by Beyonce
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? happier.. (b) thinner or fatter? thinner thank goodness...still got a few lbs to go!.c) richer or poorer? definitely poorer! Nursing student=POOR
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? dancing!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? whining
20. How did you spend Christmas? family and friends!
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? I could goob people out and say I fall more in love with the hubs every day...but I won't....
22. What was your favorite TV program? The Real Housewives of anywhere, Desperate Housewives, House...
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Um, I don't hate anyone...strongly dislike? Yes
24. What was the best book you read? The twilight series and James Patterson books..
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? hmmm...Shinedown?
26. What did you want and get? my blackberry!
27. What did you want and not get? hmm...I'm blessed...I don't know that I wanted anything or didn't get it...maybe an A in a nursing class!
28. What was your favorite film of this year? I liked the Hangover...It's complicated...
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 28. WOW. Had a cookout at my parents house.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?I honestly odn't know...
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? A little trendy with a little boho with a little preppy...
32. What kept you sane? Friends, Family, Nursing school buddies and working out..oh and the occasional bottle, i mean glass of wine..
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Bon Jovi...as every year
34. What political issue stirred you the most? The whole healthcare "thing"
35. Who did you miss? Sweet Brownie
36. Who was the best new person you met? I met several new peeps!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Be happy for what you have-whether it's a dollar, your intelligence or your health. Always tell the people you love, that you LOVE them. You are not promised another second, minute, hour or day. You are only blessed to be here. Money isn't everything. God, Family and friends are are the only things that really matter. Try not to judge others. You don't know what they are going through. Pray every day and it's ok to cry for others. Don't be selfish...give your time, your self or your money for the betterment of others...Wow-I sound a little like Mother Theresa...kidding! I just think these are very important things that I have learned...
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
life ain't always beautiful
sometimes it's just plain hard
life can knock you down
it can break your heart

life ain't always beautiful
you think you're on your way
and it's just a dead-end road at the end of the day

but the struggles make you stronger
and the changes make you wise
and happiness has its own way of taking its sweet time
no life ain't always beautiful
tears will fall sometimes
life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride

life ain't always beautiful
some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walkin' all these lonely miles

and I wish for just one minute
I could see your pretty face
yes I can dream, but life dont work that way

but the struggles make me stronger
and the changes make me wise
and happiness has its own way of takin its sweet time

no life ain't always beautiful
but I know I'll be fine
hey life ain't always beautiful
but it's a beautiful ride
what a beautiful ride

Happy Birthday!

2009-12-28T11:11:00.003-06:00

To my wittle brother!
Athlete
Brother
Cory
Duct tape King
Everyone loves him!
Fun!
Good boy!
Hails from Millsaps
Intuitive
Joeli's little bro
Kooky
Law school student
Mac's daddy
Not a neat freak
Obsessive about studying
Proud of him!
Quick witted
Redheaded
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Training for a half marathon
Usually started fights with me...
Very stubborn
World traveler
X-ponentially awesome
Younger than me
Zagone's friend

Oh Christmas!

2009-12-28T11:02:00.002-06:00

I am so sad Christmas is over! It is truly my favorite time of year. No, not for the gifts we receive, but for the deeper layer of it. It is Jesus's birthday and I literally cry when I hear songs like What Child is This, O come all ye faithful, O Holy Night....because I just think about that night and how undeserving I am that God would send his son to die for ME! It is the ultimate gift. I also enjoy all the family time. I am so grateful that my family and my in laws live so close so that we get to see them all! I don't know what I would do if I had to pick and choose who we got to see on which holiday! Yes I am 28 years old, but I can't imagine not seeing both sides! I am spoiled, I know!
So for our recap...Thursday afternoon we went to my Nanny's house and did Christmas with that side. We all brought an appetizer and played Dirty Santa. This was a new thing for us, but I must say, It was a lot of fun! I think we have stumbled upon a new tradition! Christmas Eve night, we drove to Grenada in the yucky weather and had an amazing dinner with Chris's parents and brother. Then we opened our presents from his parents. I don't know what I did to deserve such an awesome family of in laws, but they are SOOOOO good to me! I love going down there and although they only live an hour from us, we don't see them nearly enough! Christmas morning, we got up around 6 and headed back to the valley to do Christmas with my Mom's side of the family. We opened presents and then Dorris fixed us this crazy good breakfast! After breakfast, we went to my parents house and continued with the present opening charade! Around 4, we headed back up to Dorris's house and had a huge dinner. THere is no way I could eat like this all the time and not weigh 500 pounds! For that, I'm thankful it only comes once a year! I am really sad it is all over and not for the presents...but for the family time with relatives that I don't get to see nearly enough! I have never been sad like I am today about it all being over. I think I am finally mature and wise in my "old" age and truly, truly miss the bonding and family!
I work tonight and tomorrow night and somewhere in the meantime, I have to figure out what to do for New Years....Hope everyone had a wonderful and BLESSED Christmas!

Merry CHRISTmas...

2009-12-24T10:20:00.000-06:00

From my family to yours!
(2007 Picture)

Chainsaw for hire....

2009-12-21T10:55:00.002-06:00

He's cute, sweet, he's clean and neat and he does a great chainsaw impression! I literally beat this man half to death last night because he SNOOOORRRREEEEDDDD for three hours! I yelled at him, hit him and kicked him and he just kept on sawing! I don't get it!!!!! Good thing he's cute....

2009-12-20T10:27:00.003-06:00

THIS

PLUS

THIS

...does not a happy scale make! I'm just sayin....
WW here I come again today! I had lost 8 pounds since November/Late October but after this...not so much...oh well! Have a great Sunday Funday!

A few things...

2009-12-19T11:18:00.002-06:00

I loved the beach! Chris and I had soooo much fun! Neither one of us wanted to come back home....but eventually you have to just suck it up and come on back to good old MS!!! The minute we got back,(literally the minute), I had to get dressed up and head to a Christmas party! Do you know how hard it is to get dolled up after driving for 7 hours??? Thankfully, I have good genes...haha! Kidding...seriously though! I ran a straightener through my hair, pinched my cheeks, threw on a dress(that was originally $130 that I paid $20 for) and was off!!! I had a blast at the party and it really woke me up!
Oh yeah! So you know my obsession with fun makeup. Well, I have found the best mascara! It is by Maybelline. Yes, maybelline. I don't normally use their products, but it caught my eye. It is the lash stiletto. It. Is. AWESOME! The brush is tiny but it really gets to the little lashes without all the clump! Wow, I just realized that I sounded like a commercial..anywho...
Another great buy that I got last week??? A pair of wool winter shorts! I think they are sooo cute with tights and boots and when I saw Gwen Stefani wearing them, I knew I had to have them! Original price? $188. My price? $26!!!!!!!!! Amazement!
Well, I am about to get to wrapping more presents....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY AMAZINGLY SWEET AND WONDERFUL MOTHER IN LAW!!!!!!!!!!!

December 15th, 2007...

2009-12-15T09:31:00.002-06:00

I married this guy!

I just love him! Too cute!
Happy 2 years Christopher Robbin!

Beach Bound!

2009-12-11T09:35:00.002-06:00

Well, I am OFFICIALLY in my last semester of nursing school! I can hardly believe it has been almost 2 year! It has flown by! I am BEYOND THRILLED!!!! I have a nice little break before I start back so I am trying to enjoy every single day and work as much as I can at the hospital! I love my career choice. It is just very humbling work and makes you appreciate a lot of things that maybe you took for granted-whether it was having someone to help take care of you or love you and also makes you thankful for your health. We all complain about things that bother us but until you see someone in some of the sickest conditions, you don't realy know what complaining is. We should all thank God for every day we get to stick around on earth in a healthy body!

I got through Wendesday and have been taking a little time for myself. I worked Wednesday from 3-11 and then I went to the office on Thursday to catch up with all my real estate people! Gosh, I work with the best group of people anyone could ask for. I guess I should say worked since I have been MIA since starting school. However, It doesn't matter how much time passes by, the minute I see them it is like we never missed a beat. It is the only sad thing about nursing school! I don't get to spend any time with these peeps. I talk or text most of them pretty regularly but I'm telling you-no one else could possibly work with a better group of people!!! Thursday afternoon I took my grandmother shopping. Boy did we shop! I think she outshopped me and that is saying something! It was fun and I enjoyed it. We even took a break and had a danish and some coffee at the coffee shop. Dorris was very hip sitting there in her sunglasses and fur coat drinking a coffee. Very francais! Ha! Thursday night I went to eat Kabuki with some friends. Since I have been so busy I have missed out on girls night so it was a very fun day for me! I am going to be pretty lazy today and pack! Pack you ask? Yes-Chris and I are going to the beach on Sunday. WE are soooo excited!!! It is our two year anniversary on Monday and so we thought we would head to the condo and just relax, go eat some great seafood and go to Baytown of course! That is just the best place and I can't wait to see the lights for Christmas! Hope everyone has a great weekend! I might blog from the beach next week...don't be J!

I'm still a fan!

2009-12-08T08:52:00.002-06:00

I don't care who ended up winning the SEC championship...I am and forever will be a Florida Gators and Tim Tebow fan. I don't understand all the people out there making fun of him for crying AND FOR BEING A CHRISTIAN AND ALWAYS GLORIFYING GOD!! Is that what people have come to now? They laugh at people who live for God? Wow. He is amazing and just because his team lost one game doesn't deny the fact that he will go down in history as one of the greatest quarterbacks we will see in our time-both on and off the field! GOD BLESS AND HOOK 'EM HORNS!
In other news....I had a nursing test on Monday and I made a 94! I don't usually like to say what I make on tests, but gosh, I can't tell you the excitement I felt when I saw that grade! Only my 2nd A on a test in nursing school! I have my final tomorrow! Yes, tomorrow. We only have a day and a half between our final regular test and our FINAL final. Yay! I am PUMPED!!!!!!! Anywho-I am off to study the rest of the day! At least it is rainy and yucky and I don't mind being inside all day to study!!!!!!

What is this world coming to???

2009-12-03T15:32:00.002-06:00

I found this today while reading around on various websites that I follow every day:

All I am going to say is this. There is no excuse for cheating. None. End of story. Period. The end. Happily every after.

Have I ever been in this situation? No-so I don't know exactly what's going on in the marriage. I do know one thing though. You can always get out or work it out. If you can't work it out, get out. If you don't want to get out, work it out. I don't want to hear any more excuses about how you fell out of love, he doesn't pay attention to me, he is abusive..blah blah...GET OUT.
I don't mean to sound cruel about the abuse. I think the sorriest and most cowardly thing a man can do is beat or hit a woman. However, she needs to get out and doesn't need to cheat. Why stoop to their level? That's not what this is about though. It absolutely sickened me to know that there are "services" that provide this to people. Marriage is no longer a sacred thing. Fidelity isn't either. I don't want to say I look down on people who cheat, but I don't have any respect for them. I'm just glad that it's you and not me that has to look in the mirror every morning.

100th!

2009-11-29T10:33:00.002-06:00

So it's my 100th post and what better way to celebrate than...
WITH A BIG FAT EGGBOWL WIN AGAINST OLE MISS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so proud of my Bulldogs!!! That's all I am going to say!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I can't believe it is over! It was an absolute blast for me! We had Thanksgiving day lunch at my parents house. We all cooked a dish or two...or five and had lunch over there. It was so good to catch up and see everyone! That night, Chris, his friend Gary and I went to see Blind Side. AMAZING movie. Then Friday, we had lunch over at Chris's aunts house in Pontotoc. It was nice seeing all of them. I love his family and we don't ever all get together enough so we had fun! I can't wait until Christmas to see them all again. Friday night, my cousin Tori came down and we went to Old Venice, had drinks and then went and watched the Blind Side(again for me). It was such a great movie that I loved seeing it twice. It is definitely a movie that I will buy when it comes out. Saturday was spend shopping around and then going to Proud Larry's for lunch where Tori and I watched the slaughter, I mean State-Ole Miss game. After she left, Chris and I made a quick run to Wal Mart and our friends Ashlee and Tate came over and we hung around the fire pit and caught up! We had a great break and saw all of those people who mean so much to us and those that we are so blessed to have in our lives! We are cleaning, decorating and Christmas shopping today! Wish us luck!

Give a little thanks...

2009-11-24T14:45:00.002-06:00

So, for some people's birthdays, I do a little ABC's of what I like about them or what reminds me of them. I thought I would do a little bit of that for Thanksgiving and what I am thankful for. We already know that I am very thankful for my life, my God, my family and my friends. So, these ABC's won't go much below the surface and are maybe just little every day things that make me happy and thankful. I just wanted to put a little disclaimer there so that people wouldn't think I was totally shallow if I said I was thankful for something like, oh I don't know...my coffeemaker....anywho...I digress...in these days, it is all about the simple little things that make me and should make all of you thankful....
A break from school! I just might be able to make it through these next 2 weeks now...
BON JOVI!!!!!! Enough said....
Cupcakes. They can brighten anyone's day....
Diet mountain dew...oh how your crisp taste just wakes me up...
Energy. Sometimes I don't have a lot so any little bit is appreciated...
Family and friends...I know I said I wouldn't say this, but that is the only thing that just automatically pops in my head! I love them!!!!
GOD. Again, I already mentioned him, but come on-where would I really be without HIM??
High heels!
Ice cream. I could live off of the stuff!
Jeans. Designer
Kids laughter...it is is precious!
Laughing. I mean, the good bellyache laughing that only your closest friends can make you do!
Music. My life is a solid gold record...
Nursing teachers. I don't know what I would do without their guidance!
Ocean. I love lying beachside and just being lazy...
Peppermint mocha creamer...I'm serious
Quick wits
Real estate...Yes I do still love it...
Small town life...I love the cities, but I wouldn't trade my upbringing for anything!
Thanksgiving! What a wonderful time for friends, family and reflection...
Using texts! I love it. It always makes me smile!
Victories in tests, games..any kind of competition
Weather. Really pretty weather. Clear skies, 75...ahhh....
Xtra points!
Youth! I am slowly slipping away from this! Eek!
Zoos!

Less than 6 months....

2009-11-20T08:52:00.002-06:00

I keep telling myself this! In less than 6 months, I will be graduating nursing school! I can't believe it is that close!!!! 6 months might sound like a long time to y'all but after almost a year and a half of school, it is nothing! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! YIIIPPPPEEEEEE!!! Hopefully after graduation, I will pass my boards and begin work in some area of nursing. I will be working on my BSN while I work and then hopefully get in to a great MSN program. I was going to do Ole Miss BSN-MSN program since it is the only one around and when compared to how long it would take to doing a BSN and MSN, it just makes sense to do them seperately. So anywho.....What am I going to specialize in?? I am still being drawn to the Geriatric side of nursing. I have loved pediatrics, but after Tuesday, I pretty much decided that I am just not cut out for it. I don't think I could deal with the every day role of seeing extremely sick and sad babies who might not make it. It is just heartbreaking to think that they won't ever get to grow up and live life. I love the part of making them better while they are under your care, but at the end of the day, I just don't think it is my calling. Have I completely ruled it out? No, but I am about 95% sure I won't do it.
Now, what am I going to be doing in these next 6 months? School, school and school. I have 8 days of class left this semester. 3 of those days are test days so 5 are lectures! I can't believe it! I will be studying a lot these next few days so if I am slacking in the blogging world, I hope you can forgive me! Well, I hope everyone has a great weekend! If I can make it through Monday, then I will be very happy! Thanksgiving is next week and I can relax and enjoy some time with the family! Have a great weekend!

O Brother Where Art Thou?

2009-11-16T18:22:00.004-06:00

This just happens to be one of his favorite movies! Who is he? My little brother, Cory. When I say little, I mean purely agewise as he is actually physically bigger than me. I just love this guy! I remember growing up how excited I was to have a little brother! Why? Not because I wanted to be a big sister or share the spotlight, but he was my real life babydoll! I could dress him up, do his hair and dress him in girly clothes and he couldn't do anything about it! It was awesome! If I had a picture, I would totally post it now. After he got big enough to run away, he wasn't that much fun anymore. We fought, he pulled my hair, I didn't get all the presents anymore, I pushed him down the stairs, he got to the teen years and was a brat and terror.....and somehow, somewhere along the way, he became my little brother who I admire and just adore. He went to Millsaps and is now in his second year of law school at Ole Miss and I am just thrilled that he finally lives near me. We share a few things...our blue eyes, fair skin, Daddy's nose....and don't agree on everything...my views, his views.....but we are brother and sister and I will never ever have that bond with anyone else. I have always told him that I look UP to my LITTLE brother and I mean it! He has an amazing walk with God that I am just in awe of. He knows more about the bible than I ever will. Yet at the same time, he can hold a conversation and get along with someone who has no interest in knowing his God. He has grown up a lot and I am very proud of the young man he has become. Cory, if you are reading this, you still owe me that money for the law journal.....

Momma Mia!

2009-11-12T16:28:00.003-06:00

Oh mother. What can I say about this lady? She is quite possibly my best friend. We had that rocky mother-daughter relationship growing up-you know, the one where she hated my boyfriends, wanted to know where I was going, who I was with, when I would be home-you know-the one where she loved me so much but I just thought it was a control thing? Yeah, that one. Somewhere, along the way, we got past that and became friends. I don't think mothers and daughters should be friends until they have had the real mother daughter relationship though. She is always there for me and although we don't always agree on everything, I know that what she says and does, she does it all out of love for me. She is also one of the smartest women I know and I am very proud of her. She always sticks up for what she believes and isn't scared to speak her mind. She is loud and dramatic and for some reason, she still has no clue where I get that from...
She has taught me a lot about life and has shown me the kind of mom I want to be and how I should carry myself. She is a good Christian role model and has always told me that I could do anything I wanted to if I just APPLIED myself. She is also very brave and I think one of the bravest things she has ever done is to tell my husband, that after just 4 months of dating, he had her blessing to marry me. That shows that she also must be a good judge of character.....I love her very much and don't know what I would do without her!

We are family...

2009-11-09T18:35:00.003-06:00

So, I talked about my husband on here, but allow me to introduce you to my immediate family. The next couple of posts will be dedicated to them!

Let's start off with the Daddy! I love my daddy more than anything else. I once wrote an essay on him in high school. We were supposed to write about somebody we admired, and I chose him. My dad is a man who wears a coat of many colors. He is a farmer, he is a husband, he is a business owner, he is a DAD, he is a son, an uncle, he is many things that I could list. I think his most important role to our family is a Christian leader, provider and protector. He has always worked so hard for us and has always made us feel secure and safe. Yes, he has also made me mad but as I have gotten older, I look back and thank him for pushing my buttons and making me realize what a "knucklehead" I was being(his word, not mine). He has always been there for me-from way back when he used to pick me up from OUS in his maroon and silver duly with a half eaten milky way and small bottle mountain dew to the day he had the courage and the heart to walk me down the aisle and give me away to another man. He has never failed me. I hope he knows that! He has always let me know that he loves me and that no matter what, I will always be his little girl. I think the greatest gift my dad ever gave me was the example he was as a husband to my mom. He showed me what true love was and how a man was supposed to treat a woman and how I deserved to be treated. I love him more than anything and am proud to be a farmer's daughter!

Live and Give

2009-11-04T12:01:00.001-06:00

I could go on about what kind of man he was, but I won't. I love and miss my Brownie every single day. They say time heals and that each day is one day closer to seeing him again. However, sometimes I can't help but think that it is one day longer that I haven't seen or talked to him.

Weekend+Studying= Our life!

2009-11-02T16:02:00.002-06:00

So this weekend we studied! Won't you all be so glad when you don't have to read a post and hear me talk about studying? I promise you-not near as much as I can't wait to not to have to write about it!!!
So, I was all jacked up about Halloween and handing out candy to all the little trick or treaters. I just think that they are PRECIOUS! So, to prevent what happened two years ago(we ran out of candy twice) I made sure I had a surplus of goodies. So, 6 rolls around(prime trick or treating time) and I am just waiting by the door. I see a group of kids walking down the street. There are 6 of them! 6! In one group! I was so excited! Well, they came and knocked and I gave them candy and asked about their costumes and then they were off to the next house. Well, people, 6 was all we had. Yes 6!!!! I can't believe it!!!! I was so upset. So now, I am stuck here with almost 4 bags of candy and I don't need to eat it! I have been good-I have only eaten a tootsie pop....a few tootsie rolls....a reese cup....two hersey minis....ok, maybe not so good. So you see the importance of getting rid of this candy ASAP! Either that or Joeli is going to gain 14 pounds over the next week!!! EEK! That in itself is scarier than any halloween costume!!!
Sunday, we studied again. Chris's parents came up and we went and ate Newk's. Mrs. Mylinda brought us a cheesecake and some beef stew that I will be eating tonight for dinner. Did I mention that I love my in laws??? This is normal behavior! They are awesome(and not just because they kept us fed). We are going to Grenada this weekend and I am really excited. This week of school is going to be crazy, so a weekend out of town will be much needed! I had a nursing test today(86), I have clinicals tomorrow, class and career day Wednesday and a teaching project on Thursday. Sigh! Have a great one!

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-31T09:27:00.001-05:00

I shall be spending the day and night studying missing out on some fantastic Halloween parties. I have my costume. A nursing student nurse. I have the candy ready for the kiddies who will be coming by to trick or treat. I can't wait! I love to see da kiddies and all their little costumes! So cute! Here is a video for your halloween enjoyment!

Recipes you must try!

2009-10-28T16:01:00.005-05:00

Ok, So no, I didn't come up with these recipes I am about to post, but oh my gosh, you really must go out now and buy the ingredients and make them! My husband actually ate it and ate leftovers. If there is something I have come to learn about Chris, it is that he is not the biggest fan of leftovers. He might eat them but he usually doesn't. So when he actually asked for some sweet curry chicken the next day, I knew it was something to hold on to. Super easy. Super good. I got it from Finding my Feet
Sweet Curry Chicken

Ingredients
1+ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
2/3 C butter, melted
2/3 C honey
4T mustard
2t salt
2t sweet curry powder
(This is the KEY ingredient to it's deliciousness! I used just plain curry and it was still great!)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut chicken into 1" cubes. (I like to hold it in the air with tongs and snip it up with scissors. I think it's faster and it keeps me from having to touch the chicken.)
3. Combine melted butter, honey, mustard, salt and curry powder in a separate bowl.
4. Add mixture to chicken cubes and stir to coat.
5. Bake 45 minutes or so until the chicken looks good and done.
6. Meanwhile, steam a few cups of rice in a steamer.
7. Serve chicken over rice and enjoy.
Joeli’s note-
Could probably get by without using 2/3 cups butter. I would say that 1/3 cup would do just fine. But you decide!!!!!

Also, I go to allrecipes.com frequently and have never been disappointed. Again, Chris actually asked me to make this tonight so again, I know I picked a good one. He loves it and I love the fact that I can use it in my slow cooker. LOVE it. It was one of the best wedding presents ever!!!
Chicken and Dumplings-Slow cooker style
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 2 tablespoons butter 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup 1 onion, finely diced 2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
Directions
Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.
Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

Joeli's note-I add a tsp of poultry seasoning and use 98% fat free cream of chicken. tastes great!
Have a great Wednesday. I am back to studying....

Tebowisms....

2009-10-26T18:45:00.002-05:00

So I love Tim Tebow. Yes, I am still a little bitter about the game(I will not pretend that you actually scored that TD when the ball was CLEARLY out of your hand), but for the most part, I am over it.
However, how can you NOT like this guy? He is a good Christian athlete from an amazing family and he seriously kills his opponents with kindness. If they sack him, he claps and tells them good job. He just makes it so much harder to want to kill him! So, in his honor...

When the boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks the closet for Tim Tebow.
The active ingredient in Red Bull is Tim Tebow's sweat.

Tim Tebow can get Chick-Fil-A on Sundays.

People with amnesia still remember Tim Tebow.

Tim Tebow hits blackjack with just one card.

The only reason you're still conscious is because Tim Tebow hasn't stiff-armed you in the face.

When Tim Tebow was a kid, he made his mom finish his vegetables.

Tim Tebow doesn't do pushups. Instead, he pushes the earth down.

Superman wears Tim Tebow pajamas.

Tim Tebow counted to infinity. Twice.When life gives Tim Tebow lemons, he uses them to kill terrorists. Tim Tebow hates lemonade.
What color is Tim Tebow's blood? Trick question. Tim Tebow does not bleed.

Tim Tebow has been to Mars. That's why there's no life on Mars.

When Tim Tebow wants popcorn, he breathes on Nebraska.

You can lead a horse to water, but Tim Tebow can make him drink.

Tim Tebow can believe it's not butter.

Tim Tebow doesn't wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.

Tim Tebow can get breakfast at McDonald's after 10:30 A.M.

The recent earthquake off the coast of Florida measured 6.0 on the Richter scale, or .024 Tim Tebows.

Tim Tebow can touch MC Hammer.

Tim Tebow frequently donates blood to the Red Cross. Just never his own.

Tim Tebow sleeps with a night light. Not because Tim Tebow is afraid of the dark, but the dark is afraid of Tim Tebow.

Rome wasn’t built in a day because Tim Tebow wasn’t born yet.

A meteor didn’t kill the dinosaurs; Tim Tebow did in a pickup football game.

The quickest way to a man's heart is with Tim Tebow's forearm.

Time waits for no man. Unless that man is Tim Tebow.

Life just got a little sweeter...

2009-10-25T11:31:00.004-05:00

...until they stop making this again after the holidays and then I will have to wait another whole year for it to come out!
I was at Wal Mart on Friday looking for some creamer since I was out and I saw it waving at me in the milk section. I got so excited that I gasped OUT LOUD and then realized I was in a public place and acting like that was totally uncool. I immediately grabbed and was so happy, I checked on out and forgot half of my list. Yes, it is definitely the litte things. I will hold myself back from cleaning out every shelf in every store in Oxford of this product(I will wait until December to do this before they take it off the shelf). That would just be tacky to do it now, right? Hope everyone has a sweet day!

Food Stamps

2009-10-21T18:17:00.002-05:00

So, if you haven't heard about this already, I want to tell a story about something that infuriates the very being of my existance!!!!! A mother and an aunt in memphis went to go drop off a friend the other morning. Ok. sounds ok. However, while going to drop off a friend, one of the ladies left her 2 and 3 year old home ALONE. Alone people. I don't have kids, but I know you don't leave a 2 and 3 year old home alone. Anywho...the house caught fire. The 3 year old died. The 2 year old is still at Le Bonheur. They interviewed the aunt of these babies and she said she DIDN'T REGRET leaving them at home and that she NEEDED TO GO CHECK TO SEE IF HER PURSE BURNED UP BECAUSE IT HAD HER FOOD STAMP CARD IN THERE!!! I want to go personally punch this lady and ask her what her problem is. Trust me, I know a lot of people are suffering in this economy and some people are only living on food stamps. I don't mean to knock that. Trust me, we are all struggling. HOWEVER...your nephews just died and you are worried about your food stamps??? Now, they have recently interviewed the family about these comments and they all say is a crackhead. Their words, not mine. I don't care. This shows the mind set of some people. Some of these people have babies. Crackheads with babies. Ain't life grand?

LOVE

2009-10-18T13:43:00.002-05:00

Tarina Tarantino earrings.
Thank you in advance to those of you who want to buy me a pair in every color for my brithday, Christmas and anniversary.
Have a great day

Happy Birthday Dorris!

2009-10-15T22:12:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to my grandmother, Dorris! She is one of the strongest and smartest women I know and I am so thankful that she is MINE!
We had a great time tonight celebrating her life! We went to eat at Snackbar and once again, it was DELISH! I have a picture of the birthday girl in her birthday gear but don't have it uploaded yet. I promise it will come soon! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Come on now....

2009-10-11T09:37:00.002-05:00

wouddya, whouddya, whouddya whouddya think you are?? HAHAHA bless your soul...you think you're in control????
Ok. Let me say that this is not going to be a nice post. No. It is aimed at all you little pricks out there who think it is "cool" to walk up the street on the way to the square or the grove and dump all your trash in the yards of people who are clearly not frat pricks, oops, I mean not college students. You also might think you are impressing someone by walking onto the porch of a family's house and smash the pumpkin that their 2 little kids picked out last week at the church when they had their pumpkin patch. And, when you were confronted by someone who happened to be in the yard and caught you walking in our, I mean, someone's driveway while dumping your trash and they asked you to pick it back up, Did you ACTUALLY try to get smart with them??? Yeah, I am talking to you.
Who raised you?? Did you grow up in a cave with wolves? Or bears? Or better yet, did you grow up alone with absolutely no guidance on how to behave in public? I know that is not true. DISCLAIMER: I was in a sorority and I dated fraternity guys. I know that not all fraternity boys are bad. I know this. Some of the best guys I know were in one. So don't think this is coming from someone who is an independent and "has it out for you". I also was not always a perfect person that my momma raised. However, I NEVER EVER NEVER EVER destroyed someone else's property for fear of what my momma would do to me.
Ok. So I digress....
Just behave. No, I am not asking you to not go out and have an absolute fantastical time on gameday weekends. It is the best time of the year here. All I am asking is that you don't go litter yards on the way to your destination. I can handle picking up trash in my yard. I don't want to, but I can do it. However, I can't stand to see a pumpkin smashed and along with it, a little boy and little girls heart. I also can't stand to see my 87 year old neighbors yard looking like a landfill. Come on guys(and girls), just don't do it. Right past our house is HUGE dumpster. Just dump it there!!! Thanks. That's all.

On a good note, I did get to go to the grove Saturday after I woke up from night shift induced coma. I got a ride with Steph, who I used to work with at Kessinger. So random, but so good to see her! Then I got to see Lee Ann! I haven't seen her in soooo long! Since April. Oh my gosh, I didn't realize it had been that long until I wrote it. I got to see Mandy too! I got to see so many people that I haven't seen since school has been back in session! Hope everyone has a great Sunday!

Workin on the night shift....

2009-10-09T19:42:00.002-05:00

Yes I am. I hope everyone has a fantastic night tonight spending it at home with your family or out with friends and I hope everyone has an even BETTER day tomorrow at the grove or at the junction. Oh yes I do. Catch the sarcasm??? I will be missing yet another fun time at the grove with friends because I shall be sleeping the day away after working 11-7 tonight. Blah blah blah. Whatev. Have a freakin fantastic weekend.

OB is not my thing...

2009-10-08T15:19:00.002-05:00

It might be some people's choice of work, but for this oh so tired, phsically exhausted, psychotically challenged, mentally worn out, brain stuffed so full it's oozing out of my ears nursing student, it is just not my thing! I still like MEDSURG better-and I know, a lot of nursing students hate it, but for me, there is a change in it and that is what I like. I have a much deserved Fall Break now and don't have to go back to class until Wednesday, so until then, you won't find me studying one single bitty bit. I am so glad this week is over with! Nutrtion midterm Monday-check. Nursing test 3 Tuesday morning-check. Psychology midterm Tuesday afternoon-check. OB nursing final today-CHECK CHECK CHECK! Peds here I come! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! Mine will be spent doing....
NOTHING!! Ahhhh....I love the way that sounds!
I will say that these finals are bittersweet. I always hate to lose some of my peeps that have been in the nursing program with me since day one. I am telling you-you bond with these people in a way you can't bond with anyone else because they are the ONLY people out there that know exactly what you are going through. For those of you didn't make it, Come back next semester stronger and better than ever and you will ROCK it out!! I will miss having you in class, but I know you will come back as so much better of an OB nurse than I could ever be!

Let me introduce you to.....

2009-10-04T09:24:00.003-05:00

MY HUSBAND!
It hit me yesterday that sometimes I don't talk about Chris enough. I always blog about what I have been up to or what I have been doing and I don't indulge enough on my husband. Well, let me just tell you our story. I promise, I will try to do this without sounding too mushy because you know this is not my style...
So, I met Chris in December of 2006. I had recently broken off an engagement(yes, I was engaged before and yes I broke it off and we both lived happily ever after. End of story-not spending any time there). I was totally not looking to date or anything because I was young and free and living in Oxford by myself. Well, one of my bestest friends, Michael, text me that they were going to a Christmas Party in Grenada that his dad was playing at. Michael's dad is in a band, Mid Life Crisis. So anywho-I said I might and I thought about it and finally I was just like, what the heck. Sure I will go. I met Michael and his now wife, Ashley at his apartment and me, Michael, Ashley, David Martin and Ryan Taylor all headed to grenada. Michael said we were meeting one of his friends' from Ole Miss there that was going to. No biggy right? Wrong. So we get to a gas station, yes I met my husband at a gas station, and there is Chris. Polo hat, Green LaCoste(I remember). Immediately, and I mean IMMEDIATELY, I took notice to him. It was his smile and eyes that got me. Michael small talked to him and we then rolled the windows up and started to follow Chris to the party. I continued to pester, I mean ask, Michael all about his friend. Now let me make a sidenote-I had always made fun of people who said love at first sight or what not...it had to be a joke. WRONG. I am not kidding people-it was just something about Chris that struck me. So, FINALLY, at the party, Chris decided to finally talk to me. We hit it off immediately and he even danced with me that night( why is this important? Because in 3 years together, Chris has danced with me 3 times). He even drove me all the way back to Oxford where we stayed up talking until about 5 in the morning! He got my number and we had our first official date on that Monday with Michael and Ashley. The rest is history. Serioulsy. We met on December 9th, made it official on December 19th and got engaged just 4 short months later on April 5th and married in less than a year on December 15th. I can't imagine my life without him and I think that God truly had a hand in this. Chris was brought into my life in a year that would be the hardest year that I had ever gone through. He put someone in my life that would take care of me the way I needed to be taken care of and let's be honest-someone who could put up with me and all my joeli-isms. We will have been married for 2 years on December 15th of this year and it has been the best time being married to him. We must have meant those vows-better or worse, sickness and health, richer and poorer....we have seen each other through surgeries, illnesses, nursing school, stressed out studying, loss of loved ones....and I would not have wanted to go through any of that with anyone else. Ok,that's it. I think I have mushed everyone out. I am going back to studying but I did want to give a shout out to my amazing husband Chris!!!

Happy Hump Day!

2009-09-30T18:37:00.003-05:00

I LOVE this nail polish! I try not to get too far in depth with trends and when I first read about GREEN nail polish for fall, I will say I was a bit skeptical. However, after trying on many colors of green on my poor albino skin, I will have to say that this color is perfect! It is called First Time and it is by pure ice. Love it! It is a metallic color and I know that matte is all the rave, but I am going to stick to this! It is perfect!
Also-if you are wanting to find t shirts to wear casually or around the house or at the gym, you have to buy Hanes V neck t shirts for men! Absolutely the best shirt to work out in or just wear around or sleep in-whatever! I love them!!!!
If you have time to shoot a quick prayer up(which everyone should have time for this), please send a prayer up for our friend April's niece, Malley Kate. I don't know her but because I know April I have heard about how precious she is. She is sick right now and at St. Jude's. The doctors are very positive she will be fine, but she does have a lot of healing to do to be back to 110%, so prayers are always needed and appreciated when loved ones are hurting or sick. I won't go into it too much, but just remember to send a prayer up that God looks after her, the doctors, the nurses and gives comfort to the family because it is especially hard when your child is sick!
I will be post pictures from Ashlee's wedding soon! They are just not on this computer! I will say that she looked AMAZING! I have known Ashlee for 27 years and I have NEVER seen her smile or just GLOW as much as she did that weekend! It was just so sweet and it is the kind of happiness I want to see all of my friends find! Everything was perfect! I have 4 tests next week with 2 of them being mid terms and one being a final and the other just being a normal nursey nurse test so excuse my lack of existance for a few days! I will catch up when I can! And as usual, here is your happy hump day video to get you through the rest of the week! I think we all know a little firecracker like this lady. Some of the language is a little off but...I know it is old, but come on! You can't NOT laugh at this:

A laugh to get you through the week...

2009-09-23T18:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Hump Day

2009-09-23T09:03:00.003-05:00

If you saw me right now, this is what I would look like! I have a test on Monday, an independent study due Wednesday, my last OB clinical tomorrow, a wedding this weekend(THIS IS NOT A STRESSOR,THIS IS A HAPPY THING), a psychology test on Tuesday, a 3rd OB test the next Monday, ATI test on Tuesday, Pscyhology midterm on that same Tuesday, Nutrtion midterm on that next Wednesday and then my OB nursing final! EEK. So what do I do instead of getting on some of this?? I skip class and blog.

This weekend we hung out with Lana and Ryan and Molly and Will. Love these couples! I know I have talked about them before so I won't go into it all now, but Chris and I had a blast just watching 27 games of football. Poor, poor chris...nobody likes him....not even Cooper the dog. Ha! So funny! Chris came into the house saturday night and Molly's dog Cooper just barked at him the whole night. It was hilarious!

This coming weekend is the wedding of one of my oldest and dearest friends! I can't wait for this! They got engaged last November and the time has just ticked on down and here it is! I pray for beautiful weather and even if the weather is not great, I pray for their marriage to be blessed and for them to be as happy as Chris and I are. I am so excited and I just know it is going to be a wonderful weekend. Oh, and how cute will her new name be? Ashlee Anderson?? Too cute.

Have a great one! I will blog next week sometime when I have time to breathe!

Laws

2009-09-19T08:52:00.002-05:00

Have I mentioned that I love my family? In laws, out laws, the whole bit. We went to eat with Chris's mom(Mrs. Mylinda) and his aunts Sandra and Marsha, his uncle Danny and his little brother Zach. We had so much fun. I am just so thankful that I have married into such a great family and am very lucky! I hear horror stories from people about their in laws sometimes so I am just thankful that mine are great! I am especially thankful for my mother in law who has made me feel so welcome from the very beginning and always includes me in things! I wish we got to see them a lot more than we do but hopefully after school we will finally get to make more trips to see them!!!
By the way, Chris's little brother is growing up so fast and is super cute! If anyone has any little sister or cousin, just call me! ha! It is different having such a young brother in law. Cory is only 4 years younger than me so I have never had to be around someone so much younger but it is fun. I give him a hard time sometimes but I just like to kid around! We are studying this weekend again. Might go to the square tonight but not sure! Might just have friends over after the game...who knows. Hotty Toddy and Hail State!!!!!

You were meant to live life...

2009-09-18T09:48:00.002-05:00

As the 2 year anniversary of my sweet Brownie's passing comes closer and closer, I am constantly reminded of him by simple day to day things. Songs, pictures, memories, tv shows, businesses...just everything. I learned many things from him but two of my favorite things that I hope to always take from him are very simple and basic things that I think mean more than gold. He always told me to "keep on digging" and just live! He also showed me how important it is to always help people and to always give! LIVE AND GIVE. Brownie loved life and loved to live. He was an amazing person in every single way. He wasn't a saint, but to me, he was just as close as a person could possibly get to one. I was on my way home from clinical yesterday and I heard a song that I got from my brother. I don't even know the name. It is upbeat and the chorus goes like this:
You were meant to live large
Come on, take charge
Let’s go light the world up
Let’s not wait until the end
To be the things we wish we’d been
You were meant to live life
Come on, let’s fly
You’re a super trouper spotlight
We’re gonna jump on the count of three
Here it comes now
ONE – TWO – THREE jump!
I immediately teared up and thought about Brownie. Brownie is the inspiration behind the way my life has changed in the past 2 years. I admit, I was considered a slightly shallow person. I loved name brands and material stuff. I still do-to an extent. However, I believe there is just SO MUCH MORE to me than that. If you ask any of my family or friends, they would all say they never saw me as a nurse but now that I am doing it, they so see it! I live to help others now. That is why I chose the career change. I did real estate for 4 years. I did very well and was very successful. However, I never felt that was my calling but I didn't have any reason not to do it until November 4th 2007. That day changed me forever-for the good, despite the bad circumstances I was faced with.
I have thought about Brownie every single day for the almost 2 years and so far, I will admit, it hasn't gotten any easier. If anything, it is harder because every day that goes by is one more day that I have been without him. When he died, I remember breaking down to Chris telling him that for almost 25 years, I had not gone more than 2 days without seeing or at least talking to him. Now I have gone almost 2 years and it is only harder. I keep a picture by my bed that sweet Julie Tyler made for me. It is a picture of him and a scrap of notebook paper that she got from his desk that says "Thank you Lord". How awesome. Every day at work, he would turn a page in his big yellow notepad and at the top, EVERY SINGLE DAY, he would write those three words. He never forgot who was the ultimate provider and reason behind his every step. I love you Brownie and I can't wait to see you again one day!
I hope this didn't totally put everyone in a sad mood before the weekend-it was only meant to encourage each and every one of you readers to live each day LARGE and take charge and do what you want to do because one day you won't have that chance! Go LIVE this weekend!!!!

Happy Hump Day!

2009-09-16T13:51:00.001-05:00

Nobody puts Baby in a corner...

2009-09-14T20:10:00.003-05:00

What girl or woman who lived in the 80's didn't have Dirty Dancing as a top 5 movie? And how many times have you said that quote on my headline? I always used to watch this at Ashlee Langdon's house because for some reason, my mom and dad thought it was inappropriate? Not sure...so thanks Ashlee for allowing me to ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS watch this EVERY TIME I spent the night! It made me love the characters Johnny and Baby and long to find my Johnny! Patrick, your family and loved ones are in my prayers. Thank you for making it sexy for men to wear leotards, to dance and to test my own jump and lift moves in the pool! I know that Patrick had been sick for a while, but trust me, from my own personal experience-no matter how many times you try to prepare yourself for what is to come when a loved one is sick, there is really nothing that can totally prepare you and it is still very, very hard. He had a long and successful career, but for this 80's "baby" he will always be the rough and tumble Johnny who won the heart of the conservative Baby.

Birthday Wishlist!!!!

2009-09-12T09:22:00.007-05:00

Ok. So. My birthday is in approximately 9 weeks so of course, I have to start looking for gifts since I am terrible about letting people know what to get me. I really don't need anything, but I guess in birthday fashion, you need to let people know SOMETHING to get you...so....here goes.....

These items all come from www.forever21.com and are relatively very inexpensive. When I buy trendy of the moment items, I always go for cheaper because chances are they will be out next year so I don't feel bad about spending money on them. Oh, I am so not even finished.....

My last item that I want really badly is....

Now, like I said, everything comes from Forever21. I have been a fan since college. Trust me, my parents saw the credit card bill. They know. This stuff is all so good and really actually durable. I still have a black dress and casual stuff from there that has lasted years. A couple of other things I found that wouldn't work on me, but would be perfect for someone else, are these little jewels. For a bride to be on her rehearsal night or shower, how about this super duper cute dress:

I am serious. This is absolutely adorable!!!!!

This pink bubble dress is so cute and would be an awesome cheap option for a formal either high school or college. It is perfect! This makes me want to be back in my Chi Omega days going to formals!

So, for all you that still need to get me birthday presents, (Cory, Mom, Mrs. Mylinda, Chris) here ya go....heehee!
Have a great one!

Do you remember....

2009-09-11T08:36:00.003-05:00

Today, please take a moment to remember all the families whose lives were changed forever by the attacks made on the United States on this day so many years ago. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I remember crying for hours while watching the news shows that were playing messages left by loved ones either on the planes or World Trade Center towers that knew they were about to die. Remember the 4 amazing men who led a revolt on flight 93 to try and save passengers on board. Remember the ones who lost their lives at the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. Remember the amazing and brave firefighters who ran up into these towers to save dozens of people only to lose their own life. Remember the brave men and women who went to war and are still over there protecting you and me. Say a special prayer for their families who so selflessly let them go for months or years at a time. I don't have any of my immediate family over there but know several families who have loved ones overseas and I am so so thankful to these families for giving their loved ones to protect me. I can only hope that in that situation I would give my life so selflessly to save or help someone else. Remember Jesus Christ who did just that too. Just please remember, even if just for a minute. Support or don't support what is going on overseas, but ALWAYS and I mean, ALWAYS support our troops!

Georgia, Spicy Doves and Brokedown buggies...

2009-09-09T20:26:00.002-05:00

So Georgia was a blast! Mom, Dorris and myself got to Blue Ridge around 3 on Friday and really just relaxed with family. My cousin Emily made some fantastic mac and cheese and fruit salad. We retired early since we were so tired! Saturday was spent shopping and looking at the home Dorris owns in GA. It is gorgeous! It is an old farmhouse and it sits in the mountains and has a creek, yes a creek, running through the front yard! Needless to say, I had to play in it! It was soooo cold!!! That night we went to eat for Emily's birthday and then just hung out. Sunday we went riding around and looking at where my great grandmothers lived and we went to the creek where I almost drowned....trust me, when I upload pictures, I will divulge....we left early Monday morning and I was sad to go! It was so much fun being back in the mountains in just amazing beauty!!!!
Since I have been back, I haven't done much...worked and gone to school...the usual. I did go to wal mart today and I pondered(no, I am not about to tell you about my boring shopping trip to wal mart....I am not that narcissistic)but I wondered...why, every SINGLE time I go to wally world, I get the most janked up cart. I even took my time today picking one out, but no...the only cart that had a metal rod loose in the bottom that rattled like a chainsaw when I drove it, I managed to pick. I have driven ones that have a wally eyed wheel(you know what i am talking about...one wheel goes around and around and around in circles and your cart is constantly stopping and making crazy movements uncontrolled by you), a squeaky wheel, and the most annoying one, the grandma one(all 4 wheels lock up at random moments and stops and you hit your shins on the bottom because you didn't know they were about to stop). Anywho...I digress.....I got to see my brother tonight! He called and said he was cooking doves and wanted to know if I wanted to come over. Well, of course I did....mainly because he said he was cooking(which he doesn't) and because he invited me to eat(which he doesn't). He did a great job! We hung out for a little bit and talked(I talked) and ate some of the dove. I love my brother to death and am SO SO SO proud of him! He is law school at Ole Miss in his second year and I am just still amazed that the little bratty redhead that I used to dress up in doll clothes is this somewhat distinguished law student who has his head on straight, has great personality, wonderful family, sparkling personality...does it sound like me, yes, I thought so. Hope everyone has a great Thursday! I promise to post pictures of my GA trip soon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH FRANCES!

2009-09-08T19:05:00.002-05:00

Today is the day of birth of one of my very best friends ever! She has this crazy dry sarcastic approach to life and I love her very much!!!!!! So, in honor of this....the ABC'S.....

A-LUMNI OF STATE
B-OYS! SOMETIMES A GIRL JUST NEEDS ONE...
C-ASINO TRIPS
D-ENTIST!
bE-ATLES FAN(TO SAY THE LEAST)
F-LOSS...HOW MANY TIMES, WHAT KIND OF FLOSS, WHAT KIND OF TOOTHPASTE, TOOTHBRUSH??
G-RACELAND TOO? YEAH, SHE LIVES ON THE SAME STREET...
H-ATES OLE MISS....
cI-NCO DE MAYO A FEW YEARS AGO.....WON'T GO THERE....
J-OELI'S BESTIE!
K-ARDASHIAN OR ANY CELEB NEWS....
L-AUER LOVER...MATT THAT IS....
M-EXICO TIPICO NIGHTS....
N-IGHTS AT THE BISTRO.....
O-OPS I DID IT AGAIN....
P-OLITICALLY CORRECT...GOT THAT FROM THE DONALD....
Q-UITE SARCASTIC....
R-ICK'S CAFE 1 DOLLAR NIGHTS...
S-HAKIN IT LIKE A POLAROID PICTURE...
T-APE..DUCT THAT IS...TO HOLD HER CAR TOGETHER
dU-MB AND DUMBER
moV-IE LOVER
W-EDDING PRO AND MY MAID OF HONOR
soX-RED THAT IS
cheesY-DOTS....ONE OF OUR MANY MEMORIES...CHASING THEM DOWN THE STREET OF COURSE...
Z-ANY...COULDN'T THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE....

Georgia on my mind

2009-09-02T15:08:00.005-05:00

First of all, I want to just take a second and ask you readers out there to just send up a couple of unmentionable prayer requests. I have a few friends who are in a tight bind right now with just personal things and I would like for anyone out there to just pray for guidance, strength and the amazing ability to deal with whatever God decides their paths should take. I love each of them very much and have been praying hard.....

I am heading to Georgia this weekend with my mom and grandmother. Georgia is where my roots are...ok, I wasn't born there, but a lot of my family history on the Crawford-Hemphill side took place in the lovely Blue Ridge mountains in this beautiful state. I am going home to Blue Ridge early Friday morning and staying until Monday. I have been waiting for YEARS to be able to go back and I am absolutely THRILLED to be taking this trip down memory lane this weekend. I remember my memaw and papaw hemphill and their house and memaw letting me do her makeup when I was little. Oh bless her heart the ugliness I put her through. She would have rouge, yes, red rouge on her cheeks and bright red lips(remember bozo the clown)? She made the best fried apples and HOMEMADE biscuits for breakfast, she would sit on the front porch with us for hours, play in the backyard by the river, I heard my first cussword from her....and I loved her for it dearly. My poor papaw...he knows now that he is heaven, but when I was little, I dropped his hearing aid in the toilet and was so scared, I just scooped it back up and put it up and never told anyone. If he ever wondered why he heard the ocean for the rest of his life.....I miss them both sooooo much but am so thankful for all the happy and wonderful times I had with them! Now, my memaw Crawford was an amazing woman too. I loved to visit her when we were in GA. It never failed, we would go over and I swear, in less than 10 minutes she would have "whipped" up fried okra, corn, tomatoes, meatloaf, beans and mashed potatoes(all from her garden of course). She would sit in her gliding chair in the living room after and just talk and talk and talk about her life, her family and catch us up on the rest of the family(this was Brownie's mom and he had 8 brothers and sisters)!! I also miss her and her sweet, calming voice. I have a lot to look forward to when I get to heaven one day(besides seeing my savior of course). I have a lot to catch up on with these sweet people. I always think of GA as MY roots because this is where my mom came from in the 10th grade. This is where she basically grew up with Dorris and my Brownie. Brownie learned so much from this place and must have passed this love on to me. There are so many memories with each of these people in these "hillbilly" mountains. I am so so so blessed to have had Memaw Crawford, Memaw Hemphill and Papaw and my sweet Brownie in my life and to have such vivid, good memories from all of them!
We are going to stay with my uncle Len and aunt Carol and cousins(Abby, Em and Caroline) in their home. I haven't been but mom tells me the views over the mountains are A-MAZING. There is something about the mountains that is so comforting and peaceful. There are creeks everywhere, nice people and Willie Nelson memories too.

Willie Nelson? Yes, Willie Nelson. I know he is from Texas, but for some reason, I always heard his songs on the radio in GA and GA only. I might make a mix CD of his songs to get me into the spirit for the drive over!
I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend! I know I will!!!

Test

2009-08-31T12:07:00.003-05:00

I passed. That's it. I passed. Not great, could be worse, but apparently, God above had a hand in that. I mean that in all sincerity. God makes everything possible. He won't pass you if you don't study, but with preparation, God is there to help you answer each question correctly.....or at least help you guess the right one!
Happy Monday everyone!

Can't help it. Love AC!

2009-08-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Please watch this! HILARIOUS!!!!!

Taste buds change

2009-08-27T08:34:00.003-05:00

Yes. They do. Every 7 years. Mom, Chris and I went to eat McAlister's yesterday for an early dinner and I got the chicken spud. It came with tomatoes. Guess what? I ate them. Yep. I don't like tomatoes. Or I didn't last year. I added up the years and realized this year that it is time for my taste buds to change. They change every 7 years. It is great that I like them now because they are so good for you. After this ingenius discovery, mom said I should blog about it. She was totally joking, but there ya go!
Oh yeah-the med clinical. AWESOME. Birth is amazing. A miracle. I called one of my friends who is pregnant and said I thought it was awesome what she was doing and would go through. I teared up. Yes, I did. I didn't expect that to come over me, but it's just this little person that just entered the world. 10 fingers, 10 toes, heart, lungs, everything. So so sweet and cute and innocent and just wide eyed and bushy tailed! ha! It is amazing that I got to see the miracle of life up close and personal. I came out and my clinical instructor, knowing that I was apprehensive about having babies, asked me what I thought. My response-"Crap, I guess I am going to have to have a baby now!"
Of course, don't anyone get too excited. Chris and I both have several years of school left...ADN, BSN, CRNA, CFNP.....so no time soon. Of course, I will also be adopting. That is at the top of my list. So Mrs. Mylinda and Mom, this didn't deter me at all, it kind of helped!
I have a test on Monday and I am very nervous because it is SO MUCH STUFF. Period. I have studied and read the book and the stuff is actually really interesting but it is still a lot of stuff. Chris has a test tomorrow and he has studied so hard so any prayers for us are much needed over the next few days! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies....

2009-08-24T16:22:00.002-05:00

This is what I will be birthing tomorrow. No, not me. I will be helping laboring and delivering these little rug rats tomorrow at clinical. Say a prayer, or 10, whatever...I need lots, that is all I know. My cute MIL(mother in law)told me she was worried about having grandkids because I am already apprehensive about labor, baby and the whole crazy thing and after seeing it up close and personal, the MIL and MOM might never get grandkids from this lady. Can I get an AMEN??? I just want to get through the day without being transferred to the unit because I passed out or something. I am sure I will have lots of good stories. If not tomorrow, I have 5 more weeks doing this...eek!

PLEASE GO HERE....

2009-08-21T16:36:00.003-05:00

Please, if you can, please click on the title or the link I will post in this blog. You don't have to support the war, but please, PLEASE, please support the men, women, kids, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles and loved ones that are overseas protecting YOU! I found this site and think it is an amazing way to show your support. I am overwhelmed that someone would go protect us and not know us...(remind you of anyone named Jesus?)
It breaks my heart thinking of all the young and old that are over there in not the most ideal situations. I also think about their loved ones back home....I don't know how they do it, but I admire each and every one of them.
I am going to scrounge up a care package just as soon as I can and send it over there.
http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm

You're cuter than, an interuterine....

2009-08-21T07:41:00.002-05:00

Yes, that is really the post title for today! I have officially survived my first week of OB nursing! Yay me(and all my other nursing family)! Ever since Freshman 1, wow that seems so long ago, we have always told ourselves...just get through those first 1 or 2 weeks and we will be fine! First weeks are full of class EVERY SINGLE DAY, checkoffs on old skills, learning new skills, check offs on new skills, getting clinical groups and just really brain cramming tons of information into our little hurting heads! I had heard horrror stories about OB, but so far, this stuff is really interesting! I never in a million years thought I would like this, but in the first week, the lectures have totally changed my mind. I am not saying I am going to be an OB nurse, but it is now definitely not out of the question. We start our clinicals NEXT Tuesday!!! At....THE MED! I am so nervous, excited, apprehensive, anxious...everything rolled into one! I have a great group of people in my clinical and am super excited about that! I also think I have a great instructor. Trust me, an instructor and make or break clinicals and I have been very fortunate to have had EXCELLENT clinical instructors in the past! I EVEN had a sister as one. Yes, a Chi Omega alumni from MSU was an instructor of mine! AWESOME! Clinicals are a great place for you to really learn and fine tune your skills. You can read your books, know procedures backwards and forwards, but if you can't communicate with patients and actually perform these things, you are not going to make it! OH YEAH-my title comes from a song that Rose on the Golden Girls was writing about Miami...if you are a fan of the show, you probably already knew that!! However, I just found out what inteuterine meant this week and when I did, that jingle immediately popped in my head....
This weekend is already full for Chris and me! We are both going to start studying and I am going to start getting my information ready for clinical on Tuesday. Also, if the weather permits, we are going to work in the yard a bit. My mother and father in law and brother in law all came up last weekend and Mr. Michael helped Chris get some ideas for our landscaping. Their house and yard is immaculate, so I am very excited about the help we got on how to make our yard look good! Saturday night, we are going to our friends Ashlee and Tate's apartment to grill out and just catch up! I haven't seen them much since the bachelorette party with work and school going on, so a relaxing night on the balcony will be nice! I will be sure to blog after my first clinical at The Med and let you see how I made it! Have a great weekend!

Back to Schoooooooolllllll.....

2009-08-16T18:53:00.002-05:00

I am singing to the famous lyrics in Billy Madison...."i've got my lunch packed up, my shoes tied tight, i hope i don't get in a fight....OOOOHHHHHHH back to schoolll....."
Yes, I am THIS excited about tomorrow. I am sure after tomorrow I will be back to complaining about how stressed I am, how much work I have to do, how I have to get up at 3 in the morning for clinicals, the driving to Senatobia, Memphis and wherever else my clinicals are,the studying, the notes and note taking, the bad test grades, the check offs...wait, why was I so excited to start back?????
Kidding! I can't wait to see my nursey nurse friends!!! Have a great one!

Final Days...

2009-08-14T09:18:00.003-05:00

Helloooooo followers! This blog comes very specially from the beach. Say it with me..aaaaaahhhhhh. As I trype this, I am looking out from the balcony at the clear water and sunshine. Yes, it is THAT nice. Don't be jealous, because in 3 days, I will be starting my last year of nursing school. WHAT??? Sounds crazy, but true. In less than 9 months, I will be an RN. Our schedule this semester sounds absolutely crazy with some clinicals being 12 hours on Saturdays! If that is my group, no one will see me until Christmas! Eek! This is part of the reason we decided to come to the beach as a family. Well, that family vacay, turned into just me and mom. However, I always have fun with mom and we get along fine since she is like, my best friend. We have been on the beach or by the pool since we got here, eating fresh fruit and coffee for breakfast, small lunch and gourmet salads and wine for dinner. So relaxing. We haven't even gone out to eat since we got here. We just load the condo with great food and just relax. We went shopping the first day we got here since we got here at 2:30. I got 2 great pairs of shoes that I can't wait to wear. Other than that trip, we have done N-O-T-H-I-N-G and it is fine with me!! This is THE life. The only thing that would have made it better is if the rest of my family could have been here. I get really sentimental about all the great memories I have with my family and I wish we could have made more this week. However, with the good Lord's grace, hopefully we will get to take a vacation together sometime soon. I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend. Please pray for me on Monday, because this next week is going to be very hard. Our first week of nursing school is always very intense and stressful so prayers would be greatly appreciated!!!

Last Hurrah

2009-08-11T07:42:00.004-05:00

Well, it is almost that time again! Back to school, back to school, back to schoooooolllll......
Yes, next Monday, all my little hot classmates in nursing will be getting back to the grind! I have to admit, I am pretty excited! I have made such great friends in this nursing program and it is sooo nice to have a group full of people who know exactly what you are going through and how you are feeling. We have been there through failed tests, failed classes and bad clinical days. We have also been there during engagements, new boyfriends, babies, passed check offs and fun nights out. We really are each other's best support system and I don't think I could have been in a better group of people! I can't wait to graduate with each and every one of them and I would gladly let them all give me a shot!
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to see my long lost cuzzy, Tori! I haven't seen her since....gosh, like Thanksgiving????

Well, we went and ate at Red Robin and then went shopping at The Avenue in Carriage Crossing. We really only shopped for like an hour and then sat at a little crepe shop and talked for over 3 hours! It was soooo good to catch up with her!! Tori said it best yesterday. If you would have told me 3 years ago that we would have been this close, I would have laughed. I am so glad and blessed to have her as a cousin and am so glad God intervened and I have her as a cousin AND a best friend! She will have one more year of grad school at Lipscomb and then she will be at Ole Miss to do psychiatric nursing! I am pretty pumped about that and I know she will do a great job-she has had plenty of practice in our family! ha! We are planning a trip to NYC next fall and I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Tomorrow, I am off to the beach with my mom and brother. My dad and Chris are hopefully coming down on Thursday. We are staying until Sunday. It will be a nice last relaxing trip of the summer before I go into hermit mode for school! Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and weekend!

READ THIS!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-09T18:18:00.001-05:00

I am sure I am about to make some people mad, but please click on the title of this blog and READ it! Sure, you might be a bronzed beauty, but to what extent are you willing to risk your skin????????

Wonderful Weekend

2009-08-09T09:33:00.002-05:00

Last night, Chris and I went to eat at 333 in Grenada with a couple of our friends, Ryan and Lana. We always have so much fun with them. You know you are going to laugh about something when you are around Ryan, but Lana and Ryan together are a riot! They are really a fun couple! We ate at 333 and then headed to Wal Mart to find a shooting target. Well, an hour later, we left with no target, but some bounce sheets and candles. Ha! We came back to the Valley and headed over to their house. We haven't seen it since they bought it so we wanted to go check out the new Taylor residence. It is soooo cute! I am so happy for them to have bought this house! Michael and Ashley came over and we all just hung out. The girls caught up on gossip and the guys headed to the "man cave". Lana was a great hostess and served some of her homemade Hershey cake. DELISH. I shall now call her Betty Crocker! We had a blast and it was good to catch up with them!! We haven't seen either couple since Michael and Ashley's wedding in July. Not a long time ago, but it was long for us! I am going to Ashlee's shower today at the church to celebrate her upcoming nuptials to Tate. Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

Sunny Saturday

2009-08-08T09:00:00.004-05:00

It's Saturday!!!!! The sun is out, the weather is beautiful and we have NOTHING to do. And by nothing, I mean, go shop, go eat lunch with my uncle, clean, watch some Netflix, and go eat with some friends tonight. You see, NOTHING. ha! Funny how weekends are for relaxing, but I usually need an extra day to relax from the weekend. Thursday was my last day at the hospital for a while until I know my schedule for school. Once I get that, I will be back working a couple days a week up there. Yesterday was awesome. I got my hair cut and highlighted and I LOVE it. Paige did a great job and I would recommend her to anyone! I will post some pics once I take some. Very cute! Then, Chris and I went and ate lunch at Proud Larry's wtih mom. Proud Larry's, as you know, is my fave place to eat lunch since L and M's is now gone. After that, we ran over to New Albany to Van Atkins to get the diamond in my engagement ring tightened. I had to leave it and I must say, I don't like to do that. I think for some reason, that I am the ONLY person who can take care of it-certainly better than the people who made it right? Ha. Once we got home, Chris napped(story of his life) and I just watched TV. Around 6,when Chris woke up(came out of his coma), we called my parents and luckily for us, they were grilling hamburgers with one of my dad's friends and some kids from the neighbors. We FLEW down there and hung out til about 10. Needless to say, when we got back we went straight to bed. After all, it was an exhuasting day having fun with the fam. I wanted to post some late pics of Ashlee's bachelorette party. We had a blast and I think it was a much needed trip for everyone!

Tonight, we are going to 333 with hopefully Ryan and Lana and Michael and Ashley to eat. Everyone have a great weekend!

New Haircut

2009-08-05T13:17:00.002-05:00

I always say I am going to grow my hair out again and then I always end up chopping it off! I just have no patience to let my hair grow once it hits that inbetween stage...girls, you KNOW what I am talking about. You can just tell when someone is growing their hair out because there is always a point, no matter how cute you try to fix it, it just looks blah because it has no shape because it is GROWING OUT. So, I am going to someone new on Friday that has come to me highly recommended. I love my other hairstylist, but I wanted something fresh and new so I am going to Paige and I can't wait!!! Here is what I am thinking:

Comments???

Winnie the Pooh

2009-08-04T14:35:00.004-05:00

"If you live to be 100, I hope to live to be 100 minus one day so I never have to live without you"-Winnie the Pooh
If you are not a fan of Winnie the pooh, please read some of the quotes. They are some of the most simple, yet honest quotes out there. Mrs. Mylinda would like that quote on here since Chris is named after a character on there....for those that don't know...that is another day, another story! Too cute! Here is my winnie the pooh moment with Chris.....
Ok-so as I have said before, there are a million and one reasons why I love Christopher. I am about to post a picture below with reason number 978,000. I came home last night from work and he had made dinner. Not only had he made dinner, but he had made barbq nachos which is one of our favorites. Not only had he made one of our favorites, but he had even put some effort into the presentation. After all, the presentation is what it's all about, right? Here is yet another reason why I love my husband. He kept asking why I kept laughing, but if you know Chris, then I couldn't help it. No, we are not really gooby in real life. That kind of sweetness and affection is not our forte'. These are the moments that make everything worthwhile:

"

Seriously obsessed and crazy...kind of

2009-08-02T14:36:00.005-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TGs3R4tmLw
How gorgeous is this man??????

As I sit here on this lazy Sunday watching one, two, ok maybe like all of the youbtube videos of Bon Jovi's songs, I have come to the realization that I am serioulsy obsessed with this man. But it's ok. I was a true fan through the 80's, not just all these little people who are just now coming on to him. My uncle Darrell got me the Slippery when Wet circa 1986 tape that I still have and play in the dash of my 2005 model car. 1986. Yes, I was 5. I also got a Bon Jovi t shirt when I was 8. Gosh, I wish I knew where that was! However, I did get a new one last year so it's ok. See, this love affair has lasted over 22 years so I am not just a fair weather fan. All, and I mean ALL of my friends, whether they have been in my life for 27 years or 27 minutes knows my love for Bon Jovi. It never fails-to this day, whenever a song is playing on the radio in any state and one of my friends hears it, they will text me! No, I am not loco obsessive-stalker, but I just love the music and the men behind Bon Jovi's band. Bon Jovi as a person is a good guy. He has been married to his high school sweetheart for over 20 years and has 4 kids. Not too many marraiges last that long in that kind of business. He also is very charitable, giving money to habitat for humanity and other children's charities. I really think we could get along great. My cousin, Tori and I, got to see him in concert in Nashville last April thanks to my hubby. All I have ever wanted was to see him in concert and now I can die a happy woman. I just thought I would share these thoughts because it is really kind of funny. I almost thought that for a wedding present from my parents, that they were going to hire him and have him sing our first dance. yes, people, i seriously did. Of course, it is probably a good thing they didn't or I might have left Chris right there. Chris is ok with it of course. He knows. Bon Jovi has been in my life longer than he has. Now, if I end up in jail tomorrow because someone thought I was a Bon Jovi stalker, you will know this got taken too far. I will leave you with this beautiful picture:

Pray For Stellan

2009-07-29T18:11:00.001-05:00

I ran across this precious boy's information through another of my friends blogs. It has made me cry and cry and pray and pray. Please, whether you do or do not have children, take a minute and just say a special prayer for this little boy. He is 9 months old. 9 months! I hope God has a long life planned for this sweet baby.

2 giveaways!

2009-07-29T09:45:00.001-05:00

Head on over to Monogram Chick and register for a great giveaway! Her link is on my right hand side of blogs I follow! I personally hope I win the tote!!! If you enter, please please please, write that I sent you!!! I love all of her products and am never disappointed!!!

The second giveaway is over at Misadventures of a Newlywed! I love this blog as well and her giveaway is great! Please head over to enter and again, tell her that I sent you!!! Have a great day!!!

Happy Birthday Amanda!

2009-07-28T14:16:00.002-05:00

A-lways sweet!
B-amanda
C-lint's daughter
D-rug rep
E-xcellent dancer
F-riend!
G-iz's daughter-ha!
H-ouston's wifey!
I-ce cream LOVA!
J-unk in the trunk
K-ingsport livin'
L-oves family
M-exico!
N-ewlywed
O-nce modeled in Cheer magazine
P-laya of basketball
Q-ueso monster!
R-unner
S-ports enthusiast
margariTa lover
U-sed to red carpet events
V-isited the Valley...
W-ater valley that is...
X-tra special friend!
Y-orkie
Z-inger(sorry, nothing came to mind for this!)