Should Be...

Reading.
Studying.
Stressing.

But, oddly enough, I am doing none of those things. Nevermind that Finals start this Monday and I have 3 comprehensive Nursing Exams and 1 comprehensive Pathophysiology exam. I just don't really feel like studying. This is really weird for me because I'm usually pretty gung-ho about studying and schoolwork. I've worked really hard throughout the semester and am confident that I've got passing grades, so I'm not too worried about my slacking off right now.

Now, on to a much more pleasant and fun topic. Christmas!

I have got a few things on my wish list (several of which I already know are under the tree).



This little puppy is definitely numero uno on the list right now. Being the only coffee-drinker in the house, I would love to have a single-cup coffee maker. Have any of you had any experience with a Keurig? I'd love to know your thoughts.



I've wanted a pretty pair of diamond stud earrings since my birthday in September. Folks, I never knew how pricey earrings were! Matt and I shopped around for my birthday but every pair that had diamonds big enough to see with an unaided eye were way out of his price range. Luckily enough, I snagged this pair on Black Friday for $200 off the regular price. Needless to say, I definitely made Matt's Christmas shopping pretty easy this year.

Zazzle.com has the cutest custom-made Keds. I love these shoes because they are so comfy and casual. Here are a few of my favorite designs.


Vintage Bird Wrapping Paper


Vintage Buttons


Garden Flowers


Yellow Garland

What's on your wish list?

AMAZING!!!

Last night my sister Tarra and I got to see New Moon at midnight.
Talk about amazing! I loved it. The quality of the film was much improved over Twilight and the acting was exceptional. I also thought New Moon had more comedic moments that Twilight did. It also did a great job of depicting the emotions of the characters. I teared up during the goodbye scene and could hear sniffling throughout the theater.

I am definitely back in the "Twilight" craze and can't quit thinking about it all. I'm going to try to re-read the books over Christmas break because I read through them so fast the first time. I'm obsessed all over again.

Now, the countdown is on for June 30, 2010 when "Eclipse", the third book in the series comes out. Eeee I can't wait!

Any fellow, Twihards out there that have seen the movie or have plans to? What did you think?

Better Late than Never. Right?

I know this post is a little on the late side. Okay, alot on the late side.

A few weeks ago I got to meet Pioneer Woman in the flesh.



She was so sweet and the book signing was so much fun despite the long time waiting in line. You'd think that with all the publicity Ree gets, she'd act like the "celebrity" she is. No way. She was so modest and you could tell she was nervous speaking to the few hundred or so eager fans sitting before her.



When I finally got my turn to get mine and my friend Melissa's cookbooks signed it was hilarious to see how she signed everyone's book. She'd just write random things. For instance, she wrote "Beautiful Kids! -PW/Ree" in the cookbook of a woman ahead of me who was toting her two, tired children. For mine, she kept saying "You are so pretty!", which I thought was hilarious.



Now, I've got a plan to try out one of her recipes at least every other week (say goodbye Weight Watchers plan)

First up on the agenda:

Peach Crisp with Maple Cream Sauce, yum!


(Photo courtesy of thepioneerwoman.com)

For all of you PW fans, what is your favorite recipe of hers? Is it the infamous MM Sandwich or her decadent Creamy Mashed Potatoes? I'd love to know!

Going to the Party!

Today is the release of Pioneer Woman's Cookbook.



And, guess where she is having her release party?

Tulsa, Oklahoma.

And guess who lives only a short drive from Tulsa?

Me!

Yep, I'm going to the "Meet Pioneer Woman" book signing party tonight to get my own signed copy of her cookbook and one for a friend.

In other news, I started clinicals yesterday. I'm at a small county hospital so it's not too intimidating. We get to do a Med/Surg rotation for 4 weeks, then I'll be in the ER 1 week and in Outpatient Surgery for a week too. I'm most excited about the last 2 rotations because I already work on a med/surg unit at my job.

Also, I'm sick today. I've been amazed that I haven't had even so much as a cold this season. Not anymore. I've got the classic symptoms, runny nose/sore throat/ swollen tonsils. This morning when I woke up, I spit up some bloody sputum. Not sure what that's all about, but a friend insists I need to get to the doctor. We'll see.

Well, I'm off to do some homework. I'll let y'all know how the PW book signing goes.

Randomness

It seems that my blogging funk is still in full force. I'm having a hard time finding anything to write about so here is a bit of what's floating around in this brain of mine.

Currently I am pissed at my Statistics professor. We do all our exams online. The stated deadline is 11:59 pm on Sunday nights. So, I'm doing my exam Sunday night(because I just got off Fall Break and who wants to do a test over Fall Break???) and it cuts me off at 11 pm. Apparently the prof didn't set the timer for Central time and instead it's running on Eastern time. My solution is to complete the last 5 questions on the late version of the test so my prof can just calculate my grade from both test forms. Is that his plan too? No! He said I should have gotten it done earlier in the week( WTH is a deadline for in the first place???) or I can completely redo it. He said it was my mistake. I am ticked about having to redo the entire test.

Enough whining about that.

Have any of you made Amish Friendship Bread? I made my own starter a few weeks ago and am loving the bread. I bake every 10 days so we have a pretty consistent stock of the yummy cinnamon bread. I also have been adding a Pecan Streusel to it. Simply delicious!

Okay, I have a confession to make. Would you call me obsessive if I told you I bought tickets to see the Nov 19th Midnight Showing of New Moon? What about if I told you I bought them mid-September? Well, I did and I'm stoked! Now I just have to find the perfect Twilight themed tee to where to the big show.

Also, deer season has officially began here in Oklahoma. This means a number of things, including:
1. My boyfriend Matt will continually be "unavailable" during the early morning and evening hours. He can be found in his tree stand with the other love of his life (a.k.a either his bow, muzzle loader, or rifle)
2. I came home Sunday to find my kitchen sink full of raw deer meat pieces (yuck!)(apparently you soak them in water to remove some of the blood and hair???)
3. The smell of Teriyaki Deer Jerky is currently permeating every square inch of our house.

Have a Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

Hello... this thing on?

Hello fellow bloggers!

Life has been pretty crazy around here lately and I have had zero time to keep up with this blog, let alone any of yours that I love to read so much.

A ton has been going on, especially with school. The first four weeks of the semester I had 21 hours a week of nursing classes so that the instructors could cram in all the basics we needed to know to start clinicals the 3rd week of September. Throw two part-time jobs, Statistics and Pathophysiology classes into the mix and I just now feel like I'm coming up to breathe.

I have to keep reminding myself that I did sign up for all of this when I applied to the nursing program.

So, here is a quick run-down of all that's been going on in the past few months since I've checked out

I started WeightWatchers in August and have lost 10 lbs so far. I started at 165 and my goal is 145 or 140-ish. It was much easier to count points before I started classes and have slacked off some. I tried the meetings but had a hard time relating to the women in my group, all of whom were much older than me. Since then, I've just been doing WW online and love all the resources. They have a recipe builder that makes it really easy to count points in the foods that I cook at home. We'll see if I can hit my goal before the year is over.

I finally have my own garden! Matt and I planted corn, cucumbers and canteloupe the first week of August and it's doing pretty good. I picked the first ripe cucumbers this week and am just waiting on my melons and corn to finish ripening up. I doubt I'll have anymore cucs because the deer have all but killed my plants by gobbling up all the leaves. I've heard that spreading human hair (from a salon?) around the perimeter helps ward the deer off. Have any of you heard of any good remedies?

Some big changes are coming up in the next few months. Matt will be graduating in December. His dream job is close to his parent's house and about an hour and 45 minutes from where we live together right now. So, most likely, he will be moving back home. I'm just trying to decide if I also want to move back to my parent's or stay living in our apartment at school by myself. This may not seem like a big deal, but I'm a baby about being alone. I've always said that I never in my life want to live alone. If I do move back home I'll have a 2 1/2 hour commute each day, five days a week. I just don't know if I can do that much driving and keep up with all my schoolwork. Because I'm a worrier and thrive on having plans, I'm going crazy because nothing is set in stone yet. It's all up in the air right now so all I can really do is just wait and see what happens.

I'm babysitting my niece Bailey today and she's smearing her breakfast all over her hair, oh joy!
Gotta go!

The Winner!!!

Okay, time's up for the Sanuk giveaway! Including the bonus entries for being a Follower and a few for posting on your own blogs, there were a total of 23 entries for the giveaway. And the winner is.....(drum roll please)....

Steph of the blog The Adventures of Jon and Steph!!!

I used Random.org to draw the winner. Number five was chosen and that was Steph's bonus entry for posting on her blog :)

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

5
7
4

Timestamp: 2009-07-24 03:13:09 UTC

(Someone please fill me in on how to copy the graphic from the website. I only know how to copy and paste the info I have above.)

I've had some big stuff going on this week and will have to post some details later on. I've worked twelves the past three days and am definitely tuckered out tonight so I'm calling it a day and heading to bed. I'll be on a mini vacay this weekend so I'll see you all Monday!

Have a fabulous Weekend and thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway!

Sanuk Giveaway!!!

It's time for another giveaway here on Hanging By a Thread.

Because it's summertime and I:

1) Hate wearing shoes
2) Get paid this Friday (woohoo!) and
3) Absolutely love love love my Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops

I am giving away a pair to one lucky reader!

I bought my own pair of Sanuk's last year after season and was instantly head over heals. They are super comfy and durable. They don't break down like most flip flops do and the straps never blister my feet. The Footbed is actually made of yoga mat material.

They come in:

Brown


Black


White


and Pink.


However, the sizing is limited for each color. Whoever wins will get their choice of color as long as it's in stock.

So, how do you enter?

One Entry: Leave me a comment letting me know you'd like to get your name in the hat and what color you like most.
Bonus Entry: Let me know if you are a follower in a separate comment
Bonus Entry: Post about the giveaway on your own blog and leave me a link in another comment

Giveaway ends next Wednesday the 22nd at midnight. I'll announce the winner the following Friday.

Good Luck!!!!

Lame Lyrics: Summer 09 Edition

I love music. Anytime I'm in the car or piddling around the house you can bet I've got the radio, my iPOD, or CMT playing.

It's inevitable to hear some truly awful songs when you're listening to any radio station. Some have lyrics so lame, they're not worth listening to a second time. Don't get me wrong, I sang the lyrics to "The Thong Song" with my friends back in middle school. I even think "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mixalot is probably a classic.
But, I do wonder why do some songs with such lame lyrics become so popular. Do you think it makes the current generation shallow that some of the most popular songs are all about on booties, booze, and skimpy undergarments?

So, I present to you Lame Lyrics: Summer 2009 Edition

1. "Birthday Sex" by Jeremih.

Read the title, 'nuff said.

2. "Alcohol" by Jamie Foxx
She look me dead in the eye, eye eye
Then my pants got bigga, she already knew what to figga

Just because it rhymes doesn't make it good


3. "One Time" by Justin Bieber

The first few times I heard this song I seriously thought it was a teeny-bopper girl group singing. He looks and sounds like he's 12. This kid needs to grow up a little before he sings "One Love, My one heart, My one life for sure"

4. "Honky Tonk Badonkydonk" by Trace Atkins
I know this one is pretty old, but I'd say it definitely qualifies. I mean Got it goin' on, Like Donkey Kong, And whoo-wee,Shut my mouth, slap your grandma. I still don't get the whole grandma-slapping thing.


What's rockin this summer?

"I Gotta Feeling" by The Blackeye Peas. This song makes me feel all summery. I love it.

"Don't Trust Me" by 3OH!3. I know alot of people are critical of this song, but I just can't help but sing along every time it comes on.

"Waking Up in Vegas" by Katy Perry. I just love this one.

"Chicken Fry" by Zac Brown Band. I know this song is pretty Redneck but I can't help but love it. It's lyrics are simple and completely true.

What do you think of the list? Wanna add any songs?

I also want to say sorry for neglecting the whole blog scene lately. I miss reading all your blogs and hope that when school starts I'll have some more computer time to keep up with you all. To my new followers or readers, don't be shy to say hi. I'm more than thrilled to hear from everyone who stops by. Also, let me know your own blog address so I can add it to my reading list, if you don't mind.

One more thing, the 13th was Melissa from New Girl On Post's birthday. She's one of my best real-life friends and a great gal. If you haven't already, stop by and give her your best wishes!

Fruits of Labor

I've got my first baby tomato on the vine. I couldn't be prouder :)



I blogged a few months ago about getting my garden ready for planting this year. Unfortunately the tiller broke, the soil was too clay-ey and in need of a truckload sand, and the garden spot was so far from water we needed to get a pump system from our pond hooked up to irrigate the garden spot.



So, this little upside-down tomato planter is just going to have to do for this year. I've only got one baby tomato right now, but there are many blooms, so hopefully I'll get a few more by summer's end.

Speaking of labor, I started working last week. I worked three twelves, Wednesday through Friday. By Friday, I had two blisters on my right foot and was an emotional wreck. It's about that time of the month so my hormones are all haywire. Friday morning around 10 am some orchestra music started playing over the hospital intercoms. The Aide orienting me said they play the music every time a baby's born. I seriously started tearing up. I'm sure he thought I was overwrought and probably questioning my coping skills.

I was also on the brink of crying on my drive home because my foot was killing me (new shoes to break in). Overall, though I love the job. I had one particular patient that was one of the nicest people I've ever met, so polite and courteous even though we were only strangers. It seems to be the people like that who make the job all worth while.

I start training next week to be the unit secretary. It will really be nice for these worn out, blistered tootsies.

I've got one picture of my sweet niece to share. I personally think she hung the moon.
She got to go swimming in her froggy pool for the first time. Just look at that beautiful red hair! (It's been so humid lately that my camera lenses fog up the instant I step outside, sorry for the fuzzy pics).



Happy Saturday everyone!


Much Love,

Hallelujah!

Thank you all so much for the kind comments and encouragement from my last post. You guys are definitely the best! I don't know what it is, but just getting it out there and getting a little encouragement really does a ton of good.

I'm happy to say I did get the job! The HR lady called me yesterday and said my doctor's release would be sufficient to reverse my physical exam results.

I went into Orientation today and will start working on the floor next week. I did my training and clinicals in a nursing home (one of the worst in my town too). It may be shallow, but I LOVE all the new and shiny stuff in the hospital setting. I've always known I wanted to work in the hospital not a nursing home and I'm more excited than ever about getting my RN. I'll be working on the Med/Surg and Telemetry floors which should be good for a variety of experience. Also, one of the floors I'm on has just been completely remodeled so everything is brand new and really nice.

About the Tb test, I go in Friday to get re-stuck and then I'll know the results by Monday. I had another nurse look at my test site and she said it really only looked like I reacted from the serum, no worries.

Also, exciting news. I went to Orientation for the nursing program Monday night. I got to see who all got in and meet all of the faculty. Two of my good friends didn't make it and are alternates so I'm praying hard that they both can get on in anyway. I think we'll have a great group and can't wait to get going in August. I've heard that the first 6 weeks are hell because you're cramming so much information about skills before clinicals can begin. I'm still super excited.

Tomorrow I'm going scrub shopping to get all that I need to start work next. Can't wait :)

Did I mention, you all are the best readers and friends a girl could have?!?

Oh So Blue

I guess I should have known better than to boast about the job offer at the hospital.

A lady from HR called me Friday to tell me that I didn't pass the physical examination I took the day before. The problem is that I've had back trouble in the past and the job requirements for a CNA involve alot of lifting.

The part that really irks me the most is that I wrote on the exam paperwork that my back problems have been resolved by my chiropractor. They specifically asked if I'd seen a chiropractor so I answered truthfully but that was more than five months ago and I stopped going because, as I said, the issue is resolved. However, the Physicians Asst that did my physical reported to the hospital that I should not be a candidate for the job.

I'm so disappointed. This job is close to home, only a 15 minute drive. The other hospitals in the area are over an hour drive and in a big city. It's hard not to be disappointed and mad at myself for screwing it up. I should have just not put anything about it since it's not a current issue. I went in and talked to the nurse supervisor at the hospital and the doctor at the clinic where I got my physical after I got the phone call. They both said I could write a petition and try to get a work release from my chiropractor, but no guarantees.

In addition to that I went in to get my Tuberculosis test read this morning and it came back positive. If a red bump appears that is 10mm in diameter they will send you to the health department to get another test. Mine was 17mm. Not good. The doctor said it could be a reaction to the serum they used for the test and to not worry. So, I'll find out Monday when I can retake the test and hopefully I'll get a negative. I've done some research and if you're positive for Tb, it means months of a strict daily regimen on antibiotics. I've heard that you even have to go the doctor's office for each dose everyday so they know you're taking it as directed.

The whole job scene is pretty depressing these days, as am I. Hopefully things will go better this week.

In the Summertime...

This post is just some hodge-podge (is that really a word?) of what's going on in life right now. Sorry I haven't been commenting or writing too much. Summertime has got me busy outdoors and my parent's have satellite internet which is spotty at best. It's usually hit or miss whether I can connect or not.

I had an interview at the hospital in town last week and it went really well. The nursing supervisor wants to put me on "As Needed" so I'll be able to only work one day a week during the school year. It has it's benefits (a $3 an hour pay hike) and problems (I'll be the first cut on shift and won't be guaranteed a certain number of hours).

It's a job though, and it will be wonderful to work at the hospital instead of a nursing home so I'm pretty excited. I'll be working on the Med/Surg and Telemetry floors. I'm willing to work as the Nurse Aide and Unit Secretary which involves entering the doctor's orders into the computer and other office work so I ought to get a decent amount of hours. A huge bonus is the pay, which is nearly double what I've ever made before. It will be really nice to have some money again because I've been out of work since the beginning of May.

I can't wait to go buy my scrubs once I get all the paperwork straightened out. I'm super excited about that!

My sister Tarra and I did some shopping today I found a cute dress at Kohls that I'm in love with. I love the scoop neckline and the pleats on the front. I also got a cute olive green sundress from Ross for $12.99! I've never been in Ross before but they've got some amazing deals. I also got a four pack of heavy highball glasses for only $3.50. I'm always a sucker for a good deal.

Here's the dress from Kohls. I think it will be perfect for a friend's wedding later this month.


I'm making some plans for some small vacations later this summer. The National Holocaust Museum has a traveling exhibit in OKC that I really want to go see. I went to the museum on a trip to D.C my junior year of high school but it would be great to see it again. We have friends living in Lawton which is not far from the City so Matt and I will probably make a weekend out of it and visit them too.

Anyone have any suggestions for places to eat or go see in OKC? Even though it's so close to home for me, I haven't done much there besides the amusement park Frontier City and a few shows at the Ford Center.

In July, I'm going to see Wicked at the Tulsa PAC. I can't wait, I'm so excited for that one!

Have any of you seen it?

I started Jen Lancaster's Bitter in Black a few weeks ago and am reading the first Harry Potter book now. I didn't really like Bitter too much. I keep telling myself I need to finish it, we'll see if I actually get it done. After I read the Twilight series, several people recommended the Harry Potter books. I started the first and am liking it so far. I guess I'm just a fiction genre girl at heart. I also bought the first few Sookie Stackhouse books but am waiting til I'm done with the Harry Potter series to start them. I feel like I'm bombarding you with questions in this post, but are they any good? I've seen several of you fellow bloggers are reading them, so they must be good.

I have to leave you with one recommendation. The movie Starsky and Hutch starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson is on AMC tonight. Since I'm watching it while I'm writing, it's on the brain. It's seriously one of my favorite movies, if you haven't seen it yet, "Do it!" You're sure to have a few laughs.

Fish Tales

Once upon a time a City Girl fell in love with a Country Boy.

She quickly became familiar with the worlds of fishing and deer hunting. She mastered the art of having to pee outside in the middle of nowhere and even showered and layered her body in Scent-Away and camo for a few deer-hunting excursions.

The City Girl learned how to get up to her knees in the garden pulling weeds and how to drive the old 70s model hay truck when the time for hauling hay came around each year.

And recently this City Girl was introduced to catfishing on trot lines and limb lines.

Now she's the one that's hooked.



Friday night I went out with Matt and his fishing buddy to "run the lines". We put out bait after dark so that Alligator Gar and other pesky fish can't steal it. Then, the next morning, the fishermen run the lines again and see how good the catch is.

That's how it usually goes anyway. Friday night we had two big surprises waiting. There was a 45 lb female Flathead Catfish (the big one on the left) snagged on one of the lines. We got the huge 56 lb male Flathead (the biggest one on the right) on one of our freshly baited lines that we happened to check on our way back to the boat dock.




It was an awesome night of fishing and I really had a blast. I even netted the two whoppers! It was funny because when we first got out on the lake, I told the guy we were fishing with that I just wanted to catch a fish this year big enough to take a picture with. I was beyond amazed to accomplish that the first night I went out! Taking a picture with the biggest fish I've ever seen sure was a heck of way to take my first Gone Fishing Picture.

You can bet this City Girl's gonna have these pictures framed!

I'll leave you with this beauty. A face only a mother could love!



How's your summer going so far?

Big News!!!

I got my acceptance letter into the RN Nursing Program this past Saturday!

Now, it's official and I couldn't be more excited. I've already gotten a few calls from friends that have also gotten into the program and can't wait til our June 15th meeting to find out who else got in. I think we're going to have an awesome group and am super excited about the new lifelong friendships I'm bound to make.

Also, Allison gave me a wonderful award last weekend and since I haven't gotten a chance to get online, I haven't posted about it yet.



What an awesome award, thanks Allison!

The rules are simple: You pass it onto five of your bloggy friends who you've never met in person, but think you'd be the best of friends with if you ever did!

I would choose Allison at The Displaced Texan as well. She and I share the same conservative views and I completely admire her courage in speaking up for what she believes in. Also, she's a Neonatal Nurse, what's not to like?

I would also choose Honey at Honey and Quilts. She's an amazing quilter and I could definitely enjoy some quilting retreats with her. The girl also knows how to have a good time and would be blast to hang out with.

Becca at Lovely Yellow Ribbons is a ton of fun. I really admire her creative side too, she's always making the neatest things.

I couldn't not put JLC at French Kiss. She seriously is one of the sweetest and most kind ladies I've met through blogging. She always makes a point to support others with comments. Her blog is full of optimism, humor and romance for her Bumbee. Her's one of my most favorite blogs to read.

Steph at the Adventures of Jon and Steph is another blogger I think I'd be great friends with in real life. Hello, she's a fellow Okie for one! She's also bubbly and fun. I'm so envious of her amazing traveling experiences and so grateful that she shares it all with us through her beautiful photography.

It was so hard to narrow this down to five because I adore all of you ladies out there.

Also, Happy Memorial Day to all of you. We should say a prayer for our Servicemen and Women everyday and what better way to remember it than with a holiday. I visited Arlington Cemetery on a trip to Washington D.C. in 2005. I was in awe when I saw the vast expanse of the numerous white headstones. Just thinking of it gives me goosebumps and it's something I'll never ever forget.
Thank you so much to all the military wives as well for your own sacrifices while your husbands are protecting the freedom of all Americans.

I would like to thank...

I got this cute little award from sHw. Thanks so much! It sure did brighten my day.



So, here's something lighthearted to get that yucky last post off the homepage. Thank you all so much for all the encouragement and kind words. It's surprising how good it felt to just get it all off my chest. Also, thanks to my new followers. I appreciate all the support and comments. Don't be shy to speak up, I love the feedback.

Now, here are the Rules:
List seven things that make YOU awe-summm, pass on to seven others, link to the Queen that tagged, and post your award!

1. Holy-Moley! I've got olive skin and too many moles, but I have one that's just above the left corner of my mouth, a la Cindy Crawford. That beauty mark is one of my favorite physical features.

2. I'm a generous person and love to help others in need. I regularly donate blood to the Red Cross and am on the National Bone Marrow Registry. I pray that some day I can donate my bone marrow and help save a life. Enduring a little pain is more than worth it to give someone a second chance at life.

3. I'm 5'8" so I'm tall enough to reach the very highest shelves in the pantry ;)

4. I love with all my heart. I'd say I'm a loving person and Matt and my family are my world.

5. I'm blessed with some wonderful friends. I'm all about quality and not quantity. When it comes to girlfriends, I've struck gold.

6. I like to clean and am probably slightly OCD. I can't ever leave my apartment for the weekend with dirty dishes in the sink or an untidy living room.

7. I like school and love to learn. Considering that it will take me a total of 6 years to get my bachelor's, this definitely is an awesome quality.


So, fellow Queens, tell me what makes you Awe-summ!

I tag:

New Girl on Post

Mrs. Guru

Abbie

JLC

Yours Truly

Steph

Allison

Also, a big thank you to Melissa at New Girl on Post for her Annual Blogging Award. She's a super sweet gal that I'm lucky enough to have as a best friend in real life. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out her two blogs New Girl on Post and A Picture's Worth a 1000 Words. I promise you'll fall head over heels for her, as I and many other bloggers have.


On another note, I'm really enjoying The Host so far. Sure, it's no Twilight, but it is really intriguing and a pretty good page-turner.

My CNA classes are coming along really well. I start three days of clinicals next Monday then take the exam on Thursday. I definitely know it is an extremely unglamorous job, but the main thing is helping people who couldn't help themselves otherwise. Several of my friends work as CNA's to get some extra experience before RN school and they love their jobs because they are helping others and making a difference. I know it's a backbreaking, crude, and often thankless job, but, I'm excited to get my certification and get to working. There is a part-time opening in the Cardiac ICU that sounds really good. It's in a city that's about 45 minutes away but I don't think the drive will be too bad considering it's only 2 days a week. I've got my fingers crossed that I can get hired on quickly.

Until next time,
Hugs!!!

A Clever Title

I'm in a funk lately and guess I just need to vent.

Sorry you have to be the brunt of my griping...

The Good:

I got my first set of scrubs today for class. I know it's something little, but I've been pretty excited to get scrubs, my stethoscope, and shoes for a while now. I can't wait to wear the whole uniform to class on Monday. I'm sure I'll find this excitement pretty funny in a few years when scrubs are no big thing.

My mom bought a new bed for my room which is the guest room when I'm not around. It's a Vera Wang mattress and it's oh so heavenly. Love it.

Two-hour Grey's Anatomy Season Finale tonight!


The Bad and The Ugly:

The baby's so fussy today and Tarra won't quit yelling at her. She's not very comforting and thinks that since she's her mother she has to yell and be overly stern. Yes, Bailey's throwing fits left and right. Yes, she won't eat ANYTHING but EasyMac. But, I'm sick and tired of the hostility, crying, and screaming.

I've been living back at my parent's for a week now and I'm already fed up with my mom and my sister arguing non-stop about the baby and being stuck in the middle.

I feel like bawling and don't even know why. I'm so overly emotional it's exhausting.

Got my hair cut this evening. Paid $19 to get my eyebrows waxed! (which didn't even need shaped, only cleaned up) Freaked out when I got the receipt. Am less than thrilled with my cut too because she jacked up my bangs.

I don't like blogging right now. I feel like I don't really have anything to write about. I hate griping because who wants to listen to someone go on a rant about their personal problems?




I'm reading "The Host" right now. I think I'll go seclude myself in bed and get some reading done.

Twilight Winner!

And the Winner is:


#6 Sarah!

Congrats Sarah! Email me with your choice of either the movie or soundtrack and I'll get it shipped out.

I did the drawing on random.org but have no clue how to post the pic. Anyone have a suggestion?

In other news, today was day one of my CNA class.

I was nervous about it because I usually don't like new or unfamiliar stuff, but I was pleasantly surprised. The instructor is easy-going and not intimidating at all. She's also got a sense of humor which made the 8 hour class today go by faster. I've got four classes a week for the next three weeks until I can take the exam and hopefully get a job shortly thereafter. Nothing quite like wrapping up Finals week then starting 90+ hours of classes and clinicals the following Monday. Fingers are crossed that the hospital in town will be hiring.

I probably won't be blogging too much with all these classes going on. I always miss catching up on all your blogs too, so I'll have to squeeze in some reading time sometime.

Hope you all have a fabulous week!

Time for a Giveaway!

As promised,

It's giveaway time in honor of my 50th post!

I doubt that you'll be surprised by this giveaway as I've probably been blogging enough "Twilight" to annoy most of you.

I also need to gush a little too. Did you know that an Egyptian vampire in the fourth book "Breaking Dawn" is named Kebi!?! I know I'm overly giddy about it, but I've never even met anyone else with my name, let alone seen it in a book!

I knew I liked Stephenie Meyer for a reason ;)

Now, for the good stuff. The winner will have her choice of:

Twilight the movie



Or she may choose the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack



Even if you aren't a 'Twihard', I bet you'll like the soundtrack. It features artists such as Paramore, Linkin Park and Muse. I bought it last week and haven't been able to stop listening ever since.

Here is a short playlist so you can get a taste.

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

Here are the rules to enter

One entry: Leave a comment telling me what good books you've read lately and would recommend. If you're not a reader, no worries, just say hi!

Additional Entry: Leave another comment letting me know you are a follower or have become a follower
Giveaway ends Monday, May 11th at noon central time. I'll announce the winner that evening.

Also, for you non-twilight fans, I'll be doing another giveaway in a few weeks for some homemade goodies.

Good Luck!