Yes, I'm Still Here

Cheeky little thing...

2009-01-17T14:47:00.002-05:00

Instant Cash Sweepstakes

2009-01-12T20:16:00.001-05:00

Video CrAzy!

2009-01-11T06:37:00.001-05:00

I keep forgetting...

2009-01-06T12:27:00.002-05:00

To post a picture everyday!

So, here's a few videos to make up for it!

Parker and Devil Ducky : A Tale of True Love

2009-01-03T19:56:00.003-05:00

1.1

2009-01-01T20:44:00.002-05:00

So here's to a new year, to a blog of 365 days of pictures, and to me being sick YET again on New Year's.

Yoga Baby

2008-12-30T17:03:00.001-05:00

365 days? We'll see...

2008-12-30T13:28:00.002-05:00

So I've decided I'm going to jump on the bandwagon. The crazy wagon, that is. I've seen all these blogs talking about doing a years worth of pictures....one picture a day for a whole year. I'd really like to try it. I think it would be neat to see the whole year spread out like that. So, I'll certainly try!

Parker and I are sick, again. I have a horrific head cold (what's new), and she has a runny/snotty nose. Joy.

Christmas was good, exhausting, and felt like it would never end. The in-laws went overboard as usual, but we're planning on putting a stop to that soon.

I got a sewing machine, a very nice necklace, two attachments for my Kitchen Aid, and a purse. My parents got us a GPS unit for the car. I also got a NorthFace jacket with matching gloves and a hat. Lots of other things as well. Parker got some clothes, toys and books. Oh, and a new "big girl" car seat.

Parker's dance

2008-12-22T17:00:00.001-05:00

Do do do do

2008-12-21T14:20:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I never got into Christmas music this year. Seriously, I think I listened to my Gene Autry CD once, when I was decorating the tree, and that was it. It's not that I'm not in the spirit, it just isn't grabbing me for some reason this year. Maybe next year when Parker's older and has learned how to cover her ears to block the sound of my singing.

I keep trying to get up and do laundry today. Laundry is so BORING. You wash the same clothes over and over again, and fold them, hang them up just to wear them, toss them in a basket and do it all over again. If, let's say, I was folding laundry and I pulled a new top or pair of pants out everytime I reached in the dryer, now, that would be worth it! Laundry is oddly rewarding though...when I actually have the time/energy/desire/no life to fold them and put them away, I feel so accomplished. I feel like a grown-up. If I were good at math, I would figure out how much it costs with water/electricity to run the machines so I could put a price tag on that feeling.

Oh, and I must mention how giddy I get when Parker actually naps in her crib. Most days, she'll sleep on my lap. I never really thought much about breaking that habit when she was younger, because I was happy to have her sleep on me, and just happy that she was sleeping! Now, I ache, I yearn, I crave alone time. I love her, and I love spending every minute of my day with her, but it's nice to have 10, 30 minutes, even an hour of alone time to just do whatever I want, without checking on her, feeding her, entertaining her, just thinking about her. I'm sure that sounds cold, but if you're a mom, you'll understand that. Some days, if it's early enough, I'll lay down and rest too. I find on those days, she only sleeps 30 minutes, tops. On the days I stay up and say I'm going to "do stuff", she'll sleep for an hour or two.

Today, I've clipped three papers worth of coupons, folded a load of laundry (yes, LAUNDRY), and sat on the computer, lol. Well, I did tidy the living room a bit. I'd love to de-grease myself in the shower, but she wakes up if you turn it on during the day.

Ah, freedom.

This week will be crazy. Monday, I have a photo shoot for a co-worker in the evening. I also have Zumba class tomorrow morning. Tuesday, I have a wedding that I'm taking pictures of. Wednesday, we're going to Troy's family Christmas Extravaganza. Thursday, we're here, alone. Maybe some Chinese food will be involved. Friday/Saturday, headed to good ole Botetourt for Christmas with my family. Whew. Makes me crave a glass of wine just thinking about it.

P-Pie

2008-12-19T13:11:00.002-05:00

I got up and did the Cardio Power class today. I was only able to do a half hour instead of the full hour--I was waiting for the childcare to open with my friend who went with me. I think I'm going to go back tonight and try Kickboxing. I'm not able to workout at the Y this weekend, because they don't offer childcare on the weekends, and Troy's working nights. Joy.

We got our Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machine last night. It's awesome, I'm addicted. It even came with a little cup and saucer and then a big glass mug. So cute. Not bad, for 10 bucks!

I've got loads of laundry to do! I cleaned out the closet and my dresser last night, so I have a BIG bag of clothes to take to Goodwill sometime today. I hate giving away clothes, but it's getting to the point where I've held onto these clothes that don't fit/are old/I don't wear, and I have no room for new stuff! I know I'll probably get a gift card or two to Old Navy or Gap for Christmas, so I need room!

School starts in two weeks. Books cost so much! I can't believe it's 300 dollars for my A&P books! I'll be buying them used for sure. Thank goodness for Financial Aid!

Quite proud

2008-12-17T20:43:00.002-05:00

...of myself. I found a website that offers restaurant gift certificates at a LOW price, and they were having a special. I got 100 dollars worth of gift certificates for 8 bucks. Pretty awesome, no?

Hubby and I will be using a quarter of that amount for lunch tomorrow. Mmmm, Legend.

I really enjoyed watching the Biggest Loser finale last night, after realizing that a new season starts back up on January 6th! How awesome is that??! I was seriously about to go through some serious withdrawls. How can I make it through a Tuesday evening without my Biggest Loser/stuffing my face with crap binge?

I made it back to the gym today, but found out I was too late to hit up Cardio Ballet. I did 3 days of classes last week. I feel like I'm coming down with a cold today, so I'm not sure if I'll make it to Pilates tomorrow, but I'd like to try! Today, my friend Amber joined the gym, and we did some elliptical madness and then I did 3.5 miles on the bike. Parker's happy to have a friend in the daycare--Amber's daughter is turning one next week.

I'm also trying desperately to drink more water. I found an online calculator, which says that I'm supposed to be drinking 112.5 ounces of water a day. WHAT?! Yes, that's 7 bottles of water. I made it through 4 and a half today.

Parker, Troy and I went down to Roanoke this weekend to attend a Compassionant Friends candlelight service in memory of my brother. It was very nice...beautiful, yet heart wrenching.

Parker got her first doll from my mom! She LOVES it. She also started saying DaDa this weekend. I heart her.

Ah, the holidays...

2008-12-16T13:57:00.001-05:00

Crazy time of the year. Trying to make sure all the Christmas cards are in envelopes, stamped, addressed and sent in time. Buying the perfect presents for everyone, when you have no money. Cold, yucky and rainy weather that you have to go out in with a 6 month old.

Oh yes, it most certainly is the MOST wonderful time of the year.

Now, on with the pictures!

pictures

2008-12-16T13:48:00.004-05:00

Thirsty

2008-12-08T20:44:00.001-05:00

I went and took a Zumba class today. Man, it kicked my butt! I'm glad I did it though, it was a LOT of fun. I plan on going Monday/Wednesday/Friday now. I'm contemplating going to Yoga tomorrow morning, but I'm not sure.

Contests!

2008-12-08T18:13:00.001-05:00

Win a Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breastpump from Nature's Child - Wholesome goods for Mothers and Babies

2008-12-08T18:11:00.000-05:00

Win a Free Organic Embroidered Ergo Baby Carrier Hands Free System from Along for the Ride

Blog This

2008-11-04T13:13:00.000-05:00

I've SO got my hands full these days. I thought I was busy before! Ha!

Parker's 5 months old now, and while she's not crawling yet, she's still a handful. She's a sweet baby, although she has her high maintenance moments!

I'm also watching a 9 month old 2-3 days a week now. Now, talk about a handful! She's crawling/standing up/getting into everything. It's nice because it gives me an idea of what Parker's going to be doing in just a few short months!

I'm also still taking pictures. I started doing that more for other people in July. I have my own website, though I haven't updated it in a while: www.pspphotography.net

I also spend a lot of time online, reading blogs and posting on message boards. I have a great network of friends online, and I really wish some of us lived closer!

Here's where I spend most of my time:

www.justmommies.com (I co-host the Fertility Charting Board, the June 2008 Playroom and I'm a Mommy Guide for the July 2009 Due Date Club!)

www.craigslist.org - self explanatory

www.yahoo.com

www.gmail.com

www.richmondmommies.com

www.sparkpeople.com

www.target.com

www.amazon.com

www.ebay.com

www.diaperswappers.com

www.frugalmomsrock.com

www.thepioneerwoman.com - Like to cook? Wish you could cook? Just looking at the pictures of her baking makes me drool

www.findingyourself.net - I LOVE Erin's posts, she always makes me laugh!

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. I wish I had more time to write....oh well! More later!

PS:

GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY!

Wedding Photography Giveaway!

2008-10-25T22:33:00.002-05:00

I read other blogs a LOT more than I post on my own. I came across this blog contest from the message board I frequent (JM), and in order to get entries, I'm posting about the giveaway here!

I found a fabulous woman who does some excellent photography. She just recently re-vamped her site, and is setting out on a quest to explore her world and take more pictures outside of the box.

She's giving away a photography package for one lucky couple. Here's the rules:

http://rawsiiportfolio.blogspot.com/

1. The engaged couple must be nominated by someone other than themselves (can be anyone who knows them) and the nominating letter must explain why the couple deserves a free Rawsii Wedding package and include a photo of the couple. The more personality expressed, the better! Stories will be confirmed prior to announcing finalists. Nominations should be emailed ONLY. Send to weddingstories@rawsii.com . Winners will be required to sign the standard Wedding Day Agreement and Photograph and Publicity Consent and Release Form with Rawsii. All stories and images submitted become the property of Rawsii and will not be returned.
2. The couple’s wedding must take place between the dates of 1/1/10 and 12/31/10 in the Continental U.S. (this excludes Alaska and Hawaii). Void where prohibited.
3. All nominations must be received by 11:59pm EST on January 31, 2009. Rawsii reserves the right to select finalists without disclosing reasons or criteria. Finalists will be confirmed no later than March 30, 2009. Three finalists will then be presented on the Rawsii blog for public voting on April 1, 2009. Public vote will be final. In case of a tie, Rawsii reserves the right to cast the final vote.
4. The winner will receive the Smashing Fabulous Wedding Package, valued at $4200, which includes full day coverage, a 30-page (60-side) Storybook Album, and online proofing. In addition, the winner will receive the High Res images on DVD, and a 16x20 Gallery Wrap (an additional value of $1000.) All travel and lodging expenses will be covered by Rawsii. Winners will be required to sign standard Wedding Day agreement with Rawsii, minus any clauses pertaining to an exchange of monies.
5. To be eligible, the couple may not be under any contract or agreement for wedding photography with Impressions Studio or Rawsii or any other wedding photographer of any kind as of the date of entry. Cancellation of an existing contract with Impressions Studio or Rawsii will render a couple ineligible for the contest.
6. Another friendly message from my awesome lawyer, Matt: Rawsii reserves the right to change the contest or contest rules at any time without notice. No purchase necessary to win. Void where prohibited. (thanks Matt!)

If you're interested, shoot her an email, or post a comment on my blog! Good luck and happy wedding planning!!!

Wow...

2008-10-21T10:22:00.002-05:00

It has been what seems like ages since I've posted on here, huh?

Um...at lot has happened since the end of May!

Parker was born on May 29th, 2008 at 11:08 pm. She will be 5 months old at the end of this month!

I went back to work, then decided to stay home. I love being at home with P everyday, though I do miss work. We go back and visit often.

I got braces, and I've started to finally lose some weight. Parker and I go for daily walks, and then I work out on the Wii Fit in the evenings.

That's about it in a nutshell. I'll come back and post something a bit more meaningful later, when I have two free hands! ;)

Sorry!

2008-05-24T10:55:00.002-05:00

Sorry about the lack of updates!

I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately, and just generally nervous.

I'm being induced this week. We'll go in Wednesday May 28th at 3:30pm and I will get Cervadil...and then have my water broken the next morning, if needed. Hopefully we'll have Miss Parker on Thursday, May 29th!

I'm very very nervous, but very very excited at the same time. I'm ready to be a mommy, but very nervous of the pain, I guess. Even though I've worked as an OB/GYN nurse, you never really know what to expect. I have no clue how it's going to go, there's so many variables. Troy will be wonderful, I know, and I'm so grateful for him, he has no clue.

I might update once more on here before we go, with pictures of the nursery and such. I plan on taking my laptop to the hospital, but who knows how much time I'll have to get online. We will take plenty of pictures though!!!!

"Cyber Shower" gift pictures!

2008-05-12T20:42:00.001-05:00

I belong to a "mommy" message board, and we all got a secret buddy to send a cyber shower gift to. I didn't know who I was getting a gift from, and the person I sent to didn't know who had her.

Today was our designated day to open the boxes, and here's what I got! And of course, one extra picture of Charlie Murphy in "his" crib, for good measure!

Yes, more...

2008-05-05T15:24:00.004-05:00

Picture crazy...

2008-05-03T13:51:00.002-05:00

Nursery progress...

2008-05-02T10:51:00.003-05:00

Horrid picture of me at 35 weeks and one day. I think I'll go stick a needle in me and pop myself.

Baby madness

2008-05-01T11:44:00.002-05:00

Now that I'm out of work, my days are spent in what I like to refer to as "Baby Hell". Seriously, I do nothing other than work on baby stuff. How can one spend day after day of folding baby clothes, taking tags off of miniature socks, setting up diaper caddies and sanitzing pacis?

Well, if you have nothing else to do...and you know if it doesn't get done now, it never will, I suppose that would give you some motivation. I feel like I'm getting nothing done. As much as I am miserable and want this kid out of my body, I panic about her coming now, and her room not being ready.

Which I think is really code for ME not being ready. Sigh.

Troy's pretty oblivious to everything, I think. He's been working so much lately because I'm out of work...so I really think he could care less about what I do around here all day--as long as there's some progress when I get home. However, I get in trouble when he thinks I've done too much...as evidenced by me not being able to sleep at night due to my back killing me. I figure it's just my body preparing me for the lack of sleep coming my way soon.

I really do think she'll be here this month. Well, let's put it this way: I have NO intention of making it til June. We'll just see if this little one and my body will cooperate.

I really need to clean the kitchen today...it's getting really foul. We had to move everything in there last week to have the carpet installed, and I just have a hard time spending a length of time doing anything. I have to break up everything in little 10 minute sessions. Plus, which would you rather do--clean a kitchen or put away cute baby things? Exactly.

I bought that movie '27 Dresses' yesterday, but I haven't had a chance to watch it yet. The DVD player is still sitting in the kitchen, obviously not hooked up to the TV. I also got Mario Kart for the Wii, and I did manage to hook the Wii up to the TV. It's a fun game...but I think it'd be a lot more fun if you play it with someone else. I got bored.

The tornado here the other day was insane. I finally got over to the shopping center yesterday to do some returns at Target, and it was amazing the amount of people there taking pictures of the blown out store fronts. I think they said the damage was in the 2million dollar price range. Nothing compared to what happened in Suffolk, but still. Crazy that it happened only a mile from our house. Crazy that I had been out at that shopping center a few hours before it happened. Lucky, I guess.

Troy's parents are coming Sunday to help with the baby's room. Put together the crib and hang curtains while Troy starts to empty the Pod. We've had our house in that stupid Pod since last summer when we were trying to sell the house. If I could take an Ambien and sleep through Sunday, I would, and that's all I'm going to say about that.

Well, I either need to get back to work, or take a nap, so I'll sign off.

Can't believe it's been this long!

2008-04-12T15:44:00.004-05:00

Wow...I haven't posted since November?!?!?

So much has happened since then!

We found out in late December that we're having a girl, Parker. We had the big ultrasound in January, which showed that she had some fluid in her kidneys. Not that big of a deal, but enough to warrant follow up ultrasounds.

Troy and I went to Florida for vacation in March, and the day we came back, I came down with a nasty case of the stomach flu, which landed me in the hospital for a few days. That was ohhhh so much fun! After that, I had a follow up ultrasound, which showed that Miss Parker not only still had some fluid on her kidneys, but that she's small for her gestational age. I was ordered to start taking protein supplements(yay for Boost shakes) and to rest as much as possible while still working. At that time(mid-March) she was weighing only 2 pounds, 8 ounces.

On March 27th, after working a bit too hard at work that week, I started having contractions. I was sent home to rest...and was told that I was about 50% effaced! Already! Very scary and shocking!

The next day, the contractions had not stopped, so I was sent to labor and delivery to be monitored. I was given some nubain(a narcotic pain reliever mostly used during labor) to see if that would stop the contractions, and it did for the most part. I was told that I had an "irritable uterus" and was put on modified bed rest. Meaning, I could get up and sit on the couch and do projects and such, but mostly to stay down.

I was allowed to go to my baby shower hosted by my mom and family on April 5th, and it was SO much fun! Troy and I traveled down to Roanoke for it, and stayed the night at the Hotel Roanoke. We had a blast.

I had a doctor's appt this week, and we talked about me going back to work. The contractions had gotten much more sporadic, and I was feeling better. We decided to wait until after my next follow up ultrasound, but my plan was to return to work next Wednesday, the 16th.

Troy and I ran around a TON on Thursday before lamaze class, and right before we went in, I started having painful contractions. They lasted all evening, and I was really starting to get worried, so I put in a call to my doctor.

Yay for another trip to labor and delivery! NOT! I spent the night there Thursday night as they tried to get the contractions to stop. They thought maybe I was dehydrated, so I got some IV fluids. Then I got some more Nubain, and even that didn't make the contractions stop!

I finally got a nice cocktail of Demoral and Phenergan to make me pass out around 4 am, and I stayed drugged for the day. That combination was able to stop the contractions, and we left the hospital around 7am.

So...long story short, I'm back on bed rest for at least another 2 weeks. Doctor's plan is to get me to 34 weeks(I'm 32 right now) and then let me do as I please. If I were to have Parker now, she would spend a considerable amount of time in the NICU. At 34 weeks, she'd probably still stay in the NICU, but not as long. If I can make it to 36 weeks, we think she'll be just fine.

So...hopefully I'll be better about updating this here for the next few weeks! I certainly don't have much else to do!

We have another baby shower next weekend, as long as I get the go-ahead for that one.

Baby bedding!

2007-11-11T18:40:00.000-05:00

Troy and I finally(well, not really finally...I'm only almost 3 months along) picked out some bedding for the baby's crib...and well, a theme for the nursery. Being our first, I'm fully determined to go all out for this baby. Might as well while we can!

It's Wendy Bellissimo's "Bee Happy" from Babies R Us...

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266594

Just a quick post...

2007-11-06T05:55:00.000-05:00

With some pictures of the baby!

Here's the big picture. The baby is upside down, and you can even see a little arm sticking out!!!

In this picture, the baby is upside down. The head is at the bottom, and the butt is at the top. You can faintly see the amniotic sac, almost like a halo around the baby.

Holy Heartburn, Batman!

2007-10-08T04:54:00.001-05:00

Well...I finally found out what a killer case of heartburn can do to somebody.

I made a delicious pot roast last night. About 8:30, I decided I would go to bed early, I was tired and wanted to get a good start to the week. As soon as I laid down, I had the most horrid pain between my shoulder blades. I knew what it was--heartburn--and I also knew if I didn't get up and go to the store, I wouldn't ever sleep.

So I went and got some Zantac and TUMS(while my husband was blissfully snoring away), and took those. NOTHING helped. It was horrible. I finally made myself go to bed around 11. I just propped some pillows up, and found that if I didn't swallow, it wouldn't hurt so bad.

I've still got it just a tad this morning...but I've learned my lesson! No more big heavy meal! And ALWAYS have Zantac on hand!

In exciting news, I got to have an ultrasound on Friday, to check to makes sure the little alien is in the right place! It was so exciting! You can't really see much, it looks like a little UFO. But it's definitely there! Woo-hoo!!!!

It's been a while....

2007-09-30T20:06:00.000-05:00

But I figured I would start fresh.

Troy and I found out last week that we're pregnant again. We've been trying for over a year now, and had a miscarriage in April of '07.

Everything seems to be going fine so far, according to bloodwork. We are cautiously due on June 5th of 2008. I have my first appointment on Tuesday, October 2nd, with my first ultrasound being around the end of October. I will probably have that scheduled tomorrow at work.

I'm feeling ok. I'm CONSTANTLY thirsty, as if I'm always out in a desert. I have been feeling very fatigued. I've had a few touches of nausea, and some cramping. My boobs are rediculously sore, and are already getting bigger(sigh). Other than that, I'm just EXCITED!!!!

Just some pics

2007-06-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

Gravity...

2007-06-10T09:23:00.000-05:00

So work has finally gotten to the point where I'm getting stressed. For some reason that I can't explain, I guess I just never thought it would get stressful. I love my job, don't get me wrong. I know I'm still new there and all, but I'm just completely overwhelmed. There's too much to do, and not enough time, even though I stay late after everyone has left, every single day. I never take a lunch break.

I tried to talk to my boss about, but she said something about how I was new, and all that...I don't think she gets it. The midwife I work for agrees--we've got too much on our plates.

But anyway. Enough about work.

Everything else is just, unsettling right now. I'm going through one of those phases again I guess where I'm plain un-content, if that's a word. Nothing feels right. I'm unhappy about my weight(I had lost some, then packed it back on with work freaking me out), unhappy about our house and the state it's in, just unhappy, I guess.

Troy and I have talked about moving...not anytime real soon, but back to where I went to high school. Housing is much cheaper there than it is here, and the schools are far better. It's just a big change...and Troy is from this side of the state. I would worry he'd be miserable over there. But I worry that I'll be miserable staying here. I'm not now, but I can see the potential to be.

I guess I really shouldn't complain. Things are pretty decent right now. I should be happy about that and forget about the rest. I guess that's just how life goes though. Always going through phases of crap.

Yeah, so I...

2007-06-03T21:02:00.000-05:00

Totally suck. Big time.

I honestly can't believe that I haven't posted on here since November. Freakin' November.

I got a new car.

I got a job.

I graduated from nursing school(yes, in that order).

After trying for 8 months, I finally got pregnant, and then had a miscarriage. That was sad.

I'm happy it's summer. I get to drive with the top down in my new car.

My shoulders and nose are NOT happy that it's summer. They're a bit red.

That's about it. For now anyway. Oh yeah, I lost 6 pounds. Hopefullly that number will keep getting bigger over the next few weeks and months. Woohoo.

Who dat? Who dere?

2006-11-15T19:23:00.000-05:00

So....it's been a little while.

School is still in full swing. I'm fully into specialties at this point, the last leg of my journey through nursing school. I'm in my second rotation, Labor and Delivery. So far it's pretty interesting...most of it I already knew, but there is quite a bit I have picked up. We have our first clinical day tomorrow--we've been in the classroom all week learning everything so we don't look like idiots in front of the parents.

We're also starting to get everything ready for graduation! We elected(after a VERY heated debate) which uniform we'll be wearing at graduation. Sounds trivial, but you gotta keep in mind that when 35 women are together day in and day out...it gets a little catty. Sigh.

Troy and I are doing well. We're excited for the holidays--my father and his family are coming down from Indiana for the week following Christmas. I'm super excited about that. My mom and stepdad just adopted my new little brother, Jay, who's 3, this past weekend after a 2 year struggle with the system. We're going to visit them this weekend and meet Jay.

Well, that's the basics for now. Hope everyone's doing well. Except for my stalker...that's just plain sad. If you want to know something about me, to talk to me, or just want to tell me off, then be a big girl and just send me an IM. Pretty simple.

Move Along

2006-10-08T18:53:00.000-05:00

The cheerleading competition was a blast yesterday. Erica's team made it to the finals, and then came in 6th out of 18 teams. Not too shabby. The team that won ended up being the HS that is our school district--where our kids would go if we still live here when we have kids. Interesting.

Next weekend is the competition on home turf--my old high school. Troy and I were planning to attend POC's next weekend up at JMU(the big HS marching band competition), but now I really want to go see Erica cheer again. We're thinking about doing a double header. Harrisonburg in the morning/early afternoon then Roanoke for the evening. We'll see. That's a long day with A LOT of driving. 2.5 horus to H-burg, then 1.25 to Roanoke, then 3.5 back.

I have my big final this week. I mean, we have tests everyday, and then a final every other week, but this is the big culmulative final. We had one I think two months ago, and it was crazy. If you don't pass, you don't come back. They actually have us take it, then kick us out of the building and don't let us come back until they grade them. You see your grade...if you passed, you stay and go over the test, if not, bye bye. It's a little harsh. We started out with 50 students, we're down to 40 now, and expecting to drop down to 35 with this next final. Fun times. I have absolutely NOTHING to worry about, but it's just interesting. I also love that we're having a speaker come on Wednesday to talk about how to effectively take tests. We have been in school for 13 months! Why didn't we have this back at the beginning????? Haha. Retards.

Anywho, I'm going to go finish cleaning the kitchen. I've been trying to unpack stuff still from our first wedding shower....well, rather trying to rearrange stuff so we have room for the new and better stuff. ;-)

Ok....

2006-10-03T18:29:00.000-05:00

We're married now. NEWSFLASH! I think everybody knows now, just making sure. So to commemorate that, I'm changing my blog back to a "general" blog. Yay. We're still having the "big" wedding next year, so you're all still invited.

School's alright. Hard to believe I've been in school for 13 straight months now. Seriously. 6 more left. End of March. I. Can. Make. It.

I only have one more week left of Med-Surg 2. Then we start specialties. Yay. Orthopedic rehab first for me, then Labor and Delivery. Man, I can't wait to be done. I'm SO sick of school! I can't believe I'm going to go through school again...I'm an idiot. Then again, I'm sure that as soon as I graduate, I'll miss it and forget about how horrible it was. Nursing school amnesia.

I'm going to see my sister compete with my old HS's cheerleading squad this weekend. She's a flyer. Hopefully I'll have some good pics to post next week.

Weekend after Troy and I are attending POC's in Harrisonburg--Parade of Champions for those who don't speak geek language. And I'm sure Troy is just THRILLED beyond belief.

I might be getting a job at Outback Steakhouse. Should be interesting. I have an interview tomorrow. Yay for me. Yay for steak.

That's about it. Almost bedtime and Troy'll be home soon. Test number 2/3 tomorrow morning, so I must go fall asleep in my book inbetween the section about colonoscopies and people who put gerbils up their butts. Yum.

Bridal Show Fun

2006-08-06T18:23:00.000-05:00

I really should've brought my camera for the fun(madness) that was had today. We gots tons of business cards, flyers and brochures. Had some yummy cake and spreads and dips, and I even won a 100 dollar gift certificate for a wedding planner. Too bad I already have one for free!!! It was fun though, though there were a lot of undesireables there....if you know what I mean. I did get a cool "Bride to Be" heart shaped pin, and free Godiva chocolate. Can't beat that. And I know that if for some reason, ANY one of my vendors doesn't work out, I have about 432 other backups.

We also had our engagement photos taken on Saturday evening at the beach in Sandbridge. I so cannot wait to see them. Becca was our photographer, and as soon as she has her site up and running, I'll link her. She's doing some color, some black and white and some a mix of the two. Can't wait!!!!

That's about it on the wedding front right now. Very overwhelmed with school right now...so I think I'll sign off with a plea for luck wishes for my big Cardiac final on Tuesday. Ciao!

INTERNET!

2006-07-19T17:09:00.000-05:00

I have been without internet for quite some time now. Of course, it comes and goes in spurts, so some of you might have seen me online. I just got it restored, and it's about 5 times the speed it was before--and it's FREAKIN' storming--BAD. I'm just waiting for the power to go out.

School's going good. Killing me, but it's going good. It feels so awesome to have nothing to focus on BUT school. At the same time, that can really suck. I go to school ALL day, then come home and study my butt off until I collapse in the bed at 8 pm. Yes, 8. I get up at either 4:30(when we're at the hospital) or 5(when we're at school), so I'm pretty tired at night. And the working at the hospital? It's great--but it's just like working(but so much more stressful--more on that in a minute), but you're not getting paid. I was literally getting sick to my stomach(Kim, I'm sure you'll remember what I mean from swim team back in the day) twice a day from nerves. This is our first time "working" in a hospital, and we're just thrown in. The very first day I performed these tasks ALONE: vital signs, bathing a patient in their bed, changing their bed while they were in it, feeding the patient, doing a doppler on the distal pedialis pulse, checking the patient's blood glucose level. Not to mention constantly having a very overbearing scary Wicked Witch of the West teacher coming in to ask you questions like "Why is your patient on this drug? What are the side effects? What is the effect of a patient having a high level of creatinine on their skin?" AHHHHH! I did well though. I finished my first rotation in the Cardiac unit with perfect scores all around. The only thing she requested of me was that I be less nervous. She even asked me if I was already working as a nurse(CNA, a step lower than what I'm in school for), because she said I seemed to really know what I was doing and had a real rapport with the patients and their families. That made me happy. :-) I think I might have actually found something I'm good at!

In wedding news, I met with my wedding planner/coordinator on Sunday, and that went well. She's awesome, in fact. I also discovered that our reception site is too small to hold the number of people we want to invite, so I need to find another place, which makes me mad. I loved our reception site. Any ideas would be fabulous! Also, we're having FREE engagement photos taken weekend after next! Yippee! At the beach, as well! Annnnnnnnnnndddddddddd, I'm picking up my dress this FRIDAY! WOOOOHOOOO!!! I can't wait!

Soooooo.....only one other thing to say, and that is.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM!

Blast from the Past

2006-07-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

Since I stayed up to an astonishing 2:30 AM last night, I spent a great deal of time sorting through all my old pictures from my old computer. Fun times, I tell you. Let me just say this: All those times in 2002 and 2003 that I thought I was fat...I had no clue what I was talking about.

Looking at some of these pictures, when yes, I was already a mere 50 pounds over weight, makes me just want to kick myself. But seeing as I've put on a total of 80 pounds since JMU, I can't hardly lift my legs to tie my shoes.

I know I know, I shouldn't complain about it, I should get out there and do something about it! Easier said than done. Especially when it's in the 90's outside and the central air feels just so awesome. I have about 2 pages of excuses. I could put some down, but that would require extra energy.

I should be excited! I have my size 14 wedding dress just about ready for me to take home...and I can actually put it on(no small feat for a size 18 bride). Granted I can hardly breathe, and I have to wear a corset to be able to zip it up, but that's besides the point. I should be literally working my ASS off to fit into that dress, and even have it taken down a size! It IS possible. I have well over a year.

For those of you who know me, I do this vent quite often, as in several times a day. Even my fiance has gotten on the ball and has lost 18 pounds so far. I have been eating better...with being stuck at school all day, and my nerves being a wreck, I've been eating small meals and most of them are really healthy.

I even have a huge vacation this weekend. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are mine, until I sell my soul back to school. Yesterday was wasted because I felt like dirt--I ended up sleeping all day. Today...well, half of today is already gone. I've been drinking copious

amounts of coffee trying to get myself going, but even that doesn't seem to be working. I have a million things to do: grocery store, massive cleaning, laundry, homework, and I even offered to help my friend repaint her townhouse. Maybe I should get started?

Sorry for the massive embarrassing non-productive rant. I do feel a bit better now. I should stop feeling so damn sorry for myself. Here's a truce: for every ass-kicking comment you leave me, I'll go exercise for 30 minutes. That way I can blame you guys for me not exercising. :-D Sounds like a plan to me!

Dress pics, again!

2006-06-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

My Matron of Honor, Kim and I went to DB to order my dress yesterday--and of course tried it on again. We also decided to go ahead and order Kim's MOH dress--and then when I ask the other girls, hopefully we'll be able to get theirs ordered too--the dress is discontinued, as was mine. Actually, the dress I have on in the picture is MY dress--we were unable to order it brand new. So it'll stay in the shop while they clean and fix a few threads here and there.

Relaxation

2006-06-04T19:54:00.000-05:00

Well...only one more week of work until I'm a free bird. Free, that is, until two week later, when I start hell--oops--I mean, school full time. I have my CPR certification class on Thursday(9 hours long!), and then Friday's my last day!!! Whoopee!

I plan to fill my days with copious amounts of Gilmore Girls--I bought the two newest season DVDs on sale just for this reason--and sleep...and I guess some cleaning and gardening. Oh yeah, and some reading. I wish I could wedding related stuff, but that requires large amounts of money. Poo.

Kim's coming up the week before I start back at school. Hopefully we'll make to more than just one bridal store--don't ask me why, other than because it's fun, I guess. I'm going to take her to show her the dress I picked out. By the way, both of my dresses I had in reserve sold on eBay, so that made me happy. I can't wait til Kim comes...it'll be my last hurrah until I graduate!

Troy also bought me IRL tickets for the Richmond race that same weekend. I'm sure that'll be a GREAT time as well. I haven't been to an IRL race since I lived in Indiana, which was a looong time ago.

Hope everyone's doing well!

Wedding dress #2

2006-05-29T18:50:00.000-05:00

Taken with my camera phone, but you get the idea. Go ahead...everybody hates on the black/white wedding dress. Honestly, I didn't like it at ALL at first....but now I LOVE it.

Wedding pictures!

2006-05-29T18:15:00.000-05:00

After a brief trip down to the Roanoke area on Saturday, I've sorted out my pictures from my little sister's wedding.

The first picture is (from left): Me, my youngest sister, Erica, my sister Alison, my Mom, and my stepdad Rich. Second picture, me and my sister. Below that is my cousin Paige(Maid of Honor) and myself. Last but not least, my mom and I.

In other news--I am getting(buying) my dress this week...the new dress that is. I've come up with half the money for the dress, and I'm putting it on layaway until I come up with the other half. I had to do it so quick because the dress is discontinued, unfortunately. I'll hopefully get to post some pictures when I go in to order it because I plan on trying it on again!

2006-05-06T13:49:00.000-05:00

You Will Be a Modern Bride!

While you aren't ready to throw away all wedding tradions, you want a wedding with a twistYou're more inspired by celebrity weddings on E! than from bridal magazinesWhether this means getting married on the beach barefoot or a mariachi band for the reception...Your wedding will be a blend of old and new - white dress cocktail, personalied vows, whatever suites you!!!

What Kind of Bride Will You Be?

More fun stuff

2006-04-08T18:20:00.000-05:00

Here's a bouquet I really like. At this point I am leaning towards using gerbera daisies as a "theme"...not sure though. Since the wedding will be in late September, we might go with either a fall theme, the daisy theme, or just a color theme. I really would like to use a green/yellow color scheme.

I found this picture of a fall cake from a baker's website, I believe it was Jacques's Cakes. I like the fall theme and the sugared leaves. Very pretty.

This is the monogram that a fellow Knottie made for Troy and I. There were a few made, but this was the final design that we went with. Not sure where exactly we will incorporate it yet, whether it be invitations or what, but it's still cool to have!

In other news, I'm sick again. I came down with this latest bout of the plauge on Wednesday, and now I have a raging ear infection in BOTH ears. Which means I'll have to take time off work AGAIN one day this week to go get more antibiotics. I hate having to ask off work to go to the doctor. Ug. And I'm sure she's always pissy about me being sick. But you gotta think: I watch children. Not just her children, other children too. AND I'm doing nursing clinicals in a nursing home. There are germs there. Not everyone can have a wonder immune system like she does. Anyway.

I'm going to go take some more medicine and sleep. Later!

Busy bee

2006-03-30T08:46:00.000-05:00

Soooo busy this week. Started nursing clinicals on Tuesday night, which was a stress case for me in itself. We're at the nursing home for the next 4 weeks, and it's a bit intimidating.

Also, Troy's nieces are staying with us, which causes even more stress for me, because I can't follow my usual routine....I get very OCD during the week with when I go to bed and stuff....little hard to follow that when there's a 6 and 10 year old bopping around in the living room.

Oh well.

At least I have my dress....I seem to have gotten into the habit of saying goodnight to it everynight...I'm a head case.

Anyway, I'm waiting for my monogram designs to come back that I'm having made by a fellow Knottie. Hopefully in Sage/Buttercup or Sage/Silver for the wedding colors. Then it's off to work out, babysit, and enjoy more nursing home fun. Oh, and Troy's dad is here unexpectedly this morning, so I'll go play hostess.

Troy owes me this week, I believe. Good thing our anniversary is Saturday. I'm pushing for some earrings. ;-) (Shhhhhhhh, I got him a Video iPod!!!!)

Dress pics!

2006-03-26T20:01:00.000-05:00

My dress from eBay that I bought for $40!!!!

Above: Where we're getting married(Libby Hill Park) in Richmond. Ideas for a beach destination wedding were scrapped when we realized how many people we wanted to invite.

What do you think?

2006-03-05T17:51:00.000-05:00

I'm considering turning this blog into a wedding planning blog for the time being. Anyone have any objections? I didn't think so.

I have all my planning stuff on TheKnot.com, and talk non-stop in the online communities....oh man, it's addicting. They have bios, and everyone puts ALL of their wedding ideas pictures into the bios...I lose so much time just reading one after another. Here's a link to mine, which I just started putting together today: BIO MANIA!

I have so many ideas, and I like so many things that I see...but with a budget that is literally nothing, it's hard to not be able to have everything. Most of the girls on the Knot are having what I call "normal" weddings. They have to buy things like place cards and centerpieces and OOT(out of town) bags and all sorts of fun stuff. I, on the other hand, am having a *very* informal wedding, at the beach. There will be no place cards. There might be OOT bags...if we have anybody actually come to our wedding(it's a destination wedding at the Outer Banks). Sigh. I know, waaa waa, right? I don't know....I love the way we're doing things, and in the long run, I know I'll be happy about it...sometimes I just feel like I'm going about things the un-natural way.

I'm SO looking forward to going dress shopping next weekend with Kim!!!!! I'm absolutely estatic!!!!! .........although, I do have to say, I found this one really really beautiful dress......it's 750$(WAAAAY too much money), and not really fit for the beach. You can see it in my Knottie Bio. We'll see. There's a bridal shop right down the street from me that speciallizes in that particular line of gowns, so who knows.

Anyway, back to searching for the perfect beach house for our wedding....or rather, the cheapest with the nicest view. I'm very picky...so this might be a while.

We're engaged!

2006-02-19T20:22:00.000-05:00

It's official! Troy proposed to me Saturday evening...

I'm a very happy girl..............Here's a link to our ever changing site

Happy Holidays!

2006-01-01T19:58:00.000-05:00

Belated happy holidays to everyone! I have been busy busy, as I'm sure all of you have been.

Christmas went fine for once, considering. We went to Troy's parent's house...and it was madness as usual. I don't understand how one family can handle so much yelling and screaming and bitching and chatter. At one point, we took Maddie for an hour long walk over to one of his friend's houses...just to get out. Once again, a visit to Hampton made us solidify our plans for a very very private quiet wedding. Sheesh. If that were present at my wedding, there would be no wedding.

Anyway, to be pleasant though, they gave us some very nice gifts for the house. Lots of kitchen stuff that we needed, and some we didn't, but wanted anyway.

New Year's was much more low key. This is the first year that I haven't been working on New Year's Eve, so that was nice. We had dinner at P.F. Chang's for the first time, even though we couldn't afford it, then came back here, tried to watch The Longest Yard(Comcast blows), and ended up watching The Dukes of Hazzard(I protested) and then watched the ball drop. I got my standard 10 dollar bottle of champagne and got little drunk(well, maybe more than a little). It was nice. Then today, I purchased something I had been researching for a while... Yourself!Fitness for Xbox. I love it so far. It's great.

When I have more time though....I'll post a bit of info about the program. I'm trying to get to bed early tonight so I'll be rested up for a busy week. Hope everyone's holidays went well...though I know Kim's never will as long as the in-laws are around! You make me look foward to mine! NOT!

Pictures...again!

2005-12-18T14:55:00.000-05:00

This picture is from 2003. I had just gotten my hair cut...it had been long for the first time in years...and this was the product. That's my oldest cat, Mahlie.
Kim's wedding, circa July 2004. She's so purdy!
Troy likes this picture of me, even though he didn't know me yet, and I definitely don't look like that now. This was taken during my 22nd birthday drunk-fest at Calhoun's, where I used to work in Harrisonburg. Oh yeah, I used to smoke back then.

I'm taking a break right now from baking. I've gotten into this kick on Sundays where I spend the day baking instead of doing things that I need to for the week. Things like: laundry, wrapping presents, homework, cleaning, etc. Presents are a high priority at this point, as Troy has NONE wrapped under the tree and I have a whopping 8, not including the one he let me open last night(slippers that match my new pj's), and the XM satellite radio system that's on it's way. I need to get on that. He's getting up at 4 to watch the game(Redskins) before going to work. I'm making a whole ham, twice baked potatoes and a green bean casserole, and then a batch of peanut butter cookies(per his request), for dinner. Because I so totally rock.

I think I know a few things I got for Christmas. I think I got my cool Eskimo furry boots I wanted that look like an Indian would wear. There's a CD under there, and a DVD...dunno about the rest. I hope it's the Office season 1 DVD...it's my favorite. I HEART that show. And I totally doubt that anybody reads this site, and if anybody does, they don't watch the Office, but if you do...you know what this quote is:

("To the tune of "We Didn't Start The Fire") Dwight: Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, television, North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe, Ryan started the fire!

Man, I'm still running around singing that, and that episode aired in October.

Speaking of which, check out this cool website: http://www.tv.com/

Alright kiddos, back to the ham. I'll probably post more later...but I wanna tool around some more on tv.com.

Sniff sniff

2005-12-11T17:41:00.000-05:00

I miss my website.

Until I can figure out why Dreamweaver won't work on my computer....

R.I.P Kelsopetz.com

Baby Jesus and the Christmas Party

2005-12-11T11:18:00.000-05:00

It started off as an ordinary Friday, I suppose. All the schools were delayed, so Troy took me to work. The morning passed by pretty quickly...probably because I only have to work a half day on Fridays, so only 5 hours are spent in the hell hole. I'm a nanny/housekeeper. Or in other words, I'm the resident bitch. When nobody's home, I wash all the laundry, clean the entire 3 floor house. When the kids are home, I color. I paint. I break up fights. I get hit. Whatever bitch work needs to be done in the house, I do it. Which brings me to Friday afternoon.

My boss was late coming home, as always on Fridays, which are convieniently paydays. I leave at 12:45, she waltzes in around 1. Earlier that morning, as in around 9:00 AM, I swept the kitchen floor like I do every morning after I cleaned the kitchen. I'm talking cleaned as in took the range apart and cleaned it with stainless steel stuff--same with the refridgerator, dishwasher, ovens, and microwave. Then scrubbed each of the 4 kids' placemats and dried them. There's more, but that stuff's the most exciting, if you can call it that. Anywho...the mom and kids walked in. The 6 year old girl sits down at a barstool and starts playing with this strange popsicle stick creation. The mom says, "Oh yeah, Mary Clarke, we need to finish that manger this afternoon. Where's the peanut?". I stop dead in my tracks. Peanut? Oh no. When I swept the floor this morning, I had swept up a peanut that was under the barstools. At the time, I thought it was a little strange. One whole peanut just sitting there. So I threw it in the trash.

I turn to the two of them and say, "Uh oh."

The mom looks at me, shocked and tells me: "The peanut we're looking for is Baby Jesus."

I say: "I think I threw Baby Jesus in the trash."

Silence.

The end of this story concludes with my dumb ass digging through two full bags of trash looking for Baby Jesus, because their rich asses can't take 5 minutes to run to the store to buy a friggin' peanut. I should've said screw Baby Jesus...but I'm such a good nanny. Although I can't be that good if I threw Baby Jesus in the garbage, I suppose. Sheesh...what was I thinking??

Last night, Troy and I went to his annual Christmas party at the Omni hotel. It was interesting, to say the least.

Open bar, appetizers, huge dinner buffet, what more could you ask for? Shiiiiiiit, they were even playing my jams!

<----Me rocking out to "Golddigger" by Kayne West

There was one girl dressed up so much...she was wearing a ball gown...with lace and chiffon. Complete with elbow length gloves. Her ensemble would've been even better if she hadn't been the size of the Stay-Puffd marshmallow man. There was a black guy wearing a red long sleeved shirt and a sleeveless white suit. Oh, so much fun. Each table got to take home a poinsettia, there was one person picked per table. We had ours, still in the center of the table, when this huge black guy, who was a guest of someone else, came up, said Merry Christmas and snatched our poinsettia. I just looked at Troy. Whatever, we decided. By the end of the night, that guy had at least 20 poinsettias and a wreath he had nabbed from the ballroom.

All in all, it was a fun time. I was just happy to get dressed up for something. And I got to dance, and that made me happy. Now I get to spend the rest of my weekend writing a 4 page paper, working on an oral presentation, a visual aid, and studying for a quiz. Oh, and Troy won't let me sleep tonight until the office is cleaned. Yippee.

More snow?

2005-12-08T10:49:00.000-05:00

We got snow Monday day, and because I hate my job, I left early, citing that I was worried about my commute in the ice. Tuesday I woke up and all the schools were closed, except of course, where I live(30 minutes from Richmond). So I did the only obvious thing: I called in to work. My boss was a bitch about it too, but I think that's because I woke her up. I waited an hour to call her! I get up at 5 am every day. I watched the news at 6. I ended up calling her at 7, which is usually when I leave to go to her damn house. So...I believe I did her a favor. Whatever, like I honestly give a crap if I pissed her off or not. I've nannied for enough families now that stupid bitchiness like that doesn't bother me much anymore. She's a stay at home mom! It's not like she's desperate!

Anyway...

It's supposed to snow again tonight, but I think just a "wintry mix". Troy said he'd drive me to work--since I only do 5 hours on Fridays--and just hang out in Richmond for a while. We've got his company Christmas part at the Omni on Saturday, and I might work on Friday night, for another family. Gotta get that dough...it's Christmas time and I have bought NO presents.

Score: Christmas presents: 0 Things for myself: A gajillion

I have, of course, close to a hundred things on my "Christmas List" this year. I say "Christmas List" because I have no one to get these things for me, except Troy, but I think I already know what he's getting me, which I'll keep a secret in case I'm wrong.

iSkin Duo: I want either the Carbon Blast or the ever cool Sonic Boom. The Phantom Rave or Carbon blast would probaly look best with my iPod, which is black.

Sex and the City: This is the complete box set...you can get it at WalMart though for 189 bucks, which is one thing I think I'll be getting for Christmas.

Roady2: It's not the best of the XM recievers, but dammit, it's 30 bucks, and you can't beat that! Plus, you can get it in different colors. I drive so much to and from work and school, that I would love to have satelite radio.

This is just the basic most wanted list...there's so many others that I could never have. I am grateful though, for my iPod and my new computer...don't get me wrong. I'm very lucky. But there's always something more...right? ;-)

Pics

2005-12-06T21:29:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures to tide you all over for a bit....me outside in the snow, and our new puppy, Maddie. She's actually been with us for a few months now...so she's not that new. Enjoy!

More Cowbell!

2005-11-30T06:39:00.000-05:00

Things are going better now...

We made the pilgrimage up to Indiana last week to visit my family. Probably the best trip I've ever made up there. There were some down moments, like when my family's dog died...which was supremely depressing. Other than that, though, it was a good trip.

My youngest brother is 5 now...and he is hilarious. I got such a kick out of him. At one point during the trip, I did the math and figured out that my dad is now at the same point of raising my little brother that he was with me and my sister 20 years ago. Damn. Maybe I shouldn't have pointed that out to him.

There were a few slight mishaps involving our hotel room...as in them overcharging us, double charging us, giving us the wrong room, etc etc...and then the 0 degree weather made things fun on Thanksgiving...but I'm glad we went.

On the downside, I'm pissy to be back to work. Yes, Thanksgiving makes me thankful for having a job and such, but I hate my job! I can't wait to finish school so I can do something worthwhile for once. I'll get off that rant...only due to the fact that it's way too early for an "I hate my job" rant.

On that note...it's off to work for me. Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving.

Whoopity Do

2005-11-20T21:10:00.000-05:00

Yay for me. Yet another blog. Another place to gush about my boring life. No fear, I will post more soon, and enlighten your lives even further.

I have a ginormous final on Tuesday, so that's my excuse. Then I'll be visiting family up yonder in the Midwest for Thanksgiving....ANNNNND then I'll be back for more school, work, and posting on here! Yippee!!!

Actually, I'm in a pretty shitty mood tonight. The S.O. and I had a huge fight tonight. Things were said that were probably not meant, at least, until the anger subsides, then we won't mean the harsh things we said. I don't know if our relationship is salvagable at this point. It's one of those situations where my life will turn to shit if I don't stay...even though it's for the best that we go our seperate ways, emotionally. Needless to say, I'm torn. I do love him. I just don't know if that's enough to save what's going on. We're not happy. I admit that I could be trying harder, but after so many failed-this-one-is-the-one-relationships, I don't think I have much energy to try much harder. Not to mention that I'm getting older, and more stubborn about who I am, as I find out more who I am. To quote Coldplay: "Nobody said it was easy...it's such shame for us to part..."

And now I'm off to review some more, sip some calming tea, and attempt to sleep.