Memoir Lovelies

                       
A memory to share on this lovely fall night! About 8 years ago I want to see Rusted Root in concert on a crisp fall night with my friend Erin.  It was a blast.  Some people are placed into your life for a short time to help you grow, and feel, and just live life.  Erin was just that!  I use the past tense because our friendship has grown apart over the years, but it was during that time in my life when she was a true blessing in which I will always be thankful for. 

Honestly, until a few years ago I felt very saddened by our disconnect, I felt like I was just thrown out and completely overlooked by her.  It wasn't until after much prayer and advice from  good friends (Monica/Rusty) that I came to realize it's okay and people just grow apart as life changes.  We were definitely at that place in life,career, marriage, kids, so many big changes, it was bound to happen.  So, anyway, the cause of this memoir is while I was running rusted root played on my Ipod and it just made me think of that night and our friendship.  It was so fun and will be cherished forever. Enjoy this lovely! Ha!



In Remembrance

Well it would not be right to not mention anything about 9/11 and the events that happened 10 years ago today.  At one of the local elementary schools they have a healing field memorial set up.  Absolutely breathtaking as you are there and each flag is representation of one tragic loss in that days sad events.  Each flag also tells a name and where the person was during this time.  So many hero's our great nation is made of, so many.

People Magazine  had a great tribute looking back at the families interviewed 10 years ago, as I read the stories, so heart wrenching, the many sons and daughters who were left without a father/mother, wow,  I am truly thankful each day for this life I live.  I am thankful for my freedom and what I take for granted everyday with that.

Our church service this morning was related to remembering 9/11.  There are just no words; while I did not know anyone who suffered this tragedy personally, I do know that everyone, directly or indirectly related was completely changed by the events of that day.  My prayers are for those families today on this marked anniversary, and while the rest of the nation remembers today, you live with the reminder everyday, every minute.  May God be with you always, many blessings.

Movie Night with The In-Laws

Dinner and a movie with the in-laws, love it!  I am so fortunate that my husbands family is so great!  So for me that makes 2 wonderfully fabulous families! Ha!  We started with Dinner at Famous Hot Weiner, so my sister in laws craving and oh so good! Ha!  Then, love this, we went to Target to help my sister in law register for baby!  Loved it, I am so excited for this new baby! Overly excited probably, but you have to understand, I am an only child so this is my only opportunity to be an auntie!  I am just over the top! Ha!

After registering we went to the movies.  We saw the Warrior, I had no idea what it was about, but it was super good!  Maybe I have found a new love of UFC fighting! Ha!  Yeah, probably not, I am too much of a gals gal, but it was good and if I am honest it would be awesome to see a live event.  Missed my husband, but I carry my own when he is not there! Ha!  So thankful to have family support around when he is gone, it makes it so much easier. Anyway maybe you should check it out! Ha! 

A Night Owl, A Fresh Start!

Well as surprising as it is to hear, it is to say!  I am loving my new schedule and night shift! Ha!  It just works for my life, which is flexible overall, but still very demanding personally! Ha!  It is really just great!  I am so excited for my husband to come home so we can enjoy this new schedule together, I know he too will be pleased!

So I worked last night and my day was fabulous, as well as my shift at the hospital!  I have come to realize that sometimes you'll have those underlying feelings of " I wonder what the night will bring?" and/or " Humph, I really have to go to work!"  But those are natural feelings, ultimately I am loving it!  Yes, write it down, I said I loved it- and yes I am talking about work! Ha!  But really, I got up yesterday morning, was going to Highpointe for some morning TRX and other classes (unfortunately cancelled d/t flooding) went to the grocery store, came home cleaned the house top to bottom, cooked and baked a bit, paid some bills, organized some files, and did some work from home for MIS, all finishing by 12 noon.  Had a wonderful nap before working, got up at 3:30 and relaxed before work and left the house at 6P for my shift.  I accomplished everything and got to take a nap and missed nothing overnight! Love it! And no one would've ever thought I would be a night owl! Ha!

Today I came home, slept until 1P and now I have been relaxing and am getting ready for an afternoon run!  I was so worried leaving MIS at the hospital and going back to nursing.  I really felt like it was something I needed to do and through a difficult decision and much prayer I took the leap!  Just a few months in I am seeing the benefits of this move! Thanks God!  It is amazing what faith can do!  I just have so much to be thankful for! 

It is true when one door closes another opens!  I was approached at the hospital to also fill in for a coordinator position which I have just started training for.  This comes at a time when my contract MIS time is ending.  I never thought in a million years this would be an option for me, and I wasn't even looking!  Thanks God!  I am overwhelmed by emotion when I think of how things have transformed over the last 6 months, It is truly a blessing... So for this weekend I am hoping you too may find the blessings in the little things; Hold onto faith, it's amazing what can be done!

Labor Day Weekend!

What a wonderful weekend with at my sister in laws house!  I have always dreamed of having sisters or brothers or at least one! Ha!  Ahh the only child dream! Ha!  Anyway marrying the love of my life brought along a sister!  We are so close and I love it!  This weekend we did all the gal stuff, we talked for hours, went to the beach, out to eat, shopping..watched the rerun on the VMAs and critiqued as only girls do... you name it we did it! Oh and the best part, we did some planning for my little niece or nephew due in December.  Yes, that's right I am going to be an auntie, and you heard it here first! Ha! Really as if it matters to anyone but me and our family.  But I am so excited for her, and I cannot wait to see that little baby.  Mindy has asked me to be her birthing partner, so again I am ecstatic!

She is going to be a wonderful Mom, I just know it!  And the baby will be surrounded with so much love that it'll be crazy!  Can't wait!

The beach was great!  The food, ahh love Fishtales and Harborside-and yes the Orange Crush is to die for! Ha!  Assateague was crowded , but well worth the tan I am rocking! Ha!  Nothing like a late summer tan, love it!  But it is always good to be back home of course.  And here I am, with the pups, ahhh home sweet home, truly nothing like it!



Mad Hurricaine Irene

So my last post regarding the Earthquake on the East Coast, now just over this past weekend a Hurricane! Ha!  Wow, crazy! Ha! I actually worked Saturday night at the hospital during the brunt of the hurricane.  There was a bit of anxiety with the patients, but overall the units seemed calmed.  We did lose electric 4 times overnight, but  the generators served us very well!  Ha!  My dogs went to my parents house and I had things packed up tight at the house, and my bags packed up tight for work.  Yes that's right, being a nurse you must prepare for the overnights, for the worse when weather strikes and the state is in a emergency!  Yes, a downfall of being a nurse, I hate staying overnight honestly, but thank you Jesus, I did not have too! 

Getting home in the morning after my shift was more challenging then I had anticipated and I was going to my parents, not all the way to my home, which would've been another 25 minutes north!  But still, a challenge to get to where I was going.  4 trees across the road, 2 sets of power lines down,  4 detours and 1 and a half hours after I left work I made it to the Miller's driveway! I was never so glad to see a bed! Ha!

No damage at home, except my gardenia tree broke in half :(  Oh well it surely could have been worse, so for that I am thankful!  Well, here I am posting so I survived my first earthquake and Hurricane Irene.  Hopefully this weather will not be a mad pattern! Ha!  I am very thankful that the hurricane was not as bad as what it was initially predicted, Thanks God!

East Coast Earthquake

What a scare today! I have never felt and earthquake, ever, and I have been to California quite a bit! Ha! So I was at my house working and I felt shaking, and it just continued. At first I blew it off thinking it was construction in the neighborhood, but then as it continued, things on our office shelves began to fall and then a crash down stairs. I looked out the window and kids were playing and everything seemed normal. I went into my living room and my lamp was on the floor. Crazy though how everything seemed normal on my street! Ha!
I have heard the quake hit in Virginal and then quaked up to New York, still crazy to wrap my head around it! Well I am marking this as a first for me, praying it is not followed by a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th! Ha!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

One Lucky Gal!

I love this guy! Ha! Ah yes my husband, I am so crazy about him, truly blessed. I saw the movie " The Help" tonight with my MIL, so good- see it, and there was a short character role of a guy who worked offshore. It made me think of Danny of course! It is truly amazing how being married 2 years I feel like it was just yesterday. And I guess this is also coming off of a lovely Adams wedding weekend that I am writing a post about the hubs and missing him. But I just have to say, he is great, I love him, & I am one lucky gal ;)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Create in me, a new spirit...

Sometimes a little work goes a long way, at least that's what we have all heard.  Lately I have felt so blah, mainly spiritually.  I started reading Crazy Love, what an eye opener!  Fabulous, just what I needed.  Now I have been reading the gospels and have learned so much.  Having gone to church for all these years, well since childhood, you'd think I have heard it all before- yeah, Nope, so wrong! Ha!  I am just really experiencing what God can do in my life and the life of our family.  Just in the past few weeks the things that have happened, the doors that seem to just open wide, it's amazing!  No I am not crazy, I know you know what I am talking about.  It's hard to describe in words, but each day brings forth something exciting inside of me, a new creation.  And my attitude has been fabulous, happiness defined! Ha!  So here I am seeking more and more, praying renewal continues, thats what faith can do!  Thnaks God!

I-Fly

Jon, Julie, Julie, & Danny

Have you ever heard of I-Fly?  Dont' worry neither had I. Ha!   I have wanted to go sky diving for quite some time now and begging my husband.  But my love, the diver, has a fear of heights, so no jumping out of a plane for us!  So while we were away he planned for us to do this indoor skydiving experience.  It was over the top, we had a blast.  I have never experienced anything like.

 Although I didn't get that stomach drop feeling which is so thrilling ,it was still awesome.  To be able to fly, wow!  I was amazed at how just positioning your head a certain way will change the way you fly and the movement of your arms and legs the same. 

It was different then I had expected too.  I thought we would all go into a room and fly together  and bounce off sponge-like walls and floors! Ha! So wrong! Ha!  The walls were clear like thick glass and would hurt if you ran into them.  The floor was an open padded crate with a huge fan, let me say it again huge fan blowing air up into this tunnel that was like 30 feet high!  Very different!

I would do it again definitely, and I would still like to do the real thing, actually probably more then before!  I am sure my husband will love my push for that!  Something about the air is so intriguing to me. My bucket list includes; pilots license, skydiving, hot air balloon ride... time to tick the boxes!

Late Nights with MadMen

My current favorite series is MadMen.  I am completely into the storyline.  I am catching up with past seasons to get current.  Each night I go to bed and put in an episode, it's fabulous, I am addicted! Ha! I am enthralled with the shenanigans Don Draper gets himself into.  I love the fashion of the era;  Joan, love her! Ha!The women are beautiful and the men are handsome-don't miss out!  Trust me, really it's just that good, especially after a long day!  All the characters just interact so well together, there really isn' that on the edge, what is going to happen drama, but it is soooo good!

AMC has some good shows, my husband is really into Breaking Bad and that too is on AMC and is pretty good as well.  It's amazing how addicting TV can be, isn't it?  And DVR, don't even get me started, it's the only way I watch anything anymore, sad really! Ha!

San Francisco Dreamin'

Tick the Box, check, Golden Gate Bridge

So while I was out, I was in California!  Love it!  Danny and I went to San Francisco, I'd never been, and it was fabulous!  I loved it!   We spent the 4th at Fisherman's Wharf, it was wicked crowded but great fun!

 San Francisco was a lot different then what I had imagined.  I thought it had a very old world feel, not so much when I was inland, but we did this boat ride in the bay and when I looked at the skyline it definitely had that feel.  I was surprised many of the sights, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausilito, Angel Island, Muir Woods, Alcatraz... were all right there, centralized almost.  I loved the architecture of the homes, the rolling streets, and of course the cable cars!  Although, we didn't get a chance to ride one.  The city just had so much to offer! 

Yes, we were in Jail, but now we are out!

Happy Bankerts, San Francisco Style!

One of my favorite shows, Charmed, yes I still watch the reruns, was based in San Francisco, so every time it is on the opening scenes are from San Francisco and I am always excited to see Ghirardelli Square and the bridge! Ahh, Ive been there! Ha!  We had Hot Choc late from Ghirardelli, delish!   It was much cooler then I was prepared for.  Danny loved it when I told him I had to stop in this little shop and buy leggings to put on under my shorts.  Not the greatest fashion statement, but it fit in there, so it was fine- and hey I was cold! "Thermocomfort" first!

Ghirardelli Square

Architecture + Elegance = CHIC, Loved it!

Hello, Blog.



Hello Blog, how have you been?  Yes, that's totally what it seems like! Ha!  I have been away for a while now.  After a much overdue visit with my grandparents, my grandmother kindly reminded me I am overdue for with my blog, which is how she keeps up with my day to day!  Yes, grandma, you are correct so here I am!

There is so much happening and that has happened over the past few months, my job has transitioned, we have been traveling, my wonderful husband was home, my sister-in -law is prego so I am going to be an auntie, our church purchased an actual building so we are actively working on remodeling projects for it, there is just so so much!  So stay tuned because I am going to catch all of the blog world up!

Annual "Declutterization"

While it is my goal to completely finish our basement ASAP, I am not sure I can convince my husband this is necessary! And its not, I guess, if I am being honest, more of a want then a need.
But this weekend I had enough of the clutter and unorganized feel of it all. I am not even sure how 2 people have so much, especially when one of them lives offshore 3/4 of the year. Puzzling? Anyway I reorganized the eye sore shelving we have in our basement, its better, but still i'd like real walls and floors and chic decor!
This coming weekend we are having a yard sale in my parents community, I have plenty to rid of after the clean out! Ha!
Pictured is only half.of the basement, we have a workbench, elliptical, laundry area as well. It screams help! But I guess I am ultimately blessed to have a home and thankful for the stuff that fills it. So, i'll stop complaining and enjoy the new organization! Ha!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Summertime; & Hearts

There is nothing like spending the day by the water; pool, ocean, river, or lake, its just great! I love swim season, today I am at my parents, just me and the girls and my ipod. The best thing about growing up as an only child, you can always entertain yourself when you are alone! Ha!

I absolutely love to spend time by the pool when no one else is around. The peace and quiet, so relaxing, sigh, love it. A great start to my weekend!

Tonight its dinner with my family, tomorrow, classes at highpointe, a water outreach in Hanover square, then girls night with Monica, Sunday I have church then probably be by the pool again, and Monday more relaxation! A girl can get use to this! Happy fabulous weekend!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Ah, Lovely.

Remember the song "My Favorite Things" from the sound of music? Well I am thinking of a few of mine right now! Fresh flowers number one! Love them, always try to have them in our home. And this year the gardens outside are doing well, but its still early! Ha! Hey I am trying, I don't have a green thumb, its a lot of work!
Next, sunshine! The sun always makes the day seem better, more beautiful! Although I do find a nice afternoon shower delightful! Not pouring rain, but an afternoon shower! Ha! And maybe a rainbow, now that's just showing off! Ha! But seriously, how awesome is it to see one. Simply beautiful!
What else? Oh yeah, that moment after many months of not seeing my husband, those butterflies on my.stomach, that first kiss, and the smile on his face, so priceless! It gets me every time!
And, music, and our girls, and triplets, and friendships, and family, and tears of happiness, and pedicures, and lip gloss,and faith, and travel, and letters in the mail, and.... it just goes on..... a few of my favorite things!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Run Girl Run

As many of you know I have been since last summer!  While I had the injury that knocked me out for most of this year, I am back!  Today I ran 2 miles, yes only 2, I still have to take it slow and build up because there is still some mild pain, but anyway it's 2 and I am pleased.  Actually last year I was so focused on the   distance that I probably did too much which resulted in my injury.  I told myself just keep going if you can, because everything you read is its all in your mind...blah blah, so I pushed it and right over the limit at that! Ha!

Anyway now, more then ever before, I am more focused on the running, not the distance, if that makes since.  Today I ran a personal best for my mile and my timing has been improving over the past few weeks.  I am so thankful that I am able to run again.  It's amazing what your body can do, and how you can heal, and what lessons you learn along the process! Ha!    Maybe one day my 1/2 marathon goal will be a check, but for now I am just going to enjoy the time working up, slowly.  Oh and don't they say slow and steady wins the race! Ha!

Zumba Craze

 

All smiles! I am absolutely loving my fitness center! TRX, Yoga, Zumba! It's just great fun! I love meeting new people and hearing their experiences, it is so fun! It's my new addiction! Ha! And the zumba, is probably my favorite, the best work out ever, it is so fun! And I have definitely see results which I am.super thankful for! A gals gotta work for that bikini, ha!

I am prayerful that I can meet my weight goals by our California trip in July, so I just have to keep steady and stay focused, only 10 more lbs to go( although they are the hardest)! Here's to "zumbaing" my way into the bikini! Any tips let me know!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Friday, Welcome Back!

                          

Friday, your here, oh how I have missed you! Ha! This week has been simply crazy.  Work is sooo busy and just trying to find time to do everything is wild!  But somehow it has all worked out, I am very thankful!  I have a full weekend planned which is great! I have been running during this craziness, it has been about the only exercise I have had time to fit in.  I am up to 2 miles post injury, still slow but I am doing it without pain which I am please with, again very thankful! Thanks God!   I heard this song on my IPOD while running, forgot it was there and now I just love it! Ha! Follow the link and enjoy! Have a fabulous weekend!

Ahhh, thanks!

Thanks God! That's the first thing to say! It's only Tuesday and the week has been super busy! Ha! But I am feeling confident and calm, although my desk pile is stacked high!
I really am so thankful that when it looks like there is no way out or things seem overwhelming, God is watching out and he just provides and makes all the pieces to my puzzle fit! There were not enough hours in the day to accomplish all that I accomplished, again let me just say thanks God! And now it is 915, I am home, relaxing,playing with the pups, and getting ready for a restful night. Truly blessed ;)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Happy Mothers Day 2011

Happy Mothers day to my Moma and Mother in law!  Double Trouble! Ha! 

Mom, I am so blessed to have a great Mom like you! I love you so much. While we do have our differences, sometimes many, Ha, I am just fortunate that you are an active part of my life and we share so much together.  I have learned so much from you over the years and am proud to say you are my Moma.  Thank you for all of the wonderful memories and I am prayerful that one day I will be a fabulous Mom too, just like you! Thank you Moma, I wouldn't be here without you... literally! Ha!

To my Mother-in-Law, I again am blessed, double blessed, for a great mother in law.  I enjoy the time we spend together so much and am richly grateful for the role you have in my life with the frequent absence of Danny.  I look forward to many more years of growing closer as a family.  Thank you for everything you do. I love you.

Our Girl Bean

This is our Beanie Baby, may she rest well. Beanie left us a few weeks ago on April 15, she would've been 16 years old this year. She had a very good run! I know this post is late, but it is the first time I could attempt to write a post without breaking down.

While it may seem silly to the non-animal lovers, it has been a very difficult transition. She was just a part of our family, with her own role and personality. We will miss her dearly.

She was my grandmothers dog and when she passed I just took Beanie under my wing. They say Dog is man's best friend and I truly believe it! She was always so intuitive to how I was feeling. When I would some hone from work she was barking and so excited and stayed by my side all night. She had a great personality. Loved to swim, and lived the kayak. She wasn't just our pet, she was so much more.


I knew the time would come, but really you can never prepare. Everyday is better and the grief has gone. I am thankful for the memories and time I had with her. I am thankful for the fact that she was my grandmothers and I was able to take care of Beanie for so many years after her passing.

Now its Danny, me, maggie, and roxy. And so I am still blessed. Little Bean thanks for the memories, you are always in our hearts.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Happy Hump Day Randoms

It's Wednesday Lovey's and I am glad the work week is just about over and the weekend is just about here! Ha!  Spring weekends are the best don't ya think!  This weekend I have a few things planned, but I am definitely going summer clothes shopping!  Some new pieces in my wardrobe is a must, well not really a must, but a I want really bad! Ha! And I have saved up so it's alright!  No credit cards for this gal! Well, and I have been losing weight/toning so the shorts don't fit like they used too.  And I love it that's it's because I am losing and not gaining.  Last year it was the opposite when I had to buy new! This year is better! Ha! Well I am off to bed now, after a few words with friends plays of course! Yes addicted- Thanks to Monica ;) And now we are over the hump...I'm out!

Outdoor Gardening Glam

So my new love this year is gardening. I am very much appreciating the relaxation that comes with being outdoors and working in my yard. Yes, even the mowing and weed wacking I have come to not mind. There is just something about being in the beauty of the outdoors and making your own outdoor living space. Oh and trust me, you must be creative in a townhouse! Ha!

Every year past that we have lived here I have had a tough time keeping things growing, well let's be serious, keeping things alive is more like it! If there was a "black thumb of death" I'd own it. But its different this year, its waste keep buying new when the old dies and I am so into my gardens and flowers for that reason. It is definitely a new appreciation; one I find so much fun!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Did I stop to smell the flowers?

Wow it has been over a month since my last blog post.  So sorry followers :(  I have been so busy, again so busy.  My head is just spinning.  Work, Life, All of it!  I know some of you can relate! Ha!  But now, now it is time to jump right back in and there is no better way then coming off of a fabulous weekend, and past week and a half with my husband home! Love it, Love him, so blessed! 

This weekend we had a gals retreat in PA, for our church!  It was awesome.  I loved being with my girls and just laughing and learning, and having some fun! I love them like family.  My husband left the morning I left for the retreat so it was nice to be doing something other then just being at home thinking about him leaving. It was just great.  Thanks God! 

So what else has been going on you ask... hmmmm.... LIFE, as always!  My sister-in law is engaged- super exciting, work is crazy, not as exciting but okay. Ha! CPOE, I live and breath it! HiFi studio, loving my TRX and Zumba classes, Running, yes again, slow,but without the pain-Yes!  My little Beanie passed away after 16 years, very sad but she is at peace.  Happy Anniversary number 2, and my husband was home, fabulous, sweet, and simply wonderful. Dish Network, like it better then Cable, alot better! Ha! No debt other then car payment, school loan, and mortgage- Thanks Dave Ramsey! Ha! Friends, time with friends-love it. Spring Cleaning & Yardscaping- ahhh relax all clean and I am happy.  Florida trip was so needed and loved seeing family and park hopping!  Next stop San Francisco-  Never been, can't wait! Did I mention work... and then everything else I am overlooking. 

To sum it up it has been crazy I have been crazy, but greater is He who is in control and I am just here living it and it's great! Every day a new day, a new chance, a fresh start... so thankful, so so thankful! And yes though it has been crazy busy, I did stop and smell the flowers, I always do at every chance there is...  and so what does tomorrow hold? Stay Posted! Ha!

VaCAtion

Well, finally it is here... our vacation!  I just can't wait to get away and get a break from the everyday.  We are heading south to Florida!  I am so excited, we are visiting family, going to some parks, going to a wedding, and just RELAXING!  The best part! Ha!  I am so thankful to finally get away! Love it! See ya when I get back!

Wildflower

Loving this right now!  The style, the song, it's all girl! Ha!  And check out the video, there is a little Boston Terrier!  Love it!