A Big Bang Valentine

Tonight I went to a family friends church for a Valentines celebration put on by their youth group. It was so nice! And super great to catch up with our friends! This year with Danny gone and my Dad in Haiti, my mom and I are celebrating Valentines together. I am very thankful to have a sweet, thoughtful mom! Today before we went to the dinner, mom came over and we just ran errands and hung out at my house. She brought some chocolate covered strawberries for us to enjoy! And we did of course! That is it for my Valentines plans this year although I may spend tomorrow afternoon with these guys...



This shows gets me all of the time! It is hilarious! Just recently I became a fan and now I watch and/or DVR whenever I possibly can! Thanks Rus and Mon! Ha! Just watch this clip and you'll see the character dynamics are addicting! It is because of this and The Golden Girls that I even need a DVR, otherwise we could pitch it! Ha! Well, maybe Danny doesn't think so!

Weekend Whirlwind

A new look for my blog this week! What do you think? It has been so busy the past few days. Crazy... I haven't had a moment to spare. Friday was my last day in the MICU before I start my new position! What a fun day, well sort of...

Forecasters had predicted this big snow storm to hit the mid-east coast early in the week, well baby it hit! So the snow started about noon on Friday while I was working. The control center for disasters at work initiated a code yellow meaning no staff was permitted to leave the premises. Okay, it was my last day on the unit. In all 5 years I have been a nurse I never had to stay overnight at the hospital and this, my last day, was going to be my start! Oh Rough! Needless to say I wasn't too excited, but would have done what needed to be done for the patients. Prayerfully things worked themselves out and I was able to leave! Some of my friends had to stay all weekend, so I pray special blessings for them.




My last shift was absolutely fabulous, my patients were so sweet and the gals I worked with were classic, a few of my closest friends on the unit, and even a napkin note from a patient- those are the best! They threw me a surprise good-bye party and it was just a great time. All day we were cracked up about this and that and recalling fun times and just making fun memories! I am so glad I am not moving too far away from my MICU team in my new position. I am so blessed to have these friendships with my colleagues.






After leaving the unit that night, my friend Rachel and I made the long trip home. I was headed to my moms house, where I took the pups in case I had to stay over at the hospital- see I was prepared! Ha! And Rachel lived close by so I drove her too. The roads were covered in snow but we took it slow and made it safely. The roughest part of the storm had not begun yet, so were were fortunate! So many blessings in one day, God is good!

Now, Lets talk the greater part of my weekend! Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse... Call it what you'd like, it's a lot of snow in a lot of areas surrounding me. Staying with my Mom was a big help for her and was nice for me not to be snowed in at my house all alone. We started the morning off shoveling and after about 2 hours and not seeing any progress then decided to give that up! Yes, sadly we broke down paid some kids to shovel the driveway. What they were unable to get a friend with a snow blower was able to knock out for us! And then there was Paul, my moms neighbor, who killed the top half of the driveway where my Dad keeps his work truck! Thank you to everyone who helped us get the driveway cleared! More blessings... With My Dad out of town, heading to Haiti, my Mom just isn't use to shoveling snow, much less more then 2 feet and me, well lets just say I tried to help her. I would have probably been better off at work, but shhh don't tell anyone I said that! Ha! I am a girls girl and shoveling, I am just not good at it. It is beautiful though, a winter wonderland just beyond my front door.






So the weekend has flew by, without a moments rest, well some rest to be fair, and it's a new adventure tomorrow! Day 1 as Julie, Informatics Nurse Analyst! It will be a fabulous week! I am staying at my Mama's most of the week, I get to wear real clothes to work, not scrubs, and the the best part is, I found out yesterday evening that a family from my church, also my neighbors, shoveled out my driveway in york for me. The blessings still continue, Thank you God for the kindness and beauty you have surrounded me with!

PHOtoDAY

Today. Maggie woke me up with plenty of kisses. She is so sweet, but her kisses, yuck! I just have to love her though, it's too hard to not.

My Momma called and asked if I wanted to go shopping and to lunch. I tied my hair up in this knot and left! My Amma and Aunt joined us for lunch and then we went shopping. We went to Cracker Barrel, it's not my favorite but the food is good! I always have breakfast!

I love to shop, unfortunately, I misunderstood and we went to the grocery store. Nevertheless, I needed a few things! I found my way around nicely in a market I had never been too!

I came home to the girls and we played! Well Beanie played with her Chicky. Check this out it is too much! She wore herself out and rested on her new bed a few minutes later! She might be old but she's still got it!

While Beanie played, Roxy ate.... and ate and ate and ate. What can I say she loves food!

Maggie watched Beanie play from a distance, when Beans has her chicky it's best Maggie stays out of her way! She sat with me in the kitchen.

Which leads me to the other things I did today. After I put the groceries away I did my work-out! I love my elliptical, the work-out I get is fantastic! I am definitely making good progress! I'll have to update my stats! Ha! I also made dinner and dessert for my friends. I went to their house with dinner since they'd worked all day-that way they could be home with their doggies. It is always great to spend time with friends! We watched last nights episode of The Big Bang Theory, classic. I have really taken to this show, addicted more like it! And what did we do before DVR's? -but thats a whole other topic!

So this is me now. Pondering work tomorrow in the busy ICU! It is my second to last day there- Crazy. And thinking about how it is snowing outside, absolutely beautiful, but makes a rough ride in the morning. And of course thinking about Danny, I wish you were here... I love you.

Cowboy Boots Work in Any Season!

When I noticed Show us your life Fashion, I was so excited. I love fashion. My hubby tells me all the time I have too much fashion for our small town! But nah, you can never have too much!

This was our wedding day last April, and yes we are newlyweds! Dare to be different, and I did, with the supermodel hair, white elegant lace dress, pearl and black accented jewelry, Coral Manolos', and Blue hydrangeas as my bouquet! My Mom was very worried but the pictures were fabulous, I think so at least!

My advice would be that you need to be yourself, fashion defines you and your personality. If you like it that's what matters! A few months ago I had a fashion consultant come to my home and help me go through my closet to see what I should part with. She was great! But ultimately, I wasn't comfortable with what she gave me to wear and have never wore it. Actually I got rid of it last week ; ). Like Kelly, I wear a lot of leggings and black shirts under dresses or cute shirts. I love heels though, and my boots! I have many pairs for everyday of the week and over really. I love my sense of fashion, classy with a little edge. It's okay to be different, thats what makes me, me and you, you. We are all lovely on the outside and each of us has beauty within. Grasp that, make it your own...

Three tips I make my own:

Cowboy Boots work in any season or riding boots!

Add a belt, instant fashion or a scarf around the neck!

You can change the look of the simple black dress all the time, it is a staple in your wardrobe!

A New Life in Him

I can't believe it is 2010, and tomorrow is already February, the short month! It amazes me how quick time passes! So, my year so far... Danny is here, now gone, the puppy is growing like a weed, I start my new position at the hospital in 1 week, 1 WEEK, I just can't believe it! The new ladies bible study has started at church, and like I started with, today is the last day of January '10! Where is the caution sign of life that says SLOW CHILDREN AT PLAY...? Where does the time go?

It's funny how know matter where you are in life, it doesn't stop for you one minute! So, I am reading this book, I've talked about before, "The Bema", and it is a fictional story about a man's journey to Heaven and his judgement before the throne of God... I am only at chapter 9, so I am not sure where the plot leads, but that's besides the point- In this book the main character, a "Christian" currently lives his life day to day without any mention of God. He does reflect on his past experiences when he was more spiritually connected and more of an active christian but he has put that aside for other more worldly things, money, social status... Well the rapture comes and he is taken into Heaven where he has time to reflect, at this point as the reader, I am not sure if he is staying or going. He has really let things slide the past few years... But then again, God is a forgiving God and if you are truly sorry for your sins you will be forgiven, the bible tells us that. So, while this is a brief synopsis of my book so far, not much I know, I see similarities between my life and the main characters and this book is helping me to regain my focus.

Like the main character, I too use to be very active in church. I was active outside of church doing devotions and reading scripture. There wasn't a Sunday I wanted to miss at church and all I could do to be a part was done! Today, not so much! While I do not like to miss church, if I have too it doesn't bother me. Don't get me wrong, I love my church family and I like the worship services and the message my pastor brings. It is something deeper that I have just ignored. I have neglected to read the bible, go to my ladies bible study, and have put work first in many occasions. God has been so faithful to me although I have not to him, but this is why he is God, His way is far beyond anything I can imagine. Have you ever heard the song "I Can Only Imagine" What a powerful message, it gets me every time!

In the past year I have tried to make some changes to reconnect with God, I volunteered to teach at a VBS our church was hosting, Began to listen to christian music more, be verbal about my beliefs and not hide my Christianity , pray more and listen more. Still I haven't quite gotten what I am looking for. And what is it that I am looking for exactly? Because I know I am a saved and have eternal life and if I was to die I am going to heaven. I believe Jesus died for my sins so that I may be forgiven. I believe we do not lose our salvation. But with all of this said where is my true deep happiness and why doesn't my life reflect that of a Christians? I wonder if people know I am a Christian at work, or my neighbors, or embarrassing to even admit, my closest friends?

Let's revert back a few months. I decided I felt very unhappy at work. A nurse in the MICU at a local hospital. I needed a change. Looking looking looking, nothing! After a long talk with my manager about my desire to change and many different paths to choose from, he said to me "God will work it out so that the opportunity that is right for you will just fall into your lap, the door will open and you'll be pushed through. You won't even have to walk." A few months later a friend asked me to apply for a position within the hospital. I was like yeah I'll think about it... About a month passed and she questioned me again about the position. We set up a meet and greet to discuss the position, I applied. As I applied, I had to revamp my whole resume to this CV format that wasn't familiar to me. I remember crying to Danny that night saying "I am too dumb for this position, I don't know anything about this!" He said something comforting and I want back upstairs and finished the CV. I sent it. The next day I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It wasn't until I was offered the job that I realized this was God 's working this whole time. I am so thankful for this promotion and knowing that God is beside me, makes me know I will be great.

This all ties together because I am for the first time in many months excited to be able to go to church each week, and be a part of the ladies bible study. I know these are the things that lack most in my life, being in the word and being around believers! I will be able for the first time in 5 years have a routine with my job. It's funny how even in the midst of everything happening so fast and time flying by that God knows exactly what you need, when you need it and how to get it to you! I know this time is an exciting new transition in my spiritual life and I am ready to get back on track with MY LIFE in HIM! Please pray for me as I continue this journey, help me to regain that which I feel I have lost.

Thank you Aunt Jeanine for the book, it has only taken me 51/2 years to get to it! But how it has changed everything!

Thoughts out for now....

150, 34, 36, 22, 10... and no I'm not talking football!

There is no way that can be right! The scale must be WRONG! Since October '09 I have gained 13lbs. Going from 138 to 151lbs, how could I have let this happen? Oh right I remember, McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, the 2 week Cruise, SWEETS SWEETS and more SWEETS, the sweet tea I have become addicted too, and the soda that has finagled its way back into my life! Yup thats surely what did it! And the fact that my lifestyle has become fairly sedentary may have helped to pack on the pounds!

Well it is time for a change! New Career, new body! Then the new hairstyle, and new wardrobe, my favorites! But first I need to focus...

1/27/10. New elliptical in my home equipped with a great iFIT program designed to help me lose weight. The stats: Height 5'8" Weight 150.6lbs Waist 36 Chest 341/2 Thighs 22 Arms 10

The Plan: I have started using my elliptical program. I hope to use this daily to get into a routine, so far so good. I used the hiking mode and it was quite the workout this morning and I am proud of myself! I started reading this book The Bema, a gift from my aunt Jeannine many years ago. I am so empowered by the book that the workout goes smoothly and quick! I hold most of my weight at my midsection, so I have incorporated an idea from my best friend Rusty, crunches in increments. At the 15 minutes interval I do various crunches, 60 to be exact, to work all of my abdominal muscles. I repeat at my 30 minute mark and stretch to cool down. I feel great today after my workout and am excited to see what happens. This season instead of watching the biggest loser, I am going strive to live the biggest loser lifestyle.

So, this helps with the sedentary lifestyle portion of my problem! But what about the dieting? With my current schedule becoming more routine I am prayerfully wishing to eat more healthy. I am beginning to love fish , so if I can learn to cook it then this will be a great start adding this into my diet, Omega 3 baby, Omega 3! Also, I plan to increase my water consumption and cut back on fast food. My husband leaves this Sunday to go back offshore for 3 weeks, so I will begin to cut the fat and eat more health conscious then. I will not make him suffer the consequence of my habits while he is here and never gets to eat out! Portion size will also be something I need to control. I feel confident that I can overcome these pounds and get back to happy! And I am writing this so I have you to to hold me accountable!

Danny will be home in 3 weeks, it is at that time that we will take my measurements again and see how I am doing on the scale. I am hopeful in the elliptical program I am currently using. I have also looked in full proof alternate methods of helping me to regain my body back, like local boot camp sessions and /or the local Curves!

Please if you read this hold me accountable, I need to make a change, not only for outward appearance but for my physical health, and emotional health overall, I am tired all the time, tired of my clothes not fitting, tired of worrying about it, and just plain tired without energy! Pray for my journey....

Thoughts out for now...

The Adventures of Beans Rox and Mag.

Eat. Sleep. Poop. Dig. Play. Sleep. Beg. Sleep. Cuddle. Kiss. Wag. Eat. Poop. Sleep. Bark. Love.

Beanie get the chicken! Lets go potty girls. Where is Roxanne? Bye Byes girls, who wants to go Bye Byes! Beanie too rough. Maggie get the ball. Magnolia you are a sweet girl! Beanie get the birdies! Hey now settle down. Who wants a snicky-snack? Treats! Beanie stop licking. Bark, growl, snarl! Thats enough of that girls. Maggie did you pee on the floor? Roxanne get out from under the bed! Lets go for a walk. Who is this under the blanket? Roxy don't steal her bone. Beanie stop digging. Xanna-Danna did you poop on the floor? BeansNrice I don't speak spanish. Magnolia good girl going potty outside! Get Maggie, Beanie is going to get her. Lets go to bed. Upstairs girls upstairs! Beanie where is your chicky? Roxanne lets go! Maggie where did you get that? What are you doing? Who's a pretty girl? You better get your toys? "ARF ARF", Danny, I think that means she wants to be held. Too much water magnolia. Did you feed the dogs? Alright girls lets eat! No roxanne you can eat everything, you have to share. Look outside, get-um girls get-um, tell them this is where you live. Beans why do you look so sad today. Maggie you are covered in mud?! Lets put your sweater on, it's cold outside. Lets get a bath girls, whose first? Where's Daddy girls? Mommy's home! Shhh Xanna it's fine! Leave it, Leave it!

Daily conversations with my dogs... BTW I know what your thinking, don't judge me!

Thoughts out for now.....