I'm free! For a month!

This is how I'm feeling right now....

I did it!!!! I passed the awful block 2!!!! I am so happy it's FINALLY over! Words can't even begin to express how happy I am that it's over! I spent all year in block 2 and hated it, but I know that it will only help me to be a better and stronger nurse for it. I'm going to celebrate the entire month I have off and enjoy winter break! :-)

My future's looking so bright, I gotta wear these....

:-)

Stuck.

I wish you could understand how frustrated I am.... with several things. Unfortunately, I can't even do anything about my frustrating problems except wait. And try to do my best.

I feel like crying and throwing a fit.... but I can't.

I feel like sticking needles in a few select peoples' eyes.... but I can't, though tempting.

I can't wait to be done with block 2. I am going to celebrate BIG TIME when it's over. I'm so drained. I can't even begin to explain, because you wouldn't understand.

I need your support right now, because I just. don't. have. it. All I have is my amazing Blaine.

He sure is cute.

Thanks Maren for taking these. I love them. I seriously owe you. Big time.

I really hate Jello..

But let's not discuss that right now.....

I'm lame. And boring. All my life consists of is school.... and poking people with needles and pushing meds. I enjoy it.... somtimes. I will say, I CAN'T WAIT TO MOVE ON TO BLOCK 3!! I'm more than ready. Bring on the kids and pregnant ladies! No more people with nasty infections or bowel obstructions.... please.

We celebrated my 23rd birthday. It was a relaxing birthday. We went to the ASU game and that sums up the extent of that.

For some reason, I could not smile right on my birthday. I have no idea why. I just couldn't. And so all my pics are lame. At least Blaine and my mom look good.

I got all but one lame candle! Of course, it was the "one to grow on" candle too. Stupid candle.

I loved our pumpkin! Blaine carved it. I pulled out the guts. Naturally.

We saw Megadeth!! Again! They are amazing. I lurve them. So much.

The best part.... I told myself I would not headbang because well, the next day, I feel like I'm gonna die. Well.... the Indian guy in front of us had amazing long hair and started headbanging and it LOOKED SO COOL! So I said, "Screw it!!" and headbanged. My neck was killing me the next day, but it was so worth it!

We were so tired after, but it was A-MAZ-IIIINNNGGG!!!

Only a few weeks left this semester! Whaaa?! Yeah, so excited! Seriously, the day of my final needs to come sooner. And Blaine's. We need a SERIOUS break, yo.

All I have are pictures.....

Of my cute husband.....

And a cute dog.

Rust in Peace.

School has started and we haven't had much time for anything.... except we saw Megadeth!!!! My favorite heavy metal band. EVER. In fact, my car just got tattooed with their sticker. They exceeded my expectations and the show was beyond amazing! Even if you don't like metal, they're worth seeing.
I'm borrowing Dave Mustaine's (lead singer) memoir from Matt, Blaine's friend, and I have to say, it is pretty freakin good. He talks about his screwed up childhood, infamous drug use, his rises to the top, and rock bottoms. He was pretty messed up and openly admits it. Mind you, it is not very PG rated book. I've always been intrigued with the human psyche. What makes people tick, what prompts them to make choices.... it's fascinating. It is extremely well written. Mustaine, excellent work.

He's definitely a rock hero in my book. Get this! We had the same doctor! (He openly talks about it in his memoir). My doctor touched Dave Mustaine and then touched me!!!! Holy crap.

(I have pictures to come from other things going on lately, I'm just too lazy to upload them on to my computer right now.... :-])

He's baaaaaack!!!

My brother/other best friend/long time partner in crime is home!!!! I still can't believe 2 years went by so fast. And I thought Blaine's mission went by fast.... NOT. I've had a blast hanging around with my brother again. He's still pretty weird, but I know as soon as I get a little more Metallica into his system he'll be golden. He has grown up so much (yep, physically and spiritually). It's awesome to see the change in him. Here's pics from the day he came home....

Yeah, I totally made that sign. Anyone remember the Domino's pizza commercials circa 1998 with Bad Andy? Well, that's where we got his nick name.

Yay!

Yep, he totally grew while he is gone. So not fair when you haven't grown since 8th grade!!!!

I enjoyed spending the past week with my family. I will miss it as school will start in a week. Yep, I got reaccepted into the nursing program for block 2! It's a huge blessing. I am very excited and nervous. I know this time I'll kick some major behind. I guess taking it over is kinda like a refresher course....? Who knows. At least I'll be done in a year :-]

Bye bye appendix

This was taken yesterday before surgery.... after surgery wasn't so pretty. Well, my grumbling appendix is gone! Yay! Except right now I'm still really hurting. I'm just happy I won't have to deal with all that pain anymore! I'm so glad the surgeon found what was wrong and that it actually ended up being my appendix afterall. What would we do without modern medicine?
I definitely have a greater appreciation for the nurse-patient relationship now. Oh man.... Blaine has been taking excellent care of me. Getting up and trying to move around is the PITS. Seriously, I couldn't have done this without all his help. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers! :-] Hopefully I'll be back to speed sooner than later :-]

Dad

Today is my dad's 66th birthday! :-] I wanted to create a post dedicated to him, because well, he deserves it dang it! If I had a scanner, this post would be loaded with older pictures, but this is all I have to work with.

I am so grateful to my dad and his wonderful example to me. He has a hilarious sense of humor, he is fiesty and stubborn (it's the salsa in his blood), and never, never, never gives up. He is a true fighter. He is so lucky to be alive after the numerous open heart surgeries he has gone through. He has always been so kind, sweet, and caring. To me, he has always been an amazing example of what charity should be. My mom shared a story with me a long time ago when my parents lived in California (I'm not sure if I was born yet or not), my parents had stopped at a McDonalds. They saw a hispanic family and the dad was telling the family that they did not have enough money to eat. My dad overheard their conversation, took a $20 out of his wallet, and said, "I found this $20 over there, is this yours?" The family said "No." He replied, "Well, I don't know who it belongs to. Here, take it. I don't need it." The family was so grateful. I get choked up every time I think of that story. My dad has always been like that since I can remember. He even came to my rescue at 2 am when I was stranded in Peoria after my car broke down from working a night shift. I know he would give anyone the shirt off his back. He is such an example to me and I love him soooo much!! :-]


He has always been supportive of us! No matter what we do. My brothers, sisters, and I. He supports my brother, Eddie, being a priest in the Catholic church and supports my brother, Andy, in being a missionary. He has supported us in all our decisions. I'm grateful that no matter what I do in life, he will always be backing me up 100%.

Eddie's ordination


Andy's first time going through the temple

His birthday 2 years ago

He has always taken my brother and I, as well as our friends, to Disneyland! We had season passes for a few years and we would go every month with him :-]

Edie's wedding

This picture makes me laugh :-]

He is always making me laugh. As you can see, we're ALL laughing :-]

I love you Dad!! :-]

Things that have had me laughing lately

Cali not wanting to walk through the sprinklers, but I make her anyway....
This kitty just chilling in the grass on one of our walks with Cali.... Cali chased it away though.

Cali ABSOLUTELY HATING bath time....

But she always feels good after :-]

And then sleeping with her bum haning off her bed....

Blaine :-] As always.... :-]

Blaine taking pictures of me while I'm laughing makes me laugh harder....

My Dad :-] He's hilarious without even trying to be :-]

He's finally retiring this summer.... I think he looks AMAZING!! Would you ever guess he's almost 66?

Laughter truly is the best medicine :-] Unless it makes your stomach hurt worse than it's already hurting :-]