Sometimes you need Cherry Pie

Happy Friday friends! I could not be more glad that it's here (and that I don't have work!) because this week has been extremely crazy, stressful, and other things that ended up with an hour and a half long cry-sesh yesterday but I felt immensely better afterward. Let me tell you, if you ever want to buy a house, do it during a peaceful, event-free time in your life. Not when you're already trying to juggle 10 other things. 
So now that I'm done with that, it's time for a Friday Favorites post, it's been a while!
Favorite Tweets
I get so annoyed every time I see one of their Keek tweets. I don't know what Keek is, but I'm already social media'd out.

Kardashians: Stop trying to make Keek happen, it's not going to happen!

— Kristen Victoria (@KVConfessions) February 20, 2014

Me, every time I drink any hot drink. Tongue burns for days.

I don't always drink hot tea but when I do I always burn the shit out of my mouth.

— Whitney Ellen (@WhitneyEllen) February 17, 2014

#fatkid status right here. I love me some twizzlers.

Every time the announcer says "twizzle," I want Twizzlers. #fattyforlife #WinterOlympics

— Jena Roach (@RecentlyRoached) February 17, 2014

Hallelujah for warm weather! It was 77 here on Wednesday, and even though it was overcast, I LOVED every minute of it.

It's going to be 70 degrees here on Thursday! Sweet deal!

— Jackie (@YankeeGirl_SW) February 16, 2014

Favorite Pin I died over and over and laughed so hard. I need this in my life.



Favorite Blog Posts
Do you read The Fairy Princess Diaries? I hope you said yes, because if you said no then you need to reevaluate some of your life choices. This post she wrote on valentines day was extremely accurate and I think every girl (single or otherwise) should read it. I hate to admit that I'm guilty of one or two of the behaviors listed.
Amber of Mr. Thomas and Me always writes these incredible thought provoking posts that usually leave me in awe of her ability to turn every day events into life lessons and heart warming stories. Getting pulled over by a cop was no exception, and her post about it really left me thinking about why we make ourselves out to be so important and self righteous. 
I cracked up yesterday when I read Lisa's stream of thoughts during the Winter Olympics. What is Curling all about anyway? I understand that you are supposed to knock the other team's heavy circle out and get yours in, but there is a lot of yelling. And sweeping. And yelling. I love it.
Favorite Video

#hatersgonnahate
And of course I am linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzup Friday!

Happy Weekend!

Friday Favorites and an Announcement

TGIF! Can I get an Amen?? I don't know about you all, but this week has been ruff. I've either worked or done school things every day of the week (well, I kinda got a free day Wednesday, but I'm not really counting that because I was still pretty productive) and I am pooped. I don't know what was different from fall break to winter break, but these first few weeks of school have hit me like a wrecking ball.

After a 9 mile trail ride at Swayback bridge. Nothing to do with this post whatsoever, but it's a pretty picture.

Not only do I have class once a week for EIGHT hours and then another eight hour clinical, but I work 2-3 12 hour shifts a week and then (on days like today) I get called in to my old job when they are swamped. So while I had a perfectly relaxing Friday full of Netflix, blog designing, and wearing stretchy pants planned, life was busy planning otherwise.
On the plus side, I'm wearing a maxi skirt so that's almost as awesome as stretchy pants. 
Oh, and in addition to all of that craziness I mentioned above, I also have to fit in 84 hours of precepting in there somewhere. Also family time, studying, homework, and blogging. Something's got to give. Obviously I'm not going to put school (my last semester!) on the back burner, nor am I going to slack in my work, so that only leaves one thing. This lil ole blog of  mine.
I have made the tough decision to stop accepting sponsors (if you're currently a sponsor, look for my email) and I will only be doing blog designs one at a time. Not five at a time like over the last two or three weeks. It is just too much for my brain to handle at one time. I am open, however to button swapping (I love a good button!) so if you're interested in that, please email me!
Obviously this is all very temporary, until after graduation and passing NCLEX (pray for me). Then I will have all the free time in the world for this blog, my design site, and piano lessons, which is something I've wanted to do for years and I've finally made the decision that I'm going to do it. Who cares if I'm almost 24. I want to play the piano dammit.
And now, because it's Friday, I'm going to leave you with some of my favorites for the week:
Favorite Blog Posts Writing for Fun by Whitney from I Wore Yoga Pants to Work. Although I didn't agree with every single aspect of her post, homegirl had some good points to make. If you haven't read it yet, get your azz over there and do so this instant!
Euphoric Happiness and 11 Causes, by Brooks at The Handey Way. I absolutely loved this post, I've had the idea sort of floating around in my brain for a little while and the way Brooks put it in to words was amazing. It's a reminder to stop and look around at all of the beautiful things life has to offer. (PS Brooks, can I steal this idea??)
Thoughts on Making it Official, by Lisa at Two Martinis. Being one of those couples who have talked about marriage a lot but aren't actually engaged, I really enjoyed reading this post from Lisa. Her reasons for getting married were awesome (just like her) and it makes me even more excited for my (eventual) marriage.
Favorite Video
This kid is seriously the cutest thing. Ever. In the history of ever. Don't argue with me. And his piano skills. I can't even. I wonder if I will ever be that good.
As is the Friday tradition, I am linking up with Whitney to back my azz up into the weekend.

How to: Dutch-braided crown

Well guys, I made it to another round of #vloglikeaboss with Ashten, you should be proud. However, this was filmed around 9:30 last night (aka past my bedtime) so excuse me if I look a little tired. Or say things that don't make sense. Also this is my very first ever in the history of ever tutorial. I hope you like it. 

Favorite posts of the week: Meg made a 2014 bucket list of things that scare her a little Ashten told us about her shit Whitney told us to be the Beyonces of our blogs (technically that was last week but I don't care)
Speaking of Whitney, it's Friday and that means we #backthatazzup today. I'm really tempted to put Pachelbel's Canon in D here, because I can't get enough of it recently, but I will spare you all. But then there's this and I'm sorry not sorry, I freaking love it.

Apologies, but that's really all I've got for you today. It's late and I'm tired. Good day to you.

Vlogging like a boss: Part 3

Like Geez Louise's Facebook page here!

For those of you who are visual learners, here are the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Bloggers (in my opinion):

1. Consistency

2. Content

3. Communication

4. Commenting

5. Social Media

6. Having a voice

7. Staying true to yourself

I would love to hear your opinions about what makes a blogger successful!

And of course I'm linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzup Friday!



 

Haaappyyy Friiiddaaayyy

Hallelujah it's Friday and I could not be more happy. Even though I'm pulling a 12 hour shift today, I could not be more excited for the weekend and spending some quality time with my boo thang and Auburn is playing Tenessee and I am so ready to watch that butt whoopin game (sorry Sarah). Being that it's Friday, let's recap some of my favorite things from this week.

Favorite Tweets

I just feel like people think they need to Instagram everything nowadays because if you don't, DID IT REALLY EVEN HAPPEN?

I might go to the farmer's market tonight and if I do I'm going to instagram the shit out of it. That's what FM's are for, right?
— Jay T (@OtherJuliette) November 7, 2013

So much yes to this. I hate pants, period. Trying them on, wearing them. Anything to do with them

Does anyone else own a ton of shirts but only a few pairs of pants because they hate trying on pants?
— Ashten (@alwaysashten) November 7, 2013

Favorite Blog Posts

Helene addressed an extremely controversial article published in her Alma Mater newspaper. The article essentially says that if women would quit drinking, they wouldn't get raped. All I could see was red after I read the article, however Helene addressed it very eloquently and raised awareness all over the blogging community. (Read the original article here)

Erin wrote about being scared, angry, and proud over her little brother's decision to enlist in the Army. I have family in the US Military and I silently thank them, and the many other men and women, that choose to fight everyday for my freedom and for yours. This post definitely got me teary eyed. If you haven't thanked a soldier, marine, airman, or sailor recently, do so today.

Brooks talked about the struggle that is finding our voices as bloggers. Sometimes I still don't feel like I know exactly what my "voice" is supposed to be around these parts, but every day I feel my writing sounding more like my true self.

Favorite Video

And of course I'm linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzup Friday because duh.



I can't stop listening to this song. I feel like I'm late to the party but better late than pregnant.

Friday Favorites

Is it just me or has this week flown by? Maybe its because I spent the better part of two days on some pain meds. Today I'm linking up with Lindsey for another edition of Friday Favorites!

 

Favorite Good News

If you read Wednesday, then you know that I fell and broke my arm Tuesday night. No fun at all. After going to the orthopedic specialist though, I got some good news! My arm didn't have to be put in a cast, and I should have full use back in just a few weeks!

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to participate in the tri I've been training for.

 

Favorite Blog Posts

Helene's post about TomorrowWorld has me in fits, I'm absolutely dying to go. It may be a little bit of an understatement to say that I'm jealous she's going. Who wants to go with me?? (I'm totally serious)

 

Juliette's post about crazy things guys say had me snorting at my desk, mainly because they were so true and I've had a lot of similar experiences. Some most guys can be so clueless!

 

Favorite Recipe

This recipe for peach and pecan crumble bars had my mouth watering.

I've been loving desserts featuring fruits lately (that means they're healthy, right?) and this one looks amazing.

Favorite Article

Auburn football and Gus Malzahn have been all over the news recently (here), and it's getting me so so excited for football season. Now that Derek isn't in school studying, we'll have a lot more weekends free to head up to the plains and tailgate with our friends.

Do I think Auburn will go back to the NC this year? Maybe not. But then again, maybe so. I'm just super pumped to see what Malzahn can do for the team. War Eagle.

 

Favorite Song

Per usual, time to backthatazz up with Whitney! 

 

      Linking up for H54F and Fan Friday!

Women and sports

Men can use sports as a common ground. If you have 10 guys in a room, 9 of them are sports fanatics. Whether it's baseball, football, soccer, or (like Derek) "extreme" sports like BMX, motocross, and jet skis. Men talk about sports to avoid talking about sensitive subjects such as feeling fears and emotions. Most men can at least find one thing in common with another guy, and it usually has something to do with sports: whether they find that they root for the same team, like the same sport, or played the same sport.

My love for Auburn began at a very young age.

 

As a lover of sports and a member of the female gender, I feel like I am in the minority when it comes to sports fans in general. Sure there are women who don't mind watching, or those who will gladly participate in a tailgate for fun. But the women that truly enjoy sports, who played sports, and who can understand the game without phoning a friend are few and far between. Sure I don't know everything, but that doesn't change the fact that I could probably tell you more than the next girl.

At a football game in Troy (where I went to college)

 

So how do you hold your own when it comes to sports talk? Here are some pointers.

 

Talk about what you know. If your thing is football, talk about football. Watch football. Know what play means what and for heavens sakes, don't ask if the blue/yellow/orange/red lines on the field (on TV) are really there. That will get you some side eyes for sure.

 

Don't pretend. If you don't know something or don't enjoy a certain sport, don't pretend like you do. A guy (or anyone for that matter) will have way more respect for you if you simply admit "I don't really like/understand basketball." Than if you say something like "OMG I can't believe they didn't call a foul ball on that play."

 

Stick to your guns. If you root for a team that your friends or fellow game-watchers aren't a fan of, so what? There's no shame in rooting your team on, even if their not winning. Especially if their not winning, because this shows that you're a real fan and not a "bandwagoner."

Football game in Auburn (WAR EAGLE) with some friends from high school.

 

Help a sister out. Maybe your friend came to the tailgate with you because she just reeeallly thinks John is cute, and she doesn't have a clue what is going on during this football game. Share the love and enlighten her. You don't have to go in to details, but you can at least makes sure she knows the difference between a field goal and first down. Or a double dribble and a bounce pass if you're watching basketball.

 

Celebrate. Be effing proud when your team wins. High five, chest bump, shotgun a beer. Whatever you do, do it loud and proud because your team just spanked dat tail.

Toomer's Corner after Auburn's 2010 win for the SEC championship.

 

If all else fails, grab some beer and suggest a game of beer pong. Everyone loves beer pong.

Lets back that azz up with some good pre game songs:

 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! Doesn't it feel good just to say that... the weekend is almost here and its time to relax. NOT. For this girl, Friday means pulling a night shift tonight, after working all day on homework, working on a project tomorrow with my awesome group partner, driving to visit my Dad for fathers day/his birthday, working Sunday, and hopefully squeezing in a few hours of sleep.

Whew I'm tired just typing all of that. So on to the point of this post... my favorite things about this week:

Favorite Song

Just Give Me a Reason - Pink ft. Nate Ruess

I've always been a big P!ink fan and ever since the Fun. song We are Young came out last summer, I've pretty much been obsessed with Nate Reuss (I mean, have you seen him?). I also really like the lyrics.

 

Favorite Moment

I made a B on my second test of the semester (technically third, but I don't count the first because it wasn't a "theory" test). I didn't do too hot on the first one because I didn't study like I know I should have. So seeing that grad yesterday really made me proud of myself, and proved that hard work (and studying!) does pay off.

 

Favorite Blog Posts

This letter I wrote to my little brother (technically I wrote this last week, but I don't care, I do what I want). I have read it so many times since writing it and can't help but wish someone would have told me the things I'm telling him.. which is one of the main reasons I wrote it. He shot me a quick text that day telling me how much he loved it (and me) and he plans on saving it so he can read it often.

 

A post about debt that Erin from Love, Fun, and Football wrote from the hilarious point of view of "Sallie and Perkins." Debt is a serious issue, and we should treat it as such. She offered some really helpful hints that her and her husband Sallie and Perkins have begun to implement to bring themselves out of debt. 

 

Favorite Find

 
This necklace from Rad Market. Nadine from Back East Blonde recently featured one of their necklaces on her blog, and I promptly proceeded to head over to their page to drool over everything.

Aaaannnd now its time for me to back mah azz up!

Songs from 08/09 always bring back the best college memories.
 

 What are your favorite things from this week (or whenever)? Link up with Lindsey!

 

I usually don't blush, but...

There was this one time that I was very, very embarrassed. Mortified would probably be a better word.

Back in the day (high school) the guy I dated raced dirtbikes/fourwheelers. He travelled with his family on weekends to race in these races and a few times I joined and we all stayed in their camper and had a great time. We did normal things that normal people do while staying in a camper: grilled out, roasted marshmallows, slept uncomfortably, and walked in on people taking a shadoobie. Wait, you don't do that?

Okay let me lay out the setting for you. I'm 16. I'm staying in a camper with my boyfriend's parents and brother. I am doing everything I can to keep some sort of privacy. I mean I  haven't pooped in over 24 hours because I just don't want to do that in such a small space around people I don't know like that. So I had the bright idea to wait until everyone was watching races and use the bathroom when no one was around. Someone else had that very same idea. So I just walk into the camper, mosey on back to the bathroom, open the door, and BAM there's my bf's dad hanging out on the John with his pants around his ankles. Apologies were made and he made a joke about knocking first, but I knew I would never look at him the same way again.

Mortifying. But wait. There's more.

Oh you thought it couldn't get any worse than walking in on your high school boyfriend's dad sitting on the porcelain throne? It can, my friends. It can.

Later that night (or maybe it was the next day, I try not to think about it often) I decided I wanted a shower, but didn't want to use the shower house (they were gross). So la dee da I'm in the shower just washin' mah hair and la dee da I'm done with my shower. As I slide the door open and reach for the towel, the bathroom door swings open and THERE IS HIS DAD seeing me in all of my glory. I scream, he screams louder, slams the door shut and our relationship is forever changed.

I should have taken this as a sign from the gods then that me and this guy weren't meant to be together. I mean, how can two separately but equally mortifying events happen to one person in the same 24 hours?

Moral of the story: don't go into a bathroom that isn't yours without knocking first. Period. End of story. Thanks.

Oh yeah... its Friday, time to back that azz up for the weekend!

Things that make me uncomfortable

I've seen a lot of pretty faces in blog land doing this Blog Every Day in May challenge that Jenni has come up with. Even though I missed the first two days I decided I still wanted to join in on the fun. She says there are no rules so that means I don't have to follow the prompts every day. Which I like. Because sometimes we like writing about the things that we want to write about. Right? Okay. But today was a good one: Things that make me uncomfortable. There are a lot of things that make a lot of people uncomfortable. Some people don't like it when a stranger stares at them for too long. Or when someone is standing a little too close. Sometimes its when Grandma asks that question... "So when are you and (husband's name) thinking about having kids?" But you want to know what reeeally  makes me uncomfortable? When your MIL and FIL see your undies. Yep.

If you didn't know, I live with my "in laws" (no, Derek and I are not married) but that's what I refer to them as, because it's just easier. It started off being a temporary stay while I looked for an affordable apartment to move in to (the one I was currently living in was WAY too much) but then I hit some bumps with the fine print in my then-lease, and had to pay for an apartment I wasn't living in for two more months. So I stayed longer. Then Derek decided that I should just stay until we buy a house. Easy peasy. We're both saving money by not having to pay rent. The only thing.... it's SO AKWARD. Things that make me uncomfortable while living with my in-laws:

1. I can't walk around in my underwear. When I was living by myself this was a daily thing. I hate wearing pants so there was no point to dirtying a pair up if I'm just by myself at home. Nope, not anymore though. Fully clothed, all the time now.

2. Getting midnight snacks wakes the dog up. Then Derek's dad comes out to see if everything is okay. Yep... just have the munchies at 2 am. Now I've seen you in your jammies. Cool beans.

3. His mom does my laundry. This is where the underwear thing comes in to play. I've tried and tried to tell her she doesn't have to do my laundry. But every day when I get home from work, there's a nice stack of clean clothes on the living room couch. Now, she's a woman. She understands that us girls gotta have cute undies. But it's another thing for your future FIL to see them. Its just not right.

4. I have to be super clean. If you know me, you know that sometimes my room has a little "clutter" by clutter I mean, shoes, clothes, and the contents of my pockets can be found on the floor, bed, dresser, or night stand. I can't help it. Its in my nature (thanks KK). But one day I came home to find all of my "clutter" gone. It was strange knowing someone was cleaning up after me so now I make a point to keep everything neat. (Which I guess isn't such a bad thing)

5. No wine with supper. Not that I'm an alcoholic or anything, but I do enjoy a glass of wine every now and then. Not anymore, its a no-no to drink "just because I feel like it" while I'm here.

 

I would like to say though, that I am eternally greatful for these wonderful, awesome people for giving me a roof over my head, free of charge. And even if it gets a little awkward sometimes, I still love them with all my heart.

 

Now for our favorite part of Fridays. It's time for #backthatazzup with Whitney!
 

 

 Side story: one night in college it was "DJ Night" at a local bar where they usually had live bands. Let me just say that this brought out the real hard-core gangsters. And when this song came on, each and every one of them were on the dance floor, literally jumping up and down and "throwing up" whatever they were reppin'. And I was in the middle of it. I'll say that it was one of the more scary moments of my life. Also one of the most fun. For 6 minutes and 13 seconds, I felt like a real life Gangsta.

 

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I also have this super exciting giveaway for you guys! 

Today, I, along with six other fabulous bloggers, am co-hosting the second month of the Favorite Things Giveaway, put on by Lindsey and Jaime! Basically every month we let you pick your favorite thing to win. Some months we will give you a copule options, a them, or leave it totally up to you!

This month is centered around Mother's Day. If you haven't already gotten your mother something, you have the opportunity to pick out up to $80 worth of Pandora jewelry. How awesome is that?!

 

1 /2 /3 /4 /5 /6 /7 /8 /9

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you're interested in co-hosting next month's giveaway, you can get more information here.
 

Its Friday...

 Sorry if you get a headache from this GIF. Or an annoying song stuck in your head.

Aaaannd because it's Friday, it's time to back dat azz UP with Whitney.



This song started blaring from my phone the other day while I was hanging out in the kitchen with Derek's mom. It took every fiber of control I had not to start werkin it right there in front of her.

Friday Letters

Dear blog, you are growing every day with new followers and readers. I am trying to pay you the attention you deserve, but sometimes it is hard. Sometimes there are more important things than blogging going on in my world. But I am trying. I hope you can see that.

Dear Rain, please go away! Yesterday it was 85 degrees and (mostly) sunny, but I had a lot of errands to run. Now today when I don't have anything to do, its going to rain all day!

Dear Readers, thank you, THANK YOU for reading and following this lil' ole blog here. I know my followers are still only in the double digits, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever even think I would have more than four. Your comments and emails make me smile big smiles.

Dear Boston, my heart aches for you. It is hard to believe that such evil and maliciousness can exist in such a wonderful world. Who would want to hurt athletes? People that trained for months and months just to be able to cross the finish line? Sometimes it is still hard for me to wrap my "glass half full" mind around it. What we have to remember is that even though there is evil and wrong-doers everywhere, the good, and the loving outnumber them tremendously. The city of Boston and all of those affected by Monday's tragedy remain in my heart and in my prayers.

Dear self, the post you read yesterday is still weighing on your mind. You want to be the most Godly woman you can be, but it is hard. But was anything great and wonderful ever achieved without putting forth the effort? No. It takes practice, patience, but I know you can do it.

 

Dear Mo, you are so brave. I know your time will come. And when it does we will cry and laugh and sing together, because you of all people deserve to get everything you want.

Dear Derek, you are my favorite. Every day with you is a blessing and I thank God for you on the reg. I know sometimes we have some disagreements, but know at the end of the day you are the one that makes the next one worth waking up for. I love you.

Dear New Books, I am so excited to read you! I already have way to many books on my hands that are in the "to-read" category, but that's okay. There's nothing wrong that.

The Three Weissmanns of Westport // The Castaways // The Witch's Daughter // The Clover House

Dear school, I know I still have more than a month until you are supposed to start and I should really be enjoying this stress free kind of life I'm living right now... but I am ready to start. I am so so ready to become and RN I can taste it. So please hurry.

 

Linking up for Friday Letters and #backthatazzup.

Living with boys

I've lived with a lot of boys. Don't get the wrong idea here, I'm talking about roommates. I had two male roommates and one girl roommate who's boyfriend pretty much lived with us.

Two of my roommates before a football game.

Here's some benefits of living with the opposite sex:

You've always got someone to mow the lawn. Even though it doesn't particularly bother me to mow grass, most guys will feel un-masculine if they are laying around while a girl is outside mowing the grass. Again, I say most guys.

They will help you lift heavy things. I'm no weakling. But when you're moving a couch, table, or bed, it's nice to have a bigger, stronger pair of hands.

They don't mind supplying beer. Obviously in college, you're going to be drinking every now and then. And there's going to be a few house parties. I don't know if it was just my set of guys, but it was generally understood that they bought the beer.

You've got someone that will appreciate your cooking. If we're talking about your typical college guy, they've probably never been too far away from Mama and will genuinely like anything you cook for them that isn't ramen noodles.

They can act like big brother at the bar. Got some creep trying to get too friendly while you're out? Never fear, your roommate's here. They may even literally step between you and said creep.

They have cute friends. While I firmly believe that if you start off as just roommates, it should always be that way, it doesn't mean you can't flirt with their friends. (Obvs I'm speaking of pre-Derek times)

Me and my other roomie on my 21st Birthday.

And just like every coin has a heads and a tials, here's some not so great things about living with guys:

They will ruin your laundry. Your favorite dress will shrink five inches because they just threw everything in the dryer. And your white shirt will turn pink at some point.

If you do something once, you are expected to do it always. Cleaning the tub? Check. Doing the dishes? Check. Mopping, sweeping, vacuuming? Triple check. Basically don't ever clean up after them or you will always have to.

You are going to smell some funk. We all know it. Boys stink. Literally. They sweat when they do anything. And if they're like most men, they don't do their laundry right away. So the funky clothes get left in their hamper and you have to make them keep their door shut.

They will compare you to their mother. This doesn't need an explanation.

You can't walk around naked. Or in your undies. We all know we do it. From the bathroom to the bedroom. Heck, maybe even in the kitchen. But when living with males that is a no-no.

So there you have it guys. All in all, living with guys was a blast. We were always grilling, laughing, playing video games and having a good time together. And even though we went through some rough patches, I wouldn't trade my experience for anything.

Happy Friday and cheers to the beginning of the weekend!

 

Linking up with Whitney.

April Challenge

I know we're already a few days into April, but it's never to late to start something.

Lately, I've been feeling like my gym routine has been a little redundant. I do the same thing, every week. I go at the same times every day. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I don't even break a sweat. Guys. This is a problem. You're supposed to sweat at the gym. So for the month of April my challenge is this: do more today than I did yesterday. Plain and simple.

I'm going to stop doing the same thing week after week. Wednesday will no longer be "back day." It will be "do better than Tuesday day." I'm going to work on strength, conditioning, cardio, stretching, everything. What I do one day, I will do better the next.

The saying goes "If you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done." So I'm going to do everything in my power to get what I want. I'm going to set goals, work on PRs, and essentially, kick some ass (figuratively, of course).

The motivation and idea for this challenge is from reading Heart Shaped Sweat. If you haven't read her blog, do it. Seriously, she is the best thing since sliced bread. I'm putting the Join the Team button on my side bar as a constant reminder for myself, and also to keep me accountable. So, wish me luck readers, I'll probably need it.

If this song doesn't get  you crunk then I don't think anything can.



 

Happy Friday! Linking up with the ever fabulous Whitney and Leslie today. TTFN

I get knocked down

Do you ever have those days where you just feel down, and unlike the song says you don't get back up again? Well that's the day I had yesterday. I'm still feeling a lot of emotions right now so I'm kinda just writing as it comes to me. Apologies in advance if this post is unorganized and hard to follow. So back to the emotions I'm feeling:

Anger. I am angry because people take advantage of me. People take advantage of me because I am nice, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Which has turned into other people expecting me to do things for them. Things I'm not supposed to do. Things that they don't do because, frankly, they are too lazy and they know I'll just do it anyway. (If you're lost here, I'm talking about work probz and I'm not going to get too specific because of that).

I am angry because I am being ignored. When I ask for the help of my superiors, it's not because I'm trying to get out of doing work. It's because I genuinely need help or need something to be changed that I don't have the authority to change. When you've asked for something to happen multiple times  and nothing has come from it, it makes a person angry. And discouraged.

Discouraged. I am discouraged because I find myself trying hard and putting forth my best effort every day when it comes to my work. And in my line of work, it's necessary to do your best. These are people's lives I'm dealing with every day. Even though I'm doing my best work possible, it seems like it's never good enough. There is always something I forgot, or didn't do exactly right. Or I'm playing  catch up at the end of the day, trying to finish everything that I'm supposed to do. It never seems like I'm doing enough, when I'm doing all that I can.

Frustrated. I am frustrated because no one knows what I'm going through. Obviously some people do (like other nurses), but not any of my immediate friends or family. The best metaphor I can come up with is that nursing is like a huge, ongoing group project where you never meet the other half of the group. You know there is always that one person in the group that slacks off, and because you don't want a bad grade, you grudgingly finish what they started (or failed to do altogether). That is what nursing can sometimes be like.

I'll finish with saying that I'm also proud. I am proud because, through all of the frustration, anger, and discouragement, I still get up in the morning and go to work. I try not to complain too often. I go to work smiling, excited about the day ahead. Because, really, I love my job. Wait, what? Didn't you just get through listing 27 reasons why you don't like it? Negative. There are certain aspects of my job that aren't my favorite but for the most part I can't get enough of it. Seeing my patients' faces light up when I enter the room brings me joy like nothing else.

Some days can just be worse than others. Where the small things become the big things and you become overwhelmed. I already feel so much better getting all of this out of my system. And I know that one day, it will be better. Right now I am pretty much the low man on the totem pole, but after a few years, a little more school, and a lot of hard work, I will be on top. I have no doubt about it.

.



Linking up with Whitney.

 

PS Sorry for all the words. If you actually read them all before skipping to the end, snaps to you! Happy Friday and cheers to getting back up again, and cheers to my BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!

To whom it may concern

So I'm sitting here, in my bed, at 9:47 on a Friday morning. I feel like ish ran over. I don't have anything to say except I want to go back to sleep. I can't even really be that excited about it being Friday, because I have to work the next three days, holla! Don't get me wrong, I love being a nurse, but sometimes I wish I had a M-F job. Such is life. Since I'm being lazy and don't feel like using my noodle, I'm going to write some letters.

Dear Head, you have been hurting me all week. First a migraine that sent me home from work, and now just dull throbbing. Please stop. I don't even remember the last time I had an alcoholic beverage (okay it was last weekend) but really, I haven't over done it so I don't know why you're punishing me.

Dear Craisins, I don't know why you have to be so addicting, but you are. I seriously cannot go one day without stuffing hundreds of tiny dried cranberries into my mouth. (At least you're better than the reeses eggs that have made their way into my belly)

Dear Laundry, you have been washed, dried, carried up the stairs, and folded. Can't you just put yourself away? Why do I have to do everything for you?

Dear Phone, I'm sorry I forgot to charge you last night. Thanks for not dying at the gym, I really needed Pandora today.

Dear Derek, you know I love you so much. But no, I will not tell you what I want for my Birthday. Especially not after that water bottle incident yesterday. But really, thanks for loving me back always even when I'm a crazy person. That's why you da best.

Love, Kalyn

In honor of my birthday being two weeks away:

(Sorry Mom, you're probably not going to appreciate this one) 

When I die, bury me inside the booty club.