I never thought...

The other day Juliette posted a few things that she never thought she'd do/like and I liked the idea so much that I told her I was going to steal it, then she went and made it into a link up! 

I never thought I'd...
...enjoy mountain biking. The first time I tried it, it was alright. I fell a few times, and I didn't have a terrible time but it wasn't something I was too excited about. But after trying it a few times, I think I fell in love. I'm no pro, but it's something that I've definitely grown to love. The adrenaline and feeling of accomplishment are hard to beat!
...be a gym rat. Throughout high school, I was athletic (and by that I mean I played every sport possible) so I was in shape. During college, the sports went a way but I went through bouts of "exercising" for a few weeks at a time but quit because it was hard and I'd rather sleep in or something equally as lazy. Now, I'm up before 5 in the morning (never thought I'd be a morning person either) to hit the gym 4-5 times a week.
...take 6 years to graduate college. With an associates. I'm almost ashamed of it, but I told myself a long time ago that it isn't about how fast I get done, but the fact that I never gave up. Even though I'm still "in college" (and probably will be for several years to come) I don't feel like a "college student." I've had a career and bills and other grown up things for over two years now so I think that counts me out.
...be able to go a day (and sometimes two!) without washing my hair, but it's getting easier and easier!
...live anywhere other than the beach. Before college, my dream was to gradate and move back to southern Alabama and start my life there. But life (and Derek) happened and now I'm living in central Alabama, three hours away from the beach. 
...meet people that I met on the internet. But blogging is so awesome and it allows me to do just that! I recently told one of my best IRL friends that I'd not only met, but drove three hours to hang out with another blogger TWICE. She didn't say I was weird or anything but I could totally tell she didn't quite get it.
...be a DIY person. And really, I still don't know if I will be, but I've been bitten by the DIY but hard. There are so many things I want to do to decorate my apartment (and future home) like this metallic vase Brooks made. That's another thing I'll be adding on my "things to do after I graduate" list.
...like the color pink or chocolate. Oh wait... I still don't like those.
What are some things you never thought you'd do?

The Bump It List - A link up!

When Brooks came to me with the idea of co-hosting a link up with her, I was so super excited. First of all, I love link ups, I think they're a great way to discover new bloggers and make new friends. Second of all, this was a great idea! It reminds me of my unresolutions because instead of a "bucket list" we are writing a "bump it" list.... a list of all the things I never want to do before I die!

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Who: Link up with myself or BrooksWhat: think about all the things that you'd never want to do before you die. Basically the opposite of a bucket list.When: Today!How: Grab the button code above and paste it on the bottom of your post. Link up and visit other blogs and see everyone else's list!
I've talked about running an Iron Man and going Paleo before, but here a a few more things I don't think I'd ever want to do:
1. Get a lip tattoo.You may or may not know (I can't remember if I've talked about it) but I have one tattoo. It's located on my upper middle back and it's my name in Japanese. No, I've never been to Japan. Yes, I know it's spelled/written correctly because I did a lot of research and created the tattoo myself and had a Japanese friend double check my work. Anyway. I don't know what the deal is with people getting tattoos on the inside of their lips. Don't people know that your mouth is the part of your body with the most and grossest bacteria? Not to mention you have to pull your lip out like a baboon for anyone to see it. To me the idea is just ridiculous.
2. Move to another country.Being a blogger, I guess I am exposed to a lot of different travel and expat blogs and it gives me wanderlust like whoa. There are so many places I'd love to visit (Thailand, New Zealand, pretty much all of Europe, and Italy just to name a few) but I could never see myself living in another country, even if it was just for a short period of time. It was something I would have loved to try in college, when I had no responsibilities or serious relationships to worry about, but now it is just something that wouldn't work out.
3. Open a restaurant.Been there, done that. Although it was pretty cool to say my parents owned and ran their own restaurant, it wasn't always fun. There were late nights and weekends where I couldn't hang out with my friends because I had to help out. I don't (in any way) resent my parents for the restaurant, but I truly believe it is an experience that I can have just once, and I'll be okay with it.
4. Get another perm.I will spare you guys the pictures. It wasn't that bad... but my hair is naturally pretty wavy so it isn't like I really needed a perm. But I was 16 and I didn't listen to anyone and I got a perm. Then I cried and cried. Then I cut my hair off above my shoulders, making the whole thing look that much worse. Hand on the Bible, never ever again.
What are some things on your Bump-It list?? Link up below!

Another Wishlist + Awesome Announcement!

You know what happens when you are really really really busy? You forget about your birthday.
Thankfully, I didn't miss it or anything, but I actually forgot about it until a day or two ago. It's less than a week away. I have a presentation due that day, so you can probably assume I'm really pumped about it. I also have a bachelorette party to attend the weekend after, which sounds all well and good but it isn't exactly what I want to be doing the weekend of my birthday. Oh well, I'll have more I guess.
But while we're on the subject of my birthday, why not let me tell you all some of the things on my wishlist this year.

I've been loving anything with cats on it recently so this tank top is perfect, and I'm really not a fan of pants so I've been stocking up on maxi skirts because they're probably the best piece of clothing ever invented. I love this mint green one.
I haven't bought a new pair of tennis shoes in almost two years so I think it's time for some new ones. I've mentioned before how much women's athletic shoes annoy me with all of the neon and all of the pink so I am really loving these black and white Nike's.
As you know, I got a really awesome camera for Christmas and now it's time for some accessories. A new lens is probably at the top of my list as a must, but this linen camera bag comes in a close second. I actually wouldn't mind both (hint hint). 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'm also super excited to announce that I'll be co-hosting a really fun link up with Brooks, from The Handey Way.

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Who: Link up with myself or Brooks What: think about all the things that you'd never want to do before you die. Basically the opposite of a bucket list. When: Next Thursday, April 3rd How: Grab the button code above and paste it on the bottom of your post. Link up and visit other blogs and see everyone else's list!

Top Five Songs of 2013

As 2013 is coming to an end, undoubtedly we are all going to do a lot of "looking back" and "reflecting" on the past year and how we've "grown" etcetera etcetera. Myself included, which is why I loved the idea that the ever-brilliant Helene came up with, and that is picking all or our favorite songs from 2013!

Pearl Jam - Sirens

Pearl Jam has always been my jam (haha get it?) and this song is absolutely no exception. The great thing about it is that it isn't one of those songs that gets overplayed on the radio so I never got to the point where I was tired of it. Listening to it as I type and it is definitely going to be one of those songs I love forever. Favorite lyric: "I could take your hand, and feel your breath. For feel that someday this will be over, I pull you close, so much to lose"

Eminem ft. Rihanna - Monster  

These two, they can do no wrong. Separately they are great, together they're brilliant. I've always been a big fan of Eminem and when he and Rihanna came out with Love the way You Lie, I couldn't stop listening and this song didn't disappoint either. Favorite lyric: "Fame may be a balloon 'cause my ego inflated."

Rihanna ft Mikky Ekko - Stay

My original plan was to not have duplicate artists, but this song. The first time I heard it, I was like what is this magic coming out of my speakers. And it's been history ever since. Favorite lyric: "All along it was a fever, a cold sweat hot-headed believer."

Maklemore & Ryan Lewis - Thrift Shop

The first tie I heard this song, I was listening to my "Workout" Pandora station on a run through our neighborhood. I loved that it was kind of funky and essentially made fun of people buying ridiculously expensive name brand clothes. Favorite lyric: "Dressed in all pink except my gator shoes, those are green."

Avicii - Wake me Up

I don't remember the first time I heard this song, but I've always been a fan of house music (isn't that the "technical" term, Helene?) but I was never so into it that I knew all the artists or anything like that. But I knew I would like this song, and I'm sad it's becoming one of those overplayed ones. Oh well, you can't win them all. Favorite lyric: "Life's a game made for everyone and love is the prize."

Runners Up:
Paramore - Still into you
Lorde - Royals
Miley Cirus - Wrecking Ball
Ellie Goulding - Burn
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
Any song on Beyonce new album

What were your favorite songs of 2013?

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!



 

Harry Potter Link-up!

    

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Harry Potter.

Those two words together mean more to me, more to my generation, than any other two words combined, in my humble opinion. When I had the idea for this link up, I was so excited to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences with Harry Potter (and I still am) but over the past few days, each time I sat down to write this post, I found myself at a loss for words. Unable to put into black and white all of my feelings on the subject. It's like the first time your boyfriend asks you "Why do you love me?" and you just stare blankly with this dumbstruck look on your face knowing that there are SO MANY reasons, but you just can't find the right words and you end up saying something a little dumb.

My favorite moments/quotes from the series:
(Be warned, if you have never read/watched the series, there are a few spoilers ahead)

"Yer a wizard, Harry"

One of my favorite parts to read was when Harry found out he was a wizard, and re-reading that part still makes me excited. To me, it is where the story really begins. Once you reach this point, you're hooked, you can't put the book down because you just have to know. Who is this big guy and where did he come from? Is he a wizard to? What will happen to Harry now?

When Harry finds out Sirius is his Godfather

Throughtout the whole book, everyone hates Sirius, we are all worried about him killing Harry in the middle of the night and we just want him to be dead. Then during the climax of the book, we find out that Peter is the real bad guy and that Sirius is Harry's long lost Godfather. I felt so much joy when I finally found out that Harry would finally have his own family. If I ever wanted to change anything about the books, it would be that Harry would have gotten to live with Sirius at the end of Prizoner of Azkaban.

"What exactly is the function of a rubber duck?
(Harry meets the Weasleys for the first time)

This is one of my favorite parts because it shows us what living is a wizarding home is like, and even though we've met most of the Weasly children, this is the first time we meet Mr. and Mrs. Weasly, who are two of my favorite characters. I particularly love the clock in the Weasly home (the one that tells all of the family members' locations), which unfortunatly isn't highlighted in the movies much.

"Expecto Patronum!"

(Harry produces his first corporeal patronus)

This is when Harry has gone back in time to save Sirius (and himself) from the dementors. Up to this point, Harry hasn't produced his stag patronus yet, and he believes it was his father that he saw across the lake. When Harry realizes that it was him all along, he was able to produce the stag, because he knew he had already done it before. How's that for a time warp headache?

"I'd try putting it in the water, if I were you"

(Myrtle helps Harry solve the Golden Egg mystery)

Even though this part wasn't big in the actual book, it was hilarious in the movie. I think it is the first time we ever see Harry shirtless and I remember it being particularly funny that Myrtle was swimming around in the bath with him. It also really made me want a bathtub like that.

The Quidditch World Cup

Why is Harry wearing red? He didn't go for Bulgaria...

This was in Goblet of Fire, which was my favorite book out of the whole series, which is why I think I was most disappointed in the Goblet of Fire movie rendition. I feel like they left a lot out and that hurt the (movie) story line, especially the Quidditch World Cup, because this is where we learn about Winky (who isn't even a character in the movie) Bartie Crouch, Ludo Bagman (also not in the moive) and several other character references that would have been needed later in the story. Oh well.

"You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death from the pain of it"

Dumbledore to Harry after Sirius's death

I was so shocked by Sirius's death in Order of the Phoenix, I never thought he would leave before the end of the series, especially since he had been with us for such a short time. Dumbledore says this to Harry while Harry is destroying the Headmaster's office, and it is the conversation in which we learn how much Dumbledore cares about Harry, since he had been essentially ignoring him prior to Harry's attempted rescue of Sirius.

"I'm going to keep going until I succeed - or die. Don't think I don't know how this might end. I've known it for years."

Harry finds out that he must die because he is a horcrux

I was never one of those people to read theories or spoilers before books, and I didn't spend a lot of time analyzing things, so I didn't exactly see this one coming. But it is one of the best parts of the story because it truly shows how brave Harry is. That he would die to save the whole wizarding world, giving them the same protection that his mother gave him when she died.

Of course there are so many more moments I love, moments I feel like I'm leaving out, moments and words that will be a part of me forever. For now though, these will do.

Mischief Managed.

Please take the time to visit other links and follow your host and co-hosts! The goal of this link-up is for everyone to make new friends!

How to get under my skin (part II) + ANNOUNCEMENT

I have written before about a few things that really bug me, that just get under my skin and cause me to have fits of rage inside my head because I'm not one to call people out. Although maybe I should start, it would probably make me feel better.

Kids running rampant in public
I don't understand what people are thinking when they think it is acceptable to let their brats children run around Target like a damn hooligan. It's not just running around, either. It's yelling. It's touching all the things. it's running in front of my shopping cart to where I have to slam on the breaks so their incompetant mother doesn't yell at me for trying to run over her kid. Seriously, if you can't control your child, put a leash on it. Or leave it at home. And don't give me crap about "you don't know what it's like because you don't have kids..." blah blah blah. My little brother was a holy terror growing up, but you better believe he minded in Wal-Mart or he would get his butt tore up when he got home, and he knew it.

Bad drivers
I don't mean bad drivers when I am driving my car (I think we covered that last time). I mean you being a bad driver when I am a passenger in your car. If you're going to text and drive, do it without me. Also, don't ride in the left hand lane going five below the speed limit while people are passing on the right side giving me the stink eye when I'm not even the one doing anything wrong.

Stubbing my toe
I seriously don't think there is anything worse than stubbing my toe. TWICE I've stubbed my toe so bad that I lost a toenail. On the same toe. Thankfully there were several (like 12) years of recovery between the two losses, but still, that ain't no fun.

Someone bashing something they've never tried
I don't know what it is, but when I hear someone saying they "don't like _____," but they have never actually TRIED _____, it really rubs me the wrong way. Commonly people do it with food. Or sports. You can't say you don't like baseball if don't know what a strike is and you've never watched an inning in your life. I also listened to a woman RANT about certain books that she would just NEVER let her children read because they were full of evil and witchcraft. She was talking about Harry Potter. I seriously could have flipped my lid but I just pointedly took out my copy of Goblet of Fire and read, knowing how unhappy of a person she must be.

Are there certain things that just get under your skin?

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Speaking of Harry Potter, I'm SUPER EXCITED to announce my first ever link-up!

HARRY POTTER LOVERS LINK UP!!   
Write about anything Harry Potter related... What character did you relate to most or who would you want to trade shoes with for a day, favorite quotes from the books, books vs. movies, favorite book in the series, etc.    
What: A Harry Potter link-up party   When: Next Wednesday, October 30    Who: Link up with Kalyn, Morgan, Sara, Ashten, or Melissa    How: Grab the code for the button in the box below and add it to your post   
   

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I was really really nervous about hosting my first link up, but these ladies convinced me it would be so much fun. I'm super pumped about it so spread the word and get to work on your HP themed posts!

If you have ever wondered what I looked like as a bleach blonde

Buying my first beer. Sorry but 2 am pictures are never of good quality.

Today I am linking up with Juliette and Allie (and a few other awesome ladies) to tell you all (or all that I remember) about my 21st birthday. 

I decided to visit my parents that weekend (or half of the weekend) so they could see me on my birthday. The evening before my birthday I met up with my bestest bestest friend and hung out before she had to go home (she had to work, boo) then went with a few friends to the local hole in the wall "bar" in my hometown. I say "bar" with quotations because it is really just a rennovated dump that I'm pretty sure has been there for 20+ years. I've never went there growing up because it was known to host a "rough crowd" but being that it was the only place that served alcohol after midnight, it would have to do. We got there at 11:50 and the door lady didn't want to let me in. I kindly explained that I would be 21 in just 10 minutes... so she not so kindly said she'd have to ask the owner. He didn't have a problem with it. Once he walked away she said something along the lines of "I better not see you with a drink in your hands until midnight or you're outta here." Power trip much? 

Thankfully there was a local band playing I ended up running into some old friends that I hadn't seen/hung out with in over a year and I was having a pretty good time until the band took a break right at midnight and the owner of the bar got on stage and announced that "somebody was having a birthday tonight and I'd like her to come up on stage!" as he pulled up a chair right in the middle of the stage. He then instructed me to sit on the chair and wait for my prize. 

As I sat down he announced over the mike that I would be open for lap dances for the next few minutes, and he wasn't kidding. THANKFULLY I only got "lap dances" from my friends and no one got too dirty except one guy who will remain nameless that tried to take his pants off but I was saved from that by another guy doing the worm. The rest of the night is a blur from there, and I haven't had a blue MFer since then but here are some fun pictures of the next day (my actual birthday).

My mom took me out to Wintzell's where I had delicious food and another legal beer.

Then we went home so she could take pictures of me (because she's a mom). And I needed one of her pretty face too!

That night I went back to Troy to celebrate with my college friends. There were jello shots, mexican food, something called "liquid marijuana" (don't worry parents it was just liquor, not drugs), someone falling into a hole, and riding around on a golf cart in the middle of the night through my neighborhood.

The flaming shot...

I don't recommend it...

Solid recovery though

Pulling out the golf cart. 

I debated on adding this one, but the hilarity of it wins. Perfect 21st birthday.

What did you do on your 21st Birthday?

Blog Inspiration

What inspires me to blog?

Honestly, I couldn't give you just one answer. There's no one thing that inspires me, such as a song or place or idea. Mainly I get my blog ideas while I'm drifting off to sleep, or while I'm at the gym or doing some grocery shopping or sitting in a bathroom. I never know when my next big idea will hit me.

Sometimes I get ideas and then forget about them and then I'm really aggravated with myself until I finally remember again (usually as I'm falling asleep) just to start the whole process over again. I have several "posts" in my draft categories that are really just a sentence, from when an idea struck. I usually come back to these and finish out the post when I can't think of anything else.

When I'm having a really hard time figuring out what to write, I just start typing random thoughts, lists, or letters to people. Sometimes I'll reference the Twitter and write about a trending topic. I've seen other bloggers tweet, asking for some subject matter, and those posts usually turn out pretty humorous. (Maybe I should try?) Sometimes I just browse Pinterest until an idea sparks. If nothing else, I can plan my nonexistent wedding look at funny pictures of cats.

Sometimes I like to go to Starbucks after the gym when I don't have to go to work, it's usually to do homework/projects for school, but I find that any place where I'm "alone" (I don't have anyone to distract me) is a good place for me to get some blogging done. If nothing else, I can just people watch and write about that.

 Sometimes I find really old pictures on my phone and just want to share them because I miss my lil girl so bad. Also because, how freaking cute is she?

What I guess I'm really saying here is that I'm inspired by life in general. I love to write about issues floating around in my head or just my observations on a certain topic. I don't classify myself as a certain "type" of blogger. I write for YOU, my wonderful readers, in hopes that I can make you laugh, shed some light, or at least find someone out there sitting behind their computer screen saying "Yep, me to." 

B&T's Texas Style BBQ aka my first job

Look at me, finally blogging this week. I tell ya, I don't know what's gotten in to me recently. I used to be so good about pumping out a blog post (or two or three) with no problem, and now I can't even get one. I've sat here staring at the blank screen the last two days and nothing was coming to me. Thankfully I am saved by Bonnie from The Life of Bon who is hosting a Throwback Thursday summer link up (with prompts!) and this week we're talking about our first jobs.



My first job was pretty awesome, in that I got to work for my parents after school at their restaurant. I don't know if I've mentioned it before on this lil' ole blog, but my parent's used to own and run a barbeque restaurant. It was pretty awesome. People still ask me about it. The job itself wasn't all that glamorous (there was a lot of dish-washing) and working with my parent's wasn't always awesome (I got fired once) (they re-hired me the same day) but I wouldn't change working there for a million bucks.

Dad on his billboard back home. Pretty much famous.

(unfortunately this is the one of two pictures I have at the time, all other pictures aren't digital and are with my parents)

 

You may (or may not) know that I was raised in Texas and moved "back home" (my parents lived in Atmore until they were married) when I was 15, and my parents decided they wanted to open a BBQ restaurant. It was a lot of hard work (they had to completely gut the building they bought and do all new landscaping) and not to mention the hurricane before opening.

 

The day they planned to have the grand opening, I BEGGED my parents to let me stay home from school and help out. They wouldn't hear anything of it. I called from school and begged some more before lunch. Negative, ghost rider. The next thing I know my aunt (who works at the school) came to my class to get me, telling me that mom called and she needs my help. I was so excited. I had no idea what I was getting myself in to.

 

This picture is actually on a day after the restaurant was closed, but the only other picture I have. As you can see it was nothing much, but that's all we needed.

The line to get in and take your order was literally all the way through the restaurant and out the door. They were completely slammed. My parents had called in several other relatives for backup: my great aunt was in the kitchen making potato salad, her husband was washing dishes, my cousin was answering the phone, and my great-grandmother was running around doing anything and everything she could to help. It. Was. Chaos.

 

I'm not going to get into the details of the whole day (mostly because they're all a blur) but I know that by the end of the night, me, my mom, my cousin, and my dad had all cried at some point, pretty much the whole town of Atmore came to eat, and we had sold out of food (intended for the whole weekend) in one afternoon. It was completely exhausting but such a fun day and one I'll  never forget.

 

Sometimes I wish my parents still ran the restaurant (because the food was freakin awesome) but it had a good run and I think we learned a lot about each other as a family (i.e. there is a such thing as spending too much time with each other) and I also learned a lot about work ethic, washing dishes, and how to make the best (secret recipe) BBQ sauce in the world. 

That one time my boyfriend tried to get me arrested

We all have those stories that start off with "You remember that one time..." and they usually end up being pretty good ones. Well, you better believe I was excited when Meighan announced that she would be hosing a link up where us bloggers tell our "that one time" stories. I've already told you about that time I snuck out, or that time my boyfriend's dad saw me naked, but today is about that time my then-boyfriend (we'll just call him "R") almost got me arrested.

It was my sophomore year in college and the guy I was dating at the time got us tickets to go see Colt Ford in concert with his brother and sister-in-law and some of their friends. Firstly, if you don't know who Colt Ford is, this will give you an idea. He's like a musical Larry the Cable Guy. So this concert was in a huge barn-like arena and the drinks were flowing, not my way because I was underage the designated driver.

At the end of the night we headed back to his brother's house which is in a little place I like to call fum buck Egypt. As we are passing the only gas station in the "town" I notice two cops in the parking lot, pulled up talking to each other. I guess because it's 2 a.m. in the middle of no-where, they are pretty bored so they decide to pull out and follow me. No lights, just following. Until I put on my blinker and turn down the dirt road to the house. Then the lights come on.

Once the cop gets my info and comes back to the car, he asks the dreaded question, "Y'all been drinkin' tonight?" As I am responding with "No, sir" R exclaims "Yep, jusstt a leeetlle bit." Cue side eyes. So the officer and his buddy take R out to the back of my car and they have a little conversation. Officer Bob (that's his name now, just go with it) comes back to the window with a "Ma'am, I'm going to need you to step out of the car." As I'm getting out, slightly pissed at this point, ole Bob is saying that R has already spilled the beans about how much I've drank (somewhere along the lines of 10 beers?). I kindly explain to Bob-o that, no, you must be mistaken because I haven't had a drop. And then.... get this, he actually tells me he can smell it on my breath.

This is when I lose my sheet. I start rambling about power trips and gas-station pow wows and how late it is and that is my driveway right there (really, you could see the mailbox from where we were pulled over) and really, Officer Bob, you are just being really mean right now. I think I caught him off guard because he goes back to talk to his partner, who is still with R. He comes back with a full blown apology, talking about his underage girlfriend that drinks around him and what a big hypocrite he is and blah blah blah. I don't care. I want to go to bed.

Finally, we are able to go the 100 yards to the house and R is laughing so hard. Why, you ask? Because apparently when he told the officers how much "I" had drank that night, he really thought they were asking how much he had drank. Which is why he answered with 10 or so. So really, all of that drama was about a stupid, drunken, misunderstanding. I'm sure if it was humanly possible I would have spit fire at him that night.

 

Do you have any crazy cop stories? 



A day in the life

 

The prompt for blog every day in May today is "A day in the life." So here is a typical work day of mine:

 

0430 - Wake up, get dressed, grab lunch for the day.

0450 - Leave for the gym

0515 - 0615 - Gym flow

0635 - Head to work

0700 - 1930 - Work (tons of fun!)

2000 - Get home, fix dinner, and socialize with my in-laws

2100 - Relaxing (playing COD, blogging, watching tv, etc)

2200 - BED.

Selfies in the break room, no biggie.

 

Wow when you break it down like that, it doesn't seem like much, but by 10 p.m. I am DONE. Like I physically can't function past that time. On days when I have to work late (until 9 or 10) I usually don't go to they gym the next day, unless I'm feeling extra peppy or I don't have to work. Then I can sleep in.

 

For those of you who don't know, I'm a nurse. I work at along term care facility (aka nursing home/rehab facility) and the hours are long and the work is grueling. I love my job, even when I hate it. Here's the part I don't like though, since I made the decision to go back to school, my employer cannot work around my schedule. Which has forced me to leave my full-time, permanent position, and work on a PRN (as needed) basis.

 

I am so torn, because even though I will be getting a much needed break, and I will be able to choose and control the hours/days that I work... I don't want to leave my patients. I will be leaving them in the hands of a brand spankin' new nurse (who I have been training the last week) and it has been a tough transition for me. I'm not going to get into the details because I want to respect the privacy of my co-worker. But I will ask this: will you pray (send good vibes or happy thoughts or whatever it is you do) for me and my co-worker as we make this transition together, because right now it's not easy for either of us. Ultimately it is about the well being of our patients.

 

Whew. When I started off writing this post, I was not headed in that direction, but sometimes I have no control over what my fingers type... it just kept coming out. Like word vomit. And I feel better. Even though I haven't shared what's really going on, I at least have a small amount of frustration off of my chest.

 

"Nurses are a unique kind. They have this insatiable need to care for others, which is both their biggest strength and fatal flaw." -- Dr. Jean Watson, RN

 

Linking up with Shanna.

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.

When I grow up

Linking up with Whitney and Erin for a super duper fun link up titled When I grow up...! Yes I really just said super duper. No I don't take it back.

 

Age 10

 

When I grow up...

I want to be a gymnast.

I want to be a movie star. Still working on that one.

I want to marry Johnathan Taylor Thomas, Brian fron Backstreet Boys, and/or Leonardo Dicaprio. And if it can't be one of them, then I don't ever want to get married because "real" boys still have cooties.

I want to be the first woman president.

 

Age 16

 

When I grow up...

I want to join the peace corps.

I want to go to college in Hawaii or California. Somewhere far far away from South Alabama.

I want to marry Johnny Depp, and/or Heath Ledger.

I want to grow my own food and have a million rescue cats.

I want to play volleyball in college.

I want to be an English professor.

I want to move out of my parents house the minute I turn 18.

  Age 23

 

When I grow up...

I will own a home like this

not like this

I will finish getting my RN and go on to be MSN or possibly DNP or CRNA.

I will be a mommy to many fur babies and maybe one or two real babies.

I still want to marry Johnny Depp. Or my best friend, that's totally okay too.

I want things like these

 

 

 

 I would wear crowns and heels everywhere I went just for fun.
I will have a million books, and read them all.
I will run a marathon (one day).
I will make my family proud.
I will travel to all the places I want to go.
I will eat good, clean food. And maybe a cookie every now and then.

And most importantly I will...

What do you want when you grow up?