DEAR BOYS...Year In Review

Cause its always fun to look back at the...adventures (read disasters hahaha) of my dating life.

Say Happy Holidays

Its been a difficult couple of weeks.

I hate being negative on my blog...hello the name itself is positive!

But I also don't like to lie.


I've been in a bad mood for 2 weeks.

And its starting to weigh on me.  That much negativity gets really old really fast.

So I made a choice.  And made a change.


Every stranger got a smile in the hallways of work and the aisle of  grocery store.
Whether I felt like smiling or not.

Every bell ringer and checkout lady at the store, the post office, the mall got a
"Happy Holidays" (gotta be politically correct of course hahaha)

Christmas songs played and I took every opportunity to puke Christmas spirit everywhere.
I broke out my little cheap pre-lit tree from my time in an apartment all buy myself and set it up in my bed room.
Its surrounded by old scrubs that I need to get rid of and piles of papers I've collected from HR meetings and orientation with my new job  (holy cow kill some trees much???)
But its Christmas spirit.

I'm drinking lots of hot chocolate and wearing red and green and silver and gold.




And I haven't been perfect at it.
But its helped....

So just saying.....if you are in a early winter funk....feeling Scroogy or worse Grinchy....try a little Christmas spirit!


And as always....SMILE
Be Happy Be Healthy!

I'm sorry for falling off the wagon again.

Its been a VERY interesting 2 weeks.

Lots of moments to smile.
Lots of moments to cry.

A heartache.
A victory.

All at once which is kinda hard to figure out.


But I've learned a lot about myself...

I've cried and I've yelled.  I've sat in stunned silence and spent many a fitful night.
I've tried to be positive when nothing seems to be going right.


Its been really hard.
I've had to work at it.



But do you know what I learned?

1. Heartache doesn't go away easily or quickly...no matter what you may have anticipated or expected or even planned.

2. Smiling at strangers...telling the lady ringing you up at the store "Happy Holidays" really does make you feel better.

3.

Things You Should Know About: SALAD TIPS!!!!

So I make a MEAN salad.


In fact...my salads have won awards....
see???

And honestly its not that hard.  So I am going to share a few tips/tricks I use to create award winning salads!



First

You want to pick a fruit or sweet ingredient.  This is how you will base all your other choices on so pick wisely!
Mandarin oranges......apples......grapes......berries......tomatoes


Second

Now you need a green.  Nope you don't start with this one, though it is HIGHLY important.  Pick one based on your fruit.  Don't get caught in the same everytime....
green leafy.....red leafy......romaine.......red romaine.....spinach
even iceberg or a mix!!!!


Third

You need a crunch
If you are going gluten free avoid the croutons...although those are a great option.  As are chow mein noodles.
Nuts and seeds usually are the best.  Pecans and walnuts work well.  Cashews and sunflower seeds are great too.  Sometimes candy-ing them adds the perfect touch.


Fourth

You need some color and flavor.
This is where you get to have fun.  Pick ingredients that match flavors with your fruit.  And colors that you don't have.
Red onions, green onions, crasins, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, olives.
You could add some protein in at this point if you are not doing vegetarian....ham, chicken, turkey, bacon, hard boiled eggs.


Fifth

Now dressing...Something light is usually best.  I love making simple vinaigrettes that bring out the flavor of the fruit.
Oil and vinegar of course...then a juice that matches.  And herbs/spices of course.  And salt and pepper...without that you TOTALLY won't have it!


And an optional addition I love if you aren't going vegan...CHEESE.  Of course again match your fruit and something that stands alone pretty well...so nothing softer than feta for sure.
I've found mozzarella and Parmesan go REALLY well with most things...feta and cheddar work well but have to be paired correctly


Its a pretty simple five steps!

Here are a few I have used recently


Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
(I used mozzarella instead of feta and pecans)

Apple and Spring Mix with Cinnamon Vinaigrette
(I excluded the pomegranates, used sunflower seeds and cheddar cheese)

Mandarin Cranberry with Basil Vinaigrette
 


These are ones I still want to try.......

http://www.thegardengrazer.com/2013/04/southwestern-chopped-salad-with.html

http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/italian-chopped-salad/

A Saturday Photo Shoot

The official edited/good shots will come out in a little while.  But for now.....

A few of the fun ones

Special Thanks to Little Sister for helping out!!!!

We played around with props a little....well it didn't work our too well!!

My absolute favorite pose...always!!!

"In progress" shot hahahaha

Sometimes I just have a little too much fun!!!

Silly fun!!!

AND....A Sneak Peek!!!!!

Be Happy Be Healthy Everyone!!!!

High Five For Friday

Lots of Fun Happenings This Week!!!

But guess I can only do 5......



Thanksgiving...pie.....HELLO



Catching Fire Sibling Bonding.....good film....great book...awesome company

(Please excuse this terrible picture!)


Cleaned out my locker/mailbox/said goodbye to my first hospital....bittersweet day


Picked up THIS sister from the AIRPORT....so glad to have her for a bit




NOW what...Black Friday shopping...favorite singer/songwriter over for Thanksgiving dinner.....decorating my future room (moving soon to be closer to new job)...awesome parade watching moments...completed crochet projects????



I can't decide....sorry to break da rules.....

Hope all had a blessed and happy thanksgiving!

So many blessings I don't know where to begin!


Be Happy Be Healthy!!!

Dear Boys

HEY GUYS!!!
Its Wednesday...and so dearest boys in my life....I have a few words.


dear my favorite hott latino
you are so kind!  like seriously you make everyone feel so important when they talk to you.
i am so grateful to have you as a friend.
love
a girl always looking to add to my group


dear best guy friend EVER
thank you for not letting me be lonely.
i love being able to have you always around....no matter what
with all my love
your best friend


dear picky pants
ok honey.....we are going to have to work on this.  its seriously an issue.
i'm gonna make this happen.  you're going to learn i'm
a) very good
b) truly just want to be you friend
love
matchmaker


dear grown up
i'm really proud of you.  its really impressive how you have risen above the mess of it all.
love
impressed


dear almost great
you are a good guy.  for real you are.
if you can just manage to rise above the mess you will be great.  you don't have to be mean to fit in.
love
hopeful

Things You Should Know About: From DC to BC

Hey Guys!   Its Tuesday

Some of you may have seen this..and some of you even know this gal.


May I introduce a childhood friend Sarah Shumway of From DC to BC

This gal is both smart and a talented writer....AKA has a ROCKSTAR blog!

SEVERAL months back she wrote a response to a CNN article regarding young adults and religion.

It spread like WILDFIRE and I meant over and over to write my response as well.
But life became life and it didn't happen.

But the topic is something I don't want to die....so lets bring it up again yes???



(please excuse the novel you are about to read....I will try to be appropriately concise...but y'all know me...NOT my strongest skill!)



Why I Am Staying.

1. Cause everything else is changing....I need the stability!

Everything in my life seems to be changing at WARP speed. New job. New place. NEW NEW NEW

The Church is the only stable thing in my life frankly. No matter where I go there is a congregation for me to attend. A congregation that teaches the same things as every other congregation.

I know I am not the only young single adult (YSA) who has a rapidly changing life. It is a classic characteristic of emerging adulthood. Changing relationships, transitioning social circles, educational advancements, career evolution, relocation and self determination. And for me religion, specifically my church and my religion has greatly helped me cope with all this change.


2. Cause I need people!

I'm a pretty social person. And the same way the Church has provided me with stability it has also provided me with an essential support system. Church has provided me with a home away from home, a stand in family when mine couldn't be there.  Members of our church takes care of each other (physically and emotionally) and I am so grateful for that

On top of the support system it gives me some social interaction I might not have otherwise.  Its hard to meet people as a YSA.  The bar scene isn't super conducive to relationships that aren't potentially disastrous (friendships and romantic relationships).  Church gives me a group of people who are in similar places in their lives who can be my other option on a Friday night.

3. Cause I'm not perfect!

Surprise surprise right?  My religion provides with many opportunities and ways to become closer to my Savior Jesus Christ.  Though I strongly believe I don't NEED organized religion to be close to my Savior  (I'm a HUGE believer in spirituality over religiosity but that is a topic for another day!) I do also strongly believe that my religion give me tools to be closer to my Savior.

Through Church I am able to learn more about Jesus Christ and how to be more like Him.  I am able to partake in ordinances of the priesthood that give me extra help and comfort as I navigate this crazy life!


4.Cause I learn soo much!

Of course any church teaches you lots.  We go to church for 3 hours every week...so lots of time to study and discuss things of a religious nature.  We study the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants (other canonized scripture) in Sunday School as well as the teachings of modern-day prophets and general doctrines of the church.  Lessons could be about Daniel in the lions den or the Word of Wisdom (our "law" of health).  They could be about dealing with trials well or about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  Its a mixed bag...and often since I grew up in the church its something I've already heard or already know.  But the repetition and variety is never a problem for me.  I always learn something new, or see something in a different light.

On top of scriptural and doctrinal knowledge, being a member of my church means that I learn a great deal about other people, organization, preparation, and responsibility.  Our church has what is called a lay ministry.  AKA the members of the church run the congregation.  I have been a leader in the women's organization, music leader, a teacher, and a director of service projects.  All of these responsibilities have given me life long training in planning activities and running organizations effectively.

On top of this, I have learned so much about people and interacting with people.  Our church is diverse in background, beliefs and personalities.  I am immensely grateful for the social skills that being a member of this church has taught me.  I am also incredibly grateful for having opportunities to learn how serve when it isn't easy, be tolerant of those I disagree with and to understand those who are different from me.


5. Because it makes me happy.

Sometimes my religion can be frustrating.  When I am trying to find clothes that are fashionable and meet my religious modesty standards.....or when I have extra meetings all day on Sunday...or when I just don't want to fulfill a responsibility cause I'm just too busy, overwhelmed or tired.
BUT....
In general the occasional frustration is IMMENSELY outweighed by the happiness that comes from having wonderful friends.  From having opportunities to serve.  From learning.  From hearing comforting and uplifting words.  From applying the doctrine and counsel to my life.


And so that is why I stay.  That is why I won't be going anywhere soon!



So why are you staying in your religion?  Why are you going to your church?


(If you would like more information...please visit this website or post questions in the comment box below)

Since It is Sunday: The Lord is My Shepherd

Today I spoke in church


WAHOO.....it was the best experience ever.... (in case you can't read my sarcasm...that last sentence was dripping in it)


I really have no fear of public speaking.  However I do find writing a giving a talk to just be a total hassle.


BUT  I talked about how our Savior Jesus Christ is often called "The Good Shepherd"

This one of my favorite hymns in the LDS Hymn book.
Such a beautiful melody!!!!!!

Artistic Credits to Greg Olson

 

A New Chapter Begins

So I have the ability now to talk about the reason I have been sooooo dreadfully bad at blogging lately.

Lots has been changing in my life and things are all finalized so I can talk about it.
I've had some very "Smile Because It Happened" moments lately

As you all know...I'm a nurse who has been working in an adult cardiac progressive unit.
But you all also know that my passion has ALWAYS been pediatrics.

I have always wanted to help little kiddos feel better and help their parents understand and cope with the healthy issues their family is experiencing.

After being at my current job for a little over a year I began the pediatric search.  I applied and occasionally interviewed nation wide.  But eventually I was lucky enough to apply and interview for a position here in St Louis, at a children's hospital.  (There is a VERY VERY long story that I might tell sometime but....)

It felt like the perfect job from the start and my interview went very well.  It was a speedy process...set up the interview on Monday, interviewed on Tuesday...AND
WEDNESDAY received an OFFER!!!! (Wish I could have made that more of a surprise.....)

I had pretty much already decided to take it but I took a little time to make sure I looked at all my options.
And the next day I accepted and  I met with my current manger and gave her my 2 weeks notice....because if I didn't I wouldn't be able to start at the new job when they needed me to!


I am truly sad to leave my current position.  I have a deep love for the heart.  I adore and admire all my co-workers.  They have trained me and taught me so much.  They have made me a better nurse and helped me be a better person.  I will hate leaving the comfort of what I know.

But I'm not going to cry about it.  I'm just going to be immensely grateful.

I could not have asked for a better first job as a nurse.  I'm not even close to the same nurse as I was a little over a year ago...and that is all thanks to the mentoring and training I received.


But as Dr Suess says...
Don't Cry Cause Its Over....Smile Because It Happened.

Things You Should Know About Tuesdays

So I'm gonna start a new series.

Every Tuesday I will introduce you to something new......or something I'm pretty sure not many people know about....but they SHOULD.


We will see how it goes!!!!!



Today I would like to introduce you to one of my BESTIES!!!!!!!

Miss Julie Humphries.....
One of the most talented singer/songwriters I have EVER met.

Also totes gorg...and single gentleman......

She recently set up a YouTube Channel.....so LIKE/FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE (whatever you do on YouTube)


CHECK HER OUT!!!!

(she will hopefully become a regular on Smile Because It Happened)

Mixtape Monday...What "Christmas" Music is Acceptable Pre-Thanksgiving

I have a VERY VERY firm view on Christmas music pre-Thanksgiving.

As in NO....

My favorite radio station has started playing Christmas music.

No more Acoustic Sunset (3 hours of acoustic versions of my favorite songs during my peek driving time??...HELLO!!!! BEAUTIFUL)

 :(  boo hoo



HOWEVER.  There are TWO acceptable Christmas songs year 'round

Since Its Sunday...Brought to You By Mindy Gledhill

Alright Peeps.....

I know what you are thinking..."Will you STOP talking about this lady's music!!"
DEAL WITH IT!!!!!
You don't have to read this blog....wait don't stop reading...PLEASE DONT STOP READING!!!!


BUT anyway....

I have LITERALLY worn a hole in this CD.

(Yes I listen to the CD version...my car is from 2002.....)


I have my favorites of course and I listen to them almost exclusively.  Which means that frankly there are several songs I hardly ever listen to...and certainly don't pay attention to!


But today this one came up...AND SO PERFECT!!!!



Sundays can be exhausting...emotionally and physically.

It usually ends up being a long day of church meetings and helping people.

All good things.  But draining.


And so when I finally left the church building today (got there at 11...left at 6:30) this song came on.
AND OH MY GOSH....It spoke to me and brought the tears to my eyes.


Enjoy!

MOVIE MONDAY Careful...I've Cried like MULTIPLE times with this one!

Alright ladies and gents.  This is a beautiful and inspiring. 

Those are the only words I can think of!

Hard to keep my eyes dry for this one.

The children and the staff are so strong despite the difficult things they face.

I love it!!!!
And now you all get a glimpse of why of love pediatrics!!!!!!!


Keep Smilin'
Be Happy Be Healthy!!!!!

The Bang Debate

Do We Like or Do We Dislike.



For realzees people the debate is ongoing.  Even a month and a trim later.

So lets be real about this.
Initiate Pro/Con List


Pros

Cute look
Different look
Makes it so I don't really have to do my eye-makeup


Cons

ITCHY forehead (oh my gosh)
I've already had to trim, and another is likely just around the corner
The UPKEEP...gotta shower, gotta blow dry.  UGH



Unfortunately.....the pros/cons balance out

So I have no idea what to do!!!
Grow them out...keep them for a while?


VOTE...my hair fate is in your hands!!!!

Because I'm a Nurse

1. I'm addicted to smarties.  Some people drink coffee.  I eat smarties.

2. Every time I meet someone new/shake someone's hand I turn it just a little bit to see how their veins look.  Its worse if you date me cause then I can look at your whole arm with out it being tooooo weird.

3. I eat at 2 AM almost nightly.  Nights on and Nights off work...always get munchy at 2 AM.  And yes I have left my bed for a midnight kitchen raid.

4. Nailing/blowing an IV both makes and RUINS my day

5. I diagnosis myself constantly...I am a self proclaimed hypochondriac

6. I'm a crazy germaphobe.  Like for REALS.  We have these purple wipe things...death wipes I call them.  I do a thorough wipe down at the beginning and end...and sometimes the middle of EVERY shift!

7. Every 3 months I go around with the "Booty Patrol" and examine the backsides of EVERY patient in the hospital.  In the space of roughly 5 hours I usually see...hmmm I'd say at least 75 butts!

8. Very few sights and smells gross me out anymore...unless they are fake. The fake stuff is always worse than the real stuff.  Weird I know!

9. I can identify and locate any beeping on the floor...oral thermometer dying, IV occluded vs complete vs dying, chair and bed alarms, monitor red and yellow alarms, dinamaps dying

10. Some nights are crazy and some nights I feel like a failure...but more often than not...I am able to leave my shift feeling like I might have actually made a difference.


Thanks Anna and Paige for running this one!


Keep Smilin Everybody
Be Happy Be Healthy

SARA B...My Personal Life Coach

Like for REALS this woman ABSOLUTELY rocks my world.

Honestly has she ever written a song that didn't speak to me.

I LOVE my religion.  I feel very strongly that there is no place better to find advice than the scriptures...and the words of trusted leaders of my church.

HOWEVER....
Sara Barellies is a close second.


A little bit ago I got to see her live. And it was incredible.  Life altering and amazing etc.

And I could give you a play by play or put up tons of videos and pictures.  But lets just do this.....

Does anybody know how to hold my heart?

Cause I've had my fair share of take care and goodbyes

I've learned how to cry

And I'm better for that

You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down

There's too many things that I haven't done yet

Too many sunsets I haven't seen

I hate to break it to you, babe 

But I'm not drowning 

There's no one here to save

All my life I've tried

To make everybody happy while I just hurt And hide

Waitin' for someone to tell me it's my turn to decide.

I'm already out of foolproof ideas, so don't ask me how

To get started, it's all uncharted...

Jump start my kaleidoscope heart, 

Love to watch the colors fade,

They may not make sense, 

But they sure as hell made me.

Compare where you are to where you want to be, and you'll get nowhere

I won't go as a passenger, no

I'm taking flame over burning out 

I want to be enough

I want to let the rain come down

Make a brand new ground

I wish I were pretty. I wish I were brave

And if I were fearless Then I'd speak my truth

And I always felt it before

That the world was filled with much more

Than the drowning soul I've learned to be

I just need the rain to remind me

Well, no more, It's not me anymore

You can be amazing You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug

You can be the outcast Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love

Or you can start speaking up

Nothing’s gonna hurt you the way that words do When they settle ‘neath your skin

Kept on the inside and no sunlight Sometimes a shadow wins

But I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna say And let the words fall out

Honestly I wanna see you be brave

Everybody’s been there, Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy

Fallen for the fear And done some disappearing,

Bow down to the mighty

Don’t run, stop holding your tongue

Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live

Maybe one of these days you can let the light in

Show me how big your brave is

AND FINALLY...

BEST SONG EVER WRITTEN!!!!!

You said, remember that life is not meant to be wasted

We can always be chasing the sun!

My earth is somebody's ceiling,

There's a history through us

Sent to us as a gift from the future, to show us the proof

More than that, it's to dare us to move

And to open our eyes and to learn from the sky

All we can do is try

And live like we're still alive

Keep Smilin' Y'all

Be Happy Be Healthy

You Can Have St Louis

Cause I can't have you.


Its time for me to leave.  To depart my beloved town.

Sara B wrote this song about moving and breaking up and all that...
so basically she wrote it about me (not her and her own personal experiences of course)


I haven't told many people.  I guess I just want to tip toe away.

Maybe it cowardly.  Maybe its mean.
But its really hard to leave.
And I just don't want to do goodbyes.

Shall We Catch Up???

Got some hot cocoa?  (or coffee or tea or whatever you you drink)
Its a beautiful fall day.  The leaves are turning and there is a crispness in the air.
We just need a light jacket and there are great deck in the back and a porch in the front...take your pick.
(but this shot is the back...so I suggest the deck)

Lets sit...lets chat.

What have you been up to?

Yeah?

No way!!!!!

That is too bad.

That is the greatest!  Way to go!



Oh me?


Well lets do the quick overview yes?
By category and here we go.

Church:
Still going to the singles branch.  All sorts of fun craziness.
Still working in public affairs and greatly enjoying creating a positive image of Mormon YSAs.

Work:
Still working on an adult cardiac unit.
Lots of changes (don't get me started on the new healthcare laws and how they effect me nightly)
As with most change its been a little painful....
But luckily I have INCREDIBLE co-workers who make it easy to smile even when things are rough

School:
YEAH I'm not going!!!  At least not yet...
And probably won't for another little while.

Social:
Oh gosh we don't have time for that.
It's busy.  I have some wonderful beautiful friends who make it so much easier to deal with the crazy.
We stay out too late.  We talk and laugh and always have each other's backs.  Oh I love them!



Its an interesting life.  And that is the long and short of it.


Keep Smilin' Y'all

Be Happy Be Healthy!

Hi Strangers

Oh my goodness blogosphere!

I am sorry I have been absent for so long.

Its a VERY VERY long story that perhaps someday I will tell.

Its a story full of tears and smiles.  A story rich with the pain of rejection, disappointment and discouragement.  But also has sparkling moments of joy, excitement and contentment.

(ok so its not really that dramatic...I just like playing with the words)

But for now lets keep it short and sweet and just say I'm back and this time I'm back to stay!!!

I'll do a little catch-up/back-blogging...but mostly we are just going to start from the here and now.


I hope I haven't lost too many of you to boredom!!!

Stay awhile and lets catch up yes?????



Keep Smilin' Y'all!

Be Happy Be Healthy!


<3 p="" stephanie="">

What Nurses Think About Medical TV Shows

September LINK UP!!!!!

Yeah for nursing bloggy link-ups!

I adore Anna from "The Days When I'm Not a Nurse"
Frankly I adore all nurses...because they get it.
We live a hard life.  Night Shifts..12 Hour Shifts...Poo Pee and Uh Oh What Exactly is That On My Pants

But I love how Anna makes the most of her days off.
I need to be better about that!

And so...on the days when I am not a nurse....
I usually catch up on my TV shows.
And YES..I am embarrassed to say...I'm a Grey's Junkie.

But ever since nursing school I have resented the show.
And here is why.

1. Really NO hospital in SEATTLE has EVER or will EVER be in a flood...a tropical storm...a boat crash...a shooting...and all the rest of the junk they have had in...what 9 years?  I mean REALLY????????

2. Seriously how do all the most ridiculous crazy unheard of cases all end up in the same hospital?

3. Since when do surgical interns...and residents...and attendings cover all sorts of patients? Where are the internalists...and the hospitalists????

4.YOU DON'T SHOCK ASYSTOLE!!!!!!
Also...V-Fib looks like..

NOT...

(PS...dont shock this one..you'll kill em!)

5. Why does it seem like the nurses in this show are only good as Sloan's booty girls??  We don't have time to hook up with doctors...we are too busy trying to actually SAVE LIVES

But despite it all....I STILL WATCH IT!!!!

It was rough for a couple of seasons..but its gotten good again.  SHOOT  I was so going to drop this one...guess not!

Also..best moment of nursing school??

When one of my classmates answered a complicated question making our professor VERY proud.

This same classmate then leaned over and said "Learned that from House"

check out Anna and all the other link ups!!!!!!

Be Happy Be Healthy!

dear girls?????

OK so I totally have things to say to the girls too!

So alas...a dear girls!  A mix of the lovely...and the slightly less.  Hey-nobody is perfect!

dear mean girls
really???  we are going to do this?
we are going to be unkind and petty?
we are going to be hypocritical and down right ridiculous
COME ON!!!!
love
the girls you seem to hate


dear hurt ones
the phrase "you would be surprised what skeletons are in their closets"
is not true for me.
i'm not surprised at all.  hurt people hurt other people.
i am sad for you and for the difficult lives you must lead.
but rise above.  there is never a good excuse to cause another pain
love
best friend of the one you hurt


dear wounded friend
you are truly incredible!  you keep going even when you have every reason to be spiteful.
you really impressed me with how you handled the whole thing.
you rose above and i'm proud to be able to call you friend.
love
me
ps...if you want to punch em...ive got your back


dear meredith
you can do this!  we both know you can!
i love you
love
christina


dear teacher
don't forget to take care of yourself.
you want to be perfect and i commend you for that.
but remember to cut yourself some slack every so often,
cause though you are close...you aren't there yet.
love
an always worrying friend


dear gals at work
thank you for making it so i can handle this mess just a little bit better.
even though its a chore sometimes...work is always better when you are on too
love
a temporarily burned out nurse


dear wives
yes...it is high school.  no...i don't have faith that it will be fixed, cause i thought it was and it broke again.
no...i don't know what to tell you to do.
love
member who wants to run


dear biggest enemy at this time
you expect me to work harder for you and be happier after that?
yeah-not gonna happen!
sorry charlie...but i'm OUT!
love
yeah.......


dear girls on the back row
i'm sure you feel like outsiders sometimes...and i hope i never am the cause of it.
you are truly great people...and i hope you aren't hiding back there.
i'm all about being ON the back row.  just don't BE the back row.
you are too cool for that.
love
a middle row sitter

dear....cold ones?
i think you were never hugged as a child.  thats the problem.
be prepared to be loved excessively.
i'm going to try and make up for it!
love
girl who is gonna kill you with kindness---watch out!

Anyway everyone.

Be Happy and Be Healthy

And most of all..... Be kind to each other!

dear boys

Its been a while...shall we?????



dear good distraction
YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!
she needs this.  some excitement...something to look forward to.
also she needs someone to distract...her and someone else.
love
best friend

dear dear pighead
yes.  i did just call you that.
do you really think you can treat people like that and expect things to go your way for long.
you are burning bridges and losing friends and respect.
try winning them and influencing them a little better.
love
dale carnegie

dear disappointment
i expected more from you.
get it together!
be kind be reasonable and
STOP THINKING ABOUT ONLY YOURSELF!!!!
guess what there are other people around you and you are...in fact...supposed to be concerned about them.
love
a sister

dear boyfriend
you are nice.
i will keep you around
love
girlfriend

dear new boys
be careful not to get exclusive.  im glad you found each other but
its not what we need right now
love
a concerned oldie

dear antsy
take some deep breaths and stop being antsy.
seriously!  you are going to make it even worse!
love
advice giver


Be Happy Be Healthy everyone!!!!!!!!

Its Been a Year!

One year ago today I began working as a nurse...a real big girl fully licensed registered nurse.


It has been a CRAZY year.

Full of amazing patients who have helped me realize why I became a nurse in the first place.
They have made me laugh...they have made be cry.

And occasionally they have irritated me...frustrated me..and stumped me completely!



I have in the past year felt completely stupid.  I have learned that more often than not I know absolutely NOTHING.

There have been moments...few and far between...when I have felt like a real nurse.  I have felt like I actually knew what I was doing.

And so I have hope that someday I might get to the point where I can be like one of those nurses I aspire to be.


It wasn't the perfect job...it wasn't pediatrics.  But it was cardiac.
And it has been a perfect first job.
I have learned sooooo much and had SOOOOOO many experiences.


One year of nursing down...now at least 19 more to go!!!!!!

Something Beautiful Happened Today

So our congregation (Singles) shares our church building with two other congregations.

Today while we were having our large combined worship service (Sacrament Meeting) the young children were meeting in the adjoining room.

During a particularly quiet and contemplative moment of the meeting when we partake of the sacrament (similar to communion) the childrens choir suddenly began to sing.  

And suddenly my eyes were welling up with tears....

This a very frequently sung song in Mormon world.  Like all the time.

And its always a nice song but sometimes its just a little cliche and seems overdone.

But today was different.

I don't know if it was the place my mind was in, the fact that it was children singing, or maybe it was just the words.

Well honestly it was probably all three combined.....

Heavenly Father, are you really there?

And do you hear and answer ev'ry child's prayer?

Some say that heaven is far away,

But I feel it close around me as I pray.

Pray, he is there;

Speak, he is list'ning.

You are his child;

His love now surrounds you.

He hears your prayer

Why I Stay

Busy Busy Dizzy

Seriously!

Between work and family its been crazy.

Big Sister visited.
Baby Brother came home
Little Sister went back to school



I have a list of blog posts already written in my head.
I just have to get them written on ...paper hahaha

Stay tuned for updates.


But for now....
A little musical snack

Running

First I want to apologize for my absence.  As much as this blog is a great and fun part of my life-things have taken precedence over it in the past few weeks.


I hope to get a couple things under control and get back to this little blogging game.

So please be patient with me!

Musical Monday Moment

HAVE YOU HEARD SARA BAREILLES' NEW ALBUM!!!!????


OH MY GOSH!!!!!


CAN YOU TELL I AM SHOUTING THIS WHOLE TIME!!!!



Like for reals though.....

The Blessed Unrest.....
Check it out for reals.....
iTunes....
Spotify....they have commentary on each song...AMAHZING
YouTube even!





Another great one that just came out????

HANSON'S ANTHEM

Yes Hanson is still around!
An album full of upbeat, but not annoyingly pop-ey songs...um YES please!!!

Plus who can stay away from the hotness that is Taylor's stank face....Issac's MAD skillz...and Zach's hair flip + smile????????

BE HAPPY BE HEALTHY!!!!!

Finding Happiness: Vulnerability Also....I'm a NERD

WHY????  Ok...there are many reasons.

First books like this....



are like my favorite books to read!

(PS so totally should blog about both these books....SOOOOO incredible!)



BUT today....its because of this.....
I ADORE TED TALKS

And its not for the inspiring and awesome feelings and stuffs.

I mean those are nice.

But I get crazy about the research!

I love research.  Not actually doing it....I hate that...SOOOO TEDIOUS!!

But reading it???  Using it?????  Having it explain life and those you interact with???

LOVE!!!!!!!!


(Side note....not interested in nursing research....sorry nursing professors but my HUMAN DEVELOPMENT professors got to me first!  And now I'm hooked)



Today I watched this one........oh so interesting!

So to be truly happy....be vulnerable.
Lean into the joy and live whole-heartedly.

I could talk a lot about it...but she does a pretty good job yes?

Be Happy Be Healthy everyone

How To Not Fall In Love With a Jerk.....

aka...why Steph is a MAJOR NERD!!!!! (I LOVE research/theory books)

And why I will likely never have a normal/relaxed/chill relationship.

Because I will always be analyzing, overthinking, and researching it!!!!

Frankly I don't necessarily want to talk about the discovering if a guy/gal is a jerk.

I wanna talk about RAM....cause I'm a NERD

THIS THEORY IS CRUCIAL to relationships working.

I've been talking about balance for FOREVER. And here we are again!

These 5 areas of a relationship are very bonding individually.  However, when balanced and together they form a strong, healthy attachment.

Obviously if you know someone very well, you are close with them...

I know my sisters and my sisters know me better than most people in the world.

Even strangers at baseball games are amazed at how close we are.

How many times on a first date do you tell someone about the one time you made XYZ terrible mistake?  Or do you share with the neighbor who just moved in next door your ABC insecurity? Kinda have to trust them with your secrets before you spill them right?

Do you rely on a stranger to bail you out of jail?  Do you bring a stranger with you when you go to the hospital for a procedure and need someone to make sure you have all the post-procedure instructions cause you are still a little loopy from the sedation.

Kinda need to know and trust them before that right???

Commitment is a big word.  How many people have a "fear" of commitment or "issues" with commitment?

Think about the logic of it at this point...if you commit to someone before you know or trust them....??????? REEally?????

And finally touch.  I have to be careful to not get too preachy at this point.  So I will take a biological stand.(Transition from nerdy HD to nerdy nurse!)  Physical skin to skin touch and contact releases a hormone called oxytocin which creates feels of well-being as well as attachment and connection.  This is EXTREMELY bonding.  Very powerful and potentially very damaging...if the first 4 are not present.

So there needs to be a balance.  You can't have any greater or less than others!

High Five For Friday!

1. I took some time off..and got off early on the one day I did work this week...so I've gotten TONS done!!!!
-moved from baby brothers room to bunk with little sister for a while (that took a whole day...dang I've got lots of crap!)
-got TONS of Public Affairs stuff done....I should blog about that sometime!!!!


2.Big sister is in town!

3. GPs are coming in this afternoon!

4.YEAH FOR EMAIL!!!!!
I love technology!  One of my best friends is currently in England...so cell phones are OUT.
But the occasional wi-fi moment allows for emails!

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!




5. Finally and most importantly...Elder Baby Brother has gotten home from GHANA!!!!!!!!
YEAH FOR LDS MISSIONARY HOMECOMINGS!!!!!!  (see here if you are confused)
Like for reals....is there any point to the first 4??????

Be Happy Be Healthy everyone!

"You Never Know"

May I have a rant moment for single girls everywhere????

We all know how much I love all things "He's Just Not That Into You"

I'm usually Gigi.....lets be honest
Doing a lot of stupid stuff in hopes of finding "it"

Scheming and plotting and planning.


BUT sometimes I'm Janine
The best friend...the enabler

The one who says "Oo signs I love signs...tell me about the signs"



How many times has someone said to us...about a guy we have NO shot with...
"You never know!"


ENABLERS!!!!!!!!


We are girls....and therefore we dream and hope...and you just made our

little bitty hope


LOTS OF HOPE!!!!!


Cruel!!!!!!!!


So to the girl who inspired this post.....There is someone better out there for you.
You don't deserve to sit around and hope that he might call or text......

Its tough love time honey!
Cause you don't need the hope of "You never know"
You need..."Its never going to happen"


Big hugs and kisses love!
It'll all work out in the end...just not with him.


Thank you all for indulging me.  You may now go back to your business.

Be Happy Be Healthy!!!!

I Will Rest In You

A few months ago I was in a rough spot.

Some of it was situational, some of it was self inflicted.

And what did I do?  I went to one of my best friends.  And he told me to get it together.

And 2 weeks later...I hadn't.

So I went to another best friend.  Who coincidentally said exactly the same thing the first friend said.

And finally I got it.

But why am I telling you this?

Because that second night I was given a CD.  And I never made it past the first song....I just kept playing it over and over and over.

The words paint such a lovely picture for me...not to mention the melody is gorgeous and on top of it all Mindy Gledhill sings right in my range!

So often we forget.  We forget the place we once knew.  

Sometimes we forge ahead on our own...trying to climb a mountain without a guide.

And we get tired and exhausted because we are trying to do it on our own.

I do this constantly and I say to myself "I just want to sleep.  I just want my bed"

But how often do we crawl into the bed of faith?  

Sometimes we act a fool...and He shakes His head at our foolishness and the brings us in and asks us if we don't mind to "Please cut it out and let me fix it?"

We just have to let Him fix it.

Hopefully this is not too personal and not too spiritual.

I promise the wit and fun will be back tomorrow....but for now..................

Let Him help you be happy.  Let Him make you truly healthy.