A New Opportunity

So its been a while.

I've been a terrible blogger.

For me blogging has been a way to meet and learn from interesting people...and to navigate the cray life I live.  Its been an outlet for my (limited) creativity that generally has been very rewarding and fun.

But blog-fatigue and bloggers-block are a real thing.And I hit a wall so I took a break to re-group and re-consider.  And right when I was about to totally give up and just stop blogging all together, I got an email.

The email invited me to join a collaboration blog, specifically for Mormon YSAs (if you don't know what I mean check THIS out!)

At first I wasn't sure.  I was done with blogging.  Did I want to get involved with something and make a commitment?
Did this collaboration have the feel and the vibe I wanted to connect my blog with.


And honestly I still don't have the answers to either of those questions.

BUT....I do know that I want to keep blogging and I want to stay excited and interested.

And I think that means throwing myself into it.
Getting really involved in the bog world and making it a happy and fun and exciting place to be for me.



So check out my new second blogosphere home on http://mormonysa.blogspot.com/

And here's hoping y'all will have some fun and interesting posts to read in the next few days, weeks and months!!!!!


Be Happy Be Healthy

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!!!!!