My 'I Love Summer' Post

I love summer.  I do.  Actually, I used to love summer much more than I do now.  I think as I get older, the less I enjoy the extreme heat out here.  I should clarify that it's the early days of summer that I love.  Those days in May and early June, where we are "eased" into the heat of summer.  Temps in the 90s and maybe the occasionally century mark and the feel of the heat on my skin feels good.  Tank tops.  Short shorts.  Pretty sundresses with spaghetti straps.  Sun-kissed skin.  The days before it stays so hot and you are just "over it."  I love summer until it's mid-July and it's been 110 out all month long and I get into my car and burn my legs on my seat and then I slide out from the sweat and then I think to myself, "I just HAD to have the leather seats, right?"  I should have listened to the kids when I bought this car.  They're the ones that remember what leather seats feel like in the summer....Anyway, it's not even the end of May, yet, and we haven't really been "eased" into summer.  It just kind of appeared.  Mother's Day graced us with 107.  And although temps have dipped only slightly since then, it looks like summer is here.  Today was a balmy (not) 109.  It's May.  Hello Summer.  

But, I do love summer.  And for the last two years, I have made my "annual" Summer To-Do List.  Things I want or need to do over the summer.  And since now school is officially out for me, I am now putting together my list.  I'm excited.  Here's just a few things that are on this summer's list:

Go to the beach.  As many times as I can.

Get a job.  At least part-time.  I really need to do this.

Bake a peach pie.  Or two.  

Watch lots of movies and eat popcorn with my girls.  

Watch the sunset on the beach.  

Catch a couple of Padres games.

Staycation at La Quinta Resort.

Clean out closets.

Have a garage sale.  

Make lots of strawberry lemonade slushies (none of that McDonald's crap....we use Trader Joe's Organic Reduced sugar lemonade, fresh strawberries and ice.  Yum!)

My pleasure reading for the summer (which one to start with?):

There's one more that's not shown...50 Shades of Grey..yes, I will be reading that, too.

   

And not so much for pleasure reading, but a must for a head start for Nursing 2:

There's more fun on my "to-do" list...it's just in my head somewhere and hasn't quite made it out onto paper...

Last summer I was addicted to three different salads.  This hot weather makes me crave cool, refreshing, healthy yummy things to eat.  So, I will share my addictions:

• Arugula, fresh basil (thinly sliced), extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Yum!

I don't particularly like to eat at Tommy Bahama's but they do have a great Asian slaw side that they serve.  I tried recreating it and then finally googled it...here it is:

• Shredded green cabbage, thinly sliced jicama, flat leaf parsley, evoo, fresh lime juice, salt and pepper.  Love this.  With seared ahi or even as a side with Mexican food. 

And finally...

• Watermelon (cubed), fresh mint, feta cheese, fresh lime juice, evoo, salt and pepper.  So refreshing.  So good!  

So, as I mentioned, school's out for me.  I did  it.  I got through Nursing 1.  Took my final this morning and thought I was so prepared.  Didn't get the grade I really wanted, but, I am getting over it.  I learned so much.  I am doing something I never in a million years thought I would be doing.  The thought of next semester is terrifying to me.  So I just won't think about that right now.  

I think I'll just start enjoying summer.  Starting now. 

 

Losin' the Mojo

Well, it's becoming a pattern here...longer spans between blog posts.  I'm losing a little bit of steam....losing the mojo.  But, I've got reasons.  Yes, I have been wrapped up in school.  And when I am not in class or consumed with reading I am cleaning, cooking, or driving someone around.  And since I am trying to create balance, I am trying to have a good time here and there, too.  Little extra time to set aside to blog.  And then sometimes I avoid this space when I just think I have nothing creative or interesting to say.  Or sometimes I am in a mood where I would love to do nothing more than to vent, but I refrain from doing so on this medium.  I don't pretend that my life is always hunky dory.  I love the phrase "ebb and flow"...our lives definitely ebb and flow and I definitely have been a flowing for a while.  I continue to hear myself say that I have never been happier than I have these last couple of years.  I just like where I'm at and what I'm doing.  Sure, things could be MUCH better in many ways...but, those things will come, I know.  My kids are happier than I have ever seen them.  And THIS makes me very happy.  

Over the last several months, I know I have been guilty of not staying in touch with some of my friends and family.  I call less and less.  I have so little time in my days to sit down and have any length of phone conversations.  Or I am stressed and overwhelmed and I just don't want to call and be a Debbie Downer.  I think and hope that the people in my life know how crazy my schedule has been.  Nursing school is about as intense and stressful as it gets and I am now realizing that I don't think most people get it unless they are going through the program, as well. We all crave the love and support from our friends and family and I try my best to deliver on this aspect to others.  We don't always get back what we give.  And this is not my MO, by any means.  A quick text, at least, lets people know I am thinking of them; or the quick phone call on my way to school or the hospital...even though it's brief...I try when I can. Hey, I get it...we all get caught up in our own lives, so I am forever grateful for the ones understand what I am doing and going through and who check up on me every now and then. : )

The good news is that this semester is over in just 2 short weeks.  Wow!  I am going to make it!  It has been every bit difficult as I was told it was going to be.  But, it's been great and I have learned so much and all I can say is that it's a darn good thing I feel like I am 25 and not 45!  A few short months ago I was freaking out because I couldn't hear a blood pressure.  Now, I have given 4 shots (woo hoo...4 shots...all in the stomach) and some other fun stuff.  I have met some amazing people.  It's been good, good, good.  We are finishing up a hellish type of week at school...a test that it's been made clear that we disappointed our instructor on and a final comprehensive skills test that had everyone feeling the stress and pressure.  This testing made or break our semester...and, sadly,  it turns out it broke a couple of people.  You fail it, and you fail the semester.  Little bit of pressure? 

So, I guess I can't end this blog post without saying at least a little something about Stagecoach.  Stagecoach is a huge country music festival that is held out here every year late April or early May for 2, sometimes 3 days.  I think this is the 5th year of Stagecoach.  I haven't missed one, yet.  Stagecoach is my happy place.  Hot weather, shorts, cowboy boots, great country music.  Along with about 50,000 people....many of whom are drunk and half naked (it's hot out there...there's a lot of skimpies walking around)....

Me and Rylee

Look!  My very first picture attachment on my blog!

Rylee and Sara Evans

Most years I attend Stagecoach with friends.  I have taken the kids before, but have avoided it, because of the crowds.  This year, we were fortunate to have been given 3 wristbands, which allowed us to a backstage area and VIP area, so Chandler and Rylee were my Stagecoach buddies this year.  As luck would have it, while we were backstage, Rylee was able to meet and have her picture taken with Sara Evans, Brett Eldredge and The Band Perry.  It was pretty fun and exciting.  We saw some great artists perform this year and I know the girls truly enjoyed it. There was a period of time where Rylee was hanging out with her friends and Chandler was with her boyfriend and I found myself just hanging out by myself.  My grandmother always told me it was important to enjoy your own company. Luckily, I'm pretty good by myself.  :)

Until next time...(maybe I'll get the summer lovin' mojo back!)

P.S...I am pretty excited about finally adding photos on here!  I'm moving up in the world here!

Where Does the Time Go?

Oh, how the time flies.  I'm not sure where the last two weeks have gone.  Actually, I feel like I have just been flying high for the last three weeks.  Just lots of calm, lots of joy.  Just been in a good, sweet, happy place.  

Rylee's birthday was kind of just a chill day around the house.  And she was fine with that.  We had a family dinner at the restaurant of her choice...Hibachi.  It was lots of fun.  That whole week that followed was Spring Break.  This is the first Spring Break since I have had kids that I have not worked or been in school.  I was free to do whatever I wanted WITH my kids.  I am still getting used to the fact that I am not working.  And although it is still somewhat of a financial struggle, I cherish the fact that I have this time.  

I had lofty goals set for myself for that week.  Lots that I wanted to get done.  Being in school and doing the kid thing makes for lots of things left undone around the house.  I managed to get a few things marked off the list, but not all.  That's ok...learning to let some things go.  We kept busy that week with doctor's appointments, shopping, hanging around doing nothing.  We did have Rylee's birthday party with some of her friends.  Rylee's birthday always falls around Spring Break.  For two years now, we always assume that we won't get a good turnout, thinking some or most will be out of town.  Not so...two years in a row, everyone could come!  We took 13 kids ice-skating, then to Sonic, then back here to hang out for a bit and have cookie cake.  It's kind of nice...the older they get the less you really need to plan for them!  

Last week was back to school.  I was a bit apprehensive about going back.  Worried about feeling like I would be starting over after being out of the clinical setting for 2 weeks.  But, it was great.  I had an amazing patient.  It was 2 days of caring for her that was confidence building for me, for sure.  It's hard to believe that we only have 5 weeks left of school.  And only 3 of those weeks left in the hospital.  It's a little unnerving, as I don't feel like it's been enough time.  Not enough time to feel completely competent in all that we are doing.  Praying that by the time the semester ends, I don't feel this way!  

So, this weekend was the first of two weekends of Coachella.  Usually, we are leaving for Vegas for a cheer competition that always falls on the same weekend of Coachella.  While we are in Target shopping for our road trip, the 'fest-ers are there buying up water, chips, sunscreen and whatever else.  They are always a sight to see.  This weekend we were here.  I love the electric feeling of seeing the buzz around the streets and in the stores.  Seeing and hearing of the parties all over town.  It's pretty cool, even if I have no interest in attending.  Now, Stagecoach...that's another story.  Two more weeks...(hoping I can find some tickets!) I haven't missed a Stagecoach, yet.  Not much makes me happier than donning a pair of cowboy boots and shorts and hanging out with a bunch of country music-loving people.  

Off to get ready for the week.  Have a great one!

Rylee Lauren

Today, my April Fools Baby is a teenager. 13 years old??  How can that possibly be? I can remember the day that she was born like it was yesterday.  


My pregnancy with Rylee was pretty uneventful.  I had two miscarriages before getting pregnant with her, so it was huge relief getting through that first trimester.  I loved being pregnant.  I loved watching my belly grow and watching it move.  My favorite past time would be to lay on the couch and just watch a foot or an elbow stretch and move inside of me.  I used to love the loving looks I would get from people wherever I went and the help I would get in the grocery stores unloading my groceries from the cart on to the check stand!  


My due date was March 29th.  By March 1st, I was ready to have this baby (we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl, by the way).  I thought there was no way possible that my skin could possibly stretch any further and my body get any bigger.  I was super uncomfortable, too.  I planned to work until March 15th, but I told my boss/friend, Tina, that I didn't think I would make it until then.  I just knew I was going to have this baby ANY day.  Speaking of Tina, she threw me a surprise baby shower.  It was the most beautiful, elegant shower I had EVER been to.  Tina doesn't miss a beat with her parties.  I was so touched and honored for what she did for me.  It was amazingly beautiful.


Each day in March came and went and each day I couldn't believe I wasn't in labor, yet.  On March 31st, I went to see my doctor.  I had my bag packed and in the car, as I was going to beg him to induce me.  He was reluctant to do it and turns out there were no beds available at the hospital anyway!  After begging him, he agreed to induce me the following morning.  April 1st I was going to have this baby.


They started the induction at 6:00 the following morning.  It was a long, drawn out day.  What I remember most is:  Not being happy about not getting an enema that I asked for (I didn't want to poop while pushing).  I know...TMI, but hey, it happens...it's one of those things that no one tells you about.  I remember my contractions being so strong and my mother-in-law being there and massaging my back with a tennis ball.  I remember calling my friend, Tina, telling her to NOT get pregnant again...this labor thing SUCKS!  I remember them breaking my water and getting the epidural almost simultaneously and both being miserable.  


At one point, my father-in-law and his girlfriend came over and I had this room full of people all sitting around watching golf.  I can  remember being super irritated by this.  Sometime after 5:00, my doctor came in.  I was at a 10 by now, but this baby was just not going anywhere.  He had me push a couple of times..each time I pushed her heart rate would drop.  After about 2 pushes, he started to explain that this probably wasn't going to work...I stopped him and told him he didn't need to try to convince me...I knew he wanted to do a C-section...just get this baby out.  


They wasted no time.  I was immediately taken into the OR and they started prepping me.  My doctor's partner is standing across the room watching as they are prepping.  He says to me, "You've got a BIG baby in there."  Thanks Dr. B.  I can remember the creepiest feeling of all the pulling and moving and tugging of all sorts of things in order to get this baby out.  Crazy.

Rylee was born at 6:07 pm.  Eight pounds, six ounces and wedged in....Dr. D said there was no way I would have been able to push her out and he wished he didn't have me go through the labor.  


It seemed like forever for them to stitch me up.  I got to listen to all of them talk about OU football.  I was cold, uncomfortable and all I wanted to do was see my baby.  I kept telling Dr. D to hurry it up. Finally, they took me to the recovery area where Rylee was.  After a few minutes, I think the nurse could tell that I wanted everyone out of there...more people had come...and she made everyone leave (thank you, Nurse!).  


Rylee was born on a Thursday, but she didn't actually get named until Saturday.  Craig and I agreed that if we were having a boy I would name him and if it were a girl, he would name her. We had a list of names and ended up starting over.  So, for almost 2 days she was just our baby Girl.  


One thing is for certain, having an April Fools birthday suits Rylee.  She's silly and goofy and a little hyper (ok, a lot hyper most of the time).  She's got more energy than anyone.  And sometimes it's a little annoying, I'm not gonna lie.  She's constantly singing or dancing.  She's funny and quick witted.  And she's smart and has a lot of common sense.  She's stubborn, too.  But, she's sweet and caring and gracious.  I can't wait to see all of what is in store for this kid.  I am so proud to be her mom.


Happy Birthday sweet Rylee!  I love you!

Full Heart

I skipped the blog thing last week. I didn't feel like writing about being frustrated or feeling defeated.  Instead, I decided to just "put it in a balloon...and let it go."  I told myself the same thing I would tell anyone else...that after 3 days in the hospital, there is no way one can expect to have everything down pat.  Each day is a great learning experience and what I don't know that day, I make damn sure I know the next.  I am making a promise to stop beating myself up for these things.  

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Every once in a while, I wonder what people will remember about me when I die.  I wonder what impact, if any, I have had on anyone's life.  I know I am so far from perfect and don't do everything right, and for sure at times I can be the world's biggest witch (just ask my kids).  But if there's one thing that I pride myself on, it is how I truly like to make people feel good about themselves.  Whether it's someone I know or not.  If I notice a haircut, I'll mention it.  You got cute shoes on?  I'll tell you.  I'm not insincere.  If I'm thinking it, I'll say it.  I like to smile at strangers in the grocery store.  I like the response I get...sometimes people seem so surprised.  I smile.  I'm nice to everyone.  I like to make people feel comfortable and accepted.   It's probably why I had so many guys in college ask me out who I had absolutely zero interest in.....I was just nice to them, but I guess they thought it was more than that?  I am sort of a natural flirt.  Can't help it..it's in my nature.  I flirt with everyone. 

When I was in high school, I had a couple of friends whose houses I would hang out fairly often.  I loved the relationship that developed between me and their moms.  Where they knew so much about me and would make me feel like an additional kid in their family.  Chandler has a couple of friends that I have grown close to.  Sometimes I'll get a text, asking for advice, or when they're feeling bummed about something.  Or when they need a ride somewhere.  They'll sit with me at games.  I have said before how much I love Chandler's friends.  I love being able to go out and support them watching them play their sports.   Last week, I got a text from one of them, thanking me for all I do.  It really touched my heart...he was so sincere.  It made me a little teary. 

This week, a lot made me smile.  Besides my 84 year old patient flirting with ME, I had a classmate tell me something that validated how I like to live my life.  For one of our skills test this week, we needed to pick a partner to pose as our patient.  I was two of my classmate's patients.  One of them stopped me after class early this week.  She wanted to thank me in advance for being her partner and told me she picked me, because I make her feel so comfortable.  She told me how I always smile and that she just gets this warm, friendly, comfortable feeling from me.  I was so taken aback by this.  It made my heart very full. And when you feel like that, you can't help but perpetuate the goodness from it!

Happy Friday Eve!

Taking a Breath

I wish I could say "taking a breather."  But, I'm just taking a really deep breath. 

It was one busy, crazy week.  I had my first patient.  I'll just say it wasn't what I expected.  I have super high expectations of myself.  I expect that I will go in and be this rock star nursing student.  Yep, even though I know so very little about so much.  I hate more than anything being put into a situation and not knowing how to do something.  There was a lot that I didn't know that morning.  It's one thing to practice in the lab on healthy classmates, posing as patients and using equipment that's sort of like hospital equipment.  It's just not the same.  I felt a little defeated when I left the hospital that day and glad when it was over.   The pressure of the first day in the hospital coincided with the pressure of studying for the second test.  It was a lot.  

I made myself escape with Craig and another couple and we saw Willie Nelson on Friday night.  I've seen Willie about 3 or 4 times, but it's been over 20 years.  Boy...he's gotten old, but he can sure still sing. It was a fun escape...and it sure took me back.

I spent the entire day...and I mean the entire day studying on Saturday.  And rewarded myself with a fun night out with Rylee with dinner and Mamma Mia.  Chandler and her boyfriend had their own dinner date, but met up with us to see the show.  It was great.  

Our week wrapped up with another cheer competition at Universal Studios yesterday.  It was a long day, but our teams all did awesome, coming home with a first place, 3 second places and a 3rd place. 

Took our second test this morning.  It was not easy.  We've already been told there were no "As".  We get them back on Thursday.  For now, I'll just put it out of my head and hope for the best!  Which is what I am also hoping for for tomorrow...my second clinical at the hospital and another patient!  Wish him/her ...I mean, me, luck!   :)

Great Week

I know last week was great, but honestly, it's all a blur.  I almost can't remember what happened when.  

To start, I took my first exam on Monday.  As I went through the test, I couldn't get over how many questions left me second guessing myself.  I thought for certain I did horrible.  There were too many questions that I felt unsure about.  After the test, a group of us went over to the Yard House to celebrate.  Or to drown our sorrows.  Some of us felt better about it than others.  I was just happy to have it behind me.  Turns out, I got an 89 on it.  Almost cried.  So relieved.  From here on, every week we have either an exam or a quiz.  Not even a break.  

It was another fun week in lab, preparing us for this week, as we start at the hospital.  We have our first patient on Wednesday!  Can't wait.

On Friday, we headed out to Phoenix for our cheer competition.  We had too much silly fun with a great group of cheer parents.  On Saturday, all of our teams competed their little hearts out and we came home with first place wins for all of our teams.  Not only that, but we won Grand Champions in each division with paid bids to our final competition.  It was awesome.  We were the only team there from California and we represented. It was a great trip...got to see old high school friends and my aunt came out to watch the girls, too!

We're back and getting ready for another busy week ahead.  On tap...school, first day of clinicals at the hospital, Willie Nelson, Mamma Mia and a cheer competition at Universal Studios.  More fun.  :)

And for now, I'm so sleepy I can barely keep my eyes open.  Nighty night.