One year ago....

One year ago I was just about to graduate nursing school.
One year ago I was worried about passing my NCLEX-RN exam
One year ago I wasn't even engaged......

I can't even believe that a year has gone by since Kyle proposed. Now we are MARRIED (for three months already!) I figure that it's fitting to celebrate a year of partial engagement/marriage by re-telling the story of Kyle's proposal, first my take....then my husband's!

**taken from our old wedding website**
-Her Story-
Our Senior year of college Kyle came to spend the weekend with me for our anniversary (April 26th). That night when we went to sleep he snuck out of bed to "wrap my anniversary gift." What he really did was put pictures of us all over my house and wrote out a card for me to find in the morning with a rose. He came back to bed and set his cell phone alarm on vibrate for 5:15 AM and went to sleep.

Now around 4:30 I woke up WHICH I NEVER EVER DO! and came out of bed to go to the bathroom. I woke him up when I tried to get out of bed and totally freaked him out. He was like "hold on" and ran out and took down EVERYTHING he just put up to not ruin my surprise. I was totally oblivious and went to the bathroom, came back and went back to sleep.

Around 5:30 my cell phone went off with his ring tone and It woke me up. When I answered it he said happy anniversary and that there was a gift for me in the living room then hung up. I went outside and found the rose and card and pictures. The card told me to meet him at the beach. The beach is like a 5 min walk from where I live in Narragansett Rhode Island so thinking we were just going to go for a walk (which we often do) I walked out the door, WITH SWEATPANTS AND A HOODIE ON, WITHOUT BRUSHING MY HAIR OR EVEN LOOKING IN THE MIRROR!

When I got to the beach I saw him standing there with his shirt and tie on. When I got up to him he kissed me with tears in his eyes. It was at that moment that my lightbulb went off and I realized what was happening!! He got on one knee and asked me to be his wife just as the sun was coming up on the beach, while I looked like hell..

-His Story-
The weekend I proposed to Sara was really exciting and went off almost perfectly. Friday afternoon I flew home and Sara met me at the airport and she had no idea what was about to happen that weekend. That evening we went downtown to one of the best steak and sushi restaurants around and we had a really great time. The food, atmosphere and Sara's company made it a perfect night out. After dinner we came back home to her house and settled into bed because we had to get up early the next morning for a volleyball tourney. Sara's roommate Lisa had left for the night so we had the house to ourselves. After Sara had gone to bed I went out to the living room and put up pictures of the two of us from over the years all over the living room and then left a card and rose at her bedroom door. My plan was to wake up a little before sunrise and head down to the beach near her house and then call to wake her up and have her meet me on the beach to propose there. So after setting up everything in the living room I headed off to bed too. It was hard to sleep because I was nervous about how the next morning was going to go. Everything seemed fine until about 15 minutes before I was going to wake up and Sara happened to wake up. I was really nervous at that point because I needed to wait for her to fall back asleep again before I could get up. She eventually goes back to sleep and I very carefully and quietly snuck out of bed and changed into my khakis, shirt, and tie and then left a single rose and a card right outside her bedroom door, telling her to meet me down at the beach. Then with my cellphone and the engagement ring in my pocket I snuck out the back door and started walking down to the beach. When I was almost there I called Sara, woke her up and told her there was a surprise in the living room. At that point she still didn't really realize what it all meant and threw on a sweatshirt and sweatpants and headed down to the beach where I said I'd meet her. I waited for her on the beach where the sun was just breaking over the horizon and seagulls were flying a short ways off the beach. It was a perfect looking morning. A few minutes later Sara came walking down the beach, still not really knowing what to expect. I walked up to her told her how much I love her and want us to spend the rest of our lives together and then got down on one knee, pulled out the ring and asked her to marry me. She immediately said yes and started to cry, even before she saw the ring, which I guess is a good sign. She loved the ring and was so excited and happy because she had no idea it was coming. As we walked back to the house she called her parents and woke them up and they were really excited and happy for both of us too. I was pretty nervous about planning and then pulling off the whole event and sneaking out of the house without her noticing, but all in all it worked out perfectly and we both couldn't be happier.

Three Months

Blog Re-design

What do you think?
DEFINITELY still a work in progress

Cricut Expression

So let me start from the beginning. About 3 months ago I was watching TV really late at night when I couldn't sleep and saw an infomercial on the Cricut Expression. 10 seconds into the ad I was hooked. I HAD TO HAVE THIS MACHINE! I am a pretty avid scrapbooker and really enjoy putting them together. The possibilities of what you can do with this machine is pretty much endless, so I went online and checked the price. $450!!! no way man. So I put it out of my head and pretty much forgot about it. Although whenever I'm in Michaels I sit and stare for a few minutes.

Anyway long story short I was channel surfing last night and happened upon HSN and saw that they were offering a cricut expression and a Your Story Book Binder for about 425.00 including shipping and tax! So sorry to my frugal self. I HAD TO BUY IT.

It also came with 5 cartridges and assorted accessories, too many to list!

It's comming in two weeks! I can't wait until it gets here!!!!!

New Spring 'do

So I have decided, after looking at Heather Drive that this blog is in dire need of a spring makeover...sooo watch out for that!

NRP I'm a provider!

So I had my neonatal resuscitation provider class today. I decided that I would take the Neonatal Resuscitation class to beef up my resume for potential managers. Also, part of me wanted some real hands on practice so I would be able to better answer the question "could I really do this? do these things to take care of babies?"

All in all I was very impressed with the class, the teachers, and the facilities. I forgot how nice hospitals that have money are. SHARP Mary Birch for Women is located off of the 163 about 10 minutes from my apartment. It is a HUGE BEAUTIFUL Hospital that has a very large perinatal department and a 50 bed NICU....My jaw dropped when I saw it. This is the type of place I could really see myself working at.
1) Large
2) Specialty
3) Women's Hospital

Our two professors represented two major neonatal specialties, one has almost 30 years of L&D experience, the other had around 16 years of NICU experience. Two very knowledgeable women with a lot of good solid advice and tips to offer us. The class itself was small (only 4 people) which was nice because it gave each of us a lot of time to practice with the mannequins and the different equipment needed for resuscitating babies. We took the final exam as a group, because during a extensive resuscitation you need at least 4-5 people involved. I got certified as an Advanced NRP because I need to have the advanced cert for NICU

After that class I still feel confident that this is where I want to specialize. Monday I applied for a L&D job at Scripps La Jolla...we'll keep our fingers crossed.

Now work 3-11......I'm going to sleep good tonight!!!!!!!!!!!

Movie Review - James Bond Quantum of Solace

Last night Kyle and I finally got around to watching our latest Netflix movie, Quantum of Solace. I have got to say that neither of us were very impressed. Our mutual friend (and 007 junkie) warned us that it wasn't the best, but we have seen every other James Bond movie, and so we felt the need to give it a shot.

Well, like I said, I really wasn't impressed. The action sequences (although very cool at times) were filmed so fast that you couldn't really tell what was going on. The ones you actually could follow were CLEARLY 95% CGI which was a disappointment. Bond didn't even sleep with the female lead and the plot was VERY weak. Now I know that the Bond movies are usually predictable, but this movie didn't even deliver the predictability we have come to love with James Bond movies.

It just wasn't the same caliber as the older 007 movies, it wasn't even in the same zip code really. I give my two thumbs down. So has anyone else seen it? Feel free to talk about it in the comments. Did you like it? Did you not?

Spinach & Rice Soup

Ok so this recipe is SUPER easy but really yummy if you like Spinach

1) One box frozen Spinach
2) One cup cooked white rice
3) 4-6 cups chicken bullion (more if you like more broth)

Cook bullion until water is at a rolling boil. Put in frozen spinach and cook according to package directions. While Spinach is cooking cook rice in rice cooker or in a separate pot (I got a rice cooker as a wedding present but before that I like to use the boil in a bag rice since I SUCK at cooking rice right). When Rice is done drain and scoop into pot with chicken broth and Spinach. Stir thoroughly. Serve with generous portion of grated Parmesan.

DELICIOUS!!

Happy Easter

Easter is here! I can't believe that another Holy week has come and gone. This year we attended Good Friday and Easter Service at our new home church, Point Loma United Methodist Church. Good Friday was a service full of music and powerful emotions. Easter Sunday was Joyful and Jubilant celebration of the power of faith.

The story is as old as time. Yet with each passing year to me it becomes more and more special

Christ is Risen...

He is Risen Indeed!

**Some stargazer lilies I bought in memory of the Easter Season. I know that Easter lilies are traditionally all white, but I couldn't resist adding some pink as well**

Last Supper

Holy week is here, this is always a special week for me. I have to work tonight so I can't go to the service at church but I have off tomorrow so I can go to the Good Friday Service.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Can you please pass the cup of the new covenant?

Christ has died, and Christ will rise again!

Just for Fun!

The rules are as follows:
1- Fill it out
2- Change one question with one of your own
3- Add an additional question
4- Then send it to three people
So here I go:

1. What are your current obsessions?
**Finding a job as a NICU RN
**Bridezillas! I just bought the complete 5th season on itunes...sometimes it's not good to have extra income....

2. Which item from your closet are you wearing most often?
**Interesting question since I am currently in the process of updating my wardrobe to reflect my "mature adult sexy self" haha just kidding. But I am really trying to get out of my t-shirt and jeans phase that I have been stuck in for like 8 years. To honestly answer this question unfortunately I would have to say the thing I wear most often in my closet is my work scrubs...pathetic!!!

3. Last thing you bought for yourself?

Last night I shopped online at Victoria's Secret.com for the first time. Look what I got!

Scoopneck Dress (I got in black)

Off the shoulder babydoll top (in pink)

Like I said...dangerous to have extra $$

4. Changed question-- What are three things you would like to learn to do?

1) learn to garden

2) Learn to become a morning person (probably never going to happen)

3) Get a sense of STYLE

5. Say something to the person who tagged you

**Christy!! I can't wait to hear about your travels through Nursing School, you will be GREAT! It is interesting how much we have in common, nursing, married to military men...wierd...

6. What is one item you could not live without?
Now...pathetic....my iphone

7. Changed question - What's your dream job?
**If I wasn't a Nurse I think I would really enjoy being a chef in a test kitchen or owning a craft store. My all time DREAM job would be being a Disney imagineer (the people who design the parks & the rides at Disney World)

8. Three things to do before you die:

1) See Europe

The Lourve

2) Have a baby (maybe two)

3) Build your own Dream house

9. What are you reading right now?
**I am currently reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner from Azkaban. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan and I wanted to read the entire series without stopping to see how each book ties into the other..YAY for Hogwarts!!

cute pic!

10. What is the last movie you saw and enjoyed? Rate it out of 5 stars.

The last movie I saw in theaters was Marley & Me. I read the book last summer and was looking forward to seeing it on the big screen. Great movie!!! 4.5 stars!!!!

11. What's your guilty pleasure?
**I go through phases. I only read celebrity sleeze magazines on flights or in line at the grocery store. Right now my guilty pleasure is sitting on the couch in my pajamas blogging when I should be cleaning my house (three guesses as to what I am doing right now)

12. What's your favorite smell?
**Laundry fresh from the dryer, and the smell of my husband..(I know it's cheesy...but it's true)

13. Best thing you ate or drank lately?
**Last night I stopped on the way home from work (which i NEVER do) and got in-n-out. For all of you poor saps who don't know what that is....I'm sorry.

definitely worth moving west for

14. Care to share some wisdom?
**It's better to take a risk then spend the rest of your life wondering "what if"

15. Describe one of your happiest moments?
**When I said my Wedding Vows...The most important minute in my life..and also the most wonderful.

16. What is your favorite cheat meal or snack?
**Smartfood Popcorn

17. Why do you blog?
**Since I moved away it is a good way to keep in touch with family and friends, and a cool way to meet new ones!

I TAG......
-A burning Hearts Flame
-Cape Cod Love
-Life on the plywood stage

Now you three fill it out!

Just for Fun!

Just for fun!

The rules are as follows:
1- Fill it out
2- Change one question with one of your own
3- Add an additional question
4- Then send it to three people
So here I go:


1. What are your current obsessions?
**Finding a job as a NICU RN
**Bridezillas! I just bought the complete 5th season on itunes...sometimes it's not good to have extra income....


2. Which item from your closet are you wearing most often?


3. Last thing you bought for yourself?


4. Changed question-- What are three things you would like to learn to do?



5. Say something to the person who tagged you


6. What is one item you could not live without?


7. Vacation spots you must visit before you die?


8. Three things to do before you die:


9. What are you reading right now?


10. What is the last movie you saw and enjoyed? Rate it out of 5 stars.

11. What's your guilty pleasure?


12. What's your favorite smell?

13. Best thing you ate or drank lately?

14. Care to share some wisdom?

15. Describe one of your happiest moments?

16. What is your favorite cheat meal or snack?


17. What do you have an addiction to?

18. Why do you blog?

Bridezillas...my guilty pleasure

During my engagement one especially boring day I was skimming through the cox cable FreeZone and happened upon some episodes of a show called Bridezillas. After one episode I was HOOKED. Bridezillas is a reality show on the We (women's entertainment) network that features bride's who loose every shred of sanity they have before their wedding and become complete nightmares to the friends and families. It is HILARIOUS the stuff that sends these women completely over the edge. Kyle has watched it with me a few times and each time he says (more then once) "I'm so happy you were not like that. Don't these men realize what they are signing up for???" I agree with him, some of these guys much be completely insane!!

Anyway the show is such a guilty pleasure for me (I am actually watching an episode right now) and now even after my wedding I watch old episodes every Sunday night. The new season starts in June....I CAN'T WAIT!!!

So I wanted to ask all of my lovely readers, what is a TV show you watch religiously but are embarrassed to admit to?

Unexpected Wedding Present!!

Look what I found when I came home!!






What's that mean? Le Creuset is French for REALLY F'ING GOOD COOKWARE

I guess I have to make a roast this weekend haha!

Oh. My. Gosh. SO CUTE!!

I have been following several cooking blogs over the last few months and I especially love the blog Bakerella. Her newest post has me convinced to finally try my hand at making these little beauties!

SOOOO CUTE!!!!!!

AHHHHHH :-D

They are cake lollypops in the shape of sheep and bunnies for easter, look at the little bunny butts! SO CUTE!! I haven't baked in a while so maybe I will give this a shot sometime in the next month, I'll let you know how it works out.

I also am thinking of taking a Wilton Cake Decorating class, there is one starting this Saturday at my local Michaels....I wonder how much it costs.....

haha I always so all over the place...but I can't resist those cute pops I WANT TO MAKE THEM!

SHARP NICU

Hi Sara:
Thank you for your continued interest in our NICU at Sharp HealthCare. At this time, there are no plans for any training programs for the summer or in the fall. If they do decide that there is a need for a training program for Jan/Feb 2010, then these positions will be evaluated in October of this year. Please feel free to email me at that time and I can let you know if there are plans for a training program.

ARG!!! 2010?????? come on!!!