Memorial Day

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. -John F. Kennedy 

Today, during your barbecues and your festivities. whether you are surrounded by family or friends (or coworkers if you have to work like me) Please take some time to think about the men and women who are fighting right now and who have given up their lives to protect us and our nation. If you are lucky enough to be in the Company of one of our solders, seamen, airmen or a member of the corps shake their hand or give them a hug and say thank you!

Summer Reading List

Last night Kyle and I enjoyed a fine Italian dining experience at our neighborhood Olive Garden and afterward we went over to browse the local Barnes & Noble. I found a lot of different books I want to add to the summer reading list.

This is what I'm reading right now

here are some of the books I would like to read next

read it before in high school and want to read it again

 

but I think I'm going to finish the Sookie Stackhouse books. I'm currently on book 5

Got any recommendations for good summer reading? I'm thinking about organizing a bloggie book swap sometime in the next month so stay tuned for that; and please post your book recommendations in the comments!

Running Recap

Today I went for my longer run for the week. I started the bridge to 10K a few weeks ago but I didn't even make it through the first day. I tried going back to the last few weeks of the C25K and work my way back up, but then I had a busy week and ended up not running at all! It's like I set myself up to fail. But then last week with Kyle I ran for almost an hour so what's up with that? How can I run for almost an hour one day and another day not even go for 20 minutes? It's really frustrating knowing that my body can do it, that I already have done it, just to be 25 minutes into a run and feeling like I'm dying. 

So I went into today's run with an authoritative stance over my own mind. I WILL DO IT AND I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK kind of attitude. It was HOT out and after about a mile and a half I was soaking though my shirt and feeling gross. Just as I thought 23 minutes into my run I wanted to quit (and I wasn't even half way done!). I decided to just keep going for the next run cycle (10 more minutes) if I could then see how I feel. "you're not getting the better of me little voice in my head!" after that I had 1 minute of walking, by this time I was out of my neighborhood and onto the property surrounding a local golf course. The minute was over in about 10 seconds and I was running again, my slower than ever. I was just about to die from the heat and from exhaustion that I saw that down the walk from me about 75 feet, the sprinklers were turned on! I ran right through them and the surge of energy I got was incredible and I was able to finish no problem

So what happens when I run Saturday and there are no sprinklers? :-)

Public Service Announcement

So I just tried to log into my FeedBurner account and apparently the have merged with Google since the last time I logged in (a looooooooooong time ago). Anyway I ended up having to re-do my feed address and I don't know if that is going to screw anybody up. Do me a favor friends and post a comment just telling me that I still show up on your google reader (or whatever you use for reading blogs)

Working with Soul

One of the lovely nurses I work with showed me an excerpt from one of the books given to her during nurses week; Healing with Heart: Inspirations for Health Care Professionals. After reading it I wanted to share it with you all. In case you are thinking otherwise, although it is based around nursing, this pertains to ALL working professionals. I encourage you all to read this.

Working with Soul

 "The quality of our work is measures one interaction at a time. It's value is determined as much by how we work as it is by what we actually do. If our work is performed in a soul-less, mechanical way, it's quality is diminished, along with our experience. But, by creating a conscious intention of connecting with patients and co-workers, we enhance our experience, as well as the care we provide. The quality of our work improves.

All of us know colleagues who demonstrate a unique ability to make a lasting impact on those they serve. If they performed like robots with the intention of just getting the job done, they would not likely have left an impression.

People who infuse their work with soul give each person, with each interaction, a piece of themselves, and that piece enriches the lives of both giver and receiver. It would seem that if they kept giving and giving and giving of themselves, there would be nothing left.  Ironically, these people end the day feeling fulfilled, not empty. Those who work in this way are left with a feeling of accomplishment and a day well lived.

Many religious and spiritual beliefs are rooted in the notion that when we act with selflessness, we expand in energy and awareness. When we receive without giving, we actually contract. The Dead Sea, when thought of as a metaphor, illustrates this point. Typical lakes are teeming with marine life. This is only possible because of the continual inflow and outflow of nutrient rich rivers and streams. It's not just enough for there to be an inflow, there also much be an outflow to constantly renew the current environment and bring in new life. The Dead Sea, however, has no outflow, only the Jordan River feeds it, with no rivers or streams leaving it. As a result, it has no opporunity to "give away" it's water, the salt content of the sea is so high it cannot support life. 

Whether your work is in a cubicle, windowless office, lab, or bedside, our work is in and of itself, both necessary and valuable. Whatever your job, you are going to have an impact on the people around you and on your orginization as a whole. The question is what kind of impact do you want to have? How you perform your job presents you with the opportunity to transform it into an authentic expression of the desire to heal and contribute to a cohesive, supportive and productive environment. The people who work with soul motivate us and show us how to relate to on another and to our patients in welcoming ways. 

Today I will be aware of how I do my job. I will focus on how I can contribute to all with whom I come into contact. I will enjoy my work as I function with a soulful intention. "

I have a strong belief that you have a lot more control over your day than most people think, and it's all about attitude. The attitude you approach each work day with, and the attitude you display to your coworkers. It's your decision, but I encourage you to meditate on this subject, and the next time you're at work, as you coworker about their kids, compliment an outfit, smile and wave someone you don't know.

It makes an impact...believe me.

Tuesday

Hey anybody enjoying the new Blogger design? The Editor works soooooooo much better than it used to. I have found it's more fun to edit my posts. I decided to celebrate it by changing up my blogger layout (again). I have been meaning to change it to a 2-column layout my post area could be bigger so I could showcase my pictures :-). I still need to change up the colors to match my header (mostly because i'm not motivated enough to make a new header...one thing at a time people)

Now that we know that Kyle and I are staying west side for the next three-ish years it makes me think even more seriously about my plans for Graduate School. I have made a promise to myself to get my MSN before I start having kids if at all possible. Now I have this window of 2-3 years where I won't have to deal with a move, where financially we are in a good enough place to not require my working full time and where the best nursing school in the country has a distance learning masters in the field I want.

Sounds tempting? I know...

I decided long ago that I wanted to teach at a college of nursing "when I grow up." I have been really drawn to perinatal (OB) nursing and I have been trying (although not as hard as I could) to get a L&D job for the last year and a half. I day dream about getting a job as a nurse educator on a L&D unit, educating patients and advocating for babies, teaching nurses to be even better nurses, move a unit to become Baby Friendly, being a clinical professor for OB rotations. I would L-O-V-E love it. I just need to get my foot in the door. This is the problem that really gets me thinking. Do I dare start this program without any OB experience yet? I plan on working during school and I KNOW I can get a job this year but do I want to wait until I get a year of staff nurse experience before I start school?

check it out if you want. 
University of Washington School of Nursing - Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist

Any thoughts?

Now I can officially say I've touched one

I went to my friend Suzannah's house last night to watch the season finale of LOST (which I liked by the way. Most of the blogs I have read have been really critical of the episode but my husband and I really liked it!) and her brother in law brought over a bunch of stuff, including something in a little black case. When he first passed the case to his wife I thought it was one of those larger CD carrying cases (you know you used to have one with like 5 million CDs in it) then I remembered 'who the heck uses CD's anymore? Then Suz's husband says "hey man, enjoying the ipad?" 

WHAAAAAAAA? Cue Sara's inner 5 year old, uuber techo geek.

"You have an IPAD!?!?!?!?! Can I touch it??!?!?!?!?!?!
~ my husband dies of embarrassment~

He hands it over, really after looking at a 23 year old jumping up and down like a child who just was told she was going to Disney World tomorrow what could the man do? I was enthralled, obsessed, true love at first sight. When that lil' beauty was slipped into my hands the heavens smiled upon me; and it was good.  Ok Ok maybe I'm exaggerating (just a little)

It's heavier than I thought

I had fantasies of uploading all of my photos onto it and having them all at a moment's notice, watching movies while cuddled in bed, sorting though e-mail while sipping a latte at Starbucks.

Maybe someday.....

Flower Shoot

I have been reading Scott Kelby's book The Digital Photography Book over this weekend and I just finished his chapter on flower photography. I have never tried this before and figured it would be fun to see what I could do with it. I unfortunately had to use the kit lens for this (ugh) because it is the only one I have the goes below 55mm. So I went down to Vons and bought a dozen pink roses for $9.99 and a bunch of Calla Lillis on sale and came home, set up my tripod and fired away.

Here are a few shots I am especially proud of


 

  

  

  

  


Alright guys i'm off to make sandwiches! My friend Suzannah is hosting a LOST series finale party tonight!!!!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

I want to be a Certified Better Photographer!

I have been looking into taking a photoshop class at betterphoto.com where I took my introductory DSLR class last fall towards the end of Kyle's deployment. The class was really enjoyable and a great beginner course; the teachers were knowledgeable and always gave good/constructive feedback on my images. Well when I went back to their website lookie at what I see.


They are now offering a certification package! It's basically a 32 credit hour program (composed of 4-four week long courses and 2-eight week long courses) that cover all the basic fundamentals of photography. Subjects that are covered include lighting, composition, exposure and (ta da!) photoshop! At 1,500 for the cert it isn't the cheapest option but to buy all of these classes individually would run you about 1,600-1,700. Plus you can take the classes at your own pace. Take one a time or 3 at a time whatever you want. I'm thinking this might be something I can do for myself to make the time that Kyle is in Maine this fall a little more bearable.

Maybe my photos will get to be so amazing that I will need a better computer to do my editing on.

But I'm getting ahead of myself......drool.........

We're not moving, or wait we are, or maybe not

The last 24 hours have been a blur of frustration, anger, tears, and overwhelming confusion. Kyle's time to transfer to his next duty station is coming up in September. I told him that I really would like to stay here for his next tour if at all possible since I am settled here and have good friends, a good job and it's Southern California, what's not to like? We talked together and compiled a list of his preferences for possible jobs putting San Diego as our chief preference and he submitted it to his detailer (the guy that assigned him his job). Then in true Navy Fashion we waited, and waited, and waited some more. The floods in TN didn't help matters since during that time the Navy central office where Kyle's detailer worked out of was flooded with about 2-3 feet of water.

When Kyle finally got word back yesterday the news was pretty bitter sweet. It was a job that would keep us in San Diego but it was on a ship type that Kyle really didn't want, doing a job he really wasn't interested in. We talked about the possibility of changing it and I was really hesitant, because I essentially had what I wanted because we were going to stay here. The thing that really made the decision even harder was the fact that Kyle needed to talk to his captain about it the next morning. So I had about an hour before I needed to decide whether to ask to stay here no matter what, or to roll the dice and see what we get. It was one of my first big challenges in my marriage. One of those times you parents tell you about; times in your marriage where you have to put your spouse before yourself. I didn't want Kyle to be unhappy, but I was terrified that we would be sent to a place that I wouldn't like; or even worse, abroad to a place where I couldn't work.

We talked about it for awhile after I got back from work last night and I spent most of the night just thinking and thinking about it. I decided that given the fact that this tour is less than two years and I didn't want this to be detrimental to Kyle's career progression I said let's chance it and see what we get.

Turns out that it worked out, well sort of.

Kyle got an opportunity to be a DIVO on a ship that is home-ported in San Diego. We get to stay here, and he got the job he wanted. We'll be here for the next two years so we decided we're definitely going to move out of our apartment to a bigger place.

The bad news....I actually have to accept the reality that's he's going to deploy again and the job he took will send him off for other training he wouldn't have to have done other wise. Guess it will just take some getting used to.

Just Do It.

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."

- Unknown

Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Sorry it seems like it's been 1,000 years since I last posted a recipe. This was for dinner tonight! It is my mothers classic recipe and one that I enjoyed a lot when I was still back home. It does take some work but it is worth it! I used store bought crust to save on time. Pop in some frozen brown and serve rolls during the last 10 minutes of baking and you're done. Creamy, crusty, gives you that toasty warm feeling in your tummy....wonderful.


Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
source: Cooking Light

Ingredients

• Crust:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 3 tablespoons ice water
• 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 
  Filling:
• 3 cups Chicken Stock, divided
• 2 1/3 cups cubed red potato (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup (1/4-inch-thick) sliced carrot
• 2 teaspoons butter or stick margarine
• 1/2 cup chopped shallots or onions
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup frozen petite green peas
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Dash of black pepper
• Cooking spray
• 2 teaspoons 1% low-fat milk

Preparation

To prepare crust, lightly spoon 1 cup flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 1/4 cup flour, ice water, and vinegar in a small bowl. Combine 3/4 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add vinegar mixture; stir just until moist. Press mixture gently into a 5-inch circle on heavy-duty plastic wrap; cover with additional plastic wrap. Chill for 15 minutes. Roll dough, still covered, into a 13 x 10-inch oval. Place dough in freezer 5 minutes or until plastic wrap can be easily removed.

Preheat oven to 400°.

To prepare filling, bring 2 1/2 cups Chicken Stock to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add potato and carrot; cook 2 minutes. Drain mixture in a colander over a bowl, reserving cooking liquid.

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; cook 3 minutes. Lightly spoon 1/2 cup flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup Chicken Stock; stir with a whisk. Add to skillet. Stir in potato mixture, reserved cooking liquid, chicken, peas, 3/4 teaspoon salt, thyme, and pepper. Cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Spoon chicken mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish coated with cooking spray. Remove 1 sheet of plastic wrap from dough. Place dough on top of chicken mixture, pressing to edge of dish. Remove top sheet of plastic wrap. Cut 5 slits in top of crust to allow steam to escape. Gently brush crust with milk. Bake at 400° for 45 minutes or until golden. Let stand 10 minutes.

New Camera Bag!

I was looking to get a new bag to handle my camera gear while I haul myself around this great county of ours in a few weeks. I have the camera "gig" bag that came with my original purchase (thank you Brian)

That's the one!

It's nice and it suits the job well. But it's not exactly built for travel. I used it last time I went to Rhode Island and it was incredibly bulky and awkward. There is very limited space for personal items (you know all of the womanly essentials; wallet, keys, cell phone, ipod, chapstick, other chapstick, lotion, compact, water bottle, snacks.....) which meant on the flight I had to carry a second bag for all of my other stuff. There is no way on God's green earth that I will check my camera equipment (esp since I don't even have that much) so I wanted to get a bag I could use for both purposes.

And this morning whist browsing Amazon.com I found this!
check it out here (I got it in red)

This will definitely do the job. Now if I could only have that mac powerbook sticking out of it in the picture...

I am really excited. I have two weddings and a graduation to go
to in the next two months to get some great shots!

Long Run

Last week I went running with a few girlfriends from work down by the San Diego harbor. It was so much fun! It was the first time I ever went running with a group of people and I felt much more motivated than I do when I go by myself. For some reason the miles melt into each other when I have someone there to distract me. The breeze from the harbor was fantastic and there was so many people to watch while they are passing by.

I made it about 3 miles before the other girlies pooped out. :-) I felt great, ready to stop but I definitely could have kept going. I decided that night after Kyle came home that I would try my first long run that weekend with him down by the harbor again. He was up for it and I was excited!

That Saturday I laced up my sneaks and the hubby and I hit the street.

And I ran, and ran

I ran for 5.7 miles!

Mile Breakdown

1-3: Not bad, started at the convention center and ran down the pier. Kyle scaled two levels of stairs up and down around mile 2 (no thanks!) and I kept going. I kept around a 10 min mile pace.

4-5.7: had to walk for about 2 minutes before I kept going (note: it's INCREDIBLE how energized you feel after a short recovery walk, don't be ashamed if you need it. you just need to keep going after!!) At this point we had ran down the entire pier, though seaport village, onto the wharf and turned around to come back again. My mind started getting the better of me (quiet whispering "just stop, you don't need to keep going...just walk, it's ok) Not it's NOT. I have to keep going! I spent so much time arguing with myself that I didn't notice that we were already almost back to the Civic center. I checked my iphone

Distance 5.7 miles
Time 0:57:03

When I finally stopped (of course kyle wanted to keep going) I felt AH-MAZING! I couldn't believe that the previous day I crapped out after 3.2 miles and today I just almost doubled that! To be totally honest, I probably could have kept going (maybe...). It was incredible. I felt like I could do anything! I feel like physical proof that you can set your mind to something and do something incredible. All you need is a good pair of sneakers!

I'm not MIA I swear!

Hey all

Sorry I've been so lacking in the posts lately,

I do have stuff to back post which I will get to this week during my days off including...

My first long run (5.7 miles!!!!!)
A few new recipes
My new training goal (no...not telling yet! but don't worry, you'll find out soon enough)

I would start tonight,
but I have to work tomorrow,
and should have been in bed a hour ago....

GOODNIGHT EVERYONE!!!!


love Little Rhody Girl

An afternoon at Scripps Aquarium

We decided Sunday to spend the afternoon at the Local Aquarium. Since it was a hazy day we thought something inside might be a nice way to spend some time. Located in La Jolla, it was about a 15 minute ride north for us and we got there around 2pm. We had a nice lunch at the cafe outside the entrance then spent the next 2 hours checking out all of the different exhibits. I had a change to use my canon camera for the first time in a while and turned out some pretty impressive shots. I had forgotten how much I love being behind the lens!

We came home, had a nice dinner and now we are lazing on the couch watching Aliens. Not a bad end to the weekend.

So without further ado, here are some pictures!

There's Kyle!!


And Me! (sheesh two years in San Diego and I'm still pale....::sigh::)

Happy Mother's Day

Mom, this day is for you.

My mom is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. Even though the navy has put physical distance between us I feel that over the last year out relationship has gotten even closer. I feel so blessed that God chose her to be my mom; because she is the best mother in the entire universe! She is the first person I call to ask advice, and the first person I complain too when I have had a bad day at work (besides the hubby of course!). She is the woman, the nurse and the mother that I hope to emulate someday.

Thanks mom for being you!



I also have to say a very special Happy mother's day to my MIL Lynn.

Last year we officially became family, but I have felt like a member of her family for years. She has always been loving and gracious to me for as long as I have known her. I am proud to call myself a member of her family. Thank you Lynn, for raising such a wonderful son, for accepting me as a daughter and for being a wonderful person.



HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

Saturday

My Saturday has been quite relaxing. Although somebody has been making it quite difficult for me to sew...


It's hard to get 1/4" allowance when you have paws darting in and out of the way!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Week updates...

Hey everyone!

The week has been pretty good, and the best part is it's almost over! I have either gone running, or worked out 3 out of the 4 days this week (this morning I actually woke up early and worked out before work!--I know I know I can't believe it either!) I worked today, not a bad day. really busy toward the end of the shift but nothing too terrible. One more shift tomorrow then off for the weekend.

In other news, Kyle and I have decided to try and take a vacation at the end of this summer between his jobs (around late August). We are currently trying to decide where we want to go. I was wondering If I could some of my readers' opinions

We're thinking...

Hawaii

San Fransisco

Seattle

and Yosemite

Just to name a few. We are trying to pick places near (or in) California so we don't have to travel to far (or spend a lot of $$ to travel) Have any of you ever been to any of these places. What would you recommend?


p.s. Anyone blog post from their phone? how do you do it?

Core Power Yoga

(this isn't me in case anyone was wondering lol) Warrior Pose II

Today was really nice. I woke up early and went for my run (short only 1.5 miles). I had a dentist appointment for my 6 month cleaning and got some shopping in before my first ever Yoga class!

My ultrafit workout program incorporates a power stretch series at least two times a week. A lot of my buddies at work to go Core Power Yoga and the encouraged me to go check it out. Online they offer a coupon for a free week, so hey why not?

I had my first into class today which was really fun and challenging. I was sweating like crazy halfway though the class. Those poses are harder then they look! I'm going to go back tomorrow too. They offer class packs so you can buy a pack of 10 or 25 and you have 6 months to use them. This is defiantly a way for me to get more flexibility and improve my core strength.

So now it's Sex and the City DVDs on the couch, hubby is out to sea until Friday.
Have a nice relaxing night everybody!