Thirty Five

Today I turn 35!
I wanted to forget that it was my birthday. At this crazy time of year, when starting New Years resolutions and doing our taxes, it’s easy to forget but, sadly I was reminded when I rolled out of bed with a sore back and tension headache.
So, I did what any other ‘feeling old’ person would do…I put on a cute outfit (which included heels) and went out for the day. Ok, so it was just to the grocery store but, regardless, it was out! And I looked cute! I had to make sure to get a bottle of wine and some Motrin for my now throbbing feet.
Throughout the day, I did what I always do on my birthday…..talked to mom, got a haircut, bought something for myself, and tried to relax. And, I did.
It made me look back at the last few years of my life that have been such a roller coaster ride. My last big birthday was when I turned thirty. I had just moved to Texas and flew home (to Florida) to spend the big 3-0 with my family and some really good friends because I remember being homesick. I was new to Texas and although adjusting well, I didn’t know many people.
WOW! How things have changed in five short years:
Since then I have adjusted to Texas weather, learned to like boots and talk slow, became a fan of sweet iced tea, met some really nice people, became an RN, started my youngest in school, and finally found a nice neighborhood to really make this my happy home.
So, as I accept this age gracefully, I look at another year of accomplishments, blessed with new and exciting things. I’m happy to be 35 and I’m in good company too: Rachel McAdams, Reese Witherspoon, and Ryan Reynolds are all here with me ;)

Today was a good day, Happy Birthday to ME!

Salary of a Nurse

Somebody once asked: "Are you a nurse?!? I wanted to be a nurse when I was a kid. How much do you make?"
The nurse replied: "HOW MUCH DO I MAKE?"

Well.......
I can make holding your hand seem like the most important thing in the world when you're scared.
I can make your child breathe when they stop.
I can help your father survive a heart attack.
I can make myself get up at 5AM....... to make sure your mother has the medicine she needs to live.
I work all day to save the lives of strangers.
I make my family wait for dinner until I know your family member is taken cared of.
I make myself skip lunch so that I can make sure that everything I did for your wife today is charted.
I make myself work weekends and holidays because people don't just get sick Monday thru Friday.
Today, I might save your life.

So, how much do I make???

I make a difference.

Random Act of Kindness

This is a project that I wanted to start as a part of starting 2012 on the right track. A random act of kindness, a kind word, a small gesture, a thoughtful gift can really change someone’s day .My idea for week one is to pick up the tab for a stranger. I know sometimes it can be difficult to step out of your comfort zone so I thought I'd start off easy this week. While in line at Starbucks, I paid for the person behind me. Anyone can do this and you don't have to spend a lot. The person behind me pulled up beside me at the next intersection and saluted me with their Starbucks drink with a huge smile on his face. It made me feel good inside to make a difference in someone’s day.

You just might be addicted to Pinterest if......

1. Your grocery list is created from recipes you have pinned on Pinterest.

2. You have told at least 5 people about your latest Pinterest project!

3. Your husband now asks after you make something fabulous for dinner or dessert – did you find this on Pinterest?

4. You wrestle 3 kidsinto Hobby Lobby just to get that much needed yarn for your latest pinterest project.

5. Pinterest makes you secretly feel crafty. You say to yourself “I can make that too”
6. You have yet to make your Christmas cards because you are too busy pinning the ideas on how to make them…….

7. A day hasn’t gone by in the last week without mentioning the word Pinterest.
8. Pinterest has cost you more money than you care to admit
9. Your non-Pinterest friends look at you like you are a freak when you talk about your latest “food in a jar” find.

10. My Fave: The computers at work have blocked the pinterest site from ALL computers…..yikes!

Happy Pining everyone!

ponchos, flashlights, and kids.....oh my!

It’s noon on Sunday, and I am currently packing to chaperone Naty’s fifth-grade class trip to Sky Ranch. We leave tomorrow morning for a 3day/2 night camping and learning adventure. Naty is so excited, and I am too! I am normally an over-packer, and it makes it even tougher trying to anticipate odd things the kids might need during the trip. So far I have garbage bags, ponchos, wipes, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, sunscreen, pens, plastic bags in case clothes get wet somehow ……I’m still thinking. I always feel like I will forget to pack something.
The first thing that I packed was my travel coffee mug, we were told in our chaperone meeting that they would have caffeine available...all day long. YEAH!
I am one of twenty chaperones going with the class so we’re only responsible for about five kids each but you still feel stress taking care of someone else’s child while trying to keep drama under control and make sure everyone has a great time. This will be an adventure for us both.
I’ve chaperoned this camping trip when Sydney was in fifth grade too. We had a lot of fun: fishing, smore making, zip-lining, and hiking. It’s definitely an activity filled three days. It’s a great way to spend a few days with your classmates before starting middle school and veering in different directions.
I am glad that schools still think it’s important to allocate funds to take the kids on this type of overnight trip. It’s something Texas fifth graders look forward to all of their elementary years, they all feel like BIG stuff, and I know they will learn a lot and make great memories.