tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679718051589898752024-03-05T18:52:18.418-06:00Dishes, Diapers, Degrees Oh MyNancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-90811565260991374572013-08-17T13:25:00.001-05:002013-08-17T13:25:13.018-05:00Happy Days Are Here Again! Back to School!<br />
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Summer has come and gone and now the kiddos are back to school. They have only been back to school for three days. This year there were no partial days. Trust me I had no complaints but I could see it on my kids exhausted faces when they returned home, their day was a long one. We tried to "train" them back into their school routine but of course that didn't work. Good intentions and all that jazz. My oldest instantly fell asleep when she came home. My oldest son was frantic that he would miss a homework assignment being posted on their new class website. Plus, he was upset that he wouldn't have any "game" (video game) time because he had football practice. My younger two seemed the least bit affected by the long school day.<br />
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The youngest started preschool this year. He is four years old. He calls it "Priest School" and now that he is going to "Priest School" he is a priest. According to him. It's so stinking cute and I love that he is so excited about school.<br />
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I have to say I am so happy that school has started back up. Not just because the kids are out of the house. I have enjoyed spending time with my kids this summer. The summer did go by incredibly fast. The reason I am happy that school is in session is because my family will be back on a schedule. School forces us to get on a schedule and stick to it. Bedtimes, wake up times, homework assignments and deadlines, practice and game schedules, all of it forces us to adhere to a routine. And let's be honest we do better when we stick to a routine. <br />
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Part of our routine includes making lunches. This year we are making the kids take their own lunch 4 out of 5 days a week. They can decide at the beginning of the week what lunch they want to purchase at school. With four kids in school, lunches add up quickly. I figured it to be about $200 a month on school lunches. If we pack our own and limit purchases of the school's lunch then we can save about half that amount. It adds up quick and with those savings we could afford to send three kids to summer camp next year. I searched Pinterest for several lunch ideas. My favorite one was of a three drawer Rubbermaid organization bin. Each drawer held different items that can go into a lunch box. In my top drawer I have things like fruit cups, granola bars, cheese and crackers, raisins. The kids can pick two from this box. In the second drawer I have sweets like Little Debbie treats, cookie packs and fruit snacks. They can pick one. The third drawer is for our drinks. We are allowing the kids to choose a drink from the drawer, a bottle (reusable) of water, or milk purchased at school. Plus, the kids can make sandwiches or rollups and get fruit and veggies from the fridge. So far (for the three days we've had) it's gone well. I hope we can stick with it. I believe that the lunch making will help my kids with decision making. They will learn about choices and healthy food. We also have an after school snack bin in our pantry. This keeps the kids from sneaking the lunch supplies.<br />
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Guess what also comes with the kids going back to school... FOOTBALL! I'm not a huge football fan. I cannot tell you what play is what but I do understand enough to enjoy the game. Yes, I am a football mom. And I love to watch my son play...when he plays. I enjoy the high school football games as well. We are a small town how else are we to spend our Friday evenings? But the best part of the season....wait for it... FANTASY FOOTBALL. Oh my goodness, my husband has his draft coming up next weekend. Now to be fair he isn't like most men who get all out of control with their teams but I do find it amusing. He enjoys it and that makes it worth it. I'm looking forward to the cool weather (which we are enjoying today) which means chili and sandwiches while watching college or pro games. Woohoo...I'm so excited.<br />
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So as you can now tell, I love this time of year. The routine of back to school. The excitement of football season. And the wonderful fall weather. I'm dying to start decorating with pumpkins, fall leaves and little ghouls and monsters. But I will give it a week or two.<br />
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I hope you are enjoying the back to school fun.Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-63530848465348153782013-05-18T09:30:00.001-05:002013-05-18T09:30:21.160-05:00Let's Catch Up<br />
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My last post was in August of 2012. So it hasn't exactly been a year that I have ignored this blog. Life has been crazy insane since then. Let me catch you up and hopefully I will be back on track to this whole blogging world.<br />
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I'm still working as nurse. I have almost survived my first year as an RN. My anniversary date is June 18th. It has been a challenge for sure but I am learning everyday. I started out on night shift and just recently switched to days. Life is so much better on days. Work isn't easier. In fact it is downright crazy and I often wonder why I agreed to switch shifts. But I am home by 7pm on the days I work and am able to spend time with my family. Then I can sleep like a normal person. Yes, I am enjoying days!<br />
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On Christmas Day we had a big snow storm and I was snowed in at work. The entire area was covered in snow. And you know what happens when it snows right? People want to warm up. They snuggle. Then snuggling leads to other things and... well you get the point. We did some (ahem) snuggling of our own ringing in the new year and now we are expecting our fifth child. We will be having a little girl and we are ecstatic about it.<br />
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A little surprise to both my husband and I. I say little because we had discussed having another child and we weren't taking any precautions so it wasn't a big surprise. The big surprise came when I became so sick during the first trimester. I don't remember being that sick with my other kiddos. My husband said it was a combination of working night shift and being older. God bless him that he is still alive for bringing up the fact that I am now older. Seriously, I didn't have the energy or the stomach to take him out on that one. So I let it slide...for the time being.<br />
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Thankfully, I survived the first trimester and everything is moving along perfectly. Life is going pretty good I would say.<br />
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In late April we decided to pull the kids out of school for a week and take them to Disney World. It has been a goal of ours to take the family to Disney. The first night at the Magic Kingdom I couldn't hold back my tears. My youngest was asleep in the stroller. He didn't stay awake for Tinker Bell's flight or for the fireworks. The older three were standing on a bench, overlooking a lake and watching the fireworks over Cinderella's castle. Blame it on the hormones but it was a beautiful moment that I will never forget. For a few minutes my children were calm and loving. We spent the entire day in the park and had a couple of meltdowns. But at that moment of the fireworks everything fell into place. The kids were cheering and pointing. It was perfection and the Disney magic fell upon my family.The rest of the week was like that. There was so much to do and we were lucky to be able to do most of it. Really, the end of April is prime time to visit Disney World. Barely any lines or crowds. The weather was perfect but I think that was just luck more than anything.<br />
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So what do you do when you return home from Disney World? Well, the kids went back to school. That Monday morning I convinced my husband that we should consider getting a dog. Yep, I went there. We have had pets before but had to give them to other homes when we moved or for other circumstances. We have been pet free for about five and half years. The kids are to the age where I believe they will benefit from a family pet. My husband decided to humor me and off to the county shelter we went. Of course we saw puppies first but they were already claimed for adoption. We took a walk around the kennels. All the dogs were cute and very excited. They jumped at the fence and barked. It was heartbreaking to see so many animals without a home. At the end of the kennels there was a red dog who calmly sat and waited for us to get to her. She didn't bark. We were told that her name is Harlow and was found wandering in one of the local businesses. After spending some time with her in the shelter's office we decided she was for us. Of course we had to see how she was with four kids. Later that day we told the kids the news and that they would meet Harlow. The meeting of dog and kids was funny. Harlow was the calmest of the bunch. She is extremely tame and only barks if she wants to go outside. Yay for a housebroken dog. She also doesn't jump on anyone. BONUS!!! Now she is ours forever. I couldn't be more pleased. Harlow is the chill pup that our family needed.<br />
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There you have it. You have been caught up. My life is still crazy as ever. And it is going to get crazier. Is that even possible? Well, stick around and find out.<br />
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Upcoming posts:<br />
1. Harlow and her preferred place to poop. (Thank God it's not in my house)<br />
2. My husband bought an XBox.<br />
3. Don't call it a Geriatric Pregnancy!<br />
<br />Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-69074010104883783052012-08-22T02:00:00.002-05:002012-08-22T02:00:45.168-05:00Remember Me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a long time since I last posted on my actual blog page. Life has been one big blur this past year. Here is an update:<br />
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<li>I passed nursing school! Woohoo! I passed my boards, too! Now I am working as a med/surg nurse. Let me tell you that now that I am on my own as an RN, nursing school doesn't look so bad. But I have been told to give nursing a year or two until I get comfortable. So far I have two and half months down. </li>
<li>We bought a brand new mini van. Big pimpin I know! New job. New paycheck. New car payment. I love the new vehicle. It has plenty of unnecessary bells and whistles but let me tell you one thing. Those bells and whistles keep my four kids entertained on long trips.</li>
<li>I am still overweight but have lost twelve pounds since working as a nurse. There is no time to eat on the shift and when I do eat I try to eat healthy. I do plan to start cycling. Don't worry I will post how that is going. It should be very comical as I have not ridden a bike since before I was married.</li>
<li>Our parish went through a big "scandal" when our priest was made to leave due to his not following the teachings of the Catholic Church. It was a bad time for our parish. Lines were drawn and I even lost a few friends. Just be thankful that I wasn't blogging at this point. My opinion was not one that was widely accepted. I do believe our parish can now heal and grow with the help of our new parish priest. Through the turmoil I did pay more attention to my own faith as a Catholic. It is in desperate need of some repair. But that is a whole other post on it's own.</li>
<li>I have been told several times that I should not have any more children. Jason, my husband, and I have no plans to have more children. Yet, friends and family feel it is their responsibility to let us know their stance on the size of our family. </li>
<li>My youngest is potty trained. I honestly never thought it would happen. Just kidding. A little. My house is now diaper free. For the first time in twelve years there is no one in my home wearing diapers.</li>
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As you can see I have been busy. Now that things are getting to be a bit more settled I hope I will have more time to focus on blogging and writing. The kids are back in school for the year. I am getting used to the life of a night shift nurse (it's two in the morning as I write this). I am looking forward to normalcy now. Who am I kidding? Life will never be normal or settled. </div>
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If you are reading this thanks for checking back in. I hope to entertain you with all the wonders of Dishes, Diapers and Degrees! Hmmm.... maybe I should change then name now that I don't have diapers and I am finished with that degree. </div>
Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-16311728755121078822011-10-24T16:32:00.000-05:002011-10-24T16:32:20.516-05:00Where is my little girl?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FYI- Not my kids </td></tr>
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I am the oldest of four girls. I used to pick on my sisters like no tomorrow. Don't get me wrong... they had it coming. Looking back, I realize I was pretty ruthless. Don't be fooled by the cute dresses and baby dolls. Little girls are worse than little boys. Its not just physical. We get down on an emotional level as well. This is very normal. Siblings fight. They bicker. They hate each others guts one minute and are the best of friends the next. It was the same way for my sisters and I. Now I see it in my kids. <br />
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My mom used to tell me, "Just wait. One day you will have kids. And it will be worse for you." I secretly think that woman cursed me. My mom is no longer with me in the physical sense but always in my head. Yes, she is that nagging voice that I will never outgrow. I know she is laughing hysterically. Up there with her heaven posse just shaking their heads over coke and rum. Watching me flounder as I try to put my eleven year old daughter in her place. <br />
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Yes Mom, I know, PAYBACK IS A BITCH! I hate it when she's right!<br />
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I had an attitude. Only at home. I wasn't disrespectful to my teachers or anyone else. Just my parents. Lucky them. Now its my turn. My daughter is my clone. I swear she has the same moans and groans that I did. The same damn eye roll. The flopping on the furniture when she is told to do something. She picks on her siblings just as much as I did. Why did that part of my beautiful DNA have to be passed on? Seriously?!<br />
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Where did that sweet little girl go? Oh, she is still there. Somewhere. I catch a glimpse of her from time to time. I know all little girls grow up. And that is what my daughter is doing. She has gone from Disney Princesses to Jonas Brothers (can you blame her). From cute little dresses with Mary Jane shoes to a Punky Brewster like closet. <br />
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She is becoming herself. Learning who she is. Who she wants to be. She will change many times over the years. Trying on one identity or another. Its what we do. Its what I did. I have to learn to step back and just watch. Watch her as she grows in a young woman. BUT ITS SO HARD!!!! I still want her to be little. I remember my mother always asking me where the little girl went. I never thought I was changing but now I understand. Right before my mom's very eyes I morphed into another person. Just as my daughter is doing now. In reality it doesn't happen over night but to a mother it feels that way. <br />
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My little girl is just beginning her journey. There will be times that I will want to tell her what path to take and what to do but I must try to let her chose. I know that she is going to drive me crazy. And I, in turn will do the same for her. And one of these days I will pass on those pearls of wisdom. Just like my mom before me. "PAYBACK IS A BITCH!" Oh, how I look forward to it!Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-52289034835533417612011-10-01T15:09:00.000-05:002011-10-01T15:09:43.595-05:00Crap! I forgot I had a blog!!Whoa! Its been awhile. Life has been crazy lately. Here is an update.<br />
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#1- I got into second year nursing school. Woot Woot. Yes, I am on my way to my RN. I am very excited and scared. The material is insanely difficult this year but I vow to get through it all. I am blessed to have wonderful classmates who are supportive. We have a great class. Our instructors could use a swift kick in the motivation department. I have never met such negative Nellies before. Oh well they won't take me down. <br />
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#2- My husband, Jason, had surgery on August 18th. He had his right salivary gland removed. The gland was send to pathology who then sent it to Mayo Clinic. We found out two weeks later that it was cancerous. He has Mammary Analogue Secretory Carninoma. Ya, that is exactly what I thought. WTF!?!?!?! It is very rare and the doctors really don't know anything about it. The good thing is that it is a low grade cancer. Jason, will start radiation treatment next week to make sure there aren't any lingering pesky cancer cells that may spread. Please keep in your thoughts and prayers.<br />
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#3- My little sister, MaryAnne, was deployed on September 11th. She will be going to the "sandbox". I am glad that we were able to send her off and spend time together. I just wish that she did not have to be a part of this senseless war. She is brave and I am really proud of her. Please pray for my sister as well. <br />
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#4- I still have four kids that make my household crazytown. I love it. I love them. Lately things have been stressed and I know they have been affected but we will all make it through.<br />
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As you can see life is... well... its life. Its unpredictable. I could do without a few of the stressors but really they make me who I am. I really don't have any complaints. Ok, that is a blatant lie, but we all complain. I have beautiful kids who are little shits every now and then. I am getting closer to my career as a nurse. I am hopelessly in love with my husband. We go through rough patches like any other relationship but is to be expected. I am happy to say that the passion we had when we first met is no longer there. It has multiplied. I never thought that happened. I guess we are just lucky. <br />
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So I am going to take life one day at a time. With all that is going on that is all I can handle. Not everyday am I at my best. Some days I look back and I cringe at my attitude or something else. But I am trying to embrace each new day with a positive outlook. Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-63032937873907573622011-08-04T09:57:00.000-05:002011-08-04T09:57:57.394-05:00Caught Between the Future and the Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V-emoLrvrsdTv42QAK4OHGKt6ZHpLG1OAvyjKx3Psg26W633eTgOMgjlpQooYvN6C4T39BUGxfrxvGfwq8uhrsl6x6885A9t0aJiC16ZG-om5T96rTMT_lKcUmxr_UneBH3YDm3FJC0/s1600/past.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V-emoLrvrsdTv42QAK4OHGKt6ZHpLG1OAvyjKx3Psg26W633eTgOMgjlpQooYvN6C4T39BUGxfrxvGfwq8uhrsl6x6885A9t0aJiC16ZG-om5T96rTMT_lKcUmxr_UneBH3YDm3FJC0/s1600/past.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Here I sit at my kitchen table. Just another ordinary day in my house. There is a mess to clean up. Kids to feed. Bank balances to worry about. And weight to lose. Same thing day after day. This is my present. We are often told to live in the present and embrace it. The present is all that we have The past is gone and the future cannot be promised. <br />
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So, if the present is all that we have then why do we focus on the past and future so much? Why do we plan ahead? Why do we sit and think about days past? Why do we waste today, the now, for tomorrow?<br />
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I believe it is because, one day, we hope for a better present. That with all the planning and looking towards the future that one day will be the present we want. This is why we go to school, learn to read, fall in love, get a job and worry about what we eat. Someday, we plan to be happy with our present. We look back on our past for the good memories as well as the bad. This helps ignite our desire to keep looking to the future.<br />
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This past month I have done nothing much but look to the future. I am finished with my LPN training. I have been studying for the NCLEX-PN. My plans are all still in the future. Take the test. Pass the test. Get a job that I enjoy and won't hate with every fiber of my being. Maybe, just maybe, get a letter someday soon, saying that I am in the second year RN program. Receive a steady paycheck so I won't have to worry about money. Be able to take my family to Disney World or at least be able to pay for their school tuition. <br />
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Here I wait in the present. Its out of my control right now as I wait for the agency to send me my ATT # so I can take the test. I have no control over getting into the RN program. I feel very much like a puppet. Someone else has to pull the strings in order for something to happen. This is my present.<br />
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I also worry about my husband who will be having major surgery in a few weeks. While we both believe it will all be ok, I can't help but wonder. What if something bad happens? How will our future be then? Once again the outcome is out of our control.<br />
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I know, put it in God's hands. I believe in God. I also believe that while I may pray for him to make it all ok and to help us reach our future, I know that is not what he does. I believe, He is there to comfort us as we travel through our lives. Just like the Father He is, He is there when we need him but won't tell us what to do with our lives. That is up us to decide on our own. But He is there always with a hug. So, yes, I offer my prayers up to God. Ask for His help but mainly for His grace to make it through my present to the future I want for not only me but my family.<br />
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Lately, no, I haven't been living in my present. I haven't really been living. Just waiting in limbo. For the next step to take in order to reach my future. I don't feel like I have been the best mom this past month or the best wife. Its sad because this should have been the time to actually be with my children while I can. They are off of school and I'm not working at the time. But no, I have worried and planned. That present is gone and has now become the past. I cannot get it back. <br />
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I won't say that I will always live in the present. Its not human nature to do so. We have to plan. What's for dinner? What will I wear? What do I need to get the kids for school? When will my husband be home from work? But I will try to remember that the present is all I have. All that I can offer someone else. I may work towards a better future but what happens if I don't make it that future? What will they have of me then? Take the present. Open it up and it enjoy it. We only have now. We are caught between the future and the past and that will never change.Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-47451618328256177802011-07-22T10:57:00.000-05:002011-07-22T10:57:07.236-05:00Girls Night Out!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkvw0NScqmORYPgamK2U3-Mpxok19w8j2m2skMTHLFgSrNwleAKK4D1jHGKTyYfq__l-Odp4EgILhW3GUPsJpN6NDQ_cdf_y_QNzQWGcG3F7XErLBC5-ve5FifnQu_umdjTqrvSdjgJE/s1600/gno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkvw0NScqmORYPgamK2U3-Mpxok19w8j2m2skMTHLFgSrNwleAKK4D1jHGKTyYfq__l-Odp4EgILhW3GUPsJpN6NDQ_cdf_y_QNzQWGcG3F7XErLBC5-ve5FifnQu_umdjTqrvSdjgJE/s1600/gno.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Its time for another GNO, Girls Night Out, and I am so stoked for it. I've blogged before about the need to be yourself and embracing it. And that while you may be a mother and wife you are still your own person. For many years I forgot that. <br />
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I love GNO! Its a time when I don't have to be all those other things. I'm just Nancy Marie. The girl who loves to laugh, dance and just have fun. Its time to get crazy! On GNO I try to look good enough to eat (after 4 kiddos not so easy). If I look sexy. I feel sexy!<br />
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Now, you might want to ask why I would want to look sexy on GNO when my hubby isn't even out with me. Here is my answer; When I am out with my hubby on a date night I try to be sexy for him too. He tells me I'm sexy even if its been two days since I have showered and my legs have a winter coat. Nice image,huh? Sometimes, it just feels good to be sexy for me. To know that I look good. That's right, boys! I still got it! Plus, it is very flattering to have a man ask me to dance or buy me a drink. Most of the time I accept. Hellooooo free drinks!! Seriously, I don't see the harm in dancing with someone other than my husband. In fact what a great compliment to him that someone thinks his wife is smoking hot (not that that is the case).<br />
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I do not have a jealous husband. I know that he completely trusts me and I him. Knowing this makes GNO so much more fun. I can flirt. I can have fun. I can show an amazing amount of cleavage. Then I can go home and ravish my husband. So, you see, my husband likes GNO too!<br />
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GNO is a time that I can focus on me. We don't talk about the kids, much. We don't bitch about the husbands, much. Its about the girls. The giggles. The booty shaking. The appreciation of a good strong drink with a dirty name. <br />
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So after I get my house cleaned up a bit the GNO process will begin. I will turn on my music. Loud always loud. Take a long shower. Shave my legs. Pluck some brows. Paint my nails. Fix my do. Apply some makeup to enhance my beauty. Spritz some body spray... tonight I may use the glitter kind. Hug the kids. Kiss my husband (he's looking forward to that ravishing). Grab the keys and take off in my mini van. What happens after that... well... I'll never tell!<br />
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I will be seeing Sally Brooks do her comedy routine tonight as part of GNO. Here is a taste of what she does. I have blogged about her before and she is amazing. If you are watching and the kids are near turn it down or wait for their naps. She is one foul mouth mutha but hilarious!! Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8YDnHmKAu2U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-52850593818683089102011-07-21T00:33:00.002-05:002011-07-21T00:46:36.129-05:00Twitter is My Crack!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxhTp-me8v0NkBGkUqNzZM2w38AJtdb3i_6Sn6PValWS1I5EgHDEN0U5dN_dQxtvwkEugoHB81yfMaJ91mElNvuDiL2nk3_RSghlIknX0PpTez946qTkeVNeR7z-Z-WZrb7babzc78uc/s1600/twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxhTp-me8v0NkBGkUqNzZM2w38AJtdb3i_6Sn6PValWS1I5EgHDEN0U5dN_dQxtvwkEugoHB81yfMaJ91mElNvuDiL2nk3_RSghlIknX0PpTez946qTkeVNeR7z-Z-WZrb7babzc78uc/s1600/twitter.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I've become Twitter obsessed. Seriously, I haven't been able to pull myself away from my computer today. How did this happen? I used to be so lost when it came to social networking. When I first got an email address in college I had no clue what to do. I never used it. Mainly because I didn't have a computer other than the ones in the college labs. Then instant messaging came out and I used that a little bit but only to chat with my mom after I got married. After that it was MySpace. I had three friends. The only message I received was from an ex who wanted to apologize for how we split up. This was after 9 years of being broken up and I was already married with three children when I got the message. In 2008 my friend tells me I should get on Facebook. I created an account and instantly became hooked on that. But with Facebook I keep up with friends and family. We post pictures and give updates on our daily lives.<br />
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Now I have Twitter. Twitter is the crack of social networking. It can be dirty and you keep coming back for more. I have "met" interesting folks on Twitter. A lot of fellow bloggers sharing throughout the day. Others are Echelon (fan family of 30 Seconds to Mars) which it is really cool to tweet with them. I get excited when I get online and I have new followers. How special do I feel? And why do I need that to feel special? I'm telling you... CRACK!!! <br />
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The thing about twitter is you never know who is going to be on or what will be said. Its so mysterious. When I tweet with Echelon I love how supportive we are of the band and we all get excited. We are from all over the world too! Last night 30 Seconds to Mars had their <a href="http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/672910/night-of-the-hunter-mtv-unplugged.jhtml#id=1667131">unplugged concert</a> aired on MTV.com. Echelon all over the world were watching it (or trying to at least). And while it was airing we were tweeting. It was kind of moving.<br />
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I also love that I can tweet the band and they may reply. Let me share here that I have been tweeted back by Jared Leto (my world literally stopped) and Tomo Milicevic (he gave me advice on my anniversary). I just need a reply from Shannon Leto and I will have the trifecta. It bridges a gap between fan and celebrity.<br />
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With Twitter I can sort of keep in touch with my family but we mainly use Facebook for that. Twitter is mainly for keeping in touch with people I don't know. How wacky did that just sound? At times I am a lurker. I feel very voyeuristic when I am on Twitter sometimes. Sometimes its like a car accident you have to see what happens next. <br />
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If I don't have laptop with me I can still get some tweets on my phone. I have a crappy phone right now (will get an iPhone once I get a nursing job). But I have my twitter account set up so that I can receive certain people's tweets. Any of my family comes straight to my phone. And of course Jared Leto's. I now put my phone on silent at night because Jared has been known to answer fan tweets until the wee hours of the morning. Which is fabulous that he reaches out to fans. Not so fabulous when your phone goes off every 2 minutes. Its quite funny! My husband now asks what Jared has to say when my phone beeps with a text message. He has learned to accept it. I do have the greatest husband in the world.<br />
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The first step to fixing a problem is admitting that you have a problem. Right? Well... I.... its nothing really... I .. just ... like to see what is going on. I can quit whenever I want... You can't make me.... What ... what are you doing? Get away from my Twitter... what if Jared has something that I really must know? Okay... I am calming down. I will set a limit. I will only use Twitter at certain times of the day and the house must be in order (false promise right there). Starting tomorrow!!!!<br />
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I wonder, is there a 12 step program out there?<br />
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Oh and I almost forgot. You can follow me on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/DDDOhMy">@DDDOhMy </a> Tweet you later!Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-30301969590049084992011-07-20T11:43:00.000-05:002011-07-20T11:43:58.801-05:00What Time Management?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_2GsZZYRSolgToGcQm7Uo_16h8qPOGP7rMNxzp5ZiGEg3M8obPKHPcLYwRsR4qtAfnmnzKmS3jW7fiiDoUc6KEVBzQ1g5I6lGxULmLjr0Cb6__NQUJacrAvy5rc7QHQRJWfSurscR9k/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_2GsZZYRSolgToGcQm7Uo_16h8qPOGP7rMNxzp5ZiGEg3M8obPKHPcLYwRsR4qtAfnmnzKmS3jW7fiiDoUc6KEVBzQ1g5I6lGxULmLjr0Cb6__NQUJacrAvy5rc7QHQRJWfSurscR9k/s320/clock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Thanks to Urban Agricoaching for this topic. I asked for a blog post idea. Time management was suggested. At first I just laughed but then I thought, hell, why not. So here it is.<br />
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I am not good with time management at all. Often, I am running through the house trying to get everyone ready for school, a game, church or whatever else is going on. I am, however, mostly on time. I really dislike it when people are late and I have to wait on them. I find it to be a huge form of disrespect. I try my best to keep my family on time so I expect the same from others.<br />
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My favorite line is "Its prioritizing not procrastination". In nursing school they like to call us procrastinators if we don't complete something within a day of it being assigned even though we have a week or two to finish it. The instructors don't seem to understand that the majority of us have families, jobs and other responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Sometimes homework gets pushed to the back burner. It will get done just not right away. <br />
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Even now as I am trying to type this post I am having a hard time fitting it in between a son who is puking and a daughter who is whiny. Not to mention laundry, dishes and studying for the NCLEX.... who am I kidding. I am so procrastinating right now. I don't know anything about time management. I am lucky if I get anything accomplished. <br />
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All I know is that I get it all done. How I do it is some kind of freakin miracle.Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-87114914154844616802011-07-19T08:35:00.000-05:002011-07-19T08:35:44.593-05:00Ask Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz3FzEuKZ3XOeRowqDNrgrM9jn1h39Zs8iZMijlhw0qys-Pmp-kwS-80Z9WsR3j4W0sOyXKR_dw_Z4unRa0fbxwZPUrOVZp3Ueq4pAh8InffCF9HeWWAPXdoewWml-3V9D334IYyLqyA/s1600/question.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz3FzEuKZ3XOeRowqDNrgrM9jn1h39Zs8iZMijlhw0qys-Pmp-kwS-80Z9WsR3j4W0sOyXKR_dw_Z4unRa0fbxwZPUrOVZp3Ueq4pAh8InffCF9HeWWAPXdoewWml-3V9D334IYyLqyA/s1600/question.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Here is your opportunity to ask me any question. What do you want to know about me? Remember this is a family blog. Make it fun. I will answer all questions in tomorrow's post. Have a great day!Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-25252469925929176102011-07-19T07:51:00.000-05:002011-07-19T07:51:27.524-05:00Another Hoop To Jump Through<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMAA0iJ9Lsbo__SdgFXsTquW8NEXZ6o3ZWs9YjGXHmHJoPFhf8LmM-aEjQIiCM_prOKhcES-A73-GRV_g1nTcz5t2Mn01mWYDL3x4s4mkVG2ouvB_Ozi4AhbCZyYUL3Mu6pul_PzhcVs/s1600/hoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMAA0iJ9Lsbo__SdgFXsTquW8NEXZ6o3ZWs9YjGXHmHJoPFhf8LmM-aEjQIiCM_prOKhcES-A73-GRV_g1nTcz5t2Mn01mWYDL3x4s4mkVG2ouvB_Ozi4AhbCZyYUL3Mu6pul_PzhcVs/s1600/hoop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Yeesh! Just when I think I have everything sent in for my Indiana NCLEX-PN application I find out I do not. This is very frustrating. I even took everything in to my nursing advisor to have her look it over but nope. The papers sent in were the wrong ones. IN wants to have verification of the state where I have my CNA. Which is weird since I am trying to get my LPN license. I guess they want to know if I have done anything wrong under my CNA. Oh well, I get it!<br />
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I have to have a special form now. UGH!!!!! At least when I called the office this morning for the IN nursing board the lady who answered was really nice and emailed me the copy of the form I needed. This I am extremely grateful for because it would have taken forever to find on their website. <br />
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I have the form filled out on my side. Now I have to get it filled out by my state so they can send it back to IN. Then hopefully I will get the go ahead to take the NCLEX. <br />
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On the bright side this gives me extra time to study. Which I am going to do right now... maybe!Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-50103785724480408182011-07-18T17:09:00.000-05:002011-07-18T17:09:32.931-05:00Thank You To My 100 Followers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRHwrETn78asCAdAlorYUmWUaBDlOW6wxxKShVY9VdM59fu855c0STaSSM6FyjhqJAMymCDYfx7yc-Fj89rA41WORv531R0CUhz2Ss74oo_qgwNCfEScU6jCZFu0wTR9VPwI54JTNB04/s1600/champagne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRHwrETn78asCAdAlorYUmWUaBDlOW6wxxKShVY9VdM59fu855c0STaSSM6FyjhqJAMymCDYfx7yc-Fj89rA41WORv531R0CUhz2Ss74oo_qgwNCfEScU6jCZFu0wTR9VPwI54JTNB04/s1600/champagne.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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After about 2 years of blogging I have reached 100 followers. Thanks to all of you who read and enjoy what I write. An extra thanks to those of you who comment on my posts. Your input is greatly appreciated. I hope that all of you will continue to enjoy Dishes, Diapers, Degrees; Oh My! Here's to a bigger and better blog!Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-12551065121965609322011-07-18T09:46:00.000-05:002011-07-18T09:46:39.981-05:00Damn Little Cursor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DHmTpDzCX7ohRGQdD2-0C3BZmxaSOL6b747r8OnlruGi0kwgK9ujcSm333JWU7mQPtAjF5XciEASHNFj0X4bZfuTDaCIO2PhZV-K2kRAcnrw1h2YQoA_zWMj4JZEgVTcfzaaZnat7oI/s1600/staring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DHmTpDzCX7ohRGQdD2-0C3BZmxaSOL6b747r8OnlruGi0kwgK9ujcSm333JWU7mQPtAjF5XciEASHNFj0X4bZfuTDaCIO2PhZV-K2kRAcnrw1h2YQoA_zWMj4JZEgVTcfzaaZnat7oI/s1600/staring.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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All my life I have dreamed about being a writer. The ability to share my stories with others would be amazing. My characters on paper wrapped up in a pretty book cover. However, I never seem to get past the first couple of chapters. I have so many ideas and story lines running through my overcrowded brain. But once I sit in front of the computer or with a pen and paper it all immediately disappears. Then I just sit and stare. Trying to recover the ideas I had in the first place. Trying to make sense of my thoughts. <br />
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The blank page with its pulsing cursor is two faced. At first it is a clear slate. Just waiting for words to cover it. Its a new beginning. A new story that is waiting to unfold on the page before me. I am excited to let the words flow from my mind down my arms, into my finger tips and finally onto the screen. This is when the cursor is encouraging. "Oh, I love it! What happens next? Oh, no she didn't?!" This cursor is my partner. Each pulse it makes ignites new ideas and new words that caresses it's page.<br />
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On the other hand, it is my worst enemy. That little cursor mocking me. Like a school yard bully that you have to stand up to but really just want to run home to Mommy. "You have nothing, do you? What are you going to write now? Is it any good? I'm waiting! Why do you call yourself a writer. Its just a blog you silly woman!"<br />
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Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink. That little line marking my page where I am suppose to place those incredibly interesting words that will ignite passion or fear into others, just keeps blinking at me. Ans so I sit and stare. I am caught in it's trance. Praying that something will come. But instead I have nothing. Not today. So what do I do? What will I find to inspire me to put it in words for others to enjoy or hate? Why not? I will write about that damn cursor. It has caused such mixed emotions in me. Why shouldn't I share it?<br />
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Blink. Blink. Blink. "I knew one day I would get to her." Blink. Blink. Blink.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpTEa_C4Y0l8MvvgNZv7aC_KB5x-2SDGtLmMi8NlxDu_6A8JKaYJ5raKHR9-6o81z4cJrD1IRta7QvNVS6z25E3J2_wBNwqE6_vkBCkXcxBrkJBrtrJINkWvzMwUnA3a75qg23HRfWMY/s1600/writer%2527s+mind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpTEa_C4Y0l8MvvgNZv7aC_KB5x-2SDGtLmMi8NlxDu_6A8JKaYJ5raKHR9-6o81z4cJrD1IRta7QvNVS6z25E3J2_wBNwqE6_vkBCkXcxBrkJBrtrJINkWvzMwUnA3a75qg23HRfWMY/s1600/writer%2527s+mind.jpg" /></a></div>Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-70185733264446007602011-07-17T08:50:00.000-05:002011-07-17T08:50:21.722-05:00Mom Why Are Your Boobs Long?This past week my family went on our first tent camping trip. We had a great time with storms, clear lakes, and sm'Oreos over the course of the trip. One memory stands above the rest though. While in the shower house with my two girls I was in the stall with my 7 year old daughter. At home she showers alone but these camp showers are tricky and she needed help with sand and stuff, so I showered with her. <br />
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As I was getting undressed she asked if she could ask a question. Sure why not. "Mom why are your boobs long?"<br />
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I must admit that I was at first caught off guard. Before I could answer her she followed up with a, "Will my boobs get very long too when I'm old?" I could hear the worry in her voice.<br />
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I responded the best way that I knew how. "Everyone has different types of boobs. Like hair. Some are short and some are long. My boobs just happen to be long." And with that answer she was satisfied.<br />
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Me on the other hand not so much. I looked down at my long boobs and sighed. Oh how I wanted those perky breasts that I used to have back. After four kids and a big weight gain it is so hard to find comfy bras that look sexy and don't cost a fortune. <br />
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Kids say the darndest things don't they? My boobs in the right bra actually look quite fantastic with amazing cleavage. Its a great place to put my cell when I don't have my purse or pockets. I am sure they will be less "long" once I start losing weight. A girl can hope can't she?<br />
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Remember when we use to say as little girls, "I must, I must, I must increase my bust." Now we say, "I must, I must, I must decrease my bust."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J9USD3gb6jEeAkQzBrK9wqplqX5FuN6O2oQVjsDVQgQ40Yt5PIsImGnT098KhVRwF0fDL4HYgp_dqCjfsJ8fl4BqPOvlBotWl2AtxbPVYWCwiMblS1xgcCm_VmKMyri4fD8mHM4KzxE/s1600/boob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6J9USD3gb6jEeAkQzBrK9wqplqX5FuN6O2oQVjsDVQgQ40Yt5PIsImGnT098KhVRwF0fDL4HYgp_dqCjfsJ8fl4BqPOvlBotWl2AtxbPVYWCwiMblS1xgcCm_VmKMyri4fD8mHM4KzxE/s1600/boob.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I guess it could have been worse. She could have asked me why I had boobs on my back! I'm looking at this in a positive light.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEmUS47th5LAJFzoMHdHMdqWSD8FBkh-KEjqDwR5qDYurJYSDQVd-lZi5Y33PezohRtSn2w2wJI-1cN1W5zPe-cQ8SvDj4hG_qmwyOcmOdxlnVixIe3P0qL64oAZJgJleonLFSXWVil0/s1600/back+boob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEmUS47th5LAJFzoMHdHMdqWSD8FBkh-KEjqDwR5qDYurJYSDQVd-lZi5Y33PezohRtSn2w2wJI-1cN1W5zPe-cQ8SvDj4hG_qmwyOcmOdxlnVixIe3P0qL64oAZJgJleonLFSXWVil0/s1600/back+boob.jpg" /></a></div>Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-53531723541234565042011-07-17T08:05:00.000-05:002011-07-17T08:05:54.550-05:00Super Stalker Sunday Link UpHere is a link up to a great hop, Super Stalker Sunday. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://greenmissionmama.blogspot.com/"><img height="125" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5655930681_c5ee43502a.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
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<script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=68353" type="text/javascript">
</script>Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-8771887693250379352011-07-09T16:10:00.000-05:002011-07-09T16:10:54.150-05:00Sustainable CampingEach day I try to be as green as possible. My hopes are that I am not only doing something for the planet but for my children as well. Whenever we go shopping we use cloth bags. We recycle everything we can. We just started our first compost bin. All in all I think we are doing pretty good. Some of my goals are to start a garden so we can have fresh veggies. A big goal is to get a hybrid vehicle. Gotta get a nursing job first for that one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPUKliK2_C29wRfXa9_vnweVeOJSZSIYI3bcBC-EgHsp9zraniTswj7Gjv4QvDKghxi3LG1UtN2KJV6gCE8y-hmIitfOOlhkz9eHdz37p1LzFLZWTtX9hv4o6ArJpurxzeh0oQC26st8/s1600/tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPUKliK2_C29wRfXa9_vnweVeOJSZSIYI3bcBC-EgHsp9zraniTswj7Gjv4QvDKghxi3LG1UtN2KJV6gCE8y-hmIitfOOlhkz9eHdz37p1LzFLZWTtX9hv4o6ArJpurxzeh0oQC26st8/s200/tent.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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Right now our upcoming green adventure is a camping trip. We have been sort of camping. Now we have the opportunity to go next week and I cannot wait. We will be staying in a tent and cooking over the fire. I have been searching the web for tips and how to's all week. My family loves nature and this will be fun for all of us.<br />
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The downside to camping is that it seems people use more disposable products when camping.<br />
<ul><li>plastic cups</li>
<li>paper plates</li>
<li>canned drinks</li>
<li>plastic utensils</li>
<li>plastic water bottles</li>
</ul> I understand why. Its easy to use and easy to clean up. Sure. But how does that teach my children to be green. I decided we will use dishes that can be washed and reused. They are plastic but we won't have as much trash as we would using paper product. And we will wash in hot water, no soap (rules of the camp ground) so we don't damage any of the foliage around us when we dump the water. Of course we will use reusable water bottles. Our table cloth for the picnic table will be reusable as well. The theme will be reusable, could you tell.<br />
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I enjoy being in nature. But while I am enjoying it I don't want to be ruining it at the same time.<br />
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I have the perfect vision of our upcoming camping trip in my mind. Don't worry, I know it will be nothing like it. But I am sure special memories will be hidden within the chaos. <br />
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Have you been on a camping trip recently with your family? Do you have any tips you would like to share with me?Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-56004941880191574242011-07-08T08:23:00.000-05:002011-07-08T08:23:04.549-05:00Weight UpdateWell, I said I would update you each Friday on how I was doing with weight loss. Well this week sucked. I weighed in at 236.2 lbs. So I gained a pound. To be honest I really didn't put any effort into it this week. I will blame my dad. He likes to have a big breakfast and he was visiting this week. So most mornings I had bacon, pancakes, biscuits, gravy, eggs.. Sure, I could haven eaten my Kashi cereal but damn that bacon was good. Plus my dad makes the best biscuits and gravy! So I will try again this week. Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-90448574516326748602011-07-06T23:00:00.000-05:002011-07-06T23:00:06.357-05:00Just when you think things are going your way...I've got nothing. I'm exhausted!<br />
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Today I spent eight hours sitting in theater seats listening to some lady talk to us about the NCLEX-PN. Yes, it was a very suckish day. I felt like it was such a waste of time. And I get to go back tomorrow. YEAH. But wait it gets better!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8HihKfOegn73DOl0hq51WIdCpQUnkyXqDC0UmJW7-bSR5WORXSgabW9kIVYRTGd9twhEE1PZ1TkquuGrkUncJvn0g6U2pZSZD8UsbS5NyfEeOAFK2GYlIQZsRmSQDC2k10UDi_KxtTE/s1600/bad+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8HihKfOegn73DOl0hq51WIdCpQUnkyXqDC0UmJW7-bSR5WORXSgabW9kIVYRTGd9twhEE1PZ1TkquuGrkUncJvn0g6U2pZSZD8UsbS5NyfEeOAFK2GYlIQZsRmSQDC2k10UDi_KxtTE/s1600/bad+day.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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This evening my kids came running down stairs. They were babbling on about something leaking from the ceiling in the bathroom. Only thing above the bathroom is the attic. But guess what. The drain pipe from the AC (the unit is in the attic) is apparently clogged and it backed up. It caused water to drain and leak through the bathroom ceiling. It pooled into our light fixture. I just thank God that no one turned the light on at all today. How scary could that have been?! So right now our AC is turned off and my dear husband is trying to work on it. Yep, its July and our AC is off. Good God, what else could go wrong? I probably shouldn't even ask that because something will go wrong.<br />
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Its always something isn't it. They say that God never gives us something that we can't handle. What if God has us confused with someone else? Just curious! <br />
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Hopefully tomorrow is much better and we get the AC working. Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-84699572176508596292011-07-05T10:06:00.000-05:002011-07-05T10:06:25.699-05:00Wear your f**king Helmet!Have you ever seen those bumper stickers that say "Watch for motorcycles." "Share the road." ?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A0hkocnqMT5YEaDjvn1HERT37tnmMHj-Sbwg__DE2JbgnWpLQZpubfFfTpDg6gvO2jfKn4F9nSFM4BEvSKJeuQJRLbRWRcDQiCenP6KDaPcuO_dvfBOoY1iTFRZA5hAxJYh9RKM-Kas/s1600/look+twice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A0hkocnqMT5YEaDjvn1HERT37tnmMHj-Sbwg__DE2JbgnWpLQZpubfFfTpDg6gvO2jfKn4F9nSFM4BEvSKJeuQJRLbRWRcDQiCenP6KDaPcuO_dvfBOoY1iTFRZA5hAxJYh9RKM-Kas/s320/look+twice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Ya, so have I. I am very aware of motorcyles when driving. In fact I try to stay very far from them. They make me nervous. The way they swerve in and out of traffic with nothing protecting them scares the crap out of me. Ya, I share the road. They can have the whole damn lane. I have no beef with motorcycle riders. Just those that don't wear their helmets.<br />
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If you wanna ride, by all means, RIDE! But wear a helmet. How many bikers die each year from head injuries that could have been prevented simply by wearing a helmet? My sister works as an ICU nurse and its amazing to hear how many of her patients are in her care because they did not wear their helmet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIxmQNXS_HKKieF9OkINTvBGJ1zXbUG2xsQgt3-MokVfprxoa1w0TJjzPsFPw03PHjbKWri3tpHumJeVzMKP58Y_kREXTdJfdJgiHYRcfuhkWt8fyHI0MaJX3bc9_fStT10VZcdEB21A/s1600/head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIxmQNXS_HKKieF9OkINTvBGJ1zXbUG2xsQgt3-MokVfprxoa1w0TJjzPsFPw03PHjbKWri3tpHumJeVzMKP58Y_kREXTdJfdJgiHYRcfuhkWt8fyHI0MaJX3bc9_fStT10VZcdEB21A/s320/head.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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I have heard of bikers wanting to fight against helmet laws. Why? Is it because you look less bad ass with a helmet? You will mess up your hair or you won't have that wind blown look? To me its ridiculous. Bikers, you are only human. Your "ride" does not give you super powers that keep you from dying on the road. Your helmet may! Sure, its not guaranteed to protect you fully but it will make a big difference!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dumb Guido!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeaMrkpMNv31YfzpJ4RIPyQ7ewBZVbzSjDtQTyXfWeIidVVchIxVwDjg0XkIAl9suLNu5kfz_f0RyW6Cabl4Zvh0jmY3bsLh5zFoG7EoxV7glzpup02APnULvTd4VVYEcN467QnKGSWU/s1600/smart+couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeaMrkpMNv31YfzpJ4RIPyQ7ewBZVbzSjDtQTyXfWeIidVVchIxVwDjg0XkIAl9suLNu5kfz_f0RyW6Cabl4Zvh0jmY3bsLh5zFoG7EoxV7glzpup02APnULvTd4VVYEcN467QnKGSWU/s1600/smart+couple.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smart! And look they are so happy with their helmets! And the bugs in their teeth!</td></tr>
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So if you want me to share the road or beware of motorcycles, then please wear your f**king helmet! I will do my best not to hit you with my pimped out mini van but if I do and you were wearing a helmet then we may all be okay. Except for the broken bones and road rash you will get. But that is a totally different story.Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-61777568107507175662011-07-03T21:21:00.000-05:002011-07-03T21:21:07.514-05:00Celebrate Your Right To Love on the 4th of July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjBttENrarUS1R1AqSYi8Oo4ubgA1A4wm8c-vnnMr802wEVGciAJ3_ZUIODgxV_xl24wlhRHK1K3aKW0W3EgBNt8iOjWI4uKWCckU9yPuyO3Nha_bIpPMpOXehyhEXCCbsoAW2XP7td0/s1600/4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjBttENrarUS1R1AqSYi8Oo4ubgA1A4wm8c-vnnMr802wEVGciAJ3_ZUIODgxV_xl24wlhRHK1K3aKW0W3EgBNt8iOjWI4uKWCckU9yPuyO3Nha_bIpPMpOXehyhEXCCbsoAW2XP7td0/s1600/4th.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Tomorrow is the 4th of July. Independence day for the USA. I am proud to be an American (most of the time). Many of my family members are military and I am thankful of what they have done for our country. I don't always agree with our government or our military. I think it is run by a bunch of schmucks for the the most part. I do believe that as a member of this country it is my responsibility to take upon myself to see change happen. It is my freedom to do so. My right to make a difference. <br />
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Many people think that they are free to do whatever they want or have this right or that. However, they want to do nothing for it in return. They want clean air but drive an SUV. They want freedom to practice their religion but disrespect other religions. We want all these rights but without doing anything to get it.<br />
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We are free but not truly. We are in fact slaves to our own wants and desires. As Americans we want the biggest car, the fanciest house, the largest soda, the newest electronic. We desire to be number one at everything we do. Our clothes must be the nicest. Our children the smartest and most talented. Even our tv shows reflect the slavery we hold ourselves to. The Real Housewives, really? Fake women being paid money they aren't worth to spend money they don't care about on crap they don't need. But its their right. Their freedom.<br />
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Freedom used to be about the right to happiness. To be free of dictatorship. The right to practice your own religion without persecution. The right to love someone of a different nationality or race. Now we fight to be able to love someone of the same sex. We fight so we can be able to love. Is our country messed up or what? We fought so that anybody could sit at the lunch counter or anywhere on the bus that they chose. That is what Independence Day is about.<br />
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Yes, we are free to want what makes us happy. The "American" dream. I am an American and this is what I dream of: I dream of a country, no a world, where my children will know love. A love that is not decided by color, nationality, money, sex, fame, education but by the person as an individual. As a human being deserves to be loved. I dream that our freedoms will not ruin our world with our love of excess. I dream that our happiness will not be based on what we have but who we love and the love they return to us. That is what freedom is about. Not the right to bear arms. Not the right to freedom of speech. The right to love. The most important freedom we have. This is what we should be fighting for. Without love we are just slaves to what we think are our rights.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYAUXEyz6sOfprP5sJL3-NS_RKGZ_MaCgvTzf2NeD68EY3u3nhtYHXU41W4xIKdNXOS6VJZmhIgLiLQ-S960F_NkrfIDv4AAWJOasqS5cADYWsVi8-WGYZjf7VhayArI7FzUdXilcHsU/s1600/free+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYAUXEyz6sOfprP5sJL3-NS_RKGZ_MaCgvTzf2NeD68EY3u3nhtYHXU41W4xIKdNXOS6VJZmhIgLiLQ-S960F_NkrfIDv4AAWJOasqS5cADYWsVi8-WGYZjf7VhayArI7FzUdXilcHsU/s1600/free+love.jpg" /></a></div>Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-78028926382057353112011-07-01T08:04:00.002-05:002011-07-01T08:12:41.815-05:00Fan Follow Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavS4oIZsGEHbLaihP7SbdSK7XgwSXPQjdXDwENip-SaTOgNxKumO6AQPpxzIPOnGd0qW3Frb6_S6R-SGZZ6G6orh0HhzDrJaQqWAcYQ2RrmtbfV2sUEeS15c8a9H_sxbSJ4DIxukaaLk/s1600/hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavS4oIZsGEHbLaihP7SbdSK7XgwSXPQjdXDwENip-SaTOgNxKumO6AQPpxzIPOnGd0qW3Frb6_S6R-SGZZ6G6orh0HhzDrJaQqWAcYQ2RrmtbfV2sUEeS15c8a9H_sxbSJ4DIxukaaLk/s320/hop.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />
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This is my first time hosting a hop. So I hope it goes well. Share this with other bloggers, please. There are new rules. I just ask that you follow the host site, which is this one. Have a great Friday and good luck getting new followers.<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=96003" type="text/javascript"></script>Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-5670331125532219992011-06-30T20:25:00.000-05:002011-06-30T20:25:20.653-05:00The Summer to Skinny!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFSIoG1EfUMG-8fuQjp7_EI3waLlRtYsl-7vpEMXp2div-QQcgsAvnBCav3GylHl4nJEJwbZfL9GqwUQz5Bu8Chp4lsbIuYze-ZDJXuGDiU8nBw8owezOlmiQ8FB_hHAlven5u3EsmIQ/s1600/scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFSIoG1EfUMG-8fuQjp7_EI3waLlRtYsl-7vpEMXp2div-QQcgsAvnBCav3GylHl4nJEJwbZfL9GqwUQz5Bu8Chp4lsbIuYze-ZDJXuGDiU8nBw8owezOlmiQ8FB_hHAlven5u3EsmIQ/s1600/scale.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOL... my scale says the same thing. </td></tr>
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Now is the time of the year when I once again notice the bulge and the jiggle. I love summertime. I enjoy swimming and being outdoors. I am at my highest weight. 235 pounds. Ugh. I weighed 233 two years ago when I went to the hospital to have my fourth child. I even breastfed for 18 months but did not lose a damn pound. Sure, I love to eat and chocolate is my heroin but I am ready to lose the weight. <br />
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I used to be incredibly active. I played soccer. I went hiking. I got up every morning at 5 am to jog. Ha, I hate jogging now. My breasts hate it more than I do. I have tried Weight Watchers. The first time I lost 25 pounds then I found out I was pregnant with my third child. After she was born I lost 19 pounds doing Body For Life. Just a couple months ago I lost 11 pounds when I was vegan for 5 weeks. I know I can lose weight but I find it hard to stick with it. <br />
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Since it is summer again I start having the desire to lose the weight. Plus, I am reminded constantly that I am fat and not phat when we go places like amusement parks. It is much harder to fit into the rides when you look like you have two huge hams in your shorts. I figure maybe if I blog about it then it will force to me to keep up with my weight loss goals.<br />
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I am not going to do anything fancy. Here is what I am going to do:<br />
<ul><li>Be more active. Swim, walk, Wii fitness, hike, yoga for abs (I have the VHS tape)</li>
<li>Eat smaller portions. I have a habit of eating everything in front of me. I am hoping this will make a difference.</li>
<li>More water and less sweet tea or sodas. Since it is summer I need to be drinking more water anyways. I love me so sweet tea or an ice cold coke but I am going to cut back to one or the other just once a day.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPHYjUQtTetmWhuOt-Kjv_lx_d8CTrv_e5iq__F_xRxvPxwVrMEagSeFsMLX-Gp9M9BiQ5MqmY6yKukVuHVJFuuFBFYKglCdw0iBRCb6CYegAmg9Ze99GhvxcaGP0EbpMWP72-JuDRrM/s1600/scale+cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPHYjUQtTetmWhuOt-Kjv_lx_d8CTrv_e5iq__F_xRxvPxwVrMEagSeFsMLX-Gp9M9BiQ5MqmY6yKukVuHVJFuuFBFYKglCdw0iBRCb6CYegAmg9Ze99GhvxcaGP0EbpMWP72-JuDRrM/s1600/scale+cartoon.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I do not plan to lose a ton of weight right away. I know that it is healthier to lose at a slow and consistent pace. My goal is to lose 20 pounds by Labor Day Weekend. Will you help cheer me along? I need some really good cheerleaders. And if you have awesome suggestions or easy ( I hate to cook) recipes I would love to have them. I will keep you posted each week. Fridays I will weigh in. Successes and downfalls will be included. Join me on my summer to skinny! <br />
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Today I am 235 pounds. I wear an XXL or 18-20 in women's sizes. My bra size is 42DDD! Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-44315519135007908322011-06-27T09:16:00.000-05:002011-06-27T09:16:59.555-05:00Light at the end of the tunnel?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUFQcjs0APw4A5IEIMjmmYZbJdp8ps9kHrpwE1pXIeklktG13OCQzzqC_4clwqZQd5b9W8UGgKceM5ATW87UJewU_xdjlia3_Xkp_wDH64yFJlZ0CN3nAH8L5geGSBKJuDDD0bHDtLWc/s1600/tunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUFQcjs0APw4A5IEIMjmmYZbJdp8ps9kHrpwE1pXIeklktG13OCQzzqC_4clwqZQd5b9W8UGgKceM5ATW87UJewU_xdjlia3_Xkp_wDH64yFJlZ0CN3nAH8L5geGSBKJuDDD0bHDtLWc/s320/tunnel.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost there!</td></tr>
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I only have two more clinical days for the LPN program. I am so excited. Clinicals really isn't that bad but it is kind of the same thing each day. I do like my instructor who is really helpful when you have questions. Then after these clinical days we will have two review days. I am really not sure what to expect of the reviews. To me, it sounds like we sit in the auditorium and listen to someone talk at us for 8 hours. I pray that it is interactive. Its mandatory so I have to go no matter what. Then after that I am finished. Until I start my RN year. <br />
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I keep praying that I will get a letter in the mail saying that I have gotten into the second year RN program. I am on the wait list. Which I am fine with but it does get me down when an instructor tells me I would be a great nurse or asks why I am not going on. Its not by my choice and its not by my nursing grades either. Ugh, that is a whole other blog in itself. The letter will come or it won't . In the meantime I will focus on passing boards and working as an LPN. Then I can reapply next February for the RN. <br />
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I am nervous about taking the boards. I know I have a ton of studying to do but with clinicals I have been focusing on that homework instead. Most likely since we have summer exit we will not be able to take our boards until August or September. Won't my hubby love that. I know he is ready for me to be licensed so I can start working. And I am too. Going to school and not working has had a big toll on our money. Money that we did not have in the first place. <br />
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I am almost there. We, I should say, are almost there. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter everyday. Whoa, hold on a sec. Is it the end of the tunnel? Ummmmm, why do I have this unnerving feeling that it is a train barreling towards me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW95GYHx7HmQ0uYltfj26QG7A4ZbWure68xplHL77g4YE13lYeBA2tohzVo83wcy1RY13j7ctJrTbD4gjjgzu9IPRd6_ma-UYPzJnef7TAP9YiQbouTEhTVXBtPdluFD5IAbtBb1PMpI/s1600/train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW95GYHx7HmQ0uYltfj26QG7A4ZbWure68xplHL77g4YE13lYeBA2tohzVo83wcy1RY13j7ctJrTbD4gjjgzu9IPRd6_ma-UYPzJnef7TAP9YiQbouTEhTVXBtPdluFD5IAbtBb1PMpI/s1600/train.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Train light about to run me over or sunny bliss of freedom? Time will tell. I have paid my dues with the barreling trains. It is my turn for some sunny bliss. Wish me luck!Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-63138775236853714072011-06-26T07:55:00.000-05:002011-06-26T07:55:52.115-05:00Coupon Newbie- My $30 Goal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YqVae9bcn433UWGggaIqA6biIAZblxOzDTzWKdPvPEJF9l__5ZSP-36Z80-373H7Mf-93BmtUdBSZn5T2UBVhwXrfO_i8EvEswrWKib2UmPYZY49GRcPw82Cx5dz7y_nOZ8YN-lLOPQ/s1600/coupon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YqVae9bcn433UWGggaIqA6biIAZblxOzDTzWKdPvPEJF9l__5ZSP-36Z80-373H7Mf-93BmtUdBSZn5T2UBVhwXrfO_i8EvEswrWKib2UmPYZY49GRcPw82Cx5dz7y_nOZ8YN-lLOPQ/s1600/coupon.jpg" /></a></div>Let me first admit that I am not the greatest with math. So when it comes to coupons I am a bit slow with figuring all this stuff out. With all the new tv shows on extreme couponing and classes popping here and there, I have decided I want to give it all a try. If anything I save a few dollars, right? <br />
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My sister, Sarah, has a knack for saving money with coupons. She gets really excited about what is in the paper and how she can use it. When I use coupons I get this sense of "Take that you money grabbing store. I just saved 50 cents!" Yes, I get excited too when I use them too. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSF0mDZ4Eo15whBYw7CcNekeGXvCcPoyHcw4BlcAAEoR_XhjHHxupPUpHnNUHGPB2WwLG6PzhX1FxZGS_Kdv_i0hanBAWXyzvWzbb29PUtRI7JEV8M0F4Zu2ttIi3II7nhlhFgwVVuPg/s1600/coupon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSF0mDZ4Eo15whBYw7CcNekeGXvCcPoyHcw4BlcAAEoR_XhjHHxupPUpHnNUHGPB2WwLG6PzhX1FxZGS_Kdv_i0hanBAWXyzvWzbb29PUtRI7JEV8M0F4Zu2ttIi3II7nhlhFgwVVuPg/s1600/coupon2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before After</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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The thing I don't get is how do you figure it all out. Who has the best deal, then how to match it other stores and then use the coupons at the perfect time. It kind of gives me a headache. <br />
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I would love to use coupons more often. I recently have made my husband start buying the Sunday newspaper but when I look at the coupons, I do not see anything that my family uses. Then I just end up recycling it all. Its a bit discouraging. But I am going to give it a month and see how I do. <br />
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And since it is Sunday the first thing I am going to do is buy a newspaper. My goal is to see if I can save at least thirty dollars. Remember I, up to now, use maybe one or two coupons once in a blue moon to save 50 cents. So thirty smackers will be a big deal to me.<br />
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If you have any coupon tips for me, please share them. I could use all the help I can get!<br />
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/ew7_SeVt8H4/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ew7_SeVt8H4&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ew7_SeVt8H4&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
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The youtube video above is great. Take a few minutes to check it out. To me it makes couponing seem managable. Good luck and Happy Money Saving.Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467971805158989875.post-66634393877143355312011-06-24T16:00:00.000-05:002011-06-24T16:00:57.703-05:00Enough to drive a woman insane!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJdokukm7tFJfh4Q9H7tC_TpPl68LFh2AIkrJL-Pr3_hEsCT7jY0QsSsJHcOi3ShfKWN2ulRyL6CLS6pO1-WKnzQiCeSAIKPuKqIpIizK_CbSKG9rEe790LocbkD0PSMGe0u1fCdjcSs/s1600/crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJdokukm7tFJfh4Q9H7tC_TpPl68LFh2AIkrJL-Pr3_hEsCT7jY0QsSsJHcOi3ShfKWN2ulRyL6CLS6pO1-WKnzQiCeSAIKPuKqIpIizK_CbSKG9rEe790LocbkD0PSMGe0u1fCdjcSs/s200/crazy.jpg" width="115" /></a></div><br />
What a week it has been! Last Friday I was able to be by my younger sister's side as she gave birth to my nephew. What a beautiful event it was. I was even able to cut the cord. I may have participated in four births but never got to see the business end. I am so thankful she let me be a part of that day. My nephew however, has a congenital heart defect. He has transposition of the great arteries. Basically they are flipped flopped and the oxygenated blood isn't getting out to the rest of his body the way it should. He will be having open heart surgery to correct it this coming Tuesday. I ask that you pray for him or send well wishes his way. He is doing well right now but the surgery is a must. He is such delicious little baby. <br />
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Yesterday my husband had an appointment with an ENT. He has a tumor near his parotid gland (saliva gland). Due to the location of the tumor my husband will have surgery sometime this summer. The ENT is almost positive that it is not malignant but that it should come out. The surgery will include a large incision down the side of my husband's face (seen the movie Face Off, anyone?) and will involve a major facial nerve. If the nerve is cut or injured he could lose function in the right side of his face (think Anthony Hopkins in Legends of the Fall). The ENT assured us that it was rare for that to occur but was still a risk. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZJ0Vlw_IlB_gLaabgwF-sUjre_SOQ8qmlisguNYXayhiNxE_zg7pVyJdbGIyecSp8cjEsFkdrzNzrAXJNV5PN6fGCrnumJz9y1nsXEjFDNu4hS_5pBvAoeG9iY-f8PHSyicNdhptv1A/s1600/cw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZJ0Vlw_IlB_gLaabgwF-sUjre_SOQ8qmlisguNYXayhiNxE_zg7pVyJdbGIyecSp8cjEsFkdrzNzrAXJNV5PN6fGCrnumJz9y1nsXEjFDNu4hS_5pBvAoeG9iY-f8PHSyicNdhptv1A/s1600/cw.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Add to all of this the fact that I am trying to finish LPN clinicals and it has been stressing me out since last week we had so much homework it was ridiculous. I am ready for a break. <br />
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When it rains it pours at my house. <br />
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So this morning I woke up at 5am because my body is used to it from getting up early for clinical days. I could not fall back asleep so I decided to read for awhile. The book was wonderful but the end was so emotional. I could barely read I was crying so hard. Between the story line, my nephew and my husband I emotionally vomitted right there in the family room. I could not stop crying for anything. This went on for two hours. My husband saw me and laughed. I was covered in tissues and my eyes were red. Tear streaks stained m cheeks and I had that weird crying gasp. What a way to start the morning.<br />
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I am glad it is now the weekend. I am hoping it is a calm one but I won't get my hopes up. God, won't give us what we can't handle, right? I am wondering if he has me confused with someone else.Nancy Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05342557841777099838noreply@blogger.com0