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Showing posts from 2010

Winter Storm hits the desert?!

Happy New Years Eve to all. I hope everyone is able to celebrate with family, friends, or loved ones tonight! And -- I hope everyone has a safe evening!! Be careful out there! We are finally experiencing some "weather" here in Tucson. I use "quotation marks"...because this "weather" the Tucsonan's are FLIPPING OUT over is just a "chilly October Day" in North Dakota (where I came from) Yesterday morning...I was getting off work. I could hear the wind blowing, and the rain falling throughout the night. There were moments where...I kind of want to crawl into one of the hospital beds and take a snooze. When 7:30 am rolled around, I was very anxious to go home after 3 nights on. I was ready to BOLT out the door.... ...when I was stopped by an oncoming shift coworker, who stated, "Abby, maybe you should stick around until the weather clears up. It's pretty bad out there...." FEeling concerned, I asked, "Really? Are th

Pleasant

First off, I would like to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas! I hope you were all able to take some time to celebrate with the one's you love last week! I know I did! Things are very pleasant here lately! We stayed in Tucson, since I worked Christmas Eve night -- but we had a beautiful Christmas dinner and day with Ryan's Dad and Lora. Christmas day morning I walked in the door about 8 am, and I walked in out my "Santa Baby" stuffing our stockings. It made me smile. I went to sleep for a few hours, and woke to the sweet, delectible smells of monkey bread & fresh ground Italian Roast coffee! We opened presents by the tree. And I was spoiled with many wonderful gifts! I was very touched by how fortunate we are. We sat by the fire, and Ryan taught me how to use my new Kindle he got me. And we headed to Chris & Lora's for a fantastic day of fun with them and Ryan's younger siblings! They've started a family tradition of doing "Seven F

30 Blogs: Goals

Remember how 2 months ago I was going to blog 30 days straight?! Doing this cute little segment/challenge? Well, that was productive. (sarcasm) But I do plan on finishing it. Kind of like I plan on some day finishing the quit that I seriously started 11 years ago. I just like to take my little breaks! And today is goals -- which is a big focus for me lately since there's been so many life changes! First, let me tell you -- that I'm obsessed with goals. I eat, breathe, and sleep goals. Short term, intermediate, and long term. I'm like a walking calendar. Some say that's a "flaw" -- but it's how I like life. So I'll probably keep it that way! Here are my goals that I'm thinking about right now.... Short Term : Make the adjustment to night shift this week without turning into a walking zombie.  (I am SO not a night person!!!) Start taking body combat classes (it's like...kick boxing kind of *I think*) at our new gym Get all pictures,

We're all settled in!

Currently I am sitting by the fire, next to the Christmas tree all lit up, smells of Christmas cookie-baking filling the house, and feeling extraordinarily happy & content in our new house! I am going to be honest and say the past 2 weeks have WIPED ME OUT. Thursday night I slept-walked. Ryan found me rummaging around in our closet at 1:00 am talking to myself. Starting new job at hospital + plus moving + dealing with a whole giant array of things + Christmas season = CRAZY!!! But good crazy, fun crazy, exciting!! We moved Saturday last weekend (Saturday). Our truck was to be ready by 8 am. We arrived at 7:45 (being the overly-punctual couple we are...) ....no one there. So we waited...and waited. And we called. ...I could hear the phone ringing inside of the building. ..by 8:15, we realized that maybe the people running this trucking company weren't going to show up to work that day. So we called corporate. They informed us "Well, we're sorry, but ther

Taking a moment

It's a little crazy around our house right now. Okay, so it's really crazy. Thinking about these next 2 weeks gives me a little bit of an ulcer. But, it's exciting too! But, I will have to say these past few days I've been feeling a little "down-in-the-dumps". Not that I have anything to be sad about - I'm just a little overwhelmed! Today Ryan has guard drill, and then flight lessons. (he's getting his private pilot lessons...so I'm counting down the days until he can take me up in the sky!) So, I'm packing boxes whilst listening to Christmas jazz music today! And making my mom's Butternut Squash Soup recipe. Mmmm (soul-warming) I got up with him this morning at 4:30 am ready to get things done !! I was prepared to tackle the world! It was while I was building boxes at about 5:30 that I asked myself, "What are you doing, you crazy woman". It just hit me that ... Maybe I'm feeling frazzled, "down in the dumps"

Still alive

Greeting, bloggers! Yes, I am still alive. I'm not feeling wordy or creative at this moment. My heart wanted to write a post last week on what I'm Thankful about. ...but I didn't get to that. But, I'm thankful for lots of stuff :) I also wanted to do a post on our trip home to spend time with family. ...but I didn't get to that either. But it was an amazing, wonderful, fantastic time. I left feeling such gratefulness and happiness for my family. I enjoyed every second of time I got to spend with my adorable nephews. I was so overjoyed to spend time in the kitchen with my Mom as she cooked the most fabulous Thanksgiving dinner. It was a great weekend. :-) I will not be blogging much for the next couple weeks or so, most likely? Started my new job this week! It's going.... overwhelming & crazy well. :) I feel like my head is going to explode so happy to be learning so much and using my nursing skills! Finally !!!! This leaving the hou

30 Blogs: What you believe

Oh, Lord. Get ready for a novel, folks. I'm going to turn this post into a complete political rant. ARE YOU READY to have me talk your ears off on my beliefs on health care, the housing crisis, GM, abortion,  illegal immigration and sb 1070, and the unemployment extension? ......I didn't think so. I had you going for a second, maybe ? I will save those thoughts for the book I write some day titled "Staying Put" (kind of an antonym to Sarah Palin's *Going Rogue*.....) Anyways, so here are a few of things that I BELIEVE: ( some more serious than others ) I came up with this list while I was on my boring 12 mile run this morning. Yes, I said boring. It was. I believe in God. And I believe in the power of prayer. I believe family and husband (who is my family) bring me more joy than anything . I believe Pinot Noir is better than Cabernet Sauvignon. I believe you can take the cheapest, shittiest cut of beef and make it taste delectable with a few hours of

30 Blogs: Something I'm Afraid of

This isn't a very difficult post for me to write about. I am such a "scaredy cat" about so many things. I could quite possibly turn this into a book. I was also the kid that wouldn't go on the monkey bars at school, out of fear that my arms may be ripped out of their sockets. I was the kid who got to the end of the diving board, and then shriveled into a ball at the end shaking in tears. I got to the top-climax spot on a roller coaster, and start saying "Oh my God, get me off this thing. I don't want to do it anymore! Get me off this thing!!" Then I went college, and majored in nursing. I leanred all the horrible ways one can reach multi-system organ failure. If I have too much coffee, and feel maybe the slightest heart palpitation - I am listening to my heart sounds with my stethoscope......... So here's my list of irrational some fears. ;) (some of these may be comical & pathetic to you):\ Heights Vomit (I've gotten better about th

30 Blogs: A Place You Have Visited

This day of the challenge comes at a convenient time, as we visited a new place this previous weekend! Bisbee, AZ A little history.... Bisbee, AZ is an old mining town founded in 1880. It has been named one of the most lucrative mining towns (The Copper Queen Mine) in the WORLD, once producing more than 3 million oz of gold, and 8 billion pounds of copper. In addition, they also mined silver, zinc, & lead. In the 1900's, Bisbee was one of the MOST "hopping" cities from San Francisco to El Paso -- filled with beautiful women and numerous Saloons. The mine closed in the 1970's, and many of the employees moved elsewhere. However, the town remained his rich history and buildings have stayed strong. It is now a tourist town, populated with artsy "hippies". Why did we chosse Bisbee..... It's been kind of a crazy few months for us with lots of new life events going on. We wanted to just take a get-away together. However, with how erratic our sched

Ten on Tuesday

1. What is your favorite breakfast pastry? To be honest...I'm not a big pastry fan. Especially if it has any filling in it -yyyyuck! I freak out if I bite into something and some mound of "goo" comes squirting out of it. But if I'm going to have something, it would be monkey bread. 2. Were you ever in a Thanksgiving or Christmas play? Oh jeez. PTSD here. When I was in ?1st? grade (something like that) - our church did the annyual Christmas Nativity play for the Children's mass. ALL the little girls in my class got to be angels . Pretty white dresses. Wings. Their mom's probably curled their hair. They had me dress as....I don't even KNOW what I was??!! I wore an all-black cloak. With a hood. Maybe I was a sheppard? I felt like the fricking grim-reaper. On Christmas. Me and one other girl had to do this. It was purely devastating. My teacher must not have liked me very much. :-( 3. What is your favorite clothing accessory? Definitely scarv

30 Blogs: Favorite Movies

Happy Monday, everyone! I was going to skip the "30 Blogs" today to talk about our weekend getaway. However, tomorrow's subject is "A Place You've Traveled" -- so tune in tomorrow to hear about Bisbee, AZ! :) Today I'm supposed to talk about my favorite movies. I'm going to have to be honest and say I'm not a huge movie "buff". I do enjoy watching movies....but.... I'm " That Girl " who gets distracted in the 1st 20 minutes of the movie, so I miss the ENTIRE plot set-up. Therefore, the rest of the movie I'm asking Ryan, "Now who's that character?" "What does she do?" " Where is this movie located??" It's really annoying.... But here are a few of the movies that are favorites of mine... -Waiting for Guffman -The Sound of Music -The Pianist -My Best Friend's Wedding -Cool Hand Luke

30 Blogs: Picture of Something that Makes Me Happy

After I finish uploading this photo-o-happiness...I will be packing our suitcase for a very unique get-away! We are headed to Bisbee, AZ! It is a historic mining town about 2 hours from Tucson. This town is notorious for being highly populated with some serious "hippy love". In the summer, apparently people are barefoot in the streets selling their home-made goods and singing. Being there is a part of me that is a bit of a flower child-wanna-be....(due to my love for Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, the harmonica) -- I'm kind of excited to see this. After our weekend I will post pictures of the neat places we'll be staying! (since I don't want any creepy stalkers out there reading my blog showing up at our hotel room tonight....) Now onto some happiness pictures..I can't settle with one! This was the 1st time Ryan & I "locked eyes" on our wedding day. I still remember it and how nervous I was! This pictures gives me butterflies.... The Great O

30 Blogs: Siblings

Before I start my "30-blog-challenge-sibling-post" -- I need to give a shout out to all the Veterans who do such a great service to our country! Ryan and I had our traditional (3rd year now) Veteran's day lunch at Applebee's -- where he got a free meal. I also ran 20 miles prior to this lunch date - so let me tell you I was ravenous!!!!!! Now onto siblings.... I started writing a post 2 days ago on this. But it turned into a book. I started writing about each sibling I have, and the unique traits they have that has impacted my life. But it would've gotten long -- for my siblings are as follows: Chad, Emily, Kevin, Julie, Emily, Jason, Lisa, Erin, Nick, Michael, Alexa, Sophia, and Jack!!! That's a long list! I consider my sister/brother-in-laws siblings too. When you marry someone, you truly marry into their family I believe. So instead of writing a 700 page book on sibling love, I'll break it down into 2 sections 1) My Immediate Siblings: (Chad,

Ten on Tuesday

I'm taking a break from the 30 Blogs challenge today to partake in the 10 on Tuesday! Before I go on, let me tell you -- last night was not fun!!!! I had my "New Employee Health Screening" yesterday. I received a multitude of vaccines and blood draws. I was a little off to start with - I had a low grade fever and a blood pressure of 78/50. Eeek. Once I laid down for bed - I started feeling horrible and it only escalated. I had a fever of 102.4, and my heart was racing like mad! Not a fun night. Feeling better today! But wow! Never will I get that many shots in one "shot" again! Alright, 10 on Tuesday! 1. Who makes your Thanksgiving dinner? When we go home, my Mom does! And she does a darn good job at it, too! Last year Ryan & I did our 1st Thanksgiving dinner -- and it was a team effort. 2. What is your favorite recipe the includes pumpkin? (bonus points for including the recipe) Hmmm...I always love good ole, traditional pumpkin pie! Or the hom

30 Blogs: My Parents

As you all know, from the Mother's & Father's Day tribute-posts, and the uncontrollable excitement I get about trips home......I have an very close relationship with my parents. There isn't a day where I don't thank God for the parents who raised me. The parents who were a little more "strict" than the "16-year-old know-it-all Abby" wanted them to be. And now, I am SOOO glad they were strict!!! I am SO glad I was the only kid in my class with an 11 o'clock curfew (when all my other friends would stay out until 2). I am SO grateful of how tough of critics they were of any boy I tried to date . They never approved any boyfriend of mine -- until they met Ryan. I think there's a darn good reason for that ;) I am glad to know I grew up in a home where dinner was had at the table as a family every evening. Prayers were said before dinner. We had dinners as a family whenever it was possible -- although sometimes it was impossible with

30 Blogs: My First Love

So today's post is to talk about your 1st love. But before I get into that, I have news to share!..... My hospital called me Thursday evening at about 6:30 pm with the offer. And I got my 1st pick - Telemetry! At my hopsital their telemetry unit is a cardiac step-down unit from the ICU. So I will get to see some pretty sick patients, but no ventilators! I am very excited to get my skills expanded! :) Now on my 1st love.... I am proud to announce that my 1st real love was my husband. Prior to Ryan, I had never been in love. Nor did I even know what the meaning of love was. Never in my life had I committed or dedicated myself to anyone! It makes me happy to know that he is the 1st person and the only person I will ever share that bond with! But I will share the story of the 1st boy that had me "smitten". It was the summer before 8th grade....at the International Music Camp in Canada at the Peace Gardens. He was 1st chair in the band, I was 2nd chair. He had a real

30 Blogs: Meaning Behind Your Blog Name

"The Adventures of Abby and Ryan" Very compelling blog title. Such depth. I choose this name due to lack of ideas. I've toiled with things such as the following: "Running with Scissors" (this would be because I'm an avid runner, and I'm a nurse...so always have a pair of scissors in my pocket)....but that's kind of cheesy. I've also thought of doing "Recipes, Running, & Rants". -- since that nearly sums up what I talk about on here! This whole blog started back in the summer of 2008, when I was planning my wedding. My Step-Mother-in-Law started this up for me (since I didn't even know what a blog was at this point) -- and dubbed me author. Our original idea of this blog was to talk wedding plans . But I'm going to be honest with you guys, I wasn't that "in" to the whole wedding planning thing . I just couldn't find inspiration to blog about flowers and center-pieces. I am not a creative person

30 Blogs

So I am joininging Kelly in her 30 days, 30 blogs challenge. I often have a tough time finding the creativity to write on something - so here it goes! However, I know I won't be blogging 30 days straight.... so my goal is to just get all 30 in at some point in time! Here is how it works: Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name Day 3-Your first love Day 4-Your parents Day 5-Your siblings Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy Day 7-Favorite movies Day 8-A place you've traveled to Day 9-A picture of your friends Day 10-Something you're afraid of Day 11-Favorite tv shows Day 12-What you believe Day 13-Goals Day 14-A picture you love Day 15-Bible verse Day 16-Dream house Day 17-Something you're looking forward to Day 18-Something you regret Day 19-Something you miss Day 20-Nicknames Day 21-Picture of yourself Day 22-Favorite city Day 23-Favori

Ten on Tuesday!

1. Do you color? If you do, is it with markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.? No, not since I was about 7. I could never color in the lines either. If I had to - I would choose markers for it takes less time to fill in the spots. (patience is not my thing...as we all know) 2. What’s the most organized part (or system) in your house? It's a tie between our refridgerator, pantry, bookshelf, and baker's rack. Lol....I like to organize. 3. What’s the most unorganized part (or system) in your house? Our spare bedroom closet. It is our storage closet - that is stacked with many college text books, unwanted clothes, and randomness. I even have a banjo in that closet! And the spare bedroom bed which has all my piano music stacked on it and the keyboard and acoustic guitar. I think I need a music room some day.... Let's just say I keep that door closed at all times... 4. If you had unlimited amounts of time and money, what museum would you want to see and why? I woul

Monday

Well -- I sprung out of bed at 4:30 am today ready to fight and take on the world. A new week, a new month! Hurray!! I'm not even going to indelve in the story. It's not worth your time. But, let's just say my Monday morning wasn't the greatest one in history.... I'm sick of coming home saying "Well that was a crappy day!" -- so I'm going to pretend that it was  FABULOUS day! :) Wahoo!!! But on a happy note -- our weekend was very pleasant, fun, and relaxing! We cooked some delectable meals! Ryan smoked ribs all day Saturday. Ryan did the cooking and I was his assistant chef. Sunday we carved pumpkins, watched football, and I made pumpkin turkey chili. Recipe to come -- it was incredible! So here is the final display of our carvings! I have to say I'm quite proud!! This is Ryan's pumpkin. And this is mine :)  Election Day tomorrow! I dont know about you guys...but I am so ready for all this negative "campaigning" t

News of the Week

So beyond on the stresses of the interview and stillll getting adjusted to the new job this week ..............I've been one tense little lady . Exceptionally tense. And now, I am revealing why... No. We are not pregnant. So, don't even try getting excited for a second. We are no longer building a house. This is not bad news. It's good news -- TRUST ME. :) Here's how it went down...... Sunday afternoon, Ryan got home from his hunting trip. We decided we were overdue for a day together. So we thought, "Let's go check out the progress of the house! And then go out for dinner!" Welll, what started out as a fun, exciting, house visit. Turned into a very angry one...... First -- we noticed the french doors leading to the patio were not there. They just *slapped* a window there. Then, I noticed that our POST-TENSION CONCRETE had been cut and crushed and ruined - b/c the plumbers put pipes in the wrong spot. I don't know if you know much

I'm training for a marathon? What?

I've been training for a marathon since August 9. But, lately it really doesn't feel like it. Being I've been out-of-comission for the past 2 WEEKS. Half of my mind is stressed out. Freaking out . Worried. How in the hell will I run 26.2 miles on December 12? That is in 7 WEEKS!!!!!!! However - the "reality Abby" hasn't lost an OUNCE of sleep over this. Seriously! I have too many important things in my life going on -- to be concerned about a silly race! But, (in all honestly) I was nervous. Today was my 1st REAL run. I did 5 miles. I ran it while it was like 90 degrees out. I was livid. With each step, I cussed the state of AZ. I was so freaking over-heated. At one point, I found a water fountain - and started splashing water on my body like some sort of psychotic, manic, mad-woman. However, I felt "natural" running - and somehow managed to cut 15 seconds/mile off! Meaning I averaged 8:03 min/mile. Which is quite speedy for me. And

News for Today

I am jumping for joy right now! Let's start by saying today was stressful. Although I'm supposed to work 6-2:30 daily. I never get out of there at 2:30. However, today.....it was crucial. For I had the biggest interview I've EVER had - with my sponsoring hospital after work today! I worked so hard to get everything completed so I wouldn't have to stay late. Therefore, I didn't pee, eat, or think from the hours of 6am - 1 pm. And as a result, I was out the door by 2:30! Wahoo! I detoured home, donned my business suit, grabbed my printed out resumes, and drove the 50 minutes to my interview!! And it went beyond amazing. If I couldn't dreamed up the "perfect interview".... ....this interview surpassed that. And they blessed me with the amazing news that I will be starting as an RN at the hospital starting November 22. You have no idea who much stress, turmoil, tears, sleepless nights, etc has been involved with this. I have spent long, hard

Ten on Tuesday!

1. What is your favorite decor item in your house? My Christmas Tree. No, I do not have a Christmas tree up outside of the season. I'm quite strict about this. Advent only. But, when my Christmas tree is up - I love it! I also like our baker's rack and kitcen table. I realize this isn't "decor"...but, I like it! 2. What is your favorite hair product? I like my Tresseme Hairspray. Nothing too exciting. But, it gets the job done. I don't invest much is hair products. I also like my Loreal hair dye. Yes, I dye my hair. I'm that cool. 3. Are you a good dancer? Hold on one second, let me think about that one..... Ahhhahahahha. Hahahahhaha.. No. I am as sqaure as a wooden box. I enjoy dancing. But, I shouldn't enjoy it - for I'm terrible at it. I did do ballroom in college- but...that's the extent. 4. You get some good news, who’s the first person you call? My Mom. And Ryan - but Ryan is usually immediately involved in my goo

Halloween

As I've discussed previously, I'm not a big "Halloween Celebrater". I can never think of a creative costume. And all the costumes in the stores are so unGodly slutty that it sickens me. They sell " Sexy Eskimo" costumes these days. Since when do Eskimo Indians hike around the arctic braless, with a hoochie top, booty skirt, and hooker boots?! Dear Eskimo Lady, Your costume does not appear "sexy". It appears stupid. And unrealistic. Put some pants on. Sincerely. There are a few things I do to partake in the festivities. We pass out candy to the numerous trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood. I put a dish of candy-corns in our home that disappears way too fast . (My weakness!)And we carve pumpkins. I never was that into pumpkin carving growing up. I always had my Mom do the carving - I just gutted the pumpkins. But since Ryan and I have been together it's been a competitive thing. He almost always wins. I am not skilled with a knif

Flood or Famine

My life has been a serious case of flood or famine lately. Since I graduated from nursing school it's been a SERIOUS freaking famine . No job, boring NCLEX, blah, blah. blah. Because of that....I got reallly used to having absolutley spotless house. Because I cleaned multiple times/week. I started work full time this week. I started having Sports Therapy every day this week. When I Get home, I still want to keep up my "perfect, spotless-ness" - so I find myself cooking, vacuuming, scrubbing floors. And of course - make a trip to the gym! Last night, I realized that I honestly did not sit down from the hours of 5:30 AM until 9:30PM. Now, I had a 10 minute drive to and from work. But, you get the point. So it's been a " flood ". And I'm loving it. My job is incredible. People often say, "Ick. A nursing home?!?! Rehabilitation center?! How awful." But now, I can completely disagree with that statement or stereotype. (although, I'