A New Found Treasure

I was driving my usual route home, completely lost in thought, when I noticed something I had never seen before... at least I had never really seen it until today. Off to my left was this giant field filled with yellow daises and a HUGE majestic tree in the center covered completely in little yellow buds. The colors were so vibrant and the view so captivating, I had to stop and take it all in. So I made a quick (and yes illegal) U-turn and pulled up to my new found treasure. Once parked I grabbed my camera, got out of the car, and walked into the field. The sky was grey and cloudy, which only added to its mystery and mystique... I was fascinated. I would have stayed all day to soak it in if I could have but being that I was in a rush, I settled for a brief two minuets... just enough time to snap a few photos. I just love it when God shows himself to you when you least expect it!

Unfortunately this picture simply doesn't do it justice

Can Only Go Up From Here

Its no secret these past few days have been a challenge for me. One moment I'm fine, the next I'm in tears. Not sure if its circumstances, hormones, or a deadly combination of the two, but regardless I'm acutely aware of the fact that I could blow at any second. Fortunately I figure if this is my low point, then it can really only go up from here... right?

The song UP! seem to sums it up perfectly so here it is for you to enjoy...

(lyrics below)

It's 'bout as bad as it could be

Seems everybody's buggin' me

Like nothing wants to go my way--Yeah, it just ain't been my day

Nothin's comin' easily

Even my skin is acting weird

I wish that I could grow a beard

Then I could cover up my spots

Not play connect the dots

I just wanna disappear

[chorus:]Up--up--up--Can only go up from here

Up--up--up--up

Where the clouds gonna clear

Up--up--up--There's no way but up from here

Even something as simple as

Forgettin' to fill up on gas

There ain't no explanation why--Things like that can make you cry

Just gotta learn to have a laugh

[repeat chorus]

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah...When everything is goin' wrong

Don't worry, it won't last for long

Yeah, it's all gonna come around

Don't go let it get you down

You gotta keep on holding on

It's 'bout as bad as it could be

Seems everybody's buggin' me

Like nothing want to go my way--Yeah, it just ain't been my day

Nothin's comin' easily

[repeat chorus]

Oh-- I'm going up [4x]

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah...

Bunnies

WOW.... what an utterly exhausting day! I just got back from night class and am so pooped I couldnt even manage to heat myself up some dinner... its simply too much work, too much mess, and too much of a hassle. So instead I've settled for a bag of green jelly beans I got for St. Patricks Day. I guess you could say I ate my greens for dinner :-) Ok ok maybe thats a bit of a stretch, but after a day like this I think I've earned the right to gorge on nothing but sweets and carbs... at least for the evening.

As I drove into my car port around 9:00pm tonight, feeling completely drained and practically in a dase, I couldnt help but not move from my seat once the engine was off. I took a moment to pray, but couldnt even manage to muster the right words, or even articulate what it was I was feeling. Frustrated, I dragged my butt out of the car and began to walk up the walkway to my apartment. It was then I spotted it. Not one but two little grey bunnys munching on grass looking as cute as a button. For those of you who remember the blog I wrote MONTHS ago, I have officially nicknamed one of these bunnies "my bunny friend", and swear that I only see him on nights when I'm stress or have had an awful day. I always take seeing him as God's personal reminder to me of how much He loves me and has His hand on me no matter what. Well, God must have known I needed much more than one silly bunny tonight.... so what did he do? He sent TWO! What a great God we have.

..... Thank you Lord for reminding me once again of your love and faithfulness. I trust completely in you.

As soon as I got to my apartment I ran for my camera and darted out to the balcony to see if the two bunnies were still there, unfortunately one had scurried away, and the other was so far you can barley see him in this picture. He's the tiny grey speck on the concrete slab closest to the palm tree. See it? One day I'll get a good picture of him.... I'm on a mission!

The Munce Family

As my moving date rapidly approaches, I'm beginning to realize all the things about California I will miss the most. At the top of my list is of course the WONDERFUL family I am a nanny for! Working for the Munce family this past year+ has been a wonderful growing experience. It has challenged me, changed me, and equipped me for the day I become a mother myself. I will miss Brooklynn and James dearly. Here are a few pictures of a day in the life as the Munce Nanny :-)

My sweet handsome James!! What a little ham!

Brooklynn eating her favorite snack... Cheetos! Who doesnt love that cheesy goodness??

I'm so mean for taking this picture... but how adorable is that pout?? Believe it or not, I'll even miss his occasional little tantrums

Sibling love! These precious children are such little angels. I feel blessed to have known them.

Change Hurts Sometimes

.... Let me just begin by saying its been a tough day. Ordinarily I would never post a blog about something so personal happening in my life, but because so many people know about my relationship with Casey, I feel I should explain what has happened, after all I would MUCH rather update everyone via blog than explain it 100x over on the phone. Unfortunately, this morning Casey got a call from his boss informing him that he would NOT be able to transfer to Arizona, but instead he would be needed in their New York City office for the next 3-5 years. You can imagine what a shock this was to the both of us, and after much consideration Casey realized that kind of distance for that long a period would simply not be possible.... and so we broke up. I'm definitely hurt and upset, but please understand that as much as you all care about what I'm going through, I need my space. A clean break is always the easiest way to move on, therefore I'm asking those who know and love me to please not call or send me your condolences regarding the situation. Your prayers, however, would be much appreciated! At this point I know God has a plan, and am confident that what He has waiting for me in Arizona is far better than the heartache I feel now. No need to worry, I'm currently armed with my box of imported french truffles and my old country music CDs.... life is good.

Favorite New Song

Its no secret I love all things french! Anything from french food, music, fashion, and of course the language.... its simply all so romantic. Not too long ago I discovered a new french singer who coincidentally is now the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni. When I first heard her sing, my heart simply melted! Her lyrics are sung purely in French, but are honestly the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. My favorite song is called "Quelqu’un m’a dit".... here it is for you to enjoy!

Lions and Tigers and Bears... OH MY!!

This afternoon I practiced my procrastination skills by taking a trip to the zoo when really I should have been chipping away at my mile long "to do" list. I figure life is too short not to enjoy all the beautiful creatures God placed on this earth... right? Besides, it was nice to be able to experience the famous San Diego Zoo one last time before I move to Arizona in a few short weeks. Here are some pictures I took while exploring the zoo....

How precious is this momma gorilla with her baby on her back? There is simply no better example of a nurturing mother.

Malayan Tigers. Now thats one BIG kitty!

A mother Giraffe and her two little babies

I must admit I'm not a huge elephant fan but this picture cracks me up! Thank you Lord for putting the size of my butt into perspective.

Now isnt she pretty?? Its hard to tell in this picture but her lashes are to die for!

The Meerkats are my favorite... I think maybe because they remind me of my adorable puppy Tirzah!

The Panda honestly looked so sweet and cuddly

And of course a day at the zoo would not be complete without cotton candy!

Not Me Monday

Its Monday and you know what that means.... it time for yet another round of NOT ME MONDAY!!

1. I did NOT text message my boyfriend at 1:30am this morning to make sure he was alive and well after having a nightmare that he died.


2. When my alarm sounded at the very butt crack of dawn (5:00am) I most certainly did NOT hit the snooze button until 6:30, twenty minuets before I had to leave, giving myself no other option than to run out the door in day old sweats, no make-up, sun glasses, and yucky dirty hair pulled into an oh so lovely pony tail.


3. Once I arrived at school I did NOT sleep yet another 30 minuets in my car prior to class beginning.


4. On my way home from class I did NOT swing by my parents house to raid their refrigerator simply because mine currently has nothing more than a month old container or OJ and some miscellaneous salad dressings.


5. After filling my grumbling tummy, I did NOT go home to my apartment only to find a pile of dishes in my sink and clothes covering almost every square inch of my bedroom floor. That kind of mess is disgusting, and NOT at all indicative of the way I live.


6. I did NOT ignore my dogs plea to go for a walk so I could talk on the phone with my sister. That kind of behavior is absolutely inconsiderate!


7. On top of it all, I am NOT having one of those days where I feel bloated, fat, cranky, and out of shape all rolled into one.


8. I am NOT sitting here wasting time missing my boyfriend while he is away on a two month business trip. Who ever heard of a business trip lasting two freaking months anyway?!?!


9. And last but not least, I did NOT spend my afternoon walking around the San Diego Zoo taking pictures when I should have been cleaning. I am NOT that irresponsible.

Back to School

32 Days Left! (see you soon babe!)

Sadly today is the last day of spring break, which means tomorrow marks the beginning of having no life once again. As much as I hate being a student, the prospect of being a nurse at the end of it all makes this whole process worth while. I was thrilled the other day when my mom bought me my first pair of scrubs. Now it could just be the excitement of it all, but I truly believe my new scrubs are the cutest scrubs any hospital has ever seen!! As I paraded around my parents house in my purple and teal scrubs with a stethoscope around my neck, I couldnt help but picture myself running around a busy hospital helping those in need.

Now this isnt a picture of me of course because I forgot to take a pic, so here is the catalog picture of my adorable new scrubs...

I also had the privilege that day of putting in my first IV (on my poor dad who was such a good sport) with the help and instruction from the nurse of all nurses.... my mom! I must admit I was nervous at first, but once I got the hang of it, puttin in IV's felt no harder than tying my own shoes. It was then I was reminded of exactly why it is I go to school and work my butt off everyday.... because in the end it will be far worth all my hard work.

Distance

Call me corny but I just cant help myself.... I miss my boyfriend like CRAZY! I knew when I first met Casey that he would be leaving on a two month business trip to Minnesota from March to May, but I honestly wasn't prepared for just how much I'd miss having him around. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but if you ask me..... distance sucks! I miss how he makes me laugh, I miss talking to him with a glass of wine all curled up on the couch, I miss cooking dinner for him, I miss running errands with him, I miss how we both make fun of each other, I miss making him watch all my reality TV shows with me, I miss the way he calms me down when I get upset, I miss the way he makes me feel beautiful when I'm around him, I miss making up with him after an argument, I miss the way he challenges me and pushes me to think outside the box, I miss quiet nights together in my apartment with candles and music playing in the background, and of course I miss kissing him more than anything!! :-) I've now officially started the countdown.... 34 days until he comes home!! Everyday without him is a challenge, but I know the Lord is using this time apart to strengthen our relationship.