Friday, February 25, 2011

Early Weekend

Last night we gathered with some awesome New Life people at our friend Alan's house. We played Scene It, ate some good food, and ended with hours of Rockband.




Look at my studly husband!

Wine in a plastic cup is ok, right?
When I came home from work today I had a GLORIOUS gift awaiting me! We'd been awaiting a package my mom-in-law said was meant for me as a Valentine's gift. Well, it's finally here and it's amazing.




I absolutely adore this pretty whimsical crown! I'm so excited to wear it out tonight. We're headed out to celebrate Alan's birthday. I'll make a note to take some sweet pictures :-)

HAVE A HAPPY FRIDAY!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Remember How God Is Awesome?

I want to...no, I have to...say a huge thank you to YOU. All your thoughts and prayers were definitely heard over the past couple days. I worked yesterday and today and had 2 really good days at work. I encountered some typically stressful events that went along without a hitch and hardly a bit of stress or anxiety.

thank you.

After I got off work tonight and Phill was done with ultimate, we used one of our gift cards (Christmas is awesome) to go out for some seriously fantastic Mexican food. I'm pretty sure I just kept eating for a full hour.

You can't really tell from the picture, but the chandelier was made of beer bottles. I was impressed.

My tired sweetie

THE BEST FOOD IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. Mmmm Avocado with Red Chile Pesto Enchilada, rice, black beans and guac! Marry me...after this whole "Phill" thing phases out...wait a minute...




















































































































Then, I had my(super full to the brim)self a bubble bath.
THIS (Gingerbread House LUSH Bubble Bar)

+

THIS (hot, hot, hot running water)

 =

Happy bath time...with urine colored water :-)



Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Rough

I know this is incredibly vague, but I've had a lot on my mind lately and it's really bogging me down.

The devil is just so...evil. Captain Obvious, huh? Anyway, he's really good at knowing exactly how to turn my thoughts negative in nearly every aspect of my life. I've been feeling it for the past few weeks, but it really hit hard today, despite the fact that I had the whole day off with my sweet, although still somewhat sickly, husband. I need to get reconnected with what's really important. I feel it would be really good for me to actually start DOING some of the things I've set before myself, but I think a hefty dose of prayer will probably be the best catalyst. I think once I start getting answers and seeing results of my actions that I'll be much more at peace.

I crave it.

There is some tough stuff a-brewin'. My mind is reeling and my throat is hurting thinking of so many things. I'm just not in a super great place right now (mentally, physically, spiritually) and I need change. My main problem is this: I feel helpless. So, if you're one who prays, perhaps you could consider adding my vague problems to your prayers?

Monday, February 21, 2011

Random Questions Because My Headache is Finally Gone

Who is your favorite actor?
Of course this begins with a tricky question. I am literally having a mental block trying to think of actors. I'll just go with Angelina Jolie because she's smokin' hot. I can easily tell you one of my LEAST favorite actors, though: Keanu Reeves. Blech.

Do you collect anything?
Hugs?

What's the biggest turn off in someone of the opposite sex?
Lack of wedding band purchased by me

If you HAD to change your first name, what would you change it to and why?
Well, The Little Mermaid was my favorite movie growing up so I'll go with Ariel. If we're being serious, though, I simply can't imagine having any other name.

What virtue is better: forgiveness or justice?
Both are pretty important, but I think this country could probably use more forgiveness.

What's your favorite fast food establishment?
I guess Subway? We don't fast food much anymore. We're selective with our eating out selections because those are special and rare occasions!

What's your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Football

Do you like mushrooms and onions?
Mushrooms, no.  Onions, yes.

If you had to get a tattoo tomorrow, what would you get done?
I've been thinking about tattoos quite a lot, actually. I'm not creative enough for the specifics, but I really want it to involve flowers (orchids? lilies?)  of differing colors to represent the different important things in my life: my marriage, my family, and my friends. I want something separate to signify the importance of my faith; either something at the base of the tattoo or something all around the tattoo.

What are your thoughts on the female proposing marriage to the male? 
Absolutely! Whatever floats your boat!

What Christmas song do you loathe?
Santa Baby. That's the only one, though. Everything else is brilliant because Christmas is THE BEST EVER.

Do you and your significant other cuddle at night or sleep on opposite sides of the bed?
We have to be on opposite sides of the bed. There is no way I can sleep if Phill is actually near and breathing. I can hear it, you know. His breathing.

Have you ever had surgery?
Nope. Yay!

When do you typically have your holiday shopping done?
Typically, I don't do holiday shopping. We are poor folk.

If money were not an issue (and you HAD to pick something), what would your ultimate luxury item be?
A fancy jet with a pilot to fly me back and forth between our home here and all the love ones I have across the country from me.

Who is the better cook, you or your spouse?
I'm going to have to say Hubs is a better cook.

How often do you talk to your mom?
Not enough! This question has made me feel guilty. I'll have to call her soon...like tomorrow.

Are you adventurous in the kitchen or stick to the recipe?
I have to stick to the recipe unless it's something I've made many times and feel comfortable altering.

Is your second toe longer than your big toe?
No. I'm a normal person.

Do you dress up for Halloween? (Bonus question: What will you be this year?)
Sometimes! Halloween is so fun. I get bummed if I don't have a party to go to or some other reason to dress up. This year's Halloween is too far away for me to have come up with a good idea.

What do you listen to while driving?
I've been forced to listen to the radio ever since my iPhone fell in the toilet last month. It's killing me. You have no idea how much the Phoenix area plays Katy Perry's Firework song.

What is your least favorite thing about Fall?
Does Arizona even have fall? Regardless, I'm not sure there has even been something I've disliked about Fall. OH! I thought of one: School restarting.

What does your dream house look like, inside and out?
Outside: Biiiiig porch with porch swing
Inside: Vintage, loads of organization, kick-ass IKEA-style kitchen

Would you ever own a minivan?
Only if it makes me look like this (2:05 is my favorite part).

Do you wash new clothes before wearing them?
If they're from Goodwill or thrift store, sure. Otherwise, that's ridiculous.

If you could speak with a different accent, what would it be (i.e Australian, Scottish)?
I'd take anything, really. When I was in high school I remember really forcing the hick sound, at times, because I thought I'd be a little more interesting if I had some sort of accent.

Can you fall asleep anywhere? (i.e floor, couch, deck)
That depends on how tired I am. For the most part, I'd go with no. In fact, I think I have insomnia. I do sleep beautifully in the car (NOT driving!).

Do you use public restrooms? If so, do you sit on the toilet?
I never have to pee in public places. This is a stupid question. Of course I use public restrooms! I work 12+ hours in a day! We drove across the country when we moved! Do you think I held it for 2.5 days? Also, to be honest, I'm not much of a germaphobe...at all. I know you'd expect more from a nurse, but unless the toilet seat is obviously mega-gross, I have no problem sitting right down on it.

If you were stuck in an elevator for 24 hours, what celebrity would you most want to be stuck with?
Taye Diggs ;-)

Where did you & your significant other go on your 1st date?
Outback Steakhouse. We're classy. After dinner, we got lost trying to get to a pet store in Columbus. Phill became extremely frustrated and embarrassed. I was smitten.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy 23rd to the best bro in the world: Trey Johnston. Have you heard of him? He's famous. Ok, not really, but he should be famous. He's just that awesome.

Friday, February 18, 2011

How I Love My Cloudy, Cool Phoenix Day


Disclaimer: This is not the actual Phoenix sky. I am feeling too lazy to get up and take an actual picture. Happy day off with my husband :-)



Tonight, we're headed over to Tempe for dinner and a show at Club Red. Our friends Sarah and Jake are in a band Covela so we're gonna eat and then jam with some friends. Here's them at the show we went to last Autumn:

Happy Friday!

Rory & Lorelai Are Just Leaving?!

Oh man guys. I started watching Season 2 of GG. I just finished the episode where Lorelai breaks down and decides not to marry Max. Obviously, a road trip is in order after making a rash drastic decision that alters you life. Oh man.

So...today was tricky. I got a phone call at 5:30AM telling me there were too many nurses scheduled and I shouldn't come in unless I hear otherwise. At first, I was frustrated because I need the hours and I need to accumulate PTO, but then I remembered I like to sleep so I became happy. Then, at 10 I was called again saying a nurse is sick and my relief for her would be greatly appreciated. I obliged. I arrived at 11:30ish, went to 5C (I've never worked this floor before), got report from sicky nurse, and then the craziness ensued.

Scary times. Frustrating, frustrating times.

But! I made it out alive. I then met Phillip at the church for a marriage seminar thing that was going on. I only caught the last half, but it was pretty cool. This is what I learned: I still really love my husband =)

BIG NEWS!
Ok, the news really isn't that big, but I'm so proud of myself. The news is this: I completed a crafty project. A sweet garland! There are so many lovely garlands out there right now. If I had my way, I would have a slew of garlands with which to decorate and redecorate our little home. But, I have neither the will nor the talent to make this dream a reality. Therefore, I will stick to being proud of my one garland {at least for now}. My bathroom won the rights to garland #1.




{Obviously NOT garland, but these lovely ladies are new to el bano, too.}

It adds a little something, without adding too much. I am pleased. {I always feel the urge to insert a smiley face after sentences like that, but then I'm afraid I'll be judged for my overzealous usage of smiley faces.}
Materials: Coffee dyed coffee filters, natural colored coffee filters, sheet music, pretty floral fabric from pillow case found at a thrift store, and pretty lace fabric found at another thrift store! Oh, yeah and the rope stuff...found at a thrift store. So what! Yes, maybe I am a thrift store junkie! I cannot possibly see how this could be viewed as a "problem".  So get over it =) {That smiley face was necessary. Duh.}
I drew inspiration for the little garlands here and here.

Also, a sweet treat package from Mom & Dad Oprie arrived today. YUM! I may have eaten 4 already. I'm not sure my taste buds have the capacity to be sweeted out. I have an insane sweet tooth that is pretty much nagging me all the time.
What you can't see is the little puppy nose that was desperately trying to get a bite of this delicious treat.
Happy Friday everyone! Congratulations! You made it to the weekend! 
{I'll be working this weekend. Bummer.}

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A Little Shout-Out

Hello World!
I'm at work (boo), but I just thought I'd send a little 'hello' while on my lunch break!

I hope you're all having a wonderful day. Any big hump day plans?

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

A Lovely Valentine's Day

Oh, today was such a good day. I had the day off with my sweetheart, we crossed some errands off our imaginary errand list, I consumed a large amount of wine, and ended the day with good friends.

Happiness.

Our friends Sarah & Brian Drinkwine (Brian is the Youth Pastor at New Life, aka Phillip's boss) threw a Wine & Cheese Tasting Valentine's Party. It was absolutely wonderful. I may or may not still be buzzing pretty good from all the tasty wine. Mmmm. Yep, I'm a wino. 

The White Wine table on the patio

Michelle with Baby John (she's due to have her own little one in just a few weeks!)


The Red Wine table




Also, (in case you were wondering) Valentine's dinner was a success! Yay! Truthfully, Phillip took control of the Filet au Poivre, but the Tiramisu was all mine and it didn't suck. Next time, though, I'll be more mindful to use slightly less of the coffee/liqueur mixture. Lesson learned.

Filet au Poivre & Scalloped Potatoes

Tiramisu
What did you do for Valentine's Day? Anything special? Hopefully, you had an absolutely dreamy day, regardless of your relationship status. :-)

Monday, February 14, 2011

Folksy, Faces, Friends

It's no surprise to those who know me well that I love my music. As I turned on the Grammys tonight I was SO excited to see 2 of my favorites (Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers) performing live. 

 
 Mumford & Sons-The Cave. They performed this song at the Grammys tonight.


The Avett Brothers-Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise. This was performed at the Grammys, too.


This is a whole heap of awesome. Take the time to watch it.


Ok. Obviously, Patsy was not on the Grammys tonight, but this is the very roots of where I can say my love for all things folksy originated. Thanks, Aunt Nay, for playing your Patsy Cline cassette for Leslie and me oh so long ago! I am DELIGHTED to see this video! Patsy in action! I can hardly contain how pleased it makes me.

As mentioned, I have a knack for folksy groups. I'm feeling particularly folksy tonight. I think it has a bit to do with my already present underlying love PLUS just returning from High School Winter camp  where Redneck Bowling was an activity. Man, you should have seen Brian! All he had to do was channel his inner Drinkwine-Nashville self and we had "Buddy". Buddy also made an appearance at high school service tonight (yes, we held service tonight, a mere 2-3 hours after returning from high school camp). Normally, I would share loads of pictures, but the only pictures I have are the ones on my phone/Phill's old terrible piece-o-crap phone. Apparently, we have no cord to connect said phone to my computer and the bluetooth method has failed me, as well.

*groan

Listen, world. Remember how I had a blast at jr. high winter camp? Well, high school winter camp was definitely not a let down either. This weekend has made me realize how HAPPY I am to finally spend time with and connect with the youth group. Prior to this weekend, I felt like even when I came to services, and other youth events, that I was never really able to connect. This is true for both Pendleton and here at New Life. Now, after having spent many consecutive hours with both the jr. high kids and sr. high kids, I finally feel like I belong and that I'm accepted by both the kids AND the other leaders. 

I did gain some insight as to what may have been hindering some of my connecting problems, though! Apparently, I have "faces". People who have been present throughout my life: Why did you not inform me that I have many, many of these faces that often times portray mean, "I'm-angry-with-my-thoughts" looks?! Whilst having discussions with some of the girls over the weekend they pointed out that they didn't know I was so normal and they told me my faces sometimes made them think I was mean and didn't like them! I was totally unaware. When I later made the face again, it was pointed out to me. Apparently, it is my "thinking" face. Sooooo, whenever I'm thinking of something to myself, there is a great possibility that I will look like a meanie. 

PEOPLE OF THE WORLD: PLEASE DISREGARD MY MEAN FACE. I AM NOT MEAN. 
I like smiling and laughing (even if it does make me look all squinty-eyed)!

Wish me luck with our Valentine's dinner! On the menu: Filet au Poivre & Tiramisu

Thursday, February 10, 2011

A New Found Love





Ooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh goodness.

I love peppermint bark and I adore ice cream. COMBO MADE IN HEAVEN.


This week I have been immersed in Gilmore Girls. Tash, Beth, and Lynette always loved GG. I'm pretty positive between the 3 of them they owned every season. Frequent GG quoting was common amongst my friends. I, however, have never watched each season. I would watch when with my friends and if I stumbled across it on TV I would watch, but now I'm starting from the beginning and working my way to the end. I'm loving it. I'm on disc 3 of season 1 and I just watched Lorelai sing a song about painting. I literally laughed out loud...and watched it again. Here you go:

bahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh my dear, sweet Lord. I just made the Giant Double Chocolate Cookies from Ms. Emma's From Scratch blog. 

EPIC FAILURE

Wanna guess what I did wrong? It's so embarrassing. I was pretty upset because the "cookies" were more like very dry, fat, cakey-brownie things. I do not like my creation. I checked back on her blog to see if I had missed some trick or something and it turns out I did, in fact, miss QUITE a huge thing. This recipe calls for 1/3 cup cocoa. NOT THE 3 CUPS I PUT IN. Oh the humiliation! Can you imagine? What's funny is after I voiced my displeasure with the cookies Phill stated he was content. Gross.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

It's Not About ME

I sit typing this while on my lunch break in the hospital's library. Last night I was feeling some pretty good anxiety about coming to work today. This is not an unusual occurrence, but sometimes it's worse than others. Sometimes, like last night, I feel this anxiety and nervousness about the impending work day ahead. Sometimes, it's no big deal; work is work. While lying in bed trying to get over it and ease into sleep I said a silent prayer to ask for peace.

peace.

When I got into work, I learned I would be floating to a different unit to work. This is my first time floating since I've been hired because now I'm past the 6 month mark. Back in Anderson, floating was a crappy, crappy thing because you just really wanted to continue to work where you're comfortable and familiar. While I was nervous to go somewhere new and unfamiliar (and an ortho floor {yuck!}), I really did not mind being away from my "home" unit.

Guess what, guys? God is wonderful. Today has been perfectly fine. Even though I'm on an ortho floor, they have patients who aren't orthopedic, too. Thank goodness they were considerate enough to assign me the medical, non-ortho patients! This unit is much smaller and calmer, too. Goodness do I love it. Less people, less beeping machines, less family/visitors, less doctors, less CRAZINESS TO SEND ME INTO A FREAK-OUT!

It's little things like easing my mind that make me really remember who's in charge. He's got it covered, guys. Don't even worry about it. Whatever is really bogging you down lately--lay it down. Talk to God; He'll know exactly how to help (even if it's not totally evident right away). I love how subtly wonderful He can be sometimes, don't you?

 Ahhh, peace.

**EDIT!**
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARGOT!!!
(She would not cooperate)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Monday, February 7, 2011

Not Too Shabby, Monday

Yeah, I changed the layout again. I like the cheeky owls. This one will probably last a while...maybe. I think I'll just continually go back and forth between pretty and quirky (depending on my mood). For now.........we're quirky :-)

FYI--my mind is all over the place right now. Therefore, this post will be all over the place.

First, MY BABY GIRL IS ALMOST 2 YEARS OLD! Her birthday is Wednesday (Feb. 9) but I'm working that day and the day after, so I'm starting a little early. I made her put on the "I'm the Birthday Girl" shirt I got her last year.


She's just so cute!!!!!!!!!
Second, I want to give a big shout-out to 90's hip-hop.  Bet you didn't see that one coming, huh? Listen. I'm hard. Ok, no. No, I'm not. Not important.
Thanks Jay-Z. Thanks Ludacris (ok, maybe he only showed up in the early 2000s). 'Preciate it Snoop. My drive to and from work has become interestingly enjoyable. That picture is just hysterical!

Third, as far as Mondays at work go, today was a success. There were no freak-outs. I didn't have any complicated discharges involving multiple calls to doctors and hassles with case managers, home health services, or nursing homes. Plus, I have tomorrow off. Nice. 

Fourth, 
MOM, DAD & TREY ARE VISITING IN LESS THAN 1 MONTH!!!!!!!
Yes, I purposely posted a bad picture of us. I kinda like it...even though my eyes are wAcKeD oUt. I'm beyond excited to spend a full week, work-free, with my fam. YAY! Spring Break woooooo!

Fifth, please go to this article from the Huffington Post and laugh out-freaking-loud:

Any Valentine's Day plans? Apparently it's coming up. Phill and I don't make much of a fuss about it. We don't give gifts (V-Day, birthday, Christmas, etc) because, well, there's rarely anything pre-determined that either of us would wish for, anyway, and we would rather save our money and put it towards other things. I have a nice meal planned, though. Any big plans for your V-Day? Big tip: Tell your loved ones how much you truly love them. Best gift ever.


PS-If you post birthday wishes to Margot on here I will gladly relay them all to her and proceed to shower her with the hugs and kisses I know you would be giving her if you were here in person. No problem, I've got it covered :-)
 

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Purple Haze

Ladies.

You know what I mean when I say I had an "off" day? Of course you do. This is one of the first times I think I can actually say I experienced PMS. I was on edge, upset about small things, non-communicative. I rapidly shifted between frustration/agitation and sadness. I left the Super Bowl party at the half and proceeded to pamper myself with a bath. A very purple bath.
























Thank you, thank you, thank you my dear Natasha. Your happy Lush Christmas Eve Bubble Bar was the perfect way to close the day.

IKEA Loves

Because of Michelle's baby shower today and our trip to IKEA yesterday, I've got awesome baby/child things on the brain.

Sarah discovered these sippy cups on our trip. Love!
I saw this table with a set of chairs yesterday. They're so simple, but so sweet.




  MOOSE!

Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh...So many wonderful storage options at IKEA!


Plush toys! Vegetables, fruits, cakes, animals, breakfast! =)


 Isn't this little darling so cute?!
How awesome is this chair? Brian really wanted an adult version.
I really like these mice. I can't explain it.
I'll always love a rocking horse, but how awesome is this rocking moose?
Sarah and I both loved these lamps! After discovering them, Sarah and Brian decided they would want to decorate a kids room in Mario theme. Don't the clouds remind you of Mario?

I'm sure there are people who think this lamp is weird, but I love it.
 

Well, wasn't that fun? IKEA has so much wonderful stuff.

I need to let you guys know something. Just now...I finally cleaned. Dishes-done. Laundry-done. Decor painted-done. Yep, the sewing machine is tucked away nicely in the closet, the frames and other decor are placed together in my newly designated "craft corner". I even finally washed the sheets! I'm soooooo pleased right now.

How has your weekend been? Any big Super Bowl plans? We'll be watching the big game on big screen in the youth room with the high school kids. At first I was upset to have the game as a church event, but now I"m pretty excited.