Special Thanks + Crazy Pregnant Lady

I love the number of dance parties that occur with this community of friends. Birthdays + wine (not me) + Gangnam style = best night ever

The best smile I could muster after a bit of a crazy day. More on that later.

Isn't Baby Oprie kinda cute already? This was for Phill since he's gone on tour.

Most importantly, I need to say THANK YOU. Thank you all for your congratulations, your continued prayers, your hugs, and your "pregnant!" chants (you know who you are). It's a little strange having this little secret of ours out in the open now, but it's a breath of fresh air, as well. One place I had not spilled the beans was at work. I was planning on waiting it out another week or so (particularly because {surprise!} I had a job interview today in the Family Birthing Center at MGH and don't know what will become of that), but......then today happened.

I hadn't even been at work for an hour this morning when I had a hunger pang. I had already eaten breakfast before work so I decided to wait it out for a bit since it was still so early. I was standing at the nurse desk sorting paperwork when I started seeing a little bit of darkness. It was getting fuzzy and dark and I knew it was going to be bad. "Can someone get me a chair?", I asked slowly. Right away, I couldn't see anything but blackness and my coworkers and supervisor were helping me to sit in a chair. Thankfully, I was able to sit before fully fainting. Once I sat and started to recover, everyone was remarking that I was looking pale and I felt beads of sweat on my face. Then, I started feeling quite ridiculous once they helped me over to a bed, took my blood sugar and blood pressure, and everything was appearing to be fine. Since I told them I was hungry they assumed this all happened due to low blood sugar. They were baffled, too, when I told them it had never happened before. When I over heard my supervisor guessing whether I had ever had seizures, I figured it was time to come clean. I said that even though this had never happened before, I was pretty sure I knew why it happened. They all had questioning looks on their faces, which quickly turned to surprise and total understanding once I explained I was nearly 12 weeks pregnant. I felt fine (albeit ceaselessly hungry) the rest of the day.

I drove straight to Marion after work for my interview. It went alright and now I just have to wait a bit for a call to set up a peer interview. My day was additionally screwy, though, once I got back into town and nearly had a really bad accident because I was being stupid. I ran a red light. Accidental, but blatant. When I was approaching the light I saw the car ahead of me turn right, but I didn't pay attention to the fact that he had stopped first. So, without paying near enough attention I proceeded into the intersection only to panic when I saw a red light above me. I put on the brakes right as an oncoming car braked rapidly as they were heading right for me. We did make contact, but it was light and very minimal damage was suffered. The other driver said not to even worry about anything so we both simply went our separate ways, but I surely felt a bit shaken up and embarrassed.

Whew! I'm pretty exhausted now, but I have my sweats on, a full meal in my belly, my puppy beside me, and I'm about to indulge in some delicious peppermint ice cream. I think I'm survive just fine.

August

Some lively iPhone photos with my family from my amazing mama's 5 year work anniversary party. Congratulations Coach House Day Spa staff!

Life has been a little quirky lately. The big answer: we're both still job searching. We spent last week with my dear Tash and her new HUSBAND Jon (is this real life?!) in Nashville. I'd never been, so it was pretty exciting to be introduced to a new city. We've considered Nashville as a possible/potential/not-sure-if-I-can-really-handle-it place to live. Phill would likely have more opportunities in the tech/media/production job industry, we'd have some established friends in the area already, and we're only 6 hours from family. My first choice is to stay in the Huntington/Ft. Wayne area, but I know I shouldn't shelter our possibilities like that. 

So guess what? I actually have a job interview next Wednesday at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville! At this point I'm more nervous and confused than excited. It's exciting to have someone finally seek me out, but I'm just not completely sold yet. I was told that Centennial (like so many other butthead facilities) require 1 year of OB experience in order to work in their OB department, so I can't be considered for any of those positions. GIVE ME THE EXPERIENCE! Anyway, I'm interviewing for a post-op women's floor but over the phone I was told they also do post-op eye and bariatric. I don't know about all that, but I'll have the opportunity to answer all my questions at the interview. I feel that if they offer me a position I'm really in no present situation to turn it down. We wouldn't even have to move all our stuff down if we're concerned we won't love it. If we would take the risk and not love it, who says we have to stay, yaknowwhatimean?

Beside all of that craziness, Phillip and I are both really looking forward to spending Labor Day weekend with my big ol' Carmien side of the family at the family cottage in Bay View. Everyone in the above photos plus SO MANY more will be there. For the first time in a long time everyone will be there! It'll be crowded and amazing. The cottage is for sleeping, garage sales, games, food, Kilwin's, & bike rides. We'll be in the car a lot next week, but it'll be worth it.

Fresh

 

Life has been more of the same lately. Phillip and I have done a lot of Olympics watching. On the job front...ugh. Phillip doesn't have much to share. I have been growing ever impatient with Parkview since they STILL have not contacted me to tell me yea or nay on the job I interviewed for. I called the Birthing Center supervisor the week after my peer interview, but had to leave a voicemail and did not receive a call back. So I waited more. Then, on Thursday, I called HR. I spoke to a very nice man who said he knew there had been job availabilities so he asked for my phone number, said he would talk to the supervisor, and then get back with me. Today is Saturday. He hasn't gotten back with me. So? I guess I'm going to call again on Monday. I mean, come on guys! I want to work for you so badly! Don't you think you should hire me for my passion alone?!

Aside from those frustrations, we've been enjoying more community time, family, friendships. Oh and MY DEAREST FRIEND GOT MARRIED LAST WEEK! Pictures are all over Facebook and my Instagram so you can check those out.

Well wishes are appreciated! Have a happy weekend!

**As you can see, I not only changed this little blog's layout and design, but I changed the title, too. I actually kinda hated the old one. Long, unoriginal, dumb. For ease of transition, though, I did keep the same URL. Whatevs. 

Community

Life has been interesting as of late. So much good with a touch of anxiety. The main thing that has been blessing me has been the abundance of family and community. This is exactly what I was anticipating when we moved back. Not only have I been spending some much needed time with my favorite friends from forever and ever, but Phillip and I have been connecting with, and growing deeper in our relationships with, some others in the 509 community while also meeting so many new people.

Lake lounging, adapting to townie life, laughter, worship, fireworks, a good friend's wedding, diners, Cedar Point, drinks, running, prepping for my best friend's wedding (!!!), biking all over town, evening hikes with new friends, and, of course, ice cream.

The anxiety? Being jobless for an indefinite amount of time. I've interviewed for my dream job in Labor and Delivery at the new Parkview Regional Medical Center and I have a follow-up peer interview on Monday. So, prayers por favor!  For now, I'm sticking to accomplishing my matron of honor duties, embracing my free time, and not worrying about what I can't control.

I'm Alive

This little blog space of the Internet has been quite silent as of late, huh? I think of it often and realize I should update, but then decide I have nothing substantial to say! At some point {tomorrow?!} I plan to unleash the fury of Instagram photos taken over our holiday vacation {procrastination queen right here!}, but that's really about all I have.

Phillip is working. I am working. On my days off I sleep in late, exercise,  and watch Parenthood. Phillip started an ultimate frisbee conditioning program last week that seems pretty tough!

We're watching Brian and Sarah's dog, Henry, again this week while they're in Nashville visiting family. Margot + Henry = crazy dog town.

Anyway, I'll do my best to do more interesting things in my life and let you know about 'em ;-)

In the mean time, watch this video and cry due to its heart-wrenchingness.

My Life Lately via Instagram

1. DIY garland  2. Christmas tree!  3. Bubble bath  4. Sleeping while sitting up

5.  Stockings!  6. Incense  7. Getting nosy  8.  Cuddling with mama

9. Baby shower at work! 10. Festive Margot  11. Mama & Margot  12. Pomegranate & Coffee

13. Covella show at Club Red  14. My friend, Sarah, the rockstar  15. My 'rockstar' getup  16. Hello :-)

16. Snug as a bug  17. Christmas garland and 'snow'

{I take a lot of pictures of Margot, no?}

Baby Shower

Today I ran around my apartment cooking at rapid fire speed in order to hightail it with all my goodies and a gift in tow to a baby shower for my dear friend and coworker, Monica, and her bun in the oven, Mason.

Isn't she beautiful?

PS--I'm still getting re-accustomed to iPhone life, but so far it's looking like Siri and I will get along just fine ;-)

Too Much Ice Cream

...I'm starting to learn this is, in fact, a real thing. I've really been digging in lately. Since my birthday party, my daily caloric intake has been ridiculous, I'm sure. Here's the kicker, though: THERE'S STILL ANOTHER HUGE TUB OF ICE CREAM IN THE FREEZER. Thanks, but no thanks, Robin & Jake. 

Anyway, I'm not sure about you guys, but I had a pretty darn good day. I kept forgetting it was Wednesday partially because not having a set work schedule will do that to you and also because I slept all the way until Phillip came home for lunch. WHADUP 13 HOURS OF SLEEP?! My body, I tell ya. This thing hates sleeping before a work day. Sleep before work = terrible sleep. But, to be perfectly honest, I really feel like my work on the job isn't super negatively affected. I just do...go...But when 11:00 last night hit, BAM my brain was crazy stupid tired and I couldn't even aimlessly browse the Internet. I slept like a freakin' baby last night, y'all. Why? Because I didn't have to work today! Do any of you have the same issues? Does this make sense? Maybe not, since most people have more regular work schedules.

I took Margot to the dog park today. It was kinda fun chatting about tattoos with the old people. I didn't show mine off, though, but it was still funny. Why does it seem I'm always engaging in activities typically enjoyed by older people...

Afterwards, I dropped Margot off at home and decided to wander around the mall. I was mainly there to get some Starbucks with my birthday gift card (thanks Kari! but seriously. You shouldn't have done that. You're grounded) and search for Christmas decorations. Honestly, I don't even remember if there was Christmas stuff or not. I was enthralled by the sale racks at Forever 21 {I am the one browsing every last item until I find a super rocking deal} and I was suckered into Teavana by their delicious free samples. Even though I was apprehensive of their high-priced teas, those Teavana people made me smile. One of the employees told me I look like Snow White. I suppose my get-up and a good imagination could lead one to think this? Maybe???

Thanks, Teavana employee who's name i can't remember. Thanks.

Also, here's a little Margot action for you {duh}. She sits on the bathmat all the time. Maybe she sits there to keep her lil bum off the tile? Who knows.

25

You guys.

I have been dreading this day for months now, but today was actually quite wonderful!

Fun-filled evening with friends last night!
Sleeping in this morning!
Margot cuddles!
Legitimate Autumn weather!
Many phone calls and messages!
Cry-worthy packages!
Successful craftiness!
Christmas music because I can!
Delicious and obscure Thai birthday dinner!

I was smiling SO MUCH today. My heart is so full. Full right up to the very brim. Who cares if I'm getting older?! Adulthood? What??? Nah, we'll just chill here in the middle...wherever this is...and pretend we have no responsibilities and concerns. Good plan, huh?

Most of the day was spent by myself as Phillip was in Tucson for an ultimate frisbee tournament. Initially, I thought I would be bored and just spend the day catching up on Parenthood, but once the day actually arrived and I realized God had gifted me beautiful sunshine and cooler temperatures I knew I had to get out and accomplish something today. Enter phone dates and Jo-Ann Fabrics!

I received all these treasures in a package from my parents. I tell ya, my mom really knows what makes my heart tick. After my griping over a lack of Autumn in Arizona I can now smell true Autumn straight from Mom & Dad's home! Plus, I get to taste the yumminess of buckeyes from The Party Shop!

Tutorial here

I'm so proud. Yes, it's a simple design but I made it! The original design doesn't have any pockets or anything, but I intended to use some of the excess fabric to get some pockets on the inside. Welp, that didn't happen. I was so intent on making sure I didn't screw something up that I didn't want to add the pocket at the wrong time or add it on the wrong side! I'll consider this the trial run. I feel like I have finally swung the DIY door wide open. My sewing machine and I grew closer today =)

Thank you to everyone for all the lovely birthday wishes! You have no idea how much I appreciate your words!

Like A Boss

AUTUMN!

Not to toot my own horn or anything {except that's basically what I'm about to do}, but I've been a pretty rockin' wife lady as of late. Cooking like a boss. Working out like a boss. Working in general like, you guessed it, a boss. The weather has already creeped back up {BOO!}, but when it was cooler this past weekend, I decided to finally run outside. Our apartment complex is right along the wash that has trails running all along down through it, making it super convenient for runners, walkers, and bikers.

It was so awesome. I want it to cool down again so I can keep exercising outside. I had such a powerful, awesome God-moment on that run. It was the day I was feeling down and something between the combination of my tunes, the beauty of the outdoors, and my adrenaline really brought it on. I'm glad no one was around at that exact moment because they would have thought I was for shizzle a crazy lady all crying and running yet smiling...

This morning I picked up another shift giving flu shots. This time it was at a retirement community so the old people came out in full force. We gave 86 vaccines in 4 hours! I actually didn't give any of the vaccines. My job was to help people make sure their paperwork was filled out correctly because those sweet old folk apparently have issues reading directions.

After the clinic and lunch I went to the gym for my regular workout...only today I totally owned {like a boss} and opted for the treadmill instead of the elliptical and ran 6+ miles! I'm really wanting to work on my running and I'm so proud of my progress today, even if it was indoors. Thank you Kim Kardashian and your fantasy wedding for taking forever.

As far as cooking, I've been going to town full-force and loving it! Here are some things I've made:

Chicken Parmesan, for Phillip, of course

Making seitan!

Successful seitan with ketchup and jalepeno mustard. This was so easy and even Phill was agreeable to eat it!

Then, today I whipped up some PUMPKINBREADFROMTHEHEAVENSTHANKYOUGRANDMACARMIENIT'SSODAMNGOOD plus a new pizza recipe with a cauliflower-mozzarella crust and another cauliflower dish with a special sauce.

Woot for productivity!

EDIT: After talking myself up so much I find it necessary to also inform everyone that I basically ate an entire loaf of pumpkin bread this evening. FAIL.

Today Is For...

• Sleeping in

• Enjoying semi-successful sock bun curls

• Breaking out the leggings again because it's not too hot!

• Unexpected sweet $1 tag sale at Goodwill

• Yelling at noisy dogs {oy vey!}

• Trying out new liquid eyeliner

 

• FIRST BIKE RIDE OF THE SEASON! It's about to happen. I'll take pics :-)

• Grey's Anatomy,  Parks and Recreation, The Office, Jersey Shore {don't judge!}

*EDIT: I did not take bike ride pics. I didn't want to lug the camera with me while working it hard core! It was amazing being outside, though!
 

Cute & Witty Blog Title

I had a relatively busy week this week! I {finally} was able to pick up a shift with my part-time gig giving flu and pneumonia vaccines on Wednesday in between two work days at this hospital. Therefore, last night, after I got home from the hospital I was WIPED. I went to bed at 9:30 and, of course, woke up with a nasty headache. I was really bummed that I didn't get to enjoy a super night's sleep and feel lovely and refreshed, but the day ended well!

DATE NIGHT!

Like the crappy camera phone pic? We went to the Apple store to fix Phill's computer {thank God it ended up being a simple thing}, then to the exquisite China Harvest Buffet for a $5.99 meal. We like to keep it classy. Also, here's this:

It's not super noticeable in this pic, but my hair is getting really long! It's easier to tell from the back...and when I'm not wearing brown...

But the big news of the week...

WE'RE COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

After nagging my bosses like crazy to check if I could get the time off, they finally took a good look at it yesterday and said I was approved! YAY! So, Phill and I booked our tickets today! Yay for Chase rewards points making it much more doable! I know Phill is excited in his keep-it-to-himself sort of way, but I'm more of the wear-it-on-my-sleeve sort. December 19-26 we're Midwest bound!

I'M SO SUPER EXCITED!!!

Today

Post-pool time! Only the 2nd time all summer (wait, it's Autumn now...) I've been in the pool!

I'm making a quilt for Margot =)

Life has been pretty much same ol, same ol around here lately. Work, church, Margot, trying to sleep, workout, Internet TV. I have been switching up my diet lately, though. At the beginning of this week I had the bright idea to do a cleanse...The Master Cleanse. Since our trip at the beginning of the month I have been eating really poorly and feeling my clothes getting a bit more snug, even though I've still been working out regularly. So, I thought a cleanse would be a great way to jump start my body into a healthier lifestyle again.

Basically I "lasted" about a day and a half before I had to quit because I felt horrible. I didn't like the drink, so I didn't drink enough of it. Therefore, I wasn't getting hardly any calories leaving me seriously wiped out.

So, what I've been doing instead is a bit of a modified raw food diet. The die hard raw food peeps don't cook anything EVER. I would say I'm planning to stick to at least 75% raw. So far it's great! I think because I have a set meal plan in order, my brain literally just isn't considering any of the other processed unhealthy foods that I often crave. I'm loving me some kale and spinach salads, and gobs of grapes. Mmmm grapes :-) Plus I really feel awesome and it's only been 2 days of this stuff. I'm excited to continue with it especially since I know I'm doing great for my body.

Happy Friday everyone!

Margot & Me

Can I please tell you how I spent my Wednesday? Ok.

12AM-12PM     Bed
12PM-4PM       Lounge around apartment
4PM-7PM         Bed
7PM-11:59PM   Lounge around apartment

Some would call me lazy. Ok, it's true. But it was so freaking awesome. I was just so tired. I can't explain it.

So, due to my lazy day yesterday, I decided that even though I had no plans for the day I had to at least get out of the house today. So, I went to the store, a little chores around the house, and FINALLY got out for a coffee date with a friend from church. Not much, but at least I got dressed. And I styled my hair! Shoot I should have taken some pictures to prove it. Oh well. I did take some pictures though!

Without further ado...Margot & Me

Check out how long my hair is getting!

She's always sitting on the couch looking out that window

I love when she gives me kisses

Watching HIMYM

!!!