Hitting for the Cycle

Well, hello!

So today was one of those days that justified for me what I'm doing. Some days I think if this was the best idea. I mean, I know it was, it just gets difficult sometimes when you're not making a regular income and have to depend on your other half. I guess it happens all of the time, it's just weird when you've never really lived that way? I don't know. Well that's not the only reason. This summer was hard on me with classes because they were so jam packed. That also made me question if I had any idea what I was doing. Someone who has struggled with science her whole life and now I have to learn all this so quickly?!? Ahhh! Anyways, what I'm saying is I did really well on my micro test, like above 100 percent, and very well on my bio 202 test. It gave me a boost of confidence. Sometimes I expect that I'm going to have no idea what the question is asking me and this time I'm like, "I 100 percent know that answer!" Feels really good!

Just finished a deep vacuum of the furniture. Oh, dogs. There was about 500 pounds of hair in the shop vac. Lovely. Well it's all worth it for those doggies:)

Since we last spoke, I went to Flagstaff to try to convince my brother to go there so we can stay with him when we visit. I think he secretly liked it. I got to hang out with Jessie on Friday night and that was fun. She was having a rough day. It was the anniversary of her husband's death so I was glad that she chose to spend it with me.

This week is flying by! I have to go try on my altered dress on Friday and get my shoes dyed. We also have Brad and Katy's shower on Saturday and I'm bartending on Sunday. I like it so much better than serving but serving isn't too bad. It's just the money!

Anyways, I'm going to finish my lab report, listen to the DBacks (no TV today!), and then we are making pizza and watching Earth. I've been wanting to see that movie forever!

Tood-a-loo,

E.

Let's spend it up

Oh man, are my lymph nodes swollen! I'm still in my pj's...yes, it's 2pm. Hey, it's my day off!

Today I did the Wii fit because I was trying to unlock more yoga but after 30 minutes I only unlocked balance games (which I'm terrible at) and strength training (which I did a few of). I felt so great doing my hula hoop and weird exercises and then when I was done felt yucky again!

I suppose I should be doing something a little more useful today...however, sometimes I just need to be okay with lounging! It's so weird how much pressure we put on ourselves to always be busy and always be accomplishing something. I have to tell myself, "Hey, it's okay if all you've accomplished today is taking the dogs to the Starbucks drive-thru.

I am hoping that True Food Kitchen has some drinks on their menu that will "cure" me tonight. I'm dying for a caramelized onion and fig tart and kale salad!

I guess I'll take a shower so when J gets home I'm not in the same clothes:)

I won't just buy you a rose.

Hello. Not a happy camper today. Well, I'm not mad or sad, just feel a cold coming on since yesterday and I've tried everything to make it go away and it's lingering! I rarely, rarely get sick so I tend to freak out when I do. Okay, a cold isn't necessarily "sick" but ya know. This morning I did some yoga and couldn't find my mat (okay, I didn't exactly look for it) so I did it on the carpet of the living room and I had a big dog hair body sweater when I was done.

The last two times I've tried to donate blood I've felt like a cold was coming on. Yesterday, my blood squirted all over the place. It was quite watery. Again, my iron was too low. She told me to have some chocolate covered raisins and spinach to up my iron so of course I obliged on the raisins:)

School is going well. I'm actually enjoying it and not feeling any bit of stress (yet) since it's going so slow! Love it! I'm really enjoying microbiology and am terrified of touching anything when I leave that class.

Have you ever wanted to just move somewhere? Now? Today I have this urge to move to Florida. I think I am just really wanting to visit my aunt and uncle's house there. It's so beautiful and I'm so upset we didn't take more pictures and sit in the backyard more. Hello, the ocean is right there?! Really, realllllly want to go. Then maybe I won't have such an itch to move there. We also may be going to Puerto Vallarta in March with some friends. By then I should have (hopefully) a job that makes more money, as well as more time during the day to work!

Not much upon the horizon. I think this weekend we will be having True Food for dinner, go special shopping, hang with Silvio and Jess and who knows what else. Oh, I have to work Sunday. Might be going to Flagstaff if I don't have to work next Friday. My brother is touring the campus (of course he thinks I can only show him the bars)! Yep, yep.

Alright, fighting with my cold for a few minutes, then off to work!

Can I get a...,

E.

Let's live it up

It was my first day of school today!! I'm always feeling like a little kid! It starts to get more real every time I start a new class...it's like, okay, this isn't ending anytime soon! I'm finding G to not be the most lucrative place in the world. I'm going to have to suffer through this semester though since my schedule isn't very forgiving for a money-making job.

My first class today was BIO 202. It's weird to have such short classes again. Time flies! It's really a continuation of 201 so I know what to expect for the most part. I'm actually supposed to be reading right now. Failing, obviously. No one really from 201 is in my class but I'm sure I'll make friends with my lab partner. We both agree our dogs are like our children.

Tomorrow I have 205. It will be a little different I think so I'm sort of excited for that!

This past weekend we went to Sedona for a short trip. We went on the Pink Jeep Tour, which was really fun. I'd like to try some of their other tours. The pictures just don't give it justice; you really have to experience it. I kinda blew the whole trip at dinner because I got really nauseous and we left early so I could go lay down. Poor Jonathan had to watch the football game from the hotel bed :( Oh, and then I puked up my pizza twice. I literally only had 2 bites of it! And I had a headache from hell. It was really weird. I did sleep from 7p-8a so I felt fine when I woke up. My appetite has been weird since, though. I'm still eating when I'm not hungry though. Haha. And I haven't had caffeine for 4 days! Not really on purpose, just sort of boycotting Starbucks (maybe once a week) and haven't bought any diet coke. I bought some Hansen's refreshments (they're not really soda) that are pretty good. I think with soda I just crave the carbonation.

Anyways, time to put lasagna in the oven and read before J gets home from the gym. I always put everything off until he gets home!

This week...working a few nights and Katy's shower on Saturday. Other than that, livin' the dream,

E!

Barely breathing.

Yesterday was my first day back at Gallagher's. I worked a split. I "trained" in the a.m. and got thrown on the floor in the p.m. Hello?? I was absent for over 2 years and I was a bartender! I made it through the night pretty much unscathed but there is a new menu and new buttons and new specials. Ugh. Not a fan of this serving thing, especially old ladies. I have to keep telling myself that I love serving and to stop complaining and take what I can get. This doesn't seem to be the most lucrative position, however. Oh well, we shall see.  Oh, and one of the bartenders just got into the nursing program at Maricopa CC. She was on the waiting list for 2.5 years! Yikes! I am PRAYING for this Banner thing to work out... Cannot picture having to do odd jobs for that long!

In other news, this is my last week before school starts again! I have decided to wait until the first day to purchase my books; mostly because they are costing an arm and a leg. Not excited about that! Today I am just hanging out before work then on Thursday I have to go to alcohol license class and get my food handlers card again. Fun times. 

Well, I may get off the couch and go to Starbucks. Or maybe not. TTYL! LYLAS!

E.

I've got a feeling.

So, where did we last leave off, Blogger? 

I believe since our last meeting, I have been to Flagstaff, gotten a job, hung out and have been lazy, and applied to the nursing program. Yep, sounds about right. 

Flagstaff was great. It was really nice to just hang with Katy, visit our old spots, and relax. Of course there are always bittersweet memories there but it will always be a place I cherish. We also got to see a little football action in there and enjoyed some nice meals. It's nice to go to "neighborhood" places and not be surrounded by chains and chains of crap! 

So yeah, job searching was frustrating because there is nothing and I really didn't want to go back to G's because it's serving/bartending, but I don't have many options! I'll be starting next week. I'm not quite sure how much money I'll be making per month and I'm a little scared! Hopefully I'll be able to make the mortgage:)

I officially applied to the nursing program so that's a good step! At least I'll be doing something while I'm waiting:) School starts the 24th. Hopefully it will be less stressful because these classes will be more stretched than the summer classes! 

Things that are upcoming: 

• Katy's shower (1 of 2!)
• Fall semeseter
• Possibly a mind-clearing trip solo to Sedona next week
• For once, I can't think of anything else!!!

Au revoir, 

E.

Another stone to step on.

Phew.

I'm done with chemistry AND I have one day left of math. Then I apply to the nursing program! Wee! Chemistry felt so long but I am very glad to be finished with it. I ended up having to take a paper and pencil test because Rio's internet was having issues and I really liked it a lot better than the computer. Wish I could've done it like that the whole time! Starting August 24 I'll be taking my co-requisites. They're sort of in the middle of the day so I'm hoping to find a job to work around it. I applied to Sylvan on the internet but not really sure if they are hiring and their hours are limited. As much as I like bartending I really don't want to do it at Gallagher's and the hours are not ideal. We'll see. I need something though, and soon!

I went and saw Food, Inc. yesterday (by myself). I really enjoy those kinds of movies. It made me really glad that I no longer eat meat. I think everyone should have to see it. It's really sad to see how something like food can have so many consequences as well as greed behind it. It's a hard concept to internalize but there are so many connections to different things. I don't know. There are parts of Fast Food Nation in it...same idea. It does make me re-think what I eat and how I eat. Of course I don't eat perfectly and I realize that eating healthy can be expensive, but I do everything I can when grocery shopping to make 95% excellent choices. I have to put the cost of food into perspective, though. It's like I'll spend $4 for an iced coffee drink so I can't fret when I spend $2 for 1 avocado or $5 for a big box of organic spinach or $3 for cage free, organic eggs. Those things are way more useful and feed more mouths than a stupid coffee! Anyways...

Getting super excited to Flagstaff this weekend (girl weekend, and only two of us!). I think we'll see the Cardinals training camp, hit up some good ole spots, the usual. I would like to go to a wine bar while there. I hope our hotel is suitable...seems like a pretty busy weekend!

Alright, I'm going to organize our downstairs closet and have some lunch soon. Speak at ya later...

E.

Do you wanna tangle or do you wanna go it alone?

It's been a while! I can't believe I have 1 week left of my math class and then I can apply to the nursing program! That's so crazy! I'll be taking my final in CHM this week also and I really have and want to do well but once my other classes started I sort of put it on the back burner so I really have to catch up this week. I'm doing a pretty crappy job with it though! Gotta get back into the groove. Perhaps I'm still in my Vegas mindset.;)

Speaking of Vegas... I feel old! HA. It was fun but I feel like I don't really want to let my guard down there. It's just so sketchy sometimes and cheesy of course. It was fun but I feel like I owe Katy a crazy evening. We will be going to Flagstaff next weekend so I'll see what I can do. I'm so excited! After that, my adventures are pretty much over:( As for Blink and MCS it was AWESOME. I can't believe I was such a trooper on the floor. We were like 5 rows back and it was crazy. I was dripping with sweat, though. Groooooosssss! We even got upgraded to a suite. It was awesome. I felt like a rock star! 

Anyhoo. I think it's about time to get a job. Everyone will be going back to school soon and all this free time is making my mind crazy. We ventured through a huge step and I feel like my mind went backwards and freaked out kind of. Weird. 

Well I'm going to try and clean up a little, study, then hopefully work out. Mom is coming over tomorrow for her birthday and I'm cooking dinner. Hope it's good! 

Adios,

E.

How will you stay young (inside and out)?

What I STRIVE to live by and want to improve on every day...

• Laugh and smile a lot (who cares about the wrinkles...they were worth it!)
• Sleep (enough, but not too much)
• Don't sweat the small things
• Look people in the eye
• Treat your body well 
• Think about the foods that are going into your mouth
• Don't say no to veggies!
• Find or don't let go of your passions
• Find new passions
• Never stop learning
• Stretch 
• Meditate
• Read
• Converse 
• Sing and dance every day
• Have pets
• Walk
• Watch the sunset
• See something new in an ordinary, repetitive drive
• Treat the Earth well; it's very easy
• Keep in touch
• Send notes in the mail
• Keep a journal
• Get outside
• Cook for yourself and others
• Travel
• Grow your own food 
• Be kind to strangers
• Buy a stranger's coffee every now and then
• Breathe

I'm drinking the best green monster right now! I added some strawberries and yummmm!

Anyway, just hanging out a little before I go to meet Katy for lunch and shopping (again). I'm into the second week of my math class and have 2 weeks left of chemistry! This math class is pretty easy but sometimes I feel like I'm in my trig class from high school. My teacher would stop and go, "Wait, okay, um...oh sorry," and erase the board. Ugh. I can do that too until I get the right answer! I even felt like I was in high school more today because a table was laughing and my teacher was getting annoyed and she's like, "What's so funny?" It was embarrassing. Another reason why I really enjoy Gateway over any other MCC I've been to (which is like 2). At least it's only 4 weeks! 

Time is winding down for J's summer...When I leave for Vegas he has to go to pre-service already:( I guess it's not much different since he's teaching summer school but still during the school year it's more intense and a lot more work is brought home. Perfect time for me to get a job! Any thoughts? I want something mindless yet at the same time exciting and challenging. Does that exist? 

Anyway, better do some work before I have to leave. I'm hoping to go camping this weekend. I'm not exactly a camping veteran so I need some assistance. Maybe Katy will have some ideas. 

Ciao, 

E. 

The end is (already?!) near.

So basically I have no real days of my lab left and one real day of my lecture left. Lab final Wednesday, lecture final Thursday. Thank goodness. As much as I DON'T have to do, I am not a fan of the summer school, especially just starting out. Once I get more into the groove of things, I HOPE I'll be okay. Well I am taking math but I have a way better background in math. I think. I have been making notecard after notecard, taking one practice test after another, and of course, I still don't feel 100%. Hopefully I can make my mind-over-matter work and The Secret come into play and I'll do fine:) I'll feel really great once it's over, even though it was veeeerrrry overwhelming. 

Yesterday was very productive. I got three assignments done for chemistry. Now I just need to finish my lab before we leave Thursday (aah!). I guess I'm so used to leaving places on Friday that I don't realize how fast it's coming! 

Excited to go to Wisconsin and show Jonathan around a little. I got a few new dresses to wear too. I always find cute dresses but never have anywhere to wear them! Hopefully the weather will comply. 

Taking a little break, now it's time to get back to the notecards and folding the laundry and finish "My Sister's Keeper" so I can see the movie. 

Happy end of Summer I, 

E.

ABC, 123.

This is a random entry, but I feel if something has an impact on you, you should write about it. 

Now I would never call myself a Michael Jackson fan. Like I would never see him in concert (or at least die for tickets, ya know?) but he is someone whose music I felt like I grew up with. Today I likened him to Elvis for our parents' generation. An icon. No matter how much he changed, internally and externally, he was still someone who touched people a LOT-some more than others. Whether you like him or not, there is no denying you KNOW him and if you SAW him in person, you would be STARSTRUCK. Regardless of things he may or may not have done or been accused of, he was a person, a troubled person maybe, an influential person. This is part of my life where I will remember where I was when it happened, and how it literally silenced the whole place.

On a side note, the day started with Farrah Fawcet dying, whom I never really know except for her antics on a talk show and a TV show, but she had a sad story and I hope she doesn't feel overshadowed. 

Sad day. 

I Did It

Slowly but surely, things are weighing off my shoulders! I took the NET on Friday and I passed. Well, I knew that I would pass, but I was so worried about the reading section. The time FLIES by, and I'm a fast reader! I looked at the time on question 20 of 33 and I had 7 minutes left. Yikes! That put way too much pressure on me and I would lose my place in reading, I would read really fast, and then I would have to go back and read it again! Needless to say, I would have like to have done better but I did as well as I could with what I had. Having taken the practice test, I knew the time would be an issue but was hoping time would magically go slower at the actual test:)

I can't believe I am almost done with Summer I. Although I'm glad it's over, I don't think I would like to take a class like that in the summer again! It's so fast-paced and such difficult material. I'm making it, though. I can't imagine if I had to work though! Of course I never seem to be 100% satisfied with what I'm doing and always think I can do better. 

Anyways, on a totally unrelated note...I purchased Amazing Grass Superfood quite a while ago but haven't been using it totally regularly. Starting yesterday (or Friday, I forget), I am incorporating it into my diet somehow (via green monster, water, orange juice) and am hoping that all of the hoopla and testimonials will ring true. I'm hoping to see a noticeable difference in my energy level, appetite, and skin complexion. I also ordered some Amazing Meal so I'm excited to use that too. 

Well this week is pretty lax compared to last. I have lab & lecture tests tomorrow, have to get my fingerprints renewed (you know, since they change), have dinner with Allison, and return/get a new dress for the actual wedding. I found a reception dress (originally $180 on sale for $59!). Other than that, cleaning and putting away clothes. Off to study some muscles.

Till I pump you up,

E.

Turn the Beat Around.

Good morning. 

I have taken today off of school because 1) I was REALLY tired when the 5:30 alarm went off because of happy hour last night (yes, happy hour, ha!), and 2) it is basically a review day so I am going to review with myself. I did take a two hour nap right after I woke up but now I'm going to take a shower, get some Starbucks, and get started!

Tomorrow I am taking the NET. Very excited and very motivated to do well, especially after the Banner Info Session. Then this weekend includes studying away! There is so much information each week and I need to work more on the physiology part. I'm okay with the memorization and naming, just the function part of it gets confusing. Going to be watching a lot of tutorials today and this weekend. 

We are also shopping for wedding attire for my step-brothers wedding. Also planning and getting excited for Vegas!

This guy on Channel 10 is showing off a bunch of Skymall stuff and none of it is working. Ha, how embarrassing. 

Okay, off to ruin my body with some caffeine,

E.

Taking a break from my chromatography lab! I had to come up with a better way to run the experiment since I'm obviously smarter than the chemistry department heads:) It's running much more smoothly. Now I'm just waiting for my solvent to rise to the top. Wow, exciting! The anticipation is killing me!

I am about 1/2 way through my summer school. I just keep telling myself, "It's only 4 weeks!" Today I did some rearranging of my schedule for summer II and fall. Basically the BIO 202 class I was enrolled in for Summer II was a CO-requisite, which I knew already, but I don't really need it yet so I am taking it in the fall now. Summer classes are very demanding and I'm stressing enoug with two, and I would have 3 this summer. I am keeping my math class (last thing I need before I apply) and finishing off chemistry. July is a very busy month with 2 trips planned (wedding and bachelorette party) so I don't want that extra stress when it is not needed. Now in the fall I'll have 202 and microbiology, M-Th 10-12:45 I think so I will have a good amount of in between time. It will work out better that way and J will be a lot less annoyed with me probably :)  I am doing pretty well in 201 so far. It definitely takes a lot of outside studying time but I'm learning a lot very quickly! 

In other related news, this week is busy! I have an info session for the Banner Health program, which I HOPE so badly I will get accepted to. I also am taking the NET on Friday. I'm not very worried about it, yet I want to make sure I do well, not just get a passing grade. The only thing that could potentially work against me is the timing! Very anxious to get that over with. 

In other unrelated news, I will be in Vegas for Blink 182 and MCS (OMG!) the day before the bachelorette party and I am super super super excited. And I have to find a dress to wear to my step-brothers wedding. It'll be outside in Madison (humid!) so I don't want anything too fancy but nice and comfortable. 

Well I think my solvent is rising. After this is done I am off to do some last minute studying for my lecture and lab test tomorrow for BIO 201. 

Toodaloo,

E.

You can breathe now.

Sigh.

Today I had my first lab practical and lecture test. I felt pretty good about them...afterwards in the lecture I was thinking to myself, "Always go with your gut!" a few times because I changed an answer or two. I KNOW I got nothing below a B, but I'm hoping with my extra credit question answered correctly I have an A. I have a lot of complaints about my teacher, not because I like to complain, but probably because 1) I'm a teacher 2) I don't even know where to start...To sum him up... He is a little cocky, unprofessional,  and lazy. I have many things to back this up. Of course I would never say this to his face or call him out on his crap everyday because he seems quite vengeful. And I can see why he's gotten fired from two other CCs. Let's just say I will actually fill out an evaluation:) After how many years in college??

Anyways, great weekend in San Diego! I love watching the DBacks in other places. I really want to go back in September! It was relaxing but at the same time weird to sleep with no dogs! Speaking of dogs, we now have 3 because we are dog sitting! Crazy dogs...

I feel very relaxed with no "job" and just school to worry about. It's weird. I should probably be stressed out wondering how I'll pay for the mortgage in September! I just haven't decided what I want to do yet. It's taken me a while to be "okay" with kind of bumming it. No one else seems to care but me, though. I'm paying my bills and feeding us so why should anyone care?!

Very excited to have drinks with Danielle tomorrow! I haven't been able to have a conversation with her really in forever! It's always been casual (school, birthday) and couldn't delve deep into gossip. And I'll get to meet the new one. 

Looking forward to: taking my NET next week, a Flag trip with Katy, and our Wisconsin trip! Well going to watch the DBacks and make some more notecards and do some reading. Speaking of reading, I got to enjoy a few pages of "My Sister's Keeper" on the beach without feeling guilty about it. Hopefully I'll be able to continue reading it. 

Everything I Do.

Well, I survived my first real day of community college! I was so nervous last night and freaking out about what to wear because, well, I wear teacher clothes almost every day of my life. I have to say I enjoyed being in the classroom again, especially when I haven't heard everything the teacher is saying 204 times in my life. Once I got in the room, I was fine. Just nerves:)

It feels really weird right now. I feel like I have NO responsibilities, although I have quite a few. I am enjoying the unpredictability of it all, yet am freaked out at the same time. I loved driving to the mall after class, at an unpopular driving time, eating lunch alone, and just hanging out. Loved it! I'm sure it may get old soon, but enjoying it while it lasts.

Well, I better get to my reading, considering we went over two chapters in lecture today from my 1,000 page textbook. Also have my midterm this week, then San Diego and the beach and the DBacks! YAAY!

Burst of Exhaustion!

Yeah, not energy. Ugh. 

Today is weird. It was like a giant rollercoaster of emotions between really the "last" day of school and a gazillion other things. Packing away all my stuff, an empty classroom, reading my yearbook notes from my students, spending a lot of money that needs to be spent but don't really have...yikes! I felt a headache coming on so I had a green monster and ran on the treadmill but wasn't feeling it. The headache never went away. After I made dinner I sat down and just wanted to sleep for days. My eyes were and still are sooooo tired. I'm hoping to make it an early night.

Everything is just kind of hitting me now. Even though school is done tomorrow I have to study for my midterm, start class on Monday, take the NET soon, worry about spending money wisely (or not spending)... it's my new reality! All these weddings (okay, 2) and travels are stressful! And I guess switching careers is pretty stressful for anyone so it's expected. I'll just have to learn to deal with it! 

Heading over to Mr. Wann's house tomorrow for a farewell and maybe to Pan Asia for a few sake bombs. I am making the commitment in writing that I will be at the library on Saturday. I MUST keep my A in Chemistry so I need to study down for my midterm since I will be starting classes Monday through Thursday and leaving for San Diego Friday. I've done pretty well this week with keeping up with house stuff so I won't be overwhelmed with that this weekend. 

Enjoying a glass of wine and hoping the DBacks don't falter again,

E. 

This is Just a Dream.

What a great, long weekend. Usually 3 day weekends feel like they go by faster than normal weekends but this one was great and productive.

On Friday we picked up the shampooer from my mom's house and went to happy hour with Rob and Michael. I think we just hung out after that. It seems so long ago! Saturday I shampooed one room and cleaned, then Jonathan's family came over for his dad's birthday and we grilled and of course I cooked everything from scratch even though J told me at about 1pm they would be over. It was yummy but we have a lot of left overs, which I guess is a good thing;) We also babysat Angelina. She's a good baby. I can't wait till we can take her to baseball games. I guess we could do that now, actually, before we have to pay for a seat for her. Or is that airplanes? Oh well.

Yesterday I scrambled to get all my homework and my lab done during the day. The best part (here ya go, Brad) was having to go to CVS for just one thing: glycerin. Well the only liquid I could find was like an anal suppository with a lubed tip. Yep. So I had to buy a bunch of random stuff so it wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb. Then we met Katy and Brad at Le Grande Orange for dinner. Not too impressed. My salad was good but the pizza was awful. Thinking back I really should have said something. If anyone in my kitchen ever let that go out to a table, I'd be pissed. It was a simple Margherita pizza and it was rock hard and over cooked. Somehow we managed to eat most of it. Then we saw Angels and Demons. Wasn't too bad. I had low expectations to begin with. 

Today I made finishing touches to my homework, went to Target (Erica, you technically don't have a job anymore...don't go to Target!), took the dogs for a walk, shampooed some more carpets, did yoga, and now I'm waiting for my gardener to come inside so I can un-pause Jon and Kate Plus Eight. I'm soooo ready to watch the premiere! I may just start without him. I have been waiting 23 minutes. 

I keep going through these phases with my body. Like I feel good about it, then I feel like a cow....ugh. I keep having good weeks with exercise then really busy weeks where it's 8 or 9 before I can work out and that's too late- I'll be up all night. I just need to get back into the swing of things!

Well four more days of a career, and in one week I start school. I'm so nervous! I just need to get past the first day! Okay, off to press play. J can watch it later!

We salute you,

E. 

4 More Days, Just 4 More Days.

I can't believe it! What's even scarier is that I start school a week from Monday! AAH! And that also means we leave for San Diego in two weeks. YAY!.

I've really enjoyed the gloomy weather lately. I love the rain, especially at night. So peaceful! And we don't have to water plants. Double yay! 

This week went by very fast, surprisingly. We went to Mexicali on Saturday just for the night to see Jonathan's grandma and family. It was very dirty and buggy but very peaceful and fun. Definitely needed a shower when we returned but it was worth it;)

Looking forward to a three-day weekend. Kind of wish that I was going somewhere nature-y but I have a lot to catch up on this weekend including laundry, shampooing the carpets, homework, putting up new curtains for the sliding door, and who knows what else. We're going to head out to Scottsdale to get the shampooer from Mom and have some dinner/drinks/movie. 

Happy long weekend, 

E.

Bad updater.

I'm too busy to write any more words. 

The Hills are Alive

So here is my prep work for my homemade pizza. I used Chris Bianco's dough recipe (hello, chef/owner of my fav..Pizzeria Bianco) and was so worried I'd screw it up, but I was actually quite proud how it turned out. Here's the final product (the first pizza): 

Not too shabby if I'd say so myself. Topped it off with basil from the garden:) 

Yesterday was really fun with my mom, brother, and sister. We had some pizza (again) at Z Pizza and watched the baseball game. And they actually won. I have a new boyfriend on the DBacks. My mom kept calling him Fill-a-pee. Ha. I am reLAXing tonight...and tutoring Jonathan's sister in math tomorrow...Hope I know the math:) And hope my legs aren't too sore from my run/buns and thighs yoga.

Late, 

E.

In the meantime.

Upcoming: 

-Pictures of my delicious pizza w/ dough recipe compliments of Chris Bianco 

-Struggling with: 1) Chemistry Equations 2) Keeping a clean house 3) Finding time to think about nothing 4) Eating healthy, organic, meatless, and well and living a little

-Recaps of Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Mom decided she didn't quite think it was a great idea to hike today unless we went at like 5 am, which she was kind enough to not make us do. We're going to Z Pizza downtown and go to watch the baseball game! That should be fun. What is the rule for paying for your brother and sister on Mother's Day? I imagine I'll be buying them lunch, ice cream, souvenirs, beer...:) Man, children are expensive.

Just checked my grade for my last lab, I'm still getting an A...a 96%. Woo! That is definitely motivation to keep doing well:) 

Going on the treadmill for a bit, taking a shower, and getting some dog food before meeting the family. Call your moms! 

What do I want to know?

That's what the yoga lady kept saying to me today...I did an "unwind" yoga...I started to do a core yoga but my abs were still sore from Saturday, I swear! I'm either needing sleep badly or to the brink of exhaustion. Ah, 16 more school days left.

Today I made the best salad...spring mix, toasted pine nuts, crumbled blue cheese, raspberry vinegairette, and red onion. Delish. Also made a roasted red pepper/mozzarella chesse melt on this delicious jalapeno bread from Safeway that was 98 cents. Did not post the picture because I'm in the process of doing 42 things right now. Obviously succeeding 100% at all of them. 

Let's see, how off have I been on the date today? Well I wrote the year "2007" one point during the day and October on my homework. Who knows where my head is?

Looking forward to Mother's Day because I get to go to Breakfast Club with my family and then we're going hiking. Hopefully I won't die of heat stroke. But I do get to use my Camel Pak or whatever it's called. 

Alright, off to finish my chemistry. Totally not focused this week. I think I'm worried because it's getting harder and I want to keep my A! I think, I hope, I have a different mindset with this class. I'm looking forward to being in an actual class with people and a teacher in June. So sooooon! I'm getting a little nervous but still excited. Yipes. Okay, I'm really going now.

See you tomorrow,

E.

Whole lotta love.

Today was busy and hectic but got a lot accomplished. Well, there's always more on the to-do list but I've got a good start. OOH and I sold my first item on eBay! I put some textbooks up from my Masters classes. Man, I am an aggressive pricer! I not really looking to make a career out of it and I know how much it sucks to pay that much for a book! Hopefully my other ones will sell!

Came home, did yoga...I really am glad I came back to yoga after running for a while. It's a lot more movement and not so tedious and I'm not starting at a white wall. It's been working my quads and my core but it feels so good to be sore! Then I improvised some guacamole in honor of Cinco de Mayo using some 68 cent avocados! This was before I mashed: 

Didn't take an after picture because I had to dig in right away...so good!

Then Jonathan was watering the plants and we found this cute little guy in our backyard: 

We did release him, don't worry:) Off to watch the DBacks suck some more, American Idol, and HOUSEWIVES!

Namaste, 

E.

Tell me what ya ate today.

Today was a good Monday. I came home, did yoga, and made dinner. Here is what I ate. I had whole wheat spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, parmesan, and parsley from the garden. Then I had a side of arugula with roasted red pepper vinegarette. Yum. Now I'm trying not to crave ice cream. 

Off to make a grocery list. Fun times! 

Dial 1-900-Mix-Alot

My first day of being 27. Wahoo. I had a lot of fun on my birthday and was so glad to see the Dueppens, the Franklins, and Jessie, and of course all of my other friends. I just don't get to see the former EVER!  It really meant a lot:) Today was unproductive, but that's okay. I worked my butt off for a few days so that I could do nothing today! 

My abs are so sore from yoga! I did the advanced and it kicked my ass! I didn't even realize I was working my abs! Great, I'm out of work out commission for a few days;)

We booked our San Diego trip! Yay! That's my birthday present. I love it there. If Jonathan wasn't so scared of natural disasters, we'd live there. I really want to go to Portland and Seattle soon. I've been to Seattle but not in a very long time. 

Today I listed 20 textbooks on eBay. Don't know if anyone will buy, but I thought I'd try it out. Don't think I'll make a career out of it though. Trying to make some money for my summer school textbooks, which will be around 40o Benjamins. Yikes!

Okay, off to watch the Simpsons and Family Guy. And I suppose I need to finish my homework. Ugh. 

Ta Ta,

E.

We're half awake in a fake empire.

Totally overplayed, but swine flu. Am I supposed to be worried? Because I'm not. I'm just really annoyed at all of the fear mongering. I'll probably jinx myself, but I do not think I have ever had the flu...nor have I been vaccinated for it ever. I have colds like twice a year. I shake my kids' hands every morning after they wipe their runny noses and stick their fingers who knows where. I have a pretty kick-ass immune system. Ha. I'm not running around with a mask anytime soon. But I also will not be going to Mexico anytime soon:)

Chase has been sick vomiting and bloody stool. Yum. Second time in month and a half. I feel like such a bad mom. No kids of mine are getting sick! Of course I take him to the vet because if I don't, he'd probably die and I'd feel really guilty. But it costs $200 each time. Geez. And today the microscope examination cost $50...she said "I'm going to look at this under the microscope" and doesn't bother to tell me I'll have to pay her for her time. Ugh, so annoying.

Okay, getting excited for my birthday tomorrow (kinda). It's supposed to rain, of course, and I have ANOTHER sick one so maybe Jake will be my date:) 

Off to finish my lab and watch beisbol! 

It's been too long...

23 days left of school, but who's counting?! Yikes! A few weeks into my chemistry class. So far, so good. We've mostly been working on math, which I'm not too bad at, so I've got an A! Ha. Hopefully it lasts! This class is less stressful!

I'm excited for my birthday this weekend. Sort of. Is your life what you expected to be at 27, or whatever age you may be? I don't really know what I had envisioned at this point...I don't know that I actually ever did. I don't feel as old at 26 and 360 days as I thought I would, which I guess is good!

I'm getting very excited for my summer schedule, although, a little nervous! I'm sure that will pass after the first day. 

Some other things I'm looking forward to are San Diego to see the DBacks and relax, as well as my step-brother's wedding. Otherwise that's about it.

Dear Chase, 

Please stop getting sick. I can't afford you.

All my love, 

M.

Ugh, this week has been so annoying. I usually take each day as it comes but I'm just Debbie Downer this week! I have been sick and exhausted and my body has been fighting for sleep and rest and I'm not giving in! To top it off, my kids have been pushing the last of my buttons left to be pushed before I smack them! (Totally kidding...please don't report me). The last week (AIMS, my final, Denver) has caught up with me.

Speaking of my final...I went into it totally ready with my positive attitude (you know, The Secret) and left totally defeated. The good news is I passed the class. I'm just not used to things not coming naturally and easily (not to sound cocky at ALL, I just never really had to "study"). I've started my CHM class this week. It won't be as intense since it's not the accelerated version. I'm hoping I'll enjoy this a little more because it's more "leisurely" paced and it has a little math in it and hopefully not too much new info. I probably just set myself up for failure there!

Speaking of math...totally bummed I have to take a math placement test and an intermediate algebra class. Yes, I totally already took a placement test and higher level math, but apparently that doesn't count. Oh well, refreshers don't hurt, I guess. But it's like another 400 Benjamins! 

Alright, going to finish up my work and help put the compost together. What am I looking forward to this weekend? A deep cleaning on Saturday of the house. Stoked. And sleeping. Ahhh, sleep. 

Off to dream,

E. 

I love Jonathan. 

One of my favorite things to do is eat dinner outside with my boys. We have such a great view of the mountains. Even when I take a bath. And the sky is heavenly at 545 a.m. Life is good. 

A few things I'm craving right now.

-A day where I do not have to think about anything related to work or school. 

-A San Diego trip...mostly for the drive. 

-A cleaning lady.

-The school year to be over.

-A baseball game.

-A good run.

-Quality time with a bunch of friends.

-Holding Jonathan's niece.

-A detox.

-A Flagstaff trip. 

The end.

Every day I watch the news, read the paper, drive around, go to work, etc, I question whether or not I want to bring child(ren) into this world. I used to sometimes wonder why people didn't have kids and though they were sort of egotistical. Now I think I'd be doing a large disservice to a child if I brought them into this mess of a world. Sigh. Maybe things will magically get better in the next few years:)

Going to get the paper, cut out coupons, fold some laundry, study for my final, and prepare mentally for the AIMS tests Mon. - Weds. Getting excited for Denver though!! Yay!

Opportunity.

Every night before I go to bed, I try to say a little prayer. I always thank God for the opportunities that were presented each day. I think that word is so powerful. Each day has so many available opportunities and it is my choice on what I do with them. 

On another note, it is so refreshing to run on the treadmill and not be reading or thinking about anything other than running. In my crazy world of multi-multi tasking, it is much needed:)

For once in my life.

A few random observations for the day:

-Megan on A.I. is super cute, but so awkward.

-I am super excited to be reading about organ systems.

-I am very much enjoying not eating meat. 

-The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is now one of my favorite book lists.

-I had a study date tomorrow at the library with Jonathan. Due to the economy the library closes at 5 now. We are now going to Starbucks. 

-I am enjoying my days, as always. :)

Peace, love, and buddies, 

E. 

I can't wait to learn so much more information than I've known or ever thought I would know on my way to being a nurse. I can't wait till I can answer Jonathan's random questions he's asked me for years. I can't wait until I don't have to look at 25 kids who are hearing one thing you're saying and you can see it literally flying out the other end. I can't wait until I get treated with some respect by the outside world. I can't wait until I don't have to take home hours and hours of work after school and on the weekends. I can't wait until I don't have to answer to the AZ Department of Education because they have no idea what they are talking about and have never been in the classroom and have no clue on research and best practices and what works for kids. I can't wait until I feel like I am putting my brain to good use.

Off my pedestal, 

E.

I never used to really watch TV as a form of entertainment, pretty much just due to boredom. Well I have a weekly schedule of "can't miss" shows that are DVR'd but I can't wait that long to watch them. Mondays: Jon & Kate Plus Eight. Tuesdays: Real Housewives of_______ (any city will do). Tuesdays & Wednesdays: American Idol. Thursdays: Hell's Kitchen. F & S not really anything. Sundays: Family Guy. Yep, officially a loser. 

Planning a trip to Denver with my sister April 10th to see our boyfriend Andrew! Very excited. 

Off to watch my show!

I've made up my mind, no need to think it over.

Another weekend comes to an end. At least I am looking forward to an upcoming three day weekend! Really want to go to Flagstaff, but thinking we should be more economical. 

Yesterday was a good day. Long... Got to see Allison and hang out for some girl time, and see John and hang out for some girl time. And then I really wanted to see Lydia at the Clubhouse and my sister (my show buddy) was out of town. So Jonathan was a trouper and came with me. We had a very nice evening and drank Bud Light after Bud Light. Now today I'm trying to catch up, like always, with everything.

Almost done with my BIO class! Doing fine, just wishing I had more time to devote to it on the weekends but I'm usually catching up with lesson plans, ILLPs, ELL plans, etc. I know I will really miss being in the classroom, but when I think of all of the time I spend on the extra nonsense (because that is what it is...nonsense) I will know I've made the right choice. 

Well I'm going to make the bed, fold some laundry, and continue working on teacher stuff. Until next time,

E.

I'm really worried about Chase. I won't go into too much graphic detail but he's not doing very well:( The vet was booked today so we can't take him until tomorrow, which was our date night, so that is ruined! But I just hope he's okay and whatever he has / needs isn't too expensive!

Today we went on a field trip to Rio Salado, or Salt River, in Spanish. It was nice to be outside of the classroom (which by the way has had no air conditioning  since before Spring Break) and take a break from AIMS Prep!! Cannot wait until that's over! I told my kids we can do whatever they want after AIMS and I 100% mean it.

Starting to feel better about my BIO class. I'm really pushing myself to take notes, do all the online practice, and really have a good understanding of it. I know it will be helpful in the long run. I only have three weeks left and then I start CHM! Ouch. I really need these refreshers though! And it's not cutting into my "real" pre-requisite time. 

It is so peaceful right now in my house. No TV, no dogs at my feet. I'm going to enjoy this. Until later,

E.

I almost forgot to add.

I'm dying for a break here. Or 30 minutes north of that.

You can sleep when you die.

Sleep: I have not being doing so well in that department. The speed a which my mind races at night is mind boggling. If I wake up in the middle of the night, it's due to my thoughts. I could use some meditation ... acupuncture ... if that even works. Something. And it would help if Chase were not sick.

Anyways, today I made portobello fajitas. Very delicious. And no meat! Today I passed Burger King, and although it smelled delicious, it grossed me out thinking about eating it. Very exciting. 

Looking forward to this weekend (already) for some quality girl/old friend time. Until next time. Boy, am I boring. 

these hammers and strings been following me around.

Today I took my midterm. 

Needless to say, I did about as well as I thought I would. Basically on the way out I said to myself, "Erica, you've gotta step it up!" But I mean, how much more can I "step it up"? I mean, all the males in my house hate me because this is what I do all day and night. Minus my other career. I sit at my computer, read, write notes, take practice quizzes, do activities, write my essays, do my labs, and then when I get distracted (which is often), hit up facebook, blogger, twitter, azcentral, and so on. Then to top it off we put ourselves on this super- awesome yet strict budget with cash. It sort of sucks because I'm thinking, "what can I do to make up for my craziness?" and then I remember things cost money and I only have $20 left until Sunday. And it feels so good to be so strict. I feel financially free which is sort of the opposite feeling one might think you would have. So here I am, thinking of things that don't cost money, or a lot of it at least. Any suggestions would be great. Of course, a glass of wine and some Scrabble never hurt anyone. :)

So in the meantime, I'll be stepping it up and burning myself out and killing all my relationships. Until next time,

E.

In your dreams.

Sleeping has become quite the opposite of what it is supposed to be.

I remember the good old days when my dreams would be disturbed with nightmares of customers blocking me in behind the bar while bartending. Nowadays, while I sleep, my mind is still rambling, scrambling, and reading. I wake up and I'm studying and reciting biology. Really. Last night I was thinking, "Maybe I should write this down. It might come in handy for my midterm." 

And it's not just biology. I wake up with ideas on how to write my Individual Language Learner Plans so that mine are better than everyone else's. That must be why I keep waking up with headaches. That or the rather large jug of wine I consumed last night.

Speaking of dreaming, heading to watch the D-Backs and A's. Maybe tonight I will be greeted by Conor Jackson in my dreams. Only in my dreams:) 

From one thankless job to another.

I decided to TRY to keep this to record my thoughts, challenges, discoveries, frustrations, and successes as I make one of the most stressful changes a person can make in life: career change.

I asked for a challenge, and boy am I getting one already! I am halfway through my first pre-requisite to enter the nursing program, basically an introductory biology course. It's so interesting yet so abstract to me at this point. I am busting my butt to understand it so I have a strong foundation. I took biology freshmen year I believe. Sure, I remember seeing these terms before but I can tell you I remember absolutely no concepts. I'm dreading the midterm I will be taking on Friday, with no security from my books or notes, just my brain. It's really just starting over fresh. Education/science...totally different!

On the same note, I'm singed up for classes through Fall 09. Of course I had to have my advisor override all of them because they require pre-requisites which I am either in the process of taking or will take right before. That means I have to pass them first! I don't want to get straight Bs! But then again that's better than straight Cs! I'm very determined at this point and want to do well for myself, my family, my future patients. It's all very overwhelming the further I get into it. I already see the late(r) nights, the neglect, the frustration. But then I envision going to work in scrubs and tennis shoes and there's my motivation right there. I have to apologize in advance to anyone near and dear to me for the next 2 years. Bare with me, please.

In the meantime, I am forcing myself to have some balance in my life. Including, but not limited to, baseball games, six packs, hikes, jogs, mindless tv watching, fiction. 

To sum it up, if I can get through this class unscathed, I can do the rest of it!

Virgin

So, I guess this is my first post. I'm not very good at these with less time on my hands so this may be my last entry ever. 

We are headed to Hartford, CT tomorrow for an EL institute. It will be very, very cold. I'm scared. I hope we get to go to Boston! Well, it says can't contact something, so will this even show up?