December 29

Simple purchases are the best kind sometimes. 

Plus, I just love the smell of cotton candy and couldn't resist.

December 28

My CAREER shoes.  Or what I wear to work I should say.

I have been fantasizing for four years about starting my "dream" job.  I still can't believe it and I still can't believe I got it.  Saying it's a dream sounds rash since I just started, but I don't care.  I'm going to keep thinking of it that way no matter what.  It's mine! The security is such a blessing.  

Oh, how this new chapter in my life is making me so unreasonably happy!   

December 27

Yup... trying to enjoy my last few days of eating whatever I want.  Heavenly I tell you!

December 26

Trying to be productive in a more positive direction.

December 25

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, 'How could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags.'

And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. 'What if Christmas,' he thought, 'doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.'

Merry Christmas!

December 24

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

A game of Monopoly with the family was in order for this wonderous occassion.  We don't really have special traditions the night before Christmas, but this is the first Christmas in a few years that we are all together!

December 23

Today was great because I went to dinner with my brothers.  We were watching the Navy v. SDSU bowl game on my brother's phone since they were only showing NFL at the restaurant... (who cares about the NFL?? It's all about college!) Also, my uncle coaches the Navy team so we didn't want to miss it. 

Better luck next time.

(Sorry, the picture was more blurry than I realized).

December 22

This just made the blood drain from my face when I was first shown just the boxes without the rings in them.  Leah and Rick, who are just dating, got each other these Christmas gifts.  What makes me laugh is that they got each other the same thing without knowing they did, which turned out to be puzzle rings.  Well, when I was shown just the boxes before the actual rings, the boxes made it seem a little bit more than it appeared...

So yea, I was a little shocked I didn't hear about any special "news" and kind of upset I wasn't told about it until later that night.  You'd think big news like that would have been shared first thing when I walked in the door!
ha ha ha!

p.s... I was secretly happy that Leah's ring only fits on her left hand, ring finger!! So who knows... :) :) :) 

December 21

Curry.

My brother served his mission in India and this was the dish he ate there all the time.  He loves it and decided he would make some for the family.  It wasn't that bad actually in spite of what it looks like here... 

December 20

First day of work!!! First day of a new chapter and a new life.

So weird.

I'm an adult who has a real job now.  Insane I tell you.

So unreal that I'm going to be doing this/Still can't believe I was chosen/Still can't understand how I got to this point in my life/Still feel inadequate and undeserving of this. 

But... so happy and so grateful! 

December 19

Our Wii was acting up and it was difficult to play. Haven't been able to play for awhile actually.  Thank goodness for smart brothers who can figure out settings on a TV to fix it.

December 18

Both of my brothers came home today! Yay! Tyler (left) came home from Japan after serving in the Air Force and Devin came home from school in Utah.  Devin was on his mission when Tyler left for the Air Force so they've been separated for about 3 years.  Now our whole intermediate family is finally together.  

We sure have missed them... well, until we're reminded how much food they eat and how much space they take up! Then maybe not so much.  Bahahaha!

December 17

I went shopping for scrubs and found some that I liked.  Yay for my first pair! I was even planning on posting a picture of them too.  But then my aunt decided to bring us these yummmmy chocolate covered strawberries.  Normally, I don't believe in combining fruit (healthy) and dessert (inappropriately and fabulously unhealthy) in any form.  It's just a contradiction to me! Insane.

But these always win me over.

December 16

I'm so lucky to call her my best friend.  The simpleness of spending time together, shopping, eating and just talking about everyday things makes me happy.   

When I grow up, I'll consider myself lucky if I can be as half as amazing as her one day.

December 15

This isn't a very good picture, but I love seeing Christmas lights.  I keep forgetting it's Christmas here without the snow so seeing lights brings back the Christmas spirit. 

December 14

I love how it's supposed to be winter here in Las Vegas and it's just starting to look like fall.  We don't get a lot of variety of colors, but it's always nice when you do see it.

December 13

This girl is one of my heroes! She graduated from nursing school today against all odds and with so many obstacles.  I believe she had to go through a lot more than the average nursing student and did it without any complaint.  If I had been in her position I wouldn't have handled it so well or I probably would have given up.  This goes to show that no matter how hard things get, there's always a way to come back and learn from it... if you choose! She chose to face her challenges head on and move forward.  Best way to live life.  

Because of all she went through she's going to continue to be a good person and make an even better nurse than she already is.

Congratulations Chuntel!!!

      “If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be.”

-John Heywood

December 12

Just getting ready for church...  Sundays are really great.  Especially when the day goes over perfectly.

December 11

I was earning my ACLS license today.  It means I was taught and had to simulate on what to do when a patient goes into cardiac arrest... or in my opinion, pretend to know what I'm doing while the more experienced, educated people actually do it.  But one step at a time, right? Education is key! 

((I still can't believe I'm starting my career!!))

December 10

Family Tradition:

Making chocolate candy!!!

December 9

Today was a great day.  Everything has been working out smoothly so far and it feels so good to see the "light" at the end of the tunnel.  Ok that was lame, but I didn't know how else to describe my day.  It was good, but uneventful.  Sounds weird but it works!

December 8

I really like scarves.

"Enjoy present pleasures in such a way as not to injure future ones.”
-Seneca

December 7

Today I got the call!! I got the job!
What an amazing day and feeling.
Couldn't ask for more... well except for maybe some nerves to face this.
It'll come I'm sure...

December 6

Soooo we were supposed to go to a church activity and we rebelled and didn't go...  Can you see the rebellious look on our faces?? 

Well, we didn't leave the church parking lot at first so we could plan our scheming.  We decided to eat candy from Ferlayna's left over wedding party, where she works, while we discussed where to go eat dinner.  (Dessert first sounds backwards, but that's where the rebellious streak started...).  Leah and her boyfriend Rick are with us too so even more rebellion going on here... 

 

We drive off and are on the freeway when the cops decide to pull us over! We weren't even speeding!! Turns out there's been robberies at LDS church buildings for their AC's and since we had been sitting in the parking lot for a little bit we looked "suspicious" and someone reported us.   Because you know how rebellious we were missing out on a church activity and eating dessert before dinner!! bahahaha! We confessed this all to the cops and they let us off with a warning. 

But being with these friends always makes me a lot happier!! Especially because I'm still waiting for a response from that interview so the distraction was good.

December 5

My pretty sister (left) and her cute friend coming to church with me...
this made my day for many reasons!

December 4

Another dumb thing I get excited about... hair cuts and color!

December 3

I got to hang out with one of my favoritest people today.  We were eating fortune cookies and this was my fortune.  I didn't know fortunes could be so specific!
(How did it know that I was thinking about getting a new car?! I hope you can sense sarcasm in this post.) 

Hmm... but I kind of wanted a blue one though... is this some sort of sign?? 

November 28

I just realized I don't have a picture or even a post for this day! And that's because there was no picture (duh!).  I don't even know what I was doing .. probably stressing about my upcoming interview or eating a lot... yea probably eating. 

December 2

Today was my big interview and it was a little overwhelming! But knowing that I'm starting on the path toward what I've been working for all these years is happiness. 

Also, I don't know if this is my big break, but I do feel more confident about the future so double happiness there!!  

(Oops... I was planning on taking a picture of the hospital, but I was so nervous and in a rush to get home afterwards that I completely forgot so this will do.) 

December 1

Tomorrow is a big day for me and I needed to find a great place to find comfort and peace to face it.  I love finding treasures like these when I come here.

Happy December!

November 30

Having the Christmas decorations up is a good way to put anyone in a good mood.

(Also, I thought the picture looked kind of cool!)

November 29

Cookies always make things better. 

Also, Happy Birthday to my dad!! We would be celebrating but for some reason he's against all that.. insanity I tell you! But at least he makes shopping for him easy!

November 27

These are some of my nursing school friends and I adore these people! I love catching up with them and finding out what's been going on.  Feels good to be able to talk about my worries and actually have someone hear them and pretty much have the same ones... hahaha!!

p.s... Also, today is my brother, Tyler's, birthday and he's in Japan in the Air Force so I can't celebrate it with him... 
Happy Birthday Tyler!!!

November 26

Black Friday. 

Our tradition is the day after Thanksgiving we like to put out the decorations.  My sister and I built a ginger bread house from a cheap kit at Wal-Mart.  We didn't argue... a lot! hahaha! So don't laugh at our crazy frosting.  It looks better from farther away!

November 25

Yummm.... Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I am grateful for:

Family.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

My friends.

My car that continues to work.

Food on the table and a roof over my head.

My health.

My education.

Trials.

Inspiration.

Tender mercies.

Those that have bestowed love and patience towards me.

Baseball.

And much, much more. 

The end.

November 24

Emails like this make me extremely happy.

November 23

Ok I know this is lame, but I love it when I can do a french braid in my hair in one try!!! It's not much, but it really does make me happy because it usually takes me more than once. 

November 22

Collecting non-perishable food in celebration for Thanksgiving and giving back. 

November 21

Looking back at fond memories and of great friendships formed always makes me happy, especially when times are rough...

I am so blessed to still have friends like her in my life.

(and for listening, caring, and always putting up with my nonsense after all these years even when I don't deserve it!)

Thank you Leah!!!

November 20

Ferlayna asked me to take her picture and it was a pleasure and an honor! It made my day and it was so much fun.  I seriously couldn't take a bad picture of her.  It was hard to choose one favorite for my picture-of-the-day so if you want to see more, check this out.

November 19

Even though it's not the job I want.. it's been the job I need.

I really am happy and grateful for it. 

November 18

Heading home after spending the day with my sister and mom. 

Love these kind of days. 

November 17

Today was a good day.  Feels like I'm finally starting to get closer to something great...

November 16

I know this is really dumb, but I got some messages from some friends that made me laugh.  It makes me happy to feel so included. 

p.s... Don't you just love how you can see my Yankees logo in the reflection?? ;)  

November 15

November feels like spring! Only in Las Vegas would it be able to do that.

November 14

I honestly don't get what this obsession is all about, but that's probably because I'm not in that age group... go figure.  What makes me happy is seeing my friend tortured for her crazy "obsession" with him (ok maybe obsession is a strong word, but I still don't get it). 

Plus, hanging out with friends and laughing at each other is always a plus.

November 13

Ahhh.... relaxing makes me happy. 

November 12

Yes, another picture of something that involves food.  But I can't help it! I love food and I love sharing it with these wonderful people!

(We got to eat in a huge, beautiful house too so that was a bonus!)

Also, today is my brother, Devin's, birthday!! Yay! If he lived in the same state as me and realized how lame he was for not living here I would have been celebrating with him and he would have been in this picture instead.  But whatever.  This was my way of celebrating.  So Happy Birthday!! :)

November 11

Happy Birthday to our wonderful friend, Theresa!!!

(Psst.. she is the one standing next to me)

We went to Planet Hollywood for a yummy dinner (yes, food pretty much is the center of my life apparently).  It was wonderful and I feel so lucky to have made some really good friends here in Vegas. 

November 10

Movie Night!!

Went and saw the new comedy Morning Glory.  It was really cute and loved the character's career oriented attitude and passion for what she loves.  Can't wait for that chapter in my life and just watching it made me happy and excited all at the same time. 

"If the grass is greener on the other side maybe you should start watering your own lawn..."

-Anonymous

November 9

Leah works at McDonald's!!!
She is so pretty isn't she?? Who can look like that and work at McDonald's!?

Actually, she was just working for the night.  She was helping raise money for her school and I went to visit.  Her energy and enthusiasm for what she does inspires me to want to love what I do... (someday, still waiting for that opportunity).  
But watching her yell out orders was definitely entertaining!