My Thoughts On Night Shifts...

...They stink!

I hate them, and hate is a very strong word. Can you say boring?! My sleep schedule is so far off. I can barely make it through the night and then when I get home, I can't sleep at all. So here's to my last night shift!

On another note..
I love this desk!

source

Dear Friday

I woke up yesterday morning to this lovely note on my car windshield. Yes, I know... its April and we still wake up to frost on our cars. Come on Summer! None the less, I was happy to see I am loved.

I didn't take any pictures this week because I haven't had time but I did do a couple DIY projects that I will feature next week!

I decided to write Friday letters instead of high five for Friday due to the lack of pictures.

Dear room

You are coming along nicely.

I really have enjoyed decorating you.

Just wait.. I have plans to do more!

Dear Dad

Thank you for my windshield note yesterday.

I love you too!

Dear foot,

I know you are not used to my 12 hours shifts,

I apologize and I promise it will get better.

Please continue to heal even though I don't 

go easy on you.

Dear new gym,

I love you.

Truly, you are a huge stress relief

and I love all you have to offer.

I will keep bringing it.

I love to sweat.

Dear friend,

I know you are going through a tough time,

but please remember..

"those who mind don't matter,

and those who matter don't mind!"

Have a great weekend everyone!!

xoxo

Words of Wisdom

source

Sometimes I feel like I give up too easily. The minute I think I can't go any farther, I stop and retreat. Like at the gym for example. When I am on the treadmill running and my body starts getting tired, my mind loses all motivation and I reduce speed. I hate that. I feel like a failure. I don't want to lack motivation anymore.

A wise man once told me, "When life's opportunities open a door, go through it... no matter what." That wise man was my dad today. I got offered a second job position at the hospital in pediatrics. I am already working full time on the adult side of the hospital and now I have the opportunity to work over-time with little kiddos. I am super excited! But I have to be honest with you, the thought of working over 40 hours a week kind of freaks me out. I really like my free time but I desperately need the money.

I popped over to my dad's office to tell him the news and that was when he passed on those simple words of wisdom. It was like a light bulb went on. Why would I even think about not taking this job. It will greatly help me reach my career goals. I don't want to stop at "comfortable," I want to go above and beyond what I think I am capable of. Nine times out of ten I can keep going, a lot longer than I think I can't.

With that being said, I choose to exceed my own expectations. Bring it on life!

A Happy Weekend

Happy Monday Ya'll!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

My weekend made me so happy.

I had the day off on Friday and I made the most of it. I started it off right by hitting the gym and sweating. It felt so good. I headed home to my Mom's house where I was meeting up with two of my college roomies for dinner and drinks. 

We had dinner at Burtons (for anyone in the southern NH area, its definitely a must try!) and they made really scrumptious adult beverages. Thank you Arnold Palmer for contributing to my Peach Tea, it was deliciously refreshing.

On Saturday I had retail therapy ran some errands. I came home with a little more than I planned on purchasing but I am super excited about my new summer bag.

Isn't it so cute? I love the light pattern!

I finished off the day with dinner prepared by my man and an ice cream date followed by a movie. We watched Argo and I now completely understand why Ben Affleck won all his awards this year. Oh My Gosh, it was so good! 

On Sunday Mike took me out to breakfast at Ihop. I drool over their pancakes with the strawberry syrup, they are to die for! We then went to Golf and Ski Warehouse so he could get a new bag for his golf clubs. It is so cute to see how excited he gets about golfing. 

My brother is a huge golfer and I am determined to learn how to golf so I can spend some "guy time" with both of my boys. I found the perfect set of golf clubs for when the time comes.

The purple ones in the middle are beautiful... I want them. I love purple!

It was a perfect weekend. I am sad to see it end but I know more fun weekends are to come!

Sunday Social

Happy Sunday everyone!

I am linking up with Ashley and Neely to answer some fun questions!

1. What is your shopping weakness?

Old Navy and Gap... anywhere.. anytime! I love both stores equally however, I can usually find more for a bargain at Old Navy. I actually stopped over there this weekend and scored a new summer bag. I love buying new summer clothes and accessories!

2. What is your food weakness?

I could eat pizza everyday of the year and not get sick of it. I used to only eat plain old cheese or pepperoni, but recently have been branching out and trying different kinds if pizza.

3. What is your go to movie to watch when nothing is on?

Usually my go to is Top Gun. I love that movie and I know just about every line. I also will never turn down Free Willy 1,2 or 3 and Pearl Harbor.

4. What is your go to breakfast food?

I am pretty lazy in the morning so cereal is the easiest think to grab. At least I try to be healthy by eating Special K or I go all out and eat Cinnabon cereal (have you tried it? If not.. you should!).
 

5. Do you drink coffee? If so, how do you take it?

I drink one cup of coffee in the morning, sometimes I will need one in the afternoon if I know I will be up late. Cream and sugar to make it a nice tan color.

Boston Strong

source

I love my city.

Boston has been so strong this week.

The bravery and courage shown by all the police and 

agencies involved is truly admirable!

I am so proud of Boston's Finest and all outside forces that came together to protect our nation. I cannot thank them enough, they deserve a duck boat parade for there tireless work.

source

High Five!

We did it...

We made it to Friday!

Woohooo

I made it through my third week of work and I am happy to say I am settling in well! I have joined a gym and it feels so good to start my days off right with a nice workout!  

I am back (FINALLY!) for High Five For Friday! 

without further adue...

1. I continue to make slow progress on decorating my room. I will post pictures this weekend!

2. I love that I have a gym membership and my workout gear does too.

3. This week has been gorgeous!

4. My little girl is patiently waiting for visitors.

5. Made a salad that was da-bomb! my mouth waters just looking at it again!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

I Can't Believe

this picture does not relate to my post.. at all.. I just like it

I can't believe my child life certification exam is in exactly one month. It is crunch time. I am studying more and preparing for Denver. I cannot wait! Plans changed a little, my dad is flying out with me for a couple of days and then he leaves and my boyfriend flies out to spend the rest of the week with me. My exam will be over by the time Mike comes so we will have three days to explore Colorado. I am so excited to spend some much needed "couple" time with that boy!

I can't believe Spring is starting to show her beautiful colors around the Northeast! I am so happy our flowers are starting to bloom and our grass continues to get greener each day. I love the beauty of April and May!

I can't believe I actually made it to the gym this morning. It was hard getting up and motivated after a couple twelve hour shifts at work but I enjoyed having the day off and spending the morning at the gym.

I can't believe all the new country music that is out. IT IS GREAT! I listen to country music ALL the time, but especially in the spring and summer. It just makes me want to be out in the country running through a field or horseback riding. Hunter Hayes and The Band Perry are making me so happy today!

My Boston

Boston holds a special place in my heart. 

For me it is the city of love. 

My boyfriend and I always spend our most precious holidays tromping around the city.

Birthdays, V-Day, Anniversaries, all spent taking in the sights of Boston.

Even on a hazy day it is magnificent.

 

Today, I fear Boston. It is a terrible feeling.

I was sitting at work and watching the news headlines

"Terror in Boston" "Bombings in Boston!"

two thoughts entered my head...

1. "Oh Lord, those poor runners and the faithful fans"

2. "OMG where is my boyfriend and two best friends!"

Pure panic. I was shaking, my palms were clammy.

How could this happen?

Fortunately Mike and my two BFFS are safe. My friends Paige and Courtney were both in the city near the explosions. Scary for everyone. They are shaken up but both safe and that is all we can ask for.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families.

Congratulations to every runner in the Boston Marathon!

Bedroom Inspiration: Calm and Elegant

"Calm and elegant" is my mantra for my bedroom design.

I want a place I can retreat to that has a relaxing atmosphere. However, I have a difficult space to work with. My room was built with the additions made to our finished basement, therefore, I do not have much natural light. I have been collecting various pieces of inspiration to help with my design progress. (ps - I will post pictures once my room is almost done. Right now it looks a little too mis-matchy for my liking)

source

I love the idea of an elegant but comfortable room.

source

Circular end tables are a new favorite of mine. I just re-finished a circular wicker table that I am using as my side table. It will make it's way to the blog in the future.

source

I don't have a headboard on my bed so I want to DIY one. I was thinking something like this with a matching throw pillow.

I have also thought about a picture frame collage to dress up the room. I will have to see how much space I have on the walls after all the preliminary designing has been completed.

 

I Promise...

 ...I have not forgotten about this blog! 

I know I have been MIA and a bad blogger but I have been working consecutive 12 hour shifts and I only have time to come home and shower before I go to bed and do it all over again.

I know I would usually post High Five For Friday but it is 10pm and 

I can't keep my eyes open. My schedule is more balanced next week so 

I will be posting regularly!

I had a current events post drafted so here's to hoping its semi-interesting..

Currently I am...

Eating a pb and fluff sandwich. Ya ya I know... I could have had the low card soup in the fridge or a hearty plate of fruit and veggies but the sandwich sounded soooo good and to be quite honest, my impulse control lacks the "control" part. However, I did sign up for a gym membership today. You win some you lose some!

Drinking kiwi strawberry sparkling water. Zero calories, vitamins and antioxidants all mixed into one very tasty drink. I don't like to drink soda much so when I am craving some sort of carbonated beverage, sparkling water is my drink of choice.

Reading Water For Elephants...STILL. I haven't had too much time to read in the last couple weeks. I have about 100 pages left and Nicholas Sparks is on deck so I must find some time!

Watching Inside Combat Rescue on NatGeo. I DARE YOU to watch it on demand if you can, it is a great show!

Wearing work out clothes and my dads fleece. I was cold and too lazy to go get my own sweatshirt. I like to wear my work out clothes all day because it makes me feel like I worked out more. But I think I am starting to smell so a shower and pajamas are in my near future.

Wondering when Mother Nature is going to get over herself and give me warm weather and sun! It is currently sleeting outside and we are expecting three inches tomorrow. Like COME ON it's the middle of April!

Laughing at the fact that my step mom bought a jogging stroller on Craig's list for our elderly dog who is having trouble walking. Now she can come on walks with us.. we just need to find a way to get her in the stroller.

I'll be back over the weekend and next week!

Over The Weekend

This weekend I had a much needed computer rest. I spent the weekend in Boston with my beau and family. I purposefully left my computer at home so I wouldn't be tempted. It felt so good to get outside in the nice weather and have fun!

Saturday morning I relaxed on the couch drinking my coffee and catching up on my weekly shows. Holy Nashville, that show is so good!

Mike and I went to the Museum of Fine Arts with our friend couple. It was a beautiful day in the city to walk around.

My favorite art was in the contemporary exhibit. To say some of the art was mid boggling would be an understatement.

I panicked when I caught this out of the corner of my eye.

 

On Sunday my family volunteered at the MS walk at Harvard University. My aunt has MS and by volunteering and raising money it is our way of supporting her and aiding in the fight against this terrible disease. It was another great day with the family!

I had a fun weekend, I hope you all did as well!!

Friday Letters

I am welcoming today with open arms. This week has been the longest week.EVER.

source

Since I have been eating, sleeping and breathing hospital policies for the last week at orientation, I have had little time to do anything else. I have decided to forgo the usual high five (unless you want 5 pictures of the hospital campus.. which you don't) and partake in Friday Letters. Here goes.

Dear new friends,

I met you at a boring orientation.

We became a close group of friends over the

last couple days. I am going to miss you!

Thank you for making me laugh!

Dear sun,

Thank you for shining so bright today.

You warmed up the weather and made

everyone a lot more happy!

Dear doggies,

I love curling up with you at night.

It is a new favorite part of my daily routine.

Cuddles for days, so please don't stop!

Dear air mattress,

Surprisingly, you are pretty comfortable!

Thank you for sticking it out this week while my

new mattress makes its slow way to me!

And for not deflating on me after all

the Easter candy I have eaten!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Smile A Little

Hello Ladies!

Today I am linking up with Martha for her idea, "Smiles Are Contagious." I would like to try to spread some smiles as well. I will try to do this in a couple ways.

first.. lets start with a quote from, Audrey Hepburn:

source

Well isn't that positive! 

Did it make you smile a little?

and when all else fails...

animals. animals. animals.

source

 This is me on a daily basis. Thank the Lord for hair straighteners!

Hope I brightened your day!

A Whole Bunch Of Nothing!

Hi Friends!

Disclaimer: This post has absolutely no importance or value..

I have been running around for the past three days and I haven't had time to get on the computer and blog. I actually haven't even turned my computer on since Saturday morning... unbelievably, I know! As of right now I am semi moved into my dad's house. My room looks like a hurricane came through. It is very difficult for my type A personality. Unfortunately my new bed will not be delivered until next week so I am currently sleeping on an air mattress on my floor. Each day I find a place for one more than in my room. I did get my closet organized and color coordinated which was a huge relief.

It is in the early stages but I am getting there!

Easter was a relaxing day with family and a scrumptious meal prepared by my daddy! I was too busy catching up with the sissy and eating unhealthy food, but I did manage to capture my favorite Easter treats!

Today was my first day of my new job and therefore came the obligatory photo-op like it was my first day of school!

Since I am working at the same hospital as my entire family, Dad and I carpooled in together. And thanks to little sleep and allergies, my face was very much puffy for my ID picture.. woohoo!!