Power of 10: Week 6 and 7

Power of 10 is still going strong. Last week I was home during the week, so I went to CBRC and did the exercises with my mom. She didn't partake, but helped cheer me along. That was nice. This week, was back at my gym with Jen again. It is much nicer to stick with the one you normally do it with.
We had a great week again. I really felt like I worked hard. I am at 190 lbs on the leg press. It was hard. I think I will stick with 190 again next week, just cuz I struggled with that one. I don't think I will even be able to lift 210 lbs (have to go up by 20 on that machine). Oh well. This weeks emphasis was arms, and I am hurting pretty bad today, but a good hurt.
Me and Jen both haven't lost any weight from it. She is thinking about stopping, but I may not have lost weight, but I am getting stronger. I really want to start running. I know I have said that so many times, but I do. I don't know why I haven't started (and kept it up). I think when Portland Fit starts up again in the spring, I will join, and train with them. I really want to get running again. I can meet lots new people there too.

On thin ice!

I forgot to mention one little fun ordeal I had while I was home!!

So, like I had said before, I made it home safely. But, it turns out, not only did I stretch making it home without traction tires/chains... I also made it home on bald tires.

I didn't realize they were bald. And they weren't that bad, just the outer parts...time for a rotation. But, well, I had already rotated them before and the insides were bald too.

Mom said I wasn't leaving to come back home till I bought new tires. So, I had to fork out $250 for new tires.

Man, maintenance is spendy!!

So went to Les Schwab for new tires. Tried Wal*mart, they would have to special order my size...didn't have time for that, I was headed back home the next day.
So, back at LS. They have a reputation for coming and greeting you at your car, working with you, getting a great deal on the tires you want/need, and servicing with a smile.

Not this time.

They were very rude, short, and didn't want to offer prices for different tires. I had to pull everything out of them. I was even speaking with the assistant manager!!
Bad news for Schwabby!

No more tires from them.

The reason I went to them, is because I know a gentleman that works there. Manager of the Fleet services (he doesn't know much about passenger tires-otherwise he would have helped me!), but he sent me to speak with "Andy" at the Kennewick store. He said he would help me out, and get me a good deal.

Andy wasn't so nice. He just said $599 it will be for studded tires (4 of them)...didn't even ask what I wanted, or needed. I wasn't there for studded tires, and certainly not 4 of them.

I asked what it would be for regualr tires...$525. Again, didn't ask if I needed all replaced. Just went on ringing it up, as igf that is what I was gonna get.

Most places will ask what you need, look at your tires, and then give you some choices, with some prices...not Andy. Apparently he was in a hurry.

Well...to make this long story short...I did get 2 tires from Andy, but they are regular tires, not special ones. Still set me back couple hundred, but hey...the price of safety, right??

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!
I am home now, had to work the last couple days, but I do have today off. I slept in, that was nice. Although my parents did call me and wake me up. But I am glad they did.

I am alone today. I don't even have my dog here with me. I only get today off, then I have to go back to work tomorrow and work for the next few days. I wish I would have had a few more days off around today so I could spend Christmas day with my family, but I didn't, so I am not.

I did get to spend a day with all my family together on Thursday. My family even got me some presents (even though I asked them not to, since I couldn't get them any), so I opened them on Thursday. Then, to my surprise, when I got back home Thursday night, my sister had left her present here for me...in my apartment. How nice!!

So, I was a good girl, I waited till Christmas morning to open it. Thank you Jen, I love it!!

Well, must be going now, I want to go see a movie today (by my lonesome, I must add, just for effect). I am not sure if I want to see Fun with Dick and Jane, or Rumor has it. Too many decisions, maybe both!!

Have a VERY Merry Christmas to you, and please (if I know you) tell your families I said hello!! Love you all!!

Home for the Holidays!

Happy Holidays to All!!

I made it home safe for all those worry-ers out there. It was very snowy/icy through the Gorge, but I drove slow and there weren't that many cars around.

Chains/traction tires were required from Troutdale to Hood River, but I didn't want to stop and get chains. I wouldn't know how to use them even if I did have them.

When I left Portland, it was rainy, and the roads were starting to melt, so I didn't think it would be that bad, but they were. It was a little scary for a while, with the high winds, but I made it safe and sound.

It took me about 4 1/2 hours to get home. Normal drive is about 3 1/4 - 3 1/2 hours.

So, I am home and will be here through Thursday. NOt a whole lot going on, but at least I get to spend some time with my family around Christmas time. Then I work 23rd, and 24th. I have Christmas day off, but I have to go back to work for three days after.

I don't have any plans for Christmas day. Since I am skipping Christmas this year, and asked everyone to not get me anything (since I couldn't buy them anything), I won't have any gifts to open...so I thought I might just sleep in, and watch movies all day. I will be home alone anyhow, so might as well just sleep all day!! Hehehe! I love sleeping!!

Well, I hope everyone has a great Christmas with their families, and they get everything they asked for!! Merry Christmas to all!!

Power of 10: Week 5

So, week 5 down, only forever more weeks to go!! I don't ever want to quit. I love it. I wish I was losing weight, but I love the soreness I feel after a good workout. Besides, I signed up for a gym membership, so I am definetely not quitting now.
So, back to the workout. It was a great one. Jen and I decided that we were doing to high of weights and weren't doing some of the exercises correct, that is why we felt, on some routines, we just didn't get the best workout. Abs was one of those. So, we decreased weights, and worked extra hard, and got a great workout this week. Lat raise is another, but we didn't do that exercise this week, so we will lower weights next time we do that one.
I did have some difficulty with the abduction, because my legs seem to cramp up when I move them out like that. If I lay on the bed and just try to abduct my leg like that, I get cramps. So I don't feel it was the exercise equipment or the weights, I think it is just faulty legs. I will keep working on that. I need to increase my flexibility with that range of motion. Jen said she cramped some too.
Adduction was great. I lifted 110 lbs. I was so proud of myself, and I even did like 10 reps. I had never done that exercise before so, I wasn't sure how much weight I would be able to do. Next time, I will be stronger, and I will know.
Arms, well, I did good this week, but I didn't feel I advanced much from the last week. I did a little better or at least was equal to what I did the previous week. So that is good, I didn't regress.
I am hurting already today. I know I did good. My abs hurt a lot, and my arms do too. My legs are starting to get worse, but they do hurt too.
Next week, I will be home, so I will be doing the routine with my mother as my support (hopefully, if the gym allows her to join me), and at CBRC. I have never been there before, but I am sure they have the same typical machines. I can't wait...I get to go home in just a couple days!! Yeah!!

Feels Good to be well again!

I am feeling much better. Went to work today. I was a bit tired, but I managed well. At the beginning I was wondering, but I did good. I am just a little sniffly, and feel great again! Thanks for all who wished me well, it really helped!!

I need to be an MD!

You Should Get a MD (Doctor of Medicine)

You're both compassionate and brilliant - a rare combination. You were born to be a doctor.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

To work or not to work...that is the question!!

So, I am starting to feel a little better, but I am still pretty stuffy. I am scheduled to work tomorrow, but I do not know if I should go to work. I think I would be able to hack the long day, but I am obviously still still stuffy, congested, and coughing/sneezing. I am not sure my pts will appreciate a sick nurse.
What do you think?
Should I stay home tomorrow?
I was thinking, if I stayed home for one more day, I could get more sleep and rest, and hopefully be recovered to go back to work by Wednesday. Then again, if I don't go in, I will have to use my PLH (paid leave hours). I have plenty in my bank, but I am not sure if I want to waste 12 hours on a day just so I can get more sleep/rest.
I am at a loss. I don't know what to do.
Of course, my mom would say... "If you aren't feeling up to it, then call in sick." But, that isn't her telling me what to do, that is her telling me to do what I want to do. I need someone to tell me what to do. You see, I just can't make up my mind. Anybody, please....help me decide!!

A first in Portland

I'm sick.

Yes. You heard right.

I am sick!

I am quite surprised I didn't get everything under the sun when I first moved here. Usually that happens. Just because you have never been exposed to the sicknesses here, so you get them all.

I didn't.

But I did now.

It isn't that bad, but it has knocked me off my butt, and made me so tired. I got up at 1130 today, after going to bed about 9 or 10 last night. Then, at about 2 went back to bed for four more hours.

Would have slept longer, but Charlie whines. He hates his cage, and I have to put him in it or he will tair up the place.

What kind of sick? you ask...I just seem to have a head cold. I am stuffy, achy, tired, sneezy, that sort of thing. Sick, nonetheless.

It was nicer out today too. I took Charlie out at 1130 when I got up, and almost didn't need my coat. Don't get me worng, still winter out, but felt pretty good. Maybe it was because I was just out of a nice warm bed. I don't know.

I hope I feel better tomorrow. I would hate to waste all of my days off in bed. I only get three you know. And, I refuse to call in sick. I hate doing that, so I had better get better soon!!

Picture Updates

This is a pic of my new hair cut. Do you like it?? I love it. I like it when I straighten, and I like it when I leave it curly. really makes me feellike I have a style now vs. just plain jane!
Next...

This is me with Grason at home during Turkey break. He is such a good baby, and growing so fast. See below for some more pics of me and Grason.
Next...

This is Grason in his " I love my Aunt" outfit. He loves to do the superman!!
Next...

This is Ashley, she is about 5 months along in this pic. Isn't she cute??
Last, but not least...

This is a good pic of me and Ashley, so I thought I would post it!!
That is all for now. I hope you like all my updates. I have some good ones with Grason and his mother, but I will have to post those later, Jen has them still.
I haven't gotten any Christmas stuff up. Maybe I will do that today. Hope all is well with the world. I have to go back to work again tomorrow. Oh well, work is fun!!

Power of 10: Week 4

So I went to the gym today. I had to go today because I officially became a member of this gym. I decided, since I was only going to the gym once a week, to only pay for a memebership that allows me to go on alternating days. I can go three times a week, on Tues, Thurs, and Sat. It was only $19/month, so I went for it. Well, needless to say, I can't go the gym on Wednesdays anymore. So this week, I went on Tues. Next week Thurs because I work Tues.
So, on to the update. I am getting stronger. I feel great. I seem to be having some difficulty with the lat raise still. I think I am trying to lift too much. I don't know. I had been lifting 60 lbs, but I think I need to be at like 40 lbs to get a better workout. Before I just wasn't able to do the exercise right, and I don't seem to be improving on that one. I will keep trying though.
All the other exercises I am getting stronger at. I was pleasantly surprised with the bicep curl. The first week we did it, I struggled bad. My left could barely lift at all, and my right was weak too. This time, I started off with just increasing by 10 lbs, and it was surprisingly easy, so I increased by another 10 lbs, yeah!! I guess some of the other exercises work my bicceps too.
The legs are getting stronger, although, I can't see any definition. Of course, I got lots of fat layers, so I doubt I will see a difference any time soon. I did loose a couple lbs this week, but I increased in body fat. But, if the percent is of the lower weight, I will take it. Oh well, it is possible my scale is not accurate. It can be innaccurate with +/- amt of water consumed, different time of day, how much food was eaten for the day, excretion of waste products...point is, it can be skewed. So I will look at the trend and not just one number.
I am still really excited to keep doing it. Power of 10 is fun. I really believe inthis program. I know I am certainly getting stronger, even if I don't lose weight. It will make it that much easier to start running again, when I am good and ready to start increasing that.
When I go home in two weeks, I have to use the Tri-City Racquet Club as my gym. I emailed them and asked if they had a free trial that I could use. They do. And I am using it. I am hoping my mom will join me in a session, at the least for moral support. But, if I have to go alone, I will.
I will have to see if I hurt tomorrow, but I had a good workout, so I m thinking I will.

I really need to do homework sooner!

See what time it is...
yeah 2:18 am.
That is because homework was due at midnight (EST)...yeah I know I am late...and i procrastinated to the very last minute, and i mean the very last minute.
My homework is due by 9pm my time, and i didn't even start till then. I didn't get it done on my days off this week, and I had to work Sat and Sun, so I waited till I got off on Sunday night to even start.
I should know better too, my statistics homework usually takes me 4-6 hours in itself. But I also had to do a nursing paper. So I did my stats first tonight, got done at about 12 or so on that, then worte 7 pages for a nursing paper.
Man, I really need to start sooner. I just hate papers. I got my posting that was required done earlier in the week, I just left this damn paper to do.
Then I get it done, and now I have to start a new week of stuff to do. Well, I am headed to bed for sure, and i get the next three days off, so i am sleeping in tomorrow as well!!
Nothing else to exciting here in P-Town. I did get my hair cut the other day. It needed a trim, and I was in need of something other that plain Jane. So I cut it. It looks good, and I really like it! i hope you do too!! Oh yeah...you haven't seen it yet! Ha!
Well, good excuse to come visit me????
For all to know...I am coming home Dec 19-22. i am very excited I get 4 full days off. Unfortunately, I have to work the 23, and 24th so I won't be able to spend Christmas at home. Oh well. I do have that day off, but I dfon't know what I will be working after that. If I have Monday off too, I might come home Christmas Eve, and stay till the 26th night. I might hink about that, but I won't know for sure until later in this month!!
Happy December, I am off to bed!!

Nailed that one...

You Have a Choleric Temperament

You are a person of great enthusiasm - easily excited by many things. Unsatisfied by the ordinary, you are reaching for an epic, extraordinary life. You want the best. The best life. The best love. The best reputation. You posses a sharp and keen intellect. Your mind is your primary weapon. Strong willed, nothing can keep you down. Your energy can break down any wall. You're an instantly passionate person - and this passion gives you an intoxicating power over others. At your worst, you are a narcissist. Full of yourself and even proud of your faults. Stubborn and opinionated, you know what you think is right. End of discussion. A bit of a misanthrope, you often see others as weak, ignorant, and inferior.

What Temperment Are You?

One more quiz...

What Harry Potter character do I most want?


Harry Potter
You crave your own knight in shining armour: the
guy who will swoop in and save you, and manage
to be a sweet lover and good dad all at the
same time. You are the girl he's fighting for!


Who is your Harry Potter love match? (for girls)
brought to you by Quizilla

I guess I go for the main characters!! I love Harry Potter!!

Power of 10: Week 3

So, I went to the gym last night. It was great. I actually had to sign up though, since my free two week trial ended today. I decided to go with alternating days (T, T, Sat) and it is $19 per month. Not bad. I only had to pay $19 to start too, and that included my first month. If I had went with a full gym membership, any gym, any day, I would have to put down $179 and pay about 20 a month. That is rediculous. I don't have 180 dollars lying around, if I did....I could pay off my credit cards faster! Hehehe
So, my workout...the only one I struggled with was the triceps. The minimum weight is 20 lbs. i started to pull it down, and my first rep was my threshold. I couldn't believe how weak I was. Oh well, I will work on those, and get stronger. I increased in weights on almost all the machines this time, except the shoulder press, but I did do one more rep than last time. Last time I could only do 3, this time I did 4. I feel I am getting stronger. I only wish I would lose weight instead of gain it. That is hard to look at each week, especially since I already am 60 lbs overweight. But, I have lost 5% in body fat (as long as my sclae is accurate). So, that makes up for it a little. I am sure in a week or two, the weight will start melting off. I am gonna try to run at least once in between workouts. I ran about 2 1/2 weeks ago, but my schedule along with my sore days, and holidays, doesn't always work out for me to run. Since I can go to the gym now, maybe I can try (I really hate gyms, so I say try) to run on the treadmills.
Next week, we do 7 exercises. I am really looking forward to the week we do adduction and abduction. I don't think I will be able to lift much weights, but I really want to do that exercise. I think it is week 5 maybe 6. I already have my workout days planned for week 4 and 5, but week 6 is smack dab in the middle of me going home, so I don't know what to do about that week. I might have to do it on Sat, even though I work and it is Christmas Eve. I don't know if the gym will be open at 8pm. i will have to see, or I can go to the gym at home, pay the onetime workout fee, and do it then. That is a thought. Maybe I can get my friend or mom to go with me for support.
Well, I guess I have rambled enough.

My, how time flies!

Time sure is fun when your having flies!
Hehehe
Wow, I can't believe it is time for me to go back to the gym for another Power of 10 workout, and I haven't written anything since the last one. I can't believe it. Well, I am headed back today. I have lost 5% in body fat, and gained 2-3 lbs. That part sure sucks, but I think I am feeling better about my pant size. I haven't dropped any sizes or anything, I just feel like they are fitting a little better (not so tight).
I am so excited. it truely is fun to go and do, and I really do look forward to it every week. When Mara told me that...I was thinking yeah right. but it is true.
I will check back and let you know how it goes today!

As for school. School is irritating me. I am ready to drop my asessment class. But I won't. My teacher is not giving me any information, and I have to meet with a mentor this term ( once a week), and she keeps asking me questions that I don't have answers to, and I can't seem to get answers to. my teacher is so vague it is driving me insane. It is online class, so i can't just walk up to her and have a discussion. I have to email, then wait for a reply, then reply back (since I didn't get my answers I needed), and wait again. In the meantime, assignements are due, and i have no clue what to do. last term was not this difficult. It was rather easy compared to this term. I hate having to have a mentor here, and having a teacher in cyberspace. Oh well. i guess I just needed to vent a little. My other class (statistics) is going great. It is a lot of time consuming work, but I understand, and I know what is expected of me.

Hope everyone's Turkey day was fun. I had a great time at home with my family. I didn't want to return to work. It was nice not doing much of anything. I played some poker, did some logic puzzles, did homework (yucky pooh), saw lots of old friends/co-workers, visited the fire department and saw the new engines (very nice!), and got lots of rest (not as much as I would have liked, but you know me!).
Looks like I have to be here for Chrsitmas. I have to work on the 23, 24, and have the 25th off. So I will be here, probably sleeping lots. I do get to go home for 4 days before that. So I am looking forward to that.

Well, better go, wanna get a nap (had some schoolwork to do early this am, so I got up early), then it is off to the gym today! Yeah, I can't wait!!

Power of 10: Week 2

This is awesome!! I went to the gym today for week two of Power of 10. I feel great. I haven't lost any weight, but according to my scales at home, I have lost 2-4% body fat. I do not know how accurate it is. Because it is showing like 34%. I used to be like 45%, so I don't know. I was 36% before I started. I weighed yesterday morning, just for fun...no weight loss, actually a few ounzes gained, but down to 34%. Today I weghed again ( I don't normally weigh two days in a row, but since I was going to the gym, I did it officially today.), and a pound gained, and 32%. So, I am not sure, again, how accurate it is, but we'll see.
Todays workout was great. I really felt like I worked hard. I did only about 3-8 reps per machine. I am getting used to doing the slow workouts. I really felt muscle failure on them all. I seem to be having some difficulty with the lateral raise machine. Either, I am really weak, or I just can't move that way. I have some shoulder issues on my right side. Every once in awhile (more often than not, lately), it gets really tight, and I can barely life my arm up. So, I think once that gets better, I will get better at the lateral raise.
So enough about that, I am really stoked about this. I am doing good. Once I start repeating exercises, I think I will see improvements in weight and reps.
One thing is for sure, I KNOW, I am gonna hurt tomorrow. Last week, I wasn't so sure I did things right. I hurt, but not as bad as I would have liked. I know that sounds horrible, like I like to hurt...but I do!! I like to know that my time at the gym actually meant something, and I did something!!
That always makes me feel good!!
Well, I am off to home for the holidays. I havne't been home since July. That is a long time for me!! Happy Turkey Day to everyone out there! I hope you can all be with your families this year, and be thankful for something. I am thankful for my friends and family this year. They have been very supportive!!

24 Hours after

So, I am starting to feel a little sore tonight. I am thinking I will feel pretty sore in the morning. I usually hit my peak at about 36 hours. I am hoping to maybe go for a small run tomorrow night. I will see how I feel. of course...Harry Potter opens tomorrow too, so maybe I will have to see that.
Tasha, how are you feeling? Sore yet?
My sister is pretty sore too, but that is expected of us I guess.
I think my abs are hurting the most when I stand up. My legs, not so much, but still a little sore. Arms...that was where i didn't feel I did my best at, so...but they hurt a little. My biceps, not at all. Chest...yeah, that hurts!
Well, now that you all know where I am hurting right now...
I can't wait till next week. Plus, I work 4 days in a row (which sucks), but then I get to go home!!!
Yeah, I totally excited about that. I haven't been home since the end of July. That is a long time.

First Time

So, I finished my first Power of 10 routine!! I feel great. I don't really feel like I worked myself to the limit in some areas.
First, the leg press, I kept going, and going, and...well you get the point. I added some weight, then added some more. i finally felt like I was reaching muscle failure, but only after about 20+ reps. That was the first exercise though, didn't know what to expect, or what I could do...so I moved on, and learned from it.
Second was Lat pulldown...did great. Felt muscle failure at about 6 reps. That was a good one.
Chest press....I am so weak. I could only do the bar weight of 30 lbs. I hit muscle failure at about 4-5 reps. The only thing is though, i didn't really feel "the burn", I was just pushing and nothing was happening, so I kept pushing, and still nothing. I guess I had reached muscle failure.
Bicep curl...this would have been hilarious to anyone that watched. I lifted only 2 reps an couldn't move, but the funniest part...my left arm never really moved. I could lift the weight with my right arm, but my left arm, just stayed there. So I obviously have to work on strengthening my left arm, just to get to what my right can do. Really weird!!
Lat raise...well I could do about 2-3 on the weight I was at. I have never done any of these exercises, so i had no clue what to even start at, it was all blind luck. But that is okay. I will perfect my magic number, and do great soon.
As for abs...I did 60lbs, and the first rep i could move, but my entire body was shaking. I have never been one to do any sit-up/crunches...ever! i hate them, so I will have some work to do on my abs.
I finshed my work-out, and I feel pretty good. It was hard to leave the gym feeling like i didn't really work-out, but I know i reached failure on those machines, and now I need to rest! I will keep you posted as to my soreness tomorrow, and the days to follow.
I have a few days off, so that will be good. Then I work for 4 before i get Turkey break off.
Can't wait to go back, and do some more weights!! T-Minus 7 days...and counting!!

Sore

I am really glad that I went running yesterday. You know, the days when you really feel like you worked something good...
Cuz you hurt like HELL!
Well, I hurt today. I don't quite hurt like hell, but i do hurt.
A good hurt, though.
I feel like my 4 mile run yesterday meant something, that my body responded to me working out, and is now repairing itself.
Now, I really can't wait till Wednesday, when i start Power of 10.
I wanna feel the burn, the pain, the work!!
I know this is gonna be great!!

POST

So, the concensus is...you all want me to post! So here it is... a post!!

Okay, so I really do have something good to post.

Wait for it...

I

Ran

Today!!

Yeah!!

My sister wanted to get out and go for a run, so I went with her. We ran 4 miles. At the beginning, I felt I was about to die.

Kept Running.

I knew I was gonna die.

Kept Running.

Okay, I did walk for about 1/4 of a mile, just so I wouldn't die. But then...

Kept Running.

I started up again, and I felt great. Not great enough to go for a ten mile run, but great to at least finish this one.

I was slow.

Jen was fast.

But, in the end, I still felt good about myself for getting out there. I can't wait to start Power of 10 on Wednesday. I know this is gonna be the thing for me. Plus, I have a friend (Tasha) and my sister (Jen), to help keep me motivated.

Mara, I am gonna depend on you, too, to demand weekly updates!! I need the motivational help from you all, but I really think, this is it!!

Keep Running.

Keep Lifting.

I have to Keep telling myself this!!

The day is set!

So, I have chosen the day to start working out. I needed to work around my schedule and my sisters schedule, and get started soon. I went to Bally Total Fitness website, Jen already has a membership there, and there is a gym about 1 block from where I live, and I got a free 2 week membership. I can go as many times as I want during this 2 week trial. I will start it on Wednesday, November 16-30. I am very excited to get started. I had to decrease my cable to basic in order to pay for a gym membership, but I am sure I will be doing less TV watching and more activities, once I get started, and start losing some weight.
So, the day is set, Nov 16, I will start doing Power of 10. I got the book (thanks Mara), and have been reading up on it. There are three pillars...exercise, nutrition, and rest. I got the third one down, and I am working on the first, now I just have to start thinking about pillar #2. That will be the hardest part, but I am going to do it.
When I put my mind to things, I do them!
I am gonna start by just decreasing the amount of sugar intake. That will be my biggest hurdle. Once I do that, I think the rest will fall into place. Plus, in the book, it says you should allow yourself once a week to eat whatever, no restrictions, that way, you get what you want, and still make healthy choices for the most part.
That makes me feel like I can eat healthy on most of the days, and eat whatever I want on one day...anyone can do that!
So, there you have it...my plan!!

Happy Halloween

Well, I had to work on Halloween, so I didn't dress up, decorate, or get any trick-or-treaters. Basically, it was just another day!!
However, Grason got to have his first holiday. Jen bought him a really cute onesie for H-day, and he helped hand out candy. Jen said they didn't get too many trick-or-treaters, but at least he was cute!!
This is what he looked like....

Isn't he the cutest???

Power of 10

So, Mara has been doing this workout called Power of 10. I really want to do it too. So, I am going to start. My sister said she would do it with me, but Tasha, if you want to too, I would love for you to join us as well. I asked my sister, because she just had a baby (5 weeks ago), and is needing to get back to running, and start working out again. I figured great chance to get a workout buddy. Besides, me and my sister can get together and go running (or walking) on days that we are not at the gym, pumping it up!! I figure, if I get 2-3 days of walk/running in, and 1 day of Power of 10, I will be set. Although, Mara was always quite sore for a few days after, so I will have to make sure I don't plan my walk/run days during that soreness/healing days.
I know I have promised on my blog to keep running, that I would not stop, but I did. So, I will not make another promise to you, but, I will say that I am going to try hard, and I will keep you posted of my progress.
I am very excited about starting. I will start in the next couple weeks. I have to get a gym membership, and plan time around the new mother. Tasha, if you seriously want to start with us, send me an email!! We can plan with you too. Once a week, one hour, can't be that difficult!!

And yet another...

So I did the what birth order are you...and it is not right. I have actually done this one in the past, several times, and I never got the middle child. This could be a good thing, or a bad thing, I don't know!
Here is what it came out as...

You Are Likely an Only Child

At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated. At work and school, you do best when you're organizing. When you love someone, you tend to worry about them. In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic. Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management. You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.

The Birth Order Predictor

So, as you can see, not all are right! But, they still are fun to do!

Another Test

So, I guess I jumped on the test bandwagon. Oh well, it is kind of fun!! Today, I share my political views, I didn't even really know where I stood myself!!!
Well, here it is...

You Are a Conservative Democrat

Frankly, the way most other Democrats behave embarasses you greatly. You pride yourself on a high level of morals, and you have a good grasp on right and wrong. It's likely you think America needs to get back to its conservative, Juedo-Christian values. Why aren't you a Republican then? Because you believe the goverment helps more than hurts.

What political persuasion are you?

There you have it! I am a conservative Democrat....what that means...I have no clue!!

And...what my underwear says about me...

What Your Underwear Says About You

You like to think of yourself as innocent, even though you're not! You're a closet exhibitionist who gets a thrill from being secretly naughty.

The Underwear Oracle

I didn't know that about myself, but alright, I guess I will go with it!!

Life Score

I got this from Mara, so I did it too. Here is how my life is rated...

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	7.1
Mind:	7.6
Body:	5.7
Spirit:	6.3
Friends/Family:	5.9
Love:	0.8
Finance:	8.1
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

Draw a pig

I went to Kitten's website, and found a link to draw a pig. This is the pig that I drew...

And what it says about me....
Toward the middle, they are a realist.
Facing left, they believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates (birthdays, etc.)
With many details, they are analytical, cautious, and distrustful.
With 4 legs showing, they are secure, stubborn, and stick to their ideals.
The size of the ears indicates how good a listener they are. The bigger the better. I drew medium sized ears, I am a good listener.
The length of the tail indicates the quality of their sex life.
And again more is better! I drew a medium sized tail!!

Every Girl's Dream!

So, I was randomly checking out other people's blogs. I came across Ellie, a link from Mara's blog, and I found this post...Every Girl's Dream. I completely and utterly agree with every word in this post. Girl's...what do you think? Sure makes me want to run out and find the love of my life!!
Here is what she posted as every girl's dream....

Every Girls Dream

1. Get kissed in the rain*
2. Have that one hott kiss where your pressed against the wall*
3. Have a guy that thinks you're the world*
4. Have a guy that holds on as long as possible when giving hugs*
5. Have a guy that whispers he loves you in your ear*
6. Have that moment where you just gaze into each other's eyes*
7. When you cry, he kisses your tears away*
8. When you're not with him, he's all that you can think about*
9. Wearing his jacket and his scent surrounding you*
10. A guy who will watch any movies with you, no matter how teary eyed you may get.*
11. A guy who squeezes your hand*
12. A guy that says he loves you and MEANS IT*
13. A guy that will play your favorite song outside your window*
14. A guy who is loyal*
15. A guy that will sing to you no matter how bad he is at it*
16. A guy that will kiss you on the forehead*
17. A guy that will call you beautiful or adorable.... not hot, fine, or sexy*
18. A guy that will never judge you for how you look*
19. A guy that says cheezy stuff to you just to make you smile*
20. A guy that is the same when he is with you and with his friends*
21. A guy that tells you everything honestly*
22. A guy that is good with your family and introduces you to his family*
23. A guy that will always let you win*
24. A guy who stands up for you no matter who it is against*
25. A guy who calls you at night just to say hi and see how your day has been*
26. A guy who tells you that your smile makes his day and makes everything better*
27. A guy who will sit on the phone with you when your sad, even if your quiet*
28. A guy who you can hangout and have fun with*
29. A guy who'd just randomly call you for no reason at all, just because he missed you*
30. A guy who treats you the same, whether your by yourself or around his friends *
31. A guy who will hold your hand through the roughest parts of life*
32. A guy who would love me forever no matter the circumstance*
33. A guy who wouldn't mind me wanting to get all dressed up and do my makeup for him even if he says he likes me better without makeup*
34. A guy who will never be embarrased of his girlfriend when hes with his friends*
35. A guy you can BE YOURSELF with and he will never give a care and would still tell you that you are amazing to him.*
36. A guy who runs his fingers through your hair, like he's washing your worries/troubles away

posted by Scarlett D at 10/11/2005 04:48:00 PM

Grason Update

Hello all. My sister finally named the baby....and no it didn't take this long. His name is Grason Kyler. I love that name! He is adorable. Growing fast!!
Pretty much a routine still, eat-sleep-potty, but he has his moments. He is so much fun to watch when he sleeps. He has so many faces while he is sleeping. Starting to look more and more like Dad every day.
As for me...I haven't been up to too much. Work is great. I am learning so much still. I will be done with orientation within the next couple weeks. I can't wait...but yet, I can.
I wish I could tell stories about work on here, but because of confidentiality, I had better not. Sure makes for a boring blog, I know!
I may be heading home for a weekend soon. I was thinking of going home to visit at the end of October. I may wait until Thanksgiving time though.
My friend Mara is coming to visit this weekend, so maybe I will have some more fun stories to tell. I always have a great time with her, when she comes to visit. She gets me out of the house, and out doing cool things.
I haven't been running, but gosh, I really need to. Any takers??? Kidding!
I will post some updated pics of grason nearer to his 1 month bday. Gotta let the kid change a little.
Again, I know this is a boring post, but nothing too exciting going on here. I will have to go out, just to get a good story. I was thinking of going to church soon, too. There's gotta be a good story or two there, right???
Bye!

It's a BOY!!!

I am officially an Aunt! Jen and Joel are proud parents of a beautiful baby boy. Baby Mitchell as of now. He is 7lbs, 1 oz. 20 inches long. Born on Sept 27, 2005 at 4:06 pm. He has 10 fingers, 10 toes. Mom and Dad are both doing great!!
She went into labor this am. She did great, never even broke a sweat!! :) Me, mom, Joel, and Joel's mother we there for her. He is a very quiet baby, hardly any cries. Well, there are pics below....
So, without furthur ado....

Baby Mitchell

hmmm....

Nothing to write! Work...good! School...well, it's school! Life....good!
How 'bout you?

Back to school

Started school today....

Looks like I have a lot of reading to do! If you know me, I HATE to read. Especially when I am told to do it. I have three textbooks, a novel, and several articles to read. About 5 articles a week, at least. Some are more than 10 pages too.

Other than that, I think I should be fine.

Well, there are also a ton of papers I will have to write. I am taking a nursing class and a computer class. I think the computer class I will be fine in, since I know computers pretty well. But, the nursing stuff is all advanced work. I am a little concerned. I will have to be reading everyday, and researching everyday.

I am really gonna try to do this challenge. I really want to go get my Bachelor's, but I was really tired of the classroom scene. I think this online thing will allow me to do my work when I want to. Even if it is 3am. I doubt that will happen, but jsut in case!

Running Update!

I am still running!

Okay, there is more to this post! I was planning to do the Walt Dinsey World Marathon on Jan 8th, 2006, but I decided I am not going to now. It is very expensive, and I just started my job, so I don't think I want to ask for the time off.

I am still going to keep running!!

Don't worry 'bout that. I plan to slowly increase my mileage and keep running 4-5 times per week. I want to lose some weight too. I think it will be much easier once I get at least 20-30 lbs off.

I have been running 3-5 times per week very faithfully for 4 weeks now. I am very excited that I have started running again. I know you are probably thinking I am just dropping out. I am not! I swear!

Really, its because I am not gonna take the time off in Jan. I want to get a good base first, then start training. Tomorrow, I am gonna try to run 6 miles. I tried last week, but I didn't make it due to the heat. (I didn't go till the afternoon...my fault, I know!)

Oh yeah.....work is great! I start working on the floor next Friday. I have one more day of orientation, then I start precepting! Yeah! I am so excited!

It's all about school

So, just when you think you have me all figured out.

I have decided to go back to school!!

I need to get my Bachelor's degree before I can move on to get my masters. I was planning to go to WSU, but I needed a few prereqs and they weren't being offered at the branch campus near me. I couldn't find an equivalent course that transferred at any of the nearby junior colleges. So I had decided to hold off a year or two.
Well, I found an online college that I am so excited about. It is Kaplan University. They have several campus colleges in Illinois, Florida, and Iowa, I believe. I don't even really remember where I got information, but before I know it, I am signed up for classes.
I start Aug 22nd. I decided to start sooner rather than later, cuz I am motivated now. In October, I may have changed my mind. I have never taken on online class before so this will be an experience. A good one though.

I applied for FinAid, and it is settled, I don't have to pay a cent. Plus I qulaify for a $3000 scholarship from the school and a $1400 voucher to be used the last term. I am not sure how long it will take me. I do have some prereqs to finish (Nutrition and statisics), but I can do those online too.

I am just taking one class at a time for now, to see how I do, and if I like it. I may take more as time pregresses. I will keep everyone posted of my progress. It may be a couple years till I graduate, but so be it. I am glad I can remain working fulltime and not have to put off starting up again.

I think my first class is proffessional issues. Wish me luck.....

What color are you?

AQUA You enjoy life, humor, and being exuberant. Wherever you go you usually find yourself stealing the spotlight without even trying. You love to let go and have fun. Find out your color at Quiz Me!

As you can see I am aqua! they just ask you a few questions and then apparently, they tell you what color you are. I don't know how scientific it is, but kind of fun!

Just Checking in

Nothing exciting happening! Just working, well orienting I should say. I can't wait to start taking care of patients. It feels like I have never taken care of a patient before. It has just been so long since I have had any patient contact, I am feeling green. I hope it all comes back to me. The skills part are coming back and I am ahead of the group. I excel in tests, and get projects done before any of the others.
Next week we have another week of orientation type work, then we start on the floor. I don't start till Friday of the following week (19th), so I will have a few days off. Like I need more of those. After all the orientation and preceptorship is done (about 3 months), then I will be able to pick up extra shifts. I have already started volunteering. We now get paid for volunteering, so its kind of like extra shifts, but out at the golf course! How nice.
Well, thats it! Nothing real exciting. What's going on with everyone else?????

New Job

I started my new job! The whole reason I am here...to start working as an RN, and I am finally doing it!

Well.....sort of....

Right now, its all just orientation. I am taking lots of little classes. We are reiterating everything we learned in school, and some guest speakers (liek doctors or other employees) are coming to talk with us. It really is fun though. I am getting to know my fellow new RN grads, and our nurse manager. She is the greatest. Every second I spend at work though, I am loving the job more and more.

I start precepting on the floor starting the week of Aug 15th. My preceptors name is Chuck. I haven't met him yet, but I hear he is very smart and knowledgable, so I will be excited to pick his brain and ask as many questions as possible. You all know me, I like to ask questions!!

I will be on day shift, with one of the other girls, her name is Cheryl. The other two will be nights. We were assigned, so I am really glad I don't have to put my time on nights first, I was expecting that.

Hmmm.......what else can I say?

I am not sure. I think CBC was a better school though. It sounds as if their school ( they all graduated from PCC) didn't cover as much stuff, at least not as in depth as we got. I am pretty confident in my skills in basic heart rhythms. But, it sounds as though, they didn't get very much training. That makes me feel pretty good. They are all very smart though, so that is good.

Cheryl, the other day new grad, was a firefighter too, so we have that in common. We have also all decided to go volunteer in two weeks. We are all excited about that.

Dare I say, I think I have some friends at work now. It is great being a part of a team again. I really miss that.

Oh yeah......still running. I have been getting up at 5:30 am each morning and running 30-45 mins. I am really excited and motivated. I am gonna keep it up this time. I will lose all my nursing school fat. I will run Walt Disney World Marathon (if I can get the time off).

I will. I will. I will.

Spoiled

I am at my parents house for the week. My sister is having her first baby (and the first in the family) in October, so she is getting her baby shower this weekend. I can't wait, I know this kid is gonna get so much, and he isn't even born yet. My sisters husband calls him Yoder Oder, since they haven't found a name for him yet.
When I was at my friends house last weekend, we got up and ran about 30 mins for the three days I was there. It was great, I really miss running. I also miss running with family and friends. When I lived here, so did all my friends and my family. Most of my friends have all moved away, and now I moved away from my family. The reason I am on this rant, is because, it was great to always have someone to go running with.
I trained for my first Marathon with my best friends. Jackie would run with me, and Suzy would ride the bike (on shorter runs, she would run too). I miss that. I was held accountable for the days we went running. If I didn't go, then I would hear about it. But now...I am the only one who knows if I don't go.
Back to my point, I am getting spoiled these last couple days, cuz last weekend I had my friend to run with and now, my parents.
Its been great!
My parents haven't always been exercising, but when doc says "exercise!" you exercise. So my parents have been getting up at 5:15 am to go walking.
This is great for them, they haven't had a steady exercise program in years. They are also adding in a few jogs here and there....did I just say my parents have been jogging???
Yes
I believe I did!
Actually, its true, they have been jogging. They go out for about 30 mins and walk, and do a few jogs here and there.
Well, when I come along.....I don't tke walk for an answer.
I peel myself out of bed on Wednesday morning at 5:20am, an I barely awake, and we start off walking. Thats ok, I normally do a little warm-up walk anyhow.
Well, when I turned the corner, I started jogging.
They started too.
They kept up!...I was very shocked. They had a few stop and catch my breath walks, but I kept pushing along, and so did they.
I was very impressed, so this morning, I did the same thing...got up at 5:15 am, went jogging, but this time, I pushed mom to go just a bit farthur (the ext street), and dad turned home at the regular street. They both did so good.
I am gonna keep getting up at 5:15 am, so I can have someone to go running with. Otherwise, I probably would sleep in till 9 or 10, and by then it would way too hot to run. It has been 100-104 these last couple days here.
Not fun, so I am spoiled, I get to go running with family and friends again. I know it won't be permanent, but I am hoping it will be a start for my training for the Walt Disney World Marathon (Jan 8, 2006). I have been planning to do this one since 2004.
If all goes well, I will get up at 5:15am for the next few days, and go for my 30-40 min run, and then, maybe I will just keep up the same thing when I get home, by myself.

I'm back....and off again!

Hello fellow bloggers!

I am back from my mini-vacation to visit my best friend. We had a blast. We went and saw a chic flick at the $1.50 theatre, we went to the museum of natural history, we went shopping, and we also went to this really cool old house. They give tours there, and, it was the coolest. It was built in 1888, and went through three families before being donated to the city. They do a great job preserving the old times. They accept donations, but only of the period from when people lived in the house. If they do renovations, they have a specialist come in, and he has to only fix things in the way they would back in the late 1800's, early 1900's.
I love walking through time like that. A couple years ago, my mother and I went to a cool museum that had a bunch of really old stuff in there. It is so cool to see all the things they used (and didn't use). I love looking at old photos and hearing things that happened back then.
Well, enough about my little rant. I am back. I am so glad I cleaned up and made thigns nice around here. I hate coming back to a dirty house. It was nice to walk in and have it all picked up.
I did mention I would be off again soon. I am headed back home ( to my parents house) for a week or so, before I start my journey of being a real RN. I start work Aug 1, and my sister is having her baby shower, so I figured, might as well go back early and hang out with my parents for a week or so. I think I will leave here again around.....Tuesday. That sounds good.
I am hoping to see a few more friends before I head off to workland.
Before I leave tonight, I need to wish one of my very good friends a Happy Birthday! Mara, I hope you had a great day and I hope you have a great year! I love ya, Happy Birthday!!

Vacation

Like I really need a vacation, all I have been doing is vacationing. Oh well, I am tking off today to go visit my best friend, Suzy. She lives a couple hours away, and it will be a nice visit with some social contact. I haven't been getting much social contact.
I am gonna try to start running while I am down there. I told Suzy, I wanted to go for at least 30-45 mins of running/walking every morning, and no sleeping in. I have packed my running shoes/clothes, so I am ready to start. I am hoping this will jump start my running here.
After I get back from visiting Suzy's, I am going back home. My parents have been running/walking every morning, so I will go out with them too. I need to get started, I really need to get motivated.
When I get back from my 2 mini-vacations, I will start working. I cannot wait. I am so excited to get started working as an RN. I have been talking with a few of my classmates, and I have heard that about 8 or 9 so far have not passed. That isn't very good. I also heard, they all had the minimum amount of questions. I am so glad I passed.
I will try to keep you all posted during my mini-vacations, so check back often.

I passed!

Yeah I passed my test! I am an Registered Nurse now. It is official. I just decided to randomly check the Oregon State Board of Nursing website to do a provider credential search....

...and there it was...

Kathleen S****** - RN - active!!!

I am so excited! I wasn't expecting it to be up until Wednesday, I don't know why I even checked. But, I did, and I was there, listed as an RN. I don't have to wait! Yeah. I can't believe it. I didn't even think I answered the questions right. I really was very worried! I kept thinking of better choices, but I guess I answered some right.

Well, I start my job on Aug 1st. There are 4 of us all starting at the same time. I really cannot wait. My boss even called this morning to ask if I had taken boards yet. I told her I just got back from taking them this morning!

That, really was the last test I have to take for a long time. I am so excited to finally start working as an RN.

Test

I took my test today. I do not feel very good about it. The test shut off at 75 (the minimum) questions. It took me about 60-65 minutes. There were alot of priority questions. Like, these are all people you are taking care of, who would you see first...I hate those. I can usually eliminate two of the wrong answers, but then, I usually tend to chose the wrong out of the remaining two.

I am so scared I won't pass. If I don't, then I have to wait 3 months before I can retake the test. I am very scared, because, my job depends on me passing this test. I can't work as an RN without my license. I find out Wed, so these next couple days are going to suck for me. I don't know how I am going to make it thru. Waiting is the hardest thing you will ever have to do.

I'll keep you posted, for now, I am gonna go cry!

NCLEX-RN

Tomorrow I take my test to get my RN license. I am just now starting to get very scared. I have been studying off and on for a week now...more off than on. And, I have been studying all day today. I am getting worried that I will not remember everything, or be able to critically think the way I should.
If I don't pass the test tomorrow, I have to wait three months before I can retake it, and pay another $200. That stinks! So, I guess I will just have to pass it, so I don't have to worry about retaking it.
I will keep everyone posted! I will find out Wednesday July 20th.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter was released today. I was not one of the people that went and camped out at Barnes & Noble at midnight (or before). I wasn't even sure I was gonna buy a hardback. I don't like reading the hardback books, the paperbacks are way easier and more comfortable to read.
But, I don't think I can wait another year to read the sixth installment of Harry's adventures.
So, I bought the hardback.
I started reading it. It isn't that bad, I mean reading a hardback, the book itself...I think it is gonna be a great book. It starts off a little different than the past books though. I hear that we are gonna get some answers in this book. She only has one more to go before we get all the answers.
I won't share any Harry Potter book info. I don't want to ruin it for anyone. I personally love reading HP. J.K Rowling is a great author, and I enjoy her stories very much. I love the movies too, but of course, the books are always better. Next HP movie to be released is Goblet of fire, releasing Nov 16th, I believe. I can't wait!

A Day at the Beach

I took Charlie to the beach today. I think he had a good time. We drove out to Cannon Beach around lunch time. When we got there, it was pretty windy. Of course, it is the beach. He was a little reluctant to go with, but once he got out there, he had a blast.
The weather was great, blue skies all around, with a few puffs of white. The temperature was warm, even with the cool breeze. The water was great. I didn't go out oo far, cuz Charlie barely stands above ground, I didn't want to drown him. But we did get in some water.
We walked pretty far along the beach, it was great. He was barking and talking to anyone who would listen. He would stop and say hi to many people. He even made a good friend (see pic). We walked down to the big rock and back, ran a little and just had a great time.
On the way back, Charlie found a dalmation and a black lab. The dalmation was friendly, but the owner instructed her husband to take the other dog away. Well, as Charlie and the Dalmation were smelling each other and "getting-to-know-the-other", apparently the leash of the other dog broke, and the big black lab came roaring towards Charlie. Well, when Charlie freaks, he bows down and stays still. That other dog didn't care, he just grabbed Charlie in the mouth, and as Charlie was trying to get away, the big dog took a BIG bite out of Charlie's back leg.
I was so scared, but he got away with just a few scratches, and a bit scared. He walked right next to me the entire way back to the car. He didn't dare bark at another dog or person.
He was such a good doggie. We had a great day at the beach!

Pacific Ocean

Charlie is checking out the ocean. He isn't that big of a fan of water, so he treaded lightly. Don't worry, he didn't drink any ocean water.

Charlie's Friend

This is the friend that Charlie made. He was a nice gentleman, and petted Charlie for a few minutes. I think, he really liked Charlie. I didn't get his name. They also gave me a tissue because Charlie deposited a little something on the beach.

Self-Portrait

This is me at the beach. I didn't ask anyone to take a pic, so I just held up the camera and shot. I think it turned out pretty good. Today is my Half-Birthday!!

Running away...

This is Charlie running down the beach, before the "incident" with the other dog. The houses in the back were beautiful. I sure wouldn't mind living there....except for the wind. I hate wind!

I'm (not) full of gas

So, you may be able to guess with the title....

I ran out of gas today.

I know, I am sad. Mara even reminded me to get gas. I forgot. When my tank beeps low fuel, it means I can go at least another 50-60 miles. So, I checked it was at 300 miles when it first beeped with Mara. I told her nothing to worry about....we got plenty left...
Then, I forgot about it. She left Sunday night, and I ran some errands Monday afternoon. I went here, and there, and just about everywhere.

But, right before I got to everywhere....I piddled, and I sputtered. Then, I stopped!

I was out and about, ready to turn onto the highway. As I was waiting for my turn at the on ramp, I was glancing at my tank, thinking I REALLY need to get gas. I checked my mileage...370. I had already pushed past the 50 or 60 miles, and gone 70 miles.

Well, I was already on the on-ramp, couldn't turn around, so I figure, I will take the next exit and get some gas before I continue on my merry way.
I get just to the top, ready to start accelerating and I hear it...it sputters, and slows. I quickly signal to get off to the right, and pull over.

It is official. I ran out of gas. So, I call my sister.....no answer. She works near where I was, and it was right about the time for her to go home, so I figure I will just catch her...nope, she decided to go to the gym today. So, I try my brother-in-law....he is headed home to meet a prospective car buyer...no time to rescue me.

He suggests, I put my car in neutral, and coast back down the on ramp (luckily it was an incline). So, here I am, with my hazzard lights blinking.....I coast backwards down an on-ramp.

I prayed no police were around, cuz I am sure that was not legal.

No cops! Yeah

So, in the mean time, my sister calls me back. Joel, her husband had gotten a hold of her and filled her in. She met me at the bottom of the on ramp to pick me up and take me to the nearest station.

Funny thing about it....there was one right at the bottom of the on-ramp! I know....I could have done that on my own. Oh well...moral support, I guess.

So, we go and get some gas. The attendant lets me borrow the gas can, cuz he doesn't have any for sale. Nice man! I am glad there are a few generous people out there. Of course, he needed a "deposit" to make sure I returned the can.

"It's not that I don't trust you, it's just that we have lost plenty of gas cans over the years, you know?"

I understand, so I hand him my cell phone as a "deposit". I will get it back, upon the safe return of his gas can.

I am thinking to myself, am I ever gonna see that again. I didn't want to hand him my license, and not have it on my way back. My luck, I would have been pulled over after all that. So, I figure my cell phone will be good enough.

So, I took my gas to my car, it started, and I made my way back to the station to return his gas can, get my phone back, fill my tank, and be off.

In the end, it was all very funny. I had never actually ran-out-of-gas before. I have learned my lesson. I will refill when my tank hits 1/4 mark from now on. My dad taught me that a long time ago, but do I ever listen...nope!

underwater adventures

This is one of the better pictures that were taken in a tank. Most of them came out dark or fuzzy. This is a sea lion. They had some fun taunting us above water, but, we found out they were only playing for the people below water.

Mara

This is Mara with the remains of an elephant. We didn't look around too much in this little house of learning, we wanted to see the live animals. So, I can't tell you how old the bones are, but I am sure they are pretty old! Take my word for it.

Big Bird

This bird is very smart. While we were watching him pick at his feathers, I was getting my camera out, ready to shoot. Well, he saw me, I guess, cuz as soon as I put up the camera, he posed...yep, you heard me...he posed. As soon as I shot the photo, he went right back to what he was doing. It was so cool, it happened so fast too!

Is that an elephant or are you happy to see me?

This was the elephant of the park. He didn't look too happy, but then again, what does a happy elephant look like?

No monkeying around

I know this isn't the best picture, please take in account, it was a disposable camera, and there was glass in front, so the flash wouldn't be effective if I had tried it! This monkey looked at us, and I swore he was begging us to let him free! It was so cool! Unfortunately, we could not free him. He wasn't happy with us.

Long necks!

This is me and the giraffe, George! I just named him! I loved the giraffes, they were the coolest. We didn't get to see any lions, and the tigers were sleeping, and the bears were hiding.

Karaoke and an animal or two!

My friend Mara was in town this weekend. We had a great time. When she first got here we went and saw Bewitched. It was really good. Then went out to lunch and went shopping.
Glad to reoprt...I did NOT buy a thing.
Well, I lied....I almost got out of the mall without buying a thing, but....there were socks...
...with pigs on them...
...and they were pink. (See above)
I could not resist....they were on clearance for $2.30, so I bought them.
But I swear...I never bought anything else.
Enough about that, the more exciting part is after night fall....and so the story begins....

The first night we went out karoake-ing. It was great. I would love to tell you all about this, but Mara is way better with words....she put it all in her blog, and tells the story great! Please visit In Portland from Mara's blog.
Today we were headed off to the baseball game I had free tickets for....but we kept finding things we needed to do first.
We had to eat.
Didn't feel like eating at the game, so we went to Costco for a hotdog and drink for $1.50. Can't beat that!
Then, I had forgotten to remind her to check-in for her flight, so we went back to my apt, to do that online, so she could get on the plane first! She got to get on the plane first, so it's good we went back and did it when we did!
Then, we had to go get some money. But...it is Sunday, ATM's only dispense $20 bills. If you go to the MAX station with a $20 bill, you get $18 in change...I'm talking change! (Suzy and I learned that the hard way a few weeks back!) So, we stopped at Albertson's to buy something little to get some change. Then we were off to the MAX. By this time we are already 45 mins late for the game, and the train ride is at least another 25 mins longer. So we get on, and headed off. We get to Washington Park, and I mention this is the Zoo...!
M: "Zoo??"
K:"Yeah, the zoo!"
M:"Do you wanna do that instead?"
K:"Well, we could, we're already an hour late for the game....might as well."
So, we do...we get off and go to the zoo! We didn't bring my camera so we figure we'll get one at the gift shop, right? They have to have one at the gift shop we say.
Well...they do.
A glorious 27 exp disposable camera for the cheap price of....
$12.99
What the f#^%?
Yeah, Rite Aid sells them for cheaper...I think around $4. But, no....the zoo needs to sell them for $12.99. I really wanted pics, so I bought one, Mara refrained. (good job Mara!)
And we proceeded to the zoo.
It was fun, not alot of sights at first, we must have looked at 4 or 5 cages before we actually saw a live animal. I was beginning to think they were all retired for the day. But, we did eventually get to see a monkey or two, a bear, an elephant, a peacock running wild, and I believe a rat ( or large mouse) ran across our path. I did get 27 photos of various animals. I will post them as soon as I get them developed. I can't just plug them into my computer and upload...nope the disposables have not come that far yet! I have to wait for film processing.
Overall, I had a great day. It was fun, I got to see cool animals, I got to hang with a great friend for two days, and I had some social contact!! Thanks Mara!!

Some of the cool fireworks...I couldn't get very many good pics, but this is a pretty good one! 

This is me! I got burnt from the day before, so I wore a baseball cap to help prevent more of a burn! Aren't I cute? 

This is pregnant Jen at the fireworks show! 

Joel's neighbors all playing poker...I got out a long time before this!

Fireworks

I had some fun at the fireworks show in Vancouver. Me, my sister, her husband, and several neighbors all went to the largest firework show west of the Mississippi. It was so much fun! We went there at about 4 or 5, sat around and played games, walked around, and just hung out till 10:10pm. Then..........we had 20 glorious minutes of fireworks. It was so fun though, they played music to the fireworks, and it all went together. If the music said skies of blue....blue fireworks went off. It was fun, but hot though, man....was it hot!
The day before, Jen, Joel, Dave (Joel's friend), and Joel's parents all went to the Willamette Jet Boat excursion, that was the coolest. We went out on the Willamette for two hours in this huge jet boat, that held 20-30 people. It went pretty fast, probably about 50-60mph. Also, we did 6 or 7 360 degree turns, some while going really fast. That was the coolest. I did get burned pretty bad, but it was still really cool!

4th

Nothing exciting going on over here! Jen's parents-in-law are here, so she is busy with them. Joel's bday was Fri, so we might celebrate this weekend. I think we are gonna go see the fireworks on Monday night in Vancouver, but other than that, nothing exciting. I baked some cookies yesterday, that was fun! What are you doing this weekend??

hmmm...

I should've posted the previous post a LONG time ago, I got my ATT today. I scheduled my test for July 18th, that was the earliest I could! So, I have a couple, okay 3 weeks to start studying. Hehehe, yeah right, but really, I should! I am also trying to get my EMT certification transferred, so I can join Tualitin Valley Fire & Rescue. I live pretty close to one of the stations...so I am looking forward to getting back on with a department. I need to start running though, or I won't be getting anything but a swift kick in a$$, as I am getting kicked out. I so need to get into shape again, it is just so hard to get going!

Testing!

So, i have to just sit and wait for my authorization to test (ATT) from the board of nursing now. That is required before I am allowed to sit for my boards. They have to make sure I really did graduate and not just say I did. They can't have jsut anyone sit for boards you know. So, while I am waiting, I should be studying, right? WRONG! (well I should be...) I am not! I feel I am gonna forget everything by the time they get around to letting me test. I know I won't, but I haven't even thought nursing since school ended. Graduation was it for me....time to start thinking .....laziness? Boredom? Sleeping? Yeah, that sounds good! Kidding! Okay, so I just got word from my friend Pam....she passed!! Yeah! She took the test on Monday and found out today! I am so excited for her! Now, I have to sit here and wait......and wait....and wait....for my ATT. I can hear the clock ticking...and the hands just zooming, like in the movies...tick, tick, tick.

Concert with Kenny!!

So I went to the Kenny Chesney Concert last night! It was awesome. I have to admit though, I was a little dissapointed! All he had was loud music, lots of lights and he danced around the stage a bit. He didn't talk much. Don't get me wrong, it was so much fun, and I wouldn't trade it for anything...but Reba's concert was way better. That's ok, they can't all be better than than the previous ones. He did alot of signing autograph's at the end too, which is way cool! No, I wasn't even near him, he was about an inch big from where I stood. But.....I could hear him!! (well....through the mic...not without) Gretchen Wilson was there too, she put on a great show....I was pleasantly surprised...nothing fancy, she didn't even dance around the stage much, but she is a great singer and I was impressed. Pat Green was there too, he didn't sing much, about 5 songs. Wave on Wave is the only one I recognized...didn't even know who it was until we were leaving and I saw his T-shirt for sale...then I realized it was the guy who Mara made me a CD for. She is great, she sent me three awesome CD's. I had never heard of him before, but now I have!! So, overall the concert was great, I had a blast! Oh....and NO Renee sightings! Too bad, that would've been cool!

At Home

I move out....then I go home to visit....then I don't leave! End of story! Seriously, I came home on Friday for Father's Day, and I am still here....on Tuesday. I have nothing to get back to, so I figure, why go back! It is nice to take a long, relaxing vacation. I know it isn't the Bahamas, but it is relaxing. I get to sleep in, watch tv all day, write emails, play games, I don't HAVE to do anything. I think I will go home soon, but I am gonna stretch this "vacation" out as long as I can. Soon, I will have to go back, and my life will start, and I will get so busy again that I have no time to do anything fun, so I am going to have fun and relax now. I have great plans to start running again, but for now, they are just plans. I have went out walking some, but nothing serious. Maybe mom and I will go for a walk tonight. I am trying to convince her to go to a movie tonight....she is Mrs Betty Homemaker, so we can't do anything till she makes dinner....grrr! I might have to go alone, cuz I can, and I will!

Pinocle

I got to have my first get together tonight. My sister plays pinocle once a month at various friends houses...apparently tonight they were short, so they invited me! I was so excited! It was nice to go and meet some people. They were mostly all accountants, but it was still fun. She provided dinner...well breakfast! We got to eat breakfast and a ton of fruit. It was really nice! I was in the winner circle on my first game, then the two winners from each game go to play the championship round....we lost...that's ok. The winners each get a little something...this time it was some notepads and some blank notes....like I really need more junk to crowd my already filled apt! It was still fun to play...I haven't played pinocle in a long time, they had to help remind me how to play...it's just a gme though!

Neighbors

I just met a few of my neighbors. I went to take Charlie out and they were all smoking outside. They were really nice and let me through, and showed a genuine interest in Charlie, that was nice. One of them, her name is Jaina...she wants me to watch her dog for a month. She has a female mini-beagle. I love beagles, but I really don't think it is a good idea to watch a dog for someone else. She says she will pay for everything it needs, but I don't know. I guess her boyfriend (my neighbor) can't have dogs (I am assuming either he hasn't paid the deposit, or his kids have allergies....I dont know!), and something about something else. I think it would be a fun playmate for Charlie, but I seriously do not need another dog. It is so hard to say no to people, especially when they ask the way she did. She doesn't even know me, for all she knows, I could beat on my dog and starve him....hmmm....kidding! I don't, but she doesn't know that I don't! She must be deperate to find her a home. Her dogs name is Langley. She sounds like fun, but I can't watch her dog!
I might have a part-time, part-part-time job. I saw an advertisement on the mailboxes for a bbsitter. A baby- a two-month-old baby! They just need someone from 3:00-3:30 and 6-7pm daily...one and a half hours, and they are willing to pay $90/week. I could use that money for just a few hours of my time! Its not like I have anything better to do. I have been running some errands these last few days, and I have been trying to unpack, but I jsut don't feel like doing that all the time, so I don't. I am gonna go play pinocle tomorrow night with my sister and her friends...maybe I will make a friend of my own....!

Portland

Well, I did it! I graduated, I moved, I'm here! I like my new apt. I have a ton of stuff, bust I have already gotten most of it unpacked, now i just have to organize a few things. I think Charlie likes it here too, but I am not sure if he still thinks it is temporary. I go in this morning for my pre-employment screening....drug test, TB test, paperwork, you know! Which reminds me...I need to be there earlier than I thought, gotta go!

Interview 2

Had my interviews today....two of them. Yeah, I am totally stoked. The first interview was for a small hospital close to home in the critical care unit, which is where I wanted to end up eventually (might as well start there!!). So, I nailed the interview, answered everything with what she wanted to hear. I nailed the critical thinking exercises. Then we went for a tour (normal routine) and came back to her office she asked if I liked the hospital and if it sounded good. I said yes, I was really impressed. Then, get this.....she offered me the job, on the spot!! That's right! I had a "im completely shocked" look on my face and I was speechless. She was great, and said I should think about it. I didn't need to think about it, I was hooked. But I graciously accepted her card thanked her and left. Then went to y second interview.....that was a breeze after I knew I had a job already....it was ok, but I was not impressed and I accepted the first interviews job posistion the second I left my second interview. So............I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!!! Woohoo! I am so excited. The plan is to start working in early Aug, but maybe late July. That part totally sucks, but I am totally excited!!!
I started moving into my new apt too. I got the keys and have moved about 8 boxes in. Q is coming up this weekend and she is going to help me get started organizing, so when I move officially next weekend.....it won't be so chaotic.
I think I am going to love it here! This weekend I am hanging out with my friend Q and my sister. Tomorrow morning though, my sister is having an AC guy come out, she doesn't want him to be here alone, so I am house sitting while he is working. I am gonna bake and I have some movies to watch. It will be so great not to have to think about school or work or anything, I can just RELAX!
Oh yeah, today, official last day of nursing school.....I passed!!!!!!!!!!!
Today truely is the best day in the world, too bad I didn't meet Prince Charming today also. Oh well!

An Interview!

Hello,
I know it has been way too long. I just don't have that exciting of a life rigt now. WIth school and work, thats it. I have my last two clinical days tomorrow and Sunday. I can't wait for that. I graduate in three weeks, totally can't wait for that. and I move then too. But the best part...well let me step back a little. I have been getting very nervous about moving, 1) it is scary, 2) I don't have a job yet, and 3) it is very scary. Good news for problem #2....I got an interview! Yeah, it is June 2 (Suzy's b-day!), I can't wait. I hope it turns into something. I am interviewing for a position in the critical care unit. How great is that? I have two weeks, so maybe in that time I will get another interview too. I really don't care where I work, I just need a job! Please keep your fingers crossed, keep me in your prayers, whatever you believe, just do it!
Oh, Good news....Dodgeball Tournament went great....please visit Mara's Blog for details. There are about 10 really good pics on there too!
No bf's yet, too busy. I will be looking forward to meeting lots of new people in Portland and have ltos new friends! I will not be picking and choosing anytime soon. I really just want to make great friends, then, later, maybe find me a good man. I need to get settled first. As in, settled into my new job, my new apartment, and my new life! I am very scared (reference problems #1 and #3 above), I know this is a life changing thing, and it is still very exciting, but I am very scared. I am leaving my family and friends that I love very much. I know it isn't goodbye, just goodbye til later, but it is still hard. I haven't started packing yet, I need to start!
I guess now is the best time to start....I'm off then to pack!

Ding Dong the witch is dead...

So, maybe not the witch, but school is almost over. It is drawing nearer. T Minus 6 weeks and counting til my big move. I will be finalizing an apt at the beginning of June, and move in the middle of June. I so cannot wait. I will be so close to Jen, and she is starting to show. We all think she is having a boy. One month to find out for sure.
I am on a dodgeball tournament coming up in May. I can't wait! I think it will be so much fun. Thanks Mara for thinking of a fun activity to do. Nothing exciting in my life right now. I ran a half marathon this last weekend. It was a good run, not nearly as fast as I would have liked, but I finished and I ran the whole way. I haven't ran since the race, but I figure take a good week off, that way I don't get injured. Next up....Bloomsday! I also signed up for another half June 18 in Eugene. I have joined portlandfit as well, so I am planning to run Portland marathon in October.
No job yet, but I have applied to several Portland area hospital residency programs. I am hoping to get a job at one of them. I should be hearing from them soon, I hope. One program deadline was today, so maybe next week? Let's hope! Please keep praying for me!
Well, nothing else exciting going on. Doing alot of work, school, and clinicals. Not getting much work in Spokane, but then again, haven't been trying.
Enough for now.....