So Excited!

I finally made it to my parents' house. And like a typical "College Student," I brought my laundry home. I'm such a big fail! But I've been doing laundry all day. But I'm sure my mom doesn't mind. Because I'm also doing her laundry.

On Friday, we're going to go visit my Nanie and Tatie. I'm so excited! Even if I have to leave early Sunday morning. Darn work! But honestly, I haven't been to my Nanie and Tatie's house since Thanksgiving 2007! What a fail I am! But I've seen them since then. I just haven't gone to the mountains. I'm so excited to go visit. Honestly, I used to spend months with them when I was younger.

I also can't wait to go get some R&R. I've been on overdrive since January. So I'm really excited about this trip. All I've got to do is finish my laundry. Because there's a lot of it. Oh, and I need to go grocery shopping. I'm the designated cook for the week. :) But honestly, I'm excited about it all! ♫

Oh Laundry

I really need to do laundry. Like desperately need to do laundry! I'm leaving tomorrow. I'm going to go visit my parents and my grandparents for the holiday. But I've been slacking on the laundry.

Why? Because both my washer and dryer are broken. Heck, they came with my house. But honestly, they're both older than I am. And well, I can't afford new ones. So for the last year, I've trekked my laundry to the Laundromat, or to J's house. He travels a lot too. So when I'm doing paperwork, I also tackle my laundry.

But the last month, well it's been busy. And I have a lot of clothes. You know, I've got a bunch of socks...even if they have holes in them. And a crap load of underwear. To be honest, I've been living in scrubs for the last month. And that's 1 quick load of laundry. So the rest, well I've just been shoving it in my hamper. But I need to find some time to do it. I might just go to J's house. I know he's already on his way to TX.

Honestly, I would love to have a laundry room like the one in this picture. I have a large laundry room. But it just doesn't work. Mostly because my washer and dryer don't work. But I have HUGE cabinets and everything. I just need to make it function.

So that's on my "To-Do List." I really want to to a few projects in there. Like make a curtain for the window. Maybe put up some shelves. And finally hang those pictures I bought. Now I just need to make the time. You know, to decorate my laundry room. And to do my laundry! ♫

Doing the Prep Work

It's almost that time. You know, to start my garden. I'm a lot like my Tatie in that respect. I like a nice garden. I started planting veggies a few years ago. Last year, I really got into it. Everything was going amazing. Until our crazy weather got really crazy! My plants stopped growing in the middle of the summer. Then in November, my plants were growing wild. I had mini watermelons in November! Until they froze...

But it's Spring. And now I need to start getting ready to plant. So I spent 3 hours pulling small weeds, trying to kill part of my grass, and just prepping. The grass keeps taking over my flower beds and garden spot. And I'm trying to revive the grass in the front yard. I was covered in dirt, stickers, and weeds. But my yard is coming along.

And if you've ever seen the size of my yard, you know it takes a lot to keep it up. I'm constantly doing something! But I really do enjoy it. I can see flowers cracking through the ground. I've already got a bunch of seeds. I need to start them in my cups. I can't plants seeds directly in the ground. The birds eat them. But I'm almost ready to start my Spring planting. ♫

Rained Out

Well, it's official. The NASCAR race was rained out today. Yes, I was ready. Stacks of charts, the boys' lunches, and some crochet. But no deal! The rain came. And Martinsville racing has to wait until tomorrow.

What is that? I watch NASCAR racing at work? Yes I do! Because we have 10 little boys that LOVE it! They live for Sundays. They're all patients who pretty much live at the hospital. Sundays are the highlight of their week. And they can't stand for people to bother them during the race.

Dr. S noticed that the boys always wanted to pile up into one room. And they would get annoyed at nurses who would bother them. They're between 4-8 years old. He also noticed my "Jeff Gordon" scrubs that I wear every Sunday. :) So began my Sundays with the boys...

Every Sunday, we have a full day. When you work in PEDS, Sundays are our "Growth Days." We do the most charting on Sundays. And we make sure our kids are still growing. We have "1st years" that come and do the measurements and weight of every patient in PEDS, PICU, and NICU. I have to analyze them. So why not do it, while taking care of "The Boys."

Now on Sundays, I collect charts of kids that I have to evaluate for nutrition. Then as the measurements are taken, the charts are delivered to me. Then I get to take care of "The Boys." I evaluate and check them throughout the race. The only other person that comes in is Dr. S. And we make our way to one of the big family rooms. It's a room for any family members that decide to stay overnight at the hospital. But it's HUGE! And there is a gynormous TV. So we hangout in there.

All the boys cheer for different drivers. They all try to get me to forget about "Super G." But I refuse. He's my driver. Little M, he is so into Dale Jr. The boy has his hospital room covered in Dale Jr. memorabilia! But we all sit there and cheer for our guys. For the entire race. I usually have to bribe them to eat their lunches. Lunchtime happens to be at the time most of the races begin. And then, they end by dinnertime. Some days are good...some are bad. But we enjoy our Sundays. :)

Until this week. The rain came. And now our race is postponed until tomorrow. I usually go to "Rounds" on Mondays. In the PEDS units, it usually takes the entire morning. Then I go home. But tomorrow, I'll be hanging with "The Boys." Because they insisted. And Dr. S tries to keep the peace in all 3 PEDS units. So tomorrow, I'll be cheering for "Super G." ♫

Tweet Tweet

I'm back at work. I have a few minutes before I need to prep for surgery. So I decided to post a quick note. The party today, was amazing! We got to see both sets of new twins for a few minutes. They swung by to pick up some food. And the party, it turned into a party for Nana (me) too! A is too sweet. I even had my own pinata!

Maestro G has to be the best cook I know! He did 90% of the cooking. And we had 4 big birthday cakes. Yes, I got my own too! 4 cakes? An Ariel cake for L, a Tinkerbell cake for Mi Princesa, a cute flower and polka dot cake for My Care Bear, and a monkey cake for me! We had so much fun. And I'm still stuffed from a day of eating. :)

The guys also played. Yes, the Matanza was complete with a Mariachi. Let's not forget that Mi Princesa's parents are mariachis...and the entire group has turned into familia. Oh, her Nono and Nana also happen to be marachis. So it was a lot of fun! We even got to sing a song together.

There were loads and loads of presents. The 4 of us each had a carload of goodies. I can't believe how blessed we are! I probably had the most fun breaking my pinata. Oh and playing with my Play-Doh. Thanks A!

But I'm back to work. And I signed up for a twitter account for this blog. You can find it here. And I also included a link on the right side of this blog. Now I've got to go help save a life. Happy Saturday! ♫

Friday Fill In #1

Friday Fill-Ins are similar to my "Sugar and Spice" things. As in, they are weekly. Friday Fill-Ins are slightly different though. You are given phrases to complete. My answers will be in purple. I hope you will play along. Many people already do! And honestly, it's a fun little thing. Especially if you have a blog. It's a way to motivate you to blog. Happy Friday!

1. The right word is not always what people want to hear.

2. Open and shut the door quietly, please.

3. Up and away.

4. The hospital is where you'll find me.

5. Ooh! What is that beautiful flower?

6. Being home is a good idea.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to saving lives, tomorrow my plans include a fun birthday party and Sunday, I want to eat pancakes and watch the NASCAR race! ♫

Meaningful Gifts

This morning, I got ready to leave. It was time for me to get home. Work was calling. And tomorrow is the girls' birthday party. I really had to get home. But before I left my parents' house, the UPS man came by. With one last present for me...a necklace.

My Dad ordered me a necklace. Heart shaped...and 2-toned. With a rose in the center. The back read. "My little girl yesterday, my friend today, my daughter forever." It was perfect! And it matches a bracelet that he gave me a few years ago.

It really was perfect. I know my parents love me. I've never had to doubt that. But something like this very meaningful gift, it makes me remember. Remember that no matter what, I'm going to be OK. And they're going to love me. That gift, it put me on "Cloud 9." I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD! ♫

The House That Built Me

More than any other song that I've heard in a long time, this song completely tells my story. "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert. That's my parents' house. Everything about me, is because of this house.

I've been struggling a bit with myself. A little lost. Burying it all in my school and work. Excelling at those things, but forgetting about me. I need to make me a priority. I need to so that this year.

This is one of the songs that I sing. We performed it at our last gig. And it's on the playlist for NC. I completely feel this song in my soul. In fact, I almost bring myself to tears. This song, is my song. And I hope that this house can help me to fill the empty space that's deep inside. ♫

I'm Home!

Yes, I got to my parents' house around lunchtime. I LOVE coming to visit my parents! I had some of my mom's leftover potato soup when I got here. So delish! I just love her cooking. Honestly, she can make a plain scrambled egg, and I'm happy. :)

But I must have been a really good girl this year. My parents bought me a new strand of pearls...lavender ones. They are gorgeous! In case you don't know it, I LOVE pearls. Over the years, my parents bought me a strand of pearls, a single pearl necklace, pearl earrings, and a pearl ring. But the lavender pearls, they're my favorite! Because purple is my favorite color. :)And I got more clothes. Some cute workout clothes. I really must have been a really good girl.

I left this morning at around 7AM. I left straight from work. Because I was called in last night. So it was a long trip. It was supposed to be 4 hours. But I hit snow along the way. And it made it much longer! By the way, isn't it officially Spring now? Oh well. I made it through the snow. But it was so worth it! I'm excited to just be home for a few days. And I'm ready to relax. ♫

Getting Ready for a Gig

When I heard this song...I should have known I was in trouble. You would think I would have learned something by now. No such luck! I was working at J's house earlier. Trying to get paperwork done for this weekend. And the payroll started. And I heard this song...

What does that mean? It's time to sign some contracts. Literally, Mr. Blue Eyes, Daddy Warbucks, and B come into my office. We start signing contracts for our NC gig. The one in May. When we're go for 2 weeks. Good money! But it's all the other stuff that we have to do, that I don't like.

I have to start eating better. Because I need to lose a few pounds. I workout every single day. At the gym...with Steve. My crazy trainer. It's a requirement for my degree. But I like it a lot! It's the eating part that's my downfall. Because I don't eat but maybe once a day. Sometimes not at all. I'm just busy. And like any other college student...poor as dirt. But for the next 2 months, I need to change that. Thank goodness we get half of our pay now. :)

Why? In about a month, we'll do a photo shoot. Promotional pictures for our gig. One of which, I have to wear a bikini and boots. They're having an event at the club were playing at...the "Boots and Bikini Contest." I'm not going to be in it. But that's one of the pictures. The rest, well they're our typical promotional stuff. The band and I. Mini skirts, boots, and tank tops for me. Don't forget the John Deere! And all the head shots that we sign. You would think we were famous or something.

See our gigs aren't just about playing. But we get paid to make appearances, to do "Meet and Greets," and to hangout with the VIPs. So I need to slim down. Being 5'0" tall...5 extra pounds on me look more like 20. So I need to start eating. So I can lose weight. Crazy, I know! But remember, I study nutrition. So I know these things. Oh, and I've done this more than once.

Let's not forget the outfits that the bosses brought. Including the black bikini with skulls on it. So cute! But so small. Oh ya, I don't wear bathing suits! But for at least an hour, I'm going to have to. With red cowboy boots no less! The other outfits weren't too bad.

And this song you ask? It's Mr. Blue Eyes and N's doing. Last Spring, we were getting ready for the same gig, I show up on the morning of the photo shoot. They're blasting "I'm in Miami Trick." I wish I was lying. But I'm not! So this is the song they play while I awkwardly try to strike a pose. This is the part of performing that I don't like. But it's probably the most important part. Please pray for me! ♫

And the Love Continues

Yesterday, the love just continued. So many of my friends stopped by the hospital. They brought me presents. And J brought me some amazing cupcakes! OMG! They were really good. My Auntie Bug called me. It totally made my day! Except, our call kept getting dropped. But it was nice to hear from her.

My parents and I also talked during my entire dinner break. I think they're still in shock that I'm 27. Believe me, so am I! Last week when I went to visit them, they took me shopping. So I already got my present from them. :) I'm such a cheat! But I got some clothes from Old Navy. A few skirts, cardigans, and tops. I already wore one outfit for a gig that we had on St. Patty's Day. I'm seriously in love with these earrings that my mom gave me. I need to take a picture so I can show them to you.

But it was a really nice day. Today, Maestro G is taking me out to dinner. We're celebrating MyCare Bear, Mi Princesa, and my birthday. I just realized that of the 6 Goddaughters that I have, 3 of them have birthdays around mine. :) Anyways, we're going out to dinner tonight. And I'm going out to dinner with my friends tomorrow night. Oh ya, I'm on "Spring Break" this week. At least from classes. But I'm still working this week. You have to love a good internship!

This weekend, A and I are in charge of Mi Princesa's birthday party. Or should I say Matanza. Yes, we're good Godparents. :) S is already here at the hospital. Looks like our 2nd set of twins are going to be making there appearance any day now. Big M is less than thrilled. But she's going to be having a baby brother by the end of the week. L's birthday party didn't happen because M was in labor. So we might just combined the newly 3 year old girls' birthday parties. They're best friends already. So they're over the moon!

And I'm going to try and go home sometime this week. Just for a quick visit with my parents. I have 2 days of in the middle of the week. So I'm excited! I already got my cake from my mom too! Funny, it's the 1st birthday cake I've had from my parents since I was in elementary school. I'm not lying! But it was yummy! Yellow cake with chocolate frosting. :)

I've definitely been feeling the love. As usual, I didn't hear from my brothers and sisters. But I'm used to that. Like I always say, they've never really been interested in their little sister. But it's OK. I have more than enough people that love me. Including everyone at the hospital. All my kiddos made me cards. The cooks made me special strawberry pancakes for breakfast. And yummy Chicken Parmigiana for lunch. Dr. S brought me a delish Steak Dinner. I felt like a Queen! And all day, they sang to me. So I'm not lacking.

I'm looking forward to all the dinners this week. And maybe I'll take some of these flowers home. I got so many delivered yesterday! Who knew that they deliver flowers on a Sunday? I didn't! I even got a special delivery from Mr. Blue Eyes. He cracks me up! So 27 has definitely started off on a good foot! ♫

Sugar and Spice #1

Sugar

♥Starting a new blog. You know, to share with mi familia. I want to stay connected.
♥My Care Bear turning 11 years old! OMG! I'm getting old.
♥Mi Princesa turning 3 years old. She is just a doll! And is growing into the sweetest little girl.
♥Delivering and meeting My 'Lil Cowgirl. What a blessing. I just can't wait, to know her better.
♥NASCAR. Just that simple. It makes me so happy!
♥"Pancake Sundays." Berry pancakes. A little piece of heaven.
♥Little M. He honestly makes this job worth while. What a brave soul.
♥Beloved amigos. I don't know what I'd do without them. They fill my life with so much love and happiness.
♥Chocolate covered strawberries at 2AM. For no other reason than it's my birthday! Good times.
♥Birthday presents. Need I say more? Amazing!
♥Beautiful Serenatas. At midnight. They make me feel so special!
♥Amazing co-workers.
♥Fun, good, and new ideas...
♥My Birthday! Happiest thing I can think of right now. Yes, it is!

Spice

★Tons of homework.
★Not having any "down time." It's been so busy around here! I just want a few minutes of R&R.
★Lots of traveling. That means I have to drive. I'm not a HUGE fan!
★Crazy schedules.
★Weird work appointments.
★Getting paired up for school projects. I'd rather work alone. Because I end up doing all the work anyway.
★Not having AC in my house.

I decided with my new blog, to start a new blog idea. I'm calling it Sugar and Spice. Just a little list of the good, "Sugar" and not so good, "Spice" of my week. I'll be doing this every week. I hope other people join in. If you do, let me know. Or leave me a link. I'd really like to read other people's "Sugar and Spice." Happy Sunday! ♫

Happy Birthday Care Bear

Dear My Care Bear,

Happy Birthday sweet girl! You're now an 11 year old sweetheart. And I honestly can't believe it. When I first met you, you were a sweetie pie toddler. Sitting next to your Daddy, during my lessons.

So much has happened in your life. And you've dealt with all of it with such grace. At such a young age, you are already such a beautiful person inside and out. My Care Bear, you inspire so many people to be better. Including me.

Just a few years ago, you asked your Nono and I to be your Godparents. I don't think you understand just how much that has meant to us. All this time, you've thought that we'd make you a better person. In reality, you've enriched our lives so much more!

For all the hurt and pain that you've endured, I pray that your life is better with each passing day. I pray that you have all the opportunities to have a better life. To be showered in love. And to know first hand, the power, glory, and love of God.

Just a few days ago, you turned 11 years old. It was such an amazing day. A day to celebrate you. But I want you to know this, every single day, I celebrate you. My Care Bear, you are such an amazing soul. I hope your life is filled with so many treasures! Happy Birthday!

Besitos,
Your Nana ♫

Happy Birthday Mi Princesa

Mi Princesa,

Happy Birthday! Yesterday, you turned 3 years old! Such a big deal, and a big age. I'm so happy you are in my life. It's been such a blessing.

Not more than 3 years ago, I really got to know your padres. We chatted almost daily. They were so happy that you were almost here. And me, I was just so excited for them. We lived in different states. And I longed to know you. And your family. I was so blessed when your padres asked me to be your Nana.

Time has flown by! I've been so blessed. To be this close to your familia. You've moved just minutes from mi casita. And I LOVE spending so much time with you! I know, your Nono just LOVES our time too!

We've been so blessed to watch you grow. You've become a big sister. A dancer. And such a smart ninita. I just can't believe how quickly you've grown. Or how much you've learned. The highlight of my day, is cuddling with you. And hearing you sing such beautiful music.

Your life is still very much in the beginning. And I pray every single day that it's filled with happiness. And love. And so many blessings and opportunities. Have a very Happy Birthday today! I LOVE YOU so much Mi Princesa!

Besitos,
Your Nana ♫

Happy Birthday My Lil' Cowgirl

Dear 'Lil Cowgirl,

Happy Birthday sweet girl! You have to be the very best birthday present, that I could ever get! You and your brother are such amazing little souls. So fresh and loving to our world! I just can't get enough of you. Your precious pink cheeks. And simply precious baby scent.

I can't wait to spend a lifetime being your "Nana." Having fun. Teaching you about life. And just being here for you. I am so honored to be your Nana. And I see this entire adventure as such a beautiful blessing.

This is going to be such a beautiful blessing to me. To have you to love. And help you to grow. I love you so much Baby Girl! Now I pray that you will have a life filled with love, health, and many blessings.

Besitos,
Your Nana ♫

Happy Birthday...New Blog

Today I decided to start a blog for my family. Yes, I've been blogging for years. My friends like hearing about all of my silliness. And for the last few years, it has helped us to stay in touch. It got me thinking, I should really start a blog to keep in touch with my family. You know, I don't see them much.

So here we go. Welcome to my blog! I'm not sure what in the heck I'm going to post about. But I will try to keep you up-to-date with my life. Because, I know I don't go home much. And when I do, I tend not see many people. But I figured, this is a nice way to stay in touch. I hope you enjoy. I would love to hear from you. Comments are always welcomed. And they tend to make me smile!

But I better get going. I've got a ton of stuff to do today. Yes, I'm working on my birthday. I've been here since Friday. But I don't mind. I get to watch the NASCAR race with the boys. They always make my Sunday! And I'm looking forward to "Pancake Sunday." :) It's pretty exciting...even if I'm feeling old today.

My friends came by...at midnight. And I got a Serenata. They are so sweet. A even brought me a cake. Strawberry and chocolate. The man knows me! M and B had their twins. Yes, my Goddaughter was born on my birthday! And I got to deliver My Lil' Cowgirl! How cool is that? Dr. S and Dr. M got me some neat presents too!

It's only 3AM. And I already feel so blessed. I have so many people that love me. Including Big O. He got up in the middle of the night to wish me a Feliz Cumpleanos! I always wanted real brothers and sister. Growing up, that's all I ever wanted. But instead, God had a different path for me. He included all of these amazing people in my life! Mi hombrecitos...they're the brothers I never had. Thank you for being incredible friends! You know, you're more like family! So Welcome new and old...I hope you enjoy the ride! ♫