Friday, February 19, 2016

When You Stop Putting Crap In Your Mouth

I have always loved chocolate. And bread. Oh, how I love bread. Somehow after I got married my body completely changed and there went an extra added twenty pounds. Then when I started stressing about the extra weight I've put on, there went another added  ten pounds. AHHHHHHHH! Awful, I know. I guess after I got married I got into a completely different schedule with work, bills, and cleaning the house, which by the way, I have no idea how my house gets so dirty so fast so I'm blaming it on Ralphie. Anyway, back to my weight gain.... I decided a few weeks ago I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. So I made a few life changes and have learned a few different things along the way.

First thing I did was go to the dentist. Yes, you heard me correctly. I started having a horrible toothache that hurt so bad I couldn't even eat anything on that side of my mouth. The dentist said I have a horrible, messed up jaw muscle that functions completely different than everyone else's. Wonderful. I have an overbite, and every time I bite down my teeth are all touching at different times causing stress on my jaw muscles. He said that's one reason why I have such a fat face. Okay, he didn't really say that, but that's basically what he meant. I pretty much have a body builder jaw muscle. My tooth pain was caused by my stressed out jaw muscle. The dentist told me I didn't need to open my mouth too much, but I also didn't need to close it all the way. Also, he said only eat soft foods. My gosh, am I just an 87 year old woman in a 24 year old body... So there was a good excuse to seriously start a life style change.

Next, I cut back on my portions. WAY back. Like eating half of what I was eating on a daily basis. I was "hungry" the first couple days and found myself just wanting to pick up some food when I was bored or didn't have anything to do. I have found that it's amazing how much food your body needs when you're giving it the correct amount and type of food. Depending on your daily activity, your body really doesn't need as much as I thought. I haven't been starving myself, but I also haven't been stuffing my face to the point I can't breath.

Next, I cut the crap. Junk food, including stacks and desserts, foods full of sugar, and bread. Yep, I cut my one true love. Spark helps me with morning and afternoon cravings. After 3 weeks, my "skinny" jeans said thank you. It might feel good at the time while you're eating those things, but they never really make you full, they just make you want more of it to try and make you full. It's amazing how much better you feel when you cold-turkey quit the junk.

Last, I've been weighing myself every other day. I hate the scale, and I never would weight myself. Probably one place I went wrong before. Now that I keep up with my weight more closely, I can see that if I've gained a little, I'll think back to what I ate the day before and change my ways. So far I've just continued to lose, but I know there will be a time where it might go back up. I just have to stay strong and don't give up because I just seriously have no choice. 

Nine pounds down, twenty one to go!

Friday, February 12, 2016

FINALLY FRIDAY!!

Whew, what a week! So happy it is Friday and I get to enjoy the weekends doing whatever I want and not working. That's SO nice. Here's my week in recap!

Monday: Meh... That's what I think about Monday's. Work, of course, and then I have Upward cheerleading practice. We have our games every Saturday morning, and last Saturday I had the girls cheering by myself (my partner had to work). They were not feeling it Saturday. Not paying attention, pouting, and most importantly not listening to me. So Monday I walk in practice a little late and the other coach is giving them a talk on respect and how they should have listened to me on Saturday. They all looked so sad, but they listened the rest of the practice and some of the girls even apologized to me. I love my cheerleaders, but man does it confirm my decision why I am NOT ready for kids.....

Tuesday: Everyone freaked out about the weather, what's new. Yes, it was snowing that morning and in SOME places sticking, but it quit shortly after 9am where I was. All of the schools around us closed, so the company I work for decided to close at 12pm! That was awesome! I got to come home and clean the house, and the roads we not bad at all so I got to make a trip to Kroger and just relax. It was nice having a half a day off!

Wednesday: One of my busiest days right now. I've been having to wake up earlier and go to the Town Creek clinic because there isn't a nurse over there right now and my doctor goes over there on Wednesday mornings. I usually just stay half a day but I had to stay a whole day this past Wednesday and didn't leave till a little after 5, and it takes me at least an hour to get back home because of all the traffic from people getting off of work. I didn't get to make it to church, and after I came home and showered, I skipped choir practice (sorry choir peeps), and went straight to bed!! I was exhausted.

Thursday: I woke up very disappointed it wasn't Friday yet! Since it's almost Valentine's Day, everyone at work was bringing goodies like chocolate, cookies, and cupcakes and I'm over here starving trying to get ready for summer. If you know me, I've been dieting HARD CORE recently and have lost 7lbs (YAY)! I haven't eaten bread or junk and have been doing great, and THEN a rep comes in our office and brings in THREE dozen hot Krispy Kreme donuts....... I gave in. I couldn't resist! So I came home and worked hard on the spin bike for 45 minutes and barely ate supper. Oh, the things we do for a little cheat snack. Grey's and Scandal finally came back on, and I hate to say I just wish Grey's would end already. I LOVE the show, but after Derek died, a little part inside me died also. Nick makes fun of me, but I'm still upset. Scandal really disappointed me, too. Olivia is a little huzzy. I wish she would just pick one guy and stay with him!

Friday: WOOHOOOO!!!! It's going to be a great day. I have to do some Valentine's shopping when I get off, and plan to clean the house.

Everyone have a great Friday!!!

Friday, February 5, 2016

When You Start Spending Your Weekends Nights At Home

When you start spending your weekend nights at home more often than you go out and do things, you're officially a grown up. No, maybe not really, but that's the conclusion I've come too.

After a long work week, I want nothing more than just to relax and do a whole lot of nothing. Can I get an AMEN? My dad asked me what time I normally go to sleep and I responded with, "If it's 9pm and I'm not already in bed, then I'm going to be tired in the morning."  I don't know if I'm just more tired lately or what but I need my sleep. I don't see how all you working mothers sleep like 3 hours a night. I think I would go into shock from lack of sleep. Ralph also starts winding down about 8:45ish and he's just too cute not to cuddle with in bed (that's my sweet baby dog, by the way)!

I don't have the desire to go and stay out all night anymore either because it sure is exhausting! I used to enjoy doing things like that but thank goodness my heart is in a different place now. Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." That's so important for everyone to remember, and I've really taken that to heart.

SO... ain't no shame in going to bed at 9pm. Get your rest, wake up early, watch the sunrise. I think that is the best time to spend with yourself and The Lord. I enjoy doing my quiet time at night before I go to bed, but being able to have that special time in the early mornings just to think about the day ahead and pray for the upcoming day, you couldn't start out any day better than that!

Now, GO TO BED! :]

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

When Your Patients or Their Families Say "Thank You"

I never expect a "thank you" from any of my patients or their families. I do what I do because it is my job and it is something I am called to do. Most of the time patients are hateful and they expect you to drop everything you're doing because apparently the world revolves around them. When patients are hateful, I just have to remind myself that there must be a bigger issue there and they're just taking it out on me. Which is fine, whatever. I may take it too hard sometimes, but at least I can go home and be with my family and spend some time with God and be happy no matter what the circumstances are. 

For every 50 hateful patients, there's at least one grateful one. One patient I had told me all of their life problems and how they just had no where else to turn and didn't know what to do, and all I did was listen, and they told me they've never had someone so sweet to talk to and they were just so thankful I listened to them. It makes you feel good inside even when you respond with, "Oh, it's not a problem darlin', it's my job and I enjoy doing it."

I've never had more grateful patients than when I worked hospice. I loved getting to know my families and somewhat becoming a part of their family  for a short time. Even while their loved one is passing from this world and you can't do anything but comfort them and pray with them, that's okay. Sometimes that's all people need is just your presence. Working hospice, my nursing skills weren't needed much, but my presence was needed on a daily basis. Of course I had my patients to take care of, but I also had their families, too. 

During Upward cheer practice, I've been teaching my little second graders on how meaningful the words "thank you" are. It really does mean more than you think when you say it. God knows just when you need to hear those words, too. It'll be right after a long, awful day where you think you're just not in the right place and someone takes the time to write you a note, send you a letter, or tell you in person what a difference you made in their life and they couldn't be more thankful for you. It means so much.

Just two simple words go such a long way. I think it's so important for nurses to hear a "thank you" every now and then. And not just nurses, "thank you" should be used everyday in your life to show others how much you appreciate them. Let's all take some time today and tell other's "thank you" for simple acts of kindness or what a difference they're made in your life. You never know when someone just needs to hear it!
This was a year or so ago when I worked at CRMC. I had an awful night and leaving my shift I had a family go to Jack's and buy my breakfast, AND bring it back before I even clocked out. It's the little things. 

Friday, January 29, 2016

Friday Faves

Omg, could this day not get here any sooner? Nah, but forreal. It sure has been a stressful week at work, but at least it's Friday and I have some favorite things to make me feel better!

POPCORN

I could eat this for every meal. And it's not just regular bagged popcorn you buy at the store. That stuff is gross to me now. I have a popcorn popper that I put kernels and a little bit of oil in and that's it! Well, some popcorn seasoning too, but that's just some powder :] Ranch flavoring and garlic parmesan flavoring are my two favorites.



GSN

I'm like an old lady, I love the Game Show Network. Family Feud, The Newlywed Game, etc. The old stuff is the best. If I'm home on a weekday for some reason I will always watch Let's Make a Deal and The Price is Right. Who doesn't like game shows?

CLEAN HOUSE

Which is not very clean right now, but I love nothing more than coming home to a clean house. It's what I do when I get home on Friday's now is clean my house so I will have it clean for the weekend and I can just relax.

PELOTON 

Nick got me a spin bike for Christmas because he was tired of me telling his most of my gym workouts consisted of me on the stationary spin bike. I asked for the actual Peloton bike but he didn't want to spend a couple grand on me for Christmas, so he just got me the best one Academy had, which I really love and use 5-6 days a week!

FRIDAYS

I love Friday's now that I work a normal job like a normal person for the first time in my life ever. It's great being able to make plans every weekend now!

Everyone have a fabulous weekend!

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Wild Nurse Wednesday: Things I Wish I Would Have Known BEFORE Becoming A Nurse

There are so many things I wish I would have known before I became a nurse. All I was thinking in school was, "OMG I'm going to be an RN, I'm so cool" (in a real preppy voice). It's not as great as some people think, and just like being a teacher, police officer, fireman, ect. we don't get paid enough for what we have to do. 

1. Say adios to your weekends and holidays. FOR-EHH-VER (The Sandlot!)

Everyone tells you in school you should start out on a med-surg floor at the hospital, and I totally agree. I learned SO much working at the hospital my first nursing job, and I was eager every shift because I was exited about being a nurse and all. I didn't realize just how many weekends I would be working, and then when it got to my first holiday, which was 4th of July, oooooh I was so mad I had to work. And then the big ones roll around. My birthday (yes, that is a holiday), Thanksgiving, Christmas..... I had to work every. Single. One. I missed my family so much, and working night shift I never saw anyone anymore except my work besties, who I would text at 2:30am while watching Netflix because I wasn't able to sleep due to my crazy schedule. 

2. Be prepared to get attached.

Some of your patients will complain all day long, but then there's the others who will be so appreciative of your help, who you will fall in love with. I remember one shift where I just had a horrible night. One of my patients coded and all my others were just awful. You'll have those shifts where one whole group is just AWFUL, and that particular night I was the chosen one. I was exhausted by the end of my shift, and I kept thinking to myself, "What in the world am I even doing being a nurse, I'm awful at this and I suck at life." I stopped by on my way out to check on a patient and their spouse that had been there for a couple months. I walked in to the spouse telling me what a good nurse I am and are going to be, that I'm so sweet and caring and they just loved me. I couldn't help but break down and cry. This was a family I had fallen in love with and one of the first of many I've gotten attached too.

This is sweet Mr. Pounders. I volunteered at an assisted living place in high school and that's when I decided I wanted to become a nurse. I went to see Mr. Pounders every time I was there.

3. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

Sometimes these patients come to the hospital or in the doctor office who have no one to talk too.Yes, they may elaborate on their pain when you ask them their level or if they need anything else and they start on their life story. Whether you're taking care of this patient for their pneumonia or CHF exacerbation, you're also taking care of their emotional needs too. Even though you're two hours behind, you have to remember to take a little extra time to listen. Trust me, you're making more of a difference than those antibiotics are. 

4. You're SICK.

Literally, you're always sick. My first year as a nurse I stayed sick. I got the flu 3 times, even with the flu shot. If you're germophobic, get out now. You are going to be exposed to the most disgusting illnesses. Every different flu virus strain, Tuberculosis, EBOLA! Then there's always those wounds that will make you sick, with mold, pus, and maggots... Okay, I'll stop now for those weaklings :] 

Me cooking for Thanksgiving my first year as a nurse. Yep, I was sick.

5. It's not all about the money, that's for sure.

I went in thinking nurses made a pretty good amount. The first W-2 I got I took a look at it and literally said out loud, "That's it?!" After working a couple jobs and making more and more money, I realized that all I did in life was work and I didn't want my life to be that way. Time away from your family is time you can never get back, and no amount of money is worth that. Don't make work your life. You can't take that money to the grave with you. Enjoy LIFE, not just a working life.

My sweet little family.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Top 10 Best Concerts of my LIFE! (So Far)

I have seen many AMAZING artists in my short 24 years here on earth. For today's post, I wanted share some of my best concert moments so far. Most of my concerts are with my Dad. We share the same love for the same type of music, mainly classic rock. I was raised right!

10. Eric Clapton

I bought my dad tickets to see Eric Clapton a couple summers ago I think it was. I paid a little extra to have some closer seats since this was his Father's Day gift. He came out and MAYBE played an hour. He played a lot of his new blues music and not enough of his best hits. Not my favorite but still awesome to say I saw Eric Clapton in concert.




9. Yes

I didn't know who this band was until my dad said he bought us tickets to go see them in Huntsville. They rocked it big time! We had a blast.



8. Bob Dylan

My dad, sister, and myself went to see Bob Dylan in Birmingham. He's so old we could barely understand the words he was saying, let alone sing along to "Tangled Up In Blue" like we do every time we're in the car. Still a good concert and again it's awesome to say I've seen Bob Dylan in my day :]


7. Destiny's Child

I will NEVER forget... Third grade Big Spring Jam. Mom and Dad let me and Sarah stay up SUPER late just to see Destiny's Child in concert. All I remember is being on my dad's shoulders and bouncing up and down and screaming constantly. I fell asleep in class the next day, but it was so worth it.



6. John Fogerty

Nick's mom won these tickets off the radio and I'm so glad she asked us to go with her! When I say us, I'm referring to me and Nick.. should have made that clear before :] He played a lot of his old CCR stuff and it was a great concert! CCR is one of my go-to jams for when I have my convertible top down.




5. Journey

I almost couldn't get anyone to go to this concert with me because it was during the work week, so my music-livin' Aunt Bebo came to the rescue and we had a great time! The lead singer ALMOST sounded like the real one.




4. Steve Miller Band

Steve Miller opened up for Journey, but they played better than Journey did! Steve Miller is also another one I jam to with the top down. They closed with Big Ol' Jet Airliner and it gave me chills.




3. Elton John/Billy Joel

I was 16/17 when Dad took me to Atlanta to see Elton John and Billy Joel in concert together. That was when they liked each other I guess. Such an awesome concert, two legends in one night. I saw Elton John again not too long ago in Birmingham with Dad and all his daughters and it was even better the second time. Here's a video of the second time I saw Elton John! Hopefully you're able to view it :]





2. The Rolling Stones

I mean, need I say more? Awesome show. Even though it was about 115 degrees outside and I was hallucinating due to a heat stroke I thought Bob Dylan showed up. Nope, it was still Mick Jagger. Brad Pasley opened up for him and Carrie Underwood AND Joe Walsh showed up. Rockin' night. This picture was taken from our seats. Not bad!




1. Hanson

I am the number one BIGGEST Hanson fan of all time. I've been with them since the beginning and I'm not going anywhere. I've seen them 5 times in concert, with the last one being in Birmingham with my sister. We showed up 4 hours early, stood in line for a standing room only, and I was literally touching the stage. The girl beside me obviously forgot to wear some D.O. and she had her arms up the WHOLE time, but I suffered through it to be able to TOUCH Taylor and Issac, get a guitar pick at the end from Issac, and have Zac smile at me. Literally, I was singing along and smiling at him of course and he smiled back and two girls beside me was like, "OMG HE JUST SMILED AT YOU." I literally cried when the concert was over. Best night of my life. The very first item on my bucketlist is to be able to have a meet and greet with all the Hanson brothers. I would die of happiness when it was over. Here's some awesome pictures of the most amazing night of my life.



Zac smiling at me. AHHHHHHHH!!!





I look forward to the day I meet Hanson! And all the other many concerts I attend. One piece of advice for anyone wanting to go to a concert: GO! Who cares if it's a work night or too expensive. I had the opportunity to see The Eagles and I couldn't get my dad or husband to go because they said it was too much, now I'm even MORE mad at them because we will NEVER be able to see The Eagles again! So spend the extra money and be tired the next day, sometimes you just can't pass up the opportunity for a good show!