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It's a sad, sad day at our house

Randy, Nick, and Andy took off work tomorrow so that they could sit all night long outside Target, so that when the store opens tomorrow they would be able to each buy a brand spankin' new Playstation 3. I went by Target today around 12 noon, and already there's a line of about 20 people waiting to buy the 12 the store was selling. I went to KMart then, and the electronics guy told me that they were supposed to get 2 but he had just received a call that none would be coming. He did have some advice, though- he said he had just talked to someone at Sam's Club and they had theirs in stock already, and the line outside the store wasn't long at all. So, off I went to Sams and low and behold- 2 people were in line! I was excited- I called Randy and he was excited too- but all hope faded fast as the first guy in line told me that the manager had just come out and said that they only have one to sell- maybe another will come overnight. That's one. A single solitary Playstation. That means one of the guys in a line of two will be able to get one. What a crock of you-know-what. I went home and called every store in Ventura County that would possibly get some in, and most of them said they were getting 2 or 3 but had lines atleast 20 people long. Fryes' manager said that store was getting 20 consoles, but 40 people were already in line. I even called stores in Indiana where my sister lives, her best friend lives, and my parents live (three separate towns). Same story there- 20 people for every 1-2 consoles. I'm holding out hope that my step-dad's friend who is a manager at Target will be able to get one for him. But, as the old saying goes, I won't be counting my eggs until they're hatched.

Sorry Randy. I tried. I think we should just boycott Sony for good. Corporate jerks (that's the nicest thing that can be said about them).

Grandpa's Memorial Service

Randy and I got back from Indiana yesterday. Grandpa's memorial service was filled with laughter, tears, and lots of family and friends. It was beautiful. Click on the pic above to see a visual of the weekend.

A new fun thing to do and waste time with!!!!!

YEAH!!!! Randy and I received a VERY special gift from Andy and his wife Angie, our neighbors and one of Randy's best friends: A NINTENDO DS!!!! Woo hoo. We are both really excited. Good thing our parents taught us how to share.

Grandpa is gone...

...but will never be forgotten.

I know I will see him again.

Conrad and Nick's Birthday Party

I know that I'm a little late getting these up, but this is really the first time I've had to download pics since I've been back from Indiana. I really had a good time at the party, despite what was going on in my own family life in Indiana. Thank you to everyone at the party for cheering me up, praying for my family, and thank you to Melanie for spending the day with me and taking me to the airport. You all rock and I'm so blessed to have great family and friends like you. :-)

Enjoy the pics!

"Little Miss Sunshine"...

...is an excellent movie! Randy and I went and saw it tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. There were sad parts (Randy even cried once) and absolutely hilarious parts. Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear and the rest of the cast were brilliant. We give it four thumbs up!

The best part of the movie was that some of it was filmed at Ventura's very own Crowne Plaza Hotel and the pier. Everyone in the theatre, including us, were surprised and started laughing when it started showing the hotel and surrounding areas. I didn't know that they had filmed here- why wasn't I notified???!?!?!

Go see it if you can put up with some swearing. Or wait until it hits ABC Family, fully edited, in 5 years. It'll still be a great movie then too.

My chances of twins are looking even better!

Check out this new study!

Can you say Misplaced Priorities?!?!?

Ok- here comes one of my rantings.

Why in hell did New Orleans (and/or Louisiana government, and/or the NFL, and whomever else) spend $185,000,000 to clean up, remodel, and reopen a stadium when half the population remaining there and left homeless from Hurricane Katrina is still living in substandard housing (if they are even that lucky)???? Shouldn't the government be spending all those millions of dollars on something worthwhile, such as scraping bacteria and mold off the streets, rebuilding/remodeling hospitals and the healthcare system in New Orleans, and, well anything else besides an entertainment complex?!?!?!? What is wrong with this picture????!!!!!!!!!!!

I would like a justifiable answer please. Not just "if you build it, they will come" or "It's good for city morale". What a crock of s*#@!

Ok ranting has commenced.

Patients Say the Darndest Things

Conversation I had today with a patient:
Me: "Hi- I'm Kristi"
Patient: "How do you spell your name?"
Me: "K-R-I-S-T-I"
Patient: "Oh! That's how my friend spells her name. Only she's skinny."

Happy International World Peace Day

Peace out, brothers and sisters. Put flowers in your hair, paint smiles and peace signs on your VW vans, and hold hands while singing Koom-bye-yah today. Pretend that all God's children are celebrating.

Next time we have a party,

I want these!

HAPPY 30th ANNIVERSARY, RANDY AND JACQUIE!!!!

Since today, September 18th, is their anniversary, this post is dedicated to two of the most loving people I know- my husbands parents, Randy and Jacquie. You both are loved by everyone and I am so grateful that I married into such a wonderful family.

This past weekend, we threw Randy and Jacquie a surprise 30th anniversary party. It was a giant feat to attempt, since usually we can't put anything past them. No one spoiled the secret, however, invitations were sent, and the party was on. After a long dinner in Ojai, we showed up at the Bang's house and SURPRISE!!!! Randy and Jacquie were surrounded by people who love them and have shared their life and love with them over the past 30 years.

Go see the pictures!

Something to make you....

...appreciate what you have....

Where is WD-40 when you need it?

I hate getting the cart at the grocery store with the bum wheel. The incessent squeal while shopping is like driving around town with your car horn stuck.

Yes, that was me at Vons on Thompson at 10 this morning, just in case you heard me rearing the corner if the frozen foods section.

Lord of the Rings

After failing miserably at watching LOTR a few years back (I fell asleep both times), Randy and I finally watched the triology over this past week, finishing up late last night with "Return of the King". I really liked the movies' plots, but at the end I just wished they'd all stop fighting and get over it. I didn't want to see any more orcs get their heads smashed off, and I was tired of Frodo and his attitude. Sam had to have a lot of patience to put up with a whiny, lazy brat like Frodo. I just wanted the hobbits to get back to the Shire, Gollum to be dead, and for Liv Tyler to hook up with Stridor (and for Eowyn to back off of him- he's taken!!!!). Don't get me wrong- I liked the movies, but they were way too long I think. Plus, the only thing I keep on asking is why couldn't Gandolph's special eagle friend just take Frodo to the volcano and let him throw the ring off in the first place? I've never read the books, but is Frodo portrayed as an idiot as much as he is in the film?

Finally- New Pics!

I have been back from Indiana for a week now but finally I had time to upload some new pics from when I went to Indiana for my high school reunion and when I got Lasik done on my eyes. Have fun looking!

I'm home!

The entire apartment is sparkly and shiny. Thanks pookie!

I'll post the pics of my reunion and trip on Friday when I have time and am not jetlagged. Yes, three hours does make a difference, especially since I have been up since 1:30 am California time.
Isn't it time for bed yet?

I'm hoping and praying.....

...that my airplane pilot takes off on the correct runway tomorrow morning. Just a thought.

I LOVE REAL STORMS

I am here in Indiana right now, listening to the rain pouring outside the window. The lightning is bright and the thunder is loud. Just found out that there's a tornado watch out tonight. For those of you who do not know what a tornado watch is, basically the conditions are perfect for a tornado to form but none have been spotted.

It's been a really long time since I have enjoyed a good Indiana summer rain storm, and I'm loving it! The good thing? Atleast if a tornado comes in the middle of the night, I can see now (without relying on my glasses) to get myself into the hallway or into our crawlspace. The crawlspace is probably filled with spiders and that would be way too much for me to handle. I prefer our hallway, although dragging the mattress out to cover us is a pain.

I miss "my" Randy and wish he was experiencing this with me.

Enough ramblings for now. Gotta go to bed so I can listen to the rain and drift to sleep.

See at last! See at last! Thank God Almighty, I see at last!!!

Today, I got Lasik done on my eyes. And I can see! For the first time since 3rd grade, I have been able to see without any correction whatsoever. The procedure itself was pretty quick with a little bit of discomfort, and my eyes are still a little itchy/swollen, and I had to keep my eyes closed for 4 hours afterward to let my eyes heal (thanks Pookie for leading your blind wife around and feeding her. And for taking pictures- which will be posted later). It was all worth it to be able to look at the trees and see leaves again without glasses. I can look at the horizon and see the fine line where the ocean ends and the sky begins. I can read things farther than six inches from my face. Woo Hoo! This has been the happiest day of my life since I married my best friend.
Things didn't start out so great with Jacquie falling and breaking her arm this morning. We went in for our surgeries at the same time- me for repairment of sight and her for repairment of a crushed radius. She's doing ok now, all doped up post-op at the hospital , recovering.

What a day!

It's about time!

Our porch is FINALLY getting redone thanks to our apartment complex's handyman Jason. We were promised this when we moved in in March and a miracle occurred and our landlord actually sent the guy over today to do it. And we didn't have to threaten her or anything, but I was just about to.
Y''all are gonna have to come over and check it out once I get some flowers and stuff out there.

A GREAT TIME CAMPING

We went to Mammoth to camp this past weekend and I think everyone had a blast. Between the rain, freezing cold nights, beautiful sights and sounds of the mountains and Yosemite, and the snow/freezing rain that we got to play in, it was an AWESOME vacation!!!!
There's never a dull moment with our group. Even to the end, when we woke up to a bear in our camp, we had our fill of excitement. Woo hoo! We saw a bear!
Click on the bear below to see the rest of the pics.

All Cleaned and Ready for Inspection, Ma'am!

Yep, my mom is coming to town. And she's staying with us (thank you Randy- I love you pookie!). This is the first time since our wedding that she will be out here in good ol' Ventura. I have spent the last 2 days cleaning things as spotless as they can get in our old apartment building that hasn't been painted in years. Four words: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. The thing is a M-I-R-A-C-L-E!!! I don't know what they put in those little sponges, but whatever it is, works really well on all the black marks on the walls.

It's Officially Official!!!!

The one and only bugg is a real REGISTERED NURSE!!!!! I found out today! Check it out! (just enter my name and viola!).

And, I would like to say that I LOVE my job. It's awesome. I'm learning so much and can't believe I am where I'm at. Cottage is a great place to work, and I feel as though I'm making some small difference in this crazy world.

I did almost puke due to the stink of one of my patient's poop the other day. If you think that regular poop smells bad, you should smell chemo poop.
WOO-EEE!!!!!!

I love the other nurses I work with and feel like I'm meant to be there. And, the good thing is, the 12 hour shifts go pretty quickly. My feet and legs kill me by the end of the shift though. I have very Dr Scholls orthopedic shoes but sometimes the most comfortable shoes at the beginning of the shift just don't cut through the tiredness of running around for 12 hours.

I was able to talk to a 50 year old cancer patient the other day who has a 15 year old son (hits pretty close to home for me). I told him my experience with my dad and he told me that he's having trouble talking to his son about his cancer and how it's getting worse. I was able to give some insight as to what I went through, what feelings his son might be having, and how to approach the subject of having hope but being realistic. We both had tears in our eyes when we finished our talk (even though he didn't see my tears). I think it may have helped me as much as it helped him. It showed me that my dad will never be far from me, and that I should always take advantage of those moments that I can use his life and my experience to help other people.

I love being a nurse. God please give me the strength to never stop loving what I do, because I was created to do this.

The Doodlebops

I am not usually a Disney Channel watcher, but this morning I came across a show titled "The Doodlebops". Maybe all of you parents out there have heard of the show, or your kids may watch it everyday, but as a non-parent, I was actually impressed by it. At first glance, I thought that someone would have to be either very young or too high on LSD to watch the Doodlebops. But, I was captivated (and I fit neither one of the categories I might add) and thought that it was a great show for kids. Do any of you parents with young kids ever watch this show? It seems to be very educational and entertaining. All I kept on thinking was how much Levi would love it. Check the Doodlebops out!

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!

From all of us here at Pretty Is as Pretty Does, thanks to you viewers and readers for making our first year in Blogland absolutely splendid. It was one year ago today that we first made our mark on this world through interesting thought and exhilarating visuals. And a bunch of mindless ramblings.

Here's to many more years of at-the-edge-of-your-seats-blogging!

CHEERS!

Those Crazy Japanese!

Wish our American pranks were this funny!

By the way: this link should be working now. I've kept you all waiting in suspense.

I Want To Do This

Traveling, or should I say dancing, around the world.

I'm (unofficially) an R.N.!!!!!!

That's right! I passed my test! It's unofficial though because my school hasn't mailed our transcripts yet to the Board of Registered Nursing (B.R.N.) and they can't send me an official license until they get those (GRRRRRRRR!!!!). But, I passed irregardless. :-)
Whew! Sorry to all my friends and family for driving you crazy in my nervousness. I love you all for believing in me when I didn't necessarily believe in myself. I couldn't have done it without you. Snuggleupandkiss, I love you so much and I'm so sorry you are married to such a neurotic wife. xoxo
On to our next endeavour!

Great News!!!!

As of today, there are only 187 days until Christmas! Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Summer Fun: Five Things

5 Things in My Fridge:
Apples
Coke Zero
Lettuce
Slim Fast
Chicken marinating in BBQ

5 Things in My Closet:
Clothes hamper
Jewelry box
3 pairs of sunglasses
4 empty champagne bottles
Clothes hung on hangers

5 Things in My Car:
Randy's shoes
Nurse bag full of dressings, catheter kit, etc...
Nursing careplans
Umbrella
Toy figurines of Elvis and Darth Vader

5 Things in My Purse:
Receipt from Vons
Purell anti-microbial hand gel
Pair of latex gloves
Elvis wallet
Advil

I love my sister

Keri, in the words of Stevie Wonder: "You are the sunshine of my life..."

This blog post is devoted entirely to you, since you don't think I blog enough. Maybe this will keep you from complaining for a little bit. :-)

I love you and miss you!

God is Good, Life is Good

Psalm 65:5-7
You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.

How Many States have you been to?

I have been to 41 (80% of the USA). Only 9 more to go!!!


create your own visited states map

Cruisin' May 2006

I had an awesome time with all my friends on the cruise this past week. Besides forgetting something and having a stressful late start, everything was smooth sailing. We had a total of 18 people in our group (including babies): Me, Randy, Martha, Jared, Nate, Kristen, Conrad, Whitney, another Kristen, Sara, Dan, Avery, Alex, Celeste, Ann, David, Mikee, and Vera. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate a big milestone than with all of you. Thank you for making this trip so special for me....can we do it again next year?!?

Randy and I FINALLY got all of our pics titled and uploaded, just for your viewing pleasure. Click on the pic above and enjoy!

Kristi Went to Indiana...

...and brought back these exhilarating pictures. Take a look!

The Circular Kitchen

Not too sure if I'd like this kitchen, but thought it'd be a cool topic of conversation. Guess you wouldn't have people crowding you in the kitchen while you cook! (scroll down on the website to see pics)

Food for Thought

The proof of God lies within the banana.

I AM FINISHED

My preceptorship/internship for nursing school is over. Kaput. Fini. Finito. Acabado. I am essentially done with (this part of) nursing school, except for a few loose ends I need to tie up. Woo hoo!

Newest Pictures Ready to be Seen!

Here's the link to our pictures. Enjoy!

Sleep

I guess my sleep schedule (of lack of, I should say) finally caught up with me. Last night I slept 13 hours straight, then I took a 45 minute nap during the day. I think that's a world record for me sleeping when I haven't been sick. My best friend Kristen can sleep for like 24 hours straight. She hibernates. I want to be a hibernater. I felt great today, only now I can't go to sleep and it's after 1 am. Oh well, no pressure. I don't have to be at work until 6:30 pm.

What's your sleeping record?

Did You Hear?

Scientists spend $2.4 mil to test the power of prayer in healing. Wonder where they got the money to blow on this "experiment"....

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/health/3760510.html

Night Shift

I have completed 2 night shifts now at the hospital. I love it! I kind of get into a slump at like 5:00am, but then I just refuel or get some caffeine and I'm fine. It is very quiet but, despite what most people think, there are a lot of patients who do not sleep at night. Some of the nurses do though. I can't nap it because I think if I fell asleep I wouldn't be able to truly wake up and be productive. I just try to sleep enough between shifts and chug on through. Maybe once I start working and having kids, the nap breaks will be more enticing.

I want to build an indoor mini-mall complete with food court (with all the traditional favorites), clothes stores, movie theatre, and other fun things for all the people out there who work the night shift. Night shift cops, nurses, housekeeping, military personnel, factory workers, firefighters, etc... all need places to go and hang out at 3-4 am when they aren't working.

Sorry I'm rambling in this blog. I've been up all night and all day and I'm pretty tuckered out. Goodnight! (or is it good morning????)

HAPPY TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY RANDOLPH!

I love you more than words will every say. You have made my life wonderful and I look forward to many more years (like atleast 80) with you.

Missing you tonight, Pookie Bear. xoxo

Thank You!

Randy and I finally moved this past weekend to a much much bigger place. We wouldn't have been able to get it all done if it hadn't been for the following people: Jacquie, Randy Sr., Martha, Jared, Nick, Jen, Andy, and John. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (Randy thanks you too!)- we couldn't have asked for better friends/family. We love you!
We really appreciate all your help! :-)

I'm Back!

Did ya miss me?

Inundate

in·un·date (nn-dt, nn-)
tr.v. in·un·dat·ed, in·un·dat·ing, in·un·dates

1. To cover with water, especially floodwaters.

2. To overwhelm as if with a flood; swamp (ex: Kristi is inundated with nursing school).

(Source: www.thefreedictionary.com)

Something to Bring a Tear to Your Eye

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/videos/autistic-guy-basketball1.html

Even Randy shed a tear on this one. Get the kleenex ready!
(You may have to click on "If video does not play, click here to download" in order to watch)

Life

Today I helped code (bring back to life) a 30 day old baby boy.
He survived. Praise God!

Another day in the life of a nurse.

New Pictures!

Death Valley 2006.

Hooray for Scientific Advances in Corneal Reshaping!!!

Before Lasik

After Lasik

Today I went for my Custom View Wavefront Technology Lasik free consultation. I am a "perfect" candidate (the doctor's words, not mine) and plan on throwing away my old glasses by the end of May. Yippee! I have no idea what it means to open your eyes in the morning and actually be able to see across the room or past 10 inches in front of my face, but I will come the end of May! I am so excited!

Quote of the Day

"If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead." - Johnny Carson

What I Really Need for Camping This Weekend:

A WEARABLE SLEEPING BAG!!!
Who knew they made such a thing?

Why Do People Say the Things They Say? Part I

I was standing in the check-out line tonight at the hospital getting ready to buy my food. This lady, whom I have never before in my life seen nor met , came up behind me in line, looked at my tray, and said to me "Wow. You must be really hungry! Are you really going to eat all that?" (I had a half cup of mixed veggies, a 6 roll of sushi, green jello, and a small thing of milk on my tray). I said "Yeah" puzzedly, like who are you woman that I've never seen before who is asking about my food intake!?!?!? Then, to top it off, she said "I guess you're skinny, you can eat all that." After giving the woman my all time best 'confused' look, I picked up my tray and walked away.
Who was that woman? Part of the food police?

What in the world?!?!?!?!?

Congrats to Artie and Shannon!

My sister Keri just informed me that her best friends are going to have a new baby due in September. YAY! Maybe, just maybe, they will have a little girl named Lucy to be a little sister to A.J. (pictured to the left, age 20 months).
I am so happy for you guys!

Look! We're on the Internet!

I recently helped one of my nursing school classmates, Cheryl Mac, on her careplans. How did she repay me? A free photo shoot at the beach! Randy and I spent about an hour down by the Ventura Pier with her snapping away. I guess she liked what she shot, because Randy and I are now on her website http://www.pureimagephoto.com/ !!!! Enter the site and click on "engagements", then click on the middle thumbnail pic. Run your pointer over the numbers at the bottom of the screen to see more. SUPERSTAH!

Happy S.A.W. Day to My Beloved

Three years ago tonight, Randy and I had our first date. I made a dinner consisting of Shrimp Scampi and Asparagus and we washed it down with some good Wine. Ever since then and forevermore, on January 24th we have and will celebrate our S.A.W. Day. This year, however, the celebration has been rescheduled to Friday since he is out of town tonight. I went shopping though and the shrimp, asparagus, and wine are eagerly waiting for my love's return, as am I.

Weirdest Thing I Saw Today

Who knew cats could bark?!?
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/2006/01/barkingcat.html

Kristi Bugg B.S., R.N. (to be in May), O.C.N. (2 years from now)

It's official! I got my first nursing job at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. What a relief to know that I will be starting my dream career in oncology at such an awesome hospital.
FYI: O.C.N. means Oncology Certified Nurse

Indiana Pics

Ok, kids, I got the pictures of my recent trip to Indiana posted on Flickr. Enjoy!

A Little Hanky Panky Perhaps?!?

I got back from Indiana early this morning and went in to our computer room to change clothes. What did I find laying on the futon? A pair of women's unmentionables!!!!!
Randy denies any and all accusations against him. Should I believe him? Or was there some nasty, no taste (the undies were quite ugly looking) hussy in our apartment this week while I was gone?!?
Randy claims that he found them in the laundry room and thought they were mine. Whatever! For the record, I don't not have ANY underwear that looks like those! He wanted to put them back down in the laundry room, but could you imagine what would happen if he was busted doing so??? Panty pervert!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Any New Year's Resolutions?

How Do You Live Your Life?

How You Life Your Life

You are honest and direct. You tell it like it is. You tend to avoid confrontation and stay away from sticky situations. You prefer a variety of friends and tend to change friends quickly. You tend to dream big, but you worry that your dreams aren't attainable.

How Do You Live Your Life?

Sugar Fix

Ok...we have all of these baked goods. Are we (meaning me and Randy) really expected to eat all of them? Don't get me wrong- I love every single little morsel of their yummy goodness but if my hips get any bigger, I won't be able to blame their size on being "big boned" in that region!
What to do with all the yummy goodies? (ha ha- that sounds like the name of that Chinese restaurant in Venice Beach- "Yummy Goody". Never tried it out though).

On Break

After technically being on school break for 2 weeks now, I FINALLY feel as if I am relaxing. I have abso-freakin-lutely nothing to do today except watch Little House on the Prairie and eat Veggie Booty. YAY!!!! This is the life. Maybe I should just quit school and be a housewife. Enjoy myself and eat the Booty before we have kids and I begin the toughest job of my life- child rearing- for no pay whatsoever.
Hmmm...maybe not. I should just enjoy my two more weeks off (one of which will be spent in Indiana) before I have to go head first into school again. Then graduate, get a job, and go from there.
But for now, back to the Booty and Ma and Pa.
That sounds a little creepy, doesn't it?!?

Christmas pics

Check out our new online photo gallery. More to come later!

Merry Christmas Eve!

It's finally here! The best holiday of the year (in my opinion)! My favorite Christmas pasttime is watching the video of my dad's last 2 Christmases. They are funny, and I like to remember how my family once was. Even my great grandma is in the videos. My grandpa is healthy, and my grandma does a high school cheer complete with hand/arm motions. My family sings carols (well, we tried anyway) and is at their best in the videos. The sad part? The tape is in Indiana, where I'm not. I really need to make copies so that I can reminesce out here in California.
What kind of favorite Christmas memories/pasttimes do you people have?

Hurray!

It is official: I am done with NS30 and I have one more semester to go in nursing school! Woo hoo! After I took my final yesterday, I could literally feel the stress fall away from my shoulders, then tiredness overwhelmed me for 10-15 minutes. It was like a weight was lifted and I felt 10 pounds lighter. It's funny what stress can do to a person! Now if I could only find out a way to prevent the stress from coming back to reside on my shoulders January 9th. That would be no small feat!!!!
I'll be on my way to Kansas City tomorrow to be with my friend Angie. She's in nursing school too and takes her finall tomorrow. We'll probably go out and do some stress reducing activities the next few days- God knows that she needs it WAY more than I do.
So, that being said, I'm off and won't blog for a week or so. Don't miss me too much!

Trading Bibles for Porn in San Antonio

"Atheist group at UTSA encourages students to exchange religious materials"

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10349028/

Holiday Funnies

Lovin the Rain

Wish it was snow, but the change in weather is definitely a welcome one in my book! It's a good "curl up in your jammies on the couch with a good episode of Little House on the Prairie" day. Ahhh....too bad I have a huge exam.

Let's see...

God never gives us more than we can handle, right?

Well how do I let him know that he's given me enough already?!?

Ready! Set! Ho Ho Ho!

It is official: we are ready for Christmas. Except for the shopping part, we are ready. The tree is up, the lights are up, and our yearly ornament has been made and hung. Randy and I have a whole 2 ornaments this year. Life is good. I wonder how many more ornaments God will let us make in this lifetime together. I wonder what kind of things will be put into the ornament next year...maybe stuff my first nursing paycheck stub into the clear glass bulb. Hmmm....
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Yay! It's here! The most wonderful time of the year is here!
Well, for me anyways...

What can I say?

God is trying to teach me how to be a really good nurse. He's giving me more experiences to practice my skills all the time, even though I'm really not asking for them in the capacity that they seem to come at me.
I never quite grasped how fragile really is until lately. I mean REALLY grasped it. I have held the fragility in my hands. Literally.
Thank God for Randy who knows how to pray and that I know how to shut off emotions for a long enough time to use the knowledge I've learned to help people.
Without a doubt God puts us in the right place at the right time he wants us to be there.

We didn't start the fire...

it was always burnin since the world's been turnin.....

So this morning, I woke to my husband's voice telling me on the phone that maybe I should wake up and check out a fire that is burning in the hills above our apartment. Funny thing is, he had awaken me from a dream I was having about a fire. When I woke up and smelled the smoke in our home, I found out why the dream seemed so real. Just to be on the safe side, I packed all of our momentos/photos into 2 huge bags along with some clothes just in case we need to evacuate. I even packed my nursing books like a good little student. Too bad, can't spare the fish, but they'd probably die soon anyway of fin rot. Randy pleaded for me to pack his video games, and I did. Atleast if we needed money we could sell them.
I can currently see the flames and dark billowing smoke from where we live. The helicopters are flying right over our apartment carrying the water and making drops not too far away from where we are. Ashes are everywhere. Looks like it's spitting snow (Indiana term for snow flurries). Poli is closed off at the top of our street. I ran an errand earlier and when I got back to my street, it was blocked off from Main St. I had to flash my i.d. and tell the cops there that I lived in the lovely apartments on Aliso and they let me through.
It's weird now, sitting in our apartment, looking at the stuff all around me (on the walls, in bookcases, on the floor, in closets) that have been designated flame-worthy. None of those other things really mean that much to me I guess. It's a weird feeling, that the stuff I'm surrounded by daily is not in the bags and the stuff that is in the bags usually are put away in dark closets. What means the most to Randy and me is lying in a heap in the middle of our kitchen floor, ready to be saved. All the other stuff I will look at in a different way now. Not that I want to lose my home in any way, but what I have picked to be saved really shows what kind of stuff I could really live without.

Napoleon as a Boy

Election Rantings

What is this world coming to? I don't really understand why people voted "no" on Prop 73 (minor needing parental notification if she wants an abortion). It pisses me off quite frankly. We can't even give a kid a Tylenol in the hospital without parental notification, yet it is not illegal to perform a surgery? That is so completely wrong, no matter which way they try and justify it.

AND, I am sick of the California Nurses Association. There are around 300,000 nurses in this state and the CNA says that they represent all of them. That's such crap! Of all those nurses, only something like 67,000 are actually members of the organization. They DO NOT represent all nurses, or even a majority, and all the things they do in the public's eye are quite embarrassing . I hate unions. I guess that most of California voters like their money being taken away by an organization who does not even support the same views as they themselves do.

There are many more things I could say about the election (California is full of a bunch of morons) but I have a final exam to take.

Top Ten on Good 'Ol Trumpy

"Top Ten Ways To Describe Donald Trump's Hair" by David Letterman
10. Odd
9. Peculiar
8. Windswept
7. Trumpy
6. Strangely hypnotic
5. Unbe-weave-able
4. Wiggy
3. Stylish (dumb guys only)
2. Proof money can't buy everything
1. Taj Ma-helmet

Yummy but....

Randy and I just shared our first pomegranate together. I was a pomegranate virgin before now. He had had a few before tonight.
The insides look like bloody alien ovaries, (not like I've ever seen alien ovaries, I just imagine that they look pretty darn close) but it tasted really good.

The "Elvis as a Banana" Halloween Costume

If this guy shows up at your door trick or treating, be afraid.
Be VERY afraid.

Funny News Story of the Day

Police nab alleged 'Perpsicle'
Very rarely do suspects welcome their arresting officers with open arms.
But Ari Rayvon Stanberry was not only glad to see the police when he was arrested, he couldn't wait to get into the squad car. Why?
The Florida man had just spent a bone-chilling twenty minutes inside a sub-zero deep freezer.
Sgt. Marty Jacobson, a spokesperson for the Stuart Police Department, said although Stanberry was wanted on an outstanding warrant for a lewd and lascivious battery charge, the 22-year-old man's arrest on Oct. 9 was a coincidence.
An officer was investigating an unrelated shoplifting incident in a grocery store when he spotted Stanberry. The officer made eye contact with the suspect, recognized the man's face from his "wanted" poster and gave chase.
Stanberry, however, eluded the officer, who requested backup to conduct a thorough search of the store. Twenty minutes later, officers decided to search the store's trailer-size deep freezer and found the frozen suspect.
"He had accidentally locked himself inside the freezer," Jacobson said. "His dreadlocks were like little Popsicles."
Stanberry, who Jacobson has nicknamed "the Perpsicle," surrendered willingly; he also asked to be taken into a warm squad car.
He is thawing out in the Martin County Jail without bond.

My ER Experiences

Monday and Tuesday night this week, I had my rotation in the emergency department at St Johns. The most exciting thing I got to see on Monday was a cardioversion. This guy came in with a very irregular heartbeat (called afib) and so the doctor shocked him back into rhythm with the defibrillator (CLEAR!!! Zap!). It was very scary and painful for the guy- but atleast his heart finally was on the right beat and he wasn't dead. I jumped when it happened because the poor guy nearly flew off of the gurney. He was fine as soon as his heart returned to normal, and left the ER within 3 hours to go home.
I helped all different kinds of people throughout both nights. It was so good to be there for people when they are hurting (like the 9 year old who was on her bike and got hit by a car) or when they are confused (like the alcoholic who fell and torn open his head on a table). If you want to see life from all different angles, spend a night in the emergency room.
Last night (Tuesday), I did CPR on a real live human being for the first time. This patient came in that had been in full arrest (unknown reason as to why) and my friend and I had to take turns doing chest compressions on him for about 10-15 minutes. It was so chaotic in there- but much more than what you see on tv (Trauma: Life in the E.R. doesn't quite do it justice). This was the real deal. Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, paramedics flying around the room while I was on a stool over this guy doing compressions, counting off. I found out how different it is to do CPR on a man vs. a mannequin. I will never ever be scared or hesitant to do it on someone out in public now that I know exactly what to do and how doing real CPR feels. The guy ended up dying and then we had to help clean him up so that his family could come in to see him and say goodbye. I now know how it feels to have done the best I could do in the moment but still not be able to save someone. Taking part in it all was such an experience I can't fully grasp, or describe in words.

What a humbling, wonderful profession I am entering.

Story From Dateline NBC

I read about and watched the video of this girl who is 12 but frozen in a 6 month old body. Very interesting...and the medical professionals are perplexed!
Check it out: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9778227/

WOW!

I had to post this pic that I saw today in the paper. Meet the Dugger family from Rogers, Arkansas. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Dugger, who just gave birth to their 16th child.

Wonder if she had to push or if the kid just kind of...you know...fell out.

Thoughts

Why do I always get the pre-test jitters? Actually, calling them jitters is a huge understatement. Here I am, studying my heart out, worried to death about a grade that won't even matter in a year. I can't sleep. What else is there to do other than to stay up and study (and take a break to blog a bit)?
Tomorrow (test day) will be so much worse than the anxiety I feel tonight. It will start at 7:00 am with atleast 3 trips to the bathroom, followed by not being able to eat, followed by looking over my 50 pages of notes one last time, followed by a discombobulated drive to the school. After the test, my classmates will all gather outside and try to remember each and every question in order to compare answers. I will be famished from not having anything in my stomach. Anxiety ends when I see my grade. Could be later that day, could be in a week. Who knows?
Yes, it's all in my head, but I've made A's so far in nursing school except for on 2 tests and have gained much needed knowledge, so is this stress and IBS all worth it? Hmmm...
I must've gained 5 lbs this past summer because my pants felt tighter. I didn't mind though, because I knew that once I started back up to school, I would lose that poundage plus maybe more. Yep, I was right- the pants fit great again. My strive for perfection in nursing school continues and so does my studying....
Why am I like this?!?

Oh those Japanese...always one step ahead of us!

A Japanese company just came up with a drink called "Kidsbeer". It's a soft drink that looks like beer and even has foam when you pour it.
Eventually, once it comes over here to the US and after all the boycotts it's sure to be greeted with are over, it can be a staple at our family get togethers just like Squirt.

Ho ho ho

Since my last post was so sad, I thought I'd lightened up the mood here at Pretty is as Pretty Does.
Did you know that I have 44 days left of school this semester? That right there brings utter joy and delight to my soul. Yay!
What's even better? It's only 82 days left until Christmas! Woo hoo! I say, start the Christmas music now! (you don't necessarily have to put up Christmas lights/decorations yet though. We don't want to be all W.T.!!!!).
Merry Christmas! (oh wait- it may be too early for that too.)

Loss

Please keep my sister Keri and her boyfriend Dan in your prayers. Dan's best friend since early elementary school got killed this morning in a car accident. Dan and Jeremy were inseparable- like brothers who even worked together as deputys/captains of the sheriff's dept. Keri and Dan are both in shock and trying to deal with their loss. Even though Randy and I know all too well what they are going through, it is so difficult to find the comforting words to say without seeming so cliche. All we can do is pray for healing. God knows their pain and grief and will surround him with his love during this difficult time.

Conrad Jacob Alderson

Here is a picture that I copied off of Nate & Kristen's website of the new kid in town. If you'd like to see more, here's their blog address: http://natealderson.org

Life

Randy and I are the proud uncle and aunt of Conrad Jacob (C.J.) Alderson, born this morning at 2:08 am. He is welcomed into this world by mommy Kristen, daddy Nate, and big brother Levi. Kristen and baby are doing well.
I just got back from seeing C.J. tonight. Talk about a cute little chunk!!! He's 7lb 11oz and 18.5 inches long. He doesn't look a thing like Levi did when he was born.
C.J. makes the grand total of mine and Randy's niece and nephews to (drum roll please....) 7! Two boys from his side, and 4 boys, one girl from mine. WOW! I think we'll have to start our own professional sports team when they all get older!
CONGRATS, KRISTEN AND NATE!!!!

Death

I came to the realization tonight that I am afraid of death. Not my death, but of those nearest and dearest to me. As Randy was starting his car, ready to drive back down to training in LA, I told him "Please don't die". I truthfully, wholeheartedly meant it and began to cry as I said it. Now before you all think I'm some kind of loon, hear me out. I'm not afraid of my death (except I do have 2 requests: I don't want to feel it and I don't want to be freaked out before it happens *plane crash*) because I know what awaits me. I've "helped" some of my patients die peacefully. Usually, though, when I'm saying good bye to someone who is leaving me or driving off, I am so scared that it will be the last time I see him or her again. I've tried to get past this. I can't live in fear of losing my loved ones. I pray that God takes this fear away from me. Like I said, I'm not afraid to die, and I have it in my heart to care for those who are dying. It's just this sudden death thing I'm not so good at.

Jun. This fear all started with his death.

That Whole Plane Incident...

I can honestly say that it's not everyday that a disabled aircraft flies over me while sitting in the LA traffic. But it happened to me yesterday, and it was quite thrilling (now that I know it landed ok). That pilot deserves a raise and a vacation.

Weird advertising, but it did get my attention...

Tonight, as I was walking out of Subway after getting my food, I heard this blaring voice coming from (I guess what was) a speaker in the bushes. It was so loud echoing through the parking lot that I thought it would make car alarms go off. The message blaring? "YOU CAN GET A GREAT DEAL ON TAMPONS AND PANTYLINERS RIGHT NOW AT SAV-ON!!!!"
Thanks for the info.

I miss Randy.

He'll be back on Friday, but I've already been crying. :-( How and when did I get to be such a big baby? I get it from my mother. Not that that's a bad thing! I just don't like being left. It's too quiet. Randy's a lot of fun to be around. And I love him.
Please come back soon Randy. WWWAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Friday Humor

We all need a little laughter right about now, don't ya think? Enjoy!

An extraordinarily handsome man decided he had the responsibility to marry the perfect woman so they could produce beautiful children beyond comparison.
With that as his mission he began searching for the perfect woman. Shortly thereafter he met a farmer who had three stunning, gorgeous daughters that positively took his breath away. So he explained his mission to the farmer, asking for permission to marry one of them.
The farmer simply replied, "They're lookin' to get married, so you came to the right place. Look 'em over and pick the one you want."
The man dated the first daughter. The next day the farmer asked for the man's opinion. "Well," said the man, "she's just a weeeeee bit, not that you can hardly notice...pigeon-toed."
The farmer nodded and suggested the man date one of the other girls; so the man went out with the second daughter. The next day, the farmer again asked how things went.
"Well," the man replied, "she's just a weeeee bit, not that you can hardly tell...cross-eyed."
The farmer nodded and suggested he date the third girl to see if things might be better. So he did. The next morning the man rushed in exclaiming, "She's perfect, just perfect. She's the one I want to marry." So they were wed right away.
Months later the baby was born. When the man visited the nursery he was horrified: the baby was the most ugly, most pathetic human you can imagine. He rushed to his father-in-law asking how such a thing could happen considering the beauty of the parents.
"Well," explained the farmer, "She was just a weeeee bit, not that you could hardly tell...pregnant when you met her."

Ma died.

No, not Caroline Ingalls, and not my mom. Our fish Ma. That's 2 fish in less than one month. Gone. Swimmin the streams of gold in fishie heaven.
That's all I can say right now. It's all too tragic.

$35.00

That's exactly how much it cost me to fill up my little VW Beetle today. A four cylinder, 12 gallon 2 door hatchback. I hit my record. I couldn't even imagine how much it costs for an SUV or big 'ol station wagon. Come on, people. Let's here it: how much does it cost you to fill up one tank?

Daddy and his girls circa 1980

I'll give you one guess which one is me.

Funny thing to try if you're bored...

Look up anything and have it translated into a hilarious (but all too real) dialect!
http://rinkworks.com/dialect/