Friday Update ...

This is the first week in I don't know how long that I did not participate in the Five On Friday link up. Also, I'm not doing any vacation posts yet because I'm waiting for my mom and aunt to upload their pictures. So, basically this week I'm failing as a blogger.

This entire week (since I've gotten back) I've spent at work. Wednesday and Thursday were very hectic and busy, but today was actually great. My job has been going really well. This week they even had me train an RN that hadn't worked in health care before. They wanted her to do a few shifts with an aide and see what we do and get to know the unit. Seeing as I've only been there almost 3 months, I was surprised they chose me. 

I'm getting a lot more confident in patient care, which will help so much at clinical this semester. I've even gotten to do some RN things, like take out saline locks (IVs in the arm not attached to tubing). It's very exciting and I'm learning SO much. I'm so happy I did this to get experience before I graduate. Also, if I get a job as an RN on the floor or even in the same hospital I'm in now that would be amazing to like not have to learn a new place, charting system, etc.

My graduation and becoming an RN seems closer than ever, and I can't wait!

I'll be a better blogger next week, I PROMISE!

Weekly Wishes

I thought I'd join in for a new link up!

ONE. Upload all of my pictures from vacation and write all of my blog posts [four; one per day] and schedule them to be posted. Also, keep up with the rest of my blogging and do a P&G Championships post on my gymnastics blog.

TWO. Have a positive attitude about going back to work for 5 straight days after vacation. Remember that I am lucky to have a job and go in and work every single one of those days with a smile.

THREE. Start on and do all 3 days of Week 3 of my Couch to 5K trainer.

FOUR. Print all of my class work and Power Points for classes and get ready to go back next Wednesday.

What are your wishes/goals for this week?

Social Sunday

1. What do you miss most about being a kid?

My grade school. I went to the same school from K-8th grade with all the same 28 people in my class all 9 years. As much as I maybe didn't like it or appreciate it then, I now see that it built the foundation for who I am as a person, especially religiously speaking. It taught me all about God and Jesus from a young age, and I'm so thankful for that and to have known them all of my life.

2. Did you have a nickname growing up?

People called me Jenny from K-12th grade (ew HATE). I was also called Brett Favre in basketball because I was # 4 :)

3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess?

WOW, honestly I don't even remember. I remember for a long time we didn't used to like to go out, so we would stand and hold the door for other students and then close it so we could go back inside. Haha, I don't know honestly.

4. What did you want to be when you grew up?

A singer :) I have been singing since I sang my first song at age 2 and I always wanted to be a singer.

5. Did you participate in any school activities?

Basketball, softball, volleyball -- all which I sucked at. I also did cheerleading and singing which I was good at :) I also did Girl Scouts for a few years and was chosen for Scholastic Challenge and Science Olympiad, which I had to take a test for.

6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you of? 

Ummm, wow. I really don't know! I guess locking my brother in the trunk of the car when we were camping one year.

Next Weeks Questions:

1. What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer?
2. What was your favorite outfit look/clothing item of the summer?
3. What is one thing you wish you’d gotten to do this summer?
4. What was your favorite song of the summer?
5. What was your favorite movie/tv show of the summer?

It's Galinda ... with a GA!

So, of course once I get home from NYC I am going to to quite a few blog posts dedicated to my vacation. I think I may do them by day, otherwise it will be a very overloaded post. However, today was hands down the best part of my trip (even though I still have 2 days in the city left), so I decided to share this loveliness now!

I saw Wicked for the 4th time tonight, 2nd at the Gershwin. 

AND KATIE ROSE CLARKE WAS IN IT.

If no one knows who she is ... this explains it pretty well.

Yes, it's true. I was fortunate enough to win the Wicked lottery back in 2010 when D and I were in NYC. We got front row seats at the Gershwin, and I just absolutely fell in love with her. Afterwards we went to the stage door and I was lucky enough to meet her and get a picture with her. She was SO sweet. She thanked me for coming and playing the lottery, and chatted with me for a bit. I also got a picture with her.

I could not believe when I saw that she was back on Broadway and would be when I was in NYC this summer. I tried for lottery tickets yesterday and today but did not win. To be 100% honest, I had NO PLANS of going to Wicked if I didn't win the lottery because I just saw it in July in Milwaukee and am seeing it in December in Chicago. I just could not help myself though. I love Katie so much and I've been following her career since I met her. I HAD to get tickets; I could not miss a chance to see her!! I got 10th row center and they were just as amazing as front row, and I'm 100% serious.

She did not disappoint! She is literally the best Galinda ever. I've never seen Kristin (Chenoweth) as Galinda but she is the original portrayer of the role and I am sure that Katie is even better than Kristin herself! Tonight it was HILARIOUS. During the Popular scene when she's waving her wand and saying "BALL GOWN" ... the second time, right after she said it there was the general laughter from the audience, and then you hear this younger child's high-pitched laughter ring out after everyone else's. Katie was literally like LAUGHING on stage in response and improvised some comedy based on hearing that like looking under the bed to see where it came from. SHE HAS THE MOST FLAWLESS VOICE. In the entire world. 

She didn't come to the stage door after because the next day was her birthday and they had a celebration, but I am just SO SO grateful to have seen her again. To see the same actress in the same show, at the same theater 3 years apart is really rare!! I can't explain what it means for me to be able to see her on stage again. I will seriously always follow her career and support everything she does.

My Fall TV Schedule & Premiere Dates -- 2013

Fall TV Preview -- 2013

As promised, another fall themed post to finish out the weekend!

One of my favorite parts of fall is the fall TV seasons beginning. I have a bit of a problem in the fact that I watch about 20 shows, but I can't help it -- they're all so good!! These are the shows I will be watching come fall. I love them all and recommend them to all of you!

Sunday

Revenge 9/8C

Premiere date - September 29

Network - ABC

Easily my favorite show on television right now. The end of season two had not just one awful cliffhanger, but literally about six. I just got the second season on DVD and am going to watch it again before the third starts. I've seen the first trailer and I'm already dying to know what happens. The best part of this show is hands down Emily VanCamp, who has been my favorite TV actress since my favorite show Everwood, now 11 years ago. I love her! I love the rest of the cast too, though, especially Madeline Stowe and Gabriel Mann. 

Monday

Dancing with the Stars 8/7C

Premiere date - September 16

Network - ABC

I actually do not even know who is in the cast lineup this season, but I will most likely watch DWTS simply because there is nothing else on Monday nights, except for Monday Night Football, which I may watch depending on who is playing. I hope someone I love is in the cast though, that will make it even more exciting.

Tuesday

Trophy Wife 8:30/7:30C

Premiere date - September 24

Network - ABC

This is a new show on ABC this fall. I don't know that much about it yet, but mainly I'm watching it because Bailee Madison is going to be in it, and I absolutely adore that precious girl. I know that anything that she is in will be fabulous, so I'm planning to watch it. 

The Biggest Loser 8/7C

Premiere date - October 8

Network - NBC

I'm really excited for this season of the Biggest Loser, mainly because I won't feel guilty like I normally do while watching it. I usually always felt a tad guilty because of my bad eating and sedentary lifestyle but now I'm making changes in my life and I can watch and feel a part of it because I am now on my own weight loss journey. Plus, I think the 3 trainers are remaining the same, which is great!

Wednesday

The X Factor 8/7C

Premiere date - September 11

Network - FOX

The X Factor is my favorite singing reality show now. American Idol is basically over, at least on the way out, and I always start watching the Voice but then I always can never keep up with it. I watched the X Factor last season and I loved it! I love the judges and I love that they split into teams and also that they reveal what place everyone is in on the results show. Last season, my favorite was Carly Rose Sonenclar, and I hope that I can find someone I love as much this season!

Survivor: Blood vs Water 8/7C

Premiere date - September 18

Network - CBS

Super excited for this season! Old players are playing against family and/or loved ones! I think its a brilliant idea, and I will most likely be for the returning players, but I'm excited to get to know some new players too. I've been watching this show for over 10 seasons now, and I love it so much.

Revolution 8/7C

Premiere date - September 25

Network - NBC

I really want to watch this show, but I badly need to catch up on the first season. I'm going to try my best though, because I was really into it in the beginning and Elizabeth Mitchell is in it and she's one of my favorite actresses in the whole entire world. Wednesdays are going to be rough, thank goodness as of September 3 I will have DVR again!

Thursday

Glee 9/8C

Premiere date - September 26

Network - FOX

I just rewatched all 4 seasons of Glee, and I cannot wait for the next season to begin. I can't wait to see the tribute episode to Cory, even though it is going to be just heartbreaking I'm sure. I also am excited that Demi Lovato and Adam Lambert are joining the cast this season!! Super exciting. But I'd have to say I'm most excited about it coming back to see my incredible girl, Lea Michele, on my TV screen again singing her heart out. She is such an inspiration to me and she is and will always be my most favorite part of Glee!

Reign 9/8C

Premiere date - October 17

Network - The CW

It's been quite a long time since I've allowed myself to watch a show on the CW. The ONLY reason that I am watching a show on this network is because Megan Follows is in it. I'm sure no one knows who she is; she played Anne in Anne of Green Gables, the Canadian mini-series, and she's also done a lot in theater. I just LOVE her and the show also looks interesting, so I am going to give it a try.

Parenthood 9/8C

Premiere date - September 26

Network - NBC

Parenthood is another show I'm more than a few episodes behind in. I am determined to catch up before the premiere though, because it's an amazing show and it's one of the shows that my mom, husband, and I love to watch together. I'm so glad I have Hulu and also that the premiere dates are late this year!

So, there you have it! All the wonderful shows that I am looking forward to this fall!

What shows do you plan to watch?

Five On Friday

Happy Friday!

ONE. I am in New York City!! I scheduled this post, but by the time it actually posts this is where I will be! I cannot wait to go back to the city and have an amazing vacation with D, my mom, and my aunt. My mom and my aunt have never been to the city before so it's going to be awesome seeing their reactions to everything, I will never forget how excited I was my first time there!

TWO. Basically every gymnast I wanted was invited to the 2013 Worlds selection camp. I'm super excited to find out who makes the team and I hate that they always have to drag out the decision making process so long. I know I'm impatient, but the men's team has already been named. So, my girls who will be going to the camp: Kennedy Baker, Flower Mound, Texas/Texas Dreams; Simone Biles of Spring, Texas/Bannon's Gymnastix; Brenna Dowell, Odessa, Mo./GAGE; Peyton Ernst, Coppell, Texas/Texas Dreams; McKayla Maroney, Long Beach, Calif./All-Olympia; Maggie Nichols, Little Canada, Minn./Twin City Twisters; Elizabeth Price, Coopersburg, Pa./Parkettes; Kyla Ross, Aliso Viejo, Calif./Gym-Max; and MyKayla Skinner, Gilbert, Ariz./Desert Lights. Abigail Milliet of Denton, Texas/Denton Gymnastics Academy, and Madison Desch of Lenexa, Kan./GAGE.

In my personal opinion, Simone, Kyla, and McKayla are already locks for the team. It will be interesting to see who will fill the 4th spot. I'd guess from overall results probably Peyton or Brenna, but this is an individual World's so it also depends on who can bring home the most individual medals. I'd love to see Ebee go for her bars routine, but that is highly unlikely.

THREE. I am so so beyond excited to say good-bye to this stupid book until January when CHA 2 begins. I passed CHA with a B, and to be able to say that is just amazing considering it is one of the two hardest classes in my program. Adios, Lewis!

FOUR. One of my goals on my Misson 101 is to drink only water for one month. That month, I've decided, is going to be September 2013! Excited for the challenge. I don't really drink much other than water with the exception of iced tea, Ice, and rarely alcoholic beverages, but it will still be a challenge!

FIVE. Last, but certainly not least, FALL IS COMING!!! I know this has been a part of my Five on Friday like since August began, but I am just so so excited! Today I saw two trees that had TINY color changes on them and I nearly shrieked in excitement. I just cannot wait! I have so much planned already, so many fun Fall activities. This year I only have to work every other weekend so even with school and studying I will have a small amount of free time, if nothing else my 2 weekends off a month! I can't wait, it is so close!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Fall Bucket List -- 2013

Fall Bucket List -- 2013

My favorite season, the wonderful season of Fall, begins a month from today!

In celebration, I decided to share my Fall bucket list for 2013 with you all!

Make homemade caramel apples ...

This was on my list last year, however, I never got around to it. This year I'm definitely going to do it. I'm going to get apples from either an orchard or roadside stand (see later down the list), and they are going to be so so yummy! I'm also going to do some with candy on them like these ...

Go to the Pumpkin Farm and carve pumpkins ...

My husband and I always go to the pumpkin farm together every year and pick out pumpkins together. 

This year, I really want to design and carve a pretty pumpkin. These are good starting ideas ...

Go on our annual hike at Holy Hill ...

This is a tradition we started back in 2010. Usually we go the same day that we go to the pumpkin farm. Holy Hill is the highest elevation in Wisconsin. It is honestly one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. When I was younger, we always went there with my dad in the fall and we'd hike and have a picnic and throw a football around. On the weekends it's always packed, but D and I always go during the week during the day time. I already have the date planned this year -- Wednesday, October 16th, because D is off work on Wednesday and I will have T/W clinical but it worked out perfectly that we are off that day for some unknown reason!

Fall photo shoot with D ...

This is also something I failed at last year. This year I might be better at it since I'm starting not to hate how I look in pictures. Just starting though. These are just a few of the poses I've seen while stalking Pinterest for ideas. I have a ton more though, I can't wait!

Go apple picking at an orchard ...

We have an orchard near us, so this should be doable. If not, I will be buying the yummy apples from the roadside stand on the way to Holy Hill. Macintosh apples are the only apples other than green apples that I like, and they are only in season during the fall, so I get as many as I can!

Bake a pumpkin pie ...

Pumpkin pie is the absolute BEST and this year I'm going to make two. A regular one and then one of my low protein ones, which honestly tastes almost as good if not better than the regular. The only difference is that the crust is different (made with my low protein flour) and the filling I think does not have eggs. Could be wrong on that one, but I guess I will find out when I make them :)

Buy tons of cold apple cider ...

Oh my good gosh, apple cider is one of my favorite things about fall. I am not a big fan of hot apple cider though, I LOVE it ice cold. I've been trying not to drink juice or soda during my weight loss journey, but an exception WILL be made for cold apple cider and I don't care how many calories are in it!! We usually also get this at the roadside stand. They always give us free cups first too which is nice!

& finally,

Make Fall/Halloween cookies and treats ...

I definitely want to make some fall themed treats this year! These are just 2 ideas that I saw on Pinterest that I liked. There's like a million more, so I can search for more later. 

I'm so excited to start doing all of these fun fall things!

What's on your fall bucket list?

PS. I have another fun Fall-themed post coming later on in the week :)

So long, farewell!

Just wanted to say I hope everyone had a great next 6 days!

At midnight, we're hitting the road for New York City!

Well, actually Jersey first. We are staying in Jersey and taking the train in. 

We could get a nicer room and bigger for less than paying NYC prices and paying for parking.

I have quite a few posts scheduled for the next few days, so I hope you all enjoy!

Six Things You Should Know About Me

Thank you to Katelyn from Imperfect Perfection for tagging me to join in this post!

1. What is something you thought you would never do or accomplish but have?

I honestly never thought that I would have success with my weight loss and exercise journey. I've tried a countless number of times to either eat healthier or exercise more both together and separately, and I've never gotten anywhere. A part of me secretly believed that I would never get there, but today I am down 13 pounds in 3 months and am training for a 5k! It's still surreal to me at this point! 

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Most likely still living in my town, but hopefully in our first home. Working as an RN in either the hospital I am at now or a different one, and on my way to completing or have completed my BSN. Hopefully with 2 children as well, and happily enjoying having my own family.

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

My mom and my former teacher/mentor Paula. My mom is the strongest, kindest person on the planet. She is the best mom, always putting her children first, and I want to be just like her when I am a mom. Paula is honestly the reason I am getting through nursing school. She gives me so much support and confidence, always telling me that I can do anything and "hard work pays off". I wouldn't be where I am today without her.

4. Tell us something we don't know about you.

I'm a perfectionist. Along with this, I'm obsessed with organization. I'm also slightly paranoid sometimes about certain things. At work before the end of the day I go through all my charting on EVERY single patient and make sure that each and every item is charted correctly. It takes about 20 minutes, but if I don't I get so afraid that I may have charted something wrong. 

5. What is the best advice you've received about blogging?

I haven't really received any, but I've figured out that if you really want to stick with it you just have to make time for it! If you can't post one day and you want to, schedule the post. It really helps when you're short on time!

6. If you had to be stuck in one season for the rest of your life what would it be?

If you know me, there's no need to ask this. FALL<3 I love everything about fall. It has always been my favorite season. When I was younger it was mainly because I have a fall birthday, but as I've grown up I've fallen in love with everything about the season. Leaves changing pretty colors and falling, the weather, the crisp air and that distinct fall smell, pumpkin farms, fresh apple cider, caramel apples, fall clothing and hoodie weather, school beginning, and football season starting! I would be happy and content if every single day was fall.

I TAG

BIANCA

CAITLIN

KAITLIN

CORIE

Pick 6 questions about yourself to answer:

1. What is your greatest accomplishment in life so far?

2. Who in your immediate family are you most like personality wise?

3. Tell us something we don't know about you.

4. What is (or was) your favorite class in school?

5. What is your absolute favorite store to shop at?

6. If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

8. What is the best vacation you've ever been on?

9. Have you ever left the country? If so, where did you go?

10. What has been your favorite age so far in your life and why?

Weekend Recap

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Mine was super busy, but good :)

Friday I worked during the day, then after work I rushed to Target to get a gift for my friend Melissa's baby shower the next day (I swear, I always procrastinate until the last minute). After that, D and I went to go meet my dad, stepmom, stepbrother, sister and my sister's boyfriend at a park in the outskirts of my town that has tons of campsites in it. My dad and stepmom just bought an airstream, and this was their first weekend camping with it so we all drove out and had dinner and a campfire. It was really fun, but I now have about 20 mosquito bites on my feet, which is awful! Here's a few pictures of the airstream inside. Tried to take pics outside but the smoke from the fire ruined them.

The bed in the airstream. My stepmom decorated cute.

The dining/sitting area.

The table.

Saturday I got up early and my mom and I went shopping at Kohl's. They had a ton of stuff on Clearance. I wasn't going to go at first but I'm so happy I did! I got a dress for the shower I went to that day for $9, a pair of capris, 4 tops, and then 4 work out tops and a 2 pairs of workout bottoms. My total was only $115 for everything! I might post pictures later of what I bought.

Then I got ready and headed to my friend Melissa's baby shower. We've been friends since high school (15 years), but she moved a year ago so we haven't seen each other much recently with our busy schedules. She is having a girl and honestly the shower was the most ADORABLE one I've ever been to! Her aunt did it and she should honestly be a party planner or something! EVERYTHING was pink: the bread for the sandwiches, the jello, even the dill dip for the veggies. For dessert she had pink Oreos, pink Rice Krispie treats, cupcakes, and more. I want her to do my baby shower seriously. She also hired the girl who does her nails to do pink manicures for everyone and got fabric paint and glitter and stuff and we decorated onesies for the baby. It was a great time.

Centerpieces and the drink glasses, labeled with the guest's name :)

Drink station. So cute.

All the pink desserts.

Adorable yummy cookies.

Water bottle labels. This aunt went ALL OUT.

Decorating onesies was such a cute idea!

Melissa and me :)

After the shower, I went to my Nana's 80th birthday party! I love my Nana so much and honestly I am SO BLESSED to have her in my life for these many years. She has influenced my life in so many ways and she is definitely a part of who I am today! We had a dinner with my entire family at a banquet place in my city with lots of good food, a huge cake, and my aunt made a nice slide show.

My sister, Luke, and me doing Fireballs.

Me and my sister.

My amazingly wonderful grandparents. I'm SO BLESSED to have them in my life.

I love them so much and I cherish them so much.

Saturday night was the second and final night of the P&G Championships. I couldn't watch because of the party, but my friend texted me non stop updates and I actually felt like I was watching! I then went home and watched the broadcast later that night! It was super exciting and in the end it came down to my two favorites Kyla and Simone. Simone ended up winning, and actually Kyla is my favorite but I'm happy that Simone won because her routines were both more difficult and exciting, so I'm very very happy for her! Kyla won UB and BB titles and McKayla won FX and V titles, which is super exciting!

Gold - Simone Biles. Silver - Kyla Ross. Bronze - Brenna Dowell.

I love my USA WAG National team! Front row L to R: Madison Kocain, Peyton Ernst, Lexie Priessman, Simone Biles, MyKayla Skinner. Back row L to R: Brenna Dowell, Kyla Ross, Elizabeth Price, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols, Kennedy Baker.

Sunday I woke up at 6:19am (I usually leave for work at 6:20am). Luckily I somehow made it to work on time and worked my last day until August 28th! So excited to be off for awhile. I came home and relaxed and went over to my Nana and Papa's for dinner with my mom.

Hope you all have a great week!