2011

I spend my New Years Eve with a great friend. We were going to hit up the institute dance but I had to pick a friend up from the airport first so we got to the party at 1130. We danced a little and watched the ball drop in the 5 degree weather then we headed to her house of out traditional dance party in her front room. It was not as lively as past years but it was just fun to be with her. When I got home I decided to write in my journal before I went to bed.
As I wrote in my journal I was reminded of my feelings at this time last year. On New Years day 2010 my exact words were I cannot wait for this year to be over. I remember as I said those words it hurt but it was how I felt. I knew most of what lay ahead for me in the coming year and there was little I was excited about. Lets recap what I knew the year would hold....

Singles Cruise... Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize, Honduras... This was probably the one thing I was excited for. I got to spend an amazing week with all my besties.

Next I knew I would be studying away. Jumping through hoops to reach my goal of earning a Bachelors Degree. Though I knew I wanted to finish school I had learned I was not good at it and would therefore struggle for a year trying to stay focused and interested. Though I dreaded the year because of school. I made it through and I have earned my Bachelors Degree in Nursing!!

I knew the year would be a struggle as I worked on getting over relationships past. I set our to go on one date a month. Some might say that is not very much. But these days that is a lot. This was one date a month that I made an honest effort in making the date happen. Yes I had to ask guys out. I will admit I did not live up to my goal...but I did have some fun dates, 7 to be exact...All of which included the bowling. Well most of them did.

All year I said I will make dating and marriage my focus once I am done with school. Now that I am done with school and have to live up to what I said I think I want to get a Doctorate in Nursing. What do you think?

Those are the few things I knew were in store for me. I will admit they were not all bad things I think I just let the school rule my year and that was scary.

So here are some things I did not know my year would entail...

In March my Grandpa passed away. He was not my Grandfather by blood but he was by love. What an amazing man who gave so much for my family. I love him so much and miss him so much more.

One Legendary Aquafina Modeling Shoot...Courtesy of Carnival Glory and White Heat.

One Engagement to Fabio Alves

The best April Fools joke ever. My dear friend Emily took pictures of 6 couples I paired up and she created wedding announcements and we mailed them to our Bishop. He of course saw right through it but loved it. He loved it so much that he threw an engagement party for the twelve of us. There were games, cake and presents. It was legen... wait for it... dary!

One great camping trip with the girls!

On this trip we created a musical called "I am so glad Helen brought Ice" here is a little taste of it.

Sorry I can not turn it around.




Two great visits from my Arizona Bestie. Stephanie game to visit in August and then again on Christmas Day. I love her visits.

One great Thanksgiving. It was wonderful to return to Arizona. Our Thanksgiving turned into Christmas as we exchanged gifts because Monica and I would not he home for Christmas. As we were dreaming of a white Christmas that ended up not so white.
Christmas Eve was spent with some friends. We celebrated by sharing our traditions. My favorite was the pajamas we all ended up in.

It ended up being a pretty great year despite my fears in the beginning. So back to my journal as I thought of my feeling at the beginning of last year I was excited as I looked forward to 2011. All I know of 2011 is I will be taking a trip to Hawaii other than that the year is a mystery. I remain hopeful. The unknown ahead is full of exciting possibilities. I welcome the year 2011.

Oh so rewarding.

Today was a great day. Wednesdays are clinic days for the surgeon I work for. He sees 25-30 patients every Wednesday. 13 new patients and the rest are return patients anywhere from 6 weeks to 10 or so years out from surgery. I am beginning to see the impact I can have on these patients. Some come and go with little to say. Others are grateful to me and all I did for them. It blows my mind how grateful these people are that I visited them in the hospital. My job is to see them everyday while they are in the hospital. Often it is just a social visit. On some occasions I help facilitate their care in the hospital or at home. It is amazing what a visit can do for these patients.
Today so many thanked me for all I do for them. It has inspired me and I look forward to visiting my patients each day. I loved working in the hospital hours to days after a surgery. I felt I made a difference there. However, after I discharged the patient I knew little of their care. Now I get to know these patients and their stories. I see them come in desperate for a solution to their pain. Then I get to see them months later grateful for the help they recieved. It is nice to see the whole process and help the patients through this.
I am grateful for this great job I have. I work with a great team of Doctors and medical personnell.
This job has proven to be a challenge, but after today it is all worth it.

A head and heart disconnect...

This is my diagnosis for myself these days. My heart wants to feel and it wants to love like it does best but it cannot because my brain is in overload. When I start to feel I cannot sort through those feelings so my brain takes over. The results are disastrous. Even simply being the support I want to for my friends is too much at times. I wonder how I let things get to this point, but even trying to sort that out is overwhelming.
Hopefully, I can keep my mind in check for ten more weeks. Hopefully, I can distract it with all the studying I have to do.
Luckily, despite the drama I have created for myself I really am happy. I know I am where I need to be. I know I have made the right decision to pursue this education. I am truly blessed. I just hope I do not hurt too many people along the way.

Dating me is a chore

Just had the worst date ever.

Maybe I just didn't want to be on it.

Maybe it was not only him.

We were suppose to go on a hike but it started raining. So he decided to take me bowling. I have been on 5 dates this year and 3 of them have been bowling maybe next year I should change my goal from one new date a month to one new date activity a month. I shouldn't complain about this guys choice in activities, It was the weathers fault. Anyway he picked me up at 830 pm and dropped me off in the parking lot at 930 where he gave me a side hug then pointed and winked at me at said "catch you later."

Ah what a catch.

I bet he is glad to get that date over with.

Oh well I fulfilled my monthly goal.

Some people thrive off my dating stories. This one is for you.

Mile tracker

Don't have time to post just a quick brag...

Current mile time 11 mins 45 seconds and improving

Who would of thought me running!


Oh I need suggestions my lead in the biggest loser is fading.. I am counting calories and exercising... running and biking upper body weights. I don't like doing much more but I think it is because I do not know what else to do. Suggestions welcome.

Benefit Masquerade

My friend had the wonderful idea to have a Masquerade Ball to raise money for a local camp for handicapped children. Her goal was to raise money to sponsor a scholarship for one lucky camper. She put together one amazing night. Her backyard was transformed... the food was delicious... there was tons of fun to be had. Best of all we raised a good amount of money.

My friends are complete nerds but I love them all.
This one I love the most.

This crew is pretty amazing!

Biggest Loser

I got a new job and put on ten pounds which is no good. Good news is work is hosting a biggest loser competition. I started back at the gym. I ran on the treadmill and clocked a 17 minute mile. That was mainly walking. The next time I went I brought it down to a 14 minute mile. Today 12 minutes and 53 seconds. I want to go to the gym again I love working out.

I will be the biggest loser!!

Oh yeah three weeks and 5 lb weight loss.