happy easter

"Malice toward none,

Charity to all."

- Abraham Lincoln

the countdown is on!!!

Four months today I will be returning to one of my favorite places :)  Ever since I was 13 I have been going to Guatemala with one of the churches in town.  The first time I went, it completely changed my life.  I have been more touched and made more friends through these experiences than I ever imagined.  Everyone in my family has been at least once.  I am excited that this year I will be sharing the experience with someone new!  My friend (and KD pledge mom, aot) will be coming with my dad and I this year :)  I love going with people on their first trip and seeing what the experience means to them. 

 

Here are some of my favorite pictures from trips past:

 

 

 

 

 

Three years ago when I was traveling with my mom I met Edwin.  He was the most shy, adorable little 2 year old boy.  So, we decided to "adopt" him, like when you sponsor a child.  The last two years when I've gone back I have been so surprised out how much he has come out of his shell.  Now, he is quite the lady's man for being only four.  He calls me "madrina", which means godmother.  I love him very much!  And you can't tell me that you have ever seen anyone who is cuter...

 

 

 

springbreakless

Well, next week is springbreak.  Most people in high school and college will be making their way to somewhere warm where they will flaunt their new bikinis and drink some really delicious margaritas.  My little sister will be traveling to Cancun.  Some friends from school will be going to Panama City.  And where will I be you ask?  Right here... at home... working.  fun right?  I have actually never been away for springbreak.  This is really quite the accomplishment considering that most college students make it away almost every year.  Sure the sandy beaches would feel great, but better than working at the hospital all day next week?  yea, yea, I wish I was going.  But considering I am about to graduate, put on my big girl panties, and get a real job-- next year I will be able to afford to go somewhere fabulous!  So next week while my sister is sunbathing down in Mexico I will just remind myself of the light at the end of the tunnel.

Next year, who knows where I will be...

snow creek

These past two weeks have been crazy crazy weather.  Two snow storms dropped a foot each on us here in the midwest within a few days of each other.  The city practically shut down (a little over reaction if you ask me).  But last weekend we were able to take advantage of the desperately needed moisture.  My dad, brother, and I took a road trip to our local ski resort.  It does not even compare to The Rockies, but it was enough to satisfy my fix until I am able to make it out to the real mountains next year.

kid president

"i think we all need a pep talk"

I saw this video here.

What will be your space jam?

a perfect puppy

To say this week has been a little rough would be an understatement.  But even when times are tough there is always something good to be seen.  And the new addition to the family (or Jordan's family) is quite the little blessing.  Everyone, meet Boschee:

The first day he was so frightened that he could barely move.  But I think he has warmed up to us.  Today he was a bouncing bundle of joy, literally.  He can't seem to go anywhere unless he is pouncing (and occasionally stumbling).  The only one in the family who isn't so happy with the new addition is Shiloh.  When we first brought him home she was VERY jealous.  Now I think she just gets annoyed - - if only I could tell what she was thinking. 

I wish he could stay this small forever.

first and last

The week has been the first in my last semester of college.  scary.  The teachers wasted no time assigning reading, projects, exam dates, and clinical hours.  I will being completing high acuity (ICU) and community health (homeless shelters) clinicals this semester.  All this work is not overwhelming me as much as it usually would, though, because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel *only have class two days a week helps too*

Silly me, but I thought real jobs started after graduation.  Nope, not true.  When you're in nursing they start in January.... JANUARY!  Yes, positions are being posted and that means my resume needs to be tidied up and sent in within the next 2 weeks!! Ahhhh.... better get to work