sweet silver lining

Monday's Musings

2011-12-05T08:33:00.001-06:00

Things I've discovered this week:

1. The Carmel Brule Latte at Starbucks is grand.

2. I am destined to become a pediatric nurse. I love it. Mayo Clinic, please hire me after graduation!

3. I really despise snow. I love it from like December 15th through January 3rd and then it needs. to. go.

4. The Miranda Lambert concert is just a little over a month away!

5. Did I mention how much I love the nursing profession?! Honestly, I am so thankful I switched majors when I did because, despite how frustrating school & clinical with a hard professor may be, I really do enjoy working with wonderful patients. It's always a great end to the week. This week was especially wonderful.

6. Speaking of frustrating school, next week is finals and I am realizing how unprepared I am to take these cumulative tests. Uh. Oh.

See you after finals. I hope.

A Day in the Life of a Rochester Nursing Student

2011-11-03T10:01:00.001-05:00

Since I have nothing else to do this morning at the library, I thought I'd grace you with a peek at my nursing life/schedule so far.

For orientation August 31st - September 6th:
Wednesday August 31st
8:30am - 9:45am: Welcome to Rochester Nursing (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
10:00am - 11:00am: Pharmacology Introduction (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
11:30am - 2:00pm: Mayo Clinic Presentations (Assisi Heights)
5:00pm - 5:30pm: Textbook Pick-up (Assisi Heights)
5:30pm - 7:00pm: Pizza Party (Valentino's)

Thursday September 1st
8:30am - 11:30am: Med/Surg Introduction (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
11:30am - 1:00pm: Lunch Break
1:00pm - 5:00pm: Med/Surg Clinical Introduction (St. Mary's Hospital)

Friday September 2nd
8:30am - 9:00am: Group Picture (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
9:00am - 12:00pm: Pediatrics Introduction (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch Break
1:00pm - 4:00pm: Pediatrics Clinical Introduction & Tour (St. Mary's Hospital)

Monday September 5th (Labor Day, no less)
9:00am - 12:00pm: Computer Orientation (St. Mary's Hospital)
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch Break
1:00pm - 5:00pm: Med/Surg Lab Introduction (St. Mary's Hospital)

Tuesday September 6th
9:00am - 11:00am: Pathophysiology Introduction (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
11:00am - 12:30pm: Lunch Break
12:30pm - 2:30pm: Library Orientation (Plummer Library)

Schedule (for me) from September 7th - October 21st
Mondays
7:30am - 9:30am: Starbucks & Studying (Plummer Library)
10:00am - 1:00pm: Pediatrics Lecture & Lab (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Lunch Break
2:00pm - 4:00pm: Pathophysiology Lecture (Zumbro Lutheran Church)

Tuesdays
7:30am - 8:30am: Starbucks & Studying (Plummer Library)
9:00am - 10:00am: Med/Surg Lab Lecture (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
10:00am - 1:00pm: Studying
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Med/Surg Lab (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
2:00pm - 2:30pm: Studying

Wednesday
7:30am - 9:30am: Starbucks & Studying (Plummer Library)
10:00am - 12:00pm: Pharmacology Lecture (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch Break
1:00pm - 3:00pm: Med/Surg Lecture (Zumbro Lutheran Church)
6:00pm - 8:30pm: Work (Gloria Dei Lutheran Church)

Thursdays
7:30am - 8:00am: Studying (Rochester Methodist Hospital)
8:00am - 9:00am: Clinical Prep Time (Rochester Methodist Hospital)
9:00am - 11:30am: Colorectal Clinical (Rochester Methodist Hospital)
11:30am - 12:15pm: Lunch Break
12:15pm - 2:15pm: Colorectal Clinical (Rochester Methodist Hospital)
2:15pm - 3:30pm: Clinical Post-Conference (Rochester Methodist Hospital)

Fridays
6:00am - 7:00am: Clinical Prep Time (St. Mary's Hospital)
7:00am - 12:00pm: Pediatrics Clinical (St. Mary's Hospital)
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Clinical Post-Conference (St. Mary's Hospital)
1:00pm - 2:30pm: Lunch & Studying (Plummer Library)

Here's my current schedule - October 31st - December 7th

Mondays - Wednesdays are the same ol', same ol'
Thursdays
7:30am - 11:45am: Studying/wasting time (Plummer Library)
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Clinical Prep Time (St. Mary's Hospital)
2:00pm - 7:00pm: Pediatrics Clinical (St. Mary's Hospital)
7:00pm - 8:00pm: Clinical Post-Conference (St. Mary's Hospital)

Fridays
6:00am - 7:00am: Clinical Prep Time (St. Mary's Hospital)
7:00am - 12:00pm: Neurology Clinical (St. Mary's Hospital)
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Clinical Post Conference (St. Mary's Hospital)
1:00pm - 2:30pm: Lunch & Studying (Plummer Library)

You know you're a Rochester Nursing student when...

2011-11-03T09:33:00.003-05:00

So today I have Peds clinical from 1pm-8pm, but I am currently at Plummer Library downtown and I have been since 7:30am this morning. And I will be staying here until I catch the bus to St. Mary's. Transportation in Rochester sucks.

Anyway, Luther had the Nursing Banquet on Tuesday night and, although I wasn't able to make it down to Decorah for it, a few of my classmates did go. We were the entertainment for the evening and made a slideshow of pictures so far and a list of "You know you're a Rochester Nursing student when...". So I thought I would grace you all with a few off the list.

You attend church at Zumbro Lutheran on Sunday & people come up to you and say "you're a Luther nursing student, aren't you?"
Halloween includes your classmates dressing up as gangrene, your Pharm professor dressing up as an obese Twinkie advertising Lipitor, and your Psych professor dressing up as a Freudian slip.
Clinical is so much better when your instructor wins a free trip to Las Vegas on the radio in the morning.
You decorate your walls with bed pans.
Instead of chugging beer, you chug coffee (IV caffeine anyone?)
You start speaking in nursing diagnoses - nervousness r/t a big exam tomorrow AEB butterflies in the stomach.
Your family and friends start telling you where their aches and pains are and ask you to diagnose them.
You start to believe you have most of the diseases and disorders that are talked about in lecture.
You accidentally leave the stove on when you leave the apartment and the fire department gets called (*cough* Mike *cough*).
Lunch breaks mean Guitar Hero, Pit, Ping Pong, and naps.
You have in-depth discussions about bodily functions around the dinner table.
You go to Plummer Library in hopes of spotting a cute med student or resident.
When you return to Luther, people say "Are you a Freshman?" or "Did you transfer?" in which you respond "If I hear that one more time, I will slap you!"
The only compliment you get during your Psych clinical about your long hair is "You could hang yourself with hair like that!"
Hopping on your bike in your nursing uniform at 5:30am is a weekly occurance.
You accidentally drink out of a doctor's coffee cup at Caribou...twice.
You play games with your patients for your clinical.
You have hours of narrated lectures to listen to online before coming to the actual 2 hour lecture.
You have probably single handedly killed a small forest with your lecture notes.
You use your Med-Surg and Pharm books as free weights instead of going to the gym.
You get decubitis ulcers from sitting in folding chairs for 2 hour lectures.
Being assigned a concept map means you no longer have a weekend.
You ask your non-nursing friends for Ibuprofen and they hand you Acetaminophen.
You get excited when you get to give a shot during clinical.
"Sleeping in" on clinical days is 5:45am.
You literally laugh out loud when listening to the online Pharm lectures.
You make lefse with the Zumbro Lutheran Church ladies for fun.
You notice that Jayme starts out each Pharm lecture by saying "Hi. This is Jayme". Well I would hope so....
You spend way more time coming up with things a Rochester nursing student does than studying.

Stress r/t Nursing School AEB high anxiety, insomnia, & lack of a social life

2011-09-20T12:12:00.000-05:00

Right now I am sitting at Zumbro Lutheran Church (where we have our nursing classes here in Rochester) & listening to the 2nd of 3 Pharmacology online lectures. Each of them are around 1.5 hours. This is going to be a long day.

And I promise to try and put more about my nursing adventures so far on here sometime soon! I've had so much homework & clinical work plus a bunch of family get-togethers and events to go to that I haven't had much time for my blog lately.

I will say that despite the overwhelming amounts of work and stress, I am learning A LOT & so satisfied with having went back to a nursing major. I can't wait to actually start practicing after graduating in December 2012 & taking (and PASSING) my NCLEX!

Commitment

2011-08-15T14:03:00.000-05:00

Apparently I have commitment issues with my blog because, once again, I have neglected to keep it a part of my life for almost a month now. And I have no excuses this time because I have been doing nothing but enjoying summer. My bad. I do plan on hopefully starting up a Life of a Nursing Student "segment" type thing this upcoming school year to document my journey here in Rochester at Mayo Clinic for my clinicals and classes. Classes start up on Wednesday August 31st at 8:30am sharp & I already have the first weeks orientation schedule. Can you say overwhelming? As my best friend/forever roomie Megan would say..."GET USED TO IT" :)

P.S.: I can't promise I will blog before school starts up because I need to help move my brother into his apartment in Winona on Saturday & need to go shopping with him still this week & I want to fully enjoy my last week of freedom before my nursing brain gets turned on again. Plus we're painting our house on Labor Day weekend. And I go to school on Labor Day.

See ya soon bloggy!!

Music Monday

2011-07-18T08:07:00.000-05:00

1. "Halo/Walking on Sunshine" from Glee (Download here)

2. "Touch of My Hand" by Britney Spears (SCANDALOUS! haha)

3. "A Real Fine Place to Start" by Sara Evans

4. "Torn (Live)" by Natalie Imbruglia

5. "Last Night Again" by Steel Magnolia

6. "The Last Country Song" by Blake Shelton feat. John Anderson & George Jones

7. "Most of Me" by Mandy Moore

8. "Fidelity" by Regina Spektor

9. "Each Other" by Katharine McPhee

10. "Infatuation" by Christina Aguilera

And, by chance, most of these songs you'll have to find on YouTube because they are only stored in my iTunes - Sorry! More downloads next week!

Music Monday

2011-07-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

1. "Boys" by Ashlee Simpson
2. "Strangers on a Train" by David Nail (Download here)
3. "The Way You Love Me" by Faith Hill (Download here)
4. "Who Says You Can't Go Home" by Bon Jovi & Jennifer Nettles
5. "A Place in This World" by Taylor Swift (Download here)
6. "When Boy Meets Girl" by Terri Clark (Download here)
7. "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Lady Antebellum (Download here)
8. "When My Dreams Come True" by Rebecca Lynn Howard
9. "Love Story" by Katharine McPhee
10. "A Good Man" by Emerson Drive (Download here)

2011-07-08T08:00:00.003-05:00

As promised, here's some of the many video I took from last Saturday at Star-Spangled Celebration. These videos don't describe the fun that was had!

The JaneDear Girls singing "Hit Me with Your Best Shot"

The Bellamy Brothers singing "Let Your Love Flow"

Steel Magnolia singing "Last Night Again". We were in the photo line when we took this video & around 1:53, you can see Meghan wave to me :)

Pistol Annie's singing "Hell on Heels"

Miranda Lambert singing "The House That Built Me"

Miranda Lambert singing "Kerosene"

There are TONS more videos on my YouTube site so go check them all out!

Twenty-One

2011-07-06T08:00:00.003-05:00

Last Tuesday, my brother, Josh, turned 21 (scary, right?). We had a great day with family eating cake & opening presents. That night we met some of our extended family at Glynner's Pub for supper & drinks. Then we headed over to Dooley's Pub with our cousins, Steph & Pat, to meet up with a bunch of Josh's friends to celebrate the occasion.

It was super fun because it turned out that Tuesday nights were Bar Bingo Night so if you won a round of Bingo, you got 2 free drinks - awesome! A bunch of Josh's friends ended up winning, which was probably why our table was packed full of random drinks!

Needless to say, there are no pictures from the evening festivities because I kept forgetting I had my camera with me. Dooley's did have some yummy Sex on the Beach though...

Here's the ice cream cake I made. It was two round yellow layer cakes with birthday cake ice cream in the middle & Sister Pritchett frosting on top with both Chocolate & Cupcake flavored Magic Shell topping! Super yummy!

To spare my brother's embarrasment, I won't put any pictures up of him modeling his new clothes. But I will put up this picture of my sister goofing off:

Star-Spangled Celebration: Country Music at Its Finest!

2011-07-05T08:00:00.039-05:00

As some of you may know, Saturday June 25th, I got the chance to head over to Richland Center, Wisconsin with some of my family to attend Star-Spangled Celebration. The day we went had fabulous music, including Blackwater Gin (a local band), The JaneDear Girls, The Bellamy Brothers, Steel Magnolia, Joe Nichols, and Miranda Lambert (!). Here are some highlights!

Susie & Danelle aka The JaneDear Girls

Danelle of The JaneDear Girls

My cousins, Marissa & Rob, got VIP tickets for Marissa's 30th Birthday so they were able to sit up front & got free food & drink. Marissa also won a meet & greet with The Bellamy Brothers!

The Bellamy Brothers

Joe Nichols

The best part was the photo line. It went all the way up to the front of the stage, so we were able to stand in line & take really close pictures, which turned out awesome. I even got waved at by Meghan from Steel Magnolia when I went up there! (I'll share that video later!) We also got to meet two of the bands. My brother & sister got a picture & autograph of The JaneDear Girls and I got to meet Steel Magnolia. I told Meghan she looked gorgeous & how I've seen them 3 times & they keep getting better. She said Thanks honey & winked at me. Then I told Joshua that they did a great job tonight & he said Thanks babe. Pretty much made my day since I absolutely adore them! Some of the kindest people I've met!

My brother with The JaneDear Girls

Steel Magnolia

Meghan from Steel Magnolia

Joshua from Steel Magnolia

(Please ignore my awful sunburn. Partial shadows + bright sunlight + fair skin = a disaster.)

We got to see Miranda Lambert's Airstream!!

I was so thankful I got the chance to see Miranda Lambert live. Even though she was fighting a cold, she pushed through & put on a great show. She's one of my idols, so I was flipping out! I was out of my seat singing & dancing to every song.

Miranda also brought her new girl group, Pistol Annies, onstage to perform a few songs, including their new single "Hell on Heels" (which is an awesome song!)

It was a fantastic day full of great country music & I am proud to be a country music fan. I just LOVE events like this & getting to meet & see my idols in person is such a trip!

Music Monday: Red, White, & Blue Edition!

2011-07-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone's having a wonderful Fourth of July!! My aunt is coming over later for a little grill-out & then I think we might go park somewhere to watch the fireworks!

Here is another week's Music Monday! Patriotic edition!

1. "21 Guns" by Green Day
2. "X's and O's (An American Girl)" by Trisha Yearwood
3. "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" by Scotty McCreery (Download here)
4. "We Are the World" by Tyler Ward & Crew (Download here)
5. "Wake Up America" by Miley Cyrus (Download here)
6. "Travelin' Soldier (Live)" by Dixie Chicks (Download here)
7. "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus (Download here)
8. "The National Anthem" by Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley James Scott), Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer) & Elisabeth Harnois (Shelly Simon) from One Tree Hill's 4th Season Charity Basketball Game (Download Here)
9. "Independence Day" by Martina McBride (Download here)
10. "Firework" by Katy Perry (Download here)
11. "American Honey" by Lady Antebellum (Download here)
12. "All-American Girl" by Carrie Underwood (Download here)

Bloggy Break!

2011-06-21T17:45:00.004-05:00

Hello all you lovely readers,

I just thought I'd let you all know that I'm on temporary blog hiatus for the next week or so because:

My laptop got a horrid virus last Friday & I had to take it into Miracle Computer & spend $120 to fix it (stupid internet hackers/virus makers...curse you!). I just got it back yesterday & am in the process of backing everything up to make sure I don't lose anything if something should happen again.

Speaking of backing everything up, that means uploading all my pictures from my laptop online. I have so many pictures that I filled up my max storage on Picasa & have to find another site to put them on as well - Gah!

I'm leaving for La Crosse, Wisconsin on Friday evening because Saturday morning, a bunch of my family & I are heading to Richland Center, Wisconsin for Star-Spangled Fest to see Miranda Lambert, Joe Nichols, Steel Magnolia, The Bellamy Brothers, & the JaneDear Girls - SO EXCITED! You can bet they'll be pictures & video!

I'm trying to find cute blog ideas, which includes starting the Nursing School Vlog I was talking about in an earlier post. I'm 75% sure I'll be starting it, but need to get a few things situated if I do.

Thank you all for reading!!

Going Back to Nashville...

2011-06-16T15:31:00.006-05:00

Lately, I've been missing Nashville like crazy. Everytime I see pictures, listen to the Grand Ole Opry, hear anything about my favorite city, I yearn to be back on I-24, driving back into town with the city lights shining!

I literally love EVERYTHING about Nashville! I can't wait until I can start looking for jobs & places to live down there to see if it might actually work out. Until then, here are just some of the reasons I LOVE NASHVILLE (...they should really make a shirt that says I <3 Nashville...who needs I <3 New York?!)

THE MUSIC

THE WEATHER (well, except that whole May 2010 flood that happened...)

THE PEOPLE

THE SKYLINE

THE HONKY-TONKS

THE FUNNY THINGS YOU SEE

THE GRAND OLE OPRY

THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

THE HISTORY

THE BEAUTY

THE STYLE

THE WELCOMING FEELING YOU GET ANYWHERE YOU GO

THE GOOD FOOD

THE UNDISCOVERED TALENT

HOW DREAMS CAN COME TRUE

(Other places I love, but cannot rave to this extent about are: Rochester, Minnesota, Decorah, Iowa, Chicago, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri, Seattle, Washington, Charlotte, North Carolina, & Salt Lake City, Utah. If you buy me a ticket to some of these places, I might be able to become more obsessed. ;) }

Please Nashville - let me come back again!

Music Monday (Finally!)

2011-06-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

I haven't done this in like a month because I've been so busy with graduation festivities and what not, so here is 15 song suggestions and downloads for my favorite reader...YOU!

1. "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" by Tracey Lawrence, Tim McGraw, & Kenny Chesney
2. "Where I Belong" by Rachel Proctor
3. "Angel of Mine" by MYMP
4. "The Rose" by LeAnn Rimes
5. "Never Again" by Kelly Clarkson
6. "Don't You Know You're Beautiful" by Kellie Pickler
7. "If I Were You" by Terri Clark (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7t59pr)
8. "Some Things are Meant to Be" from Little Women (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/25dsvj)
9. "One Short Day" from Wicked
10. "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera
11. "Bulletproof" by Steel Magnolia
12. "Don't Walk Away" by Bethany Joy Galeotti (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/0jdo4w)
13. "For Good" by Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) & Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/c5olyf)
14. "Mine" by Taylor Swift (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/o1kazr)
15. "How Great Thou Art (Live at the Ryman)" by Carrie Underwood (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/1wdhj2)

What a great ending song! How Great Thou Art! Enjoy the music!

Say what?!

2011-06-12T15:11:00.001-05:00

I was just checking out my Stats page to see who views my blog & I have 308 pageviews from Belgium?! Say what?!

Shout out to all my awesome readers from Belgium!!

Graduations, Surprises, & Some Business

2011-06-12T10:58:00.004-05:00

Well, after a long almost 3 weeks off from blogging, I'm back! And I've updated a few things around here & hope to add a few new things as well in the coming weeks! I'll start off with the business end of things: I'm catching on the sponsor train & would love to swap sponsorships with YOUR blog! If you put my button on your site, I'll put your button on my site :) I'll even MAKE your button if you want - just give me the photo you'd like to use & the words you'd like on the button & e-mail them to me at friebr01@luther.edu! I love getting inspiration from other blogs similar to mine so it's great to see what's out there!

Since I am a nursing student & my blog is centered around my life as a 22 year college student, I was thinking about starting a Nursing School Vlog in the future (specifically this next school year). I'll be doing my clinicals here in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic & St. Mary's Hospital in different areas & I think it would be fun to document my journey & help out any other nursing school students who are going through or about to go through something similar. I know that nursing school is tough & anybody that can help or relate is a welcome thing! So I don't know how many of you who read this are nursing students or would want me to do that? (Heck, I don't even know if ANYONE reads this!) Just let me know through a comment, e-mail (friebr01@luther.edu), or twitter (@breannamf). I love hearing from you all!

Now onto the fun stuff! Here's a few pictures from my graduation on May 22nd. Very late, but here there are:

Shaking President Torgerson's hand

Me & Mom by the Luther Bell

Josh, Hannah, & me after graduation

Megan & me after graduation

Most of the Nursing Home First & Second Semester

The local ice cream shop's sign

Mom & me after graduation

The Wobschall Sisters & me after graduation

We also had a surprise 30th birthday party for my cousin, Marissa, in Holmen last Saturday. Here's a few from that:

This Thursday, The Buckingham's are playing while they announce the concert line-up for Down by the Riverside this summer & Saturday, we're celebrating my Grandma's 82nd birthday with most of our family so more pictures coming soooooon!

L-U-T-H-E-R. Luther! Luther! LUTHER!

2011-05-24T11:09:00.004-05:00

Before Senior Send-off. Nursing Home First Semester (minus Stacy & Laura)

The Nursing Home Second Semester (minus Katie) at Senior Send-off with "Martin Luther"

All of the girls heading to Senior Send-off

Most of the Nursing majors at the bar crawl.

On our way to graduation!

I graduated!!

Well, kind of. I still have 1.5 years of Nursing school, but 1 year of that will be spent here at home in Rochester doing classes & clinicals at Mayo Clinic.

But, nonetheless, I graduated!! And I'm so thankful I got to walk with some of my best friends.

Senior Week 2011 started Thursday morning and continued all the way up to graduation & I had so much fun! Senior Send-off on Thursday was filled with good friends, good food, & good music. Our Nursing bar crawl on Thursday night was EPIC to say the least. Nursing majors are very crazy, I must say. On Friday we went out to T-Bock's for supper one last time for Sara's 23rd birthday and then played Apples to Apples. Saturday morning, my roomies got their Nursing pin in a ceremony & all of our families gathered at our house for a potluck. We walked down to the Sugar Bowl for some yummy yummy ice cream, came back & ate more greasy food and then headed to Baccelaureate. We woke up on Graduation morning & ate some rhubarb apple crisp for breakfast. After graduation & pictures, we packed up the rest of our house and said our goodbyes and moved out. And to top off an eventful weekend, on our way home to Rochester, we got pulled off the road in Harmony because the Tornado sirens were going off and the power was out. We stood in a Kwik Trip bathroom, in the dark with some other Luther grads that were heading home for about 45 minutes before it was safe to leave again. Good thing we pulled over too because the tornado touched down about a mile from us. Scary! The pictures above are just some from Senior Week. More graduation photos will be added when I have time. I'm deep cleaning my room & getting new furniture this afternoon so I've been really busy!

Some of the damage of the tornado in Harmony.

Class of 2011

2011-05-17T21:13:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the Luther College Class of 2011!!!! And all of those who are graduating from high school or college this May & June! Even though I still have a year & a half left for my major degree, I've completed my minor & I spent all four years of college with these people - I'm a part of the Class of 2011 & I'm so proud of everyone! I love you all & I hope we stay connected with those who have helped us along on our journey here at Luther.

This is only like 1/4 of our graduating class. We have around 565 people graduating. This picture was taken after Senior Convocation last Tuesday morning.

Music Monday: Finals Week Edition

2011-05-17T20:51:00.004-05:00

I said last week that I probably wouldn't do a Music Monday this week because of finals, but, who are we kidding here - I'm a college senior. I need to procrastinate. Actually, I'm already done with 2 of my 3 finals & they both went really well. I still have a Social Work final essay on Thursday at 8am, but it's open-note & I'm hoping I can kind of BS my way through it. Senior Week (aka Decorah Drinkathon) begins tomorrow afternoon & goes through Saturday night & I wish I could take my last final tomorrow so I could go out tomorrow night, but alas, it was not meant to be.

But without further ado, here's this week's Music Monday!

1. "By My Side" by Ben Harper (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/i67uya)

2. "Two is Better Than One" by Boys Like Girls & Taylor Swift (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/maw7lt)

3. "Take a Bow" by Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/mqu7n5)

4. "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert (This song popped into my head when I was thinking about moving out of this house on Sunday after graduation. This is the house that built me in a way. It taught me how to be a nurse, had plenty of amazing times with friends I'll cherish forever. I almost started crying thinking about it.) (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7a3wok)

5. "How Far Do You Wanna Go" by Gloriana (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/sm84gt)

6. "Beautiful" by Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7e0rhd)

7. "Heart Like Mine" by Miranda Lambert (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/edx89s)

8. "I Just Wanna Be Mad" by Terri Clark (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/2zbfxp)

9. "Come in With the Rain" by Taylor Swift (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ddpoxh)

10. "Because of You (Acappella)" by Kelly Clarkson (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/9c8fwz)

Enjoy the music & have a great week! The next time I post I will be back in Rochester for the next year & a half. Sad day. I want to live with my roomies forever. I miss them already & we haven't even left yet :(

Music Monday

2011-05-09T08:40:00.003-05:00

Once again, it is Monday which means another edition of Music Monday downloads! I went home this past weekend because it was my sister's Junior Prom and Mother's Day. And now I'm back at school & ready to begin this last week of classes (& my last classes on the Luther campus until September 2012 - AH!)

This week's Music Monday will be a special double edition! Next Monday is my first final - Nutrition - so I won't be blogging much during those few days so today there's 20 songs!

1. "Behind These Hazel Eyes" by Kelly Clarkson

2. "Save You" by Kelly Clarkson

3. "Wheel of the World" by Carrie Underwood (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/m3wpng)

4. "Least of These" by Flo Paris (She's a fellow blogger! Check out her blog here!) (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/o9r48w)

5. "Questions in My Mind" by Ana Free (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/gxr0j5)

6. "Life's Too Short" by Kellie Pickler (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/b3jwsi)

7. "She's Country" by Jason Aldean

8. "Silent Movie" by Natasha Bedingfield

9. "Dancin' in God's Country" by Rebecca Lynn Howard

10. "One of the Guys" by Kellie Pickler

11. "Lips of an Angel (Acoustic)" by Hinder (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/p5sa3w)

12. "Never Had It So Good" by Jessica Andrews

13. "Remember When" by Alan Jackson

14. "I Still Miss Someone" by Martina McBride & Dolly Parton

15. "I've Just Seen a Face" by Jim Sturgess from Across the Universe

16. "Honestly" by Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill & a fellow blogger! Find her blog here!) (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/wyjh5z)

17. "Gotta Keep Moving" by Kellie Pickler

18. "She Won't Be Lonely Long" by Clay Walker

19. "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" by Britney Spears

20. "Forever" by Chris Brown (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/qqdyw7)

Not many downloads this week - sorry! New songs will be on my computer soon!

Hey Mama!

2011-05-08T19:25:00.009-05:00

Martina McBride "Teenage Daughters"

I ain't complainin'
But I'm so tired, I'm just sayin'
What I think
And if we're being honest
Then honestly, I think I need a drink

My baby's growin' up
She thinks she's fallin' all in love
And that I hate her
At seventeen, she's just like me when I was seventeen
So I don't blame her

What are we gonna do?
What are we gonna do about it?

Remember when we used to be
Everything they'd ever need
We had them believing we were cool
It's like it happened overnight
We're always wrong, they're always right
We used to be the one's breakin' the rules
Now we're just mothers, we're just fathers
Of teenage daughters

She rolls her eye's when I'm funny
But she's sweet when she wants money and her freedom
Oh my god, she's got a car
Swears they won't go far
And I wish I believed 'em

What are we gonna do?
What are we gonna do about it?

Remember when we used to be
Everything they'd ever need
We had them believing we were cool
It's like it happened overnight
We're always wrong, they're always right
We used to be the one breakin' the rules
Now we're just mothers, we're just fathers
Of teenage daughters

They're beautiful, wild, and free
Everything we wish we could be
But they're still crazy
Oh you know, they make us crazy

Remember when we used to be
Everything they'd ever need
We had them believing we were cool
It's like it happened overnight
We're always wrong, they're always right
We used to be the one's breakin' the rules
Now we're just mothers, we're just fathers
Of teenage daughters

Yeah
Teenage daughters

I ain't complainin'
But I'm so tired, I'm just sayin'
What I think
If we're bein' honest
Then honestly, I think I need a drink

Happy Mother's Day! I was fortunate enough to be able to spend at least half the day with my mom and grandma!

You. Are. Beautiful.

2011-05-03T10:21:00.006-05:00

I wish I could tie you up in my shoes
Make you feel unpretty too
I was told I was beautiful
But what does that mean to you
Look into the mirror, who's inside there?
The one with the long hair
Same old me again today

My outsides are cool; My insides are blue
Everytime I think I'm through, it's because of you
I try different ways, but it's all the same
At the end of the day, I have myself to blame
I'm just trippin'

You can buy your hair if it won't grow
You can fix your nose if he says so
You can buy all the makeup that MAC can make
But if you can't look inside you
Find out who am I to
Be in the position to make me feel so damn unpretty

I feel pretty
Oh, so pretty
I feel pretty and witty and bright

Never insecure until I met you
Now I'm being stupid
I used to be so cute to me
Just a little bit skinny
Why do I look to all these things to keep you happy?
Maybe get rid of you and then I'll get back to me

My outsides look cool; My insides are blue
Everytime I think I'm through, it's because of you
I've tried different ways, but it's all the same
At the end of the day, I have myself to blame
Keep on trippin'

You can buy your hair if it won't grow
You can fix your nose if he says so
You can buy all the makeup that MAC can make
But if you can't look inside you
Find out who am I to
Be in the position to make me feel so damn unpretty

I feel pretty
Oh, so pretty
I feel pretty and witty and bright
And I pity any girl who isn't me tonight

I feel pretty
You can buy your hair if it won't grow
Oh, so pretty

You can fix your nose if he says so

I feel pretty and witty and bright
You can buy all the makeup that MAC can make
But if you can't look inside you
Find out who am I to
Be in the position to make me feel so damn unpretty

I feel pretty, but unpretty

Music Monday

2011-05-02T10:22:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone enjoyed their lovely weekend! Another week has begun & so has the vast array of papers I have due this next week. But to kick start it, here are some rockin' tunes to download & listen to!

Oh and stop by Life of Meg & join in on Mingle Monday!

1. "Wrong Side of Memphis" by Trisha Yearwood (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/zn36cd)

2. "Hold Me Tight" by Evan Rachel Wood (from Across the Universe)

3. "Gimme That Girl" by Joe Nichols

4. "World of Chances" by Demi Lovato (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7cqw0y)

5. "Enchanted" by Taylor Swift (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/kk6306)

6. "Somewhere That's Green" from Little Shop of Horrors (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/yxskld)

7. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

8. "Burning Up" by Jesse St. James (Jonathan Groff) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/yxpmdf)

9. "Catch Me When I Fall" by Ashlee Simpson

10. "You Lie" by The Band Perry (Download link:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/j8jmep)

Almost There!

2011-05-01T19:59:00.002-05:00

I am...

Two Nutrition quizzes

Two Nursing quizzes

Two Nursing demos

One Social Work paper

One Nursing meeting

One Nursing clinical

One Nursing clinical evaluation

Two Mentor papers

One Nursing research paper

and

Three Finals

...away from being done with school for the year & partying it up during Senior Week & Graduation!

And right now, I can't wait!

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-30T11:49:00.007-05:00

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

I love to sing. I love music, getting lost in a song, feeling a deep connection to the music. I was in choir all four years of high school. Alto 1, thank you very much. But...

I cannot sing for the life of me. I have a horrible voice. This is the #1 reason I didn't try out for choir my freshman year of college. I wanted to be in a choir at Luther so bad! I loved being in choir in high school & being part of the prestigous music program at Luther College would have been amazing! But, alas, I think I sound horrible so I didn't audition.

I would kill to have a voice like Miss Haley Reinhart from American Idol. She is AMAZING! In fact, you need to check out Haley singing the jazz tune "Moanin'" with Casey (who, by the way, did not deserve to get eliminated on Thursday! I'm still bitter.) And I'll include them singing "I Feel the Earth Move" cause that's amazing too & they're too cute together!

God Save the Queen

2011-04-29T16:19:00.002-05:00

Yes, I woke up at 3:45am to watch the Royal Wedding.

Yes, I thought Kate was absolutely STUNNING!

Yes, I had to leave for clinical at 6:30am

Yes, I have been up for over 12 hours.

Yes, I have had 3 cups of coffee today.

Yes, it was worth it.

Yes, I cried.

Yes, I'm such a girl.

Yes, I plan on having a Royal Wedding (to Prince Harry).

Yes, you are all invited.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-26T10:09:00.004-05:00

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Oh, Winneshiek Medical Center - how I miss thee! I had my first real clinical of Nursing school here. I cared for my first patient here. I first felt like a real nurse here. I first felt like I truly helped & comforted someone here. A lot of firsts happened in this hospital. I miss having my clinicals here, as I am at Wellington Place Nursing Home this half of the semester.

The patients I took care of while at this hospital made me realize why I chose to go into Nursing in the first place. Hopefully I made them feel a little bit better & put them in a better mood!

Music....Tuesday?

2011-04-26T09:20:00.004-05:00

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend. I spent the weekend at home hanging out with my family. I got to see my little cousin Elliot, who is getting so big! He can say mine, my brother's, & my sister's names & is just so adorable!

Elliot on a mission during the Easter egg hunt!

I got back to Luther yesterday late afternoon & started up on the homework while watching Dancing with the Stars (speaking of, Hanson performing "MmmBop!" - LOVE IT!). Still have a ton to do in the next week & a half before I go home for my sister's prom. But what really irked me is I woke up this morning ready to go take a Kaplan test for practicing the NCLEX. Well, I receive an e-mail from my professor that says the test will be open for taking TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) & THURSDAY! Plus, she's sick so she cancelled class. My only class today. Yeah, it's great I have nothing to do except work on homework today and get started on my research paper, but I could have stayed home one last night & come back this afternoon!

Anyway, since I didn't get on my computer a whole lot during break, Music Monday will be today!

1. "University of Southern California Alma Mater" by USC Reverse Osmosis (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/g4en1h)

2. "Vindicated" by Florida State University Acabelles (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/zsgnq1)

3. "Never Again" by Kelly Clarkson

4. "With Me" by Sum 41 (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ycebqe)

5. "Rain" by Luther College Undeclared (The Male Acapella group at my school!) (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/hbn2rx)

6. "Helplessly, Hopelessly" by Jessica Andrews

7. "Empire State of Mind" by DaViglio (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/vjv9gc)

8. "Favorite Year" by Dixie Chicks

9. "Let Alone You" by Easton Corbin (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/yakp1p)

10. "Endless Love" by Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) & Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/4nekmo)

So today's picks are relatively unknown! Good for you all and refreshing for me to be able to introduce you to some new artists! Enjoy!! Hope your Tuesday is more fun than rain, clouds, and homework!

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-21T10:29:00.004-05:00

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

This lovely lady was my 6th grade teacher. She taught me so much about life & is so amazing! I hope to be half as great of an adult as she is!

Music Monday

2011-04-18T10:57:00.004-05:00

I so cannot wait to go home for Easter on Wednesday afternoon!! I haven't been home since the weekend before Spring Break and that was only for 2 days!! But first I must complete a test in Nutrition on Wednesday and test out of Parenteral (Shot) medications in Nursing lab - fun fun! Here's this weeks 10 (or so) downloads! Enjoy!

1. "And I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going" by Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/imoglb)

2. "Listen" by Sunshine Corazon (Charice) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/v6fbpz)

3. "Stuck Like Glue" by Sugarland

4. "Shame on Me" by Rachel Proctor

5. "I Ain't Gonna Take It Anymore" by Faith Hill

6. "Borderline/Open Your Heart" by Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) & Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/lrb3vw)

7. "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/w3ixmw)

8. "Nothing That You Are" by Mandy Moore

9. "When It Comes" by Tyler Hilton (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ddnglz)

10. "Crazy Girls" by Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill) (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/d2b92v)

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-17T10:18:00.002-05:00

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

Make a positive difference in someone else's life as a nurse. Who knows? Maybe I've already done this with my clinical patients at the hospital and nursing home?

Music Monday

2011-04-11T08:54:00.003-05:00

It's that time of the week again - Music Monday! Here are today's downloads! Enjoy this beautiful Spring Day!

1. "Famous in a Small Town" by Miranda Lambert (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/e6691s)

2. "A Whole New World" by Chauncey Matthews (Remember him? From American Juniors? What a cutie.) (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/yyrs9y)

3. "Leaving on a Jetplane" by Rockapella (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/8l9tg1)

4. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) from Glee (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7gv1eq)

5. "Karen's Cafe" by Everly (As a OTH fan, this makes my heart happy.) (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/a9vn09)

6. "I'll Be There" by Martina McBride

7. "Paper Angels" by Jimmy Wayne (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/24nx3h)

8. "Hip to My Heart" by The Band Perry (Favorite!) (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/3roidk)

9. "Change" by Carrie Underwood (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/u1jypd)

10. "Remember When" by Alan Jackson

Well, all you country music fans will be happy with these choices!

The Hills are ALIVE!

2011-04-10T15:34:00.004-05:00

I made it through my crazy week with all those tests & projects and I came out alive! This weekend was extra fun too!

First of all, the Jason Derulo concert was awesome! He's a great entertainer, an awesome live singer, and MAN, HE CAN DANCE! I haven't put any of the video or pictures that I took on my computer yet, but once I do, I'll be sure to post a few.

I had my Same Day Surgery rotation that next morning at 7am so I was quite tired, but it was super interesting. I got to see a bilateral hernia repair and a knee arthroscopy. I loved being able to see what goes on during a surgery, but I've determined I never want to work there. I don't like the demeanor of surgeons. They just seem like they think they're God's best gift to mankind and I don't like that attitude in helping professions.

Friday night I stayed around the house and watched E.R. reruns and fell asleep at like 10:30pm cause I was so exhausted.

Saturday was gorgeous outside so our house just hung out together and made a Walmart run. My best friend since high school, Sarah, came down to visit Caitlin and me and come to a party Caitlin's house was throwing. The theme was Nerdgasm and it was a blast! We basically walked all over the college senior housing area of Luther and went to a few houses and the bar. On our way home, right across the street from Caitlin's house, these 3 freshman girls were wasted beyond belief and could barely stand and were trying to puke (too much information?) so we brought them into Caitlin's and being the nice seniors we were, we got them water and a trash can and had them sit on the couch for awhile before we walked them back to their dorm room. I felt really good being able to use my nursing skills and help out girls who are still young and vulnerable :)

Today, Caitlin, Sarah, Caitlin's dog, Rusty, and I all walked down to Dunning Springs and took pictures and talked and then we had to make Sarah experience a tornado at Whippy Dip. I had a Twix Tornado, which was DELICIOUS! By the way, it is BEAUTIFUL outside today. It was super humid this morning since it rained around 4am, but right now it's sunny, slightly breezy, and 85! I love this weather!

Hopefully it's beautiful where you are! And I heard there's supposed to be severe thunderstorms here tonight along with like everywhere in the midwest, so STAY SAFE! haha!

To close, here's a few pictures from a couple parties we had at our house a few weeks ago!

The Spring Semester "Nursing/Education Home" during our infamous "I Just Had Sex" Party

Karina & I during J-term

Music Monday

2011-04-03T12:36:00.008-05:00

Because Nursing has taken over my life this week, I've decided to do Music Monday a day early. I probably won't be posting much at all this week either. My life looks like this:

Monday: Nutrition Test & Meeting with mentors for social work project

Tuesday: Nursing Test

Wednesday: HUGE Physical Assessment Lab Exam test out

Thursday: Jason Derulo concert (which I have no clue if I'm going yet!)

Friday: Same Day Surgery Observation (of which I need to find a ride to), Social Work midterm due, & Social Work Supplemental Response Essay due

Sounds fun, doesn't it? All I have been doing this weekend (with the exception of my mom, sister, & aunt coming down yesterday afternoon) has been STUDYING! Come Friday, this girl is doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING & ENJOYING IT! Right now I'm taking a Glee/lunch break which will probably, in all actuality, last until around 3pm. But enough complaining! Back to the music!!!! 1. "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" by LeAnn Rimes (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/qwcozy) 2. "Our Kind of Love" by Lady Antebellum (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/8auo0k) 3. "Boot Scootin' Boogie" by Brooks & Dunn 4. "Keep Holding On" by New Directions from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/tlk6w0) 5. "Two Worlds Collide" by Demi Lovato (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/921ltb) 6. "I Get It (Acoustic)" by Kate Voegele 7. "You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma (Live)" by Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/1suqdx) 8. "Ready to Love Again" by Lady Antebellum (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/2fp2pk) 9. "Maybe" by Everly (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/d3jw48) 10. "Toxic" by Britney Spears Very mixed song choices this week! Enjoy! Sidenote: Sorry for the whole no spacing thing between the songs! I tried to get it to space like 7 times, but it kept going back to this when I refreshed the page! Stupid blogger....

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-03T12:31:00.001-05:00

Day 14 - A picture of someone you can't imagine your life without.

My whole extended family.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-31T08:32:00.003-05:00

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

I actually have 3 and no, I can't narrow it down.

Miranda Lambert

Blake Shelton

Lady Antebellum

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-29T14:04:00.002-05:00

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

SPRING! Maybe this will will it to come a little earlier instead of staying 45 degrees!! Although this is awesome compared to 30 degrees :)

Also, this picture reminded me of Nashville because these trees were in bloom all over!

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-28T16:23:00.002-05:00

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

No explanation required.

Music Monday

2011-03-28T10:01:00.004-05:00

After a week's hiatus while I was in Nashville aka Music City USA, Music Monday is back with more free downloads! Here's the songs that came up on shuffle in iTunes this week:

1. "Chicago" by Kate Voegele

2. "See You Again (Rock Mafia Remix)" by Miley Cyrus (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/6ktjk9)

3. "Imagine" by New Directions from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/er8w5v)

4. "I Don't Care" by Blake Shelton

5. "We've Got Nothing But Love to Prove" by Faith Hill

6. "Looking Forward to Looking Back" by Mandy Moore

7. "Home Sweet Home" by Blake Shelton

8. "Change Your Mind" by Gloriana (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/gdwxia)

9. "Need You Now (Acoustic)" by Lady Antebellum (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/sab3z1)

10. "Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag" by Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) & Holly Holiday (Gwenyth Paltrow) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/e74dp9)

Enjoy! And hey, spend your morning getting ready & dancing/singing in the mirror to these songs - puts you in a great mood!!

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-27T18:50:00.003-05:00

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most crazy things with

This is me with one of my bestest friends, Caitlin. We've been BFF since freshman year of high school & for the last 7 1/2 years, we've been causing trouble together. Since we both came to Luther College without the level-headed guidance of our other best friends, Sarah & Beth, we've done some pretty crazy stuff together. Including the night this picture was taken - Caitlin's 22nd birthday. Throughout all the craziness, Caitlin has been there for me whether it's a place to vent about my stresses of nursing school, boys, drunk rants, & sober cabs/walks, it's been quite an adventure and I love her for it.

It's a Crazy Town full of neon dreams: Spring Break 2011

2011-03-26T14:59:00.005-05:00

Day 5: Wednesday March 23rd

All four of us headed into Nashville at 8:00am. We saw The Hermitage, The Parthenon, Cheekwood Mansion & Botanical Gardens, & Loveless Cafe, drove past The Belmont Mansion, & ate at Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Company. It was cool seeing The Loveless & The Hermitage!! It was threatening to rain all day & finally downpoured around downtown Nashville when we were in the car headed home. We got home around 6:00pm & made pizza & watched the Game Show Network again. We went to bed at 9:00am we were so tired!

Japanese Garden at Cheekwood

Cheekwood Mansion

At the Parthenon

Andrew Jackson's grave at The Hermitage

The Hermitage

Perfect number of trees in front of The Hermitage

Day 6: Thursday March 24th

We decided to head home since it was supposed to rain the next day. We left around 11:30am & stopped for supper at a (very classy) Golden Corral in Hannibal, MO around 5:30pm & ended up getting home around 11:00pm, unloaded the car, & crashed around midnight!!

It was a wonderful Spring break from reality, a dream come true to visit Nashville, & made me realize how much I want to live there! It was definitely a shock coming back to the 30 degree weather of Iowa...yuck! I have so much stuff to do in these next 2 weeks I don't even want to think about it!! I haven't started on any of it either!

It's a Crazy Town full of neon dreams: Spring Break 2011

2011-03-26T14:38:00.005-05:00

Day 4: Tuesday March 22nd

Stacy had a job interview at 2:00pm so we all hung around the house sleeping in & watching the Game Show Network like all morning. We got ready & then once Stacy came back from her interview we headed into Nashville for the Grand Ole Opry! We ate supper at Bob Evan's which was absolutely DELICIOUS & SUPER CHEAP! The show was amazing!! Chris Young, who sings "Voices" was supposed to play, but got sick so they called in Lee Brice to fill in for him, which was fine by me cause I love Lee Brice! The performers that night were Jeannie Seely, Lee Brice, The Steeldrivers, Elizabeth Cook, The Whites, Chuck Wicks, John Conlee, & Steel Magnolia. It was such a good time & we got a backstage tour after & got to go up onstage & step on the infamous circle from the Ryman! It was seriously my dream come true. I've wanted to do that since I was a kid! We didn't get home until almost 11:30pm that night & were exhausted!

Lee Brice sang "Love Like Crazy", "Beautiful Everytime", & "Crazy Girl"

Chuck Wicks sang "Stealing Cinderella" & "Old School"

John Conlee sang "Rose Colored Glasses"

Steel Magnolia sang "Last Night Again" & "Jackson"

The Clarksville Quartet!!

The brown line is how high the floodwaters rose to

I stood on the circle!!

View of the Opry from the stage

The Clarksville Quartet making their debut on the Grand Ole Opry

The last day will be in the next post!

It's a Crazy Town full of neon dreams: Spring Break 2011

2011-03-26T13:41:00.010-05:00

This past week was my Spring Break & two of my roomies & I took a road trip down to Nashville, Tennessee to see one of our roomies that graduated in December, Stacy. So here's our itinerary from the week including some pictures! I had an amazing time & am seriously considering searching for jobs & moving down there after I graduate. It's definitely a town suited for me!

Day 1: Saturday March 19th

We woke up at 4:00am after only getting between 1 -4 hours of sleep because we wanted to be on the road by 5:30am latest. I unfortunately woke up with a bit of a cold & cough, which kind of sucked but I made the most of it cause nothing was going to ruin my Spring Break! We left Decorah and headed on the road through Iowa. We planned on spending the day in St. Louis to sightsee. We arrived there around 1:00pm & saw the Gateway Arch & the Old Courthouse building.

Karina, Me, & Megan in front of the Arch

We then drove to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery to tour it. It was super cool. In one building, we had to ride 7 flights of escalators! We then got to go to the Hospitality Room to sample beer. I had a Shock Top, Megan had Golden Wheat, & Karina had Landshark.

The huge Clydsedales they had in a beautiful stable

We then went to Union Station & got dinner at Houlihan's & walked around the different shops. We left St. Louis at 8pm & by that time it had started raining. The roads in St. Louis suck in the dark and rain. None of the road paint had reflectors in it so we couldn't see the road. We ended up almost making a short turn & hitting a median, then we missed our exit on the interstate & had to go in this shady part of town to turn around. We finally go out of town & eventually arrived at Stacy's house in Clarksville, TN at 12:30am. She had fallen asleep & didn't hear the doorbell, knocking, or her phone ringing so we didn't get inside until 1:00am & then we all proceeded to crash for the night.

Day 2: Sunday March 20th

We all ended up sleeping in until 10am. It was SO nice out! 80 degrees and sunny!! We drove to Fort Campbell where Stacy's husband is stationed & shopped at the Commissary (grocery store) & PX (Walmart). The whole base is like a huge town. So many places to live and shop. We drove past these huge planes too! We then hung out around Stacy's neighborhood playing with all the kids that hang out on Stacy's porch & front lawn. We made cheeseburgers & vegetables on the grill and sat outside all night & went to bed early.

Day 3: Monday March 21st

Karina, Megan, & I headed into Nashville around 8:30am. Stacy stayed home because she had a job interview on Tuesday & had to buy an outfit & get ready for it. We arrived in Nashville around 9:15am & walked around the Music City Walk of Fame park with all the country music stars & picked up our Access Passes. We then went to Legends Corner Souvineir Shop & toured the Ryman Auditorium. It was so cool to be in the building where so many legendary country singers got their start! They said the Ryman has the 2nd best sound next to the Mormon Tabernacle. It was awesome being able to stand on the stage as well!

On the Shelby Street Bridge where they film a lot of country music videos

Ryman Auditorium

We then went & ate lunch at Broadway Brewhouse & Mojo, which was delicious. Next, we headed over to the Country Music Hall of Fame & toured it. It was so cool & very interesting. The whole 2nd floor was an exhibit about Hank Williams & his family. Of course I loved seeing Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood's GORGEOUS dresses. They had Carrie's dress that she hosted the 2010 CMA's in & it was all sewn with intricate beaded jewels on the bodice & a huge tulle bottom. The rotunda area with the actual Hall of Fame was breathtaking! It says Will the Circle Be Unbroken along the top with the sun shining through - amazing!

In front of the Country Music Hall of Fame

Carrie's beautiful dress!

The Rotunda

We then headed home because we were going over to grill out with Stacy's friend & her family that live on post in Fort Campbell. We spent the night with her & her kids sitting around the bonfire just hanging out in the nice weather. We got home around 9:00pm & went right to bed again!

I'll continue the last couple days in the next post!

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-15T13:31:00.004-05:00

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

I honestly don't know what I'd do without these three girls in my life. They are my very best friends and it was by fate that we even became friends. I love them with all my heart and miss them terribly. I can't wait until we can all be reunited this summer for a short time!

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-14T08:53:00.003-05:00

Since I went home this past weekend & didn't go on the computer at all, here's the weekend catch up of each day's posts for the 30 Day Photo Challenge!

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

I could have picked a million and one pictures for this. I have so many favorite memories both with my friends and my family. Every Christmas Eve is a favorite memory. The Blake Shelton concert I already posted about is a favorite memory. High School football games are a favorite memory. But this picture was speaking to me today because I really am missing some of my housemates from last semester. This picture is from our last real fun event together. It was the snowstorm of the century on the Saturday before finals and we were snowed in so we all took a study break at 3pm and went outside in the snow and built two huge snowpeople and a snow dog and had an epic snow fight down our sidestreet and in the neighbor's yard. I came inside that day freezing, but grinning from ear to ear and with a little ache in my heart for the fact that Laura, Tess, Stacy, and Britt would not be there next semester. But Laura came up to visit 2 or 3 weekends ago, Tess gets back from South Africa in 2 weeks, I just saw Britt yesterday, and we roadtrip down to see Stacy in Tennessee on Saturday!

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

I love this woman. She is my idol and an AMAZING musician! I would love to be able to perform on stage each night for thousands of screaming fans, write empowering and thoughtful songs, and play this super nice guitar too! I love my life and would never really trade places with anyone, but if I had to, it would for sure be Miranda Lambert. Not to mention I'd be engaged to Mr. Blake Shelton ;)

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

I will definitely say my whole family is my most treasured "item", but I've already posted a lot of pictures of them so I went with Maz and Flo as my little treasured ones. Despite having to deal with a fine and having to send them to Karina's home to live, I am so proud of our house for taking these two furballs in and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I honestly feel in my heart that we saved their lives by doing so, as their mom was later hit by a car and died and their 2 other kitties from the litter froze to death in the cold. Flo was already suffering because he wasn't being fed by his mom. We nursed him back to health. They are now productive and thriving at Karina's farm & are like any other 5 month old kitty. I love them with all my heart & miss them everyday!

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

Lots of things make me laugh. This is just one. Oh Tess & Britt! They came up with this awesome dance to the song "Bumpy Ride" & since Tess wasn't as, uhhem, "well-endowed", she stuffed balloons up her sweatshirt. Check out this video of their dance!

Play that Funky Music

2011-03-14T08:34:00.005-05:00

It is Music Monday so here's the random 10 songs from my iTunes & (most) download links where you can download the songs onto your computer. Enjoy! P.S: Today might be an overload of catch up posts from the 30 Day Photo Challenge :)

1. "Good at Startin' Fires" by Blake Shelton
2. "Don't Make Me" by Blake Shelton
3. "Perfect Day" by Lady Antebellum (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/paqesi)
4. "Keep on Singing My Song" (Christina Aguilera cover) by Danielle White (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/agtufz)
5. "This is Gonna Take All Night" by Blake Shelton
6. "Little Children" by Everly (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/6lif5i)
7. "Beautiful Disaster (Live)" by Kelly Clarkson
8. "Size Matters" by Natasha Bedingfield
9. "4 Minutes" by Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley) & Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) from Glee (Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/zcju5f)
10. "October" by Haley James Scott (Bethany Joy Galeotti) from One Tree Hill

Okay so most of these songs don't have a download link. Boo. My iTunes shuffle must have a thing for Mr. Blake Shelton? Oh and you should DEFINTELY go take a listen to "Perfect Day" by Lady Antebellum. I guarantee it will put you in a great mood for Monday!

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-10T14:58:00.005-06:00

3 days worth of catch up in the 30 Day Photo Challenge!

Day 02 - A picture of you & the person you have been closest with the longest

This is my cousin, Marissa. Our moms are sisters and we have been close my whole life. She's 7 1/2 years older than me, but we always hung out when we were younger. She lives in La Crosse, WI now with her husband, Rob and 18 month old son, Elliot. (By the way, yes, I know this picture is from almost 4 years ago ;) )

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Duh - One Tree Hill! My best friend, Beth, has watched it since season 1 and always talked about it at school the next morning. Well, she wrote a poem about the school shooting episode and was telling me all about how emotional the episode was so when I got home from school that day, I watched the episode on YouTube. This was back on one of the first days of senior year in high school, right before season 4 started. Well, I got hooked with that one episode and started watching and haven't stopped. I got season 1 for my birthday and season 3 for christmas so that's how I caught up on the episodes. I still love it and am so sad that this is probably the last season since Tree Hill graduated high school when I graduated high school so I feel like I've grown up with them. This season has been amazing!

Day 04 - A picture of your favorite night

My favorite night and it just happened at the end of January 2011. We all went to La Crosse & stayed with Marissa and Rob and went around downtown and to the Blake Shelton, Easton Corbin, & Steel Magnolia concert. Best. Night. Ever.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-07T16:09:00.003-06:00

I've seen this 30 Day Photo Challenge going around Facebook and the blog world for awhile now so I thought I'd take part. Maybe it will get me to start blogging more again in the midst of my CRAZY school schedule!

Day 01: A picture of yourself with 10 facts

Yes, I used my Ke$ha picture from Halloween as the picture for today.

No, I have no shame in doing so.

Now for 10 facts....let's see....

1. I only seriously applied to 3 colleges: Luther, Winona State University, & Viterbo University.

2. I was one stamp on an envelope away from attending Viterbo University. I was just about to send in my deposit when I decided to attend Luther. WIN!

3. I have switched my major back & forth. A lot. I wanted to be a teacher until the end of my sophomore year in high school. Then I wanted to be a nurse & applied to all those schools for nursing. Then I got to college & went back to education. Then I finally changed it back to nursing in the spring of my second year at Luther.

4. I have never been out of the midwest before. The farthest I've been away from home is Chicago, IL & I was only there for a weekend. That will all change in 12 days when I go to Tennessee with the girls!!

5. I peed my pants during recess in 1st grade. It was embarrassing. I got sent to the office & told I could go home. I told my friends I was sick & everyone was saying feel better. Haha!

6. The lowest grade I've received in college thus far was a C+ in Microbiology last semester. I hope I never see that grade on my transcript again.

7. My roomies and I have become slightly addicted to trivia shows in the last few months. We watch Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Jeopardy almost everyday without fail. In fact, that's what I'm going to do in 5 minutes :)

8. Apparently, when I'm drunk and want to dance, I throw my head around. It happened this weekend. My neck kills. No lie.

9. My first actual stadium concert ever was the Blake Shelton one I went to back in January. It was so exciting. I can't wait to attend more!

10. I read like 50 or more blogs on here. And every blog I read has the most interesting writers. Seriously, I feel like I could be friends with them. I love you all.

Now off to refuel my brain cells after this weekend by watching Jeopardy!

Music Monday

2011-03-07T11:33:00.004-06:00

It seems that I've had Music Monday become a regular part of my blog now, so here it is again!

Random list of 10 songs that came up on my iPod!

1. "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" by Quinn (Dianna Agron) from Glee (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/99s14t)
2. "Ridin' Solo" by Jason DeRulo (who, be-tee-dubs, is coming to Luther next month!)
3. "Superstar" by Taylor Swift (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/xitpl0)
4. "Under the Bridge" by Luther College's Undeclared acapella group
5. "I'm Gonna Get You Back" by Rachel Proctor
6. "Spotlight" by Hannah Montana (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/qeyj7u)
7. "Tim McGraw" by Taylor Swift (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/6f0qwl)
8. "Funny Girl" by Shelby Corcoran (Idina Menzel) from Glee (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/o22opa)
9. "Replay" by DJ Leah (the female version of Iyaz's song) (Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/6mzqfw)
10. "I Hope" by Dixie Chicks

So go check out some of these songs, download them if you will. Some of the songs I don't have on my computer, except for in iTunes so that's why some don't have download links - sorry!

Also some extra fun music related stuff. You should check out Colbie Caillat's song "You Get Me". I heard it on another blog this morning & definitley need to go download it cause I love it!

Now I have to go be a good student & attend Nutrition. We have a test on Wednesday that I have not yet studied for & I'm going to be in Rochester all day tomorrow with my nursing class getting a tour of the Mayo Clinic for next year - so excited!

Mingle Monday!

2011-03-07T11:27:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite things to do to find cool new blogs to read is to participate in Mingle Monday at Life of Meg. I always end up following at least one new blog after looking through the posts!
You should go check it out too! Maybe you'll end up increasing your followers! Since I started participating in this, I've gone from a mere 4 followers up to 13 :)

Through the Years...

2011-02-28T18:53:00.009-06:00

Just for kicks, I've decided to do a little "My Life in Pictures" post with some photos I found on my laptop. So sit back & enjoy the embarrasment of late 80's & 90's fashion!

One day old (1988)

One year old (Christmas 1989)

Around 1 year old (1989)

1 1/2 years old (Summer 1990)

2 years old (November 1990)

2 years old with my 6 month old brother (Christmas 1990)

Around 3 years old (1991/1992)

Around 4 years old (1993)

Around 5 years old (1994)

5 years old (September 1994)

6 years old (1995)

7 years old (September 1996)

8 years old (Christmas 1996)

8 years old (September 1997)

9 years old (September 1998)

10 years old (September 1999)

11 years old (September 2000)

15 years old (August 2004)

16 years old (August 2005)

And so finishes my childhood. Hope you thoroughly enjoyed!

Music Monday

2011-02-21T14:23:00.004-06:00

The first 10 songs to come up on I-Tunes!! Check them out!

1. "Lonely Alone" by Julie Roberts (JuliE Roberts, the country singer...not JuliA Roberts, the actress!)

2. "White Horse" by Taylor Swift

3. "Ring of Fire" from Walk the Line soundtrack

4. "Strangers" by Martina McBride

5. "Don't Make Me" by Blake Shelton

6. "Extraordinary" by Mandy Moore

7. "Maybe" by Kelly Clarkson

8. "Sunset Boulevard (Acoustic)" by Tyler Hilton

9. "The Right Man" by Christina Aguilera

10. "The Best of Both Worlds" by Hannah Montana

Very random.

P.S.: Picture is from the Blake Shelton concert I went to in January. MIRANDA LAMBERT WAS THERE & SURPRISED EVERYONE BY COMING OUT TO SING "HOME" :) Best. Night. Ever.

A Message of Hope

2011-01-12T19:56:00.002-06:00

In support of the True Beauty campaign actress and activist Daphne Zuniga has written an incredibly inspiring and touching letter to all girls about the importance of good self-esteem. She warns about the downfalls of falling into the pressures of society's obsession with thinness and the outside physique. Daphne tells us of valuable ways all young women can feel great about themselves and live a truly fulfilled, healthy, and happy life. I will let the letter speak for itself, but I just want to take the moment here to thank Daphne Zuniga for so graciously taking her time to write this beautiful message that will positively influence so many.

A LETTER TO MY NIECE AND ALL GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN:

Dearest_____,
I want you to know this very important thing and remember it always. Know that it is true, and that it's not only encouragement because I love you.

You are amazing. A breathtaking beauty. I see your energy, your love and creativity. I listen to your ideas for the world, for your friends and for yourself, and I see how excited and fearless you are when you share them. You are sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate. So beautiful. You know things, important things that could benefit the world. The problem is, society is going to try to diminish you. It will tell you that your power is in being really skinny. This is a lie. It will tell you your power and lovability is in being sexy. This is also a lie. It will tell you that your body, not your heart or brain is all the use it has for you. That to be lovable your bones must stick out and your thighs must not touch. Lies.

If you believe these lies you will spend precious time and energy trying to deliver. Don't waste your time and energy. It will never work. Even when people say, "Wow you look so good, did you lose weight?" it is only temporary, and inside you'll worry that you're not enough, normally, and you'll worry about gaining even an ounce. If you starve yourself, even though it feels like you're in control, you will lose your hair, your period, your energy, and your gorgeous vitality. You will be filled with fear 24/7. Find a trustworthy place to express your feelings instead.

If you binge and purge you will become bloated, your breath will smell, you'll destroy your stomach and possibly grow hair on your face. You are not expressing feelings you have. Get the real feelings out, then you won't want to do it silently as harm to yourself.

If you look at yourself in disgust, it is because you have been told lies. You are not alone, millions of women before you have stood at the mirror and cringed. But millions of women have chosen self love and esteem. As hard as it seems at first, it is possible.

I wish with all my heart for you to commit to loving yourself. I was a young woman in Hollywood, and believe me, if I can love myself here, you can love yourself anywhere.
Here are some things that worked for me:

1) Seek a counselor, teacher, friends, or group, in person or online where you'll be supported by sane, caring people who also are refusing society's lies and are reclaiming their power and true beauty.

2) Every time you see something showing women as too skinny or blatantly sexualized, take a deep breath and say to yourself "That's a lie. I choose me."

3) Read Geneen Roth Books like When Food is Love. www.geneenroth.com

4) Start meditating. Even 5 minutes a day spending time being aware of your breath will put you in touch with your feelings. http://www.sharonsalzberg.com

5) Start to become active in what you love DOING. People admire action, courage and real happiness far more than they admire a size 2.

6) Ask yourself if it is your body, mind or heart that is hungry. Your mind and heart need nourishment other than food.

7) Spend time with people who support you, not people who hurt you.

I love you. The world needs you.

Daphne

A Year in Review

2011-01-03T19:02:00.020-06:00

Again, long time no see Miss Blog!! I (thankfully) finished up fall semester intact. I PASSED MICRO! With a C+, but I passed no less. I had a wonderful (except for the whole 3 days of a 102 degree fever!), but far too short Christmas break & am now back at Luther taking my Paideia Capstone class this month. There's only 4 of us living in the house right now so it's really quiet and odd since it was always so full of commotion!

I've seen a couple of other blogs do a little "Year in Review" type thing & I thought I'd try and attempt one too!

January = I spent the month at home (since I wasn't taking a class) & was completely lazy. We adopted our cat, Simba.

February = I began Spring Semester of my junior year of college, which brought with it the dreadful CHEMISTRY. I started blogging on a more regular basis. Cassie turned 11. I found out I got into the Nursing Program! I went to Americana for the first time with Cat, Caitlin, & Justin for an 80's Party. I helped cheer the Saints onto victory in the Superbowl even though I was the only one. I also helped cheer Jeff & Jordan on during The Amazing Race & they won the first leg! One Tree Hill began one of the saddest storylines & Ali left on The Bachelor - both sucky. I was obsessed with reading Dear John.
March = I found out my cousin Emily was pregnant. I heard about a sweet band called She & Him. I endured a brutal midterms before heading home for SPRING BREAK. I went shopping at River Hills Mall in Mankato. I became obsessed with The Last Song (the book & the movie). I lost my Duke sweatshirt. I applied for a bunch of jobs. I interviewed for one. I got offered none. My mom celebrated her birthday.

April = I went home for Easter break. I came back & picked up a stomach virus. I became obsessed with A Bend in the Road (notice a Nicholas Sparks theme here?). It was unusually warm for April in Iowa. I felt very giddy & girly. I found out I get to participate in graduation with my class. I thought about traveling abroad. I started getting excited to go home for the summer. Devin turned 9. I saw How to Train Your Dragon in 3D for free. I finally made a new One Tree Hill video. And a Jeff & Jordan video. Miss Beth turned 21! The House That Built Me became my favorite song. A neighbor of mine at Luther submitted an audition video for Glee. Kate turned 4. I had an amazing night out with Caitlin & Trevor.

May = My family came to visit. I had a not-so-awesome night out with Caitlin & Justin. Miss Sarah turned 21! I celebrated Mother's Day without my mom or grandma. I had a blast at the Spring Drag Ball with some great friends! I had another not-so-awesome night out. I was in a frenzy studying for finals & packing up everything in my dorm. We had so much fun at an Active Minds study break making root beer floats & stress balls. I finished Chemistry!! I struggled with saying goodbye for the summer to some of my really good friends. I went home for the summer!

June = I made another new One Tree Hill video. Sammie, Megan, & Stasi all turned 21! Marissa & Jenny both celebrated birthdays! Caitlin, Sarah, & I went out to Applebees for drinks. I read a TON of books. We celebrated my Grandma's birthday! I started cooking a lot. The Rochesterfest Parade got rained out. So You Think You Can Dance began. Josh turned 20!
July = The 4th of July got rained out. My blogging started fading off because I wanted to spend more time with my family before summer ended. I saw Josh Thompson in concert for free.

August = I went to Country on the River in Prairie Du Chien, WI & saw Back Home Boys, The Lost Trailers, Emerson Drive, Terri Clark, & Blake Shelton! I went to lunch with my best friends before we headed back to college for our senior year. I went to the Como Zoo with my mom & sister. I didn't blog at all. I moved into the Nursing Home at Luther for my senior year of college/my first year of Nursing school!
September = I started the most dreadful class ever in history - MICROBIOLOGY. I started my semester adventure with the most amazing housemates ever! I got my first taste of overindulging on a night out, if ya know what I mean....I had my first nursing clinical. Stacy turned 23! Karina turned 22! And our house celebrated both! We had a bonfire at Erin's house & fostered 2 beautiful baby kittens, Flo & Maz, who were abandoned by their mother - from feeding them through a bottle to warming them under a lamp & heating pad to helping/teaching them to go to the bathroom :) My cousin Brayden was born! And Elliot turned 1 the next day!

October = Hannah turned 17! We watched the sunset at Palisade's Park. We were told we had to find the kittens a new home. I went home for Fall Break. I went to the Women's Fall Expo. A butthole cop decided they needed to be stupid to a college stupid. Some of my housemates got a little crazy with eye makeup. Our house had a Halloween scary moviethon, Halloween dinner, & went out for the first time all of us together.
November = Caitlin & I turned 22! We had many a movie night. I went home for Thanksgiving. I attended my first PRN banquet. I had my last fall semester clinical. My high school won the 2010 State 2A Football championship!

December = I attended my 4th Christmas at Luther performance with some of my housemates. Four of my housemates received their Nursing pin & we celebrated with a bunch of our families. I had my first Nursing lab test out. We had many a house gathering since the semester was ending. We got snowed in our last weekend & all went & built giant snowmen on our front lawn. I WAS FINALLY DONE WITH MICRO! I ended a wonderful semester with the best housemates. Stacy, Laura, & Tess graduated. I had a horrible fever & missed our house dinner in Rochester. I celebrated a wonderful Christmas & New Years Eve with family. I got a ticket to the Blake Shelton, Easton Corbin, & Steel Magnolia concert in January.

Hides in shame

2010-11-20T13:35:00.006-06:00

I'd like to start off by saying how ashamed I am of basically abandoning this blog when it was essentially my baby this past summer, but I kid you not - I have been INSANELY busy this semester at school.

I've been taking my first nursing course & doing clinicals at one of the local nursing homes which has been an amazing experience & just made me validate how right my choice was to change my major to nursing. I love what I am doing, even though it is a lot of hard work. The only not so fun thing is that this semester I am also taking Microbiology as a requirement for the program & it is the hardest class in the history of all classes. We have to get a C in the course as a requirement for nursing & right now, as far as I now, I am BARELY holding onto a C with a 75%. I pray pray pray that this stays throughout the last few grades & tests we have left cause I cannot afford to go back to a C-! I'm also taking an extremely frustrating social work class for my minor. The teacher is so boring & does not understand that he has a variety of majors in his class. He does the same boring thing everyday, doesn't explain the assignments, & relates everything to social workers. Everyone is getting horrible grades on his papers because he is such an unfair grader.

On a more positive note, this semester living in our campus house has been so much fun! We've named it the Nursing Home since we're all seniors & we're all nursing majors. We even made T-shirts that are adorable! I have loved getting to know these 6 other girls even more. Four of them are graduating in December so the rest of us will miss them dearly. No one can replace them. We've had family dinners, birthday parties, late nights, movie parties, food fights, & nursing talk like no other & it has been such great fun. Nowhere else would you come over for dinner & be surrounded by talk of BM's, live births, "men's" health, & IV's!

In September, we went over to a fellow nursing majors farm that's just outside of town & she had come across a 1 week old kitten who's mom abandoned it. It was living in a box outside the house since they don't let their cats inside so our house took it upon itself to bring the kitten home to get it warm & feed it since it hadn't been eating. We named it Flo after the founder of nursing, Florence Nightengale. Soon after we welcomed another kitten from the same litter because apparently the mom was injured by a car. They look exactly alike. We named this one Maz after Maslow's Hierarcy of Needs. A couple weeks later of course we found out that Flo was actually a boy & Maz was a girl, but their names stuck nonetheless! haha :) However, someone must have told our Area Coordinator about the kittens because we were told to get rid of them since we weren't supposed to have pets in our house. This was very upsetting & made us all angry because we rescued these cats. The other 2 from the same litter died because of the cold. If we wouldn't have rescued Flo & Maz, they would be dead too. We were very watchful of them so they didn't ruin anything in the house & never once were irresponsible in regards to them. So we sent them home with one of the girl's in our house over Fall Break since she only lives an hour away. They are currently living there. We haven't seen them for a little over a month. They are currently about 2.5 months old & have apparently grown SOOO much! We might bring them back for the next couple days since we leave for Thanksgiving Break on Tuesday. The AC said they would check to see that we got rid of them & come by every so often to make sure they didn't return, but have they? NO! If we kept up our side, they should keep up theirs! So what are the chances they'll check in the next 3 days?

Yesterday, I turned 22! So exciting & completely surreal & scary. I can't believe I'm already 22! It was a great day since hardly anyone in the house had class. We just chilled & went out to dinner at T-Bocks (& had a very rude waiter! who was the owner no less!) & then went & rented Grown Ups & watched that. We also had cake with oreo frosting which was yummy!

Other than that, this semester has just been full of a bunch of us finishing our senior papers, learning new nursing things, getting to know each other, & having fun! Sorry for the insanely long post to catch you all up! Here are some pictures of the semester so far:

The first Friday night of the year (Karina, Brittany, Megan, me, & Kadie Jo)

The first Saturday night of the year (which did not end well as is evidanced by the 5 liquor bottles in front of us) (Karina, me, & Megan)

Some of the 1st Saturday night crew (Laura, me, Megan, Kadie Jo, Karina, & Paige)

Bonfire at Erin's farm with some of Erin's cats (Sarah, Brittany, Megan, & me)

Stacy & Sarah with Flo when we first found him

Stacy's birthday (Brittany, Laura, Tess, Megan, Stacy, Karina, & me)

Karina's birthday in our awesome shirts (Me, Brittany, Karina, Tess, Laura, Megan, & Stacy)

Brittany & Tess' "Bumpy Ride" dance

Maz!

Sunset at Palisade's Park

Flo with a pumpkin

They like to cuddle!

Flo the day they left

Megan, Brittany, Karina, & Tess with their funky face makeup

A pirate, Where's Wanda?, Paris Hilton, Ke$ha, an Army wife, a Bride, & a gumball machine on Halloween

Acting like our usualy crazy selves!

Oops!

2010-07-28T15:09:00.001-05:00

I had no idea my background got deleted somehow??? What?

I'll get on that. Hopefully it'll be back up soon (or maybe it will be a new one?).

Tasty Tuesday (the late edition)

2010-07-28T15:02:00.003-05:00

Well that was a long blog break! I'll probably still not be posting regularly on here in the next couple weeks. I'm trying to soak up as much summer as I can - it's already the end of July!!! Woah!

Just thought I'd leave you with this YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY coconut cake of my mom's. I'm making it right now as we speak &, let me tell you, it is so delicious! The perfect dessert for Easter or a summer picnic :)

Moist & Creamy Coconut Cake

1 box white cake mix

1 (14 oz) can coconut milk*

1/2 c white sugar

2 c. coconut, divided

1 large container of cool whip

1/2 tsp vanilla

Prepare cake as directed on box. Bake in a 13x9" pan. Cool cake for 15 minutes, then poke holes over the entire cake. Combine coconut milk, sugar, 1/2 c. coconut, & vanilla in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 1 minute. Spoon over top of cake, letting liquid soak into holes. Cool completely. Fold 3/4 c. coconut into cook whip. Spread over cake. Sprinkle with remaining coconut. Chill in fridge.

*Coconut Milk can be found in the Asian food section of any grocery store.

Enjoy!

Sunday Secrets

2010-07-11T12:53:00.003-05:00

So many good ones today! Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. I haven't had much inspiration & just need a break. I'll be back soon - I promise :)

MusIc MonDAY

2010-07-05T13:31:00.004-05:00

My blog updating has not been the best lately - I apologize. I've just been spending a lot of time with my family & doing things that don't require me turning on the computer for most, if not all, of the day. It will probably be like this for awhile.

This song is a must listen to. Inspirational. What ever happened to City High? I had their CD when they first hit it big, but I haven't really heard from them since.

There is no justice. There's just us. What ever happened to In God We Trust?

And here is my 10 songs that came up on my MP3 player today :)

1. "All the Things That Mean the Most" by Gloriana

2. "Breathe" by Taylor Swift

3. "I Want It All" from High School Musical 3

4. "Dirrty" by Christina Aguilera (haha)

5. "Faded" by Soul Decision

6. "One Time" by Cimorelli (They are an AMAZING group of siblings that do a ton of different covers & sound awesome!! You should check them out here and here)

7. "Happy Ending (Live)" by University of Southern California Sirens

8. "Hold On (Live)" by Everly

9. "I Should Be Sleeping" by Emerson Drive

10. "If You Wanna Be My Lover" by Spice Girls (Yes!)

P.S.: No updates/pictures from the 4th of July. It rained all day here so I played board games with my family all day. Fireworks were rescheduled for tonight, but I think it's supposed to rain again.

SundAY SECRets

2010-07-04T12:14:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone's having a fun 4th! It's raining here so I don't think much is going to happen outside today - including fireworks.

FasHIOn FridAY

2010-07-02T13:49:00.004-05:00

July 2nd, 2010

Top: Old Navy - Bought back in HS

Skirt: Lane Bryant - Bought back in HS

Today's post really should be called "Not-so-Fashionable Friday". haha. Sorry bout that - been running errands & picking up last minute things for this weekend + baking 4th of July cupcakes & I got my haircut finally! Not too drastic of a change since I'm still growing it out.

Have a fun & safe 4th of July!!

Wednesday Wishes

2010-06-30T14:20:00.004-05:00

My only wish for this week is that it doesn't rain on the 4th of July! It's one of my favorite holidays!!

BirthDay FuN!

2010-06-29T14:48:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures from a bit of yesterday's festivities for Josh's 20th birthday! [Yes, the pictures are a bit awkward :)]

TAsty TuesdaY

2010-06-29T14:22:00.005-05:00

Today's Tasty Tuesday is another one for the sweet tooth! I made a cake for my brother's birthday (which was yesterday) and it was SO GOOD!! I don't think I've ever had such good frosting - it's not too sweet to the point of being sickening like some frosting is.

I got the recipe from Brooke over at Playing Grown Up & her post on this is so funny! Check it out here! Her family calls it Sister Pritchett cake :) So, without further ado, here's the recipe!

Sister Pritchett Cake

1 box Devil's Food Cake

1 large box chocolate instant pudding mix

4 eggs

1/2 c. oil

1 1/3 c. water

1 c. sugar

8 oz. cream cheese

1 large pkg. whipped topping

Magic Shell topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, & water. Divide batter into two 8 inch round cake pans. Let bake for 30-35 minutes.

While the cakes are baking, mix together the sugar & cream cheese. Fold in whipped topping gradually.

(Don't you just love my 1970's-esque ghetto mixer? It does its job...for the most part!)

Allow layers to cool then smooth on icing*.

Drizzle magic shell topping then chill long enough for shell to slightly harden. Store in fridge.

* I spread it on the top of the bottom layer first then stacked them together and frosted the whole cake.

Enjoy!!

Music Monday!

2010-06-28T12:01:00.005-05:00

For this week's Music Monday, there is a video you just have to watch!

It's from Tyler Hilton for his song off his newest CD. It's called "This World Will Turn Your Way" & it is amazing!

Not only is it an awesome & inspiring song, but this video - oh my gosh! - it is cute, sad, uplifting, inspirational, & funny all in one! And the colors? Ah! Love it!

And for a little something extra related to music & getting to know me - the first 10 songs to come up on my MP3 player on random - Drumroll please!:

1. "Day After Today" by Bethany Joy Galeotti

2. "Don't Rain on My Parade" by Lea Michele (Glee)

3. "Flying Machine" by Everly

4. "Independence Day" by Carrie Underwood

5. "If I'm Not in Love" by Faith Hill

6. "Sunday Storm" by Bethany Joy Galeotti

7. "Best Days of Your Life" by Kellie Pickler

8. "My Valentine" by Martina McBride

9. "Empire State of Mind" by DaViglio (check them out on YouTube)

10. "Bottom of the Ocean" by Miley Cyrus

P.S.: Sorry for the weird spacing again! It is so annoying!

Happy Birthday Josh!!

2010-06-28T11:45:00.003-05:00

Today is my brother, Josh's 20th birthday!! I can't believe he's already turning 20!

June 2009 - His 19th birthday

Josh (left) with his best friend Tim at HS graduation (May 2008)

April 2009 - Yes, these are his sticks to his Rock Band drums...

April 2010 with his new truck!

And for nostaglia, me & my brother on Christmas 1990 (I think)

Happy Birthday Josh!

Mingle Monday!

2010-06-28T11:02:00.002-05:00

It's Monday & you know what that means!! Mingle Monday!!

Head on over to Life of Meg to meet some fabulous people, discover some new blogs, & gain some followers!

Happy Sunday!

2010-06-27T16:08:00.002-05:00

No Sunday Secrets today - they were pretty disappointing to be honest.
I won't be posting about the Rochesterfest parade from Friday due to it being cancelled! Minutes after I posted Friday's blog, we were put under a Tornado Watch until midnight. The parade was still on though so we headed down to St. Francis around 5pm & gradually over the next hour or so, the skies started getting darker. The parade street people went around saying they were going to start early to try & finish before the rain, but right after the police & Boy Scouts went through, they announced they were cancelling it due to Tornadoes being spotted an hour west of Rochester. Speaking of rain, that's all it's been doing the past 3 days. Right now is the first time it's been sunny!

P.S.: The weather makes me think of this song for some reason (go ahead & laugh!):

Tomorrow is my brother's 20th birthday so I made a cake this afternoon which will be featured in this week's Tasty Tuesday and, let me tell you, it is tasty! (Yes, I licked some of the frosting :p)
Finally, you should head on over to Oh Dee Doo Da Lee & enter an awesome giveaway of $50 to use on Toms Shoes! They are super cute!! It's open through July 3rd :)

FaShion FriDay

2010-06-25T13:54:00.005-05:00

June 25th, 2010

Green Tank Top: Old Navy ($5)

Blank Tank Top (underneath): Dots ($4)

Skort: Fashion Bug ($26.99)

Earrings: Kohl's ($9 - came in a set of 3)

It's hot hot hot here in Rochester today...wonderful weather for the Rochesterfest parade tonight! Keep your fingers crossed for no unexpected showers!

P.S.: Please ignore the mess in the picture above :p

P.P.S.: Sorry for the short post! I have cousins visiting before we all head to the parade later & need to go be social :) I promise I'll post pictures Monday!

ThuRSday's ThoUghts

2010-06-24T15:19:00.007-05:00

I finished reading "Sisters" by Danielle Steel this morning! It's 410 pages, but it's such a good book. I highly recommend it to all the ladies out there. Like I said before, it's pretty shocking in the beginning, & there are some surprises towards the middle/end of the book, but - no worries - there's a happy ending!

Does anyone watch So You Think You Can Dance? This year's format is a little different than past years. There is only a top 11 & each week one of those dancers is paired with an All-Star from a past season to dance in their genre. Last night's dances were, with the exception of 2 or 3, really really good! I'm really liking Lauren, Kent, Ashley, Jose, & Billy. Who are your favorites? Any did anyone cry after watching Lauren & Dominic's lyrical hip-hop dance to "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce??! It was depicting an abusive relationship & it gave me chills.
Hopefully the video works for you! YouTube tends to copyright the SYTYCD videos, but I was able to find this one.

Tomorrow at 6:15pm is the Rochesterfest Parade here in town. A bunch of my extended family usually all sit together to watch it & it's supposed to be a gorgeous day tomorrow so hopefully I will have some pictures to put up Saturday or Monday!

The Adventures of Kitty

2010-06-24T15:13:00.002-05:00

I'm going to preface this post by saying that my cat is a complete dork. And I mean that in the most loving way possible. :)

Usually, cats don't really like to get wet too often. Well, Simba isn't most cats. He sleeps in the sink and bathtub. He also will jump in the bathtub & try to pull the mat that's on the shower floor up.

I caught him red-handed the other day however!

Isn't he just so adorable in this picture?!

Wednesday Wishes

2010-06-23T10:26:00.004-05:00

As some of you may know, this coming school year I will be living in a campus house at Luther with 6 other Nursing ladies. I'm so excited for this, as for the past 3 years I have lived in dorms. Dorm life = always noisy & gross. I'm happy that this year I'll be able to live in an actual house with a full kitchen & a private bathroom instead of those nasty stalls in the dorms.

Because of new upcoming domesticity (that's a word, right?), I have been looking at various things to decorate the house in. I know I'll probably enlarge a few pictures that my sister, Hannah, & I have taken. I may also buy some canvas to do a little painting (even though I am not a painter). I'm most excited for the kitchen - I'll be able to cook my own food instead of eating in the gross and always unhealthy caf!

Some house things that I love (& wish I could afford!):

This dinnerware is so pretty!

I would love these curtains hanging in the living room! How pretty would the sunset be shining through them?

I am in complete & utter love with this apron!! If only it wasn't $32, I would defintely order it!

When I have my own real house (not college-owned), I am painting my kitchen cupboards with chalkboard paint! I love how Whitney over at A Cheery Disposition did her kitchen with this paint - it looks amazing!!

Check out this awesome kitchen!! You have to walk on the counter as part of the steps to get upstairs - sweet!

I want this spice rack from Ikea. It's so neat & organized.

First three images from Anthropologie

Last three images from Google Images

P.S.: Welcome to all my new readers! I've gained 3 followers in the last two days & I appreciate it so much! So pull up a chair, feel free to leave any comments, questions, or suggestions, & happy reading!!

TastY TueSday

2010-06-22T15:18:00.004-05:00

For my first Tasty Tuesday, I thought I would post a yummy dessert that I found on Emma Living. I made them on Sunday afternoon & they are so delicious!

S'more Brownies

1 box Brownie Mix

4 1/2 full graham crackers

3 1/2 Hershey bars

16 large marshmallows

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Line foil into an 8x8" baking pan* and spray with cooking spray. Pour half the batter into the pan. Layer crackers over brownies then top with the Hershey bars and marshmallows.

Pour the rest of the batter over the marshmallows.

Bake for 40-45 minutes** or until toothpick is mostly clean.

* I just sprayed the pan with cooking spray. I didn't use foil. They didn't stick hardly at all.

** I only baked mine for 33 minutes. This makes them extra gooey, which is how I like them!

Happy Birthday Megan & Stasi!

2010-06-21T14:49:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was my freshman year roomie, Megan's 21st birthday & today is one of my best friend Stasi's 21st birthday.

I was so lucky to have been blessed with three amazing roomies my freshman year of college.

December 2007

The one in the brown puff jacket is the lovely Megan & yesterday was her 21st birthday. I couldn't celebrate with her since she's in her hometown of Waseca, MN & will be studying abroad in Europe this summer, but I hope she had an awesome day. We'll be rooming together again this coming year in a house with five other Nursing students (she's a Nursing major as well) and I can't wait!

October 2007

November 2008

Happy Birthday Megan!

And today is my friend Stasi's 21st birthday! We met through the Elementary Education program at Luther (when I was still going into that). We had a class together in the beginning of our Sophomore year and Megan & Stasi were actually roomies that year as well. We became closer & this year we were practically inseperable! She's an amazing girl & I hope she has a wonderful day! She's currently nannying this summer in Decorah so hopefully I get to see her soon!

October 2009

Happy Birthday Stasi!

BloG FeaTures!

2010-06-21T14:33:00.006-05:00

Some of the new blog features you will see weekly (or as often as possible!) include:

Tasty Tuesday
Fashion Friday
Secret Sunday
The Adventures of Kitty
Wishful Wednesday

Happy Birthday

And occasionally I will post a music/picture blog as well!

When school starts back up at the end of August, I'm still going to try & continue these features (except The Adventures of Kitty since my cat doesn't live with me down in Decorah). I will also start Diaries of a Nurse at that time to blog about my life as a Nursing student!

Get excited & spread the word!!

JuSt thinKing...

2010-06-21T12:43:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking about changing my URL to sweetsilverlining.blogspot.com instead of what it currently is (friebr01.blogspot.com). This would make it easier to find & my original URL is my Luther College e-mail since I had to start this originally as an assignment.

What do you think? Ideas or other suggestions?

P.S. I promise to let you all know if it changes :)

MingLe MondaY

2010-06-21T10:05:00.002-05:00

I recently heard about this awesome blog, Life of Meg. Meg holds something every Monday called "Mingle Monday". It's a great way to spread word about your blog & discover some other great blogs you may have never heard about.

Head over to Meg's blog for more details!

MinnEsota GirLs

2010-06-21T09:50:00.003-05:00

Check out this parody of "California Girls" by Katy Perry. It's all about the wonder that is Minnesota Girls ;)

I'll be posting my adventures of baking from yesterday in another new feature on my blog called "Tasty Tuesday" so check back tomorrow!

SecreTS!

2010-06-21T09:44:00.002-05:00

GivEawAy!

2010-06-19T13:22:00.004-05:00

Happy Saturday!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

Just wanted to let you all know about an awesome handmade giveaway going on over at Kaelah Bee's blog! Meg has handmade some cute fabric buttons, a button ring, earrings, & an adorable rabbit plush with its very own carrot!

Go check it out and while you're there - Follow these ladies blogs! I promise they won't disappoint :)

FaShion FRiday!

2010-06-18T19:02:00.007-05:00

I'm starting a new blog feature on this wonderful blog called Fashion Friday! I've seen it featured on many other lovely ladies blogs & have recently been inspired to start it up again. I'm going to try to post every Friday a picture of my outfit & where you can find the items I'm wearing.

June 18th, 2010

Dress: Old Navy - $4.97 (Clearance)

Tank Top (underneath): Old Navy - $2.00 (Sale)

Now onto the day. It's my Grandma's 81st birthday today!! We hung out around the house this morning &, in the afternoon, two of my uncles, Tom & David, two of my aunts, Kim & Bobbie, and my cousin, Anngel, all came over to celebrate with pizza & cake. Anngel is visiting until next Friday from Brooklyn, NY.

Grandma with baby Elliot

David, Bobbie, & Anngel all stained my Grandma's outdoor glider bench thing & we hung outside for a little bit.

Our rhubarb is growing big!

Simba rummaging through the foliage

Speaking of Simba, I don't think I've ever posted a picture of him on here before! We got him from a local animal shelter back in January & he's 4 years old. He's a biter and likes to scratch sometimes, but is lovely. Here he is this morning hanging out on the mantle.

Sorry for the weird spacing between things! Blogger was NOT cooperating with me tonight at all! Also, I'm hoping to increase traffic & followers on my blog, so pass on the word to friends, family, etc to come check it out :) I applied to 20 Something Bloggers to become a blog member person over there. Should find out soon if I've been approved.

ReaDing RAinboW

2010-06-15T16:51:00.002-05:00

I may have mentioned before that I love to read for fun. If you ask me to read a book for school, I will hate it unless it's something I would normally choose (which is not often the case). But once it gets to be summer (or Christmas/Spring Breaks), I voraciously read book after book. I haven't even been home for one month yet & already I've read:

Sisters by Danielle Steel

(Note: Just started reading this book today. Really good so far!)

America Anonymous: Eight Addicts in Search of a Life by Benoit Denizet-Lewis

Pill Head: The Secret Life of a Painkiller Addict by Joshua Lyon

Thin by Lauren Greenfield
(Note: I highly recommend watching the HBO documentary that accompanies this book. It is a very interesting look into the world of eating disorder rehabilitation & is very sad.)

Push: A Novel by Sapphire
(Note: This is the inspiration behind the movie "Precious".)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
(Note: I've heard so many people rave about this book, but personally, I found it boring.)

Columbine by Dave Cullen
(Note: A very detailed look into the Columbine High School shooting: before, during, & after.)

Here's the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady & Finding My True Voice by Maureen McCormick
(Note: Who knew Marcia Brady was having sex & getting high?!)

UnSweetined: A Memoir by Jodie Sweetin
(Note: Loved this book! I watched/watch Full House all the time so it was really interesting.)

I'm pretty sure this is all the books. As you can see, I love reading medical-y type books & autobiographies. But I'll occasionally read fiction here & there if it looks good. Oh and all these books (except Sisters), I borrowed from the public library here in Rochester. It's the best way to read a lot of different books & see which ones you really like. There's also a really cool used book shop here in town that I frequent a lot. They literally have thousands of books ranging from informational to romance to autobiographies to classics to kids to comics (plus the owners a super nice guy! I've been going there since I was in my early years of high school!). That's where I got Sisters. It was only 75 cents!

Happy Reading!

pictures from google images

Wanna know a secret?

2010-06-13T18:15:00.003-05:00

Please Disregard...

2010-06-11T15:30:00.001-05:00

CLAIM CODE = T88WVN9795KQ

This post is just to claim my blog as my own on an indexing site. :)

WheRe mY giRls aT

2010-06-09T14:29:00.003-05:00

Last night I went out to Applebees with my sister, Hannah, & two of my best friends, Caitlin & Sarah for some drinks. It was so much fun! I was sad Beth couldn't go though - I haven't seen her in forever!

Caitlin found this picture in her menu & on the back it said "you're cute! call me." There was no number though, haha!

And to end the post, here's a picture of my roomie from this past year, Amy, & me on move-out day. Yes, we kept our Christmas tree & snowflakes up until the end of the year. It puts a twist on a bad day! You should try it!

Happy Birthday Marissa & Jenny!

2010-06-07T15:09:00.004-05:00

I have such a bad memory!! haha

Last Wednesday was my cousin Marissa's birthday & yesterday was my cousin Jenny's birthday. So many people have June birthdays!! So...

Happy (belated) Birthday Marissa & Jenny!!

Marissa in Kindergarten (around 1987-ish)

Marissa with her husband, Rob & son, Elliot (December 2009)

Jenny in elementary school (5th grade, maybe?)

Jenny during Pat & Steph's wedding (July 2009)

Happy Birthday Sammie!

2010-06-06T15:09:00.003-05:00

Long time, no blog!

This past Thursday was my friend Sammie's 21st birthday. We go to school together at Luther & she's so sweet! I miss her & wish I could see her more often this summer.

We just became really good friends this past school year through a mutual friend & I wish I had the opportunity to have hung out with her more in the past!! She's an awesome girl.

So here is my birthday picture tribute to the wonderful Sammie!

Sammie as a zombie on Halloween

Sammie, Stasi, & me at the Flamingo Ball

Dressed to impress

Sammie with Caitlin & Kiersten during our bonfire by the river back in September.

Sammie & me at the Drag Ball back in May

New Video!

2010-06-03T13:41:00.001-05:00

I've been so horrible at blogging! Ah! My bad!
Well I finished the video I started way back at the end of April finally. Enjoy!

Summertime

2010-05-26T22:13:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in forever!

I am all moved home for the summer. That doesn't mean all my stuff is put away though ;)

I still have a few things to organize in my room.

I am still sick. And I have been sick since I had whatever I had at Luther around the beginning of May. This is NOT making me happy.

Other than that, I've just been relaxing & enjoying not having to study or do homework or go to class. I love it :)

To tide everyone over until I do another real post, here are some pictures from the past month or so:

My mom & me when my family came down to Luther on May 1st

A new picture of Caitlin & me at Drag Ball on May 1st. We're so badass...haha.

Finals week...

2010-05-19T21:43:00.002-05:00

...is basically over!!!
I have one last final (psychology) tomorrow morning from 8-10am. All my stuff is packed up and I'm moving back home tomorrow morning. Mixed feelings.

I had to say goodbye (for the summer) to two of my best friends at Luther this afternoon. Pretty sure I almost burst into tears.

I have to leave my roomie tomorrow. That's gonna be sad too since we have so much fun together.

This is the first time I'm really gonna miss being here. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to go home and see my family and not have school work for three months...

But I wish I didn't have to say goodbye to the people here at Luther that live far away from me.

Brief interuption!

2010-05-13T12:59:00.002-05:00

I won't be posting anything probably until summer officially starts for me (1 week from today!!). I have to finish a controversy paper for psychology, study for a physiology quiz tomorrow, and then start studying for finals next week. Ah! So much to do so little time! Plus, I have to find time in there somewhere to pack up all my stuff!

On another note, if anyone from Luther happens to be reading this blog:
You should come to Active Minds Study Break this Sunday, May 16th from 8-10pm in the Oneota area in the Union. We will be having root beer floats and snacks, plus you will be able to make your own stress ball if you want! Come hang out with friends and take a break from the stress of studying or bring along your work and study there!

Drag Ball

2010-05-10T18:43:00.005-05:00

Here are a few pictures from the Drag Ball that was held back on May 1st. The theme was "A Night with the Celebrities". Never remembered to post them until now!

Paparazzo, Goddess, Beyonce/Sandy, Miley Cyrus, & Anastasia.

Frankie Iero, Audrey Hepburn, & Avril Lavigne.

Me & Sammie!

Me & Caitlin

Mothers

2010-05-09T18:21:00.008-05:00

I'm proud to say my mom is one of my best friends & I hope that never changes.

To the women of the world...

2010-05-08T21:19:00.003-05:00

Happy Mother's Day!

"In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride

The Best Day

2010-05-04T19:47:00.011-05:00

I'm five years old, It's getting cold, I've got my big coat on

I hear your laugh & look up smiling at you; I run & run

Past the pumpkin patch & the tractor rides; look now, the sky is gold

I hug your legs & fall asleep on the way home

I don't know why all the trees change in the fall

I know you're not scared of anything at all

Don't know if Snow White's house is near or far away

But I know I had the best day with you today

I'm thirteen now & don't know how my friends could be so mean

I come home crying & you hold me tight & grab the keys

And we drive & drive until we find a town far enough away

And we talk & window shop till I've forgotten all their names

I don't know who I'm gonna talk to now at school

I know I'm laughing on the car ride home with you

Don't know how long it's gonna take to feel okay

But I know I had the best day with you today

I have an excellent father; his strength is making me stronger

God smiles on my little brother; inside & out, he's better than I am

I grew up in a pretty house & I had space to run

And I had the best days with you

There is a video I found from back when I was three

You set up a paint set in the kitchen & you're talking to me

It's the age of princesses & pirate ships & the seven dwarves

Daddy's smart & you're the prettiest lady in the whole wide world

Now I know why all the trees change in the fall

I know you were on my side even when I was wrong

And I love you for giving me your eyes

Staying back & watching me shine

And I didn't know if you knew so I'm taking this chance to say

That I had the best day with you today

"The Best Day" by Taylor Swift

May Day!

2010-04-30T13:33:00.006-05:00

Happy (early) May Day!

Tomorrow my family is coming to visit then I have Drag Ball at night and then Caitlin and I are probably going out (hehe...) so I won't get a change to post.

Also, tomorrow is my best friend Sarah's 21st birthday! Even though I won't get to celebrate with her, I will see her in like 3 weeks and I can't wait! I hope she has a fabulous day!

February 2006 - Movie Star Day during Turnabout Week. We dressed up as the Sisterhood. Sarah's in the cool paints that she made to look like the ones in the book!

May 2007 - Pirates of the Caribbean 3 premiere. Most of our senior class all went together. Sarah's in black.

June 2007 - Sarah & I at my graduation party

August 2007 - Caitlin, Sarah, & I at our last get-together before college.

August 2007 - Caitlin, Hannah, Sarah, & I at the 1st annual Formal Night

August 2007 - Beth & Sarah during the Jason Michael Carroll concert

September 2007 - Caitlin, Sarah, & I at the LHS Homecoming football game

July 2008 - Sarah & I after our first year in college

December 2008 - Sarah & I during Christmas break last year

April 2009 - Sarah & Caitlin during Spring Break last year

May 2009 - Sarah during our Sisterhood Reunion Lunch last May

Manic Monday!

2010-04-26T17:51:00.003-05:00

Just thought I'd give a heads up that I won't be posting much of anything this week & early next week. This is my schedule as far as homework goes (so far). Needless to say, I'm gonna be stressed out.

Today: Developmental Psychology test
Wednesday: Chemistry assignment due
Friday: Physiology test
Saturday: Family is coming to visit (at least this will keep me sane!)
Monday (are you ready for this?!): Chemistry assignment due, Chemistry lab report due, Physiology lab report due
Tuesday: Chemistry test

Oh lord....23 days until summer...

But at least this past weekend was loads of fun...especially Saturday night :)

Happy Birthday Kate!

2010-04-24T10:57:00.004-05:00

Today is my cousin Kate's 4th birthday!! She's such a little cutie & has started becoming a lot more social and chattering lately. Can't wait to see her again!

Happy Birthday Kate!

Kate with her cousin Samantha on Stephanie & Pat's wedding (July 2009)

Kate playing with Samantha on Christmas Eve 2009

Kate with her mom, Emily on Grandma's 80th Birthday (June 2009)

Easter egg hunting with her "Silly Papa" (April 2008)

Hugging Samantha on Christmas Eve 2008

See the girl behind Samantha that looks like she came straight out of "Gone with the Wind"? That's Kate :)

Another new video?!

2010-04-23T19:11:00.005-05:00

I made a cute little video telling the "story" of Jeff & Jordan so far :)
Didn't use any video clips...just pictures & songs to match. I like it!

Vote vote vote vote vote!!!

2010-04-20T18:28:00.004-05:00

I'm sure you all have at least heard of the TV show Glee, right?
Well, I'm addicted like many other people out there.

Glee is holding auditions via myspace.com. Anyone who's 16 or older can audition by submitting a short video explaining who they are, how long they've been singing, & why they want to be a part of Glee & a video of them singing a song from Glee. This is a great opportunity for all the wonderful singers out there!

Now is where you all come in: viewers are asked to watch the submission videos & give people gold stars to vote for them. I would love it if you would take the time to vote for these two lovely ladies:

First, Chelsey from live a little. She's from Nashville and writes a very cute blog (mainly about her preparations from her wedding in 18 days)! She made the most adorable submission video & she sings "Don't Rain on My Parade" wonderfully. Go check it out & give her a gold star!

Click here to give Chelsey a gold star!

Lastly, my neighbor and friend here at Luther College has also auditioned. Her name is Emily & she's majoring in Elementary Education. She's involved in everything musical theater related & even organized this years Cabaret musical theater talent production. She is so sweet & has the best personality. She would fit in perfectly with Rachel!! Go check out her videos & give her gold star (or two or three or more. hehe)!

Click here to give Emily a gold star!

Thanks!

sweet silver lining

Monday's Musings

A Day in the Life of a Rochester Nursing Student

You know you're a Rochester Nursing student when...

Stress r/t Nursing School AEB high anxiety, insomnia, & lack of a social life

Commitment

Music Monday

Music Monday

Twenty-One

Star-Spangled Celebration: Country Music at Its Finest!

Music Monday: Red, White, & Blue Edition!

Bloggy Break!

Going Back to Nashville...

Music Monday (Finally!)

Say what?!

Graduations, Surprises, & Some Business

L-U-T-H-E-R. Luther! Luther! LUTHER!

Class of 2011

Music Monday: Finals Week Edition

Music Monday

Hey Mama!

You. Are. Beautiful.

Music Monday

Almost There!

30 Day Photo Challenge

God Save the Queen

30 Day Photo Challenge

Music....Tuesday?

30 Day Photo Challenge

Music Monday

30 Day Photo Challenge

Music Monday

The Hills are ALIVE!

Music Monday

30 Day Photo Challenge

30 Day Photo Challenge

30 Day Photo Challenge

30 Day Photo Challenge

Music Monday

30 Day Photo Challenge

It's a Crazy Town full of neon dreams: Spring Break 2011

It's a Crazy Town full of neon dreams: Spring Break 2011

It's a Crazy Town full of neon dreams: Spring Break 2011

30 Day Photo Challenge

30 Day Photo Challenge

Play that Funky Music

30 Day Photo Challenge

30 Day Photo Challenge

Music Monday

Mingle Monday!

Through the Years...

Music Monday

A Message of Hope

A Year in Review

*Hides in shame*

Oops!

Tasty Tuesday (the late edition)

Sunday Secrets

MusIc MonDAY

SundAY SECRets

FasHIOn FridAY

Wednesday Wishes

BirthDay FuN!

TAsty TuesdaY

Music Monday!

Happy Birthday Josh!!

Mingle Monday!

Happy Sunday!

FaShion FriDay

ThuRSday's ThoUghts

The Adventures of Kitty

Wednesday Wishes

TastY TueSday

Happy Birthday Megan & Stasi!

BloG FeaTures!

JuSt thinKing...

MingLe MondaY

MinnEsota GirLs

SecreTS!

GivEawAy!

Hides in shame