So Nick is in NYC on a mission trip this week... leaving me, by myself, with Yoda. He's a pretty good companion I guess :)
So what have I been doing with my alone time, you ask? A lot!
Well Friday, Nick and I met up with some friends for... Harry Potter... yessss! It was AWESOME! I'm a little sad it's over :(
On Saturday, I had a girl's day with some friends from Sunday School. We drove up to Cinci to the creation museum (which was OK) and then Ikea (which was fun). It's so good to have just some good girl time. No I do love and adore Nick, but I loved spending time with these girls.
Sunday involved my favorite things I have been dying to do... Church, Naps, and 30 Rock marathon on Netflix. 'Nuff said.
Today has been spent cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. My internal body clock woke me up at 7 am (yay) and I began sweeping, wiping, dusting, and laundering. I took a break for lunch with some friends, came back and napped (again... I know. But it's just sooo good!). Now I'm going to make some twice baked spaghetti and fold the laundry while watching Fiddler on the Roof... sigh. I love being a girl.
But seriously, I miss my hubster and CANNOT wait for him to get back home! Oh and I'm excited for my fam to come up this weekend... So at least I'll be busy this week!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Ode to July and NASCAR
My roommate in college and I would randomly make up odes to different things that we were enjoying... This is my Ode to July
Oh July,
How I love thee,
With your sunny skies and lack of school.
You will be full of friends, family, travel, and books.
You will be hot, yes, but I look forward to your warmth
In comparison to this cold classroom.
Yes, July,
You could not have come sooner!
On an interesting side note, Nick and I went to the Wal-Mall to return an air filter, and the Wal-Mart parking lot was jammed packed! We had no idea what was happening! I mean it was 11 am on a Wednesday. Then we saw it... Jimmy Johnson's race car. NASCAR had come to this parking lot and brought a flock of ... interesting... people. So the hubs and I finally parked 15 minutes later, got out, and joined the milling masses. The whole time my hubby was yelling "I wanna go fast!" and "Please don't let the invisible fire burn my friend!" It was fun to say the least. And we got free Mountain Dew, which, by all means, seemed... appropriate. :)
Here's to an awesome July!
Oh July,
How I love thee,
With your sunny skies and lack of school.
You will be full of friends, family, travel, and books.
You will be hot, yes, but I look forward to your warmth
In comparison to this cold classroom.
Yes, July,
You could not have come sooner!
On an interesting side note, Nick and I went to the Wal-Mall to return an air filter, and the Wal-Mart parking lot was jammed packed! We had no idea what was happening! I mean it was 11 am on a Wednesday. Then we saw it... Jimmy Johnson's race car. NASCAR had come to this parking lot and brought a flock of ... interesting... people. So the hubs and I finally parked 15 minutes later, got out, and joined the milling masses. The whole time my hubby was yelling "I wanna go fast!" and "Please don't let the invisible fire burn my friend!" It was fun to say the least. And we got free Mountain Dew, which, by all means, seemed... appropriate. :)
Here's to an awesome July!
Friday, July 1, 2011
The End of the Crazy... Maybe
So today is my last day of clinicals! Then I just have one paper, one take home test, and one class left. So excited to have a (somewhat) normal life again! That is after I work the whole 4th of July holiday weekend.
Through the summer 'o crazy, I have learned a lot. A lot about being a nurse practitioner, yes, but also a lot about my other roles in life.
I've learned a lot about being a wife. Nick and I have learned to cherish and savor every short moment together. We have met each other for lunch when the other is at work. We have woken up early to see each other off. Stayed up late to have more time together. We have been intentional about our time together; investing in conversations and connecting. It has been sweet.
I have learned about being a better sister. I have been able to talk with my sisters more than ever this summer. Since my commute to clinicals happen the same time as their commute to work, we have been able to chat in the mornings and evenings. Again these are sweet moments.
I have learned about being a better daughter. My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago. He had his prostate removed 2 Octobers ago. During a recent screen we found that his PSA was elevated again. The cancer is back. That is the LAST thing you ever want to hear. So my dad asked me to pray for him and for the Lord to guide him through these decisions ahead. He told me to write down what the Lord has been teaching me. So that is my goal. To learn how to honor my father through blogging. Keep me accountable!
So I would never want to repeat this summer of craziness, but I would never take it back. I hope to find rest in this next month.
Through the summer 'o crazy, I have learned a lot. A lot about being a nurse practitioner, yes, but also a lot about my other roles in life.
I've learned a lot about being a wife. Nick and I have learned to cherish and savor every short moment together. We have met each other for lunch when the other is at work. We have woken up early to see each other off. Stayed up late to have more time together. We have been intentional about our time together; investing in conversations and connecting. It has been sweet.
I have learned about being a better sister. I have been able to talk with my sisters more than ever this summer. Since my commute to clinicals happen the same time as their commute to work, we have been able to chat in the mornings and evenings. Again these are sweet moments.
I have learned about being a better daughter. My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago. He had his prostate removed 2 Octobers ago. During a recent screen we found that his PSA was elevated again. The cancer is back. That is the LAST thing you ever want to hear. So my dad asked me to pray for him and for the Lord to guide him through these decisions ahead. He told me to write down what the Lord has been teaching me. So that is my goal. To learn how to honor my father through blogging. Keep me accountable!
So I would never want to repeat this summer of craziness, but I would never take it back. I hope to find rest in this next month.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Phone blogging!
So maybe, just maybe, I'll do more blogging now that I discovered u can do it on my phone. :)
In short, the summer o' crazy is half way done. I have 104 of my 150 hours in clinical after this Friday (only 2 more weeks)! I have 3 more classes, 2 more tests, and 1 more paper for summer school. I'll also have just one more week of working 3 12 hr shifts for this schedule ( until July). Add on finishing a raise packet for work and starting a Bible study which is already convicting/growing me in week one, and you get me. Now. Here. Whew. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Throgh it all, Nick and I have had very little time off together. I think we've had 2 days off together this past month. Maybe 2? Err... However, it has been sweet to find those little moments together. It's almost like a little game. 10 minutes before work one day, a quick lunch break another, 25 minutes after getting home before passing out from sheer exhaustion, a car ride to work together. Time is like playing hid and seek now a days. We have had to really search it out, but when we do find it, those seconds have been like precious stones. Have you felt that way lately?
In short, the summer o' crazy is half way done. I have 104 of my 150 hours in clinical after this Friday (only 2 more weeks)! I have 3 more classes, 2 more tests, and 1 more paper for summer school. I'll also have just one more week of working 3 12 hr shifts for this schedule ( until July). Add on finishing a raise packet for work and starting a Bible study which is already convicting/growing me in week one, and you get me. Now. Here. Whew. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Throgh it all, Nick and I have had very little time off together. I think we've had 2 days off together this past month. Maybe 2? Err... However, it has been sweet to find those little moments together. It's almost like a little game. 10 minutes before work one day, a quick lunch break another, 25 minutes after getting home before passing out from sheer exhaustion, a car ride to work together. Time is like playing hid and seek now a days. We have had to really search it out, but when we do find it, those seconds have been like precious stones. Have you felt that way lately?
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Summer o' Crazy
So I'm not very committed to this thing... but I hope to be soon!
The Summer o' Crazy has officially begun. I am working full time (3 12hr shifts a week) and doing clinicals (3 8 hr days a week) and going to class every wednesday from 4pm to 10 pm. I'm week 2 into this 8 weeks of madness... and it's starting to show. The house is a wreck, the puppy dog is bored, and my diet has basically consisted of chicken nuggets for the past week...eww. Pepper in some knowledge about hypertension and dyslipidemia, and a good clinical work up, and you have my summer.
There have been some moments of brilliance though... the red carnations on my window sill. My best friend Rachel and Jason's wedding, and seeing Nick baptize his mom, brother, and dad :)
There are some moments of sunshine in the rain. And as my dad puts it, you just have to get up, make the doughnuts, go to sleep and then get up and make the doughnuts again... I just should avoid eating aforementioned doughnuts... :)
The Summer o' Crazy has officially begun. I am working full time (3 12hr shifts a week) and doing clinicals (3 8 hr days a week) and going to class every wednesday from 4pm to 10 pm. I'm week 2 into this 8 weeks of madness... and it's starting to show. The house is a wreck, the puppy dog is bored, and my diet has basically consisted of chicken nuggets for the past week...eww. Pepper in some knowledge about hypertension and dyslipidemia, and a good clinical work up, and you have my summer.
There have been some moments of brilliance though... the red carnations on my window sill. My best friend Rachel and Jason's wedding, and seeing Nick baptize his mom, brother, and dad :)
There are some moments of sunshine in the rain. And as my dad puts it, you just have to get up, make the doughnuts, go to sleep and then get up and make the doughnuts again... I just should avoid eating aforementioned doughnuts... :)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
It's been a while...
Wow... it's been a while...
Where do I start. Not too much different here at the Wilbur house... Just a lot of school, work, and more school and work. So Nick and I decided to go on vacation during my spring break at EKU, which means during EKU's spring break, which means our cruise to the Bahamas was shared by 1,000 college students. That's OK it was still so relaxing (especially since we like to go to bed early and wake up early).
We left Friday before last and flew on Allegiant air to Orlando... for $120 round trip per person! I know great?! :) We spent the weekend relaxing at my aunt and uncle's lake house just doing nothing... oh to be retired... ;)
On Monday we woke up early and drove to Cape Canaveral. We got on board early and began a week of nothing-ness. The week pretty much consisted of waking up, eating, getting off the boat, eating, getting back on the boat, eating, and going to bed... oh and then ordering room service.
Our first stop was at Coco Cay, the private island. Nick and I did some exploring and found a pair of nice and secluded benches by the crystal clear water. We laid out, forgot to put sunscreen on the top of our feet (which are still red... arrgh), got in the water, and had lunch with some college friends who just so happened to be on the cruise too! Yay Emma and Anthony! We played some in the water, took an ill-fated nature walk (we really were just walking barefoot on a road paved with lots of pointy little rocks... OUCH!), and took a nap (if you know me at all, you know I LOVE naps!). That evening we got back on the boat, ate again in the main dining hall, and played some card games ( I know, we're old fogies already but hey).
The next day was spent at the Atlantis Resort in Nassau. It was really cool and pretty (maybe not worth the money we spent to go, but interesting none the less). There's a water park in the middle of the resort, and we spent the day in and out of the slides. One slide, which was pretty cool, took you down an inner-tube into a shark tank! You were protected of course, but as you floated down the ride, you could see sharks swimming beside and even over you! We also explored the grounds which were so beautiful... there was an aquarium in the lobby and sting ray ponds all around... very cool.
The last day we spent on ship, doing nothing... I caught up on some Harry Potter while Nick won SECOND PLACE in the Ping Pong Tournament! Haha! He's so funny. He got a little medal and everything!
We left the ship that Friday morning and drove over to the Kennedy Space Center. At first, it looked a little dinky, but then we took a guided tour, and it was actually very cool. The night before, they had just rolled out onto the launch pad the shuttle Endeavour the night before, and we got to see it before it got all covered up! It was pretty nifty... especially since it will be the second to last space shuttle to go up for NASA for a while... thanks to our president... sheesh. Oh well, off subject. We then also got to touch a moon rock, see Alan Shepard's suit, and tour the rocket garden. And then we were off... back to Kentucky and back to real life.
Nick worked yesterday while I studied and put away my heavy winter clothes. We're both off today, so we went to church and Home Depot where we bought a pink dogwood tree to go in our back yard... I'm thrilled! I had a dogwood when growing up, and out back yard needs a little pick me up... and while we are on the subject of yards, we have a pesky mole problem... they are tunneling EVERYWHERE? Does anyone know how to get rid of them?
Well that's all for now! Look on Nick's Facebook for pictures of our vacation!
Where do I start. Not too much different here at the Wilbur house... Just a lot of school, work, and more school and work. So Nick and I decided to go on vacation during my spring break at EKU, which means during EKU's spring break, which means our cruise to the Bahamas was shared by 1,000 college students. That's OK it was still so relaxing (especially since we like to go to bed early and wake up early).
We left Friday before last and flew on Allegiant air to Orlando... for $120 round trip per person! I know great?! :) We spent the weekend relaxing at my aunt and uncle's lake house just doing nothing... oh to be retired... ;)
On Monday we woke up early and drove to Cape Canaveral. We got on board early and began a week of nothing-ness. The week pretty much consisted of waking up, eating, getting off the boat, eating, getting back on the boat, eating, and going to bed... oh and then ordering room service.
Our first stop was at Coco Cay, the private island. Nick and I did some exploring and found a pair of nice and secluded benches by the crystal clear water. We laid out, forgot to put sunscreen on the top of our feet (which are still red... arrgh), got in the water, and had lunch with some college friends who just so happened to be on the cruise too! Yay Emma and Anthony! We played some in the water, took an ill-fated nature walk (we really were just walking barefoot on a road paved with lots of pointy little rocks... OUCH!), and took a nap (if you know me at all, you know I LOVE naps!). That evening we got back on the boat, ate again in the main dining hall, and played some card games ( I know, we're old fogies already but hey).
The next day was spent at the Atlantis Resort in Nassau. It was really cool and pretty (maybe not worth the money we spent to go, but interesting none the less). There's a water park in the middle of the resort, and we spent the day in and out of the slides. One slide, which was pretty cool, took you down an inner-tube into a shark tank! You were protected of course, but as you floated down the ride, you could see sharks swimming beside and even over you! We also explored the grounds which were so beautiful... there was an aquarium in the lobby and sting ray ponds all around... very cool.
The last day we spent on ship, doing nothing... I caught up on some Harry Potter while Nick won SECOND PLACE in the Ping Pong Tournament! Haha! He's so funny. He got a little medal and everything!
We left the ship that Friday morning and drove over to the Kennedy Space Center. At first, it looked a little dinky, but then we took a guided tour, and it was actually very cool. The night before, they had just rolled out onto the launch pad the shuttle Endeavour the night before, and we got to see it before it got all covered up! It was pretty nifty... especially since it will be the second to last space shuttle to go up for NASA for a while... thanks to our president... sheesh. Oh well, off subject. We then also got to touch a moon rock, see Alan Shepard's suit, and tour the rocket garden. And then we were off... back to Kentucky and back to real life.
Nick worked yesterday while I studied and put away my heavy winter clothes. We're both off today, so we went to church and Home Depot where we bought a pink dogwood tree to go in our back yard... I'm thrilled! I had a dogwood when growing up, and out back yard needs a little pick me up... and while we are on the subject of yards, we have a pesky mole problem... they are tunneling EVERYWHERE? Does anyone know how to get rid of them?
Well that's all for now! Look on Nick's Facebook for pictures of our vacation!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Studying and Huge snow flakes
I'm sick and tired of 2 things... studying and huge snow flakes.
First studying, I know it will all be worth it in the end when I get those little letters behind my name, Christy Wilbur, APRN... sigh. But it's still over a year away. Now I do enjoy clinical. Working in a doctor's office is awesome... I feel like a little germ detective, figuring out all the little clues. And it's nice to not have to clean poop at work. But then there is the class side. I enjoy class too, well maybe not research class, but I don't enjoy not having enough time to study. I know I know. I should be studying now instead of complaining, but I needed a little break. 4 hours straight is hard. So I just have to put my head down and plow through all these books, powerpoints, and online lectures... sigh.
No onto huge snow flakes. I also enjoy the snow... when I can stay home and do nothing. Today for example. Went to the doctor for a check up and came out into a snow flurry where snow flakes the size of Yoda's tongue were falling to the ground. It was like God was throwing snow balls at me, saying, "Ha Ha, you have to study!" Ok, so God wouldn't say that but that's how I felt. But for the most part, I'm working most of the days it's snowy out... and there are no snow days for hospital nurses. I'm getting burned out... I need to get the heck out of dodge... and so Nick and I are going on a cruise to the BAHAMAS!!!! In just a month from today, we will be boarding a big ship far away from big huge snow flakes and patients with Neurological disorders and heading for bright sunny beaches and a week of relaxation... sigh....
But until then, onward I must go with studying and such!
First studying, I know it will all be worth it in the end when I get those little letters behind my name, Christy Wilbur, APRN... sigh. But it's still over a year away. Now I do enjoy clinical. Working in a doctor's office is awesome... I feel like a little germ detective, figuring out all the little clues. And it's nice to not have to clean poop at work. But then there is the class side. I enjoy class too, well maybe not research class, but I don't enjoy not having enough time to study. I know I know. I should be studying now instead of complaining, but I needed a little break. 4 hours straight is hard. So I just have to put my head down and plow through all these books, powerpoints, and online lectures... sigh.
No onto huge snow flakes. I also enjoy the snow... when I can stay home and do nothing. Today for example. Went to the doctor for a check up and came out into a snow flurry where snow flakes the size of Yoda's tongue were falling to the ground. It was like God was throwing snow balls at me, saying, "Ha Ha, you have to study!" Ok, so God wouldn't say that but that's how I felt. But for the most part, I'm working most of the days it's snowy out... and there are no snow days for hospital nurses. I'm getting burned out... I need to get the heck out of dodge... and so Nick and I are going on a cruise to the BAHAMAS!!!! In just a month from today, we will be boarding a big ship far away from big huge snow flakes and patients with Neurological disorders and heading for bright sunny beaches and a week of relaxation... sigh....
But until then, onward I must go with studying and such!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Snow days and babies
School was canceled today due to snow... no complaints here! This just means nap time with the puppy.
Nick's in a week long intensive class this week, so it's just the pup and I. He's coming home tonight (so he doesn't have to pay for another hotel room... yes, that's my husband), and we're going to see some friends from Sunday School who just had a little baby boy yesterday. So excited for them!
Then tomorrow will consist of more snow, sleeping in, and lunch with some girls from work. Then I get to see Lexie's baby.
Let me tell you, babies are so cute, but I am so glad that I don't have one right now.... My life would be super crazy! So I'll just stick to seeing other people's babies on snow days for now :)
Nick's in a week long intensive class this week, so it's just the pup and I. He's coming home tonight (so he doesn't have to pay for another hotel room... yes, that's my husband), and we're going to see some friends from Sunday School who just had a little baby boy yesterday. So excited for them!
Then tomorrow will consist of more snow, sleeping in, and lunch with some girls from work. Then I get to see Lexie's baby.
Let me tell you, babies are so cute, but I am so glad that I don't have one right now.... My life would be super crazy! So I'll just stick to seeing other people's babies on snow days for now :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sea legs
I'm sitting on the couch, with the puppy dog, sucking on a life saver and listening to Beth Moore on Passion's live feed. She's talking about renewing of the mind, how it is deliberate but do-able, how it helps us discern the Lord's will, how it is linked with repentance.
Looking back on 2010, it was a hard year. Nick and I had hit after hit with family issues and bouts with homesickness and loneliness. They consumed our minds and thus our actions and our hearts. I felt that the Lord did guide us through the year, but we were still pushed around on the waves of life instead of being anchored to the Lord.
2010 reminds me of the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). Peter sees Jesus walking on water through the winds and the waves. Peter jumped out of the boat and ran to Him and began walking on the water to the Lord. When Peter sees the waves and the wind, he begins to sink and cries out, "Lord, save me!" Christ lifts him out of the water and brings him to the boat, safe but wet. The other disciples then begin praising the Lord, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."
In much the same way, I am Peter. I jumped out of the boat in 2010 but quickly began to sink when I took my attention away from the Lord and toward the wind and waves of life. I would begin to sink and the Lord was always there to catch me and save me, but I would always end up sinking, always end up wet. The Lord was with us, saving me every time, but I spent so much of 2010 whipped back and forth by emotions and circumstances rather than in the peace that surpasses all understanding.
So this is my new years resolution/goal... to walk on water with the Lord. I want to be more devoted to a personal relationship with Christ. Spending time reading the Bible and praying, not being swayed by the waves and winds of life. I want more than just the assurance that if I fail, the Lord will save me from drowning... I've had that since I became a Christian over 12 years ago. I want to get my sea legs. :)
Looking back on 2010, it was a hard year. Nick and I had hit after hit with family issues and bouts with homesickness and loneliness. They consumed our minds and thus our actions and our hearts. I felt that the Lord did guide us through the year, but we were still pushed around on the waves of life instead of being anchored to the Lord.
2010 reminds me of the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). Peter sees Jesus walking on water through the winds and the waves. Peter jumped out of the boat and ran to Him and began walking on the water to the Lord. When Peter sees the waves and the wind, he begins to sink and cries out, "Lord, save me!" Christ lifts him out of the water and brings him to the boat, safe but wet. The other disciples then begin praising the Lord, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."
In much the same way, I am Peter. I jumped out of the boat in 2010 but quickly began to sink when I took my attention away from the Lord and toward the wind and waves of life. I would begin to sink and the Lord was always there to catch me and save me, but I would always end up sinking, always end up wet. The Lord was with us, saving me every time, but I spent so much of 2010 whipped back and forth by emotions and circumstances rather than in the peace that surpasses all understanding.
So this is my new years resolution/goal... to walk on water with the Lord. I want to be more devoted to a personal relationship with Christ. Spending time reading the Bible and praying, not being swayed by the waves and winds of life. I want more than just the assurance that if I fail, the Lord will save me from drowning... I've had that since I became a Christian over 12 years ago. I want to get my sea legs. :)
Monday, December 27, 2010
White Christmas
It finally happened! We had a White Christmas in Georgia!
Nick and I left KY the day before Christmas Eve and headed straight to Georgia. We arrived at my parents house late and spent the whole next day with the fam. It was so good to see my family. Grandma was in from Houston, and I almost cried when I saw her. We hadn't been together since my wedding 2 years ago, and she looks great! :)
Nick and I feel that we have essentially missed the past 2 Christmases. Last year, I had wo work, so we both were apart from family and traditions. The year before we were in Jamaica on our honeymoon (sure it was a great trip, but nothing related to christmas occurred). So we were super psyched about Christmas this year.
We did it all. At my parents, we went to the candle lighting service at my home church (Nick even found seats in the full sanctuary for us), ate our ham sandwiches, and watched It's a Wonderful Life. Nick and I opened half of our presents that night. The next morning, after opening stockings, we headed to Athens for 2 days. We opened gifts, ate a huge dinner, and then WATCHED IT SNOW! The next day we attempted sledding (no go), had a snow ball fight, and built snow men followed by hot chocolate... mmm!
We are now back at my parents house where we are getting ready to eat (again :) and then just relax. I love my family!
So I hope you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
And let me leave you with a bit of my favorite Christmas carol, O Holy Night...
Long lay the world, in sin and ever pininig,
Til HE appearred, and the soul felt its worth....
Truly HE taught us to love one another,
HIS law is love, and HIS gospel is peace.
Chains shall HE break, for the slave is now our brother,
And in HIS name, all oppression shall cease!
Some times I feel like my soul is still pining for HIS grace, and there are moments where my soul suddenly feels its worth. This line calls to me, or rather calls to the Lord from my own heart. Christ is the Lord, and brings meaning and truth to all who believe. Merry Christmas!
Nick and I left KY the day before Christmas Eve and headed straight to Georgia. We arrived at my parents house late and spent the whole next day with the fam. It was so good to see my family. Grandma was in from Houston, and I almost cried when I saw her. We hadn't been together since my wedding 2 years ago, and she looks great! :)
Nick and I feel that we have essentially missed the past 2 Christmases. Last year, I had wo work, so we both were apart from family and traditions. The year before we were in Jamaica on our honeymoon (sure it was a great trip, but nothing related to christmas occurred). So we were super psyched about Christmas this year.
We did it all. At my parents, we went to the candle lighting service at my home church (Nick even found seats in the full sanctuary for us), ate our ham sandwiches, and watched It's a Wonderful Life. Nick and I opened half of our presents that night. The next morning, after opening stockings, we headed to Athens for 2 days. We opened gifts, ate a huge dinner, and then WATCHED IT SNOW! The next day we attempted sledding (no go), had a snow ball fight, and built snow men followed by hot chocolate... mmm!
We are now back at my parents house where we are getting ready to eat (again :) and then just relax. I love my family!
So I hope you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
And let me leave you with a bit of my favorite Christmas carol, O Holy Night...
Long lay the world, in sin and ever pininig,
Til HE appearred, and the soul felt its worth....
Truly HE taught us to love one another,
HIS law is love, and HIS gospel is peace.
Chains shall HE break, for the slave is now our brother,
And in HIS name, all oppression shall cease!
Some times I feel like my soul is still pining for HIS grace, and there are moments where my soul suddenly feels its worth. This line calls to me, or rather calls to the Lord from my own heart. Christ is the Lord, and brings meaning and truth to all who believe. Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
2 years...
Nick and I celebrated our 2 years of marriage yesterday. We went to the Lexington Ballet's Nutcracker (OK but not as good as Atlanta's) and then to the Melting Pot (which I know is too expensive, but worth the yummy food and the 2 hours we spent talking) where Nick surprised me with a second wedding band! So beautiful!
While we were waiting for our food to cook, we reflected on the past year... both good and bad, and how the Lord's hand was in it all.
We spoke about Nick's Grandpa Schneider and the pain he has brought.
His Grandpa Wilbur and the pain his loss brought.
Nick loosing his job at Best Buy and how tight our pockets got.
About how we miss Georgia.
We spoke about how the Lord is using the Grandpa Schneider thing to teach us to trust him.
His Grandpa Wilbur and how to praise the Lord through grief and death.
About Nick getting the job at the hospital and how the Lord has now provided him greater flexibility with his schedule and health insurance (pretty awesome health insurance actually).
About how we miss Georgia and are trusting the Lord would bring us closer.
About how awesome our puppy Yoda is.
About how He provided a new house for us.
How He is providing for our future as I am in school for my Nurse Practitioner degree.
And how He loves us as shown by our own deepening love.
We are so excited about the new year, the next year together... We love that the Lord will provide for us and keep us with Him.
While we were waiting for our food to cook, we reflected on the past year... both good and bad, and how the Lord's hand was in it all.
We spoke about Nick's Grandpa Schneider and the pain he has brought.
His Grandpa Wilbur and the pain his loss brought.
Nick loosing his job at Best Buy and how tight our pockets got.
About how we miss Georgia.
We spoke about how the Lord is using the Grandpa Schneider thing to teach us to trust him.
His Grandpa Wilbur and how to praise the Lord through grief and death.
About Nick getting the job at the hospital and how the Lord has now provided him greater flexibility with his schedule and health insurance (pretty awesome health insurance actually).
About how we miss Georgia and are trusting the Lord would bring us closer.
About how awesome our puppy Yoda is.
About how He provided a new house for us.
How He is providing for our future as I am in school for my Nurse Practitioner degree.
And how He loves us as shown by our own deepening love.
We are so excited about the new year, the next year together... We love that the Lord will provide for us and keep us with Him.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Haul out the Holly!
So what they don't tell you in nursing school is that "sleeping in" becomes "sleeping-til-630" boo. So here I am to blog.
Thanksgiving was a success... Nick had to work, but I perfectly timed it so that the turkey came out of the oven right when he was walking in. I was SO proud of myself. It was moist with a golden-brown skin. The table was beautiful, and Nick enjoyed the food so much! It was hard being away from family, but I skyped in on my parent's thanksgiving feast! I just keep reminding myself that this is just for a season... which brings me to another season... CHRISTMAS! (Imagine that last word in Cathy's excited voice :) )
Christmas officially began the next day for us. It was the weirdest thing for us. Thanksgiving was nice and warm, I even wore a sleeveless shirt! Then we wake up the next morning... and there was SNOW! Needless to say, Yoda LOVED it... It was the first appearance of Snow Beard (what we call Yoda after he's sniffing around in the snow) from the Blistery White North! (OK so maybe we are a little bit obsessed with our puppy, but he's soooo darn cute!)
Later that morning (so we wouldn't get caught in a huge Black Friday rush), we went out to Wal-Mart and Lowes to find a tree. You know Nick was in a great mood because he got a tree that was not the least expensive ;) After hauling it home in the back of his truck, we pulled out the boxes, and just allowed Christmas to explode all over our house. It was soooo exciting! When I find the camera, I'll take some pictures and put them up. After all, this is the first Christmas in our new house!
After a day of Christmas music and decorations, Nick and I had a second helping of my wonderful turkey, turned off the lights except for the Christmas tree, and watched Elf... There's no better way to kick off the season than watching a grown man in tights yell "SANTA! I KNOW HIM!"
The season even continued into work. So don't tell the kiddies, but Santa is currently intubated in our ICU. He'll be OK, but he was in a motorcycle accident while wearing his santa suit... no lie! And then another patient had a visitor... another Santa! It was crazy but I LOVE IT!
But with all of this excitement, we need to remember the ONE who made this all possible, and when I say all I mean everything. The Bible tells us that Jesus was with the Lord when He created the world (John 1:1 - In the Beginning there was the Word. And the Word was with the Lord, and the Word was the Lord.)
Nick always jokes about my birthday-month, but this is Jesus's Birthday Month (maybe not technically but figuratively). Every light heart and good will toward men stemmed from His heart toward us. Christmas is magical because the lights on the Christmas tree remind me of the star the wise men followed. Because the nativity in my living room reminds me of the night the Lord GOD on High came to us in the form of an infant boy. The carol O Holy Night causes me to cry when the verse says "Long lay the world, in sin and error pining, until he appeared, and the soul felt its worth!" The fact that I still lay in sin and error but that His birth brought meaning to me. So let's haul out the holly because we need a little Christmas... rather A LOT of CHRISTmas... right this very minute.
Thanksgiving was a success... Nick had to work, but I perfectly timed it so that the turkey came out of the oven right when he was walking in. I was SO proud of myself. It was moist with a golden-brown skin. The table was beautiful, and Nick enjoyed the food so much! It was hard being away from family, but I skyped in on my parent's thanksgiving feast! I just keep reminding myself that this is just for a season... which brings me to another season... CHRISTMAS! (Imagine that last word in Cathy's excited voice :) )
Christmas officially began the next day for us. It was the weirdest thing for us. Thanksgiving was nice and warm, I even wore a sleeveless shirt! Then we wake up the next morning... and there was SNOW! Needless to say, Yoda LOVED it... It was the first appearance of Snow Beard (what we call Yoda after he's sniffing around in the snow) from the Blistery White North! (OK so maybe we are a little bit obsessed with our puppy, but he's soooo darn cute!)
Later that morning (so we wouldn't get caught in a huge Black Friday rush), we went out to Wal-Mart and Lowes to find a tree. You know Nick was in a great mood because he got a tree that was not the least expensive ;) After hauling it home in the back of his truck, we pulled out the boxes, and just allowed Christmas to explode all over our house. It was soooo exciting! When I find the camera, I'll take some pictures and put them up. After all, this is the first Christmas in our new house!
After a day of Christmas music and decorations, Nick and I had a second helping of my wonderful turkey, turned off the lights except for the Christmas tree, and watched Elf... There's no better way to kick off the season than watching a grown man in tights yell "SANTA! I KNOW HIM!"
The season even continued into work. So don't tell the kiddies, but Santa is currently intubated in our ICU. He'll be OK, but he was in a motorcycle accident while wearing his santa suit... no lie! And then another patient had a visitor... another Santa! It was crazy but I LOVE IT!
But with all of this excitement, we need to remember the ONE who made this all possible, and when I say all I mean everything. The Bible tells us that Jesus was with the Lord when He created the world (John 1:1 - In the Beginning there was the Word. And the Word was with the Lord, and the Word was the Lord.)
Nick always jokes about my birthday-month, but this is Jesus's Birthday Month (maybe not technically but figuratively). Every light heart and good will toward men stemmed from His heart toward us. Christmas is magical because the lights on the Christmas tree remind me of the star the wise men followed. Because the nativity in my living room reminds me of the night the Lord GOD on High came to us in the form of an infant boy. The carol O Holy Night causes me to cry when the verse says "Long lay the world, in sin and error pining, until he appeared, and the soul felt its worth!" The fact that I still lay in sin and error but that His birth brought meaning to me. So let's haul out the holly because we need a little Christmas... rather A LOT of CHRISTmas... right this very minute.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Would you ask this question?
So I know there's a lot of heavy stuff out there, but this is something that I have been convicted of this past weekend and need prayer for wisdom and courage.
As you know, I work in the Neurosurgery ICU at University of Kentucky. Being a Level One trauma center, we get the sickest of the sick, and many do not make it.
I had a patient last week, not much older than myself. His father was a pastor (like mine) but my patient, we'll call him Bob, may or may not have been a Christian. Anyway, he was in liver failure due to past drug and alcohol abuse. His dad told me that he was trying to straighten himself out, stopping the drugs, but had kept on drinking. Bob was in bad shape.
His dad just kept telling me that he wanted Bob to wake up one last time so that he could ask if Bob had accepted Christ. His family could let him go after that.
Bob did not wake up. After a grueling 12 hour shift of trying in vain to maintain a decent blood pressure and oxygen saturation while juggling continuous dialysis, vent changes, and multiple vasoacitve drips, I passed off my patient to the oncoming nurse. An hour after I got home, Bob coded and died.
Bob's dad never got his question answered. And so here is my question: Is there someone you love who if they were at the brink of death, you would have to ask, "Can he please wake up so I can ask if he's accepted Christ?" Would you ask that question?
I know I would. And so, friends, pray for me. Pray that I have the wisdom and courage to ask that question before it gets too late. That the Lord leads me to the proper place and time, that He prepares the soil of my loved one's heart to hear the Gospel.
And pray for you too, that we will never have someone wonder that about us. That we live daily in a way so that there will be no questioning, no pleading to God for one last chance to share the Gospel. And that we take on every moment like it's the last.
As you know, I work in the Neurosurgery ICU at University of Kentucky. Being a Level One trauma center, we get the sickest of the sick, and many do not make it.
I had a patient last week, not much older than myself. His father was a pastor (like mine) but my patient, we'll call him Bob, may or may not have been a Christian. Anyway, he was in liver failure due to past drug and alcohol abuse. His dad told me that he was trying to straighten himself out, stopping the drugs, but had kept on drinking. Bob was in bad shape.
His dad just kept telling me that he wanted Bob to wake up one last time so that he could ask if Bob had accepted Christ. His family could let him go after that.
Bob did not wake up. After a grueling 12 hour shift of trying in vain to maintain a decent blood pressure and oxygen saturation while juggling continuous dialysis, vent changes, and multiple vasoacitve drips, I passed off my patient to the oncoming nurse. An hour after I got home, Bob coded and died.
Bob's dad never got his question answered. And so here is my question: Is there someone you love who if they were at the brink of death, you would have to ask, "Can he please wake up so I can ask if he's accepted Christ?" Would you ask that question?
I know I would. And so, friends, pray for me. Pray that I have the wisdom and courage to ask that question before it gets too late. That the Lord leads me to the proper place and time, that He prepares the soil of my loved one's heart to hear the Gospel.
And pray for you too, that we will never have someone wonder that about us. That we live daily in a way so that there will be no questioning, no pleading to God for one last chance to share the Gospel. And that we take on every moment like it's the last.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
does laundry ever end?
The title speaks for itself. Does laundry ever end? I submit no!
Just unpacking boxes, doing laundry, working, doing laundry, going to school, and doing more laundry. Geeze. It's just the two of us! Thankfully Yoda is always naked. :)
It's been fun getting into our own home. This is the most space we've ever had, and we're so glad to have just a couple of weeks of no travel. It's been busy and crazy, but it feels so good to come home. I'll put up some pictures when we're done with moving in all the stuff!
Now on to folding!
Just unpacking boxes, doing laundry, working, doing laundry, going to school, and doing more laundry. Geeze. It's just the two of us! Thankfully Yoda is always naked. :)
It's been fun getting into our own home. This is the most space we've ever had, and we're so glad to have just a couple of weeks of no travel. It's been busy and crazy, but it feels so good to come home. I'll put up some pictures when we're done with moving in all the stuff!
Now on to folding!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Going to the chapel, and Brooks is gonna get married...
So finally a week of vacation... but is it really vacation when you don't sleep in the same bed for more than 2 nights? The jury is still out, but I'm having a great time!
My vacation started last Wed, when I went to the ENT, found out that I wouldn't have to have surgery on my busted eardrum, closed on the house, and headed to Marietta with Rachel. Over the next 2 days, we went to the Atlanta aquarium, Braves game, Athens, and Mall of Georgia. I dropped her off at the airport early on Saturday and went straight to bridesmaidy things. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Brooks, one of my best friends from college, is getting married this Saturday! We had a wonderful luncheon, a stressful dress fitting, and a fabulous bachelorette! I was so excited to catch up with old friends whom I haven't seen in over a year!
The next day, I went bridesmaid dress shopping for my best friend Rachel's wedding next spring. Again, it was a time of reunion for me and my roommates and Rachel's sweet mom. I spent the night at Rachel's, and it felt like our life in the dorm room all over. It was such a blessing.
On Monday, Nick flew in and we had dinner with Leslie and McCall. McCall is getting married in just a couple of weeks, and I'm so excited to be able to attend. We spent the night at my folks, and headed over to Athens to spend time with Nick's family. Where I am right now. But my vacation of friends is not over yet! Tonight is Wilder fam night with Sarah Brown, Fri is rehearsal dinner and sleep over with my nursing friend Taylor, and Saturday is BROOK'S WEDDING!
It has been wonderful seeing all of my old friends this past week. I feel so blessed that the Lord has allowed these relationships to continue despite distance and time. And I notice a common theme in these friendships, Jesus. The Lord brought us together as children, teens, and college students, and the bond remains strong. I pray for my relationships with these women and I continue to pray that the Lord blesses the new friendships I am developing in Him.
So, off I go!
My vacation started last Wed, when I went to the ENT, found out that I wouldn't have to have surgery on my busted eardrum, closed on the house, and headed to Marietta with Rachel. Over the next 2 days, we went to the Atlanta aquarium, Braves game, Athens, and Mall of Georgia. I dropped her off at the airport early on Saturday and went straight to bridesmaidy things. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Brooks, one of my best friends from college, is getting married this Saturday! We had a wonderful luncheon, a stressful dress fitting, and a fabulous bachelorette! I was so excited to catch up with old friends whom I haven't seen in over a year!
The next day, I went bridesmaid dress shopping for my best friend Rachel's wedding next spring. Again, it was a time of reunion for me and my roommates and Rachel's sweet mom. I spent the night at Rachel's, and it felt like our life in the dorm room all over. It was such a blessing.
On Monday, Nick flew in and we had dinner with Leslie and McCall. McCall is getting married in just a couple of weeks, and I'm so excited to be able to attend. We spent the night at my folks, and headed over to Athens to spend time with Nick's family. Where I am right now. But my vacation of friends is not over yet! Tonight is Wilder fam night with Sarah Brown, Fri is rehearsal dinner and sleep over with my nursing friend Taylor, and Saturday is BROOK'S WEDDING!
It has been wonderful seeing all of my old friends this past week. I feel so blessed that the Lord has allowed these relationships to continue despite distance and time. And I notice a common theme in these friendships, Jesus. The Lord brought us together as children, teens, and college students, and the bond remains strong. I pray for my relationships with these women and I continue to pray that the Lord blesses the new friendships I am developing in Him.
So, off I go!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Go Time!
So "the cloud" as some of our friends refer to it, has begun to lift (knock on wood) and good things are coming our way. As of now, everyone is healthy and happy. Nick and I are still seeing the Lord's hand work in our lives just as much as we did when "the cloud" settled itself over our little family. And it's exciting all that is going on, but it's all happing so quickly. Nick and I refer to this next month and a half as GO TIME!
We are in the process of closing on a house (a foreclosure in very good shape that we're getting a GREAT deal on), moving out of our apartment, starting the fall semester of school for both of us, Nick starting his job, and a nice long trip to Georgia for Brooks' wedding! YAY! I know I'll be exhausted, but I also know that it will feel sooooooo good when, at the end of October I will be able to sit on my back patio or my own backyard with my hubby and my puppy and enjoy the beginning of fall (my favorite season) and birthday month!
Fall is also another time of great change for loved ones in our lives. My youngest sister, Callie, is going to college. She'll be a UGA Bulldog through and through. While she is nervous about the change, I know she'll do great.
Other friends are starting new jobs, leaving old jobs for newer ones, and starting families. Fall is wonderful. Though the days are growing shorter, the crisp air I felt in the morning today called to me. I felt brisk and light, ready to get out of the sweltering heat and pressure of this past summer. The Lord has a lot planned for us, for you. He always has, and always will. Cloud or no cloud. :)
We'd love your prayers in this time of change. That we won't pull out our hair as we fit so much into so little time. That we will be able to be thankful for these opportunities. That we will never cease to praise the Lord!
Here are pictures of the new house!
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| Front :) |
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| Living Room |
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| Kitchen... and Nick's parents |
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| Kitchen again... our walls are the PERFECT color :) |
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| Master Bedroom |
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| Full Master bath and walk in closet! |
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sleepy...
So I think only other nurses can understand this... I'm always so exhausted after 3 12 hour shifts in a row. And I'm excited because I'll get to take a NAP this afternoon! I love naps... especially on days like today... gray and rainy with the puppy dog at my feet. It's a nice little escape. And I need escape.
I think all people in my stage of life, a year out of college and trying to make a new life. The excitement and thrill of new husband, new place, new job has begun to wear off. And while I'm still excited about some of those things, like Nick for instance, others have become dull. I sit here wondering if we'll ever buy a house. Will I ever stop working weekends? Will I ever feel like a good nurse? I don't know.
Work has been especially hard the past weekend. Being at a Level One trauma center, we see the sickest of the sick. Yesterday was a culmination of emotion. A dad sat at his son's bedside after a car wreck, a year after his wife passed from the same injuries. Two self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head. And one 93 year old lady who passed while her 94 year old husband held her hand... I just don't know if I can do it... The Lord has to continue to give me strength, and I'm exhausted... Keep me in your prayers.
But now, Nick and I have 2 days off together and my parents are coming up this weekend with my sister, Cathy. I'm soooooo looking forward to having a break from it all!
And so now, I must retreat to my first little indulgence... nap time.... *sigh*
I think all people in my stage of life, a year out of college and trying to make a new life. The excitement and thrill of new husband, new place, new job has begun to wear off. And while I'm still excited about some of those things, like Nick for instance, others have become dull. I sit here wondering if we'll ever buy a house. Will I ever stop working weekends? Will I ever feel like a good nurse? I don't know.
Work has been especially hard the past weekend. Being at a Level One trauma center, we see the sickest of the sick. Yesterday was a culmination of emotion. A dad sat at his son's bedside after a car wreck, a year after his wife passed from the same injuries. Two self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head. And one 93 year old lady who passed while her 94 year old husband held her hand... I just don't know if I can do it... The Lord has to continue to give me strength, and I'm exhausted... Keep me in your prayers.
But now, Nick and I have 2 days off together and my parents are coming up this weekend with my sister, Cathy. I'm soooooo looking forward to having a break from it all!
And so now, I must retreat to my first little indulgence... nap time.... *sigh*
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