Houston

Tomorrow I am going to Houston. I am so excited. I am going to get to see my sister! I know I just saw her for Christmas, but I miss her already! I am going to get some shopping done and spend quality time with sissy. Hope everyone has a fantastic New Year. Be safe.

Random Thoughts

Here are some things that have been on my mind lately, but have never had the right time to blog about them.



I run into things and yell "Ow!" before I even know if I am hurt.



That new show, Bromance, is dumb.



I miss Tila Tequila. I wonder how she is doing.



I want to get a tatoo. A star behind my ear. I would never do it, because it would look so trashy, but I think it would be awesome.



I looooooove shopping. When I go out of town, I take the route of the best stores, not the shortest routes.



Once I start a project, it's hard for me to finish.



When I clean, sometimes I just move stuff to another room.



I get the giggles when moving big objects.



My friend Shawn doesn't watch The Hills because it's "too much like his real life."

It's Time

Fudge, divinity, cream cheese bars, candles and laughing till you cry...my brothers and sister are here!

Auntie Sarah

My mom and dad and I were headed home from the store today and we started talking about someone I used to hang out with. My mom said, "I would rather be alone!" I said, "Oh me too. I'll just adopt kids..." She said, "Or just be auntie." I don't want to just be auntie. That's not where I see my life going. It makes me sad to think of not having kids or a family. I don't want to marry the wrong person or be with someone who makes me miserable. I'm 26 and it's not too late!

Christmas Makes Me Cry

I never understood why people cried at Christmas. I get it now. Christmas makes you miss people. It makes you think of bittersweet memories that you wish you could relive just one more time. It makes you think of the things in your life that you are looking forward to and want so badly, but God has not given you yet. I miss my friend James and wish that he was going to be at Christmas Eve church services and sit with our family. I miss giggling through church like a 5 year old because my sister and I can't be mature worth anything. I look forward to having my own family and making new memories.

Tonight, I went to my friends' church play. It was the classic children's Christmas play. There were shepherds and angels and the kids were having a great time. There were all adorable and seemed to understand the meaning of everything. One little girl, named Lexi, was the North Star. A very important part. She is usually so quiet and timid, but she was so proud to be the star. She stood in her gold costume holding her flashlight and sang her heart out. You could hear her over everyone. The whole cast sang "Silent Night." I got a little teary eyed. It was such a sweet moment. She might not have known all the exact words to the song, but she knew the meaning of the song.

I can't wait till I have my own kids and they can be up in the play. I wonder what I will be like then. No wonder my mom always has kleenex in her purse...

Post Office Workers

I went to the post office today to mail some Christmas presents. I had a bright cheery face and a 2 boxes. I went up to the window and she just looks at me. I said, "I forgot the address for the little box and have to go to my car and get it, but can I just mail this big one off right now?" She blankly looked at me and said, "It has to be taped." I wanted to say, "Then tape it." I didn't say if of course. She handed me her tape gun and then made me get out of line. I had to go back to the table and tape it myself. I was so annoyed. I put tape on the box rediculously and as much as I could. I wasn't sure HOW MUCH it NEEDED to be taped. I had to leave the boxes on the table and go get my address and get back in line. I took my boxes back up to the same lady and one was on top of the other. She wouldn't take it off the top. I had to HAND it to her. The she proceeds to tell me that there would be a surcharge because the box was so big. She got out her tape measure and precisely measured the box. THEN she made me go get a label to she could scan it because I threw mine away. Never once did she smile or say "Merry Christmas." So if you work at the post office, I am so sorry that your job is so awful. I think I would have lots of fun at the post office!

Face to Face with a Bull

If you have ever gone to a parade with me you understand my issue with horses in parades. I love horses. I think they are amazing and smart. It's just that when I was little we went to the Rodeo Day Parade downtown and a crazy horse charged at me. I remember the horse getting a little out of control in the parade and then coming at me on the side of the street. It's like the horse picked the cutest little blonde girl in the crowd and wanted to eat her. Now at parades, I think the horses are going to do the same thing. It never fails that at every parade and horse picks me out of the crowd and kind of whineys or starts bobbing it's head up and down as if to say, "It's You!" The other night I went to a Christmas parade with my friend Shawn. I gave him the usual disclaimer, that if I horse starts after me I will sacrifice him or little children for myself. There were 4 animals in the entire parade. One horse stopped right in front of us and would not proceed. Another horse pulling a wagon got its head stuck on the outside of his lead thing. Another horse just bobbed it's head alot. And finally, this guy comes riding down the street on a bull! A bull! How safe is that? (Later I learned it was not a bull, it was a steer...another story) So the bull is walking down the street minding it's own business and then sees me and decides to come right at me. I seriously think that bull was an inch away from my face. I shoved Shawn in front of me before I realized the KIDS next to us were petting the bull's face and just thinking it was the coolest thing ever.

My First Teacher Gift

This teacher thing is great! One of my classes got me a pedicure and my other class got me a candle. They are so good. I could get used to getting presents for teaching! I bet elementary school teachers have it even better...am I right Beth?

I have been redoing some of my house and my latest project is the dining room. It looks really good. If I knew how to post pictures, I would. I'm too tired to learn though. I painted the walls a brownish yellow color and got a black table. My friend Shawn and I went to pick it up at Walmart last night...that's another story. It is round with 4 chairs. I am putting my zebra chair in there and have blue drapes. Pretty chic.

Shawn and I went to the service desk to get the table and they had to call back to the "back" to get someone to come talk to us about it. A guy came up and said in the deepest voice I have ever heard, "Someone needed me?" I laughed; out loud. I thought he was kidding. He wasn't. That was his voice. I got the giggles and almost lost it. Then Shawn tells him he should do voice overs in movies. He said, "Yeah alot of people tell me that." Seriously, I have never heard a voice like that come out of anything else than a robot.

Shawn carried the table into my house on his shoulder. I went to unlock the door and I was going to help him carry it, but before I could get the door unlocked I hear a squeal and then "Oh I got it!" I couldn't believe he hoisted a table up on his shoulder without letting me help him!

I have one more clinical group tomorrow and then the semester is over for me! I got through my first semester and can now say I am an experienced teacher.

A Good Husband

I must use a disclaimer for this posting...This is not every husband, nor is it all that husbands do, nor is it all that makes a good husband. He is not my husband. There has been no talk of him becoming my husband. Not even sure if he's married.

I have been having some work done on my house. I have one guy that has been doing all the work. His name is Mike. I have been able to experience part of what a good husband is like. When I fell through the floor and couldn't move my car the next morning, he moved it. (I just met him that morning too!) He fixes things around the house that I didn't even know were broken. He tightened my doorknobs that were loose. My favorite thing he does is take out the trash. All I have to do is put the trash at the side of the house and he takes it with him at the end of the day! He also brings my trashcan in if it is still at the street when he gets there. He is pretty amazing. It's just a glimmer of what marriage will be like I think...not sure, but I am hoping.

Benefit Lunch

Today I went to a benefit lunch for a guy named Jim. He used to work for my dad, but recently took a different job working in the oil field. He was in an accident at work and as a result, had to lose his right leg. He came to the lunch and I was surprised by how sad it was to me. He's young and healthy, but had to lose his leg. It's seems unfair to me. It also made me realize how lucky I am. I whine about having to wear my bulky boot and have my foot hurt a little, but I can still walk. I feel guilty for feeling bad for myself when other people have greater issues to deal with than I do. Pray for Jim and his family!

Sometimes Surgery is Conservative

I went to my podiatrist again today for a follow up. He gave me 2 options. 1. Wear the boot. Be absolutely non-weight bearing for 6-8 MONTHS (ie: wheel chair and crutches). Have a bone stimulator. Then be re-examined and probably have no change in my foot. 2. Have surgery and recover for about 3-4 weeks in a boot, with crutches as needed. The doctor said, "I am all about conservative treatment and am absolutely willing to try, but sometimes surgery is conservative treatment." I am super nervous. I don't want to be put to sleep and everything that entails. I do want to get better though and am excited about that. Please pray that it will all work out how it is supposed to!

Thanks Mom

Thank you, Mom for telling me, "You will put a smile on your face...fake or not, I don't care...but you will put one on." I realized how ugly and annoying people are when they just frown and pout all the time.

Vote

Everyone needs to go vote tomorrow. If you do not vote tomorrow or at all, then do not gripe about who wins the election. You have no right to talk if you don't vote! Get out there!

Lecture

Today I got to give my second lecture of my teaching career. I really like to give lectures about topic that I love. Today I taught about the newborn. It's sad to me because I don't ever think there is enough time to do what I want to do. I wanted to get all these pictures and videos and sound bytes, but just couldn't because of time. I did throw in some personal stories to make it more interesting. Everyone minded and I didn't make a fool of myself.

God: You never know!

God has thrown me for several loops this week. Monday, I prayed for a patient of mine that she would be healed before she went to get a CT. She came back with 3X as many problems than when she left. It's going to be a long hard road for her, but maybe this will heal her faster than what her other option was if she didn't have so many issues. I went to a podiatrist to have him check a sore I have on my foot because it just keeps hurting. I leave the office with 2 broken bones, an infected cyst, an MRI, bone stimulator, and 2 months in a boot. Wow. I was really shocked and just didn't understand anything. (I broke a bone in my foot a few years ago and the doctors missed it at first, then figured it out but told me it would take a long time to heal. They never gave me much hope and just told me to wear the boot all the time. When something's not working, it seems like you would try something different.) So, this doctor is going to do something about my foot. I told him I had given up and just figured my foot was going to hurt forever. He said, absolutely not. My final option is surgery. This doctor seems to really know what he is talking about and cares about me. He wants me to get better and is willing to help me do that. God helped me get to the doctor who needed to see me. It was bad news, but in the long run, I'll be better. It makes me remember that God is in charge.

Great Day

I had such a good day today. I got to see my SISTER! I miss her so much. She moved to Houston last year or so, and I don't get to see her half as much as I want to. We met up in Abilene and ate lunch, then went shopping. We got to catch up and talk and just be together. It's sad to leave her, but I know she's so happy in Houston. I just wish it were closer. I also wish they didn't cancel the flight from here to Houston... :(

Bridesmaids

Last night I realized that bridesmaids have a lot of power during the planning of a wedding. I went to a lingerie/bridal shower last night. It was really, really, fun, but I would have DIED if my mother had been there. There were some tasteless gifts, sexy lingerie, and a crazy cake. Some of the things I didn't even know what they were. I was way too embarrassed to ask, so I'm just going to live in my oblivious state. Kelli went with me and I told her that if my wedding (whenever and IF), shower will not be like that or I will freak out. She said, "You just have to get some good bridesmaids that know you don't want that and will respect that." I love my mother for making me be a "good girl." I never used to understand what was the big deal as long as you were a good person, but I get it, now.

Long and Short

Today was the ALS walk. It was really fun and moving. There were so many people there! It was the first one held in San Angelo, thanks to Pam Darby, whose husband has ALS. ALS is a horrible disease. Basically, it affects your muscles, but not your mind, so you know that your body is deteriorating, but can't do anything about it. The walk was 3 miles around ASU's campus. I walked with the San Angelo Development Services team. My friend, Shawn, was the team captain. He got to carry the sign, so jealous. His friend also has ALS. Everyone on our team has really long legs, except for me. I think I ran 3 miles. I didn't quit though. I had the option of just doing one lap. I so wanted to stop and wait there for my team to meet back up with me after they were done. Then I thought, "That's not the point." I can suffer through a little bit of pain for these poor people who have been struck by ALS. I'm sore and tired, but I am going to be ok and I know that tomorrow, I can get up and do it all over again if I wanted to. These people are not as lucky as I am. Let's all pray for Robbie, Preston, John Paul, and all the people who have been diagnosed with ALS.

"May Cause Sleeplessness"

My allergies have attacked me with a vengance. I usually take Allegra and am fine. BUT, I don't have any Allegra, because I ran out and would have to go back to the doctor for him to tell me I have allegries in order to get more. That translates into a $25 copay and then $30 prescription, equalling $55 to fix my allergies. I decide to take matters into my own hands. I go to HEB, talk to the pharmacist and he tells me to take Claritin D. Ok, sounds great. You get 10 pills for about $8. Not great, but not bad. The BAD thing is I took it and now I am awake. I can't sleep for anything. I took a great nap in the afternoon, but now, NOTHING. I am a nurse and know better, but I didn't look at the medicine very well before I took it. I realize now, that the medicine is "extended release." This means it will last at least 24 hours. I took it at lunch yesterday. Great. So, I have the "mild stomach upset", "sleeplessness," "thirst", "dry mouth." I don't have allergies though. Can you tell how happy I am. :(

I Can Cook!

I decided I would learn to cook. First, I had to buy a cookbook. A good one. My first recipe out of the book: Butternut Squash Soup. Why? I don't know. I didn't even know if I like that kind of soup. I went to HEB with my list of stuff I needed. I was determined to not call my mom during the shopping trip, because I was going to do this all on my own. I asked about 12 people I know, different things. "What are shallots?" "Are these shallots?" "Is heavy whipping cream the same as heavy cream?" "What does a butternut squash look like?" I finally got everything I needed. The hardest part of the recipe was cutting up the squash. That thing is huge. Lo and behold, soup! It is so good. I wish everyone could have some. I am going to take it to my mom tomorrow and tell her, "Look what I did! All by myself..." Sort of.

Another Week

This week has been tough. I worked everyday since Monday of last week. They have been pretty much 16 hour days. Today was a good day though! It was my first day off and I got so much stuff done. First thing, I slept in! I had to get up early and go to my mom's house because I am having new windows put in. The workers come at 7:30 so I got up at 6:30 and went to my mom's to sleep. I went with some friends and got a pedicure. Then I went and borrowed some money from the bank for my house. New siding, windows, french doors...so excited! Then I went to the mall and got a present for my friend who is getting married. Then I went back my mom's house and picked up my mom and grandma and we went to Rosa's for supper. Later, my friend Shawn came over and looked at my new windows and told me about the ALS walk on Saturday. So now, after my disappointing news of my friend not being able to come see me this weekend, I have plans! I also have a lingerie party to go to... :)

Sadness

Tonight I was at my parents' house and I took some food out to the cats. The cats are not "ours," but they live there and we feed them. They are Gato, Gray Kitty, Baby Cat, and Hitler. Only 3 of them came up to eat and I asked my dad where Gray Kitty was because I hadn't seen her lately. He stopped and hesitated and said, "She got hit by a car." He said it happened about 2 weeks ago. It made me so sad. I miss her. You could never pet Gray Kitty or get near her because she would run away, but I still loved her. She was part of the group. We think she never learned how to meow because she would hiss at times when you would expect a meow. She had a rough life, but always got better. We think she was hit by a car before because she had a really hurt leg, she just kept on going, like it was nothing. She had kittens once and took such good care of them, but they either got taken by someone or something happened to them one by one. She would spend all day calling for them. She was such a good mom. I hate that she had to be hit by a car, but I know that she is in heaven with my great-grandmother and they are having a blast.

Grandma

My grandmother is in town to visit. She asked me today if I could vote yet...I said "Yes, I'm 26." She said, "You are?"

What a Week!

This week was crazy. I started my new job and along with my old job, I worked 70 hours. I have lost it. I know I have. I laughed hysterically at work today because a baby crossed their eyes at their pacifier. I couldn't help it. It was the funniest thing I had ever seen.


Time for bed.

No Plans

Lately, I have been thinking about God's plans for me in terms of marriage and family. I want both, dearly. I want the man of my dreams, whoever that may be, and 5 kids. I do, I said it, it's out there...5.



I have always heard that love will strike when you least expect it. I have also heard, people in speeches, sermons, random conversations that say, "I wasn't looking for anyone when I met him." or, "I didn't even want a boyfriend when I met him." My favorite is, "I had no plans for getting engaged and married this year." I am watching a bridal show on TV right now and a girl just said, "I didn't think I would get married and I was fine with that. I thought I would be independent and have fun riding my motorcycle." So for everyone out there, listen up! I am not looking to get married. I have no plans on meeting anyone in the next year. I don't even want a boyfriend. I don't think I will get married and I am fine with that... If this is what it takes, I'm game. I understand reverse psychology.

My Parents

I love my parents. They are hilarious. Today they are getting ready for their garage sale tomorrow. My dad gets stuff from garage sales and stuffs them in a cabinet we have in the den. They are going through it right now and everything my dad pulls out, he asks my mom, "You want that?" or "Oooh, ebay!" My mom is right there with him, not getting annoyed or anything. I love it also, when my dad pulls some little trinket out of the cabinet and says, "Oh! I forgot about this!" My parents are so funny.

Ms. McBride

The students have to call me Ms. McBride and it's so weird to me. One of the students said it and I didn't even respond...oops.

Teacher Clothes

Today was my first real day of teaching. I wore a super cute outfit with great shoes. Comfortable ones of course. The students came to the simulation lab (a place with mannequins that the students practice on before real people) and did some of their required skills. I realized I stood up all day. Me feet are sore, my back is aching and I feel like it's about 3 am. I am starting to understand why some teachers dress the way that they do. You all can pick out a "teacher outfit" if you needed to. A knit top, dress pants (maybe), and some flat unflattering shoes. Teachers would die if they dressed in super cute outfits everyday! My students are self-sufficient though, and I don't know how Bethany does it! It's a good thing that I can wear scrubs to teach in at the hospital.

Great Day

Work was awesome today. I didn't even have to change into scrubs. There were not many babies at all so I didn't even have to take patients. I worked with one of my favorite nurses. We put together the unit scrapbook that hadn't been updated in several months. We printed out lots of cute cut-outs and made the book super cute. We didn't have to have a set of early twins deliver today either. We've been praying for God to keep them safe and he has been. For that I am so thankful. One of the dads even took a video, on his phone, of me and Sharon because we were bobbing our heads to the music. Always fun...secret videos. I talked to a friend who I hadn't talked to in a while. He assumed that in addition to all our hardwork today, we were probably painting our toenails. I assured him that we usually run around like crazy at work. After work, Sharon and I went to "Music in the Park" and ate Weinerschnitzel. What a great day.

Spelling

Today at church everyone got a paper in there bulletin called "3 Things." You were supposed to write 3 things you love about the church, 3 dreams you have for the church, and 3 families who have inspired you. I wrote that I loved the number and options of services on Sunday mornings, the opportunities for education, and the "generousity" of the church. I turned it into the offering plate and realized I had totally spelled generosity wrong. Then I remembered that they said they were going to post the papers throughout the church. Nice.

The Other Side

Lately, I have been able to see a different side of education. I am now a member of the ASU faculty for the College of Nursing and Allied Health. I am so excited about it. I have seen how teachers prepare for the students to come to class. These teachers care and are excited for the students to return to campus. Today was the first official day of class. The nursing students were so excited and nervous at the same time. Having been in their shoes, I feel like I can relate to them well. It is a very different feeling though. I parked in teacher parking, I have an office, and can come and go as I please. I don't have to sit through lectures or take tests. It is a crazy feeling.

Today has been an emotional day for some of my friends. One of my best friends, a sister to me, started nursing school. She has had a bumpy ride just getting admitted to nursing school and her first day overwhelmed her. She is so scared because she already has assignments, reading, and other odds and ends. She has called me twice already today crying, saying she wants to quit and it's too hard. I tried to talk to her and get her to understand that everyone feels overwhelmed in nursing school. If you haven't gone through nursing school, you can't understand the feeling that she has right now. Another friend just started college today, at ASU. She graduated from a small school and so ASU was a shock to her. When I asked her about her day, she started crying saying she didn't like it and didn't want to go back. I was able to talk to her and get other people who had gone through the same thing to encourage her too. I wish that school wasn't so stressful for people.

I am asking for prayer for these girls. They are beautiful, smart, loving girls who would help anyone in a second. I pray for encouragement and strength to get through this time and the understanding that it will get better.

A Best Friend

Last night, "best friend" was defined to me. I called my friend Kelli, at work, and asked her what we were going to do for MY birthday. She talked to me for a while and got a list started. I was at the grocery store and she said to think of some details and call her back after a while. I ran into someone and they said they weren't going to be able to come to my birthday. I thought I was ok, but then I couldn't find what I needed and just kept getting more and more upset. I checked out at the grocery store and started crying when I got into my car. All for silly reasons. I think I composed myself and call Kelli back at work. I say no more than 4 words and Kelli says, "Have you been crying?" There's no hiding it. I break down and cry to her for 15 minutes while she is at work, planning MY birthday. She mentioned something about coming into work late that day and I asked her "Why?" She says because her mother is in the hospital! I felt like a horrible and selfish friend. Kelli listened to me, putting aside her work and her family, just so I could whine about my life. That is what a best friend does. She listened to everything I said, and made me feel like I was the most important thing in her life. I love you Kelli!

Texas Rain

Yesterday my parents and I planned to get up early (for me) and go to Lowes to get some grub worm killer for our yards. They called me at 9 and we headed out to Lowes. We got some stuff and were in a hurry because the skies were getting dark. We wanted to get the stuff on the yards before the rain. People in town were driving crazy on the way home. We got home and were putting the stuff on the yard with plastic cups and just "eye-balling" how much the yard needed. It started to rain and we were pretty much running and screaming in the yard. It was hilarious.

Unprofessional

I threw a little hissy fit at work today...oops.

Every Time!

I am watching the opening ceremonies of the olympics and I always say something silly about them. I forget that the first olympics were held in Greece. So last time the olympics were on, I said, "Why is everything all about Greece? They aren't even in Greece right now?" My dad just sighs... This time I am watching them at home, by myself, so no one is here to correct me or sigh. The announcer said to stand for the national anthem and announced that it would be sung in Greek by a children's choir. I said to myself, "Shouldn't it be in Chinese if we are in China, gawwwly" I corrected myself and shook my own head.

New Hair

Tonight I was getting ready to go to another wedding. I was drying my hair and I got this crazy feeling. I wanted to do something outrageous with my hair. It was a feeling that I couldn't push aside. I had to do it. I parted my hair on the right side. I know, I know, it's crazy. I thought about just not doing it and going back to the left side, but I was crazy. I kept it. I wondered if people would even recognize me at the wedding. Well, they did. No one even said anything about my hair. I pointed it out to many though.

Time for Kids

I am watching Nanny 911 right now and am getting so angry at these parents. First of all, I had a sucky day at work, so this show is not helping. Do I turn it off? No. I keep watching and get angrier and angrier. This family consists of a mom, a dad, and 4 boys. The boys play video games all day and talk about killing each other. They beat each other up and cry all day. They are so unhappy. The nanny is trying to get them to not play video games all day, and get them doing more productive things. The mom's response was "I don't have 8 hours a day to devote to my children to take them to the park and play with them all day." I was disgusted. The dad says, "When they play video games, we get some peace." It is rediculous. When you have children, they are your life. If you don't want to devote your life to your children, don't have them. No one is forcing you to have a baby. There are plenty of people out there who would love to have children who can't. I want to have kids so badly and it hurts me to have to see people not want their children. Kids are a gift from God and should be treated like it.


PS...I hate the phrase "boys will be boys." That doesn't mean that they beat each other up and kick the dog.

Not for People

Some people do not put forth the effort that they expect others to put forth. If you put forth effort to please them, you do not get it in return. That's frustrating. You work hard to help others and do the right thing, but then it just gets thrown back in your face. That hurts. Sometimes you not going to be good enough for someone, people, no matter what you do. Going above and beyond all too often goes unnoticed. It seems like it is all for not. Then I realized today, it's not about people around you. It's not about yourself. It's about God. God sees the good that you do. He sees that you go out of your way to help people. I have decided to put forth my effort to please God and not people here on earth. God is who is important.

Cooking

I have been battling with this for a while. About 25 years. I have trouble cooking. I can make a few meals and they turn out pretty good, but nothing like my mom's. I will make things exactly how I remember my mom making them and they just don't turn out right. I realized there were a lot of steps I didn't see my mom do, such as adding specific ingredients. I have almost mastered meatloaf, but not the potatoes. You can ask Kelli about my delicious potatoes. At work, people talking about how they just throw stuff in a pot and cook it. I did that tonight. It smelled great, looked great, but it was soooooo hot. So, if anyone needs a pot of super hot stew, let me know!

I'm not that kind of girl!

I work in the nursery at a hospital here in town. We have a couple that has been staying at a local hotel. Some of my friends work at the same hotel. I got to talking to the couple and found all this information out, so I told them they should say hi to the front desk girls and tell them they know me. Today, the couple came into the nursery and said loudly, "Hey they said they know you back at the hotel!" Everyone just turned around and was like, "Oh really! Sarah, we had no idea" I have such hilarious co-workers. It was the joke of the day.

New Parking Tag...A

Today I got to get my new parking tag for my new job. I am going to be teaching at ASU in the nursing department. I will be teaching in the clinical setting. I take students to the hospital and teach them how to do stuff on real people. My parking tag is for the primo parking. It's teacher parking. Ever since I could drive I have thought about parking in teacher parking. I was always too scared. In high school we knew when the ticket givers were coming around, but still I couldn't do it. Today, I parked in teacher parking. So weird. It was legal, but I still felt rebellious. Getting a master's degree has major benefits.

Been There and it Hurts

Two of my best friends are going through what I went through 2 years ago when my friend James died. He died of a drug overdose. He was into things he shouldn't have been and he knew it. It hurt even more knowing that his death could have been avoided. He is like a little brother to me. I took him under my wing and tried to help him. He was funny, smart, and fun to be around. He followed the wrong crowd and got into drinking and drugs. I couldn't stop him. He couldn't stop himself.

When I found out he died, my family and I were in the car on the way to Houston for my brother's wedding. I remember the person told me, "Sarah, I have some bad news..." I was so mad at the whole situation. I was supposed to be happy and supportive for my for my brother, but I was sad and hurt about James. James took some pills, a bad combination, and woke up in the morning and watched TV with his dad for a few minutes. He said he didn't feel good and went back to bed. Next thing you know, he's dead in his bed. It wasn't fair at all. I miss him alot.

I know that God intends for good things to come of all situations. This situation, to me, had nothing good that could come of it. God showed it to me this week. My 2 best friends lost their good friend to a similar situation. I was able to talk with them about their feelings and understand how they were feeling. I got to give them advice and just be with them.

I know they are in heaven, probably hanging out together.

25 and Ready

This weekend I went to 2 weddings. They were both on Saturday. One in the morning and one in the evening. They were beautiful, the brides were happy, the setups were perfect. The evening wedding was a big Rowena wedding. If you've never been to one of these, it's an event. They have the ceremony in St. Joseph's church and then hurry over to the parish hall for the party. They had lights, flowers, fountains, toille, and margaritas and KEGS. After the first hour, they had to bring in another keg. Not because people were drinking fast, but because there were 500 people there. After the dinner and cake cutting the DJ said, "Everybody get ready for the wedding march!" Everyone gets so excited, grabs their partner, and runs and gets in line. I asked someone about it and they said "it's a guy/girl thing" Well, I'm out. About 20 people were NOT in the wedding march. Me being one of them. They go round and round and end up in a circle around the bride and groom and that's how the dance starts. You have to see it, to believe it. It's crazy. I realized at this wedding that it's my turn now. It's my turn to find a man, fall in love and get married. I feel like I deserve it. I feel like there is a guy out there who deserves me...ha. I am a catch. I want to go to a wedding and do the wedding march with my partner. I want to always have a partner and not just sit in a chair at a table watching everyone else laughing with their partner. I want someone to be at home when I get home to hear about my day. It doesn't help that I am sitting and watching a wedding show right now. Don't get me wrong, I love my life right now, but I am ready for the next step. I am ready. It's time to have a partner for the wedding march.

I was MAD

Tonight, our small group, went to Cheddar's. We sat outside and had 11 people at the table. It was pretty busy and our waiter seemed nice. He was forgetting alot of things, but never got frustrated. He took a long time with the tickets and cash. I paid with a 20 and my meal was $4.32. He gave me $15 back. So he can go have fun with my $0.68. I thought he messed up on my friend's ticket too, but actually, he didn't. We left him a regular tip. Nothing great because we figured he could have the money that he kept from our checks. We got to the car and realized he hadn't messed up her ticket. She felt bad and wanted to go back and leave him a better tip. I walked back up to the gate to give him some more money and I heard him. He was telling his friends "Oh look at allllll this money I got, I'll pay for dinner!" He was being so sarcastic and tossing it around like we left him a quarter. I stopped, looked at him and went back to the car. So, Cheddar's waiter, who answers to "D", you acted like a jerk and so could have had more money. Appreciate what you have and maybe you won't have such a bad attitude.

How Will They Learn

This is a personal story, but it is NOT my dad.

I know this man, who is apparently having an affair. He has kids. How are his kids going to learn how to love and be loved if their dad is a cheater? How is he going to teach his son how to be a "real man" who loves his wife and family? I hate it when people cheat. It is rediculous. Does marriage mean nothing?

Some Blonde Moments

I wanted to share some really funny blonde moments. There are 3.

1. The other day I wanted to see what the automatic shower cleaner looked like "in action". I turned it on and then peaked through the shower curtain. It totally sprayed me in the eyes.

2. This week, I smelled someone's fabric softener. I was thinking, "Why don't my clothes smell like that anymore?" I was annoyed at the fact that my fabric softener wasn't smelling good anymore. It's the purple downy one. I went to see if maybe my bottle was old and needed to buy a new one. Well, lo and behold, I changed brands and don't even have that kind anymore.

3. I got home from the grocery store with a block of cheese. I went to make a quesadilla. I couldn't figure it out at all. I thought, how did I have grated cheese before. I don't even have a cheese grater, but I had grated cheese. Then it dawned on me. I bought it grated already.

Wow, I'm blonde and proud of it.

Growing up

Growing up is hard to do. I have realized that I am going to have to start getting up earlier, getting professionally dressed, and acting mature pretty much everyday. Today I am going to a nurse reception for all the "new" nurses. I was excited about it. I thought about what I was going to wear. I thought about wearing jeans and a cute top. Oh but wait, I'm going to be faculty maybe. I have to wear faculty clothes. I can't dress like a student anymore. That means, no more "jeans and a cute top", make up, washed and dried hair, and shaved legs. Annoying.

Also, I went to the computer lab today and saw a guy that I used to think was really awesome. Only, he's not. He's really not that cool. I knew it all along, but just never let myself accept it. I've accepted it, totally now.

I feel like I have moved into a new chapter in my life as cliche as that sounds. It's true. I am not "young" anymore. I can't just run up to school in flip flops and a bus driver t-shirt anymore. I must be presentable at all times.

The hardest thing, though, about growing up is that not everyone does it with you. People around you don't have to do the same things you have to. I bet Bethany knows all about this. You can't go to Starbucks every night or to a movie at 9 on a Wednesday night. You have to go home and eat dinner and think about what you have to do the next day. It's annoying, yet exciting. I'm ready for it. Bring it on.

Done and done

I passed my comps! It's over. It's done. I don't have to worry about it ever again. I know it's because of all the prayers I received from everyone. Thank you so much.

The Day Has Gone

Today was the day. I took my test. It was not horrible. There were things on the test that sparked my memory. I finished first on both sections of the test. I never finish first! The thing is that it is over. Amen to that.

The Day Has Come

Tomorrow is the day. I take my comps tomorrow. This is the last major thing I have to do to be able to graduate from graduate school. I am totally freaking out. I've been studying all semester and feel like I haven't studied at all. The test is divided into 2 parts. Theory and Research. Mind you, I am going to be a nursing instructor. I wish they would put some education stuff on there, but I can't be picky I guess. I need your prayer, because this is it. After this, I just have to pass my 2 classes I am in and I will be done with school forever. God please help me on this one!

Mi Madre es la mejor madre de todos

Today, my mom helped me study. She always helps me study. What am I going to do when I do not have to study anymore! We went to my house and planted the bush that they gave me for Easter. When we went inside, she saw that my house was a wreck. I told her that I just hadn't cleaned it because of time...blah, blah...she said, "Let's just fix it" She swept, vacuumed, and straightened up, while I put stuff away and cleaned the bathroom. She didn't have to do that. She doesn't have to do anything that she does for me. She does it because she is a good mom and she loves me. She's the best mom ever.

A Real Friend

This is a late blog, but better than never. My sister, Jessica, always looks out for me. She knows that I have short legs and don't walk fast and stays with me. She knows that my feet hurt and am not whining when I say they hurt. She and my family are some of the few people that seem to realize that sometimes...I just hurt (another blog, another day). This last weekend, Kelli, Courtney, Bethany and I went to the airshow. We parked about 10 miles away because parking was crazy. We seriously walked for 30 minutes to get to the airshow entrance. I wore rediculous flip flops that are cute, but hurt when I have to walk for a long time. I always think they are going to be ok, but they never are. I was ok on the way there. Kelli stayed with me and listened to me whine. On the way back to the car, I was not ok. My feet were hurting really bad. I asked Kelli if we could switch shoes and she took her shoes off, no questions asked. She didn't say I was being silly or anything. She took me seriously and made it to where I could make it to the car. She is a true friend. She gave me the shoes on her feet. I love you Kelli!

For you to understand this blog fully, I have to give you some history of my family. I have the best father in the world. He will do ANYTHING for me (and my brother and sister). My sister and I torment my dad to no end. The minute he stumbles on his words we laugh until we can't breathe and tears are rolling down our faces. He sits there and takes it...For example, on Easter, my dad took my mom and me out to lunch at a nice place. When we got home he gave me my Easter gift which was a bush for my back yard. He was going to tell me it had "fragrant white flowers" on it. It came out fwagwant...I couldn't even let him finish...I just started laughing and couldn't stop. I said, "Oh it has fwagwant white fwowers on it fuh eastew" He just let me laugh and then carried it out to my car. That's pretty much a normal day at our house.

Tonight I got home from church at 10 pm and walked into my living room and there was the biggest spider I had ever seen, sitting on my drapes. I didn't know what to do! I hate spiders, I will admit, I am a total girl when it comes to spiders and bugs. What do I do? I call my daddy. He answers the phone and I tell him that there is the biggest spider I have ever seen in my life on my drapes and he said "Like a tarantula?" Well, no, but close! He said to just scoop it into a glass and let him go outside...i just shivered and said I couldn't do it. He got in his car and came to my house. The kicker was that he put his flashers on in his car! You know, to let people know it was an emergency. He put the spider in a cup and we let it go outside. I told him I thought it was a brown recluse or a black widow. It wasn't, no worries.

My dad is the best dad ever.

What a week!

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday I worked. I had a bad sunburn from the airshow on Saturday. Everyone I saw said, "Oh Sarah, did you get some sun?" I really wanted to say, "No, I'm just naturally red..."

Wednesday I got up and got ready to go to New Braunfels to see my friend, Laura. She was the pastor here and we became good friends when she had her babies. I feel like her kids are my nieces. I ran some errands, packed, got an overnight bag for Maci, then I went to get a manicure. I went to a new place and in the first 5 minutes, I got in trouble. I sat in the chair that the guy told me to, then after a few minutes, I got up to look at the colors. He saw me get and said "Where you go?!" I quickly and sheepishly said I was going to look at the colors. He gave me the eye and said..."Ok..." The lady who did my nails was good, except for the cuts I have on my hands. One spot, she put this stuff on before I could ask what it was, and it burned like the dickens. Out of nowhere she said, "You want eyebrow done too?" I said no. "What bout upper lip?" In my head, I said, "What the heck, I do not have hair on my upper lip!", but I just said no. She said, "But I make for you pretty" NOooooooooooooo. I got black nails with a flower on the ring fingers. She got my keys out of my purse and made me hold my purse really wierdly.

I drove to New Braunfels, uneventfully. I went through all the right towns, not Mason, this time. We went to the outlet mall when I got there and went to Old Navy. The store was totally destroyed. It looked like a disaster site. You couldn't get to the wall of flip flops because there were so many on the floor. Outlet mall/spring break....wow.

The next day, Anna (Laura's daughter) and I went to the outlet mall. I gave in to the Coach trend. I bought one. I had to. They were calling me. It was 50% off and I took it (sort of) from a 12 year old little girl that was throwing a fit because SHE wanted it. She followed me around the store thinking I would put it down, but low and behold, I did not. I bought it. I love it. I am now, One of Them.

Then my sister came to New Braunfels from Houston. We went to Sea World. I touched a Sea Lion and fed some otters. I let Anna pee in the grass. It was a great day.

Today I went to the North Star Mall, drove over a curb, then came home and planted some geraniums.

Happy Easter!

This One's for You, Lil!

I have been blessed with an amazing family. We all support each other. We are all happy and love being together. They are my everything and I wouldn't be able to do as much as I do without their help. I have also been blessed with a second family. The Hernandez family or Familia de Hernandez for all you bilinguals. They have taken me in as one of their own. They joke that all I need is a little color on my skin and some dye in my hair and I would be one of them. I have been to some family functions and everyone is wonderful. They take care of me and make sure I don't need anything at all. I feel as comfortable with their family as I do with my own. They are a blessing to my life and so many others.

Everything Went Wrong

It started out this morning. I was really late for work. Work had to call and wake me up. I totally slept through my alarmS. I had to rush to work and not wear make-up. Then I had to go on a C-section and they didn't call me in enough time so Ihad to hurry and go to the delivery. The phone was ringing off the hook. I went to lunch and my sandwhich tasted funny. Then Kelli called and said that she couldn't go to the rodeo with me tonight. Then some other stuff happened. I went to Wal-mart and the guy in the electronic dept was really bothered by needing to help me find something. My IPOD wouldn't turn on, I couldn't get the packages opened, I miss my turn to the gym, Circuit City had nothing in it, the water at the gym wasn't cold, I dropped my keys, and my sock, and blah, blah, blah. Who knows anymore...

Here's the Thing...

Today is Wednesday. Yesterday was Tuesday. On Tuesday I woke up at 530AM to go to clinicals at the hospital. At 8AM I helped teach an IV start class. This class went until 430pm. The NICU had a "baby explosion" and were in "desperate need" for people to work Tuesday night. They asked if I could work. I said, "If you can find ANYBODY, I can come in at 11pm." So, then I went to eat with my mom, then to small groups, then to Starbucks, then to work. I worked from 11pm Tuesday to 7am Wednesday. I had been awake for 27 hours before I went to bed this moring. I just woke up. It was rough.

In the Knee

At work, I hit this guy in the back of the knee, to be funny. I told my mom about it and she said, "Sarah, people don't do that kind of stuff at grown-up places." Fine.

Valentine's Day

So, it's 4:15 on Valentine's Day afternoon. I am still hopeful.

I Fell Down

Tonight, I was leaving the house to go to the library to study. I stepped out of the house and fell all the way down. I tried to grab for my car but I missed. I think I just scratched it with my keys. While I was on the ground, I just moaned and said, "Man" I got up and went to the library.

Rough

Work was rough today. I got pulled to the ER. That means I work in the Nursery and they made me go work in the ER because they needed help. It's frustrating because I have been pulled 3 times in the last 2 weeks and there are other people who haven't been pulled in a year. It's "how to cookie crumbles." When I got to the ER, I did not know what to do. They told me to move a patient to another room...and adult...hooked up to lots of different things. I told myself, "Sarah, get in there and figure it out, do the best you can" Then, I saw my friend Lupe. He's also Kelli's friend. I said, "Lupe, I have to move that patient to the other room, do I just go in there and get him?" He said, "I'll help you." AAAAAAAleluia! Lupe saved the day or at least started it out right. The nicest thing was that he worked all night and stayed late to help. I got through the rest of the day...but you don't need details...

A Little Crazy

Lately, I have been trying to drink more water. I haven't been successful in drinking plain water. So, I bought a cup that holds 32 ounces and plan on drinking 3 a day...or 2. I bought several of the Crystal Light packets that you add to water bottles. I bought the energy drink, immunity drink, and a tea. I thought the energy would be great at work, you know, help get me going at 7 am. I tried it out today. I got to work and after report got out my energy drink packets. You are supposed to add 1 packet to a 16.9 oz bottle of water. Perfect, I will add 2 packets to my 32 oz bottle. I drank it, fast, within 2 hours. So, 2 hours after that, I thought, "What is my problem, I am so shaky" Mind you , I was like a busy bee, running around doing all the side work at work...Then I realized what I had done. I drank 2 energy drinks in 2 hours. The drink has caffeine and "energy boosting ingredients" There was 60 mg of caffeine in each packet. Both packets had the same amount of caffeine as 4 cokes! Needless to say, they energized me. I could not sit still!

Laundry is Dangerous...You Should Pay Someone Else to do it!

It's not a secret that I will save up money to be able to send my laundry out or sweet talk my mom into doing it for me. My mom is pretty hard to sweet talk to I usually just send it out to the Wash Pot and it's done later that day. When I get my laundry home, it's like Christmas. I find things I haven't worn in a month! Now that I have a house and other things to pay for, I don't have the luxury to send my laundry out as often...which sucks. The other day I was washing my clothes and I could not get a pair of my scrub pants "unwrinkled" in the dryer. (Ironing is something I do once a year at most) I was shaking the pants and trying to vigorously get out the wrinkles and put them back in the dryer. On my last shake, the drawstring came back up and whipped me in the face. Wow, it hurt really bad. I yelled, "Ohhhhhh man, gawwwww that hurrrrrrrrt..." I was so mad. I hate doing laundry and then I go and get hurt and a red spot on my face! I didn't get the wrinkles out.

Friday Night at Mr. Gatti's

Tonight, I went to Mr. Gatti's with 3 kids. 11, 9, and 6. In the first 10 minutes of being there I saw a kid throw-up and get in trouble for it. He was about 2, maybe 3. Not sure if anyone cleaned it up either. Then, we sat in the "quiet" room to eat. There was a family of about 20 sitting in there with 50 kids running around. One of the kids was the one who puked. No one was telling them they needed to sit down. They were climbing over the booths, jumping off chairs. Don't get me wrong, I didn't expect it to be calm, but I didn't expect to want to slap so many kids and parents. 3 of the kids ran off, the oldest being 31/2. The parent, unlce, whoever, just said "Hey" The kids didn't listen. They mozied back in the room 5 minutes later. Who knows where they were, but I'm sure no one would have stolen them... Then in the game room, there were 1,000 kids in there, teen agers too. I heard the "F" word, people were running into me and I even saw a kid with a rat-tail mullet haircut. Needless to say, I'm worried about our future. Who will run the country when I am old...rat-tail kid, puker...?

One of the kids I was with didn't get to spend some tickets he brought from home, so HE threw a fit. He was yelling, "I want to do it now!" We just left, with one kid crying. I was pretty impressed. Only one fit so far. So far... He didn't get in the car fast enough so his sister moved his carseat to the other side. Oh Lord, the world ended. There was crying and fist throwing, and name calling. As far as I could tell, he started the hitting, she stopped when I said stop. He didn't. I got out of the car (never thought I would do that), I said "get out or I will take you out" I had to take him out. I told him it is not ok to hit his sister and that he was going to bed when we got home. It was 8:30 so, not bad. We got home and he was shocked when I told him he needed to go to bed. "Why?", he asks. I put him in his room and shut the door. He came out...you know how it goes. We did this for a while and I thought I might have to call CPS on myself because I was getting so frustrated. Finally, God took over and made him stay in his room...Thanks God. Then we had a giggle attack by one of the kids. My only saving grace was when Kelli called me, "Take me now!" She could hear the commotion in the background, and surprisingly didn't want to come over. Things calmed down after that. Wow, and I want 5 kids.

16 and pregnant

Sixteen year old comes in pregnant...when asked "What did your mom say when you told her you were pregnant?" She replies, "She was happy!" Man. Times have changed.

Today I get the news that my friend in moving in with her new boyfriend...of 2 weeks. She says that "this one is different" I absolutely believe her and trust her. I love this girl and don't want her to get hurt. She asked me today, "Sarah, give it to me straight. What do you think?" I told her what I thought. I told her that morally, it was wrong. As a Christian, I don't believe in living together before marriage. I told her that I want everything to work out and be magical, but I want her to do it the way that God intended. I asked her, "Why not get married?" I think if you are ready to live together and do everything as if you are married, then get married. Who cares if you only knew each other for 2 weeks, if you know, you know. Get engaged, get married, move in together and have no cares in the world. God knows what he is doing, I promise.

The Egg Chef

I'll start from the beginning. My mom and dad and I eat breakfast together every Sunday. There is a buffet and the waiter there knows us and always seats us at the same table. We know all the waitstaff, it's really funny. There is a new egg chef recently. He makes the greatest eggs I have ever had. I never really liked eggs that much, now I love them. He is really cool too, from what I know of him, which is not much. He brings our eggs to the table and asks how they are... Today I worked up the courage to ask him his name. A guy who ordered after I did took my eggs, and said "thanks Butch" After the rude man left, I said, so smoothly, "Is that your name, Butch?" He said yes. My dad interceded and introduced himself and me. Butch said, "Yeah, I remembered your name, but just not your daughter's name" Then gave me the look...whatever that is.

Talking...

I understand more that I get really annoyed when people talk for the sake of talking. More so, the people who talk even though no one is listening, or wants to listen. They are the ones who when you ask another person a question, they blurt out the answer. It is so annoying. What I think is funny is when another person comes around who has the same attribute of talking for no reason. What do those 2 people do? What can they do to talk more than the other person? It's crazy.

My Class

Today was my first experience teaching nursing. I am "student teaching" a clinical nursing group. I will be helping a teacher teach nursing students at the hospital. I'll help them learn how to do procedures on actual patients. The girls in the class are great. They seem like they really want to learn. I am so nervous, though, because I work in the nursery, and I am teaching in the adult surgical setting. The only remotely funny thing that happened today was that I was introduced as Miss McBride and the students still just called me Sarah. I guess it will be a while before I am looked at as a "Miss"...I remember, there was something funny! I was walking in the hall in the nursing building at ASU when I saw a guy I know. He was walking with a group of about 10 girls and the girls were all giggling. I really wanted to yell his name down the hall to get his attention as I would if I were the student. I had to stop myself and remind myself that I was "an authority figure" and that would not be professional...it was very hard.

Meatloaf!

It seems like when I try to cook, it never turns out like my mom's food. I'm usually disappointed. But last night, I attempted my favorite meal of my mom. Meatloaf. I had my mom write down and explain explicitly how to make it. I did it. It was awesome. It tasted just like mom's! I even had it for breakfast this morning...

I'm Back!

So I got the blogging bug, but then lost it. I got it again though. Maybe I will be better this time. I thought I would start with my airport story.

On the Friday before Christmas, my sister was flying in from Houston. Her plane was due in at 11pm. My mom, dad, and I were waiting for her at the airport by 10:30. I worked that day, so I had been up since 5:30am and was super tired. We waited and waited. At about 11 I saw a light that looked like a plane coming in, but never got much closer. Just at that time the wind picked up in a big gust, and went in every direction. At 11:15 she still hadn't landed. People were getting ancy. I went out and looked at the TV that shows where the plane is and it showed that it was headed for Abilene. When I got back to my parents, nearly every cell phone went off. My dad talked to my sister and she said they were trying to land in San Angelo, but there was too much wind. She said there was alot of crazy turbulence and that she was really scared. They landed in Abilene and she said she was "not getting back on that plane, come get me" So, my dad being the great dad he is, drove us to Abilene at midnight, to pick up my sister. To top it all off, the airport in Abilene said they were closing and that they couldn't stay there to wait for their ride. My sister had to call a random friend that lives in Abilene for him to get her and take her IHOP, where we picked her up at 2am. We got home at 4am. All this because driving is too stressful and takes too long. Poor sissy.