funny story

The World's Shortest Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, a girl asked a guy, "Will you marry me?" The guy said "No" and the girl lived happily ever after and went shopping, drank margaritas with friends, always had a clean house, never had to cook, had a closet full of shoes and handbags, stayed skinny, and was never farted on.

The End

;)

moment in time

My brother sent me this picture yesterday. We were both reminded of a time growing up where mom would subject us to photo sessions. Most often they would happen in the fall—as this was the most “beautiful” outdoor backdrop for a sibling shot. This one was taken during just such a season—out behind the church we grew up in—one Sunday evening. If I recall correctly, we were both getting frustrated with the length of time it was taking to for mom to get just the right shot, and James started goofing around by not smiling for the picture. Somehow, that led to my getting a case of the giggles—which turned into hysterics—and mom shot this picture in the midst of that moment. Maybe my brother recalls the moment differently…he did mention that he was impressed with the clothing choice for himself…

Good times…good times... :)

happy birthday to me!

Happy birthday to me!!! I’m officially 30 today. I’ve decided that it shall be a day of great celebration and not mourning. There are days I feel really young, and days I feel really old—but overall, I’m excited to be in my 30s.

I celebrated this past weekend with my closest friends. We all rented a beautiful cottage at Crystal Mountain resort in northern Michigan. And, it was there that I tried downhill skiing for the first time in my life. It was the scariest, most nerve racking, yet thrilling experience I have done in a long time. But, the point is, I DID IT! I kept thinking: “I’m skiing! I’m actually skiing!” I did stick to the easy hills and only fell twice the whole afternoon—however, I honestly can say I was (and am!) extremely proud of myself.

I cannot wait to see what this year holds for me. I feel like I can take on whole new life challenges now that my first digit is a three. ;)

anyplace else...

Do you ever wish you were someplace else? You may enjoy your job, enjoy your life, enjoy your day…but aren’t there times that you just wish you were anyplace else but here? The picture above my profile is a place I wish I could be…and I’ve probably mentioned Alaska enough for anyone to realize that there is another place I wish I could be… :)

I think that those of us who live in Michigan (could be other places as well), we just get sick of winter, sick of “hibernation” mode, and about this time of year just get plain cranky with life. I’m ready to be outdoors without a jacket on, drive down the road with my sunroof open, see green grass, and maybe even go for a bike ride! I’m ready to plant flowers, have the windows in my house open, and yes, even mow the lawn!

No, I’m not crazy…probably just stir-crazy…I hope spring comes early. In the meantime, I’ll picture myself in a warm spot with lots of sunshine!

one hundred and one things #5

#5 I've only ever owned 3 cars.

My very first car my dad bought me the summer before my senior year in high school. We had a deal that he would pick out and buy my first car, but I paid for the gas, maintenance, and insurance. I told him that my only stipulation was that the car needed to be younger than me…
He found an Oldsmobile Omega. A 1983 four door, tan color with red interior, it had AC, cruise control, and I had a tape deck installed. (very high tech!) ;) That car and I did well together—I even watched it pass the 100,000 mile mark. I drove it until nursing school, when I began commuting to GVSU and other nursing clinicals, and needed a newer, reliable vehicle.

Now enter the Saturn. I leased it brand-new in 1999 with 7 miles on the odometer (I thought that was so cool!). She was a cute, four door, dark blue with grey interior. It also had AC, cruise control, and a tape deck. That car and I went everywhere together…from Florida to Chicago to South Carolina to the UP to Chicago (yeah, I was in Chicago a lot). She was always awesome in the snow and handled camping trips like a champ. We spent over 7 years together—it was a great relationship. :)

Now I drive my “dream” car—a Ford Escape. I bought it used, but what an upgrade it was from my little Saturn! A 2002, it’s bright red with grey interior, has power everything, a moon roof, and a six-CD changer. Yep, maybe I’m a bit spoiled now—but the gas mileage (& prices) keep me humble. This car will be around for quite awhile I do believe...

school days

Advanced pathophysiology is going to get the best of me…my class met for the first time since January (our February class was cancelled due to the blizzard) and I seem to be excelling in my minor “degree” of procrastination. There are pros & cons with this:

Pros:
-When I took pathophys as an undergrad (almost 10 years ago!) I barely passed the class with a C. It was a tough course, so needless to say I was a little nervous about taking it this time around. Fortunately, the professor I have now is AWESOME and very laid back and good at making me feel comfortable with the material.
-there are no tests in this class—only papers & a couple of presentations.
-class is simply presentations and discussion—one thing I love about grad school is how everything I learn in class applies to what I know and do in my job.

Cons:
-Because the professor is so laid back, she doesn’t have set deadlines with our coursework—making it my job to set deadlines for myself and sticking to them…tough when you have an undergrad minor in procrastination.
-the material still goes above my head at times—waay to much biochemistry involved.

Overall:
I do enjoy learning—always have. This class is no exception and I’m excited to take a couple more classes this summer.

lion day

The saying of how weather comes “in like a lion and out like a lamb” is definitely starting out true for March of 2007 in Michigan. It’s almost as if spring wants to arrive with above 40 degree temperatures and rain and thunderstorms—yet, I was out shoveling the inch of ice/snow that we received this morning. Craziness! And unfortunately, more snow yet to come this weekend…

I also want to take a moment to wish my brother a happy 26th birthday! Ahh, yes, so grown up now… ;) I was once told that men do not mature until they reach 35. Does this mean that I have 9 more years of putting up with his presence in my home?

I really am kidding. I thoroughly enjoy having my brother around often show my appreciation by doing most of the chores around the house… ;) Hope you have a great birthday, James! I love you!