a thankful monday

circa 2010

today currently: what a difference in looks and life

I don't know if you've noticed, but life for me has gotten pretty crazy. Between nursing school and work, my days are pretty occupied. I've been slacking on this site of mine, the outfit posts have gotten less and less, and my room is constantly begging me to clean it six days out of seven. I feel as though the topics on this blog could take a turn, just as my life is rotating a full 180 degrees. As my life gets crazier, he, the man in the picture above, is always there.

I lost my first patient last week during my first round of clinicals. I've only been in school for less than two months and at the time my worst fear was hitting some one's leg (including my own) with those ever annoying wheelchair legs (they have a mind of their own I tell you). I could have never prepared myself for the emotion of losing someone I had only known for three days. And I know it sounds crazy, trust me. Knowing someone for three days is hardly means to be sad over their death, but nursing is so personal, more than skin deep. It's a connection of taking care of someone when they physically can't anymore. To lose someone after such a short time of knowing them, and feeling the way I did and having the emotions I had was something I could have never prepared myself for.

I was challenged in ways that I never though possible last week and I know I will be continually challenged; through all of that, I feel Jared is sometimes forgotten. The guy above is there the nights where I only see him for an hour; heck maybe only thirty minutes, just to see me. He is there to talk to, give his opinion, and never let me forget that he is there, even if he doesn't always say it. He is there for me, in ways I can't count or name. So thank you Jared, for being person you are to me.

Life is so short and fleeting and I am so happy, to be so happy, so young in my life because I know people wait their whole life to feel like I am right now.

Blessed I am, and I wish the same to you.

popping in

shirt: Target // cardigan: J. Crew Outlet // necklace: INPink // watch: Fossil // bracelet: INPink // leggings: Target // boots: Target (also, can I just note that everything from this outfit at target was on super clearance? Score!)

There is so much on my mind right now and I wish I had time to fully express it. The most I can say right now is that I am so thankful to be where I am in life and so blessed for the things I have been given. There is nothing quite like finding out good and relieving news, and I can't wait to share it with you all! Also, on an unrelated nothing about good news side note, I love this color combo of black, white, and mustard. Classic combination, right?

Happy Thursday!

friday favorites: a little blessed life

>> one of my favorites of the two of us

For these past 5 months, I have had the joy and privilege of watching this little babe, Ashlynn. You might remember when she was still a bump inside her momma HERE. Every Friday, I would wake up extra early to get myself over to spend the day with her. I have had plenty of experience with kids, probably more than I should because of the summers spent watching over them since I was fourteen; however, a baby was a whole new story. Through her and watching her from the time she was four months to almost nine, has been an amazing and blessed experience. One that has taught me more than just how to change a diaper with the up most efficiency (but that is pretty important too!).

This little girl has so much life and curiosity. Watching her stare out the window and into the big wide world of her backyard is one of my favorite moments with her. Her toys are laying all over the room, but they are left untouched to stare outside into the sky. Following a bird with her eyes, her grinned tooth smile is contagious. The moments where it is just she and I, and her beautiful eyes are fixated on me, is one of the most magical feelings. It is almost like she is studying my face, hopefully not to forget it. Looking through me like she has me more figured out than I do myself. That is something I think is just special about little ones.

I am sitting here, this Friday morning, my last Friday morning of watching her, with a little bit of sadness tugging at my heart. But just as the sadness is there, the happiness overwhelms it. Seeing her grow and develop and come into her own little personality is something I will always cherish. She may not be my niece through marriage just yet, but I already love her like she could be my own. This little girl with always have a place in my heart and prayers I cannot wait to see where life takes her. God has sure blessed this babe with love and I know He will continue to.

'twas the night before christmas

earrings: Target shirt: F21 blazer: F21 skirt: Target bracelets: F21 watch: Fossil tights: Target shoes: Charlotte Russe (oh and please don't mind the paleness that extends my top into a turtleneck, not all us floridians can keep up their summer glow)

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE! And I for one, can say that I am so excited. Even though part of my day will consist of working, the night time on Christmas Eve is when all the traditions start!

One of my favorite traditions is the Christmas Eve service. I look forward to it every year. It is a time for me to really reflect on what this season is all about and everything I have been blessed with. I saw a saying on pinterest that read, "What you are taking for granted, others are praying for." Christmas Eve and Christmas is more about the hustle and bustle, presents, and cookies. It's about being thankful for all you have and spending time with the people you love. Most importantly, it is recognizing the birth of our Savior and the life that he has eternally given us.

After the service, there is always take-out from Chilis (a newer tradition that quickly became a favorite) and opening presents on my side of the family. Christmas music, hot chocolate, and twinkle lights in the background are a must.

I am just giddy right now thinking about it. I hope every one's Christmas Eve is just magical, and their Christmas Day even better.

What are some of your traditions that you just can't wait to do? C'mon, I know some of you put on those onsies and sing Christmas carols.

this day of thanks

It's another Thanksgiving. Another year of stuffing your face and shopping til you drop after, and I just can't believe it's this time of year again. There is so much to be thankful for so today, I am going to be enjoying every moment of it. Even though I might be working and may not get some turkey today, today is still my day to look at everything I have and feel blessed.

Enjoy this day with your family and all the things you hold dear.

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a week of thankfulness

sunglasses: Target graphic tee: F21 knit cardi: Target watch: Fossil chain bracelet and arrow bangle: c/o Style Lately  skull bracelet: INPink leather leggings: Kirna Zabete via Target foldover boots: Target lips: NYC Berry Long Time lipstain

The past week has felt like one LONG day. There was a lot going on and at times I felt like my head was going to explode (literally). But in the end, I got through it. This week is another week. It's going to have its challenges (like my HESI exam which determines if I get into the LPN program, yikes!) just like the last. And just like the last one, I will get through this week as well. I feel blessed to have the people around me that I do because they are the ones who make the little moments in between the hectic ones special and worth while. They are the ones who make me look back at the last week and say "Hey, it wasn't that bad."

So this Thanksgiving week, I am counting my blessings daily. To the people, friends and family, my man and my love, and my acquaintances, I am happy to say that I know you and have you in my life. Each have taught me something and made me happy to say "Hey, life really isn't that bad." In fact, it's beautiful.

What are some things you're thankful for this week?

blessed

sunglasses: Steve Madden scarf: c/o She Makes Hats jacket: Kohls turtleneck: Target Jeans: Target boots: Old Navy 

I am blessed:

I am blessed to know a God that is bigger than all things. He is bigger than my fears, worries, and mistakes, and my Anatomy & Physiology class.

I am blessed to have amazing parents that are always there for me and send me cute care packages for valentines day, even if I got a couple days late.

I am blessed to have Einstein Brothers Bagels and Starbucks on campus. They let me mix up my coffee addiction a bit.

I am blessed to have had a cold snap of weather this past weekend. I'll take what I can get out of this winter.

I am blessed to have workout classes about fifty yards away from my dorm room. This lets me keep up my coffee addiction.

I am blessed to have friends that when you don't see or talk to them in a while, you can talk like you saw each other yesterday.

I am blessed to have this laptop. It is an important part of my life. Not only for writing this and doing homework, but how else could I catch up on The Bachelor? My dorm does not have DVR people.

I am blessed to have grandparents that have shown me an example of what real true love looks like.

I am blessed to have this blog. It has easily become my therapy and my inpsiration thanks to all the amazing people like you.

I am blessed to have Jared. Always a hand to hold, a ear to listen, and a keen way of knowing how to make me laugh.

How are you blessed?