The Difference a Year Makes

Last year, I thought this was evidence of my attempts at healthy eating.....

This year, things have gotten alittle more serious in the fruit & veggie department.

Last year, I was most concerned about getting a great hair cut & color....

This year, I'm more concerned about making a great grade on my final....(I still realize my bangs look horrible!)

Last year, I was saying good-bye to my sweet brother as he moved to California....

This year, I'm saying hello to my new sister-in-law!

Last year, I ate tons of cake on my 33rd B-day.

This year, I made better choices for my 34th B-day.....

Last year, we took my healthy Grandma out for steak on her 80th B-day....

This year, we are just glad to be home & able to celebrate another year with her on her 81st B-day.

Last year, I was given these wee little leaves transplanted by my mother-in-law....

This year, I am in awe...

I am in awe by it all.

What a difference a year makes.

Oh, what wonders are in store for the following year!

Oh, what wonders are in store for the following year??

BBC Animal Funnies

This is just too funny! Have a great day.

Not me! Monday

Early this morning I didn't think proudly to myself "I don't have anything to write a "not me" Monday post". Nothing embarassing has happened. I haven't done some silly or stupid little thing all week.

So, I read some blogs and went to the gym. On the way home I stopped at the store to get some seeweed wraps so I can make some more sushi rolls. I saw a gallon of organic milk on clearance for only $2.99. What a steal! Now I can make more homemade yogurt! This site gives a great how-to. Hey, I'm off today and have the time. Why not?

I also bought some noodle soup and since I was STARVING from reading about a ham and swiss sandwich on this blog and then working out....I cooked the noodles instead of finishing my green smoothie (my first mistake).

I put the cold milk in a huge pot, turned on the burner, sat down in the living room to enjoy my noodles and review the how-to and make sure I had all the supplies. Hey, it's a huge gallon of cold milk, I had time to kill.

Here's my noodles to prove this is a real story.

Suddenly, without warning (hello! could I at least get a warning?!)

I heard a weird sound from the kitchen.



Took me 2 seconds to realize I had something to blog about today.......

Ummm, er.... Not me?

That's not gonna be fun to clean.

I think milk products are out to get me!

You see, I sort of lied.

Something silly/stupid DID happened to me earlier this week.

I confess.......

I was so excited to finally have some time to use my Martha Stewart Cupcake book so I took the plunge and bought tons of supplies, including buttermilk.

Now, I've never tasted, bought or smelled buttermilk ever before.

I surely did not spill an entire cup of stinky, thick buttermilk all over my counter. YUCK!

Of course, I didn't spill it during my efforts to move some stuff out of the way so no "accidents" would happen!

Milk products must have heard about my stash of almond and hemp milk in my pantry.

It's noticed I haven't bought it in over 6 months. It's out to get me. Making me pay!

Apparently it doesn't matter that I buy tons of cheese, cottage cheese & cream cheese....it's the MILK QUEEN herself that is taking my change in dietary habits personally.

Guess who's not making yogurt today. Yep, NOT ME!

What they don't know....

...those currently pregnant ladies who are due within the next month....they have no idea that my little eager eyes will be there to watch them give birth.

They are so looking forward to that day...what they don't know is...so am I!

Ladies, my dear sisters, currently strangers, I thank you in advance for letting me see you in all your laboring glory.

I am studying hard so I know as much as possible about what is normal, what is "nonreassuring" and all those complications.

I will be facinated and excited but above all, I will be professional and kind. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Labor and Delivery clinicals, here I come!

The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful....

Here's the reason that we are now CONVINCED we aren't up to having kids....
8 week old puppy. Need I say more?



I can't decide if she's the Good or the Bad. Depends on the moment!

Her competition is Nursing School!

I can't decide if it's the Good or the Bad, either!
These last few weeks have been crunch time in school. Right when I was getting used to the pace of quizzes every day and tests every other weekend....it's time for skills check off, medication and IV calculation test, last lecture test, skills hours due AND the final exam! Wow!

When did all that happen and how did I not see it coming?? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy learning and am still totally excited to be working on getting my RN...but the "S" word is not fun.

STRESS.

Stress is something I've been really good at avoiding in my life.
Well, here's where I have placed myself now...ST(me)RESS.
Right in the middle!!

Oh, well. Like I tell myself when I see others freaking out about their crazy situations....
"you picked your poison".

I definitely chose this...I just didn't quite anticipate it. Does that make sense?
I guess I thought it would be easier.
I didn't even fathom this would entail studying 10 chapters in two weeks or chapter that are 20-50 pages each! My grades are pretty much what I expected and hoped for, I just didn't think I'd have to try this hard to get mediocre grades.

On a positive note, I start clinical rotations mid-October.
SO VERY MUCH looking forward to that!
I will spend 10 hour days, every Friday and Saturday, in the hospital setting.
First few weeks are Labor and Delivery. Then I do some weeks of Medical/Surgical at the VA Hospital and then Pediatrics.
We should be done mid-December. I should post a pic of me in my school scrubs!
I'll be sure to do that.

So, you be the judge. Good or Bad? I still can't decide.

I'll end with the Beautiful......




My new wedding ring. We upgraded and I'm in love again.
I think it's just fabulous. It was love at first sight. That always feels good. :)

Thanks for stopping by. Leave me a comment! It's easy, I promise. Just give it a try.
Now....off to study!

Delilah Brownie

She's so fun.

Thirty-Four

September 29th. It's my birthday.

I wish I had a baby picture scanned so I could post it today. These will have to do. They're pretty cute, aren't they?

Today I am enjoying my new puppy, Delilah (my birthday present) and we are going to a sushi place for lunch. Brian took off work to be with me and also agreed to going to the doctor for a long overdue physical. Can't say "no" to your wife on her birthday, right? I might even push it and ask to go see a chick-flick at the movies!

I can't deny that I'm appreciating this "getting older" stuff. My life is so full and wonderful. I finally feel like I am a more rounded person and have something to offer in conversations, relationships, and work. That feels good.

Thank you to my mom and dad for their honesty, love, and encouragement. I wouldn't be all I am without all that we have been through....these last thirty-four years. :)

I just love this photo of me and my brother.We aren't this cute anymore but we still have this close relationship. That's a sweet thing!

Gosh, I could live another lifetime and still only be 68! That's a cool thought!

Well, here's to another 34 years, with this man!

Don't worry, sweetie, you will only be a young 79 by then! We can do it!

Avocado rolls....it's the new bread!

It ain't pretty, but it's pretty tasty!

I LOVE bread.

Seriously, my favorite memory of my first cruise is of the awesome rolls I got to eat at every meal.

But we all know how it's not the most nutritional food item (bummer!) and then to be addicted to it...yikes!

So I've slowly weaned myself off of it. My body feels better without it and I totally notice a difference when I have some (which is rare). But I can't deny that I STILL LOVE it!

The passion that my taste buds have and the chemical response...oh, the ecstasy!

Well, I think I realized a healthy alternative.

When I dip these little babies in some soy sauce and shove it in my mouth....I'm instantly happy. No kidding.

I had to stop eating to take this pic. I could hardly stand the few seconds it took.

I just made, and have now devoured, pretty much all of this yumminess.

These have cucumber & yellow pepper. Some of them I managed to squeeze in some cream cheese. I can't help that whenever I make these, I gobble them up! You may even see me pushing the cart at the grocery store while chomping on a tray of the store made ones...but my homemade ones are so fresh and much better. If you like these but don't know how to make them, just ask. I'll be glad to let you learn from my mistakes. I'm not an expert (yet!). But I did buy a bamboo mat that is supposed to make it easier to roll them up nice and tight, I have chopsticks and a few Asian vinegars and cooking wines. And we do have an Asian market close by.

It's about making healthy choices. We only have one body. It's pretty amazing and pretty darn special. I hope you are taking care of yours.

Anyway, I just wanted to share the joy!

Brussel Sprouts and all things changing....

Weird way to start a blog, huh?

The thing is, two months ago I would never have bought these pretty little things.
And I never would have thought to put them in my smoothie like I did this morning.
So much has changed in two months and it's about time I filled you all in on
"all things changing" in my life.



I've been meaning to write about what's going on for bit now. But I got a miserable test grade on my last test so I've been too bummed to focus on all the goodness I had to write about. I just found out that my grade was adjusted and all the sudden my writers block lifted! Phew! I ended up with the grade that I FELT I would earn when I was taking the test. The initial grade pretty much shocked me and Brian had to experience my post-test rant and raving. He's proving over and over what a great husband he is!




Enough about that. Here's what I'm drinking now...vanilla hemp milk, instant coffee, mocha mix, ice and a secret ingredient that I will tell you about if you keep reading. Oh, and when I snapped this picture, the numbers on the clock just happened to be my date of birth! How crazy is that?! :)










How did I make such a beautiful, delicious, highly caffeinated drink?
Enter "New things in my life #1"

She just had a bath.

Yes, my blender deserves 3 photos in one blog entry.

You would too, if you had 37,000 rpm and 2hp !

You all know, from reading my previous posts, of my love (obsession) with making fresh, raw smoothies. Well, I've been drinking them every.single.day....for almost a month. I can't tell you how amazing it has been for our diet and overall health (well, I could tell you if you asked). We tried another blender but had to upgrade to a machine that could pulverize all the frozen fruit I shove into it to make our 8 cups of smoothies every morning. This thing rocks my world and be assured, you will hear much more about her in the future. She kinda needs a name, doesn't she? I mean, she costs more than my new puppy, and the puppy has a name! Oops! I wasn't supposed to mention that yet. Hang in there...more things coming.

In case you aren't already jealous of my homemade, practically free, better than Starbucks frappucino drink...I put about 6 of these babies in it. I would totally make one for you if you were here and we would be yacking about as fast as my fingers are flying across the keyboard typing this right now!!!! (whew! Take a breath, Olivia.)

"New things in my life #2" This beautiful chair was refinished and made especially for me by my talented mom. Isn't it gorgeous? This is just one of the many items I now have in my furniture stuffed home because my mom's life is in transition. We aren't exactly where this journey will take her but my favorite mom and hair stylist may be moving away from me. Things are a-changing...

"New things in my life #3, 4, 5, 6, 7"

What is making me the most happy and tearful (good tears) is the addition of a new sister and niece. My brother has found his life partner (they live in California so I thought that was the most appropriate term ). Hehe. Luke and Liliya will be married Sept. 25. Anna is the sweet and beautiful little girl that Luke will now call his daughter. (See, I just teared up writing that sentence!) They came out over Labor Day weekend so we could all meet. They are sweet and warm and I am beyond happy for them. Luke has been the most awesome, understanding, insightful, loving brother. These ladies are blessed! (tear just tricked down my face) I look forward to celebrating with them next weekend!!!!

Speaking of wedding rings. Well, sort of.

Um, I had to trade in my precious for a new ring due to it losing 5 diamonds in less than 2 yrs. All my frustration and disappointment has dissolved away because we found the most beautiful ring! It's getting resized and I should have it in a week. Brian was a huge help in the number crunching part of buying the ring...and he still said I could get it! What can I say? He loves me. :) No photo yet of this beauty. Just another reason to check back!

Our own little family is changing. too. We lost 2 of Brian's cats in August to sickness. :(

The house is so quiet now (not really, how much noise do cats make anyways?) Well, we need some to adore us and cuddle on our laps. So we are getting one of these little critters! I call it my birthday present. I get to pick her up the day before my birthday. You'll have to come back to my blog in a couple weeks to see which one I got. There are so adorable, aren't they? Like I need another distraction from studying!

Yes, I already have hair bows for her. Thanks for asking.

Gosh, I think that about tells it all!

There are some things that aren't so wonderful in life but those things work themselves out and it's way more fun to tell about all the blessings. School is a bigger project than I had expected but having a supportive husband makes the journey so more meaningful. Work is steady enough. Our jobs are stable for the most part but not without some concerns at times. I absolutely love going to work and I think I work for the best company, with the best coworkers a person could ever have. I don't think I will stay in hospice forever but I will always cherish my experiences that I've had with families and patients over the last 6 yrs. I am nervous about how health care and my role will change with the impending health care reforms. Holding my breath.

So glad you stopped by. I really enjoy hearing back from friends and family when you tell me you read my blog. It's a small but great way to connect with each other.

The making of a Pretty Green (Pink) Smoothie

First I started off with a couple leaves of romaine lettuce, a leaf of some left over bach choy that I had in the freezer, and a cup of spinach that was frozen then crushed down...I'm not sure how much that equals in fresh spinach. I stuff freezer ziplock bags with lettuce, kale, spinach and then once it freezes, I crush it in the bag and it really packs down. It's a space saving way I've discovered and now I never waste any greens! That is a 4 up container holding my greens right here. For fruit I just grab a misc mix of stuff that sounds good. A cup of frozen mixed raspberries, blueberries, marionberries (from Costco). Cup of frozen grapes. Cup of frozen peaches. Half a frozen apple. Banana. Few pieces of pineapple left in the fridge. 2 frozen wedges of a lime (I love lime). I'm sure it would taste just fine without so many different items but I LOVE variety! It's like my own fruit and greens salad bar.

Don't forget the good fats. 1 Tablespoon.

Here's the sweetness in my awesome 1horsepower blender! There's a cup of cold water in there too.

4 cups of Pretty Green (pink) Smoothie! In just 30 seconds!

Here's the kicker...I was curious so I weighed it. My jar.

WOW! No wonder it takes me 4-6 hrs to finish this thing off! 2 pounds of fruits & veggies! There is 8 oz of water in there so it's really about 1.5 pounds. And soooooo yummy and soooooo healthy.

I hope you will make your own. It doesn't have to be this big (but I promise, you will want more!)

Now, back to studying!

Green Smoothies!!!!

This is what I've been up to recently....besides listening to talk radio.

Making and Drinking GREEN SMOOTHIES!

It all started with this great blog. Then I made one and this was the result....

Then I made another which resulted in this....

Then I found this site and ordered her Green Smoothies Diet Book.

Then we did some research and got this...

Then I got serious when I saw the recent prices of fruits & veggies right now....

I like to plan ahead. Most of this is getting cut up and going into the freezer. Oh, the varieties of green smoothies I have in store!!! I also made ice cubes with mint and some with ginger. Oh, and carrot juice and fresh squeezed orange juice...I think that's it.

Well, I'm sure none of you are surprised.

Confession and Food

I was gonna call my mom the other day and ask her if there was any better way to store my corn starch other than in that weak little box with the annoying paper bag inside of it. Seriously, that's how it comes! I was down to the last inch of the box and it's a mess to try to scoop it out. I was gonna call my mom about this! Apparently someone felt the cries of my soul and this is what I found on my recent trip to the store. How cool and smart is this? Small things matter, but this is no small thing.

Okay, the real point of this post.....I may be obsessed with food.

Only my closest family members know this. And they'd probably even say I should remove the "may be" from that statement. I'm not so sure but...I will confess a few things and you tell me what you think.

For starters, the size of my boyfriend's walk-in pantry may had some influence over him becoming my husband. I'm just sayin.

When I was single and only weighed 105 pounds, I had a membership to Costco.

I have vivid memories of being a kid and the enjoyment I had from putting away the groceries. I had to climb the counters to reach. I was quite the little monkey. What must have my mom been thinking as I did that?!

Maybe it's not an obsession.

I like to think of it as a best friend relationship.

Is that wrong?

Not even one bestest friend but more like every item I find is a new bestfriend. Yes, some friends come back time and time again. Some I toss to the curb after the initial infatuation wears off.

Again, I ask you, is this all THAT wrong?

I can see I need to give you more evidence so you might see things my way.

I need to introduce you to my friends.

There's the 4 small cans of sliced black olives that I already had and then the 3 medium cans that I just bought today. There's the 2lbs of spaghetti noodles I bought today right next to the other piles of spaghetti noodles I already had. Meet 20lb bag of rice. (side note: just found out that husband prefers potatoes more and rice less) There's my 3 Costco sized bags of Craisins. There's Thai Peanut sauce, Mequite marinade, Rosemary & Oil marinade, Buffalo Wing sauce, can of apple pie filling, can of cherry pie filling and a case of pineapple chunks.........all patiently awaiting their turn in the menu and spot in the fridge. Of course there's the always a dependable companion the family of condensed soups...they multiply like the Duggar family. ( I know that's a weird connection, but that's the first thing that came to mind)

Packets of sauce, dip, jello, pudding...they are the strong, silent ones. Sometimes waiting years to be noticed and appreciated. Lovely jar of capers that I have a feeling will be well loved on the next salad. (Did you know capers are flower buds? How cool is that?) Not to mention jar of kalamata olives waiting to join garbanzo beans in my next batch of humus. I love those guys.

I'm not racist either. Meet oyster sauce, teriyaki sauce, asian white cooking wine, asian salad vinegar, sesame oil, jasmine rice, sushi rice, and nori (that's seaweed wrap for my california rolls. she's shy because alot of people don't like her. she sits quietly in her thin little zip-lock pouch at the top of the shelf, not taking up any room at all. she knows I love her though!)

Some things I had to kick out recently because well, I don't know what I was thinking when I bought them. (wicked advertising I suppose.) Diet Dr Pepper, Diet Sprite, Diet Lipton Tea, Diet Lemonade, Diet Cherry Pepsi (ok, I kept Cherry Pepsi cause she's actually good!). Instant oatmeal got the boot and replaced by steel cut Irish Oats. Still haven't opened the oats but I like having the ole Irish boy looking down on me when I open the pantry. I feel safer somehow.

Oh, I've saved the best for last! Reisen, Toblerone, dark chocolate chips, and several kinds of chocolate bars (one has orange flavoring, yum!).

Now, to share some pics of my friends. You know I've got to have pictures.

Discovered this BEAUTY today. Definately love at first site. We will be fast and true friends, I'm sure. (even if my husband points out "but we don't drink chocolate milk".)

They don't come in pairs. That's just how I buy stuff.

I'm sort of a collector. Aren't you? I mean, who wouldn't want all this lovely variety?

Some people collect knick-knacks. I collect food related stuff.

Need I remind you of my spice drawer?

I have a freaky foody inside of me and these new guys really make me feel welcomed. They "get" me and I "get" them.

While I'm not liking 112 degree summer days, I am liking my summer fruits. We are bestest friends and I'm not ashamed to admit it. We've been having a party this summer! Do you see their little party hats?

So, what do you think? I'm normal, right? Right?!

Rain

We don't see it often

or...

in much quantity

so...

it's pretty beautiful...

when it happens.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... Monday, August 3rd

Outside my window...clear blue sky, vibrant green citrus trees. it looks lovely but i'm sure it's about 95degrees out, which is not lovely.

I am thinking...too many things today. didn't sleep well due to all that is on my mind. nothing serious, just adjusting and growing as a person and a wife.

I am thankful for...air-conditioning.

From the kitchen...memories of the mac & cheese i made yesterday...havarti & monterey jack cheese. lots of leftovers!

I am wearing...the softest baby blue night shirt.

I am creating...a personalized cookbook of sorts...a collection of recipes that i've tried and want to keep.

I am going...to Whole Foods today to look for Chia! A superfood I heard of on this blog

I am reading...natural health magazines and tons of blogs that inspire me to be the person i really want to be.

I am hoping...to meet meet my brother's girlfriend, one day. soon, i hope.

I am hearing...the gurgle of the washing machine.

Around the house...i cleaned the bathtub with oxyclean today! huge victory for me.

One of my favorite things...is knowing my husband loves me when i don't feel or act so loveable.

A few plans for the rest of the week: complete a Renal Pharmacology presentation and work on Drug Calculations packet. make a tastey meal for my hard working man.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...i miss the company of a sweet doggie.


For more on The Simple Woman's Daybook.