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Sunday, March 30, 2008






Arianna is wearing lip gloss....;)

Sunday

We spent a nice day at home today. James and I watched a movie, while Arianna and daddy worked on building the play park in the backyard. That this is huge...lol. I cant wait for it to be done..the kids will have so much fun. It will be great for Rose to boot them out to play:)

I have one more orientation tomorrow. This one is on my actual unit. Then its buddy shifts starting friday. I have my Rascal Flatts Concert on Wednesday. I am super excited, as this is the concert I have floor seats to and where I get to go backstage and MEET them...and get a picture :) yay!

I have nothing else real exciting to post about...but I had some pictures I wanted to put up, so I thought I would write something first :)

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Yawn

I have been in orientation for medical/surgical the last couple of days. And boy, its been long and boring...its basically been a review of things we already knew...just a refresher.
I am super happy to be back in the hospital, but have to admit a bit nervous :) It will be so odd being a "real" nurse and not have someone helping me and being by my side all the time....
I think this first year will be a real learning time for me. I so some of the staff on the surgical unit and they were happy to see me :) that was nice.
Things are less stressful at home...but we are ALL still sick. Yup, both the kids have colds, spike fevers and throw up the odd time...not fun. Brandon is still sick too......
I had a interview friday, but it has been postponed until next week. I just cant wait to have access to internal postings at my hospital...then I can see if there is temporary line or part time one...that may help to have steady hours.
Things have still been great with our nanny Rose. we are really impressed. I hope there is some way we can keep her for longer then our year ;)
I guess the only hard thing was she was off around 4, and I came home, Brandon was off today so did things around the house....well, I got home at 430...and had to make dinner. Now that is tiring. I think there needs to be negotiation that hubby does some more cooking ;)....
I better go, the kids are having a coughing contest...I think they need some vapor rub:)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Happy Easter

Hope you all have a wonderful easter. Sorry for the lack of posting, things have been a little strained around here....I hope they get better.
How is that I am done school and starting work, and the stress is worse?!
My best friend came and brought me flowers and teddy for graduation, a friend of my parents brought me back a silver bracelet from mexico, and my aunt who I have not spoken to in years sent me a card and letter...I was blown away. Again, I am grateful for my loved ones who did make the effort....

I had one orientation this week..it was long and boring lol. It was the one for the who fraser health. so any person who was being hired by them. This week I get into more specifics with surgical
I go 3 days this week. I also have 4 buddy shifts booked for April. I will be happy to get back into it..I feel out of practice already.
I have been studying alot for my exam. I have completed one exam prep guide already. I am finding it a little easy still...hmmmm

I am also going for another interview on the 28th. Its at a mental health facility (25 bed). I thought I would go for the experience as I did not get a real interview with the job at surgical. The RN in charge seems super nice. And it may not hurt to have another job.

The easter bunny is coming tonight for the kids. they are excited :) We will be having dinner at my parents. Hope you all have a wonderfil day!!
Time to go hide eggs :)

Monday, March 17, 2008

I had a wonderful weekend.
Saturday we took the kids to the movies. We saw Horton Hears a Who. I thought it was cute. Arianna liked it, James was easily distracted...but did ok. It was nice to do something as a family.
Sunday I was treated to 3 hours at the spa from my brother and sister in law. Maira and I went for 3 hrs together. We had a body polish, mud wrap and swedish masage. I tell you, it was heaven.
We were in the same room...naked lol...I think we know eachother quite well now ;)
I am so tankful for that. It was a congratulations to me and a thank you for the party we hosted here last month.
Then my parents cooked me a lovely dinner and we had cake in celebration of my valedictorian :) They got me a boyds bear nurse figure, a new clip on watch with my name engraved with the LPN and all. It is so special :)
I really keep playing friday over in my head. I have watched the video back, and I didnt do too bad lol. It really meant a lot to me.
I am so thankful for everyones gifts, cards and words. It meant a lot. Really made me feel like you were proud of me and that I did actually do a great job.
But I have to admit my heart has been feeling heavy over the last few days.
I really feel like I did something amazing, to be honest. How I made it through school, kids and all, when we didnt have a nanny lol, getting straight A's top of my class, and valedictorian (and possible student of the year) . To me it seems like this is one time where I should be acknowledged...where I want to hear how my loved ones feel...are they proud? I dont want to hear things like "I will do great, because I have on everything else" I want to hear feelings. I really dont want to feel dissapointed, but I do. Sigh.

Anyways, I do my first orientation thursday. YAY. It will be nice to start working :)
I have been studying already. I have done a few hundred multiple choice questions, here and there. I have to admit so far I am not finding them that bad....hmmm lol
Well the first chapter a lot were surgical, and I am comortable with that!
I am not so hot on pharmacology...hehe time to refresh I think ;)

I am looking forward to easter weekend. Lots of family time. Maybe, if I get chocolate, I will treat myself to some. I still have been doing awesome on my eating..BUT somehow last week I lost nothing...sniff. I am noticing clothes looser..but no weight off.
I asked my SIL as she is the bootcamp instructor and she explained it to me lol.
I am just happy with my choices, and will continue on with them. It will happen. And I discovered I dont need the pop and junk :)

Well, Rose has made some yummy chicken souo for dinner...its ready :)
Have a great short week!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

This is neat....fill it in for me :)

http://kevan.org/johari?name=AndreaLPN

One of my Proudest Moments...

I had trouble sleeping last night...I just kept replaying the night in my head....
It was my graduation ceremony last night, and I finally gave the speech.
I was super nervous..and even when I first started, you could tell. But, it passed and I was able to get through it lol.
I felt great.
I got many comments from people I did not know after...
The head boss guy (not sure of his job title lol) even quoted things I said in my speech TWICE when he was giving his final closing remarks. That to me was amazing. To know I made that kind of impact..my words were remembered.
(there was a vancouver campus valedictorian...I was the Surrey one)
SO for him to quote ME...lol...I am proud.
I ran into him later and he thanked me...and said it was fantastic....And he knew my name :)
All important things, as I am still in the running for student of the year!!! I am glad I impressed last night.....
Did I mention they want to use my speech for marketing purposes? On their website, newletters, newpapers etc. they asked my permission.
I know...I am bragging LOL
But this night, meant so much to me...and it could not have gone better. I will never forget it. They gave me 2 dozen large white roses...which I am drying right away to keep in vase once they are dry....so remind me of the special night.
Brandon videotaped the speech...I watched it back...and did like what I heard...
A few nervous parts, but overall good :O)
Thank you all the people that supported me and believed in me.
And thank you for those who recognized my hard work! Alyson, the candle holder is beautiful and the words are perfect. I did dream, I did believe and now I am ready to inspire.
Little things like that, to show you thought of me...really mean alot......


Here is what I said.....

Good evening Stenberg college faculty, parents, family, friends and graduates of 2008.
Congratulations on your graduation and thank you for the honour of allowing me to be the valedictorian for the Surrey Campus.
When I was asked to prepare a speech, I sat down one morning to write down all the things I wanted to say and people I wanted to thank, and several hours later, I had a 8 page paper and a list of more than 50 names. I immediately revised it, as I was told the speech should be between five and ten minutes and I really did not think I could read that fast!
As I look around me today, I see many smiling faces. I think that perhaps our teachers may be smiling because they have finished teaching us. Our parents and significant others are smiling because of the sense of relief they are experiencing. By the way, this would be the most opportune time to ask for money! In addition, our fellow classmates are smiling because college has been about only three things: studying, fun, and sleep..., and we were only able to choose two of the above until now!
We have much to be thankful for this graduation night. Here at Stenberg College we have received a great education thanks to the outstanding administration and teachers. We are prepared to move on and to take on whatever challenges come next in our lives.
I believe that we have received a great gift, in being as prepared as we are, thanks to the well-designed courses offered at this college. At Stenberg, we have had a high degree of academic excellence and whether you intend to continue your education or not, you will benefit from what you learned here.
I know I speak on behalf of all the graduates here today when I say thank you to our teachers. They have given us lessons, led by example, and they have even managed to instil knowledge into, at times, reluctant students. Let us not forget the administrative staff, without which the school could not function. We appreciated the campus days, taking our suggestions for changes through our student council representatives and for following through with changes when possible. Our schooldays have been happy days and we will not forget them or you.
We can also be thankful for our families. This past year has presented us with many ups and downs and it is good to know that we had our families in our corner, supporting us along the way. I know your families are extremely proud of each and everyone of you.
Finally, we can be thankful for each other. We have helped each other, in some ways survive this past year and in other ways succeed during our time at Stenberg; I hope we will continue to be there for each other and to support each other in future endeavours. We did have fun as a class. Together we consumed the extra calories from fast food when we were stressed after a hard exam and were kind enough not to tell each other when we noticed we had gained a few extra pounds. And from that, we made true friends, many of whom we will keep for life. We learned a lot; some of which, I have to be honest, will forget. Yet, we also learned things that will stay with us for life.
We did it. The stress of the late night studying, endless reading and challenging exams are now behind us. As we sit here, hundreds of memories run through our minds and we reflect on our wonderful experiences over the past year. We are now standing on the threshold of entering into our chosen careers. From now on, no one will give us an "A" or an "F" for well or poorly done exams and evaluate our performance. We are free to go our own way, and it will be different for everyone.
Although their are many different programs graduating together here tonight, for once we sit here together and all look and feel the same. We all have our blue gowns, our hats and our tassels. We all feel pride and accomplishment. However, even though we may look the same now, our differences make us who we are. I believe each one of us is valuable and has something beneficial to contribute to society. Take what you have learned in your programs and incorporate it into your upcoming careers.
My advice to you is that you try to truly appreciate the journey you have been on, and continue on, because all the certificates, diplomas, high salary jobs and fancy cars in the world mean nothing if you don't realize what it takes to get there. You have heard it said many times, "The journey is half the reward... Give up the good life for a life that is good... The outcome is only worth the effort you put in." Recognize your efforts here today on your graduation.
To my fellow graduates: Always remember your achievements with pride. Through this year, you have set goals and met each challenge with enough determination to overcome it. Success is not measured by how well you fulfill the expectations of others, but by how you honestly live up to your own expectations.
We all have been true to ourselves in the pursuit of our dreams. We have earned this moment and the right to be proud of our accomplishments. When you leave here today, celebrate what you have achieved, but look forward to how you too can be the inspiration for others.
Lastly, I would like to end with a quote by Britta Fiksdal, which sums up how I feel nicely:
“Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what to want to be- because you only have one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do". Congratulations to all the graduating classes and best of luck in all your future endeavours. Thank you.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Me and My License




I am just a tad bit proud. This is what my interim licence looks like, a little piece of paper...I am going to get it laminated :)
Arianna woke up puking today...3 times since 5 am. Then by lunch she was all better....hmmm very odd.
I am getting better, slowly. I still have this terrible cough...just ask Brandon as he was awoken by it many times last night....
he was dreaming, woke up and asked if something was smashed...lol..nope it was me coughing. He was half out of it anyways...LOL ;)
My speech is really done now. Heard back from the school. They had a few grammar changes (does it matter for a speech?) lol. Besides that I was told it was impressive.
And asked for permission to use the speech for marketing purposes. I guess they want to use it on the website, newsletters, news papers...etc.
wow...I dont really know what to say to that. I am very modest when it comes to my work.
The speech was based on generic experiences, but I did find some quotes and ispirational messages to use..and other motivational words. I think it worked out well, was only around 5 min (so I wont bore everyone to death) and I added a bit of humor.
well the nanny is off now...time for mom to take over :)

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

It has been complete!

FINALLY I am hired.
All the paperwork is done.
I have 5 orientation days this month :) PAID ones ;)

I am soooo happy. I dont have to stress about finding a job! And now I will have access to internal postings..in case I want something a little more part time or temporary.
I think I will be happy being casual, as I get the vacation pay and stuff on top of my wage already..so it will make it seem like more LOL

I am still sick. Over a week now. But this week I have not let the cough, sore throat and snot keep me from exercising. Since buying the bike it is my new best friend :) I have done 2 30 min rides. And they have hills. It is more then enough to make my legs burn...and its all I can handle right now without coughing up a lung :)

I still cannot believe I have not had an ounce of junk food in almost a week and a half. It is SO hard to see chocolate and cakes at the store...and not buy them lol
I almost caved this evening...but NO I am determined.
Instead I came home and enjoyed a couple rice cakes LOL...yay

So, I am 3 days away from my speech in front of 1000 plus people, And I am getting scared...real scared.
what the heck did I sign up for lol
I am in no way a public speaker...I just did it cause it is not something one turns down. It is a honor. I am the valedictorian for the entire Surrey Campus....wow.
Well, I guess my speech was great, as the big boss was to review it, and email me if he had any changes and suggestions...and I never heard a thing.
hmmmm lol

I had a nice day with James today. We went and ran errands and I took him to burger king for lunch (he wanted to play at the park inside)...I was good, did not eat junk!
We also got the kids their first pair of roller skates. you know the little tyke plastic ones....
they are super cute....
but they fall alot lol
good thing there is 3 settings....they are on intermediate...where the wheels are not fully loose :) I may take a day with Arianna tomorrow. Not sure what to do lol, James and I did a lot today. But I want to be fair :)

Maybe we can try and figure out what to do for brandons birthday....hmmmmm

Well I better get back to my American Idol then get to bed...
the last few nights I am running on only a few hrs a night...darn cough. :)

Sunday, March 09, 2008

It's a start

I somehow managed to lose 2 pds, even though I only managed to go running 3 times. I have been sick for a week now, and there is no sign of this thing letting up. Its a bad one. Its mostly in my chest, throat and head....so makes exercise very hard.
My eating is good, so at least that is something. I have gone a week NO coke lol...I miss it
We didnt do too much this weekend. Rose was off, she was gone all weekend somewhere too.
We did go out today and buy me a new bike. And we went for a family ride. It was nice :)
Next week (when costco gets them back in stock) we are getting one of those bike trailer/double jogging stroller things. Its a super deal and will make longer bike trips fun for the kids. Right now they get tired, and I would like to use my bike for exercise too.
Well, I pray I hear from someome this week.
This month is expensive otherwise, as I was supposed to be working in order to pay Rose. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!!
I still cant believe I was first to get a job...but have not started to work. And now others are getting work and will probably start before me!
Friday is my graduation. I will need to practice my speech and get some cofidence to read it in front of 1000 people.
Well thats it from here.
Time to head back to the couch with my box of kleenex.

Friday, March 07, 2008

Pity Party

So I never heard back this week from the lady at recruitment....
sigh.
I guess that means no orientation for me on tuesday, as I doubt they will be ready for me in time...
This is so disappointing to me. I really wanted to start working...well I NEED to.
I was so excited knowing they hired me so long ago, and since they it had been one thing after another.
Maybe I jinxed myself....
I feel so useless being at home now. Having the nanny has been amazing, I dont want to get in her way, so I find myself hiding in my room, or going out.
I need some positive vibes sent my way to get things in order.
This has really made me sad.
thank you.

on another note, diet and exercise has been going great.
I am sure I will have lost on sunday.
I know it will be a slow road but I am used to it already :)
No snacks, pop, juice, or any junk!
It is easy to follow now..I am happy with it.
I will keep going until I reach my goal.

Rose has the weekend off, so it will be some good family time. Not sure if we have anything planned....swimming lessons are over until May I think.

I entered little Arianna into a contest for her singing Rascal Flatts
http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/VideosSeries/VideoView.aspx?vid=4604_65256124&=PPIMEMAIL&isep=1&pbapi=479705&pbvi=12840545

Go here to vote (you can once a day!!)
Have a great weekend :)

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

My Speech is DONE

I got it finished today...and I am pleased with how it turned out :)
I took it to the school (as they wanted to preread it lol...just in case ;) ) and they loved it. Yay!
Now, I just have to get the courage up to speak in front of 1000 people!! eeeekk
I will post the speech after my graduation March 14th.

The nanny is working out soooo well. I am amazed. The kids love her, and when she is on duty I dont really see them lol. I spent time with them after. I am not working (STILL WAITING FOR SURREY TO CALL ME BACK) so I have been doing house stuff and starting to study for the licensing exam. I am REALLY hoping to start work soon...I need to now lol.
Once again, I sit waiting...worrying....for them to call me back. Last I heard was friday, when I wasnt updated on the BC LPN registry....well NOW I am. So I have emailed them that. And have returned my casual agreement form.
So I wait....

My house is clean, laundry done, everything folded nicely. I love it.
Time to go get dinner ready (I still cook...cause I love it...but Rose will cook too)

Monday, March 03, 2008

The Nanny Has Arrived!







And day one went fabulous. She fit right in so well. And it did not feel odd at all actually...She was great with the kids, and helped clean up...
I think things are going to be wonderful!!
I just want to share a few pics of what I found when I went to get pyjamas for the kids....
the clothes were folded ever so perfectly!!!! I have never seen them this nice lol...
she is going to be very much appreciated!!!!!
On another note I am getting sick. I woke up today and couldnt talk, my throat was clogged. then progressively I have gotten worse. ick. Its like a tummy bug cold...
one good thing is my eating has been minimal lol...BUT NO exercise...boo hoo.
I did 2 days of running in a row and now this...I hope it does not last long.
AND I really need to finish my speech...eeek
better get on that :)






Saturday, March 01, 2008

The time has come

I have decided (and am dedicated) to finally losing this last bit of baby weight.
I just feel so yucky about the way I look. I go through times where I lose 5 pds, then put it right back on. I know this time it has to be a lifestyle change forever....and that is ok.
The time is right and the weather will start to cooperate.
AND since our hot tub bit the dust I really hope to have that home gym sooner then later.
I contemplated joining weight watchers, but I just cant afford it right now...so I will give it a try on my own first. I will use the internet as a tool to find resources to help me out on good food choices (besides the obvious).
There is no way I can really change my cooking, I will just more so control portions and include more veggies and salads for me...
but I dont want to deprive the kids....and Brandon lol.
I am blogging on this, and have added a weight loss ticker to be accountable....It is going to happen now.
I want to lose 15-20 pds...and then we will see. I want to do this before we try for another baby. I want to be thin again and cute pregnant.
I am tired of looking at pictures of myself, seeing what I didnt think I looked like lol....

Last night, I even went to the bar...danced, drank, and had guys pay attention. hehe My girlfriends and I are all happily married in relationships...but were still bad and let them buy us drinks! hehe...but hey, at least I know after 2 kids...and this extra baby weight...I STILL GOT SOMETHING lol

I am going to buy a bike....and use it. I love biking.

I went for walk/run tonight....not sure how long it was lol...but it felt great. My goal is to eventually run the whole loop (its our ring road around the entire neighbourhood)...and then start to take some time off it....but baby steps.

I am motivated, but am being realistic. This is gonna kill me.

AND my biggest sacrifice now is giving up POP. Yup. no more for me...well the odd diet may have to keep me sane...but coke is my addiction. I love it. And no more....sigh.

I did not grocery shop yet, will do that tomorrow and will NOT cave and buy things to tempt me. I will still get the kids there treats..but I dont like them anyways :) hehe

So wish me luck....and I will update my ticker sundays :)
I have been reading a fellow online moms weight loss journey after 6 kids...and it inspires me...so thank you Cathy...you have done amazing. I am proud of you and admire your motivation AND energy lol...Keep it up!

Thats all for now...I am pooped from my jog....I plan to do something daily (as long as I dont work a 12hr shift lol..thats long enough on my feet hehe)