Inspires Me

I don't think it's any kind of a secret, that Paul and I travel a lot! Paul has a busy career. And we're very grateful, that Matilda and I, get the chance to travel with him. It means so much to us!

With that comes a lot of expectations. I need to actually look nice, when I attend events. I need to put in an effort. It's a good think though. Especially being a new momma. Because let's face it, in the early days of mommyhood, I was just grateful to take a shower. :) But traveling with Paul, gives me a reason to do my hair, put on some makeup, and look for a cute outfit.

But if you want to get honest here, it's tough. I don't go shopping a whole lot. Even when I go, I'm not really inspired. And lean heavily on friends. Like when we went to Dallas recently. I totally took advantage of Lola and Vi! I'd been saving money, and used it on a nice little shopping trip with my friends. Asking them a million and one questions. I hope they didn't mind! But I just had to. Besides, Lola has amazing taste!!

Now that we have a "schedule" again, I'm tying to remember these little things. Like making an effort in my appearance. Not only do I want my husband to be proud of me, but I want him to know, that I'm making an effort for him. He does so much for Matilda and I. Getting dressed up a few times a week, isn't a huge deal. But Paul's smile, when he opens the door, says it all!

It's funny how I've been thinking about this. And yesterday, Jamielynn posted this. Everything about this post, has inspired me!



First, I just LOVE all these colors!! And this style. Casual, but put together. Not too fussy. But a whole lot of fun. Best of all, if you read this post, you know it's all affordable.



This happens to be my favorite outfit of Jamielynn's. It's so fun! And colorful. Perfect for Spring and Summer. And now, I really want to go shopping. And not just for Matilda. Momma needs a few new outfits too! Between, isn't Jamielynn the cutest. And all those tulips, make me want to plant a whole bunch, for next year!

I really want that pink purse. And that pink ruffle shirt. So I tweeted Jamielynn today. I hope she gets back to me. Even if she doesn't, I'm still so grateful for her post. It's given me the inspiration that I need! I know that not every day in the mommyhood, has to be spent in workout clothes. ♥E

Not Giving Up

When I found out I was pregnant, there were a few things, I wanted to learn how to do. Crocheting was one of those things. I called Lola, and she promised to show me. And she did! Lola was so sweet and patient. I managed to crochet 3 blankets, some booties, and a few hats. I was so thrilled!

Now I want to try some harder things. Matilda is such a doll! And endures quite a bit with me. I'm always dressing her up. Putting some sort of bow, headband, or other glorious thing on her! I think tutus should be worn daily. Things like that.

To be 100% honest though, since Matilda was born, I haven't really done much crocheting. I've managed a few more hats. And other small projects. It's not that I'm not looking, I just don't feel like I have the skills needed for such things.

It doesn't stop me from reading lots of blogs. Getting tons of ideas. And checking this site, at least twice a week! That's where I found this pattern. Which motivated me, to pick up my crochet hook again.



Aren't these the sweetest booties? I think so! A few weeks ago, I packed up Matilda, and headed to Hobby Lobby. Don't you just love shopping for yarn? I do! I ended up buying 6 skeins of yarn. A dusty pink, fuchsia, turquoise, white, red, and a dark chocolate brown. So pretty! I even bought the perfect buttons, for each color.

That weekend, I packed 2 skeins of yarn, and 4 buttons. I printed the pattern, and figured, at the very least, I'd get a pair made. It's been just over 3 weeks now, and I have 1 and 1/2 booties finished. It's been an almost frustrating situation!

The original weekend that I started, I got both of the soles made. That was ridiculously easy. Even for me!! But the rest of the bootie, was so difficult. Things were just not working out. And at one point, I wanted to cry.

I didn't like the way things were looking. I ripped out those 4 rows, more times than I can remember. But every day, this project haunts me! And every day, I pick it up! Finally, I called Lola. The "Crochet Goddess."

We ended up getting on Skype, when Matilda was napping. And literally, Lola walked me through the process. By the way, as the pattern reads, Lola pointed out, it just doesn't work. So she wrote down the changes, and emailed them to me. She just changed the 2nd part, to the booties.

Yes, after our little crochet lesson, I'm on my way. During that lesson, I went from 1 and 1/2 booties, to 2 soles. I'm back to 1 and 1/2! I told you, there is a slight problem with the pattern. But I'd still recommend you trying it. Because these booties are just too cute!

And positive, that by dinner time, I'll have 2 booties made. And will move on to the next pair. Too bad Matilda didn't get her red ones for Valentine's Day! But her Nana, didn't let us down. She sent us, the cutest pair of red booties! Yes, friends are wonderful cheerleaders, teachers, and supporters! I don't know, what I'd do without my friend! ♥E

Weekend List...

This week, we're home. I'm kinda glad. But it's so hot around here. We considered going to visit my parents this weekend. But we decided to stay home. Why? Because of the heat. And we're working on some projects at home. Our list seems to never end. But we're slowly knocking things off of our list. It makes me feel good! Even if it's a lot of hard work.



Our garden is refusing to grow in this heat. Nothing like this picture! I'm just at a loss for words, when it comes to our garden. And my flowers, they just don't want to bloom. No matter how much water I give them. Part of our lawn is also "sunburned." At least, that is what J's gardener told us.

But this weekend, we're tackling other stuff. Yard work, yes. There is also painting on the list. And organizing our stuff. I know we've lived here for months. But we still haven't really settled in. I hope we can knock some of those projects off the list. What are you planning for this weekend? ♥E

General Hospital Fail

That my friends, is the last episode of General Hospital that I watched. Why? I don't know. I'm so behind! I usually catch up on GH when Paul is working. Or we're traveling. Watching on the plane or in the car helps to pass the time. But this, well it's a total fail.

I think I've been putting it off. Knowing that I can watch on YouTube anytime I want. But it has me almost 2 months behind. And I need to carve out some serious time. I really do miss GH. Maybe Paul will have a day of watching sports soon. Then I can curl up and watch some General Hospital. You know, catch up. So I know what's going on. ♥E

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Ours? Not so well. This heat is killing us. And our plants. We decided to plant entire seed packages. Paul already thought that most plants wouldn't make it through the summer heat. But I don't think either of us realized how badly our garden would be doing by now.

We lived here when we went to college. But at the time, we were your typical "poor college students." And we lived in an apartment. The only thing we grew were tomatoes. Because you could grow them in pots. And we tried strawberries once. It didn't go well.



But when we moved to Florida, we got spoiled. We had a lush, beautiful garden! 90% of the veggies we ate, came from our garden. And we really got used to that. But here, the desert heat isn't so kind. And everything is dying! We try watering. Paul even put up a canopy over our garden. But I'm guessing 110 degree weather isn't so great for a garden.

We're hoping some stuff survives. Are you growing a garden this year? How is it going? I hope a lot better than ours. ♥E

Options

Paul and I have been doing a lot of thinking. And a lot of talking. We have so many options ahead of us. Lots of things having to do with our future. And I'm pretty sure, I'm going to stop looking for a job.



You see, Paul is making a good salary, with his new job. We're better off now then we were when we both worked. And there is really no reason for me to work. And I'm enjoying being home a lot. I think Paul is also enjoying it. Because I'm definitely doing a lot more around the house.

I've always cooked. But now, our meals are a lot more thought out. And I have to say this, they're a lot more yummy. I've also been experimenting with baking. And I'm doing a lot better.

But the biggest point for us, is that I get to travel with Paul. Whenever he travels for work, I get to go too. And I think that's important. Since Paul is gone about half of the week. When he is on the touring schedule.

We also want to start a family in the next 2 years. So this is a good option. No more working for me. We can afford it right now. And there are really no jobs available. So I get to stay home. And take care of my husband. I really enjoy being home. And being a housewife. We have lots of options ahead of us. And I'm glad that we have these opportunities ahead. Life is really good for us at the moment. ♥E

Shopping

Of all the things I could miss about Florida, I miss the shopping. There is nothing around here. We live in a small town, 5 minutes away from a slightly larger, college town. Where we went to school. And there is a large city about an hour away.

But there is nothing around here. I miss H&M the most. Recently, they opened up a Forever 21...an hour away. The closest stores to us are Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and Target. We have no TJ Maxx. No Nordstorms. No Outlets. OK, there are some about an hour away. But they are small. Not really anything good there.



I miss the Outlets in Florida. I miss the cute boutiques. And the shops like H&M, Charlotte Russe, etc. I would think, they would have shops like that here. Based on the local economy. But nope. So I sit here, and miss Florida. For the shopping. Something I never really appreciated when we lived there.

Even with both of us working, we didn't have this kind of money either. We're not rich. But we're definitely more comfortable, than we were a few months ago. Honestly, I feel like going on vacation to Florida. I really do miss the stores. Why can't we have decent stores in the desert? We don't even have a MAC store! ♥E

Forever 21 Sizing

I'm just wondering if anyone else experiences sizes issues with stuff that they buy at Forever 21. I regularly wear size 3-5. But I find that at Forever 21, I have to go up 1 or 2 sizes. I have some issues at Charlotte Russe. But nothing like Forever 21.



I always leave the store feeling bad. Because I have to buy such large sizes. I know, in the back in my head that the label means nothing. But what does that tell you about the brand? It just makes me wonder. And if I feel this bad, and I'm a confident woman, what does it do to teenage girls? ♥E

A Long 10 Hours

Being that I'm still looking for a job, I decided to attend this Pediatric Nutrition Conference with Lola. I'm completely exhausted. And all I wanted to do today, was sleep. But Lola and I got through it.



This was such an interesting conference. I know that doesn't sound interesting at all. But it was. In all the years I went to college and studied nutrition, I only took 2 pediatric classes. They don't offer many. It's something you have to seek out after you become an RD.

Lola talked to the Pediatric Chief at the hospital where she works. There is a good possibility that I can get a job in the pediatric unit. I'm not sure if I'd be working in the regular pediatric unit, the PICU, or the NICU. But I need to become pediatric certified.

After 10 hours, I can't believe how much I learned. It was incredible! And now, I'm so excited. Even if I'm tired. We relied heavily on AMP and chocolate to make it through the day. But it all worked out nicely. Right now, I'm heading to bed. It's been a long 10 hours. ♥E

My Boring Blog...

I feel like my blog is a little bit boring. I don't really post real life pictures. Because my husband and his boss have a more "public" job. So I have to respect their privacy.



But lately, my blog has been so boring. I don't know. It just seems boring. What do you think? And there seems to be a ton of Sunday Stealing. I know they're good. I enjoy doing them. There are a lot of fun questions. But my blog seems to only focus on them. I need to stop that!

So I'm going to try and focus on real life. And fun stuff. I don't know what else. I just want to spice up. Make my blog a fun place to come and read. My fingers are crossed that I can do that. ♥E

Feeling Like Home

Right after I posted my last blog post, the movers got here. And I had never been so excited! We started moving all of our things in. Because we're staying in one of J's houses, it is already furnished. And beautiful! Lola designed the entire thing. Wow!

I'm really in love with the house. So we're going to store our furniture. The movers were able to put it all nicely in a storage shed. We did pick some things to stay in the house. But not a whole lot.



But all of our other stuff, knick knacks, clothes, personal items...I've been unpacking them. For a few days. Boxes and boxes. Seriously when did we collect so much stuff? But our home is starting to feel like home.

There are a few pieces of furniture I want to buy. Because going from a house designed from a man, to one for a couple, well there are a few key pieces missing. Like a nice vanity table. And some little things like that. I also want to pick up a few decorative items. Paul and I don't plan to stay here forever. But we want it to feel like home.

Now all that is left to do, is find a job. I still haven't heard back from my 2 interviews. But I've been looking around. Lola is trying to get me a job at the hospital where she works. I'm just hoping for the best. But I'm taking this time off as a blessing. Because it gives me time to settle into our home. And to make it a home. ♥E

It's Here!!

Today is moving day. It's a little bittersweet. We're sad to be leaving our "Florida Family." But we're excited to be heading home! Paul and I didn't get much sleep last night. Because somehow, there was still a lot packing left to do. I'm very shocked at how much stuff we've collected. We've only lived here, for just over 3 years.



But we have a lot of odds and ends. Things that needed to be packed well. It's crazy how we finished, giving us just 2 hours of sleep. I'm glad our packing is done. At least for a few days. When we have to begin our unpacking. Now it's time, to move across the country! ♥E

Closing this Chapter

It's crazy. In 2 days, the movers come. And we decided to take the day off of packing. We wanted to go to the lake one last time. It was an incredible day. Just me and Paul enjoying one of our favorite parts of Florida.

This chapter of our lives is quickly closing. We're both a little sad. We're leaving a part of our lives behind. Friends we've made. A routine we were used to. A life that we enjoyed.



As I look around tonight, our house is almost completely packed up. I hope we finish before the movers get here. But it's a little sad. I mean, this has been our home. And now, we're leaving. It's a little like a break up. I know, it's just a house. And a state. But it's still tough.

I know that the next chapter of our lives is going to be a good one. I'm excited. So is Paul. We hope to start a family in a few years. And all of this, it's worth being happy and planning a bright future with my husband.

But it has been an emotional day. Something about the lake just made me realize how final this was. And it made me sad. I'm going to miss all of this. I cried a lot today. Paul and I took a bunch of pictures of our favorite spots around here. And lots at the lake. It really was our favorite place to be.

I'm ready for what's ahead of us. All we have to do is get our stuff loaded and moved. Oh, and turn over our keys to our landlord. But this is something that we both need, and want. And we really are excited about moving home!! ♥E

Last Day at Work

Today was my last day of work. It feels strange even typing that. It was my first professional job. And I loved it. I loved the people I worked with. The location. Everything about my job. And here I am leaving it.



I packed up my office. And was very tearing eyed. Why? I really don't know. Our office isn't anything too special to cry about. It's a large room. With a bunch of desks. All of the RDs share it. But it was a nice place to be. A comforting place. A warm environment.

And then, my coworkers through me a "Going Away" party. Presents included. I cried. I couldn't help it. They are so much like family. I'm going to miss them. I'll never forget my first job. It was a good experience. I just hope my next job is just as blessed. There are so many good memories over the last few years. I did my internship at this hospital. And was offered a job here. The people will always have a special place in my heart. ♥E

Our Saturday

How are we spending our Saturday? Packing. I know. It sounds so glamorous. But it needs to be done. I can't believe, how much stuff we've accumulated over the last few years. It just makes me wonder.



I'm completely exhausted. And it's not even 2pm. I'm thinking we might have to do takeout again. And hopefully, we can get the main living areas all packed up by Monday. That's my plan. I never realized how much work was going into our move.

Paul is also working on the yard. We have a lot of plants we want to take with us. Hopefully we're able to take them with us. And that they survive the move. There is so much to do. And not a lot of time. I better get back to work. ♥E

On Our Way Home

We're on our way home. Right now, we're in GA. stuck. Our flight is delayed 3 hours. I wish we were already home. Because I'm tired. And not a big fan of airports.



Paul and I are definitely moving. And all I can think of is packing up our home. I think I'm just anxious to get home and pack. I already miss the SW. And our family and friends. Is that crazy? I think it is. But I don't care. We're ready to be home. Where we belong.

Paul has a job. We have a place to live. And I've already had 2 job interviews. We're ready. And I personally, can't wait to be moved. But it's also going to be sad leaving our home. This is where we've lived for the last few years. As newlyweds. And we have a life here. It's going to be tough. But it's time. ♥E

Home

We've gotten so much done this week. I'm sad that our vacation is almost over. I'm going to miss our family and friends so much. But it was a good trip. And hopefully, really soon we will be back for good.



I had a few interviews. And I'm anxious to hear back from the hospitals. I really want to try and get into pediatric nutrition. It seems like such a rewarding area to work in. And Paul and I are really coming along on plans. All the pieces seem to be falling right into place. Just like we dreamt they would.

Most of all, it was just nice to be around all of our loved ones again. I've missed them so much! We've had a great life in Florida. But this is where we belong. And this week, it's really solidified that for us! ♥E

Me and My Girls!!!

It feels so good. My friends and I got to hangout today. It was amazing! It made me think of days past. All the time we spent together as interns. And this was our song. Unwritten. Our stories were unwritten...

Then Vi left us. She went to Dallas. Got into a great nutrition program. Now she is kicking butt. Doing a great job. And is an amazing RD. I graduated. Paul and I got married. And we moved to Florida. Making our lives work. Both of us going to school and loving life as newlyweds.

Lola, she was younger than us. More ambitious than Vi and I. She is still writing so much of her story. But every time I hear this song, I think of the 3 of us. Learning our way around the hospital. Loving our jobs. And being the best of friends.

It's good to be back home. And to get the chance to see my girls. They're so much more than friends. They'll be my sisters for life. I'm so proud of the job Vi is doing. And Lola. Wow! She is kicking butt. I'm so proud and happy for her. Who would have thought we would have come this far? And here we are, breaking all the rules. Writing our stories. And making amazing lives for us. Filling up all those blank pages. Showing people that we can make a HUGE difference in the world. Thank you girls! I can't wait to see what we're all doing in 10 years. :) ♥E

We Made It!

We made it home. Well, not really our home. But where me and Paul went to college. I'm originally from small community, about 90 minutes away. So it feels like home. And it's just like I remember it. Great friends. Fresh green chili. And a beautiful culture. I'm very excited about being here!



While we're here, we're going to be looking around for a house. And maybe some jobs. We have a serious itch to move back. But most of all, we're going to enjoy ourselves! I'm so glad that we're here. And I really can't wait to enjoy everything here! ♥E

Being Honest

It's time to be honest about Paul and I's plans. When we decided to leave for Florida, we always knew that we would return. We liked the small community where we had met. Paul could have easily finished his degrees at our university. But I would have to move 3 hours away to get my masters degree and become an RD. We didn't want to live 3 hours apart! Especially for 3+ years.

Paul and I looked for a school that offered both of our degree programs. That is how we ended up in Florida. I graduated before Paul. I got licensed and became an RD. I was also very lucky when it came time to finding a job. The hospital where I did my RD internship, they offered me a job immediately. And I took it. Paul needed some more time to finish his PhD. And his training.

In May, Paul received his hard earned PhD. He had some training to finish up though. But at the beginning of the month, it was complete. And our talks became more real. In June, we had talked about moving home. Paul called J to ask him for a job. And J found him one. Not only that, but he offered us a home to live in. I also asked Lola to help me find a job. She has some good connections in the area hospitals. Soon, I had 2 good jobs to choose from.

I gave my 2 week notice last week. I will work the remainder of this week. Then next week I am am taking my vacation time. We are heading home for a visit. When we get back, I will have 1 week of work left. I have 2 job interviews set up back home. One for the DOH and one for a trauma center hospital. Paul and I hope to solidify our plans while we are on this trip. Paul will be signing a contract with J. And we will get to look at our new house.



Paul and I are just ready to start the next chapter of our lives. The entire time we have known each other, we have been in college. The last few years, we have grown up so much. Being so far away from our friends and family, we really learned how to depend on each other.

Florida wasn't all a "business" situation. We have built a nice life here. We met friends. Paul and I rented a nice home from an elderly couple when we first moved. And we have enjoyed making it our home. Spending lots of time gardening and hosting cookouts. We have also made amazing connections for our careers.

But it is time to go home. To begin our new careers. To make our new house, our home. We are anxious to be closer to family and friends. Paul and I are also excited to start new phases of our own life. To potentially explore other areas of our marriage. To begin our own family. We are looking at this move, as a new beginning to our life together. ♥E