We have all heard about it... watched the news about... and cried about it.
The brutal killing of 27 innocent adults and young children. I cried when I first heard about it but then I just became angry... very angry. I cannot wrap my head or heart around why this has happened. But then, I literally cried like a baby over the situation. I am not sure anyone will ever be able to fathom why this young man decided that it was in his best interest to cause such massive destruction. Our entire church congregation prayed for everyone involved today and our pastor made a good point- the governor of CT stated, "Evil visited this community today." I truly believe this. And our pastor's point was that "God always shows up in these situations." I think that you have to believe this to be true, for I am not sure how else your heart can heal if you don't.
Working in a field where I regularly see children in situations that would turn the stomach of even the biggest, baddest men and having Shawn himself be a cop, I cannot help but bring my thoughts to the first responders at the scene of the shooting. These men and women had to see every child and teacher, every blood spatter, every sad and gruesome aspect of the scene that we cannot even imagine.
We are constantly criticizing cops for being inappropriate or "bad cops" when in reality there are so many out there that do such a great amount of good. We forget the things that their eyes shield ours from. We are unable to comprehend the feeling they get when they are walking up to any traffic stop or 911 call, as it was in this case, not knowing if that person is waiting behind a door with a gun.
Then I think about the teachers- most of us have read about the young teacher, Ms. Soto, who tried to hide her children in closets and was killed in doing so. The custodian who ran through the hallways trying to warn everyone. The principal and school psychologist who were reported to try and "lunge" at the gunman. Talk about heroes.
Any act like this is sad- and we have had so many in the recent years. But when innocent, naive children are involved it always seems that much worse. Their presents wrapped under the tree, a time of year where kids are excited and happy, suddenly turns into a family's most devistating moments.
My heart is weeping.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Chivalry
“A gentleman is someone who does not what he wants to do, but what he should do.”
― Haruki Murakami
I am standing in line to day at Gates on Linwood. After being around someone else eating it, I had a sudden craving for... I say sudden, but let's be honest, I have talked about getting Gates for about a month and a half and had yet to do so. You may wonder why one would wait so long just to get some BBQ.
Let's review the reasons:
1. I am trying to tone up a bit before the wedding. Gates does fit well into my regimen.
2. It is not all that close to my home.
3. It strikes utter fear in me to go in there. Their famous "MAY I HELP YOU?" yell that you hear as soon as you place your hand on the door outside the building scares the crap out of me.... I never know what I want when they are yelling, even if I do actually know what I will be ordering since I get the same thing... every time. Then they just stare, and stare, and stare, giving you that "Aren't you going to speak little girl" look. It's horrifying.
So when I arrived in the parking lot, I had to mentally prepare to go inside. Which brings me to my story...
After counting to 10 and taking some deep breaths, I made it through the ordering process, paid my bill, and was watching them prepare my order when a gentleman dressed in a nice suit walked in, ordered after they yelled at him, and stood behind me to wait for his own meal. That is when I heard it.
He was talking under his breath as he stood there. I made out the phrases "Get it, girl," "Damn, girl, damn," and "I sure hope someone is taking rreeealll good care of that ass," numerous times mixed with the occasional "hmm-hmmm-hmmmm." For a little less than 5 minutes I just stood there, looking straight ahead, trying as hard as I could to flash my ring finger, very obviously ignoring the obnoxious man behind me.
What. The. Heck.
When did we become a society that finds this behavior acceptable?
I was watching a show on tv today and they were talking about dating and chivalry. The men were arguing that in the "modern day" the use of phones and computers for texting and such was what women should expect. That holding a door open is in the past. That women should be looking for things other than a chivalrous man. And I wanted to scream.
Don't get me wrong-- I can take care of myself. I have a good job. I pay my own bills. I do not NEED somebody to take care of me. But the first date I had with Shawn involved him opening my doors, paying for dinner and our tickets to the concert we went to (and even still I have to be very sneaky and pay for things when he does not know it) and him being a chivalrous man. He still does these things... he tells me I am beautiful (me... not my ass), he holds my doors, and he protects me. And it won me over. I do not need a man to do these things for me but I like that he is a man that wants to do them. I am blessed to have him. And we will be teaching our future children these values.
So... In our society, is chivalry really dying?
― Haruki Murakami
I am standing in line to day at Gates on Linwood. After being around someone else eating it, I had a sudden craving for... I say sudden, but let's be honest, I have talked about getting Gates for about a month and a half and had yet to do so. You may wonder why one would wait so long just to get some BBQ.
Let's review the reasons:
1. I am trying to tone up a bit before the wedding. Gates does fit well into my regimen.
2. It is not all that close to my home.
3. It strikes utter fear in me to go in there. Their famous "MAY I HELP YOU?" yell that you hear as soon as you place your hand on the door outside the building scares the crap out of me.... I never know what I want when they are yelling, even if I do actually know what I will be ordering since I get the same thing... every time. Then they just stare, and stare, and stare, giving you that "Aren't you going to speak little girl" look. It's horrifying.
So when I arrived in the parking lot, I had to mentally prepare to go inside. Which brings me to my story...
After counting to 10 and taking some deep breaths, I made it through the ordering process, paid my bill, and was watching them prepare my order when a gentleman dressed in a nice suit walked in, ordered after they yelled at him, and stood behind me to wait for his own meal. That is when I heard it.
He was talking under his breath as he stood there. I made out the phrases "Get it, girl," "Damn, girl, damn," and "I sure hope someone is taking rreeealll good care of that ass," numerous times mixed with the occasional "hmm-hmmm-hmmmm." For a little less than 5 minutes I just stood there, looking straight ahead, trying as hard as I could to flash my ring finger, very obviously ignoring the obnoxious man behind me.
What. The. Heck.
When did we become a society that finds this behavior acceptable?
I was watching a show on tv today and they were talking about dating and chivalry. The men were arguing that in the "modern day" the use of phones and computers for texting and such was what women should expect. That holding a door open is in the past. That women should be looking for things other than a chivalrous man. And I wanted to scream.
Don't get me wrong-- I can take care of myself. I have a good job. I pay my own bills. I do not NEED somebody to take care of me. But the first date I had with Shawn involved him opening my doors, paying for dinner and our tickets to the concert we went to (and even still I have to be very sneaky and pay for things when he does not know it) and him being a chivalrous man. He still does these things... he tells me I am beautiful (me... not my ass), he holds my doors, and he protects me. And it won me over. I do not need a man to do these things for me but I like that he is a man that wants to do them. I am blessed to have him. And we will be teaching our future children these values.
So... In our society, is chivalry really dying?
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Random Thoughts
Today has been filled with random thoughts.... here are a few:
Have you ever started getting sick and decided you would not allow it to happen. That's how I felt three days ago.... upon realizing the cold coming on I went straight to CVS and bought Mucinex. Ps- have you ever taken this? It's a (very expensive) miracle drug for congestion. I really thought it was the answer. Wrong. It helps some during the day, but my somewhat sleepless nights have been filled with a stuffed up yet runny nose, coughing, and holding my head over my Vicks Vapor Rub Humidifier that I have set up by my bed. To top it off, I think the coughing did something to my ear drum because this morning it hurts with any semi-loud sound I hear. Well, it could be worse.
-I realized looking in the mirror today that I am pale. Then I noticed I still have tan lines... and I have a ways to go.
-Suposebly (yeah, let's not worry about the spelling of that) is not a word. Yes, I already know this. But a certain person said it to me the other day. And it still makes me chuckle to think about them actually saying this. And cry a little.
-I just really would like a weekend by the beach soon. Maybe another girls weekend trip should happen since there are a few of them I don't get to see too often. This cold weather is already getting to me. And it has just started cooling down. Ugh, I am truly not meant to live in this weather.
-Dave's surprise 60th bday party was last night and it was a ton of fun! I'm glad he is my bonus-dad and I'm happy to get to celebrate with him and our family and friends.
-I am getting no less than 3 political ads in the mail daily. That's a lot of wasted trees.
-I had a little boy ask me the other day what music I liked. He then told me, "I listen to K-Love. It's my favorite station, because I am a Christian." My first thought were "how sweet" and "I'm glad he says that with such conviction at such a young age." Then he continued, "My second favorite is Eminem." He let me know his album has no cuss words in it, clearly a Walmart version, which is good. But the contrast between the two is drastic. And a bit humorous.
-Starting out a conversation with "how many can I have until I black out?" is not the smartest thing in the world... and neither are you for that matter.
That concludes my random thoughts... they are a bit boring. But they're what today has given me.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
MAC-nificent happenings
Oh my, my, my.... what a cheesy title. But true.
This is my first post from my new(ish) Mac. I took some photos for a friend last month, went to download them on my PC and it crashed... and crashed... and crashed. 5 times. The next night at work I broke down and bought the Mac online. I must say, I am really loving it! It is taking a little getting used to in order to figure out all the ways things work...I'm learning all of the tricks slowly but surely.
I'm about half way through ER orientation. It is a lot to learn but I really like everyone down there and all the things I am getting to do! My preceptor--and my back-up preceptor-- are both amazing!
The wedding is coming along-- we have the caterer booked, a step closer. Invitations, the guys' suits and flowers are next. It's a little more comforting with every thing that is checked off of the list. I have only had a few of those crazy wedding dreams you hear about gals having-- the kind where my wedding is all of a sudden upon me, nothing is done, no decorations, no dress fittings, no flowers, nothing. And all I do is panic. It's terrible. So the least amount of these that I have, the better!
Back to the Mac.... my heart is very happy to have it for my photos! Easy to use, the colors are great, and I am getting used to the shortcuts for things! I took some "engagement photos" of my brother and Emma last weekend... we started out at Weston State Park and then moved to Loose Park down by the Plaza. Both were great places to go and gorgeous. I have added some photos below, plus a couple from our quick trip to Red Barn Farm the next day with my handsome godson, Jett, and cute new cousin, Sophia! :)
Lots ofMAC magnificent things happening around me! :)
This is my first post from my new(ish) Mac. I took some photos for a friend last month, went to download them on my PC and it crashed... and crashed... and crashed. 5 times. The next night at work I broke down and bought the Mac online. I must say, I am really loving it! It is taking a little getting used to in order to figure out all the ways things work...I'm learning all of the tricks slowly but surely.
I'm about half way through ER orientation. It is a lot to learn but I really like everyone down there and all the things I am getting to do! My preceptor--and my back-up preceptor-- are both amazing!
The wedding is coming along-- we have the caterer booked, a step closer. Invitations, the guys' suits and flowers are next. It's a little more comforting with every thing that is checked off of the list. I have only had a few of those crazy wedding dreams you hear about gals having-- the kind where my wedding is all of a sudden upon me, nothing is done, no decorations, no dress fittings, no flowers, nothing. And all I do is panic. It's terrible. So the least amount of these that I have, the better!
Back to the Mac.... my heart is very happy to have it for my photos! Easy to use, the colors are great, and I am getting used to the shortcuts for things! I took some "engagement photos" of my brother and Emma last weekend... we started out at Weston State Park and then moved to Loose Park down by the Plaza. Both were great places to go and gorgeous. I have added some photos below, plus a couple from our quick trip to Red Barn Farm the next day with my handsome godson, Jett, and cute new cousin, Sophia! :)
Lots of
Thursday, August 23, 2012
New, New, New
Things are changing.
A.
We have a new, beautiful nephew, Hudson Dennis Hill. He was born last thursday and is as perfect as they come. We are already in love with him!
B.
Shawn has a few things going on for his future, but nothing final yet, so we will wait to finish this part!
C.
When I started out as a nurse I had a list of things in my head that I really wanted... they are as follows.
1. To work in PEDS, specifically at Children's Mercy. (FYI: I applied only to 2, yes 2, positions in the KC area as my schooling was coming to an end. This was at a time when people were having so much trouble finding jobs they were applying to literally dozens of different jobs and different hospitals/clinics/doc's offices/jails/county health depts, and so on. 2....)
2. To work in an ER. The fast pace, the numerous different things you get to see, the noise and movement and excitement. If you know me at all, you know this is what I L.O.V.E. You are also aware that I walk fast, talk fast and definitely talk LOUD! This poses a slight problem working on the floor in the middle of the night. People like to sleep. I am great about being quite in my actual patient's rooms (in fact, a pet peeve is when someone is loud in my kiddo's room when they are sleeping) but it's when I am talking to others-- I tend to get excited. And loud. The ER has the perfect remedy for that. Everyone is awake. Plus, who wouldn't want to start IVs all day and see cool, gross things come in- yes, that is the sick and twisted nursing mind at work. We love those things that most would find hard to stomach.
Well, that pretty much concludes my list. Fairly straight forward. Peds. ER.
I was more than blessed to get my job on 4ST at Children's Mercy. The kids with open heart surgery, liver transplants... exciting stuff for nurses. We like the kids that make us think hard. Plus, I work with such an awesome group of nurses! I have met some of my closest friends on this floor. And they are the ONLY group of nurses I will fully trust with my unborn children. Really! I sure hope I can make requests years down the road for my sick kid to be on this floor, 'cause it will happen.
That being said, I can still happily say that I accepted a position in the Children's Mercy ER! I start in less than 3 weeks and I am so excited! I am going to miss my 4ST girls a t-t-t-ton, so they better all keep hanging out with me ;) But I know I will love the ED and I am ready to start a new chapter.
Big changes are coming.
And my heart is so very happy!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Who Says You Can't Go Home
A little over three months has gone by since I last posted.... well, I've been busy!
Getting back in the swing of things at work, starting planning on our wedding (much more work to be done that you could ever imagine!), and enjoying life have taken up much of my time!
So here are some updates:
The wedding planning is coming along, although slowly, things are getting done. We have our very amazing photographers lined up--which we cannot be any more grateful for! If you have not had the chance to check them out, here's their website: http://www.birdsofafeatherphotosblog.blogspot.com/
They do beautiful work and if you follow them often, the level of humor is up there in their posts! We are already in love with them!
I went to the last couple of bridal shows and ended up booking our DJ, videographer, and photobooth! It is all one company, which will save a lot of time for us, and the guy doing it seems like he fits us perfectly.
The biggest part, for me at least, is that I bought my gown! It is gorgeous and exactly what I was looking for. Getting that was a huge step. To top it off, it was supposed to not be here until December and it came in less than 3 weeks! So I could technically try it on any time I want. Too bad I cannot wear it out on a daily basis!
Work is going well, I am happy to be back on my floor! I missed my heart and liver kiddos more than I thought. Plus, I really did miss my co-workers! It's good to get back in the swing of things with the floor and get back to hanging out with this gals! I really am lucky to work where I do and with the people there! That being said, I also miss my TCH gals! I wish I could move them up here; I know they would get along great with our crew.
I have had a few days of just being sad to not be with the roomies from Houston! It is a bit unsettling to not have them here to share all my good news with! :/
Life in general has been busy! There are too many things to explain really, but.... we ran the 5k Color Run- a must do for everyone, it is a ton of fun, visited the new aquarium in KC, I took my first flight with Shawn flying the plane- not too bad but verrry windy, had my godson's 1st bday party, have been catching up with friends and fam since I am back in town now, and we had a great 4th of July and weekend after with family and friends all gathered in one place!
Along with everything that has already gone on, the next few months are going to be pretty eventful!
August brings the birth of our nephew, Hudson, whenever he decides to appear! I cannot wait to meet this little fella and welcome him to the world. We were honored to get the opportunity to attend his 3D sonogram and it literally brought tears to my eyes. He is going to be so perfect!
Mid-month we are bridesmaid dress shopping! I'm so happy every gal will be there for it!
Next month we are going to Washington DC to take engagement photos with Maggie and Betty (our BOAF photographers) and I cannot wait! (That reminds me, I really need to go shopping for that! And yes, that is NEED, not want)
October brings the wedding of two of our favorite people, Holly and Cory!
We have a few more things in the works in the upcoming months, not gunna jinx either of us by saying what, but say a little prayer for us that things work in our favor! :) I will update you more as they (hopefully) fall into place.
Until then, here a just a handful of my favorite pics from the last few months... Well, they are mostly just my iPhone pics, but still some good ones! :)
At the aquarium in KC
Getting back in the swing of things at work, starting planning on our wedding (much more work to be done that you could ever imagine!), and enjoying life have taken up much of my time!
So here are some updates:
The wedding planning is coming along, although slowly, things are getting done. We have our very amazing photographers lined up--which we cannot be any more grateful for! If you have not had the chance to check them out, here's their website: http://www.birdsofafeatherphotosblog.blogspot.com/
They do beautiful work and if you follow them often, the level of humor is up there in their posts! We are already in love with them!
I went to the last couple of bridal shows and ended up booking our DJ, videographer, and photobooth! It is all one company, which will save a lot of time for us, and the guy doing it seems like he fits us perfectly.
The biggest part, for me at least, is that I bought my gown! It is gorgeous and exactly what I was looking for. Getting that was a huge step. To top it off, it was supposed to not be here until December and it came in less than 3 weeks! So I could technically try it on any time I want. Too bad I cannot wear it out on a daily basis!
Work is going well, I am happy to be back on my floor! I missed my heart and liver kiddos more than I thought. Plus, I really did miss my co-workers! It's good to get back in the swing of things with the floor and get back to hanging out with this gals! I really am lucky to work where I do and with the people there! That being said, I also miss my TCH gals! I wish I could move them up here; I know they would get along great with our crew.
I have had a few days of just being sad to not be with the roomies from Houston! It is a bit unsettling to not have them here to share all my good news with! :/
Life in general has been busy! There are too many things to explain really, but.... we ran the 5k Color Run- a must do for everyone, it is a ton of fun, visited the new aquarium in KC, I took my first flight with Shawn flying the plane- not too bad but verrry windy, had my godson's 1st bday party, have been catching up with friends and fam since I am back in town now, and we had a great 4th of July and weekend after with family and friends all gathered in one place!
Along with everything that has already gone on, the next few months are going to be pretty eventful!
August brings the birth of our nephew, Hudson, whenever he decides to appear! I cannot wait to meet this little fella and welcome him to the world. We were honored to get the opportunity to attend his 3D sonogram and it literally brought tears to my eyes. He is going to be so perfect!
Mid-month we are bridesmaid dress shopping! I'm so happy every gal will be there for it!
Next month we are going to Washington DC to take engagement photos with Maggie and Betty (our BOAF photographers) and I cannot wait! (That reminds me, I really need to go shopping for that! And yes, that is NEED, not want)
October brings the wedding of two of our favorite people, Holly and Cory!
We have a few more things in the works in the upcoming months, not gunna jinx either of us by saying what, but say a little prayer for us that things work in our favor! :) I will update you more as they (hopefully) fall into place.
Until then, here a just a handful of my favorite pics from the last few months... Well, they are mostly just my iPhone pics, but still some good ones! :)
 |
| My godson Jett taking a ride |
 |
| Addi putting lip gloss on Shawn.... |
 | ||
Color Run!
|
 |
| Our amazing first basegirl |
 |
| Sporting KC game w Meg and my co-worker |
 |
| 4th of July |
 |
| With Kim at All Star Celebrity game |
 |
| First flight! |
 |
| The butterfly that kept landing on me at the pool! |
 |
| Caught the bouquet! |
 |
| Bad dog! Ate an entire cob of corn! |
At the aquarium in KC
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The final lap
One week.
One week until my contract is fulfilled and I am back in KC.
This past week has been actually pretty eventful! I went to see my Great-Aunt Diane who lives in Willis, TX- about 45mins north of my house down here. What a great day! We hung out, chatted, went shopping and grabbed lunch down in The Woodlands, and had a lovely day! It was great to get to know her and I really felt sad when I left that she does not live closer.
I went to the benefit show/art show for Not For Sale to raise money for the fight against human trafficking, which my beautiful cousin is on the team for.
I went to Hobby Lobby (yes, again... we are now on a nickname kinda basis, from this point on it shall by referred to as simply the Hob) to get more craft supplies. This time I somehow made a decent fabric flower when I got home... the stem could use a little rehab, but in my defense it was pretty late and I really wanted to just get it over with at that point. Nevertheless it came out quite well. I have a ton of fabric that I might be experimenting with in between packing.
BUT.... How sad is it to leave all of these great people in Houston?!?
And boy, have there been some great ones!
Here are a few of my faves (in no particular order):
Oliver, Elliot, and Lochlan
The cute little boys I helped babysit! Seriously cute! (Oh and they are currently learning the art of eating with utensils... hence the mac&cheese/yogurt faces!)
 |
Roomies! Holy cow. These three ladies will stay in my heart forever! Thank you guys for everything- being there for me, sharing your space, and most importantly your lives with me! It has been more fun than I could have imagined and I will miss you so much! TCH gals! I have been so very blessed to get to know such a wonderful group of women! Having you guys made this transition so much easier! Thank you for including this short-term gal in your plans and in your lives! |
We may have been a little loopy at this point!
Tomorrow is my last day off before I leave! How crazy! I will definitely be glad to be *home* and see all of my loved ones, but I did not expect to meet SO MANY great people here!
Can't I just wrap everyone up in a pretty ribbon and send them home as a gift?!? Please?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)