As the semester comes to a close.

Where did the semester go?
And for that matter, where did this entire year go?
Today I had my last class of the semester.
I also went out with a bang by getting a 93% on my test today!
(Boo yeah!)
Pretty great end to a pretty great semester.

So now I'm sitting here, relaxing for the first time in quite a while.
I lucked out by finishing classes one day early because tomorrow is my birthday.
In juts a few hours I'm gonna be 21.
A legitimate adult.
Yikes.
I plan on celebrating tomorrow by bowling with my nursing buds in the morning and then heading up to SLC with Paul to get some dinner and enjoy the lights at Temple Square. We'll see what other festivities tomorrow brings. But for now, it's movie time. Ciao!

A few thoughts on life.

It's been a relaxed sort of day,
but somehow, I still managed to get a few things done.
One nice perk of holidays is that you generally get to miss either work or school on the following Monday. And hey, I'll take what I can get.
My plan was to sleep in, but my sister Rachael had different plans.
She came over-- bright and early, of course,
and showed me how to work the magic of coupons, rebates and up-rewards at rite-aid. I don't know how she does it, but after buying numerous items, including contact solution, automatic toothbrush, remote?, some allergy meds, and much much more, we MADE money. Isn't that insane??
All the shopping and money saving got me so excited to be a stay at home mom. Rach is so great with her kids. I love her little boys to pieces. Sometimes it can be tough as the youngest. Yes, us youngests get spoiled, but we have to sit among the ranks and wait to grow up as all of our older siblings move into different stages of life. Now, don't get me wrong-- I love my life. Every moment of it is an adventure. I just can't wait to have more new and exciting experiences.
But I digress.
I was going through my day, excited about all the life I have ahead of me. Then, I went and saw Toy Story 3. Umm, I'm gonna be honest here. That movie made me cry. Haha, is there something wrong with me? Seriously, though. That whole movie felt so sentimental. All morning I had the urge to grow up and move on, and then just a few hours later, I was longing for my childhood.
Life is funny, isn't it? We always want to go back, move ahead, rewind, fast forward. It's really kind of silly. The present is so good. At least, that's what I decided on the car ride home. So, I invite you to join in with me and enjoy your current situation, whatever it may be. Find the joy in every moment. In my opinion, that's the only way to live life.

Stressed Out.

Then end of the semester is always stressful.
This time around, it was unusually so.
I seriously felt like my life was falling to pieces.
I kept forgetting to do assignments, take quizzes, etc.
Luckily, I am surrounded by some amazing people.

On Monday, I woke up at 7:02... I was supposed to be AT work at 7. Frantically, I start running around the apartment trying to get ready. Miss Redford was an angel and she drove me to work. I clocked in at 7:12.

Mr. Cornwall was also a great friend this week.
If you want to know what the definition of a nice guy is, just talk to him. I was in a bind Sunday night and he helped me out, no questions asked. He even covered a part of my shift so I could get all my school work done.

Another gem that has helped me out this week is Miss Walter.
I was extremely tired and I wanted to go to bed SO bad, but my hair was wet and it had to be done before I could hit the hay. I was so exhausted that I was incoherent. Ashley rescued me by doing my hair for me. That's right, she blow dried and straightened my hair.

Now, we can't forget Mr. J. Nelson.
He is undoubtedly the best listener I have EVER met.
Not only is he a pro listener, he's also great at giving advice. I'm pretty sure he's a sage.

And my life wouldn't be complete without Miss Collins.
She provides comic relief to my life.
This girl can make me laugh no matter what is bothering me. When I started to feel overwhelmed she would crack a joke and make me smile.

I also want to give a shout out to my Nursing Friends and my Anatomy Buddies.
These people came into my life this semester and made the past four months a complete success. They helped me study and have fun while I was at it. When I got bogged down, they would make study groups and split up the work. I'm glad that I get to continue on with my fellow nurse comrades, but I'll sincerely miss my anatomy friends cramming for the week quizzes with me.

Basically, my life would be a wreck if it weren't for the fantastic people around me. I know when something goes wrong, there is always someone to turn to.

Hahaha.

lI love my job.
Why?
Because I get to overhear things like this,
"I'm staying summer term so I can change my status from single, to player."
Bahaha.
Life is so good.

Garage Sales

It's that time of year again.
The sun is shining brighter, the sky is bluer
and people are holding their annual
g.a.r.a.g.e. s.a.l.e.s.
I went "garage sailing" for the first time this season.
It was splendid.
I kept my purchases to a minimum, seeing as I have to store everything I have in Provo while I'm in Ohio for the summer.
However, I couldn't resist buying myself 3 decorative pillows.
They are hideous, but that's why it's so great.
Now I have a sewing project: Slip Covers.
Life is so good.

Blast to the past.

I was just chillin out in my apartment listening to music.

Then this came on:Ace of Base.

Hello childhood. I've missed you.
Seriously though, it took me straight back to my younger years.
Random memories were just popping into my head
and I starting thinking about my brother, Benjamin:
He's a pretty stellar guy.
Of course, he can be a punk, but what can you expect from an older brother?
Right now is an especially exciting time for him, seeing as he is engaged and set to be married at the end of April.
I am more than happy for him, but it's a bittersweet time.
His marriage will mark the end of our era together as the youngest siblings, wild and crazy.
He'll be starting a new chapter in his life.
I won't be far behind, but for a while, things will be different.
Luckily, I adore his finacee, Becca:She's a real gem.
I'm excited to have a sister-in-law my age.
This could be dreadful, if she were some big crazy,
but I'll vouch for her-- she's awesome.

I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan of change, but
we were taught,"come what may and love it," right?
Well, that is exactly what I am going to do.
Welcome to the family Becca.