Change

"Life’s challenges and changes provide opportunities for us to grow as we exercise our agency in making righteous decisions." ---Elder Steven E. Snow

Nursing school has made its mark quite often in the last few blogs of mine. For obvious reasons, its one of the biggest parts of my life right now. Along with that has come the huge unbalanced life of mine. Its been frustrating to me, and I've tried different ways to keep it balanced. But now, I think I've figured out a way to help my craziness.
It hit me a few weeks ago in church when I came to the realization that Nursing school has taken the forefront in my life. Of course, it will take a lot of my focus, but it doesn't have to take all of my focus for me to be successful. I've started to lose touch with Elena. I don't want that anymore! So...I had an epiphany yesterday. I needed a physical outlet for all my stress, and to improve my energy throughout the week to get everything done. Dance isn't available right now, especially since I'm unemployed and it costs $$. But, I can still work out. I don't need a gym to do that... so, bring it on P90X, yoga, and running shoes! :)

The 2nd part of my new goal is to go to bed between 10-1030 on weekdays, and wake up between 6-630, allowing me time to workout, shower, eat, and study. But not just school study, scripture study. I really need to strengthen my "armor". Recently I was challenged to read the whole Book of Mormon between now and the end of August, estimating about two chapters per day. It is do-able. It will help me, and not only will it help me but it will enable me to reach outside MY circle of needs, and help meet others. I need some outward focus in my life, because it makes my problems and struggles seem more bearable and easier to overcome.

I feel good. Today was the first day of my new goals. It felt great. I wasn't rushed to get to school. I was able to focus, and I felt more awake. I'm excited. And, I just wanted to share it.

I feel so grateful to be alive. I'm grateful for a healthy body, and the opportunity to make it even healthier. I'm grateful for such an amazing family, and I can't imagine life without them. I'm grateful for all the opportunities the Lord has blessed me with, and for my Savior who's love and understanding makes life so much easier to endure.

"We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." ---A of F 1:13

My Birthday Week!

WOOHOO I'm 22!! Its so fun to get old. :)

It was a nice birthday this year. I didn't do anything extravagant, but I had my wonderful boyfriend here the WHOLE week. He lives in Missouri, so we only get to see each other every month or so. Not so fun. He got here late Monday night, so we just caught up and decided to hit the sack by midnight since I had school the next day, and I couldn't miss it!

My awesome brother Nate

My gorgeous little sister Emily

My birthday roses :)

However, Tuesday was a different story. My friend had let me borrow his kayaks, so Coty and I headed out to Canyon lake to explore. Its my favorite lake around here, and the drive itself is amazing. He isn't a fan of the desert, but he loved the lake. Can't wait to show him the Northern part of the state- its absolutely gorgeous, and he has no idea! Isn't he smokin'?! ;)We had so much fun, and I def want to invest in some kayaks. I already have a list of things I want to DO and BUY after I graduate and pay off my loans. I'm excited, and it pushes me!

I'm so glad he's strong enough to carry me!

The night before my birthday we went to dinner with Lisa and Dom. We went to Oregano's and it was soooo good. I ate too much. Coty and I shared a pizza, Pablo Picasso salad, and then the four of us shared a pizookie (sp?). Mmm... To die for.

Free Birthday Dozen :)

Yes, this is my super hot boyfriend. Chivalry at it's finest.

My mom made my birthday dinner. We had steak, cheesy potatoes, veggies, sparkling cider (my fave) and cake. Actually, we didn't end up eating my birthday cake until a few days after because everyone wanted to be together to sing, but with our conflicting schedules it just didn't happen. So I drooled over it until Sunday when I decided to just have some myself. I mean, it was MY cake. :) Anyways, the dinner was delicious. My mom is my favorite chef. She's amazing, and I love her. I love my whole family!

Mural on a wall that my oldest bro helped paint of the history of Superior.

The beginning, and end, of my modeling career. ;) haha

Wow. He sure is easy on the eyes!

Friday morning we woke up and headed out to Superior. This was the town that I grew up in for the first 11 years of my life. My tata still lives there, and that is where my parents were raised. It has a LOT of history to it. I had a blast taking Coty around and showing him all the places I went to, my old house, school, pool, softball field, among other places. He had fun, and we ended up walking around Main Street and took some pictures. I wish we had more time. I've been dying to take him up to Payson, Sedona and Show Low. That will just have to wait for the summer. His plane was scheduled to leave at 430, so once we got home from Superior we had enough time to just relax and cuddle some more before I took him to the airport. It was so fun. I wish that he lived closer. I'm grateful that he was able to miss a couple days of school to be here with me for my birthday!

--XoXo--

A little update

This year has been so crazy thus far. Nursing school is simply amazing. I can't believe how much I've learned, and how much I have YET to learn! I now can safely give injections, medications, catheters, wound dressing changes... and other stuff I won't list on here :) Its been quite the experience and I've made some great friendships. Just over two weeks left, and Block 1 will be finished! I am so grateful to be in the best nursing program in Arizona. And no, I'm not biased at all. I never realized how much nursing school could change me, and its all only for the better. :)


I love to see the temple. This is my most favorite place to be. I need to make it more of a priority to get here often. I went to see the Easter Pageant this year with my family and absolutely LOVED it. It has been a few years since I've seen it from the audience side, and it was so nice. I cried almost the whole time. I don't remember ever being as emotional as I have been the past year or two. I have gained a new love for my Savior, and his sacrifice in my behalf, that has really helped me to be stronger and have more courage. I guess its part of aging and becoming a woman. :) Here's a pic from the last time I did it, in '08. I'm hoping I'll be able to participate in it at least one more time before I get too old to dance.

I also had an opportunity to attend a show put on by Tia's Royal Islanders with my sister Emily. They have a venue here in East Mesa, and do a lot of caterings and Polynesian shows around the valley. I've really been missing dance. It has always been my stress reliever and outlet from life's worries. I don't have that anymore, and I'm not feeling as good as I used to. I like exercising, but I hate doing it alone. Exercise is great, and I love it, but its not dance. So, this is an opportunity to perform again, and whenever I'm available. Also for a little bit of a cash inflow. Which is always nice :) We'll see!


I've also been getting into family history! Its been a slow start, considering Nursing school has taken the lead in my life. But, I actually have a really good head start thanks to my tia Emma. I'm very excited to get this rolling, because my dad's whole side of the family needs a LOT of work done. Its kind of a mess going a few generations back, and I hope that with the Lord's help I can find all my family. To me, its important to know my family history. I learn about those who went before me, and the family that has made it possible for me to be here today. There is so much we can learn from our ancestors. I can't wait to graduate, because one of my goals is to get my passport and head down to Mexico and do some sightseeing of places my family comes from. Here's a pic of my dad's parents, who's lines I am working on. I never met my Nana Emma, she passed away when my dad was 17. But isn't she beautiful?!


I'm now 22!!! Its insane to me how fast time flies. I had a nice birthday this year. Coty came out for my whole birthday week. We had a lot of fun, and it was so nice to see him even though I still had to go to school. He was so patient with all that I had to do, and I really miss the everyday things that we used to get to do together. He's a great guy, and I'm so grateful for all that he does for me. I'll make another post for that week, since this one is already getting long enough. I'll share one more thing, we got a new puppy! Her name is Zumba, and she is the CUTEST chihuahua I have ever seen. I'm not a fan of chihuahuas at all. They yap way too much and are so annoying, and I never thought they were cute dogs at all. Zumba is the only exception to this rule. She is small, black, energetic, and a great self-esteem booster. She loves to cuddle, and has these big floppy ears and the cutest puppy face ever. Her mom's ears are floppy too, so I'm hoping Zumba's don't go all pointy on us. I like her the way she is. Her major flaw: she bites my toes ALL the time. It's not that cute. But, I still love her. My dad is a closet puppy lover too. He won't admit it, but he is pretty selfish when it comes to cuddling with her. ;)

I Love Spring

Springtime is my most favorite time of year. The weather is amazing, and everything is starting to bloom and the colors are so bright! Sadly, it doesn't last that long in Arizona before getting too warm. But I still love it :)

These were taken in Missouri this past year, but I absolutely love how bright the colors are!