Simple Things

Today, before going into work I just took some quiet moments to myself. In my quiet apartment, with nothing to do, I just sat and enjoyed this moment in my life.

+enjoying the sight of my christmas tree
+staring at the glowing lights
+snuggling up with a good book

Year in Review // 2012

Janurary

 

 

 

 

Winter fun

February

Nick begins his job search

 

 

Concert for Nick's 22nd birthday

March

bridesmaid day- found the prrfect dresses

Spring break in Panama City Beach, FL

2 year anniversary <3

April

I turn 22!

 

 

Nick gets baptized into the Catholic faith

May

Nick and I graduate college

June

 

 

 

Tear Party Bridal Shower

Applying for our marriage license

July

July 4th tradition waffle

Spending the fourth of July at the cabin with friends

Bridal Shower

August

Getting my hair done by my MOH Jill- only weeks before the wedding

September

Bachelorette Party

Married my best friend

October

Honeymoon to Seattle

10.8.12

Halloween Costumes [Black swan and football player] all to get our $2  Chipotle burrito

November

Pecan Pie on Thanksgiving

playing in granma/pa's backyard with the girls before the snow flew on Thanksgiving

December

Our first Xmas tree in our new home

Between graduating college, passing my boards and becoming an RN, accepting a new full time RN position at one of the top hospitals in the world,  Nick getting baptized, moving to a new apartment, getting married. . .  I'd say I thoroughly enjoyed 2012.

There were some hardships as well; friends moving away, family members with health issues,  job rejections, financial struggles, not to mention the crazy number of national tragedies our country has experienced.

There are so many more pictures i could post, between having game night every week with our best friends, trips to visit long lost friends, new babies being born in our family, new pets, grandparents  wedding anniversaries etc.

I just can't believe how much has changed from last year at this time. Some of it good, some of it disappointing. But overall I can't believe how much I have changed.

Looking forward to the start of a new year and many memories to come.

xo.

What are some of you favorite memories from this year?

Tis da Season

Wrapping Gifts

There is no better feeling than when all the gifts are bought,  wrapped, and under the tree. Well I guess there is one better feeling. . . .  getting to open them! I will be celebrating Christmas this weekend since I work both xmas eve and day. (cue violins).

Tis da season. Enjoy the chaos of this holiday season. For not all chaos is bad.

Bits & Pieces

new pillow

new shoes

alarm clock

glowing lights

crock.pot diet

Thanksgiving

Our thanksgiving was filled with puppy love. We added a new addition to the clan, her name is Ursa and she is just the cutest lil bundle of joy.

The day was also filled with tons of food and playing outside before the snow began to fly.

I have so much to be thankful for this year.

xo

Bee Happy

I have been reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

This book is so wonderful. I can relate to almost everything she is feeling. It is a true story about a year of her life trying to be intentional with her happiness. Its not that she (or I) is "unhappy", but how many of us just go through our day to day life without truly appreciating it for all that it is.

This book is similiar to the SMART program I am undergoing. SMART stands fro "Stress management and resilience training" . This program, also known as AIT (Attention & Interpretation Therapy); How to be grateful, find peace and happiness in the chaos of life.

The mind is like the body. To be healthy we have to "work out" not just the body, but our minds as well.

Easier said then done. I am guilty of just mindlessly going through my day, not thinking about what I am even doing. I'm just doing it because I "have" to.

Train your brain // Engage your heart // Transform your life

If anyone is even reading this anymore. . .

What do you think about this topic?

 I had the pleasure of getting to attend one of Dr. Sood's lectures and got to practice this way of thinking and mindfulness.

Attention & Interpretation Therapy by Dr. Amit Sood

^^ Click the link and check out his book. I would highly recommend it, it can change your life.

Choices/ Excuses

I have been sick.

I have been working almost everyday.

I spent the weekend with family and didn't have time to go on the internet.

Just a few of my excuses for why I haven't blogged. All of which are true.

Sometimes you have to decide whats more important.

This week I chose me, family, sleep, & a break from the internet.

Is it Friday yet?

▲▲▲ : Seductive

Luring & transcendent. The beautiful inspiring Kate Upton.

What do you think of the November issue of Vogue Italia ??

The Mid-West in November

Last night Nick and I went to a close by communities fall celebration. They had a dinner buffet, entertainment, mini golfing, light maze, drive thru light show and much more. It was a chilly wonderful night.

Nothing like November in the mid-west. Stay cozy friends.

Halloween \\

It is too bad that Halloween is on a Wednesday.. .. .. all of my friends, and including me have to get up and work tomorrow morning.

But we dressed up and got our $2 Chipotle supper, and then headed over to Caribou to stock up on BOGO coffee for the morning.

I dressed up as the "Black Swan" and Nick was a football player.

Hope you all had a beautiful spooky halloween.

Friday for a family of 2

Southwest Panini
-vienna bread
 -guacamole
-jalepenos
-chicken
-tomatoes
-pepper jack cheese

 & tomato bisque soup.

Followed by an evening on the couch with our favorite candy and a cozy blanket. . ..

xo enjoy the weekend!

We are hoping to carve pumpkins and go see a horror film. (pre- halloween festivities)

Snapshots a.m.