I realize my lack of
visits lately and it has brought me back in time to my last school break!
Shhesh... talk about neglect~ quite honestly, the last of time (not motivation)
is sadly due to what consumes my life these days: SCHOOL! However, now that I
find myself on break again, I am happy to get right back to it and update you
all on my adventures!
Tombstone and
Tucson mini-trip
Like most breaks, we
had the itch to run away but lacked the fundage to venture off into another
state. Therefore, we sat down and planned out a few in-state road trip options
of places to explore. Where to go? North or South? We decided on the Tombstone
and Tucson weekender mini-trip. The first day, we took the peaceful stretch
from Tempe to Tucson to our first destination- Casino Del Sol. We gassed up,
ate breakfast, set my feet on the dash and we were off into the sunrise. The
desert seemed to go on what seemed like forever. Unfortunately, so did the
pollution. So much that even the surrounding mountains were invisible. Casino
Del Sol was unlike any I had ever been to. The huge casino invited us in with
free play, a complementary trip to the buffet and indoor scenery that was just
amazing. The scenery reminded me of a casino I had been to in Las Vegas. The
roof was that of a sky and the surrounding resembled a European Village. So
gorgeous. The food was a 6/10. Next destination: Desert Diamond Casino. On the
way, I noticed the road signs converting from miles to kilometers. Boy said it
was because we were getting closer to the Mexican border the further South we
went. Kind of interesting. We arrived at the casino and while they offered a
free play amount for new members, the casino was small and not nearly
impressive as Casino Del Sol. Once we burned off our free play, we checked into
our motel for the night. It was a bit chilly, but that didn't stop us from
taking a dip into the motel pool. It was my idea and I bravely trudged through
the frigid waters, while Boy took his sweet time. After much convincing, he
jumped in and shock set in. Furthermore, we began to feel awkward as unattended
children were staring at us and invited themselves to come into the pool area
parentless. All the while, their parent carelessly propped their room door open
and could be visually seen from the pool area. That pretty much concluded our
10 minute swim. It was just enough to relax us and let us slip away into a
sound night’s sleep. The next morning, we woke up and decided on Waffle House
for breakfast. I had a memorable childhood experience at one as a child. When
nursing my mother back to health from an illness she had as a truck driver, I
fed her by walking to a nearby Waffle House and buying her soup. I must've been
about 8 or 9 at the time. At any rate, it was Boy's first time. We gorded out
on a decently priced and very filling breakfast. Not to mention, their pecan
waffles were AMAZING! We continued our journey onto Tombstone, AZ. The drive
was serene. We stopped at a random gun shop and herbalist shop along the way.
Tombstone was nothing short of breathtaking. I always have had an appreciation
for history and a fascination with ghost towns in Arizona. Naturally, we had to
visit the Bird Cage Theatre, Big Nose Kate's Saloon, the old courthouse, O.K. Corral,
and various other attractions to include a fudge shop with a woman who shared
stories of her journey to Arizona, an old-fashioned photo shop where we had our
picture taken and another gun shop but this was run by a gossiping veteran who
let cats overrun his shop, leaving it to smell of urine and feces. By that
time, we were more than ready to return to the valley. My car was in the shop
and we were expected to retrieve it by the days end. Loads of moola later, the shark
was back on the road after a cigarette butt lodges the carb and make her sleep
on the freeway. A positive of her being in the shop- she got a whole bunch of
other nooks n crannies worked out that would make her more reliable.
Tragic Semester
This semester was
anything but sweet- more like sour! It was the first semester I took on 5
classes and most of them were nursing graded (77% or above to pass). We lost
one of our members by class failures in semester 3, he had to be held back and
the other was held back mid-semester by other personal reasons. The group
divided. There was a big, drawn out event that happened in the beginning that
led to a lot of feelings hurt and hard feelings. You find out who your friends
are when it seems like everyone deserts you. The whole situation makes me very
sad because I started the "group" with the best of intentions, being
that it was a great support system and it got turned into a terrible situation.
Needless to say, all the group but 5 people stopped talking to me and isolated
me along with anyone who had any association with me. It made for a very
uncomfortable semester. It felt like a huge elephant in the room no one cared
to address. The people that stuck by me formed a nice study group. We met twice
a week (sometimes more) at a local coffee shop known by the Extreme Bean or my
casa and studied, studied, studied. We always managed to have a good time and I
found it to be very beneficial. Extreme Bean is a local spot filled with local
art work- such a fun lil place! In the end, we laughed and stressed together
until the very end. I am sad to report that I failed the class I struggled with
the most- Pathophysiology (as did more than 50% of the class). A few fully
passed all their classes. I completed the semester with 2A's, 1B, 1C, and 1D. A
"D" is not acceptable for nursing classes and therefore, I failed and
must repeat the course. Fortunately, the class is not part of the "fail 2
and you're out" deal. However, it will just cost me more out of pocket
now, possibly land me into a part time gig for the next semester and I'll
graduate in the spring of 2016 now. Shit happens, what can I say? At least I'm
not alone.
Yayyyyy officially
1/2 way through!
Changes in the
Home
Our roommates decided
they needed to move shortly after I re-signed the new lease for the year.
Martin and I talked about it and decided on staying in our beloved townhome.
This meant manning all bills on our own and coming up with $500 extra a month
to make ends meet. We have managed nicely so far. Much better than expected.
The first thing we did was cash in on our free carpet cleaning reward from the
rental company for re-upping the contract. The place transformed. Martin set up
his "man-cave" in the vacated bedroom and I decorated both bathrooms.
We kept everything as it was upstairs and we resurrected the "home"
through our cleaning extravaganza. The vibe is quieter... too quiet at times,
but I'm adjusting. The puppies are always here so I don't get lonely.
Eat Clean, Feel
Better
We have actively
continued on our farmer’s market journey in eating healthier and helping us
lead better lives. Noted, we aren't perfect, but we are trying. I feel a lot
better since we have started making these changes. I just need to kick the
soda! On another note, I terribly miss yoga! Yoga was a brief, but most
effective release from the stress that challenged me daily. After a session, I
felt rejuvenated and was in the very best of thoughts about starting my day and
facing challenges in a new light. My body felt challenged, but it felt gooood.
I look forward to the day when I can enjoy this activity again.
Documentaries
& TV:
Television has become
sorts of a luxury since starting school. There is often no time for anything
but reading, assignments, writing papers, studying for exams&quizzes, and
all other reasons for school. So when I get a chance to watch something on
television, it tends to serve a purpose. I managed to watch a couple
documentaries and complete two seasons of a series I've come to be fond of. The
first documentary is titled, Forks over Knives. It was recommended by the check-out
girl at the farmers market. It talks about the benefits of living through a
plant-based diet. A+. The second documentary regards the tiny house movement.
It was fun to learn about many of people across America who have come to live
simply and build or purchase a home within their means, even if it is under 500
sq. ft. There is something to be admired about their determination and quest
for a simple life. Living simply is something that has been a work in progress
over the last three years and a personal goal of mine to achieve greater
heights in. Since discovering tips and developing new habits in achieving this
goal, I have felt the most inner happiness and peace within myself that I have
ever felt.
Last, I started and
completes two whole seasons of the PBS series "Call the Midwife"
during the beginning of my break from school this time around. It was a
wonderful series following a young nurse midwife during her experiences through
an English nun establishment in the late 50's and early 60's. Those of you who
know me, know I love the WW2/post WW2 era and also have a passion for a future
in being a nurse midwife. Needless to say, this series was completely up my alley
and extremely addicting for me. Simple pleasures for a girl who makes
television her least priority. Hints why I have no cable television.
Happy 29th/first
day of vacation!!
Did I mention this
small detail- I'M OLD! I turned 29 years young on Friday, August 15th! This was
also the first day of my vacation- which was a plus. I purchased cupcakes from
my favorite local cupcake spot in town the night prior and was greeted at
midnight by my Boy. He had to work. Therefore, at 10AM, my mother, Mike and Jordon
met me at the house and we headed out for brunch at Liberty Market in Gilbert,
AZ. I was free- they give you a $10 credit toward any item of your choice on
your birthday. We enjoyed each other’s company as we talked about health. It
was so hot outdoors, we settled on playing a few games of pool at what was
formerly named Lazy Q. I used to practically live at this pool hall as a
teenager and we had many memories there. I felt good to cut loose with the
jukebox and shoot a few games. We played in teams. My sister and the baby came
and we proceeded to have lunch at Joes BBQ (a sister company to Liberty Market
and also offered a free birthday $10 credit toward any meal). Once we ate and
caught up with my sister, I packed up half for the Boy and rolled out stuffed.
By that time, Martin was home and my mom and Mike headed home. Jordon, Martin
and I headed out to a movie at Tempe Marketplace: Expendables 3. Jordon
surprised me with buying me Converse for my present. Honestly, the presence of
those closest to me was gift enough and all I really wanted for my birthday
this year. The shoes were very kind and thoughtful though- I wore my old ones
down to the sole, so I needed them. I was truly grateful. Jordon left after
that and Martin and I enjoyed the cupcakes I bought the night prior before
finishing the movie, Transcendence. I took the weekend off, which was a nice
break. Martin worked, Friday and Saturday, but we were able to enjoy a Lazy
Sunday as we watched the movie, Divergent and I tried out some new recipes.
Jordon
The best part about
being on break, aside from time with Boy, is time with my bestie! Since putting
in his notice with his current job, he is on a 2 week vacation! He spent allll
day with me on my birthday, had lunch with me on Monday and spent the day with
me today too! It's nice to spend time with him. I am so happy he chose to buy a
home so close to us. He and Martin get along perfectly, which is also very
important to me. We are all set to go on vacation next week- can't wait!
Break time
Get-a-Way: Disneyland Bound
I have NEVER been to
Disneyland and can I even begin to tell you how ecstatic I am to be going?!
Here are our plans. I'll write when we return!
Day 1: Road Trip
& BBQ; Day 2: Disneyland & Pool Time; Day 3: Beach
Babies: The Best
for Last
There are plans for
our future. There aren't many beans to spill as of yet. However, it is in the
works. We aren't getting any younger and we simply cannot see our future
without a child (or children) in it. There were concerns we had that needed to
be addressed by a specialist, so we decided to see an OB/GYN to begin the
family planning process! Yes, you read right! We are planning on going through
the testing needed to possibly receive some answers to the questions we have. A
couple imaging tests for me and a swimmers test for him. This has to wait until
the beginning of my next cycle (next month). That'll give us time to save as
the procedures are not cheap by any means. In the meantime, I was instructed to
begin taking vitamins with folic acid to reduce the chances of neural tube
defects in the chances that we conceive. I have already been adjusting my diet
for other reasons, so that isn't so much a challenge at this time. We have also
been counting ovulation cycles and all the jazz that goes along with the
typical planning shenanigans. It is all very nerve racking. We decided when the
time comes, we will carry out the pregnancy until I need to possibly take a
semester off. Either way, life is happening. We are excited and looking forward
to the next step in our journey together.
That's all for now.
Peace <3
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