guess who got into dental school...?

Brian! 

We got an unofficial official call this morning from Midwestern University in AZ and they told him they had an "offer" for him and that he could see it online on Monday (they aren't supposed to be officially accepting people until the 3rd). 

So exciting! It is his top pick (I think - he changes his mind a lot). I think it's a great school... it's just so dang hot out there close to Phoenix. I'd melt. We will probably find out about other schools on Monday! So proud of my geek ;). 

First day of pre-dental classes so long ago - he was pretty enthusiastic about those chemistry goggles (if you can't tell!)

#13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have

Howdy ho!

Well, I haven't written in a while because I haven't really had too much to write about! I've been working a lot, helping Brian study for the DAT (trying), and trying to get in shape again. Ever heard of "spidermans"? They are killer. If you want a good ab workout, talk to me..

We had a good time on the 4th of July with some friends. We had the biggest burgers I had ever seen at a barbeque and then we watched the fireworks from Rock Canyon Park. While we weren't able to see any really big fireworks because we were far away, we were able to see about 5 different fireworks shows because from where we were at we could see the whole valley. I love fireworks! I am, however, surprised that they even had them this year after a good part of Utah was on fire.

Brian will probably be taking the DAT next Friday. If you have some spare time to pray, please say one on his behalf! He has studied so, so hard. Unfortunately, he is at a big disadvantage because he isn't a biology major and consequently is trying to learn in a month what they learn in a few years. I am so proud of how hard he is working! I am glad the end is in sight and then we can party!

I realized the other day that I never finished up my "30 questions" series. So, on to number thirteen!

13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

1. Well, I have a weakness for Brian! Hehe... he makes me weak in the knees ;)

2. Sweets. Top three offenders: Ice cream, cookies, and brownies. I could pass on the chips any day of the week, but set a bowl of ice cream in front of me and my self control flies out the window. I'm trying to get better at that one.

3. Procrastination. I think I have gotten better at that one though.

4. I am sad to admit this, but I am not very great at good spiritual habits. I do really good for short spurts, but always go back to, well, not doing good.

5. Texting people back. If you are one of the people I have not texted back, you are not alone. I have a personal goal to get better at it!

For more of the questions, click here.

Happy Birthday! (lots of photos...)

Some say that the older you get, the less excited you get about your birthday. 

False.

Or, at least not around here. A birthday is a good reason to celebrate, see good friends, eat delicious food, and... get spoiled a little bit :).

Because I have managed to survive 25 years (truly miraculous when you consider I've been in Utah for the last 5 years or so around all of these crazy drivers...)... Brian decided that he wanted to celebrate the fact that I am now a quarter of a century old. So... he woke me up with this GIGANTIC pile of chocolate chocolate-chip pancakes cut into "quarter" pieces. Yum!

Please ignore the hair doo... I just woke up!

I found a pile of quarters in my car. I was informed that these are to be used on the vending machines at grocery stores so I can buy tattoos to my heart's content!

Later I was sent to the tennis courts ("quarts"), where we play tennis and had to find a little present he left for me there. After I got to plop down on a blanket and read a good book. I am definitely enjoying the extra time I've had to read some books that I actually want to read for a change... and I am absolutely in love with the weather lately. Sunshine!! (Sorry, no picture of the courts, just some of my favorite shoes!)

Next I came home to a quart of ice-cream! Ohhh how I love icecream.

We had a fun party that night and finally busted the piñata we've been hoarding for over a year. It was time for him to go...

Yes, that is definitely a frying pan...

Inspired by one of the best movies ever!

We also had the option of using one of Brian's old crutches or a broomstick.

Hannah finally killed it!

Brian made me the coolest cake! I found it on Pinterest a while ago and told him I wanted it for my birthday. I couldn't believe he remembered!

Check out the colors! It's a rainbow cake!

Lots of things happened last year... got married, graduated, got a job... we'll see what age 25 brings!

Turkey Day & the flu

Luckily Thanksgiving and the flu did not fall on the same day... I was lucky enough to get the flu on Saturday after we were home from our awesome trip down to Saint George! 

It was warm. Very warm :). I think I need a winter house in Saint George.

We had an amazing few days of delicious food, hanging out with family, and four-wheeling at the sand dunes! It was so nice to get out of Provo.... and Brian's aunts, uncles, and cousins are so much fun! We drove down on Thursday morning (after we got up at five) with Rebecca and Chris, got there pretty early and started peeling potatoes (we weighed them after they were all mashed and we had 35 pounds of mashed potatoes in one pot and about the same in another. Ca-razy.). Rebecca and I made the yams and everyone else helped with the rest! It was super yummy and there were about 40 people there! We played soccer, kickball, football, and had some good chats. 

We were planning on camping out in the backyard because of the large volume of people... but once we got there they let us know that we'd be staying in the neighbor's guest house... which was super nice! I was a little sad that I didn't get to camp, but relieved that I wouldn't freeze my buns off. Added bonus: the neighbors had a giant dog named George and he was SO cute and friendly! I miss my dog :/

Chris & Rebecca

Isn't this thing sweet? It's a "RZR". The kids complained of bonking their heads too much when they caught air though....

Grandpa Buzz!

Yep, I got awesome red goggles :)

check out the dirt on my collar! We were soooo dirty after.

Back to the real world on Friday evening I got down to working on my 20 page research paper about proper bottle-feeding techniques. Saturday we prostituted our plasma and then Saturday night... dun dun duunnnnnnnnnnn.... I got struck with the flu. Ew.

And guess what...

I still have it! It has now turned into a violent cold flu thing, but man oh man I'm ready to feel better. Nothing like a flu to make you want to lay in bed all day long and watch Gilmore Girls (which I have - thanks mom for letting me borrow your season). I have also watched Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., Walk the Line (which I did not like), the Italian Job, and plenty of YouTube videos. 

Oh, and somehow I finished my paper! Yaaay!

Brian has been an excellent help - always there to fluff my pillow, feed me some soup, grab some medicine, set up movies, and make me laugh. That's all you need when you're sick! I think I'm finally on the mend, however. I just need to make sure I'm completely better before Tuesday so I can go and do my last shift as a student nurse at clinicals! Ay carumba!

Who wants to hear what the nurse manager wrote me in her email? ... I wrote her to ask her "how hard" she thought I should look for another job as a back up. You know, feeling out the situation. 

Jeanne,

This is Rachael Pearce, the Capstone student currently working with Becca Derouin in your unit. I just wanted to say thank you so much for receiving my resume and discussing possible future employment with me! I have had an excellent experience in the NICU and have learned so much. I am actually sad to see the semester come to an end next week but I am so excited at the prospect of becoming part of the NICU team. I feel that I can be a great asset to an already exceptional staff. I graduate at the beginning of December and plan to take the NCLEX as soon as possible (end of January or early February). What will be the best way to keep in contact with you between now and when I pass my boards? I have a portfolio containing information about my project and certifications and am planning on bringing it on Friday for your review.

Because I know nothing is for certain, I was wondering what your advice is on applying for positions elsewhere. Should I spend a lot of time and energy doing that or do you feel that I have a great chance at getting a job with your staff? I plan to apply to at least a few other hospitals for the experience, but I know the place I want to work is at University Hospital.  

I look forward to seeing you sometime soon! Thank you again,

Rachael Pearce

rachael.l.nielsen@gmail.com

This is what she wrote back:

Jeanne Thornton	Nov 30 (3 days ago)
to me

Rachel:

You can keep in touch with me through this email.  That will be the best.  We plan to post positions the first part of January, and I will definitely put you on the list.  You will need to go through the interview process with me and the staff, but your chances are very,  very high as I have already had such great recommendations from the staff regarding your performance.  I will contact you the minute we put the jobs on the board.  You can apply even if you haven’t taken boards, as we will look to hire everyone together.  We mostly hire new grads, so you may all be in the same boat.  I think we will look to hire about 4 new RNs.  I will be here in the morning on Friday, so make sure I see you that morning.  I’m only here until about 11:00 that day.  I would never discourage you from making other applications as you never know maybe your dream job is elsewhere and you just don’t know it.  It is good experience to go through the process.  Thanks for your interest in our unit.  It is a great place to work. JT

Jeanne Thornton, RN, BSN

Nurse Manager

Newborn Intensive Care Unit

University of Utah Hospital

Cha-ching!

So, as you can see, it is not for certain, but my chances are "very, very high." Oh yeah! Just gott make sure I don't screw anything up to ruin those chances!

Brian and I took a field trip to Salt Lake and got me all registered for the NCLEX and my Nursing RN license (don't worry, just $300 - aaaah! I better pass it the first time!). We were going to go to the temple but it was CLOSED. So sad. So we took pictures with the animals instead :)

Ok, things I still need to blog about (this is a reminder to myself!)

1. 11.11.11 date
2. the Help
3. Amanda taking our blood!
4. Holiday plans

Well, it's back to homework! Hope everyone is doing grrreat :)

who wants to see my wedding dress?

I DO!

And I get to... I have my last fitting appointment this morning at 10 and then I get to take it home with me! After the nightmare of trying to find shoes, I finally found 2 pairs I'd be willing to wear - so I'm taking them to the shop with me and deciding right there with the dress.

Eeee! 4 days!

Nerves are annoying. Very.

did I mention I'm sort of freaking out?

Here I am, trying to study for finals, trying to figure out when I am going to move (I'm kicked out on Thursday), and all I can think about is I am getting married in 11 days. Freaky, right? I have had an anxious stomach for the past 3 days in a row that just won't go away. On the bright side it makes the "pre-wedding diet" much easier to follow, but on the not-so-bright side, I feel constantly nauseated! I can't concentrate on studying for my finals (luckily one of them is for my marriage and family class, so the subject matter at least seems applicable) and I keep remembering all of the little things that need to be done within the next 11 days.

GULP.

So, I am trying to remember to breathe and remember what is most important! It doesn't matter that much that I can't find shoes that are teal or raspberry pink, it doesn't matter that we don't have a freezer to put the ice-cream in for the reception, etc - what matters is that in 11 days I get to marry Brian! Yay! And then all of this craziness will melt away (soon to be replaced by newlywed craziness, no doubt)!

I am grateful for friends and family that are helping out along the way. Brian is also being understanding and just holds my hand and tells me that everything will be "just great." And you know what? I think he's right!

The invitation :) - the colors look a bit weird on this screen, but I think the invites turned out cute!

Happy Green Day

I was at the mental health clinic this morning and we had a St. Patrick's Day party... the mentally disturbed people made up a song and I thought it was cute so I'm going to share it with you...

Sung to the tune of JINGLE BELLS...!

Looking for a rainbow... on a sunny shamrock day,
A shiny coin you'll find, if you go that way!

Leprechauns are near, dressed in festive green,
hiding pots of lucky gold, 'tis true they can't be seen, OH!

Leprechauns, leprechauns, Ireland all the way
Running here and jumping there throughout St. Patricks Day... Hey!

Leprechauns, leprechauns, hope you find their gold,
Catch a lucky leprechaun before you grow too old!


They're pretty creative, huh?!