The Kelly Girls...

Kenpo X....

2009-03-16T20:17:00.001-04:00

Wow...this P90X thing is amazing! My fav workout is Kenpo--it's martial arts -- and it's hard as all get out!

I've signed up to run my first 10k as well....hmm...what am I thinking!?

Just got LG in the bed...now it's time for me to study my presentation for Wednesday!

I know it's been a while...things have been so crazy...I promise to get back to letting you know my thoughts!

2009-02-24T21:47:00.001-05:00

why doesn't my blog background work????? I'm really not an idiot!

Writer's Block....

2009-02-23T22:31:00.001-05:00

Can one have writer's block even if you aren't really a writer? I have been so "busy"--I haven't had time to think about what I really want to write about. There are so many things going on...sometimes I feel like my head is spinning! Maybe if I just list some of them, it will help...

1. LG started a new school...I was VERY nervous about how everything was going to work out--but as ALWAYS...God is faithful and provided. She is so vibrant...she loves school and Ms. Kimmmm's house.

2. Work is CRAZY...good, but crazy. Competition (which I LOVE) is hitting me a little harder than I would like...I'm having to come up with some creative strategies, but I have my boss behind me 140%.

3. I was away from LG for a WEEK....it was tough...even tougher, I got no sleep! I'm still paying for it!

4. I need to join a small group...not any small group...but the right one...I feel like I don't fit in...I'm single, but not as single as everyone else...I'm not divorced, I'm not married....it's tough. I'll get there. There are so many variables...what am I gonna do with LG? When do I have time?

5. Taxes. (enough said)

6. Getting a company car or keeping mine (long story, but I adore my SUV)

7. I want to buy a house, but my boss wants to promote me--I have no idea what territory...he's being tightlipped...not complaining...just listing!

8. I'm worried about my friend...I know I am not supposed to worry, but I love her so much!

9. I am starting P90X on Monday...holy cow...for those of you who don't know--it is an extreme fitness and nutrition program that lasts for 90 days...I am taking those 90 days for me...

This is my time to be who I KNOW God wants me to be. I am going to try my hand at intentionality...can I make that a word?

Already feels better...friends and family--keep me motivated...I'm gonna need it!

My beautiful friend...

2009-01-22T22:48:00.001-05:00

Why are women so good at feeling guilty? I feel guilty when i spend too much time with LG (knowing I am neglecting myself) or even worse, when I get a baby sitter...I feel guilty when I feel like my world is coming apart...but worse, when my friends lives are crumbling and I CAN'T DO ANYTHING to help....

One of my best friends found out she has cancer. Cancer. She's in her 30's. Really? Cancer? I feel like I've been hit in the stomach...I can't IMAGINE what she is going through. I hate that she feels like she is going through this alone. I hate I haven't talked to her very much. I hate I feel like everytime she looks at my daughter she is reminded of what she will never have. I am angry....why am I angry?? I want it to all be okay. I want her to have a husband and beautiful children. I want to wake up and have her be perfectly healthy. I want her to stop smoking and tell her family what's going on....but, I don't have control...wow, isn't that a good thing? I don't have control, but I know the ONE who does.

She is His -- As am I.

I love you WT...

Standing on the water's edge....

2009-01-12T22:19:00.002-05:00

One of my friends asked me today if I am ever frustrated with LG or being a mother....I responded, with a little thought--No.

Simply no.

My mother or some of my other friends could surely remind me of those times when I may have been not so in control of my emotions....but I have never been frustrated with being a mother. I HAVE, however, been frustrated at myself for not being able to handle all of the emotions flowing through my veins at the same time. I am generally very good at keeping myself (and my emotions) in check...but there are ALWAYS those moments in life where we lose it...no matter how small of a nanosecond it is...we are human.

As I was talking to my friend and really thinking about motherhood--the words wouldn't come...how do I explain the richness she offers or the feeling of complete surrender of my heart or the laughter she provokes...Sometimes, i find myself just staring at her...it's scary--because it almost feels as if I'm looking in a mirror that reflects a younger me...she is SO MUCH like me...

Is motherhood this good??? I would have never imagined in a million years -- I would love -- anything-- THIS MUCH. God is amazing in HIS works.

To me...being a mom is much like watching a river....it always flows...sometimes the water is much clearer than at others.

The Sweetest Moments...

2009-01-04T23:18:00.002-05:00

...are the tender moments when I am rocking LG to sleep...The way she lays her head on my chest and I can smell her sweet scent...her wrapping her little arms around me--patting my back...the way she twirls her hair until she finally falls asleep....her breathing changing as she falls deeper and deeper into slumber land...I really can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be....

Reflection

2009-01-03T10:11:00.004-05:00

2009...wow...aren't we supposed to be zooming around like the Jetson's by now? It's amazing how quickly life changes and the once important things don't seem so important anymore! As I have reflected over the past year--most of my thoughts were of my daughter and her unbelievable growth. She learned to walk, talk, swim, and count to five in English and Spanish (among so many other things)...she's an amazing little girl--full of goodness with enough stubbornness to make her a Kelly girl! I think back to being eight months pregnant, about to start a new job, and moving into an apt by myself...I remember how scared and lonely I was. As I enter 2009, my career is amazing, I have great friends, and I am unbelievably happy.

I think one of my greatest challenges as a single mom is balancing what I need and want with what's best for LG. For example, I REALLY want a clean house, but I have someone undoing what I've just done...it's exhausting! I have to learn to let it go...I can only do so much--it will be there tomorrow...the most important thing is being present with her! That being said, I have to find a balance between being a single woman and a single mother. I have become such a homebody and spent so much time with LG, it's hard for me to enjoy being out. Dates are like job interviews, being a bar isn't where I want to be, and my other friends are either completely single (wanting to be at the bar) or married (and wanting to be in the bed at 10pm). Hmm...staying at home sounds so good...

I realize my relationship with my Maker ebbs and flows...just like any other relationship--the more time you invest, the more reward you reap. I forget...I talk to Him, but I don't take the time to listen. That has always been my problem...listening...I'm either working, washing the clothes, scrubbing the bathroom, cooking dinner, playing, reading, blogging...and I'm constantly talking...I want to learn to listen this year, allowing Him to be my heart beat. I realize I am His servant--here to love, support, and protect this amazing being He has bestowed upon me. She is His...as am I.

Taco Bell

2008-12-18T21:53:00.001-05:00

LG is my child for sure...she may not look just like me, but she certainly has so many of my characteristics...like, my love of Taco Bell! This kid ate a whole bowl of pintos n cheese and an entire soft taco--all by herself, of course...
In other news, I have been sick as a dog...I am feeling a little better now, but it's been a long road! My eyes are all swollen and red...uggh..poor LG--she's been so sweet...hugging on me...I feel so bad that I can't play with her...
I hope everyone has a great Christmas...I can't believe it is already here! Looking back at the pics from this year...so much has happened...LG learned how to crawl, walk, and talk...she's growing up so quickly and I can't seem to remember everything! I look forward to a new year and great memories!

LG doesn't think Santa is so great!

2008-12-04T20:21:00.002-05:00

Ha...so the Santa visit went worse than I thought...I have been showing her pictures and cartoons with Santa hoping to avoid the escapade from last year. When we got checked in, I picked her up out of her stroller and she's all smiling and waving...saying HI to Santa from 15 yards away...when it was her turn to sit in his lap, she suddenly turned into a "mama monkey"...she was not having it...kicking and screaming...I sat down beside Santa and she was trying to get out of MY lap....poor Santa (poor mama is more like it)...I am afraid I scarred her for life with horrible Santa experiences...I was so hopeful...oh well...at least she loves her mama!

I am exhausted...work is kicking my butt...and I've got soo many articles to read...there is so much to keep up with outside of what my company wants me to know...I finally got my old printer/scanner hooked up...that new P.O.S. is gone!!! Yay...I had to find a website that had a download to my old driver for my camera....I couldn't upload pics or anything...but I found it...here is the pic that will be on the christmas cards this year...

The big Christmas party is tomorrow night...I've eaten so well this week (except for the Taco Bell Wednesday for lunch--eek) and I ran everyday this week except Wednesday (ok, so it wasn't the greatest day)...sooo hopefully, I'll be able to zip my dress....I hope everyone is having a great week...

whew...

2008-12-02T19:37:00.001-05:00

Finally getting to sit down (it's 7:30pm)....after working all day and getting to the gym then getting LG and cooking dinner, cleaning up the kitchen....all I can say is WHEW!!!! I have started trying to cook more and what I have found is making different meals out of some of the same ingredients is the easiest way to get good meals throughout the week....For example, I'm making a beef stew for tomorrow night, but while I was cutting up the veggies, I put half of them in a glass baking dish and roasted them for tonight...I gave her veggies and some leftover turkey...she loved it!! I figured out if I give her specific things to do...she loves to help me...her favorite is throwing things in the garbage can...(I wish she could take out the trash--that's my most unfavorite!) Anyway, after bath and a book she's down...whew.

Expense Reports...

2008-12-01T19:39:00.001-05:00

I don't know why I let some of the smallest things in life bother me the most!?! I have been trying to do ONE expense report--it feels like, for the past eight hours....one thing after another doesn't work...the system, my stupid stupid new printer (my company gave me--we'll just say it's not a mac).....arrgghh...the frustration...so I went and ran three miles...at least something positive came out of frustration....maybe I'll actually fit into that dress Friday night!
I finally got an appointment with Santa Clause...yes, I know how ridiculous it seems that we have to have Santa appointments here in Atlanta, but that is the way it is....so Wednesday is the big day....everyone keep their fingers crossed--she screamed bloody murder last year and matched the red vest Santa had on. I have been trying to show her pictures of Santa this year to get her more acclimated--we'll see!
I figured out a way to get the rest of my workout in while being at home...she likes to sit on my lap, so I put her on the exercise ball with me tonight and did my crunches--genius, I know....why didn't I think of this before??

Inspiration

2008-11-30T19:36:00.002-05:00

Things change so quickly, don't they? Last time I wrote, I was 20 weeks pregnant and scared to death. Today, Lillie Grace is 21 months old and chasing me around the house! I hope you'll see my growth over the past couple of years and maybe one person will be inspired as I have been by so many other bloggers out there! I'm not really sure where to start, so if I jump around...be nice...I'll get into the groove soon...

Lillie Grace is so amazing and beautiful...she is smart and funny (like her humble mother)...happy and charismatic...charming and very independent (yes, already!). Today, we took a day and spent it together--playing ball and learning to count...she likes to count in Spanish for some reason (maybe because I taught her) so we tried it in English...I think I totally confused her. She's learning what time out is...she was in a couple of times today for not "keeping her hands to herself". I can tell she totally gets the whole time out thing. She sits on the guest bed until I go get her and I tell her again why she was there. She gives me a big hug and says "I yuh you mama"...good grief, if that doesn't melt your heart...I don't know what will.

I've taken these past few months to myself (actually, until the new year)...sort of a "dating sebaticle" if you will. I've tried to start really figuring out what God really wants me to do with myself and the life He's created for me. He has been teaching me about patience and learning to let go. There are those moments so gripping, I feel like there is a belt tied around my waist and I can't breathe! It has been in those times, He has shown himself to be so faithful and near. Even if I don't know what to grasp on to, I hear him whisper "I am here my love". How calming and peaceful!

I have been reading a lot these past few months and have grown so much as a person--I want to be the best mother, friend, and eventually a wife this world has ever seen. I want to explore my philanthropic side and see what God is going to reveal in this next year. Something big is out there for me...I can feel it!

2006-09-08T21:41:00.000-04:00

Sheeeeee's Baaaaaack....

It's been a while--I know...I didn't realize how many of you checked up on me through this site...it makes me smile when all of you email me and yell at me to post something.....there's so much to say these days and so little time...

By the way--IT'S A GIRL!! I had my 20 week ultrasound and she showed her stuff...she's healthy and already moving around like she wants out...the sonographer got some great ultrasound pics -- I think she's gonna be tall...in one of the pics she has her leg stuck straight up in the air and her foot goes over her head...it was the sweetest moment of my life to see my little girl's heart beating and her moving around...I had my mom and Casey conference called in when I found out....mom was crying and Casey was all confused whether it was a boy or a girl...but after my aunt and I stopped screaming we clarified everything!

I can feel her move every once in a while...when I lay down to go to sleep I can feel her heart beat against mine...hers is beating about twice the speed mine is--it's an awesome thing to fall asleep to.

I am in the process of looking to buy a house. I have gotten prequalified and am looking in different neighborhoods right now...it's a lot to deal with--having a new job, being pregnant, and looking for a house...I have never worked five days a week and had to wear business attire to work before. It's a really great job and the hours are super flexible, but it still takes some getting used to!

Anyway, I promise to put some pics up soon...i really don't have any of me pregnant yet...I have just barely started showing--you can almost tell I'm pregnant by looking at me.

Thanks again for your thoughts--i need them--especially right now! Oh, and if I had your phone number--email it to me because my address book was erased...talk about a pain in the butt!

Amber

2006-06-19T19:52:00.000-04:00

It's my last night in Boston...Yay!! I am leaving at noon tomorrow and going to new york city to see one of my best friends! I haven't seen her in six months...I can't believe it's been that long! I've never been to NYC and am excited to see all the things one needs to see in their lifetime! I'm soooo tired...I've been packing for the last few days and the UPS man just left with my boxes...now, I just need to finish cleaning and packing my suitcases...and take out some trash...I'm so tired of living here and being as white as the dry wall! I'm coming home!!!!

2006-06-17T15:17:00.000-04:00

Yes, the rumors are true...

I am moving back to the land of humidity and heat--Little Rock, Ar. will be my home for a little while longer...I loathe the city of Boston...I can't take the culture shock. It's not that I don't have a deep appreciation for the history of the city or even that I hate the accent....I miss the south! So back to where "y'all" and "yes maam" aren't laughable - they are expected...I'll see you friday!

2006-06-01T18:26:00.000-04:00

Who has the most beautiful eyelashes in the city of Boston...well, that must be me...because I batted them for the AC to be turned and HALLELUJAH it was turned on today!!!! A whole two weeks early!! No more sleeping with the window open -- no more sirens and police chases!!!

2006-05-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

Boston is a funny city...it's so beautiful and most everyone walks everywhere--but no one stops and looks at what an exquisite masterpiece they are walking through...I went to the movies today and it was about 70 degrees and sunny when i left my apt. Went to the movie and after it was over--people were talking about what a bad storm had just passed through...the streets were glistening from the freshly fallen rain and the sun was shining -- only it was about 55 degrees...The walk home is breathtaking...through a huge park (the central park of Boston) where trees are a perfect shade of green and the flowers are ones you could only hope to see in your man's arms. (I did take some pics but my camera died -- so I'll post them next time). There was a little italian market on the way home--I stopped in and grabbed a few things...and noticed everyone around me had a straight gaze and their ipod in their ears....drowning out the sound of the city. The trolleys with the tourists, the swish of the water as cars go by, and the chatter and laughter of the children playing with their parents. I stopped in to say hello to my favorite waitor at my favorite french restaurant (expensive--but so worth it!). He's from Brazil and it seems is the only person who knows me in this city--wait, knows my name! He's always excited to see me and gives me a kiss on each cheek...asks me how I am doing and where my boyfriend is...

I say goodbye and again kiss on each cheek as if we've known each other for years...

No ipod

Just enjoying the sun and the cool breeze...

smiling

Even if I don't know anybody

2006-05-14T19:40:00.000-04:00

STOP THE RAINING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-05-12T14:52:00.000-04:00

PATIENCE is definitely not my forte'! I have been sitting in my apt (with no cable) since 0830 this morning watiing on UPS...and guess what--THEY STILL AREN'T HERE! At least it isn't raining...that's about the only good thing I can say...

In other news...there really isn't any...I'm glad I didn't have to get up at 5am...I can say that...I don't even know if it's still cold outside today...it's foggy and windy...hopefully, this doesn't last very long!!!!

How do you go grocery shopping when you don't have a car?? I haven't really figured all that out yet.

2006-05-10T20:04:00.000-04:00

This dayshift thing is going to killllllll me! getting up at 5 and going to bed at 10....

2006-05-09T15:21:00.000-04:00

The weather finally turned bad...it's rainy and cold....I have nothing to do -- no books to read, no tv to watch (they cut off my free cable...) and nothing to unpack...UPS isn't going to be able to deliver my stuff until FRIDAY! I am sleeping with a towel over me for a blanket because my dumb #$% packed all my sheets and blankets in a box...good thinking there sherlock!

But I still love Boston...I went and got a mani/pedi today in the pouring down rain..it's right down from where I live...not as close as I thought...i was running through the cold rain with flip flops and my Georgetown hoodie! Oh, the mississippi girl in Boston!

First day of work was yesterday--it went really well...the hospital is huge and the unit is 27 beds--most of the units I have worked in are about 15 or so beds...everyone was nice and helpful...I haven't met my preceptor yet...but hopefully she'll be equally as nice...no one can understand me when i talk...I have to repeat myself about 17.3 times....yesterday this girl asked me what my middle initial was -- I said, "iiinn" and she said, "a"..."no???" I said...."iiiiinnnnn...as in Nicole"....she looked puzzled and said "ooooohhhhh, I thought you were saying Ann"...hah...it was really funny...she turned really red and laughed...

Well, there is one thing that the rain is good for...napping!

Here are some more pics...

2006-05-07T18:34:00.000-04:00

Newberry street--Lots of shops and restaurants!

What a beautiful city! There are parks everywhere and everyone is loving being outside! I had brunch at the cutest little french restaurant today...we sat outside and sipped mimosas and went to the park and people watched...the weather is sunny and about 75 degrees...there are cute bakeries and flower shops everywhere. I live right outside Beacon Hill which is one of the nicer areas in Boston...it has all these cute streets with rowhouses and shops that are in the basement. I saw Fenway yesterday...wow...these people know what going to a baseball game is all about! Everyone is really excited about every game...bleacher seats go for $90 a piece...can you believe that? EVERYONE is dressed in Redsox gear...Atlanta didn't have that..(sorry Gary, I know you don't want to hear about it!)

Tomorrow I start work...I took the shuttle the other day and then walked a couple of blocks to the hospital...it is HUGE...I hope everything goes okay...I don't really know what to expect -- I usually have one day of orientation, but here I have two weeks...

My stuff should get here tomorrow and then I'll get cable set up on Tuesday...I am on day shift the first month and I don't know what it will be after that..anyway, that's all for now...I thought I would give you guys some pictures! Bye!

The view from my apt!

2006-05-06T21:03:00.000-04:00

The land of Redsox caps and grating accents…I think a redsox baseball cap just might be a requirement for living here…they are proud…aren’t they?

I am on plane heading to a foreign land…okay, maybe not so foreign to some of you—but to someone who has never been north of DC…it’s foreign…I’m afraid to say anything – fearing I’ll be thought of a someone from a different land! Hah, I guess I am…

I passed through Atlanta on the way to Beantown…I miss Atlanta more than I thought I would…the summers there were great—hot, but great…it seems everything—I should probably say everyone—has changed so much since I left…Two of my friends are engaged and the others say they don’t do all the things we used to do…everything changes…

Everyone asks me what the first thing I am going to do once I get to Boston is??? Drop my bags off and go walking around the city…I’ll take the subway to work tomorrow (Friday) to see how long it takes me—go running along the Charles River…and start snapping my pictures!

Turning up the volume on my ipod now---there’s a kid screaming bloody murder—is everybody sure I’ll like my own kids? I will pour Benadryl down their throat before I put them on a plane…oh my, they have two kids and the second one has started screaming…

We are flying over NYC—hey Mia Peretti! I am so excited to get to visit all these places I have never been before…hopefully, I’ll get to post pics and everything…I tried to set up cable and everything already, but my building isn’t wired for cable…what the heck?? Who doesn’t have cable wired in a building??? What am I gonna do without my computer?

Now, I’m just babbling…I’ll update later! I love you guys…give me a call…I’m sure I won’t have a thing to do –seeing as I know no one in this city!

2006-04-22T17:54:00.000-04:00

Mia Peretti is moving to NEW YORK CITY today! I am so excited for her--and it makes me super excited to get to Boston!!! I have to work tonight and three more days next week and I am DONE! Packing is going to be crazy since I have to ship everything or take it on the plane with me...I have new PINK luggage...it's great....

Taylor (my 15 yr old brother) came to visit me this past week...we had a great time...we went to see The Benchwarmers...oh my--it is the funniest movie! I didn't think it would be nearly that funny, but I laughed through the whole thing,..we went and tried to climb Pinnacle but we made it to level 5--Taylor's crocs weren't the mountain shoes he thought they were! Anyway, here are some pics...I love you guys!

Amber

2006-04-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

Why is goodbye so hard? Maybe it will be the last time you smell the scent you are so familiar with, the last time you stare into their eyes, or feel their arms wrapping around you in a hug you never want to forget...you have plans to see each other again--them to come and visit--you have plans to come back...if not forever, for a little while...will all your plans happen--probably not, but where does it go wrong? Where do you lose the friendship and how do you stop it from happening...how do you save it....

I have plenty of friends, that are still my closest friends, who live all across the country--and then I have those friends who I thought were some of my closest friends, but never called once my tires crossed over the county line...is there a certain amount of "life" you have to go through with someone to call them friend? I know their are certain reasons God brings people into your life, but it's hard to let go sometimes....

Goodbye Little Rock.

2006-03-17T06:41:00.000-05:00

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!!!
I am off to Dallas for the weekend...I am going to see a friend of mine from Atlanta that moved to Dallas a few months after I left...She taught me the only three phrases of French I know....(I know it's hard to imagine me speaking French!)
Anyway--not much to say...just wanted to check in. I am at work --it's 5:45--I am leaving from here to get on a plane for a couple of hours...whew -- what a long night! I'll post pics of me and Juls!!!

Amber

2006-03-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

So, I am flying to Boston the first week in May to set up shop for the summer...I will be living right on the Charles River in the Charles River Park apartments...the apts. are soooo nice...I am really excited about this assignment...I think the work will be challenging and the city will be beautiful...

I have been extremely frustrated the last couple of weeks with my current position. I have had to go work in different units than I was hired in and that's never a fun thing...usually I go and work in the PICU (pediatric ICU) but the other day I was floated for four hours to the burn unit...I think I would have rather had to run for four straight hours than work down there...I don't really have patience for stupidity and the pt I had was being young and dumb when he caught himself on fire...the other issue with this hospital is the power play the ladies in management have...I called in sick the other day and the assistant manager of the unit called and harrassed me about it on Monday...then she gave my company a substandard evaluation of my work...being sick has nothing to do with my work...I don't even know this lady...never seen her, much less worked with her for her to know if I am a good or bad nurse...anyway, these are just a few of the things that led me to Boston...I really feel good about the decision although it was a hard one...You guys have been kind of quiet -- I want to hear from you!

Ava is coming back Brock and Mia...see you soon.

Amber

2006-03-07T23:22:00.000-05:00

Back to the broken wrist...I have my followup appointment tomorrow...so I came home to see mom and the fam...good, quick trip...everyone is good...I'll be back in Little Rock tomorrow...my contract is up in Little Rock in the next month. I have a ton of choices, but I have narrowed it down to Boston or staying in Little Rock...they have reoffered me the bonus...I'll let you know what I decide!

2006-03-02T05:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Spring Everyone...things are going just fine here in the small town of Little Rock...It seems to be the perfect dose of medicine for me...I have rested well and have been working extra...no real news...of course, there have been dates and tears over some of those dates, but then the next one comes along and makes up for the jerk who didn't know what he was letting go. (Isn't that what I'm supposed to say?) No seriously...I am really liking the city...not a heck of a lot to do here, but it's a very easy going city. I want to go to Boston for baseball season, but I don't know if that is going to happen or not...currently, there are no ICU jobs open there from what I hear, but that can't be the case...I kind of have a feeling my recruiters are jerking me around like they have been on a couple of other issues...so we'll see what happens.

The people here are super--I have met a wonderful friend here...so much fun, beautiful, and the greatest personality! I will try to post a pic of us in the next couple of days...we got some snow and ice here a couple of weeks ago and I got snowed in at her house with her and her two daughters...It was loads of fun...eating junk food and not working out!

I went to my first Catholic mass on Sunday night...very interesting and eye opening...the things you here being brought up southern baptist aren't always the correct things about catholicism...it's always good to experience it first hand...a lot of up and down and saying "watermelon watermelon watermelon", but other than that -- I was intrigued...and went to target on a date after church...at least I think it was a date....hmm...that's definitely a later blog!

Brock Nelson--I wish you the best of luck in LA buddy! I'll come see you sometime this month and Mia Peretti--we'll figure out how to get together soon!

Ava

2006-02-14T14:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Singles Awareness Day everyone! I am still enjoying my time here in Little Rock...I went and spent the night with my grandfather this past weekend -- it was soooo good to see him...he hasn't been in the best of health these past few years and is continuing to have health problems....but he's up and walking around--and in good spirits, it seems....He's such a special part of me--we spent a lot of time together when I was younger--it was good to reminisce with him! He is a master story teller, although these days his memory is starting to fail him...he tells stories of me running away from home, picking my grandmother's flowers from the yard -- and being so proud of it! Stories of country girls and those "damn goats"...sweltering summers under the oak tree...and picking vegetables out of the garden! Although he is older now, and can't do the things he wants to do--he will forever remain as agile and strong as when I was just a little girl playing out his front yard! I love you papaw--YOU will forever be my sweetheart!
For those of you who are my friends...my true soulmates...(especially my mom!) Happy Valentine's Day--I could never be who I am without you. I rely on you during my times of hurt and pain...joy and excitement! I couldn't have the wondeful life I have without the most wonderful people in the world standing by my side, always willing to hold my hand! Thank you for listening to my silly stories and comforting me when I need it! I love you--you will never know the depth of my unfailing love for you!

~Amber Nicole

2006-02-07T22:17:00.000-05:00

Superfly!

This is my brother, Taylor, and I....

Everything here is good...no real news...I had some sushi last night and while the rolls were good...I have to say the sashimi was a bit disappointing...sorry T--it's usually better than that--you'll have to have some "real" sashimi sometime!

~Ava

2006-02-02T17:48:00.000-05:00

Arkansas -- wow...I never expected it to be like this...first of all, I have to drive through the forest to get to my apt. The city is really spread out...I live way out in the west part of Little Rock (which is a really nice part), but everything is really more central than I live...I have to find a gym asap...that is pretty much the only thing to do here--but no one seems to go to the gym! It is actually a very nice city...a bit smaller than I thought it would be, but I am really enjoying it so far! It's nice to feel like I am at home...

The hospital is awesome...a really good and effecient unit. The surgeon is off this week so they are a bit slow which is good since I am in orientation. I really start on my own Friday night. They do some really good things, but they are definitely behind the times...for my medical friends...they are just now getting biopatches to use on their lines. They don't dress their heart lines...they just leave them open to air. Their flowsheet is on a drawing board instead of a bedside table. Everyone is super nice...and they don't treat me like an idiot. They ask questions about different ways to do things. I get the feeling the nurses don't have a lot of autonomy here though. The doctors hardly ever talk to the nurses--even in rounds. And it is not a teaching hospital--no residents or fellows--which is going to be nice! Anyway, enough mumbo jumbo...

It will definitely be an adventure here--that's for sure! The weather is super nice...I haven't worn a jacket since I have been here...the temp has been in the high 60's...

~Amber

2006-01-27T09:20:00.000-05:00

THE CAST IS OFF!!!! Six long weeks...but I'm finally going back to work! My wrist is a little sore and he gave me a splint to wear while lifting things...(that will get plenty of work this weekend moving)!! So, I am off to Little Rock--I'll be out of the internet loop all weekend...the cable guys are coming monday...

2006-01-25T10:15:00.000-05:00

So tomorrow should be the big day--my cast is SUPPOSEDLY coming off...for those of you who don't know...my nursing position in Little Rock, AR was postponed by a week--making this the fifth week i haven't worked...which makes it very hard on finances...Anyway, everyone please say a quick prayer for my wrist -- I really need and WANT to get back to work...

I talked to a few good friends back in Atlanta yesterday...I took care of their children in the ICU in Atlanta the past couple of years...they are both doing well...This picture is of Mia...the first one is of her in the ICU...Mia was probably the sickest little girl I've ever seen after surgery...she had a really hard time, but she made it through and will actually have to go back to surgery sometime this year...Mia turned two and is doing extremely well...Her parents, Chris and Natalie, mean the world to me!!! I'll get back to Atlanta soon you two!

This is Mia a few weeks ago!!! Natalie says she is walking now--yea!!! And she said a few words to me on the phone yesterday!!! I love you sweet girl!

I haven't been doing much this past week...trying to do a lot more with my left hand...it is definitely getting stronger, but I am all too eager to get back in the gym!!!! Hiring a trainer in Little Rock will be a number one priority...I have started reading The Purpose Driven Life...I am probably the last one to read it, but I'lll let you know how it goes...

Thank you for all your phone calls and emails...it really means so much to me to hear from all of you guys! It has been tough not being in my element, but having a "home" here with my family has been invaluable! Mom wanted to know if I wanted to buy a house here in Center Star, Al??? *huge laugh* I'll think about it mom! Tomorrow is my last day with her and Sophie...I'll miss them...

Did anyone see the Oprah show yesterday on the bird flu??? What did you think? I need to hear someone else's opinion before I share mine...

Love you guys,
Amber

2006-01-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

My mom is keeping this little girl that her neighbor's adopted from the Ukraine...she is a really cute little girl, but the most impressive thing to me is her personality. She loves to dance--to anything...a commercial can come on the tv and she'll start dancing...her speech is of course a little hard to understand, her being two and all...she calls my mom "titi" (my mom's name is tina)...it's hilarious...she just looks and you and smiles after she says it...She has a wonderful family and a wonderful sitter (though I might be a little biased on that)....She's a lucky little girl...Her mom has a blog that she has kept from the beginning of the process of adopting Sophie...It's a great website and I'll put the link up...Here are a couple of pics of Sophie...Enjoy!!

2006-01-20T12:39:00.000-05:00

Back from Vegas...very tired...spent all of my birthday in the airport! I missed my flight so I wound up not getting home until about 10 CST which is 8 Vegas time...so basically it was another 12 hour traveling day...

Vegas was a blast...I would like to say it was without drama, but I would be lying...The biggest mistake you could ever make is to take someone you actually like to Vegas...because by the end...you aren't going to like them in the least bit...Let's just say we turned in to evil practical jokers--Brock, Mia, and I were all fine...we rocked the Hard Rock at least three nights...we saw all the UFC guys and went to a party of theirs...The guy from fear factor was there...too bad Nico wasn't there, Mia...he could have name dropped him now!!! I find name dropping extremely annoying...Mia was "dating" this guy who knew- somebody- who -was- about -to -get- out- of- work- that- could- get- us- into- somewhere- that- was- really -really -cool- and- we- are- just- going- to- wait- on- him- for- another- couple- of- minutes...he tried to name drop all night and really the only person who got dropped was him by the end of the night...we lost him...after we got rid of him, we actually had a lot of fun...

The hotels are crazy big...bigger than I ever thought they would be. The Paris was probably my favorite followed by Caesar's Palace...The Bellagio was nice, but the bartender was SMOKING HOT...Hah hah "fruit loop" Brock N! I didn't gamble at all...I just always think of what I could have spent that money on...but I have no problem gambling other people's money! I wound up seeing a couple of people I knew from Mississippi way back when...they were standing at the bar--both were in town for business--we haven't seen each other for about five years...crazy, how small of a world it is...

I don't know when i am going to AR...the past couple of days have been so crazy...I guess they decided it wasn't in their (the hospital) best interest to have me come right now with a cast on my hand...which is fine, but they should have told me that before the day I was going to move...everything is up in the air at this point...I have to start next week though or my insurance lapses...anyway--it will work out...I am just anxious to get this cast off and go back to my regular life.

Enjoy the pictures...

Amber

2006-01-04T16:09:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR--I have been traveling quite a bit lately, but not in exotic locations...I have been lucky enough to be able to see pretty much my whole family in the last two weeks...I have also been able to see friends I haven't seen in a couple of years, see their husbands and children I've never met because I've been busy traveling and working...it's nice to be able to sit and tell stories and listen to how their lives have played out.Granted, I have had to work at sitting still...I still can't drive anywhere because of insurance purposes with this cast, but I can move all of my fingers and I am even typing with two hands now...It's been an interesting journey with this broken wrist, but I have enjoyed the slow pace my life has taken within the past couple of weeks...
Interesting life I lead--broken wrist snowboarding and kidnapped by hell's angels--I am at my dad's house right now...he bought a bike last year and he just had really loud pipes put on it--he took me on a ride the other day--yes, broken arm and all...I have to admit--I was a little nervous when we started turning and I could only hold on with one hand...But the bike is sooooo nice...I'm still alive in one piece (except my wrist of course)...my brother and sister went back to school today and I have been all alone in the house for the first time since I've been injured...I've watched more movies than I care to count and even folded some clothes today...that is a huge accomplishment for those that have never tried to fold clothes with one hand...it only took me an hour! hah...
Hopefully, I get this cast off on Tuesday and a smaller one put on! Then it's off to VEGAS with Mia Peretti and Brock Nelson...Josh is also flying out...we've got to come up with a good bar name for him...so there should be good pictures and great stories!

~Ava B.

2005-12-28T22:00:00.000-05:00

a cast larger than the first....this just keeps getting better and better....my ticket to vegas is about to be null and void because my ticket was to fly out of little rock on southwest and i can't get there or nashville (the closest sw city). soooo..i think i'm going to have to buy another, more expensive ticket......it's so frustrating to have to rely on other people for rides to places...hell, even to get dressed...it was good to see my family though...i miss them

2005-12-26T19:41:00.000-05:00

Sooooo.....Maybe the snowboarding wasn't my thing, since I broke, not one bone, but two bones in my arm. I wound up in the emergency room at 11:00 pm the first night. Let me tell you about having your hand set-IT HURTS! I didn't cry until he had to uncross the bones in my wrist. And then the flood gates opened. Still in some pain but hopefully will be better soon. I'll be out of work for about 6 weeks but hopefully will still be in Little Rock. I should hear from my company sometime this week regarding placement.

Packing really stinks(mom's word not mine) when you have two hands, but try packing with one hand. I don't know what I would have done without Kristie (the arm wrestling queen-pictures will come later). She did my hair(in a way I didn't think could be done), washed my clothes, and packed my car. I also couldn't have done it without my step dad getting my brother a plane ticket on such short notice (the next day) and my brother hauling all my crap through three states. What a great and gorgeous family (there she goes again-trying to edit).

So for now, I'm sitting on my mom's couch while I dictate and she types.(And tries to edit) I'll be here at least a couple more weeks and will be appearing in Las Vegas for my birthday January 17 (presents accepted). hee hee...So give me a call if you get bored...I'll be here!

I go to the doctor on Wednesday to get a permenant cast. Hopefully he'll tell me everything looks good and I won't need surgery. I will be in a cast for about 5 more weeks...That's it for now....Hopefully I'll have pictures up soon. Have to figure out how to get pics from my computer (without internet @ mom's house) to my mom's computer (with internet--wireless...which i don't have--next project)...okay, that's it.

oh, but i was THE cutest one up there with my outfit....even Josh said so...hah!
ciao,
Ava Giselle B
aka Amber Nicole

2005-12-16T01:55:00.000-05:00

Snowboarding--this is my latest undertaking...well, it will be as of this coming weekend...I can already see the bruises and the faceplanting...the snow and the hot tub....and the pictures indicting me of all my clumsiness...(probably on my butt more than my feet!) I am really excited about the trip..we are heading up to Penn. on Sat morning pretty early and I'll take about a one hour lesson (while my friends look on and laugh hysterically)and then learn how to get on and off the lift...now that in itself scares me a little. But, I can say--at least my outfit will match and I will look cute--hah...

The weather up here is getting pretty cold...21 degrees at the moment...no snow (on the way to work it was raining...so I am sure I'll be driving on some ice tomorrow morning). I have to work a few night shifts before I come home for Christmas, but only four...I am going to drive home the day after Christmas with a carload of stuff...possibly stopping in Knoxville to see some friends...(I don't know if I can drive 14 hours home or not)...anyway...to say the least--if you want to call me the day after Christmas...well, I will have plenty of time to talk! I'll let you guys know how the snowboarding went...and I am sure there will be plenty of pics...

Amber

2005-12-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

VEGAS!!!!!! Just kidding....I thought for a second it was going to be vegas, but alas I am heading to the metropolis of Little Rock, AR. Who would have thought when I started all of this, I would wind up in Arkansas??? Truth be told, I am actually really excited about the move...it's close to home...and to Brock Nelson--hah hah (that's for you Casey and Kristie)...I don't know my new address yet, but I will know in the next couple of weeks...I will be traveling the day after Christmas so everyone think about me and pray for my safety...
The weather up here has turned a bit chilly...It snowed 6 inches--Casey got snowed in to DC and we went and played in the snow...and went into Old Town after that...we had a really fun night singing in the Irish Pub around the corner...the guy tried to sing Irish Johnny Cash....Oh my! Stick with the alligator song and "Alice"....

Speaking of Johnny Cash--"Walk the Line" is a great movie...especially if you are from the south...a lot of it was filmed in Memphis--but the buildings that were next to each other in the movie aren't really together in downtown...funny how they can do that in movies....Joaquin Phoenix was phenomenal! He should definitely win an Oscar for this role...if you watch old Johnny Cash and Joaquin--he has his moves, his lip curl, and the way he hangs his head when he sings and plays...and Reese Witherspoon is so fricken cute in this movie--June Carter was no where near as beautiful as she was portrayed! They both did a great job! They both would have been proud...
So Casey (my best friend) was in town this past week...there are so many stories to tell....but I have just gotten home from work....so I will save those for later...I promise it won't take me so long to update next time!

Oh, everyone needs to send me their Christmas list because of course I have waited until the last minute!

Cheers,
~Amber aka..Ava Giselle Beadreaux

2005-11-19T11:01:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is this week! I am not going home, which saddens me so much...I am, however, cooking thanksgiving dinner with my "step-godparents"....and one of my very best friends in the world (Sharlie)...Brian Corbett is coming into town (from Miami--a friend of mine from Atlanta who moved to Miami--his brother is here in DC...) and I will get to spend time with him...

Thanksgiving should be interesting...we will be having Lynn/Dianne (step-god-parents), two friends of theirs (who's son I dated briefly when I first moved here--haven't talked to him in a month!), Sharlie and her husband, Courtney (Lynne and Dianne's daughter from Houston), Sharlie's sister, and little ole' me....I am helping with the cooking -- Lynne and I talk Southern Living recipes all the time! Hah...so this is my one chance to prove my cooking skills....

Country is going to the big city--that's right folks...NEW YORK CITY...here I come! About five of us are heading up to NYC on Friday for a little shopping and Broadway....(I should have some interesting stories after this week!) So head up your Christmas lists and send them to me by Friday!

As far as where the wind is taking me next, I thought it was going to be Phoenix--but I got a call from my recruiter and she has an awesome job opportunity in New Hampshire and Seattle also....soooooo....I have a pretty big decision to make within the next week...I don't know what I am going to do...It is really hard to try and decide where you are going to live for the next three months....I do like DC so much more than I did originally, but the hospital is so scary -- I don't know if I can work there for three more months...we'll see...

I would post more pics, but I need to charge the batteries for my camera...so when I get that done--you will have more pics....(Mom, I'll send you the ones from your visit too!) I am excited about this week--I have so much to be thankful for, but that is for another post...off to play in the cold weather!

Ciao,
~Amber

2005-10-31T22:39:00.000-05:00

"BABY BABY BABY"....wow, that is what I hear my 15 year old brother say to his girlfriend on the phone....now, for those of you who don't have a younger brother--I will try and describe the cringe that swept up and down my spine. I wouldn't say we were close by any stretch of the imagination, but to hear him talking to a girl like that was definitely a wake up call for me--he's not that annoying little boy anymore...he's growing up to become such a great guy (hopefully he won't be jaded by girls very soon)...My family is in town and to see them is like Godiva chocolate--soooo goood ( in my best Adam Sandler voice)....all the monuments in one day--whew...but, I am going to sleep tonight after being with my momma all day! I am getting my hair did tomorrow morning--pictures will follow...I promise! BABY

2005-10-23T21:30:00.000-04:00

I woke up today and it was so beautiful, but I was so melancholy....I have had a hard time meeting people here in DC. It is definitely true what they say about the north!!! (For those of you who don't think DC is the north, you obviously have never lived in the south!) People up here are nice once you get to know them, but they don't go out of their way to make friends. They will run over you in their car, cuss you out for driving like a normal person (and I've been driving in Atlanta for the past three years), and then flip you off just for good measure. The parking is soooo bad around here...I remember getting so frustrated in Atlanta because everywhere was valet parkingl. I get to place up here and am offended they don't have valet parking! The paradox of it all!

The weather has been absolutely breathtaking! The sunshine on my skin, the wind through my hair, and the cool air has been more amazing than words will ever be able to describe. The leaves are starting to change now and the view of the city is becoming more and more pituresque. I spent most of the day by myself today...I started the day by reading a little with my doors open..then went to see Elizabethtown (which I thought was great) and then had one of those moments where you are driving but don't really know where you are going...I wound up at the capitol...It wasn't like it was a premeditated trip...there I was just sitting at a redlight and it was right in front of me!
So magestic in its grace and beauty....it's huge for those of you who have never been. There were people just sitting out and enjoying the day talking to their friends and chilling outside of the capitol like it was their front yard! From the steps you look behind you and you see the national mall...it's absolutely humbling! All the history classes you have ever taken could never prepare you for the grandeur and majesty of it all....thinking about George Washington and all of the great men who have walked exactly where you are standing at that moment! Ok so blah blah...I'm done with my patriotic diatribe...

So, I'll just come out and say it-- I miss Atlanta...I miss my friends and the familiar places...I miss having fifty people I could call on a saturday night and go anywhere I want and have someone to hang out with. I miss the hot men and the gorgeous women--I miss my gym with all the eye candy it possessed...I have met only a handful of people here and they are pretty much all the same. They are more concerned with how many people they are dating than the quality of the people they are dating. Watching the movie today, I laughed out loud at so many things other people turned around at me for...and I realized half way through the movie -- the reason they didn't laugh is because they didn't understand...the funniest part of the movie was because I "knew" those people....going back to small town Mississippi! The great-uncle you don't remember, but you pretend to as he is pinching your cheeks....the song "Freebird"...everyone always yells that anytime any live band is playing! I miss the south, but I am not giving up just yet! My mamaw (grandmother for those of you who don't know what a mamaw is) called me today and just checked in on me --she asked me about cute "nawthawn" boys...I told her I hadn't met any! She laughed and told me I should move back closer to home! Anything to get me closer to home--just like my mom...I miss you too! I'll be home soon!

2005-10-16T14:04:00.000-04:00

The land of cherry blossoms and politics has been a whirlwind so far...the Smithsonian, the museum of modern art and design, the national monument, the National Air and Space Museum, old town Alexandria...the list goes on and on...so much to do--I know it has been a while since my last post, but getting here and getting everything set up and working has put me at this point...a cool, breezy Sunday afternoon with my french doors open and the sun shining on my face. It is a beautiful time of year -- the leaves are just now starting to change....and it has been sunny since I have been here.
The hospital I am working at is very different than Atlanta. I definitely know that my love is in cardiology and not general PICU. The people are generally nice...but of course there have been some sour apples...The new cardiac unit has opened and I was down there all last week. I worked four days and I saw things that should have been the simplest tasks turn into monumental upheavals. I always knew the cardiac unit in Atlanta had great nurses, but didn't realize I learned from THE BEST!! I do miss Atlanta, but I am having fun up here. I have had a rough couple of days and I work about ten times as hard as I did (because the unit in Atlanta is so well run), but all in all I have met some great people!

I met a girl from Colorado and her brother the first day of orientation. It's nice they are here because it has given me some people to hang out with...we have had so much fun just hanging out -- playing a lot of pool! The apartments are very nice--they have a "pub" that has a pool table and darts and a couple of other games and tv's...we stop by and fix coffee before we take a hike across the field to the metro for an hour's ride to work.

2005-09-11T02:15:00.000-04:00

Let's get this started the right way...

1. Packing sucks!
2. Chocolate and strawberries fix EVERYTHING!
3. Packing still sucks...(yes mom, I said sucks)
4. Moving from a city you like to a city you've never been to is scary...
5. The unknown is always exciting--scary, but exciting...
6. ABC family movies are retarded...especially when Melissa Joan Hart is trying to act in them...
7. Staying home on a Saturday night to pack when your friends keep calling you to go out is crap!
8. Vacuum storage bags really do work...no really, they do...
9. Thank God for the Oxygen network on a Saturday night....hah hah...the chick flick station...
10. I think after watching the MTV music awards 25.6 times I could re-enact R.Kelly's "In the Closet" better than he did!

So if you haven't gathered...I am taking a huge leap of faith and moving from Atlanta, Ga to Washington, DC. I have never been to DC, but have a great job opportunity. I hear that DC has lots to offer a single girl like myself....what, with all the museums and restaurants and social gatherings. I am not so sure about a southern girl who has never felt temperatures below 32 degrees in the north during the winter months....but we southern women adapt--to whatever is thrown at us.

The picture is my new haircut (here you go mom) and I am with my awesome friend Natalie...her little girl has been through soooo much...she was a heart patient of mine who would not be alive today without the constant faith and prayer of her family and friends! I'll put her carepage link up in case anybody wants to see her cute little face! I'll have more pictures of us after friday! I'm having dinner with Natalie and Chris, Chuck and Laura, and Jill and Steve...I'll miss you guys!

I am moving in the next week and a half...i don't know how often I will be able to post -- not that I have any readers anyhow, but it was nice to think they might be out there. =)

oh yeah, 11. Harry Connick Jr. is HOT (watching Hope Floats on the "oxygen network"...I can't believe I am that big of a loser!

Ciao,
~Amber