Merry Christmas!!

DONE!

Okay, so I turned into a crazy person last night and decided to take both of my finals today. I felt slightly like I was in a manic phase (studying for a Psych exam--had to throw it in there) all day long. I woke up early, took my ICU final, then studied all day to take my Psych final. And they're done! There's no sweeter view than the one leaving the testing center, just days from Christmas, with the load of finals off my back. Ah.

• Funny story about my first test (at least it's funny now): I came down to the TV to see my score and saw that I got a 52%--that's just not a common thing for me, and I felt pretty good about the test, so I started to freak out aka almost cry. I went back upstairs, feeling stupid, and said, "uh, I know this sounds dumb, but there's no way I did this bad." Long story short, the test was miskeyed and my score thankfully improved after it was corrected :).

Also, Andrew finished his last final exam today as well--and is done with college! I'm so proud of him, and am amazed at the differences in our brains. He is so creative and insightful when it comes to advertising. It's something I just don't get very well! So, I'm glad to have someone who compliments me so well.

Also, we've (or I've) been stressing out a lot lately about Andrew finding a job for next semester. After many prayers and hours of worrying, some promising opportunities are starting to arise. So, I'm grateful for that. I know that times of trial are to test and strengthen us, and if we do good, Heavenly Father always follows with blessings.

I can finally get into the Christmas spirit now, and start all the sewing projects, baking, books, organizing, etc. I've been eager to tackle. Yay!

Finals.

The week is here. Two finals to go each (Andrew has a final and a paper left). Goal: done by Wednesday. Wish us luck!!

PS--Andrew will be done with college forever once these are done!! (unless he decides to go back sometime of course).

Oh Christmas Tree.

So, yesterday we got our Christmas tree, and I'm very excited about it! I love live trees--they smell so good--and we can't afford a fake one this year even if we wanted to get one. So, we went to a local tree farm and got this little beaut for a nice price of $17. She's a little small, but certainly warms up our home with her nice glow. So, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Only 15 days... :)

With the presents I've already wrapped...thanks to Andrew's help!

A close-up.

The tree looked hilariously small on top of Lola. But, we were proud :)

AMAZING Flick.

I've been meaning to blog about this--we saw The Blind Side over Thanksgiving break and it was INCREDIBLE! I almost cried a few times. It was so inspiring, funny, heartwarming...and a true story. It's a must see. So, you must see it!

We also saw New Moon, which was better than the first movie (Twilight). I love the books--yes, I'm a nerd--and I love seeing books come to life on the big screen. Oh, and speaking of, there is a very small preview of the next Harry Potter movie (yeah!) here if you're interested.

And finally--only 16 days til Christmas! WOO!

It's beginning to look a lot like...Christmas!

Well, we woke up Sunday morning to THIS! The white stuff has finally made its appearance in Provo. I'm not gonna lie (and I'm sure I'll regret saying this when it's still snowing in March)--I'm actually really excited! I have been in the Christmas mood for a while now (Andrew can confirm this, as I've made him help me wrap all our gifts already), and the snow fits perfectly with my mood. The only unfortunate thing is that I have 8 am class tomorrow...I'm thinking my mood might be affected slightly when I find my car trapped in snow.

But, wherever you are--MERRY CHRISTMAS! I love this time of year.

Poor Lola.

Disclaimer: Photo has been dramatized for effect.

So, Andrew and I stayed inside for the first half of the day working on homework and studying for tests. As we went outside so Andrew could drop me at the testing center, I went to my pretty wagon's door and what did I see? An egg. An EGG! Okay, we don't really have any enemies (I don't think), so I'm assuming it was some punk teens or immature college freshman. Whoever it was--watch out! Nobody messes with Lola without messing with me.

Thankfully, Andrew, being the good husband he is, washed her while I was taking my test. And, thankfully, I did well on my test. So, it my day wasn't totally ruined. But, come on, I live in Provo! I shouldn't have to worry about such miscreants.

On a happier note--it's almost Thanksgiving! Thank goodness. We will be trekking to good ol' Prescott, AZ to dine with Andrew's grandparents and our Garlock family. Andrew's grandpa, Harry, is apparently an amazing Turkey chef, so it should be delish. We're excited to get away from school, and even more excited that the semester's almost totally done! Hope you all have a great and safe holiday!

Oh baby.

Okay, I'm not baby hungry yet--but, I was bored in class the other day and decided to pick out some of the items I will buy/hopefully have gifted to me once we do have a little munchkin. So, here are my finds:

The Orbit Infant System--the car seat swivels, it has a big storage bag underneath, and it has two cupholders! Hello. Drawback--it's pricey. I'm hoping some rich people will sell their gently used one on craigslist for me to buy one day :)

Kate Spade "baby bjourn"-type baby carrier. So cute, looks comfy, and the stripes are doin it for me.

Let me know if you have any other amazing baby finds/essentials! And once again, we're NOT prego. This is just what hours of my boring psych class do to me. Yay for the semester coming to a close!

And PS--another thing that has gotten me thinking of baby's lately is the fact that I found out my Capstone (internship) rotation next semester is going to be in labor & delivery at Timpanogos Hospital! I'm so excited, it's exactly what I wanted.

Our First Halloween.

We came, we costumed, we conquered. Actually, not so much, but it was still a good Halloween--our first one married (last year we were having our family wedding dinner!). We celebrated our anniversary during the day by walking around the pretty grounds of Thanksgiving Point and going to Happy Sumo.

I was very excited to get trick-or-treaters, so I made sure we got home in time. I threw together a last-minute cat outfit (I like to dress up for the kids, too!), and prepped the candy dish. We were going to watch some scary movies on TV while waiting for the youngsters--but, weirdly enough, none were on. Disappointing. And, weirdly enough, we only got like 10 trick-or-treaters. Sigh. I was a sad kitty. Oh well! Hopefully once we move into a neighborhood without so many college students, we will get more kidd-o's coming for candy.

Dastardly Dinner Party.

Don & Betty Draper from AMC's Mad Men

The table. Pretty.

I made these pom poms I found on Martha Stewart's website. It's one of my few creative projects that has turned out looking half decent!

Appetizers! Yum. I love butternut squash SO much (in the salad).

Another table shot.

The Obamas. They were incredible. I was mad at them all night for some reason though...ha.

Gray's Anatomy's Meredith & Richard Simmons. What a perfect couple.

The newlyweds. Must have had some trouble on the way home from the wedding!

The most "in character" of all, Hans Solo and Princess Leia

Gloria's yummy and pretty cake

Some pictures from the Dastardly Dinner Party we threw with Mitch & Glo on Halloween Eve. It was so much fun, and we're glad everyone could come! However, due to the lack of dishwasher, I won't be hosting another party any time soon :)

Happy 1st!

It's our ONE YEAR anniversary! Oh, happy day. We made it. And, I must say, we are much better than we were when we started! I can't believe how time has flown, but even more just how much I love Andrew. He's the best husband I could have asked for and my best friend. So, to him I say I love you! Here's to 70 more.

It's Gilly.

I'm alive! Other than a few respiratory annoyances, I have pretty much beaten the swine flu! Woo! Andrew will be vaccinated tomorrow. Thank goodness he didn't get it--get your vaccinations people. You don't want your kids or yourselves getting this! It wasn't too bad because I got some anti-viral meds right away, but I have a girl in the lab I teach who is in the hospital on life support. Scary.

In other news, Andrew and I have found a new favorite SNL character. Her name is Gilly, and she's hilarious! She's a grade school student gone wrong. You need to watch it a few times to get used to the humor, but if you're like us, you'll be quoting it in no time! Just type in "Gilly" into hulu.com's search.

Poor Elyse.

As some of you have probably heard, my poor wifey was diagnosed with the swine flu yesterday. We have no idea who she could've gotten it from, but hope she gets over it fast. Luckily, Elyse went to the doc early on and was able to get medicine in her system within 24 hours of having H1N1 symptoms.

She has since been doing better. The worst part about it is I can't stay over at the house for 3 days--until she will no longer be contagious. In the meantime I'll be bunking over at my in-laws (so nice having them close) and spending a lot more time on campus. Boo.

Let's hope and pray that Elyse recovers well and quickly!

Um, are you twenty-one?

This past weekend we decided to take a break from school and the Provo life--so, we headed to Vegas! Everyone asked if we went there for the BYU game. And the answer is: no. Although we would have liked to go if we had tickets, we actually went to celebrate a couple of things. First, our friend Tyler and his wifey-to-be, Sarah, are getting married this Saturday and had an open house at Tyler's parents' house. Since we can't go to the actual wedding, we wanted to at least go to that to celebrate with them. And just so everyone knows, we totally called that marriage--they're so perfect for each other!

We also went to celebrate our 1st anniversary--woo! Okay, so it's actually not for a couple of weeks (Nov. 1), but since my school schedule doesn't really permit me to be gone for two weekend getaways, we made this trip longer and turned it into our anniversary trip. I can't believe it's been a year, and I still think we're perfect for each other. I love Andrew :)

So, it was fun, and relieving as all heck to take a break from school and do NO homework all weekend! The weather was perfect as well, we got some sun, did some shopping, and just enjoyed the time together. Here are some pics from the trip:

Andrew relaxing in our snazzy hotel living room--he hunted down this nice place and got a killer deal. One of the highlights of the place: when we were checking in, the front desk lady gave us a once over and said, "um, so, are you guys 21?" Ha. I guess we will appreciate our youthful looks someday...

A vacation is NOT a vacation without a constant supply of Diet Coke on hand.

Camera timer shot from the dashboard--not sure why it's so bright. And Andrew is enjoying his yummy Del Taco chicken burrito...I got him a gift card there as a present!

Another dashboard shot--Andrew got me the cute top I'm wearing (I love Anthropologie!), and we are drinking a Pure Pumpkin from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. No coffee--don't worry--just pure heaven and some pumpkin spices blended with ice. Ah. We got these on our honeymoon, and wanted to keep up the tradition!

Can I Get a Napkin, Please?

Okay, I wish my life were like this...Watch! PS--Sorry so many video posts. I've obviously been you-tubing a lot lately. I promise to post real pictures when we get back from our whirlwind weekend in Vegas :)

Also, Must See TV.

Okay, sorry to go all political on you, but I just had one more video my cousin showed me that I had to share! Glad to see there's someone working for the people in our government. Watch.

Must see TV.

Everyone should watch this 20/20 video of ex-ABC reporter, John Stossel. He was supposedly "let go" after it's production, and the video was held and aired after an important vote on the health care bill.

As a future health care professional, I have to say that Obama's plan for our nation's health care is, in a word, disastrous. And another word, deceiving. He says he's not for universal health care, or government run health care--however, his plan will slowly become such by eliminating competition and driving insurance companies out of business.

And yes, all the celebs and such are hyping up universal care to be something that will cure all and heal all. However, after watching this video, you'll realize the ludicrous treatment people in other countries are getting. They're flying HERE to get procedures and surgeries done. Anyway, please watch and be enlightened! And let's all pray for our country. Bleh.

I am the Biggest Loser.

I'm the biggest loser...because last night while I was watching the most recent episode of the Biggest Loser, I totally cried my eyes out! It was so touching! I've watched the show before, and love how real it is and how much people can accomplish. Seriously, so cool. So watch it! And you can be a biggest loser, too :)

PS...Yes, this is my 3rd blog post for today. I'm making up for my slacking ways.

Gross. Be warned.

Here's an actual picture of me at clinical. People say I'm a great nurse.

Okay, so most of you know that I am in nursing school--mostly because it consumes my life the majority of the time. So, I've seen a LOT in nursing school...a lot of nasty stuff to be exact. And, as I was always advised, I have "gotten used" to most of the grimier aspects of nursing. One thing I have never been able to stomach though--vomiting. Bleh. All the nurses I have worked with seem so nonchalant about it. They clean it up, see it, no big deal. Not me--ask Andrew, I have a weird phobia of it.

So, I've always been sort of worried...will I be a bad/wimpy nurse? Or at least somewhat deficient because of this weakness. I have learned recently that the answer is no. Two reasons:

1) We met with the Life Flight nurses last week--they fly in the helicopter and treat/pick up really serious patients. Needless to say, they see some pretty intense stuff. Well, one of the Life Flight nurses said the one thing he can't handle is vomit! So, if he can't handle it, and he's the most hard core type of nurse out there, I think I'll be okay.

2) This is the gross part--stop reading if you want. I was in clinical this week and got to put an NG tube down a patient--this basically goes through your nose, down your throat, to your stomach to suck stuff out. Anyway, because of where the tube passes--the back of the throat--it tends to make people gag. Or worse, vomit. I had heard this before, and I was pretty nervous as I went to insert the tube on this patient. So, my worst nightmare happened...you can guess what it is. And it was bad--everywhere, on me, bleh. Bleh bleh bleh. BUT, I totally kept my cool! I don't even know why or how...maybe the adrenaline of the situation and that I had to still get the tube down. Anyway, at no point did I feel sick, lightheaded, anxious, etc. It was a miracle!

I don't know if I could pull it off again, but I was proud of myself for that one time at least. Anyway, just wanted to share. Sorry this was so long and gross...happier posts to come! :)

Brrrrrrrr.

It's COLD! What the heck? Okay, so the other day I said I was ready for fall the be here--mostly fall fashion actually, boots, coats, etc. Little did I know, this great state of Utah would skip fall and go straight to winter for me! Be careful what you wish for...

Sorry.

Sorry I haven't blogged in such a long time...school has taken over my life! It's pretty bad this semester. But, I promise we're both still alive and doing well :). The next two days are stuffed to the brim, but after that I promise to do the best blog post ever! Til then--wish me luck!

Wow.

Check out Lady GaGa's multiple outfits at the MTV Video Music Awards. All I can say is weirdo!

By the way...

School started! I guess we've been so busy with school stuff that I haven't blogged about it! Andrew's schedule is a grueling start-at-2 pm each day. I'm so jealous. Thankfully, I only have two really early days--class at 8 am Tuesdays, and clinical at 5:30 am Wednesdays. This semester I am doing ICU and Psych nursing. I am really excited about ICU--also scared. It's pretty intense. Today, I had to go to the hospital to pick a patient to pre-assess, and while I was there they called a code blue! Which, pretty much, means that someone is dying and needs to be saved. There were, like, 40 people in the room and the wife was out there crying. It's pretty important stuff we're learning this semester, and it just amazes me that people will trust me with lives! Well, sort of--I do have a nurse I work with...Anyway, Andrew is excited to be on his LAST semester, and I am excited to be on my LAST year! WOO! Wish us luck :)

Oh my.

Oh me, oh my--I cut my hair! Not that short. But, about 6 inches off! I came back to school and everyone had cute haircuts, and I was inspired. So, here it is! It's quite exhilarating.

PS--Have mercy on me, this is after a long day of school and labs. It's a bit frazzled.

Rise and Shout, the Cougs are OUT.

Woo! After an intense season-opening game against #3 Oklahoma, our Cougs came together to score an amazing victory. I stress out easily over these games, and my blood pressure was through the roof. It was AMAZING. Such a good start to the season! Makes me sort of glad that I'm a senior in my 6th year of college--maybe this is the one.

PS--That's Harvey Unga in the picture celebrating--he didn't play because of an injury and the loss of 20 pounds from fighting the Swine Flu! Poor guy!

The City.

Last weekend, Andrew and I ventured to San Francisco with Dana & Beth for a mini-vacation before school started. I was told that people in San Francisco don't call it that--they refer to it as "The City". Hence, the title! We're natives, basically.

Anyway, it was such a fun time! We walked our little tushes off, shopped like crazy (more like browsed, actually), ate some amazing local food (Mama's breakfast--heaven), fried in the abnormal heat wave (we're talking 95 degrees!), and most of all--relaxed! It was a much needed break from work and school before life got crazy. It's such a fun city, full of diverse people, and did I mention the shopping? Geesh. Thanks Dana & Beth. We love you!

Ghiradelli square--I recommend the mint ice cream with dark chocolate fudge sundae. Wow.

Golden Gate Bridge! Full House theme song come to mind?

Looking like a tourist. The binoculars don't even work. Bleh.

A cute candy shop at the farmer's market--I want those cake platters!

The "Painted Ladies"--another Full House moment.

Cool architecture! Love cities for that reason.

Trolley ride! The sun was obviously in my eyes...

Done.

It's the second day of school--first day of my nursing classes--and I'm sitting here alone in the Wilk on my break, surrounded by flocks of hormonal, flirtatious young adults. I would usually crave someone's company amidst all this chaos, but I feel like I've come to a different point in life where I'm done with this place. I no longer want to flirt (obviously...Andrew wouldn't be too happy about that) or be in the "in" crowd. I have my few friends left--they're dwindling, due to recent graduations--and I'm happy with them and Andrew until April. I've loved BYU, don't get me wrong, but I've moved on...a year too early, unfortunately :) April, graduation, and real grown-up life here I come!

Funny Sunday.

As we've said before, we teach Sunday School at church for the 4-5 year-olds. We have about six kids in the class each week. I used to watch a show with my dad when I was young, hosted by Bill Cosby called, "Kids Say the Darndest Things". I've learned over the past year, that is so true. Today's experiences will attest.

1. We have a Japanese girl in our class who likes to sit on my lap during sharing time. I usually snack on some almonds at that time to hold me over (1 o'clock church). Today, during the music, she turned her head towards me, pointed at my mouth, and waved her hand in front of her nose to imply, "your breath stinks." Ha! I hurriedly slipped some gum in after that. Brutal honesty.

2. The same girl, still sitting on my lap, pats my stomach and says, "baby", implying there is a baby in there (she does this a lot--I'm starting to wonder if I look prego? Cause I'm certainly not!). She then proceeded to squeeze my belly fat between her two fingers and giggle. Quite amusing--obviously.

3. It was one of the kids' birthday this week, so I promised to bring a birthday treat. I made cookies in our joke of an oven, which were of course burned on the edges and soft in the middle. I really can cook! It's the oven--I promise. Anyway, I figured they're just kids--they'll eat anything I call a cookie, right? Cut to class...we hand out the cookies and a symphony of crunching begins in the room, followed by, "why are these so hard?" and "these hurt my teeth." Couldn't fool them! But, at least they ate them all gone. I knew they'd endure :)

In conclusion, this calling has been very good for us in a few respects--works as a good method of birth control and an ever-present source of humbling each week. But, they're adorable and keep us laughing as well.

Magic.

I have a white Mac laptop, and I've used the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean the dirt from where my hands are--it's the only thing I've found that gets it off. I also used it to clean walls at our old house before I moved.

Well, the other day I saw a commercial for the Magic Eraser showing it cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, and pretty much anything you can think of. So, I decided to try mine out. What I saw was nothing short of a miracle! We live in an older house, and the kitchen sink and bathtub have always had a weird color to them, that no matter how hard I scrub, has never gone away. Well, I whipped out my magic eraser and, BAM! My sink and bathtub are pearly white. It's amazing! And it really took very little scrubbing on my part. This is going to be my new cleaning essential!