Time Management

In honor of Thursday's prompt on "having it all," I've decided to talk about something a few bloggers have actually asked for my advice on : time management, particularly as a nursing student/blogger/newlywed/etc.  So here we go!

Blog Posts

I definitely have posts on the ready in case things get a little crazy and I can't sit down to write a new post for the week or in case I have a complete blanking moment when it comes to blog content.  Some blog topics require a lot of work, like wellness posts, and others are fun and easy, like the inspiration board posts which right now you will be seeing every Wednesday through July for our new home  decorating inspiration.  Regardless, I make sure that I can have at least two posts scheduled a week, with the hopes of doing at least one or two more either from posts I've previously written as back up or new posts that I might right the day or even weekend right before.  

I know a lot of bloggers do this as it really is important to do.  

(via my Instagram feed)

As far as getting inspiration for your posts, well it just depends on what your blog features.  I like to do a little bit of everything, hence why I have a "lifestyle" blog and not just a fashion or home blog.  I love wellness discussions, inspiration, fashion, giveaways, introducing fellow bloggers, crafts, recipes, relationships, and so much more.  But I try to tailor posts to (a) what is current or what could be current and (b) what is realistic in my life right now.  I'm right in the middle of a crazy summer working day jobs, night shifts at the hospital, working on a house, travels, and a bunch of events.  So if you'll notice a lot of my posts are either short and to the point Monday Inspiration posts, fashion, Friday finds, or inspiration boards with the occasional posts about my life or my thoughts whenever I get a chance to sit down.  But I have a running Evernote note dedicated to all my ideas for future posts and blog series when I'm on the go.

Meals

Since my husband works the regular 9-5 job out of the house and I have a crazy schedule with a few day jobs and night shifts at the hospital, sometimes we go days with out seeing each other (because I leave to go to the hospital before he even gets home).

For meals, my husband loves the crockpot.  And I love it, too!  I can have a meal ready for him when he's home and then I can take some for myself to eat around midnight (my lunch time at the hospital).

For food prep, I often find time on Sundays to go ahead and prepare vegetables, fruit, and just plan ahead.  I will chop up practically all the vegetables and either put them in the fridge or the freezer.  The freezer is my very best friend in the kitchen.  All I have to do is go into the freezer and throw some of the pre-cut peppers, broccoli or whatever else and through them in to the crockpot or pan and they will defrost and cook perfectly.  It really cuts down time when actually preparing a meal.  

(via my Instagram feed)

I haven't yet done the whole make-five-meals-on-Sunday-and-eat-the-rest-of-the-week thing, yet.  I'll let you know when I do.

Last tip, I go to Costco.  I buy meats in large quantities and then I stick them in the freezer.  The Costco large quantity meats will last us the entire month.  I currently have Italian sausages, ground turkey, some steaks, and chicken thighs in there.  Like the precut vegetables, I can defrost them easily in the crockpot, but obviously I move them in to the refrigerator the night before I know I'm going to use them for the grill, stove, or oven.  My husband and I try to minimize trips to the grocery store as much as possible to both save time during the weeks and to save some money overall during the month.  It works out super well!

Calendars

These are my other best friends, like outside the kitchen.  I got a big fancy Erin Condren calendar for myself for New Years, and though I love it.  Nothing beats the calendar on my phone.  I have everything in that calendar (and right now, it's very colorful).  With iPhone and Android (and I assume Windows) you can use different calendar groups and get even more organized.  Some people will have their own calendar group for "Meals."  I have one, but I don't use it.  But this really helps me plan ahead.  Do I have a lot to do next week?  If so, I know I'm probably going to relax as much as possible and get in some blog planning, quality time with husband spending, and anything else that I need to do.  It may sound silly, but sometimes you have to plan for the little things in life.  This is an especially good de-stressing tip.  If you plan out when you're going to study, do housework, or even sleep, it makes you feel a lot more in control and you'll be a lot more productive during the day.

(via my Instagram feed)

Click on over to learn more about the new season of Tia & Tamera as the try to have it all.

Thanks to The Style Network for sponsoring today's discussion.

Watch tomorrow night as Tia & Tamera kick of season 3 on 

The Style Network where they, too, try to have it all.

Time Management

In honor of Thursday's prompt on "having it all," I've decided to talk about something a few bloggers have actually asked for my advice on : time management, particularly as a nursing student/blogger/newlywed/etc.  So here we go!

Blog Posts

I definitely have posts on the ready in case things get a little crazy and I can't sit down to write a new post for the week or in case I have a complete blanking moment when it comes to blog content.  Some blog topics require a lot of work, like wellness posts, and others are fun and easy, like the inspiration board posts which right now you will be seeing every Wednesday through July for our new home  decorating inspiration.  Regardless, I make sure that I can have at least two posts scheduled a week, with the hopes of doing at least one or two more either from posts I've previously written as back up or new posts that I might right the day or even weekend right before.  

I know a lot of bloggers do this as it really is important to do.  

(via my Instagram feed)

As far as getting inspiration for your posts, well it just depends on what your blog features.  I like to do a little bit of everything, hence why I have a "lifestyle" blog and not just a fashion or home blog.  I love wellness discussions, inspiration, fashion, giveaways, introducing fellow bloggers, crafts, recipes, relationships, and so much more.  But I try to tailor posts to (a) what is current or what could be current and (b) what is realistic in my life right now.  I'm right in the middle of a crazy summer working day jobs, night shifts at the hospital, working on a house, travels, and a bunch of events.  So if you'll notice a lot of my posts are either short and to the point Monday Inspiration posts, fashion, Friday finds, or inspiration boards with the occasional posts about my life or my thoughts whenever I get a chance to sit down.  But I have a running Evernote note dedicated to all my ideas for future posts and blog series when I'm on the go.

Meals

Since my husband works the regular 9-5 job out of the house and I have a crazy schedule with a few day jobs and night shifts at the hospital, sometimes we go days with out seeing each other (because I leave to go to the hospital before he even gets home).

For meals, my husband loves the crockpot.  And I love it, too!  I can have a meal ready for him when he's home and then I can take some for myself to eat around midnight (my lunch time at the hospital).

For food prep, I often find time on Sundays to go ahead and prepare vegetables, fruit, and just plan ahead.  I will chop up practically all the vegetables and either put them in the fridge or the freezer.  The freezer is my very best friend in the kitchen.  All I have to do is go into the freezer and throw some of the pre-cut peppers, broccoli or whatever else and through them in to the crockpot or pan and they will defrost and cook perfectly.  It really cuts down time when actually preparing a meal.  

(via my Instagram feed)

I haven't yet done the whole make-five-meals-on-Sunday-and-eat-the-rest-of-the-week thing, yet.  I'll let you know when I do.

Last tip, I go to Costco.  I buy meats in large quantities and then I stick them in the freezer.  The Costco large quantity meats will last us the entire month.  I currently have Italian sausages, ground turkey, some steaks, and chicken thighs in there.  Like the precut vegetables, I can defrost them easily in the crockpot, but obviously I move them in to the refrigerator the night before I know I'm going to use them for the grill, stove, or oven.  My husband and I try to minimize trips to the grocery store as much as possible to both save time during the weeks and to save some money overall during the month.  It works out super well!

Calendars

These are my other best friends, like outside the kitchen.  I got a big fancy Erin Condren calendar for myself for New Years, and though I love it.  Nothing beats the calendar on my phone.  I have everything in that calendar (and right now, it's very colorful).  With iPhone and Android (and I assume Windows) you can use different calendar groups and get even more organized.  Some people will have their own calendar group for "Meals."  I have one, but I don't use it.  But this really helps me plan ahead.  Do I have a lot to do next week?  If so, I know I'm probably going to relax as much as possible and get in some blog planning, quality time with husband spending, and anything else that I need to do.  It may sound silly, but sometimes you have to plan for the little things in life.  This is an especially good de-stressing tip.  If you plan out when you're going to study, do housework, or even sleep, it makes you feel a lot more in control and you'll be a lot more productive during the day.

(via my Instagram feed)

Click on over to learn more about the new season of Tia & Tamera as the try to have it all.

Thanks to The Style Network for sponsoring today's discussion.

Watch tomorrow night as Tia & Tamera kick of season 3 on 

The Style Network where they, too, try to have it all.

Having It All

I've always been a pretty type-A personality as well as a big dreamer.  I remember when I was a little girl to be a marine biologist and study sharks as well as enlist in the navy. I also wanted to be a movie star and travel the world. Now? Well up until very recently I still wanted to enlist in the navy (as a nurse) and I definitely still want to travel the world. With all these dreams, it's kind of easy for me to get stir crazy and bored with the present. 

In this day in age, I'm sure many women are like me and wanting to have it all.  I mean, why can't a girl have it all anyways?  To be a wonderful wife and a super mom and do medical missions in Africa, manage a blog, write a book, do graphic design and photography on the side, be a rescue scuba diver, become a family nurse practitioner then get my Ph.D., and work as an epidemiologist for the CDC and work to improve public health conditions throughout the world.  Why, yes, those are some of my current (and pretty permanent) dreams/goals for my life.  Am I crazy?  Probably!  But it's my dreams that motivate me each and every day to get up and do something with my life.  God gave me these dreams to help me live His mission for me.  And my husband?  Well he has just as many dreams as I do so it's only natural that he's my biggest cheerleader for mine.

My advice to having it all: slow down, embrace the moment, and learn from today so that I can master tomorrow.

When working to "have it all," it's often a go, go, go lifestyle that ends up being more detrimental than anything else.  I learned this lesson pretty roughly in 2011 when I hit the lowest point of my life, both with school, my relationships, and my health.  Life throws you curveballs, and I had to learn that it's okay to have dreams, but sometimes you can't plan every detail to the tee.  God has a way of being like:

"Okay, Amy, I want you to do this... but not that.  

And it's okay, because you are going to be so happy 

you won't even regret not going down that path."

Will I be all of those things I listed above?  Maybe!  I may not be all of them, but I know I will be quite a few of them.  For right now, I have all that I need and I am the best I can be for today and tomorrow (as far as I know) and that's all that matters.  Because who I am today is going to help me continue to "have it all."

Thanks to The Style Network for sponsoring today's discussion.

Watch on Sunday, July 14 as Tia & Tamera kick of season 3 on 

The Style Network where they, too, try to have it all.

Having It All

I've always been a pretty type-A personality as well as a big dreamer.  I remember when I was a little girl to be a marine biologist and study sharks as well as enlist in the navy. I also wanted to be a movie star and travel the world. Now? Well up until very recently I still wanted to enlist in the navy (as a nurse) and I definitely still want to travel the world. With all these dreams, it's kind of easy for me to get stir crazy and bored with the present. 

In this day in age, I'm sure many women are like me and wanting to have it all.  I mean, why can't a girl have it all anyways?  To be a wonderful wife and a super mom and do medical missions in Africa, manage a blog, write a book, do graphic design and photography on the side, be a rescue scuba diver, become a family nurse practitioner then get my Ph.D., and work as an epidemiologist for the CDC and work to improve public health conditions throughout the world.  Why, yes, those are some of my current (and pretty permanent) dreams/goals for my life.  Am I crazy?  Probably!  But it's my dreams that motivate me each and every day to get up and do something with my life.  God gave me these dreams to help me live His mission for me.  And my husband?  Well he has just as many dreams as I do so it's only natural that he's my biggest cheerleader for mine.

My advice to having it all: slow down, embrace the moment, and learn from today so that I can master tomorrow.

When working to "have it all," it's often a go, go, go lifestyle that ends up being more detrimental than anything else.  I learned this lesson pretty roughly in 2011 when I hit the lowest point of my life, both with school, my relationships, and my health.  Life throws you curveballs, and I had to learn that it's okay to have dreams, but sometimes you can't plan every detail to the tee.  God has a way of being like:

"Okay, Amy, I want you to do this... but not that.  

And it's okay, because you are going to be so happy 

you won't even regret not going down that path."

Will I be all of those things I listed above?  Maybe!  I may not be all of them, but I know I will be quite a few of them.  For right now, I have all that I need and I am the best I can be for today and tomorrow (as far as I know) and that's all that matters.  Because who I am today is going to help me continue to "have it all."

Thanks to The Style Network for sponsoring today's discussion.

Watch on Sunday, July 14 as Tia & Tamera kick of season 3 on 

The Style Network where they, too, try to have it all.

DOMA

Well, friends, yesterday marked a historic day on the calendar - making today a historic day on the blog because I'm actually going to talk about politics and personal opinions.

(source)

As many of you may or may not know, I am a proud Catholic.

But I'm also very political and consider myself very educated and fall somewhere in line with Independents and Libertarians.  I was originally a history major and was almost done graduating with a Bachelors in History on the fast track to a doctorate when I switched to nursing.  So I enjoy reading about the founding of our country and the principles this country was founded on.  I think the Constitution is an amazing, living, breathing document.

With all that said, I am very proud of what happened yesterday.  I think this is a great step forward for our nation. 

Do I agree with being homosexual?  Well, what does that matter?  I don't even have an opinion.  I am heterosexual and so is my husband (obviously).  What I do believe in is equality.  I don't know where I fall on the line of whether homosexuality is nature or nurture (nor do I care), but I know I do believe that government should stay the heck out of the matter.  No government should even bother themselves with what human marries another human (keep in mind, I'm saying human because I know some people are like, "well if gays can marry, then I can now go marry my goat...").

I believe our federal government is supposed to protect its people and keep them safe, as well as a few other things like trade, roads, etc.  Certain other things should be left to the states.  But marriage?  Don't politicians have better things to do than decide whether everyone should be equal or not?  Really we are just now figuring something out?

Now, a great point was brought up that religion should have been left out of the argument of keeping a marriage between a man and a woman because then the ruling would have gone the other way.  The argument was that the "Religious Right" was being too dramatic and they should have sticked to the fact that the original reason a government entity gave benefits to marriage (before Christianity) was for the purpose of procreation.

Well, this may be true, but those that want children will adopt the kids that desperately need parents.  There are more than 250,000 children entering the foster system annually.  People that can't biologically have kids, whether because they are gay, lesbian, single, or have a physical impairment, will adopt one (or more) of these kids needing a home with loving parents.

Congratulations to the LGBT community and for what this means for you going forward!

Note: the Catholic Church does not have problem with the LGBT community.  They do not think these individuals are less than human or anything.  They simply believe that marriage belongs to a man and a woman because they, like the history of government, believe that one of the main purposes of the act of sexual intercourse is for procreation.  Ergo, heterosexuality is the way to go for the Church and other religions that may stick to this philosophy.  You can't blame them for that for that way of thinking.  If you don't agree, just move on.  I personally just believe that politics should not have a say over nonpolitical issues.

Marriage... so far.

I love my marriage and I love my husband.  But sometimes it takes real work to like him.

We're both Catholic, right?  But hey, that doesn't mean the "D" word hasn't unfortunately come up in a select few incredibly heated arguments.

I am not here to give advice, because hey, I've only been married just shy of a year.  I have been with my husband for 4.5 years... but that still doesn't really give me the position to solicit advice.

If you want some, I can give you the best advice I've ever received:

Love is a choice,

not a feeling.

You see, my husband and I both have personalities that clash: we're both stubborn and we're both leaders.  So, we often have a power struggle.  As the woman, I know I need to let him be the man, but I've been so great at being independent, it's definitely hard "giving" that up.  But the funny thing is, we can talk about grown up adult issues without any problems, like we are a team.  I guess it's just an adjustment.  And you know what?  We're learning.  Things aren't perfect, but at the end of the day he is my very best friend.  He is a major support system beyond what I ever could have imagined.  Things are getting better with us as we're learning the ebbs and flows of just living with another human being.  Will we not fight?  No.  We are in the baby stages of our marriage and we have a lot of good and bad ahead of us.  Will we stand the test of time?  Only God knows.  But it's not over until the fat lady sings.

Why am I airing a little dirty laundry?  Because a blogger friend of mine is going through a divorce and she inspired me to share the real truth about marriage.  She's in the process of starting a new blog and starting over.  If you'd love to help out by donating some ad space, I'd love to surprise her with a little welcome back to the blog world package!  Email me at amy@thecharmingblog.com !

Marriage... so far.

I love my marriage and I love my husband.  But sometimes it takes real work to like him.

We're both Catholic, right?  But hey, that doesn't mean the "D" word hasn't unfortunately come up in a select few incredibly heated arguments.

I am not here to give advice, because hey, I've only been married just shy of a year.  I have been with my husband for 4.5 years... but that still doesn't really give me the position to solicit advice.

If you want some, I can give you the best advice I've ever received:

Love is a choice,

not a feeling.

You see, my husband and I both have personalities that clash: we're both stubborn and we're both leaders.  So, we often have a power struggle.  As the woman, I know I need to let him be the man, but I've been so great at being independent, it's definitely hard "giving" that up.  But the funny thing is, we can talk about grown up adult issues without any problems, like we are a team.  I guess it's just an adjustment.  And you know what?  We're learning.  Things aren't perfect, but at the end of the day he is my very best friend.  He is a major support system beyond what I ever could have imagined.  Things are getting better with us as we're learning the ebbs and flows of just living with another human being.  Will we not fight?  No.  We are in the baby stages of our marriage and we have a lot of good and bad ahead of us.  Will we stand the test of time?  Only God knows.  But it's not over until the fat lady sings.

Why am I airing a little dirty laundry?  Because a blogger friend of mine is going through a divorce and she inspired me to share the real truth about marriage.  She's in the process of starting a new blog and starting over.  If you'd love to help out by donating some ad space, I'd love to surprise her with a little welcome back to the blog world package!  Email me at amy@thecharmingblog.com !

Monday Inspiration

(source)

Did you hear about the NICU nurses at NYU hospital who had to manually breathe for the babies as the hospital lost it's power and had to be evacuated?  20 babies who each had a nurse and a team of five others to help make sure that baby survived long enough to get to the next hospital.  Now, I know there are so many beautiful stories like this from Hurricane Sandy, but this one struck home as I've been working in the NICU and know that some of those sweet babies have so much hooked up to them, they are in isolettes (special beds with hoods), they are receiving continuous fluids / treatment / medications / etc.  Some of them are so young and immature that their skin is translucent.  To transport them in a major storm?  I can't even imagine.  I pray that I am able to be as quick on my feet if I ever go through this.  These nurses needed to work together and work very quickly and efficiently.  They have to put all their thoughts behind them -- loved ones, if they have time to grab their purses, etc -- and take a patient who is in critical condition and move.  Any hospital worker -- nurse, doctor, tech, environmental services -- they all get together in these situations and somehow work together.  I talked about this again when I discussed the first time I witnessed a code.  It's beautiful how well teamwork comes in to play. 

Read more about the NICU nurses here.

Teamwork isn't just important in the hospital setting.  When faced with a national disaster, teamwork is everywhere.  People stop their individual-based mindsets, and ask others what they need help with.  It's powerful.  And, as I mentioned yesterday, it's so humbling witnessing those who are facing the disaster and have it right in their backyards still asking what more they can do?  I'm reminded of some saints like Blessed Mother Teresa who, at the end of the day with nothing monetary to offer, still asked others what more she could do to help -- even when there wasn't a national disaster.  

Sometimes it is so hard to look outside ourselves and it may take something as devastating as a major tropical storm or a terrorist attack.  And that's okay.  We have to be selfish sometimes after all, right?  It's healthy and necessary sometimes.  But knowing when to put yourself aside for the good of others, the community, or humanity, that's not only beautiful, powerful, and necessary, that's a real challenge.

Thank you to the men and women who put others first

in the face of great challenges, whether it was during

wartime, 9/11, Katrina, Sandy, and everything in between.

Monday Inspiration

(source)

Did you hear about the NICU nurses at NYU hospital who had to manually breathe for the babies as the hospital lost it's power and had to be evacuated?  20 babies who each had a nurse and a team of five others to help make sure that baby survived long enough to get to the next hospital.  Now, I know there are so many beautiful stories like this from Hurricane Sandy, but this one struck home as I've been working in the NICU and know that some of those sweet babies have so much hooked up to them, they are in isolettes (special beds with hoods), they are receiving continuous fluids / treatment / medications / etc.  Some of them are so young and immature that their skin is translucent.  To transport them in a major storm?  I can't even imagine.  I pray that I am able to be as quick on my feet if I ever go through this.  These nurses needed to work together and work very quickly and efficiently.  They have to put all their thoughts behind them -- loved ones, if they have time to grab their purses, etc -- and take a patient who is in critical condition and move.  Any hospital worker -- nurse, doctor, tech, environmental services -- they all get together in these situations and somehow work together.  I talked about this again when I discussed the first time I witnessed a code.  It's beautiful how well teamwork comes in to play. 

Read more about the NICU nurses here.

Teamwork isn't just important in the hospital setting.  When faced with a national disaster, teamwork is everywhere.  People stop their individual-based mindsets, and ask others what they need help with.  It's powerful.  And, as I mentioned yesterday, it's so humbling witnessing those who are facing the disaster and have it right in their backyards still asking what more they can do?  I'm reminded of some saints like Blessed Mother Teresa who, at the end of the day with nothing monetary to offer, still asked others what more she could do to help -- even when there wasn't a national disaster.  

Sometimes it is so hard to look outside ourselves and it may take something as devastating as a major tropical storm or a terrorist attack.  And that's okay.  We have to be selfish sometimes after all, right?  It's healthy and necessary sometimes.  But knowing when to put yourself aside for the good of others, the community, or humanity, that's not only beautiful, powerful, and necessary, that's a real challenge.

Thank you to the men and women who put others first

in the face of great challenges, whether it was during

wartime, 9/11, Katrina, Sandy, and everything in between.

Monday Inspiration

JUST SAY NO

(source)

Just say no to drugs and stay in school, kids.

Okay, I'm kidding this post isn't about that.

I'm talking about how sometimes being selfish isn't being selfish at all: it's being self-aware, cognizant, and therefore selfless because if you spread yourself too thin, then you're not able to give 100% anywhere -- and not only is that not fair to others, it's certainly not fair for you.

I assume that you've worked hard in your life at some point or another to get to where you are today.  

Before I was in nursing school, I was being all dorky in college because I was on the fast track to graduating top of my class in history for a Bachelors and then Masters.  I was in the Honors Program and was that student that was drooling over the opportunity to write my own 50+ page thesis on a topic of my choice ( oh and I still am -- haven't figure out how with nursing, though! )

Because of that, I was elected to become President of the History Honors Society, Phi Alpha Theta.  Then, on a whim, I changed my major to nursing and had to start all over again.  But, I still lead Phi Alpha Theta because I enjoyed it.  So, I was a President in one society, a member in four others,  volunteering at the American Cancer Society, always going to school year round, studying for nursing school, started nursing school, started clinical rotations of 180 hours a semester, got engaged and planned a wedding, all while having dreams to still write a book, get a minor, build a photography business on the side, and somehow march on to get my masters in nursing.  Whew.  Of course, I didn't do so hot after awhile.  I had to prioritize and take things off my plate.

No matter your situation.  It's just so important that you know what you can and can not realistically do.  I got to the point where I no longer even notice that I'm stressed.  Other people have to tell me to breathe and relax!  I wore myself out, spread myself thin, and first the first time in my life did very poorly in a lot of aspects.  Maybe that's what caused all my health problems at the end of 2011?  Regardless, I've definitely learned how to just say no.  I hate it because I miss out on planning things or doing things that sound like so much fun (I had to turn down a wedding photography job for an old friend because I just can't realistically do it), but my priorities right now are not failing out of nursing school, getting enough sleep, and spending time with my family.  If I have time for planning an event, doing a photography job, going away to Oktoberfest with friends, etc, then I certainly will.  But I really do need to plan for it, be realistic, and makes sure I get some me time as well.

Challenge

My challenge for you is to look at what's on your plate right now and see if there is something that you are doing that is a little more taxing for you and your schedule.
Is it something that you absolutely have to do?  Or is it something that can be passed on so that you can focus on giving yourself and your other commitments the quality time they need?  

If someone has something they need help with and you know you already have a lot going on, just say no!  It really hurts me when I know that I am letting someone else down, that alone is unnecessary joo joo, much less having the added stress of completing all kinds of extra tasks.

Monday Inspiration

JUST SAY NO

(source)

Just say no to drugs and stay in school, kids.

Okay, I'm kidding this post isn't about that.

I'm talking about how sometimes being selfish isn't being selfish at all: it's being self-aware, cognizant, and therefore selfless because if you spread yourself too thin, then you're not able to give 100% anywhere -- and not only is that not fair to others, it's certainly not fair for you.

I assume that you've worked hard in your life at some point or another to get to where you are today.  

Before I was in nursing school, I was being all dorky in college because I was on the fast track to graduating top of my class in history for a Bachelors and then Masters.  I was in the Honors Program and was that student that was drooling over the opportunity to write my own 50+ page thesis on a topic of my choice ( oh and I still am -- haven't figure out how with nursing, though! )

Because of that, I was elected to become President of the History Honors Society, Phi Alpha Theta.  Then, on a whim, I changed my major to nursing and had to start all over again.  But, I still lead Phi Alpha Theta because I enjoyed it.  So, I was a President in one society, a member in four others,  volunteering at the American Cancer Society, always going to school year round, studying for nursing school, started nursing school, started clinical rotations of 180 hours a semester, got engaged and planned a wedding, all while having dreams to still write a book, get a minor, build a photography business on the side, and somehow march on to get my masters in nursing.  Whew.  Of course, I didn't do so hot after awhile.  I had to prioritize and take things off my plate.

No matter your situation.  It's just so important that you know what you can and can not realistically do.  I got to the point where I no longer even notice that I'm stressed.  Other people have to tell me to breathe and relax!  I wore myself out, spread myself thin, and first the first time in my life did very poorly in a lot of aspects.  Maybe that's what caused all my health problems at the end of 2011?  Regardless, I've definitely learned how to just say no.  I hate it because I miss out on planning things or doing things that sound like so much fun (I had to turn down a wedding photography job for an old friend because I just can't realistically do it), but my priorities right now are not failing out of nursing school, getting enough sleep, and spending time with my family.  If I have time for planning an event, doing a photography job, going away to Oktoberfest with friends, etc, then I certainly will.  But I really do need to plan for it, be realistic, and makes sure I get some me time as well.

Challenge

My challenge for you is to look at what's on your plate right now and see if there is something that you are doing that is a little more taxing for you and your schedule.
Is it something that you absolutely have to do?  Or is it something that can be passed on so that you can focus on giving yourself and your other commitments the quality time they need?  

If someone has something they need help with and you know you already have a lot going on, just say no!  It really hurts me when I know that I am letting someone else down, that alone is unnecessary joo joo, much less having the added stress of completing all kinds of extra tasks.

amy lately

Hello dear friends,

How are you doing?  I hope that you are doing very splendidly.  I just wanted to write a little note because it's just been one of those months... er, summers.... er, years.  I say it's just been August, but it's really been 2012.  I used to be on top of the world.. or at least I had my head on my shoulders when it came to my own life.  Lately, not so much.  This summer I really struggled with motivation (doesn't everyone sometimes?).  Okay, that has been all year, but I really thought that taking a break from school would give me the time to get myself where I needed to be mentally.  Well, it didn't.  Until August.  But then, I did some traveling with husband for his work, got sick, dealt with a cancer scare of a dear loved one who also went through surgery then got an infection from the surgery (it broke my heart seeing them go through this), and then school started.  What suffered most?  My email account and responding to blog comments.  So I apologize from the bottom of my heart if I wasn't the best person to correspond with!  To be honest, September is going to be crazy in terms of school, so I'm getting super organized early in terms of the blog.  But come October, I should be back in (mostly) full swing -- at least in terms of correspondence. 

FYI, Twitter is probably the best way to get in touch with me (handle: @amycharming).  If you comment, which I absolutely love and appreciate the feedback, I will probably dedicate a time once a week to respond to all your lovely comments all at once, instead of when I get an email, then I forget about it after I smile from reading it.

I was telling my husband yesterday just how much I love all of you.  Blogging, blog friends, and the blogosphere really helps me stay grounded and get inspired all at the same time because I know there are those of you out there that deal with the same struggles I do and others with similar interests as I do and I just connect with everyone because of it.

Anyways, I'm done with this.  I hope you are all doing wonderfully!  Come back on Tuesday for my awesome 300-follower milestone giveaway!  And, if you haven't already, check out the Facebook page for updates, the Ten on Ten questions (which will be posted Monday), and the occasional lovely find!

amy lately

Hello dear friends,

How are you doing?  I hope that you are doing very splendidly.  I just wanted to write a little note because it's just been one of those months... er, summers.... er, years.  I say it's just been August, but it's really been 2012.  I used to be on top of the world.. or at least I had my head on my shoulders when it came to my own life.  Lately, not so much.  This summer I really struggled with motivation (doesn't everyone sometimes?).  Okay, that has been all year, but I really thought that taking a break from school would give me the time to get myself where I needed to be mentally.  Well, it didn't.  Until August.  But then, I did some traveling with husband for his work, got sick, dealt with a cancer scare of a dear loved one who also went through surgery then got an infection from the surgery (it broke my heart seeing them go through this), and then school started.  What suffered most?  My email account and responding to blog comments.  So I apologize from the bottom of my heart if I wasn't the best person to correspond with!  To be honest, September is going to be crazy in terms of school, so I'm getting super organized early in terms of the blog.  But come October, I should be back in (mostly) full swing -- at least in terms of correspondence. 

FYI, Twitter is probably the best way to get in touch with me (handle: @amycharming).  If you comment, which I absolutely love and appreciate the feedback, I will probably dedicate a time once a week to respond to all your lovely comments all at once, instead of when I get an email, then I forget about it after I smile from reading it.

I was telling my husband yesterday just how much I love all of you.  Blogging, blog friends, and the blogosphere really helps me stay grounded and get inspired all at the same time because I know there are those of you out there that deal with the same struggles I do and others with similar interests as I do and I just connect with everyone because of it.

Anyways, I'm done with this.  I hope you are all doing wonderfully!  Come back on Tuesday for my awesome 300-follower milestone giveaway!  And, if you haven't already, check out the Facebook page for updates, the Ten on Ten questions (which will be posted Monday), and the occasional lovely find!

Marriage + College

"When do you graduate?"

"I'm not sure, sometime next year."

"Oh.  But you're getting married!  Why?  How?"

So many people like to ask why I'm getting married before I graduate college.  Like this is something awful.  Well, it's not ideal, but it's not awful or impossible.  

Technically, though, I was supposed to graduate May 6, 2012.  The wedding date was booked with the Church and the Officiant thinking that I would have just over a month after graduation to deal with the little details before we would tie the knot on June 16.  However, everything was booked long before I knew that I would be graduating a few semesters later than planned.  To catch up to speed on the rough end of 2011 physically, mentally, and emotionally, read this.

Conversations

When I found out that I wouldn't be graduating this past May, Duncan and I had quite a few conversations.  I did a lot of praying.  He wasn't thrilled about the idea of me being in school during our first year of marriage.  I didn't think it'd be any different than me working, to be honest.  Plus, he's gone 50-60 hours a week and I really only see him on the weekends anyways.  That would not change.  He also goes out of town at least once a month, and does a lot of auditing of stores in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Florida -- sometimes all by himself!

Anyways, even though he wasn't thrilled, he has always been very supportive.  Through all this, he has been concerned about me, how I am doing, and what is best for me.  And I think now he realizes what's best for us and our first year of marriage is not that I am not still in school, but that I'm doing my best for myself so that I can do my best for him, our marriage, and our family.

Smiling Responses

Duncan and I are very much at peace with the decision to not postpone the wedding.  We both are committed to each other now and know that's not going to change.  What would be the difference of postponing until after I graduate, especially when everything's planned?  I have the whole summer off from school to have several months of stress-free living!  Guys, I haven't had a whole summer off since..... the summer before my senior year in high school!  Man, I feel old thinking about that.  I've always been go-go-going since I graduated high school.  So I feel like it is such a blessing to have the summer to begin our marriage right.  God has plans for him, He has plans for me, and He has plans for us.  I see all God's graces for us daily and I just feel so blessed.

So, when people ask about how "it's going to work," I smile and tell them we have a plan, we know what we're doing, and we're not worried in the least.  It's going to work perfectly for us.  Duncan makes enough money to support us, he has health benefits, he has car insurance, he has positivity, a great sense of humor, and trust in God.  My parents have always been a rock in my life -- and now in our life -- and are fully supportive and ready to help.

Duncan has never made me feel like by not graduating on time I was worthless or not able to contribute (something I struggled immensely last fall when I found out).  He always reminded me that I was still plenty important in what I'm doing, even if I'm not yet a registered nurse, and he always reminds that he's proud of me and grateful to have me.  Plus, he loves that I'm blogging!  

Lastly, I see all these nursing students who are already married and I see these bloggers who are married and in college (first degree or second degree) so I don't feel like we're the black sheep at all.  God has continued to bless us, so I know we're doing what we're supposed to be doing.  We have faith in Him and in our relationship and future marriage.  That's all that matters.  =)

As far as babies and starting a family... well, that's a different post!

Have you ever had your life plan change?

Did you roll with the punches?

Marriage + College

"When do you graduate?"

"I'm not sure, sometime next year."

"Oh.  But you're getting married!  Why?  How?"

So many people like to ask why I'm getting married before I graduate college.  Like this is something awful.  Well, it's not ideal, but it's not awful or impossible.  

Technically, though, I was supposed to graduate May 6, 2012.  The wedding date was booked with the Church and the Officiant thinking that I would have just over a month after graduation to deal with the little details before we would tie the knot on June 16.  However, everything was booked long before I knew that I would be graduating a few semesters later than planned.  To catch up to speed on the rough end of 2011 physically, mentally, and emotionally, read this.

Conversations

When I found out that I wouldn't be graduating this past May, Duncan and I had quite a few conversations.  I did a lot of praying.  He wasn't thrilled about the idea of me being in school during our first year of marriage.  I didn't think it'd be any different than me working, to be honest.  Plus, he's gone 50-60 hours a week and I really only see him on the weekends anyways.  That would not change.  He also goes out of town at least once a month, and does a lot of auditing of stores in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Florida -- sometimes all by himself!

Anyways, even though he wasn't thrilled, he has always been very supportive.  Through all this, he has been concerned about me, how I am doing, and what is best for me.  And I think now he realizes what's best for us and our first year of marriage is not that I am not still in school, but that I'm doing my best for myself so that I can do my best for him, our marriage, and our family.

Smiling Responses

Duncan and I are very much at peace with the decision to not postpone the wedding.  We both are committed to each other now and know that's not going to change.  What would be the difference of postponing until after I graduate, especially when everything's planned?  I have the whole summer off from school to have several months of stress-free living!  Guys, I haven't had a whole summer off since..... the summer before my senior year in high school!  Man, I feel old thinking about that.  I've always been go-go-going since I graduated high school.  So I feel like it is such a blessing to have the summer to begin our marriage right.  God has plans for him, He has plans for me, and He has plans for us.  I see all God's graces for us daily and I just feel so blessed.

So, when people ask about how "it's going to work," I smile and tell them we have a plan, we know what we're doing, and we're not worried in the least.  It's going to work perfectly for us.  Duncan makes enough money to support us, he has health benefits, he has car insurance, he has positivity, a great sense of humor, and trust in God.  My parents have always been a rock in my life -- and now in our life -- and are fully supportive and ready to help.

Duncan has never made me feel like by not graduating on time I was worthless or not able to contribute (something I struggled immensely last fall when I found out).  He always reminded me that I was still plenty important in what I'm doing, even if I'm not yet a registered nurse, and he always reminds that he's proud of me and grateful to have me.  Plus, he loves that I'm blogging!  

Lastly, I see all these nursing students who are already married and I see these bloggers who are married and in college (first degree or second degree) so I don't feel like we're the black sheep at all.  God has continued to bless us, so I know we're doing what we're supposed to be doing.  We have faith in Him and in our relationship and future marriage.  That's all that matters.  =)

As far as babies and starting a family... well, that's a different post!

Have you ever had your life plan change?

Did you roll with the punches?

I Believe.

I Believe...

in alternative ways to get rid of a headache.

that getting a manicure/pedicure doubles as massages.

that it's okay to go to bed upset.  It's hard to see, think, and react clearly when you're in the heat of the moment and sometimes you just need to step back and resume things at a later time.

that people are pretty darn oblivious to anything and everything outside themselves, but ultimately are still good at heart and mean well.

that my tomorrow is only as good as I make it out to be today.

What do you believe?

Link up below!

In case you were wondering, Vince Lombardi believed:

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he hold dear, 

is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on

the field of battle -- victorious."

When People Let You Down

This has been an increasingly frequent thing in my life this year.  It amazes me because I felt like all I did was let people down last year because it was such a tremendously difficult year for me in so many different aspects.  The hardest part about being let down now?  Is that I am struggling to find the humility to accept it, forgive them, and move on.  

There have been times this year where I let it go because (a) they're only human, (b) it's out of character, or (c) it really wasn't something that ruined my day anyways.  But there has still be multiple occasions where people have flat out hurt me and it really felt like a betrayal or an insult.  Of course, I have no intentions of going in to details and defaming anyone that I know, so trust me when I say that those later actions weren't just small petty things that dramatic Amy can't get passed.  They were things that Duncan was saddened by for me.  (I have learned to judge my reactions by Duncan, because he's a good voice of reason.  If he thinks I'm being ridiculous, I probably am.)

Now, I'm not trying to be all woe-is-me, because things happen in life to disappoint us, to hurt us, to deeply sadden us, even by loved ones like a spouse or a child.  But the more it happens, the more my shield goes up, the harder it is for me to forgive and let go.  But because things will happen in life, I can't just arming myself up every time. 

So I ask you all:

How do you deal with situations in which

loved ones or anyone hurts you?  

Right now, I vent to Duncan or my mom.  But I'd really rather not vent at all, just breathe and move on.  And I know people can be like that.  I can be like that sometimes-- or I used to.  

I'm really curious what you do or how you handle things.

Maybe I could learn something from you.

Love, AWS

When People Let You Down

This has been an increasingly frequent thing in my life this year.  It amazes me because I felt like all I did was let people down last year because it was such a tremendously difficult year for me in so many different aspects.  The hardest part about being let down now?  Is that I am struggling to find the humility to accept it, forgive them, and move on.  

There have been times this year where I let it go because (a) they're only human, (b) it's out of character, or (c) it really wasn't something that ruined my day anyways.  But there has still be multiple occasions where people have flat out hurt me and it really felt like a betrayal or an insult.  Of course, I have no intentions of going in to details and defaming anyone that I know, so trust me when I say that those later actions weren't just small petty things that dramatic Amy can't get passed.  They were things that Duncan was saddened by for me.  (I have learned to judge my reactions by Duncan, because he's a good voice of reason.  If he thinks I'm being ridiculous, I probably am.)

Now, I'm not trying to be all woe-is-me, because things happen in life to disappoint us, to hurt us, to deeply sadden us, even by loved ones like a spouse or a child.  But the more it happens, the more my shield goes up, the harder it is for me to forgive and let go.  But because things will happen in life, I can't just arming myself up every time. 

So I ask you all:

How do you deal with situations in which

loved ones or anyone hurts you?  

Right now, I vent to Duncan or my mom.  But I'd really rather not vent at all, just breathe and move on.  And I know people can be like that.  I can be like that sometimes-- or I used to.  

I'm really curious what you do or how you handle things.

Maybe I could learn something from you.

Love, AWS

Days away

Hello friends!

I'd like to take a quick moment just to pause.  Both of Duncan's grandmothers have passed away this month.  It's been a hard thing to cope with for the family.  With the high stress of Duncan's job, his long hours, and all the wedding details, I am afraid that Duncan does not even have time to process.  If there is one thing we know, it's that they are home.  They are no longer suffering.  His nonna (Italian for grandmother) on his mom's side was able to join her beloved husband in heaven.  I pray that it is this peace that remains with the rest of the family as healing begins.

In other news, did you meet Andrea?  Adorable love story!  Another tomorrow, then more next week!  I'll have a NYC recap after the wedding.  Thank you all for bearing with me.  Right now, I know it's my wedding weekend, but part of me just feels like it's just another weekend.  

Thanks for listening,

- xo, Amy

Days away

Hello friends!

I'd like to take a quick moment just to pause.  Both of Duncan's grandmothers have passed away this month.  It's been a hard thing to cope with for the family.  With the high stress of Duncan's job, his long hours, and all the wedding details, I am afraid that Duncan does not even have time to process.  If there is one thing we know, it's that they are home.  They are no longer suffering.  His nonna (Italian for grandmother) on his mom's side was able to join her beloved husband in heaven.  I pray that it is this peace that remains with the rest of the family as healing begins.

In other news, did you meet Andrea?  Adorable love story!  Another tomorrow, then more next week!  I'll have a NYC recap after the wedding.  Thank you all for bearing with me.  Right now, I know it's my wedding weekend, but part of me just feels like it's just another weekend.  

Thanks for listening,

- xo, Amy