Amazing Giveaway!!

One of the amazing blogs I follow who I am lucky enough to know in person is giving away an Ipad Mini!! Check out her blog for great tips about fashion and see if you can get in the running to win this awesome gift!



http://bunniesandpearls.blogspot.com/2012/12/giveaway-ipad-mini.html#links

You won't regret it! :)

Felicia

June

June has been a really nice month. I've gotten to spend almost every night with Josh, and even had time to see family and friends together.

It's all coming to a screeching halt very soon though. Next Monday Josh flys out to Alabama for 5 weeks.   I've been feeling ok about the whole thing until today... We were out shopping for all the stuff he needs to take down there and it's such a stressful feeling knowing he won't be here with me for that long. I am very new to this whole "military" life style and I know many wives have to go much longer with their husbands being gone, but I think it just all hit me at once. [not to mention he will be starting school again very soon... ahh!]

I have a lot going on myself, which is good. But just thinking about going to bed every night without him is hard to take in.  I know it will go fast, and I know he will be fine, it's just scary and new and change is never easy.

In the grand scheme of things, this is such an insignificant event in our lives and I try to remind myself of that.  I am very lucky to have friends and family to lean on during this time, thank you all for your support.


Goodbye for now,

Felicia

One Year!

Tomorrow marks our one year anniversary! We have been through so much in just a year, and with all the changes and challenges we've been through in the last 365 days, I think we have handled them like champs.  I really do love you more and more each day.

[June 18th, 2011]

"Forever" - Ben Haper

[Our first dance]

Goodbye for now,


Felicia

Here are some pictures of the things I have been doing in class.  I also did my third hair cut with long layers, and loved it! Can't wait to try it out on a real person! :)

[Pin Curls]

[Piggy Back perm set... not fun!]

[Suicide roll updo]

[Long layer cut and style]

[Braided updo]

Crazy Little World

Hello there!

It's been awhile since I have blogged but holy cow, my world just got SO busy!

I am in school 5 days a week from 9 till 4:30pm, and then have a few hours of practice time/homework every night.  I haven't been in any school setting since 2010, it's definitely taken me some time to get into the swing of things. I am still in love with Douglas J and can't wait to go back every day.

So far, I've learned a lot of different styling techniques [straight hair, rollers, curling irons, perms, etc.], We have cut our mani's head [Erika] twice, did foils for dying hair and a few fancy up-dos.  It's all fun, its all pretty challenging, and the best decision I've ever made! Plus, I've met some pretty sweet people which makes it so much better. :)

***

Josh is done with school and onto his internship for the summer. It has been so great to have him home every night, He even went grocery shopping for me! June is a very important month to me because its the last summer break he will have in his med school career. Its also our 1 year anniversary on the 18th! I am trying to savor every day because he will be leaving in 3 weeks for Alabama, and I don't think It has really hit me that he will be gone for a month. boo :(


I told Josh the other night that I feel like our little world is coming together, even though its a crazy little world we live in, its ours and we do it well.  It's nice to see where you've come from and feel good about where you're going.



Goodbye for now,

Felicia

Friday Jams!

... on Saturday, oops! 


Enjoy :)

Friday Jam:

Mormon Tabernacle Choir "Hallelujah Chorus"

First year done! HALLELUJAH! 

Goodbye for now, 

Felicia 

Recap

This has been one fantastic week. Not only have I started [by far] the coolest program ever, but the med school man is DONE with his first year tomorrow!


everyone together now, HURRAY! 

Let's recap.

Monday I had my orientation to Douglas J Aveda institute. I am in love with this school, the program, the people, the instructors, everything. I realize that I am in a honeymoon phase with a new thing, but this is the first time in a very long time that I am waking up excited to start the day.  Not only am I happy to be there, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I see myself as a stylist, I see myself being happy in this industry, and I see myself being very successful with this career.

Josh and I have a fun weekend planned of sleeping in and spending time together. Which at this point, seems like a crazy idea. This last month was a doozy. On average I have only seen Josh about an hour a day, and thats probably being generous. But, all the hard work has really paid off for him and his first year.  I can't wait to get this summer rolling and being able to have evenings together again.

I'm sure there is so much more I have to say, but I kind of feel like I am spinning from all the new and exciting changes. It's going to take me a little while to learn how to balance being gone all day and still coming home to maintain all of my other responsibilities as well. [I don't know how people do it with kids, you all deserve a medal!]

Well, off to play with my mannequin head :)

Goodbye for now,

Felicia

P.s. Good luck to all the OUWBer's tomorrow, and congrats on all your hard work this year! :)

[Meet Erika, She's real nice ;)]

Friday Jams

.... on sunday, oops!


I went out of town on friday for one of best friends 25th birthday! It was such a great weekend to get away to a lake house cottage and have some fun in the sun [ and im a lobster to prove it! ]

[Happy 25th Birthday Friend] <3

Well, the song I was going to post was this:


Enjoy!

Friday Jam:

Vanilla Ice - "Ice Ice Baby"

I heard this song about 5 times this week... and who doesn't love a little Vanilla ice. :) 

Goodbye for now, 

Felicia 

P.s. Orientation for school tomorrow! ahhhh! SO excited! 

Advice

People are going to tell you all kinds of crap before you start this journey with your husband or wife. Some of these people have never gone through what you are about to experience, some of them might even be your closest friends or family.

But, if there is one thing I've learned, it's this:

Medical school comes first. The hospital comes first. Studying comes first.  It's the nature of the business, and although your wife or husband would much rather be with you, with your kids, with your family; When one of those things calls, they have to go. And that's that.  

That is a hard reality. But, from my experience, knowing and understanding that, will make the journey easier. Josh always tells me, that if he had a choice, he would be with me.  But, when someone devotes their life to medicine, it is no longer their choice. 

Goodbye for now,

Felicia 

Friday Jams

From now on, I am going to post a song every Friday that represents how I feel for the week.  


Enjoy. 

Friday Jam: 

Gym Class Heroes- "Ass Back Home" 

We are in the final stretch of year one, and all I want is for Josh to be home.  This song is about a couple in a long distance relationship, although Josh and I are not, sometimes it feels like it.  In these next few weeks some of the lyrics will hold true to my feelings, "just get yo' ass back home". ;-) 

Top 10 Answers

My sister told me she wanted to know the answers to all the questions I get, so here are the responses I give... or at least what I think in my head ;)

-The top 10 answers I give people- 

"Does Josh have a part time job?"

1. hahahahaha, oh wait, you're serious. No, no he doesn't have a a part time job... He's in school/studying 80+ hours a week. 

"Does he go full time?"

2. No. He goes double time. 

 "Does he take night classes?"

3.  Night Classes? No, 9-5 then study's from 5-midnight. 

"So, when will he be a doctor? He's almost done, right?"

4. [stare blankly at person] Not quite, just another 9 years. 

"Where is he?"

5. STUDYING, STOP ASKING... I mean, studying.

"Does he really study all the time?"

6. uhh, yeah. 

"So, you don't need to work anymore because he's a doctor!"

7. First of all, he's not a doctor... He's a m e d i c a l student. And, would you like see our debt? 

"What kind of doctor is he going to become?"

8. [I've got this answer down] Well, he has always been interested in internal medicine, but he would probably do a fellowship in infectious disease or Gastroenterology. Plus he has always been interested in anesthesia.

"How many years is this actually going to take?"

9.  Well, with undergrad at 4 years, med school at 4 years, residency starting at 3-7 years.... 

10.  THEM: "Where is he?"  

       ME: "Studying."

       THEM: "Still?"

       ME: "Always." 

       THEM: "oh." 

Ok, so for anyone who asks the questions, I'm only teasing!  :) I realize that not everyone knows about medical school and you are asking because you care.  So keep the questions coming, I love that people care about Josh and I. :) 

Goodbye for now,

Felicia 

Top 10

-The top 10 questions people ask me-

1. "Does Josh have a part time job?"

2. "Does he go full time?"

3. "Does he take night classes?"

4. "So, when will he be a doctor? He's almost done, right?"

5. "Where is he?"

6. "Does he really study all the time?"

7. "So, you don't need to work anymore because he's a doctor!"

8. "What kind of doctor is he going to become?"

9. "How many years is this actually going to take?"

10.  THEM: "Where is he?"  

       ME: "Studying."

       THEM: "Still?"

       ME: "Always." 

       THEM: "oh." 

Thank YOU!

So, I was just looking at my blog "stats" and it said that I had 42 blog views yesterday...  to me, that's super awesome!

I wasn't sure I was ever going to start this blog, and it means a lot to me that people read it! So, thank you!

-Back to enjoying my night of freedom [no more 5am alarm clock! *legit happy dance*]

Goodbye for now,

Felicia

P.s.  If anyone has anything they would like me to write about, or know about... just leave a comment and I would be happy to share :)

16 more hours.

Thursday at 2:30pm,  I will no longer be a CNA... whoa!

I've spent the last 4 years of my life taking care of the elderly.  I have loved many of my residents as if they were my own family. During that time I have been yelled at, bitten, hit, hugged, loved, I have laughed with them, cried with them, been frustrated with them, and held their hand as they passed away. I have learned so many life lessons from each and every one of them. They have taught me what love is, and have shown me what it really means to respect an elder. I am so grateful to the experience and wisdom I will take away from all of them.

So many exciting and crazy things will be and are happening right now; I just need to get it all out!


1. Starting Cosmetology school.
May 22nd

2. Josh finishing year one of medical school.
-May 25th

3. Seeing family and friends.
-Hopefully all summer :)

4. Helping my wonderful friend, Lindsay, plan her wedding.
-The big day is Oct. 6th [My birthday :)] in Denver, Co/Grand Rapids, Mi

5. Seeing Josh in day light hours.
-Starting May 25th! ;)

6. One year anniversary!!!!
-June 18th [hopefully sneaking in a quick trip somewhere]

7. Josh leaving for COT.
-Month of July in Alabama... not so excited for this one. :/

8. Meeting all the new SO's [Significant Others] of the med school.
-August

9. The start of M2
-August.



... and then who knows what the year will hold. Bring it on, we can do it.


Goodbye for now,

Felicia

Friends

I just need to say that I am so thankful for the friendships I have grown into this year.  To be honest, it was a rocky start of the year with the friends I had.  With all the changes that Josh and I have made, friendships had to change too.   But, it seems that it has all worked and I am closer to those people now that I have been in years.

So, thank you to the friends I have had and the friends I have made.

Goodbye for now,

Felicia

M1

M1 will be finishing up in less than a month!!!  [ insert happy dance :) ]

Another wife and I were talking about the year and we both kept bring up how proud we were of your guys, and really thats what I feel about this year. Yes, it was crazy, and hard, and emotional and lonely at times, but honestly, I am so proud of everything Josh has accomplished.  With everything he has had to endure, he is still a fantastic husband and I couldn't ask for more.

With that being said, I am also proud of myself. This was not an easy or quick task to take on, but I'm doing it and finding who I am in the process...  I think the most important thing I have learned this school year, is to be true to yourself. It is so hard to get swept up in someone else's life, to the point where you completely forget about yours. But, I've quickly learned that you have to hold on tight to your identify and your passions because, wives, being a doctors wife/med students wife does not define you.

-I have been trying to write this stupid post for about a week now, I don't know why I can't get it out.  But, at the moment this has been on my mind. I'm praying for all you crazy med students... these next few weeks are going to be intense. 

Goodbye for now, 

Felicia

I think I need to do one of those update post next and just get everything out so I can move on and get rid of my writers block :) 

Picking a fight.

There are days that I am upset for no reason, or lonely, or stressed or just grumpy. On those days, I seem to try and pick a fight to put a reason behind why I feel the way I do.  It's not ok, and I know that...

The problem is, on those rough days medical school is always there picking a fight right back at me.

I often have to stop myself and think, is it Josh thats making me mad or is it the load of medical school. I wish I had some insight but these are just thoughts, and I figured the other wives out there may be able to relate.

Goodbye for now,

Felicia

Douglas J

It is official! I will be starting at Douglas J Aveda Cosmetology Institute, May 22nd 2012! 

wooooooo!

Goodbye for now,

Felicia


-I will write more later [too tired right now]. Also, I don't say this enough, but thanks so much for all who read this! You're awesome.

Lt. Med Student

Yesterday my med school man became a 2nd Lieutenant in the United states Air Force. Pretty darn cool.

As of now, his responsibilities to the Air Force are strictly medical school. But, In July he will be traveling down to Alabama for commissioned officer training. [Being away from him for a month long, is going to really suck! But, I am hoping to visit a lot of family during that time!]   I couldn't be more proud of him, He not only is pursuing his dream but also opening up a lot of opportunities for me and our future family. With tuition not being an issue anymore, our future seems wide open. I can't wait to experience all the new adventures that this will take us on.

For anyone considering the military to pay for schooling, I really suggest looking into the Air Force. We found a lot of great resources, and the pro's really did outweighed the cons.

Well, I must be getting back to work. Happy Saturday to everyone!

Goodbye for now,

Felicia

I would like my husband back...

Test weeks are always long. Usually they are on a Monday; So you suffer through a hard weekend, he takes the test and then BAM just like that, I see him in day light hours for a week or so.  But, this time he has a test on Good Friday [me and God aren't too happy about that OUWB ;)]. Which means, he suffered through the "weekend before the test weekend" and now has another entire week to suffer through. UGH! I'm getting really tired of coming home to an empty apartment, and going to bed alone. You're wearing me down med-school, you are wearing me down.

Anywho, I'm keeping busy though... I've actually had a lot going on lately, so that really helps. But, it doesn't make you miss your spouse any less.

Only two more full days of studying and I get to steal him. Good luck everyone; I'm sure your friends and Significant others miss you all too. :)

Goodbye for now,

Felicia

craptastic

thats right, craptastic.  I'm crabby and its the week before another test. ugh. can I sleep till next friday?

Day Off

Yesterday I went to Midland after work to see my family and to sell the good o'l Buick. I'm passing the torch on to a 15 year old. Good luck with your brand new 12 year old white Buick LeSabre... ah, good times.  I also got to see my niece and nephews, they are so stinking cute!

I am back home and looking at another two days of work and then a weekend off... hurray! [I'm hoping to see '21 Jump Street' this weekend... who's with me?]

Anywho, I have a meeting tomorrow with the Interior design program director at the community college. Super excited about that, and then on Friday I have another meeting with the Cos school [while getting my hair cut, extra bonus!]

Lots going on, lots to be encouraged and excited about. Things seem to be headed in the right direction. :)

***

In other news... 

I've been waiting to write about this for a quite awhile now, but it is finally official and ready to be brought up to the internet :)

Josh has been accepted into the Air Force!! We have been talking and discussing this since October and have done all the research, paperwork, meetings and its finally official. He will be sworn in next week as a lieutenant in the Air force. 

In a nut shell the Air force medical service pays for your education if you give your time back after you are done with your education. So, because he is doing it after his first year, he will owe the military three years of active duty once he is a Doctor.  Along with paying for your education they will give us an awesome living stipend, a possible military residency, a chance to travel and allow us to breath a little easier when it comes to money and bills. 

I was terrified when Josh first brought this up to me, I'm pretty sure I said "Absolutely not", but.. with time, research, prayer, and speaking to a great air force recruiter, my mind was really changed and now I am excited about all the new possibilities. I know, I may look back at my enthusiasm on the hard and challenging days and wonder "what was I thinking"... but, overall I think this is really good for not just him and but for both of us and our future family. 

Goodbye for now, 

Felicia 

 [ Aiden and Eli  ]

"Year of Dates" Number 1

Josh and I have been so busy lately that I forgot to update about our first planned "Year of dates!"

We had a great time at the bball game and even got to see "The Temptations" perform at halftime. [We are oldies fans, so we thought it was pretty cool]

Anyways, Here are a few pics from our night.

[He is a very stoic fan]

[The temptations- who are all still alive, who knew!]

[LeBron James]

[<3]

Goodbye for now,

Felicia

step one. complete.

Time for a Pro's and Con's List.

Last thursday I went to Douglas J to meet with an admissions coordinator. It was so much more than I ever expected. I honestly thought I would leave feeling like "ok, this isn't something I really want to do" but it was complete opposite and really just made me more confused.

This cos school was beautiful, top of the line [which honestly, is something I'm not used to] so, I need to make sure I don't pick it based on looks. The women who showed me around was very nice and gave me so much info that I left spinning, but it was good. Josh brought me back down to reality [not in a bad way, but he knows my excitement can blind me from reality]. Although I was frustrated with his lack of enthusiasm, it's very good for me to have someone looking at facts and figures and not just "ooo the school is pretty".

Besides looks. I really liked what their program had to offer. 30 students are admitted 3 different times a year and you are in class and on the floor for 1500 hours. The fact that I would be trained and hands on from day one, is very exciting to me. To be apart of a group of people who all share the same interest seems like it would be a great experience. I have another meeting with them in 2 weeks and am also meeting with one of the current students there to talk about her job prospects and her experience. [while getting a hair cut, woohoo].

Everything seems to be moving along nicely, but its so scary. I do know that it's time to make some real changes and decisions. My biggest desire is to find something I want to do long term, and that I will be happy and excited about. In the meantime, my biggest fear is maintaining a job during either program. I just don't know what or how or when or anything... too much on my mind! I guess thats what naps and cleaning are for... :)

Goodbye for now,
Felicia

Soul Searching

I've always been a firm believer in - do what makes you happy - And I try and live by that. It's hard sometimes though.  I like to try new things, and experience new jobs. But, money gets in the way and peoples voices and opinions really rattle me.

A few months ago I wrote a blog about my work and school history... Its been a rocky and bumpy road. But, I'm at the point where I need to make some decision and move forward. All along I've been "health care, health care, health care" and although I could see myself becoming a nurse, or medical assistant, etc. Sometimes, I wonder if the money is more of a motivator. Now I know you are thinking... money? those aren't big money making jobs, but for me [and the education I have and am willing to get], personally, it is.  enough money talk, i hate it! ha ha

Besides health care I have a pretty creative side,  I adore, i mean ADORE organizing, cleaning and decorating... and that is something I tried to do a year ago. I started my own organizing business called "organizing with Felicia"... it didn't really go anywhere and with the wedding and moving I decided to put it on the back burner and just focus on a "real career" [which was health care]. The problem I have is that, although I do love health care, I'm really have no desire or will power to do the schooling that it takes. If there was a degree for organizing, I would work as hard as med student [which is super hard, guys!] but... nursing school, sounds painful to me. and "do what makes you happy" keeps sticking in my head. Is the school and outcome worth my happiness. right now, no.

so... the last few weeks I've been soul searching and talking with Josh about different options for myself. Because lets face it. I cannot be a CNA forever...

I wrote a list of a bunch of things I like to do and have considered as jobs. *Drum rollll*
-Real estate agent
-Professional Organizer
-Starting my own business [really any little cute shop, is a dream of mine]
-Cosmetologist [which for some reason I've always been embarrassed to tell people that... not sure why]
-Interior Designer - which could go right along with organizing.

Action plan:
-Called douglas J Salon and will be setting up an apt. to meet with the school and explore their program.
-In the process of meeting with the local community college to discuss the interior design program.


It feels really good to be doing something in a new direction and feeling excited and happy about it.




-- the real reason I had to take a step back and really look at my future was because my phlebotomy program sucks. thats about the gist of it. I am in the process of trying to get my money back. And frankly I'm so fed up that I don't even want to pursue it anymore... but maybe that happened for a reason to show me that, that wasn't the right thing for me. God is funny like that. :)


Anywho, enough rambling. I'm off to enjoy some fresh air. Happy Spring everyone.

Goodbye for now,

Felicia


p.s. if anyone has any knowledge or input, I'd love to hear it :)

6 beautiful days.

Just what Josh and I needed; six days of no school, no work, and no schedules.  It was wonderful!

We headed to Grand Rapids on Tuesday afternoon to visit with his family for a night and to pick up our new [to us] car!! We finally have one reliable car, hurray! [I don't have to drive around in a big o'l white buick anymore].  The next morning we dealt with secretary of state stuff and then off to Holland, Mi for three relaxing nights in a cottage on lake Michigan. Holland is so cute! In the four years I lived in GR, I can't believe I never took the 35 minute trip over to the cute little dutch world.  Filled with great bars, beautiful sunsets and of course the amazing lake Michigan beach.

Today, we headed back to GR to celebrate St. Patty's day with friends, and to drive both of cars back to our home.  Josh and his buddy's are out celebrating and I left early to relax at the house and enjoy my last day and half of freedom. Also, I am so not cut out for crazy St. Patty's day festivities. ;-) 

Goodbye for now,

Felicia

Just got back from a great dinner with our group of med school wives. It's is so nice to talk with them and have them completely know what you are going through.  So thankful!

A professor at OU [who is married to a doc- and went through the whole process] came out tonight and shared her wisdom with us. It was awesome. Really made me feel even more secure that this is possible and with a little work, everything will be just fine.  Thanks so much Dr. Harriott for taking time to speak with us! 

I have much more I'd like to say, but I just can't tonight. Too tired. I will fill you all in on the "medcarron" life soon.

Goodbye for now,
Felicia

Happy Weekend

What a good weekend I had.

Friday- Josh and I celebrated his Birthday/Valentine's. It was so nice to have a yummy and romantic dinner together. We also started watching our new favorite show "Breaking Bad".
Saturday- Spent some time with the in-laws and then another easy going night relaxing.
Sunday- More of a study day, but we were able to sleep in and didn't have to rush around all day. I started working on an old dress that I had hanging in my closet. Its a plain black sundress, and I am in the process of doctoring it up... I will post a picture when it's all done. :)

I did get my clinical schedule too... It's going to be interested. I am so extremely nervous to get started that today I had a thought that I didn't want to do it anymore... I know that it is just my nerves taking over, but it's always scary when you are put out of your comfort zone.  The clinic is in Taylor, Mi and it deals with a lot of drug related issues. Since I have never poked anyone [besides an insulin shot] I'm so freaked out to mess up or hurt someone. I start this Wednesday, wish me luck!

Other than that, things are good. Josh and I are going on vacation in 2 weeks and I couldn't be more excited to get outta town for a few days and spend quality time with my man.

Goodbye for now,
Felicia

Exam week, birthday boy, and being crafty.

The birthday boy turned 23 on thursday [the 16th]! Woohoo! I didn't think I would be able to see him that day, but he got home around 8pm and we were able to go out for appetizers at bdubs, which was a nice surprise. [for him and me].

Although there was lots to celebrate this week, he had to keep focused and study hard for yet another gigantic test yesterday.

A few days ago I wrote about my special gift that I made Josh... well I caved and gave it to him on Valentine's day because I had to.  The special gift was a "Year of Dates"- I planned out a date night for every month of the year, found the places, and the price and made cute little cards to go along with it.

[a sneak peek of some dates- our first date is a piston vs. heat game at the palace]

We also made it through Exam week/weekend, Josh passed and I kept busy :) 

As for being creative, I've been getting my pinterest on and finding SO many cool blogs about crafts and DIY home ideas. I also made a cute "goal board" the other night - It's to keep me motivated in my food and work out habits. 

[Awesome Blog!]

Goodbye for now, 

Felicia 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! <3

Mr. Med School and I are celebrating v-day/b-day next week... BUT, I got to see him TODAY during day light hours. DURING an exam week! Crazy, I know.

I felt extra festive today. I brought cookies that I had made into work, wore my pink scrub top, dressed all my residents in festive colors, and a few even remembered it was Valentine's Day. Then two good friends and I went to dinner [Bar Louie- $1 Burger night, and Margaritas!!] and a movie [The Vow] while our men studied. To top it all off, I don't have to work tomorrow :) all in all, good day.

The med students decorated bags and passed out candies and Valentine's. - so cute!

Hope everyone had a nice day today and felt the love near and far.

Goodbye for now,

Felicia

Creativity

Hi all,

I've been working on a pretty cool project all night,  and I'm super excited about it! -- but, I can't write about it yet! :(

I came across a blog that gave me an awesome idea for Josh's b-day/V-day gift. Josh's birthday is Feb. 16th and I never wanted to take away from his birthday just because of valentines day but its always nice to do a little something for it. We've never put too much emphasis on it anyways, but being married this year makes it feel a little more special.

I will give all the details after the 24th but I was just so excited to had to share... something. I have the hardest time keeping surprises, surprises. so we will see ;)

I also found a really cool blog about marriage; which gave some awesome tips and ideas. I love stumbling across little treasures like that.  --  http://www.todaysletters.com/

Well, I better try and get to bed. Goodbye for now.

Felicia

Breakthrough

I had one of those days were everything seemed to click.

I've been at my current job now for four months, almost to the day... and although people have been nice and it is a good job, I've never really felt like I've fit in there. I'm either 20 or 30 years younger, or just in a different place in life. So, I go in, do the work and then leave. I hate that.

I don't know what it is, I usually make friends and form relationships very fast in new places but I've felt like I needed to keep a guard up.

Well, today felt like huge turning point... im not sure what it was; maybe I'm the one growing or opening up more. Whatever is it, I actually felt an enormous amount of support behind me. I felt apart of the team and I had people sticking up for me and helping me.  to me, thats huge. All I want is to know I'm not alone.

I think this turning point is not only in my job but in my daily life. I am handling med school much better this semester and I am learning how to cope and accept the things that are happening. Good or bad.

** A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend about how I hate that I can have a perfectly good day and the minute Josh gets in the door, all I do is rant and rave about the one bad thing that happened. I think being secure and happy about whats going on in your life makes the good days "more real" - knowing that you deserved this day. Being comfortable sharing happy details with people that care about you and not just the annoying crappy stuff- even though they are there to listen to that stuff too. [Make Sense?]**

I left work feeling empowered and proud of what I had accomplished today.

This new found light has inspired even more to keep working out. On a quick side note, I have sucked at going to the gym and working out. I don't know why, I want to get into shape, I have all the tools at my finger tips but I. DON'T. DO .IT.  -- I even feel sick with guilt when I don't... But, I need to buck up and just do it. I work my butt at work all day, what's another hour at the gym.
[I mean really, come on felicia!]


Goodbye for now,
Felicia

update time.

Hello Everyone, 


Well, im failing at writing 3 to 4 times a week... but in my defense I have actually been busy. Which is pretty nice when Josh is so swamped with school. 


So this will be an update blog... 

• The exam went very well for Josh, better than he thought. Which is always good. And even though this semester he only has three weeks in-between each exam he still took time to relax and enjoy being home this week.  

• I officially started my Phlebotomy program, which I love! The information is so interesting and it feels so good to be learning something new and different. Although I love my elderly residents, it will be great to broaden my horizon and be able to work with all different ages.  So far I am in the class portion of the program, which will probably take me 2 or 3 weeks depending on how fast I learn the next few chapters.  Then I will be placed in a clinical for 2 weeks. I can't wait to finally get in there and really start practicing. 

• Our connect group met again, which was really nice to catch up with everyone.  We also decided to start a book club among us.  We will be reading "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.  Although the connect group has started out slow, its so nice to know its there. I think in the next year or so things will really start moving with it. I am looking forward to meeting the new significant other's that come to OUWB. 

Not much else is going on. Just the usual work, study, sleep routine that we know so well. Hopefully I will have more exciting things to talk about next time :)

Goodbye for now,

Felicia 

The Joys of test week...

I feel for every med student right now... this next test seems to be a really bad horror movie, that just won't end.

Don't have time to write much more, but I hope all the OUWB peeps and especially my hubby, get some sleep this weekend, you are all in my thoughts.

Goodbye for now,
Felicia

I'm grumpy...

First of all, I went to a Kickboxing class thursday night! It was great, and I want to thank my friend Janet for going with me! I had such a good time, and got a really good workout. I had no reason to be so scared before and I can't wait to go again.

***

I'm so grumpy today... I could probably use another exercise class to shake it off. I had such a ridiculous day yesterday and I think i'm still frustrated by it all.

first, I had a flat tire when I got out of work and then my car wouldn't start. I had to call Josh and ask him to come and get me, and call AAA. Once AAA got their they changed my tire and and got my car started, although it didn't need a jump the guy thought it might be my fuel pump... (which we looked up and it may cost around 400). So, we take it to Discount Tire and find we still have a warranty on my tires... BUT, it ended up being my rims.  They were so rusted that they are making my tires flat. [ By the way, we did this to Josh's car... 2 months ago!]

Putting money in my car makes me so angry.. we figured it out and between my Mom and I we have put 1100 bucks in my 12 year old Buick this year. ugh!

So after all that chaos, we got on the road to Detroit to pick up our friend brandon from the airport. 3 hours of snowy michigan crap later, we got brandon, got to an applebees and finally were able to enjoy our friends company.  [which all grumpiness aside, I am so glad we got to see all of you! Thanks so much for coming!]


So to make up for my bad mood and causing Josh to lose 5 hours or so of study time yesterday I'm making us a very nice dinner. :) Sorry for being moody ;)

ok, no more pity party for myself.

Goodbye for now,
Felicia

working out and losing weight... ugh

Last night I went to the Oakland Gym for a zumba class....

I was terrified.

1. I hate going to gyms- I feel like everyone stops and stares at me, and thinks "she's not in shape why is she here?"
2. I was going to a class... which I've never done before.
3. it was 6:30pm and it was absolutely packed! Everyone and their grandma was at the gym... [holy social anxiety!]
4. Once I finally got a parking spot, got into the building, and found the classroom... it was cancelled.
5. I almost went down to the gym to work out, but got scared and left.

so... at least I made it into the building.

My Goal this week is to do a 3 classes. I can do it... just have to get over it and realize no one cares or even notices me.

goodbye for now,
Felicia

Work vs. School

Work. 
The other day I figured out that I have had 14 different jobs in the last 7 years...  I would show you a list,  but I'll spare you the boring details.

School.
Since first grade I can remember feeling behind and stressed about the whole school experience. I felt so alone and frustrated that most of the time I would just act out, or give up. I figured, I won't get an A or even a C, so why bother.  That was my mentality for most of my school career and unfortunately through out my 3 years in college.

College was a mess. I couldn't focus on anything, When I did study... I got nothing out of it. I cared more about doing crazy things with my friends than about school. And eventually I gave up and stopped wasting my money on failed classes.

I finally came to terms with a lot of  my school drama about a year ago. I would blame everything on my ADD, living situations, working through out school and then I finally stopped and blamed myself. I was the one who wasn't putting in the time or asking for help, it was me all along.

Work.
Because of all my school drama I've always found comfort in working. I was good at whatever my job was at the time and I was able to connect with people right away.  I never connected with school, so I felt like I always learned so much more on the job.

School.
It's been 2 years this past December since I've been out of school. I remember the night that I decided to quit like it was yesterday. I was sitting on the couch with my former roomie, Alicia, looking at my grades for the semester. I had failed Anatomy... again, for the 2nd time. I just sat there and cried and felt completely hopeless.

I told Josh not long ago that "If, I could just start all over I would go to school for nursing"... well, I got to thinking and realized... why can't I start all over?  I've done lots and lots of research on schools, programs and certificates. I've decided to start small and pace myself.  I realize that school will never come easy to me and that maybe a 4 year education from a university may never be in my life story... but, if there is something that I want to do, I have to try.

I started small and received my CNA in September of 2011, although I enjoy the work that I do, I know I can do more. I started looking into other programs and the next step that I am currently enrolled in and will be starting this monday is, Phlebotomy. I am excited to beging that training and hopefully in the next month or so I will be able to call myself a Phlebotomist.


--I am so thankful that my Mr. Education husband understands the battles that I've had to over come and deal with. I hope one day I feel settled and accomplished in a career no matter what it is.

Goodbye for now.

Felicia

Resolution Time

I'm a sucker for all that new years resolution stuff, It's such a refreshing feeling to know that you have a clean slate, a new year and hopefully a better "you".  I don't think I have ever followed through the entire year on a resolution, but sometimes its just having a new attitude about things that can make a huge difference.

My Resolutions are:

1. Lose weight and more importantly get healthier.

2. Start a "line a day Journal" (Where you right a line, a sentence or a thought about each day for the year) - so far, I've done it everyday!

3. Try a new recipe every week.

4. Blog 3-4 times a week.

And

5. Find a hobby and stick with it. (I may try knitting very soon!) Thanks Amanda!



Wish me luck, and I'll keep you updated on my progress with each resolution :)

Goodbye for now,
Felicia


p.s. The med students dilated their eyes today... Josh's eye is freaking me out.

I'm Back!

Apparently I took a christmas break from blogging.

So, lets recap!

It seems like a lot has happened over the last month... or seven. Sometimes I have a hard time putting things down in writing because it either doesn't feel like i've captured it or I just don't know how to say it, so I don't say it at all. But, I would like to change that.  After all, I started this blog to write about our journey, and that is what I am going to do.

I am hoping to open up more about our day to day life, even the bad stuff. I tend to hold back sometimes on those rough days, because I hate saying something negative about school,  married life, work etc. But thats life, somedays suck, and somedays are really good. I need to learn to cope and express what is going on so I don't explode and take it all out on the guy who has 40 credits. Oh yeah, did I mention OUWB has 40 credits this semester... y a y.

The last seven months have taught me a lot of about myself and about life.  Heres a quick list :)

I've learned that;
1. Getting married, moving, settling into a new home, and being with my husband is the best feeling and decision i have ever made.

2. Being away from family is still hard, but its nice to have them just a drive away.

3. Med school is very scary. I sometimes feel like a awkward outsider who didn't finish college and shouldn't be apart of their gang.  But other days, I think they are the nicest and most down-to-earth party filled [nerds] I have ever met. thats right, you are all nerds :)

4. That you MUST be flexible. MUST. BE. FLEXIBLE.

5. Moving to a new area and trying to make new friends, sucks.

6. Coming in second to med school is only for the time being, its not forever and its not their first choice.

7. Having dinner in my car outside the med school library for 20 mins is completely normal.

8. If on tough days, I cry, and take a deep breath and organize a closet.... everything will be alright.

--I'm sure I could go on and on but lets move onto the next subject.

CHRISTMAS BREAK was Amazing! Nearly an entire month of no books, no lectures, no late night library dates, and no med school.  I unfortunately worked most of his break but I was home every day by 2:45pm and was able to have every evening with my man.  We are so blessed to be able to have spent time with family, friends, and each other. I know Josh got a very well deserved and restful break, which is all I wanted for him and us.


It is now 10:07, and I should be getting to bed... 5am is not a nice hour.

Goodbye for now,
Felicia




What to look forward to next;
-New years resolutions!
-Lets complain about work!
and
-Help me find hobbies!