Changes Ahead!

I don't know why, but at work a lot of the time I feel the "hurry up and wait" feeling. Whether a patient is supposed to go to a procedure or be discharged to another floor I feel like I'm working really hard and really fast and then for some small reason, I'm waiting. It happened last night. My patient got a bed on the floor at about 8:15, I called report, got him all packed up, I even got the annoying cage for the oxygen tank (this is the dumbest rule of all time). I was getting a patient from the ED that really needed to come up and get dialysis and the transporter was taking f.o.r.e.v.e.r. to get the patient out of the room and she kept making phone calls. I was trying to get my other patient settled so that when the patient from the ED came up everything would be taken care of, but I finally asked her if she needed anything, and she said she needed help pushing the bed. There weren't any extras to push (IV poles, bipap machines, etc.), just the patient in the bed. I offered to help and she said "it's ok, I can do it." Grrrr. If only she would have thought of that 20 minutes ago. Anyway, after waiting for her to get the patient out of the room and waiting for it to be cleaned I got my patient. The night went great, but it made me think of other "hurry up and wait" moments in my life. 

Lately, I've had quite a few. I've been living at home for the past couple of months (thanks mom and dad!) and I finally found a place! I'm so excited, it's so cute and in a great area, and much closer to work! We found the place (hurry!) and tried to find roommates (wait). Found two! Looking for one more. We get to move in oh, like yesterday (hurry!), but the house needed to be cleaned and the carpets needed to be cleaned (wait). 

I guess there are a lot of parts of life that I need to work hard, do my best, and then be patient and wait for the outcome. That patience thing, I'm not so good at it. I think that's one of the lessons the Lord lets me learn over and over again. I have to put forth the effort, do the work, and he lets me wait on Him and have a little patience, but it's always worth it. 

This has been a really great/busy year, including . . . graduating from BYU . . . NSNA Convention/lots of meetings . . . passing the NCLEX . . . getting a job . . . missing my nursing school classmates (spending the last 3 years together and then everyone moving away = I miss my friends!) . . . Fiji with the family . . . moving out of Provo (not easy) . . . deciding who I want to be and what I want to do . . . moving home (not what I thought I would be doing, but grateful for the time at home with my family) . . . watching Alyssa rock nursing school . . . having my first real job . . . not being in school (I LOVE school and not having that in my life this past year has been an adjustment, and it makes me want to go back) . . . hearing about Taylor's freshman year (oh the memories) . . . going to Maddie's basketball games . . . moving out!

This next year has a lot of potential and I already have some great things planned, I'm really excited. I am going to do great things, visit exciting places, and hopefully make some great changes. I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Pretty Work Out

All my sisters are home for Christmas (hooray!) and this morning we all headed to the gym. As we were getting ready, one of my sisters (whom I will not name, but if you know my family I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about) says "I just don't get those people who go to the gym looking like crap", as she is putting in her hair extensions and applying mascara. I'm pretty sure she had earrings on too.

I guess I'm one of those people who look like "crap" at the gym. Or my mascara budget is a little tighter.  

The Gym - Where Nobody Knows Your Name (Repost)

I wrote this post about 18 months ago and it still applies!! Just thought I would double share it :) [everyone except the biggest loser group still comes!]


I love people watching, whether it's an old couple sharing an ice cream, girls trying on clothes in the mall and thinking they are the only people in the whole store, or some guy in his car picking his nose, it's just fun! Sometimes we will make up little stories about those we are observing from a not-creepy distance. My mom, my sister, and I go to the gym together every morning. It's our little "thing" and I really look forward to it. There are also others who come everyday at the same time as we do - the morning regulars. We don't know them and they don't know us, but they are definitely familiar faces. At the gym, we have come up with nick names for some these more memorable "friends" of ours and I thought I would share a few and the origins of their names. (DISCLAIMER: These are not meant in any kind of mean way, they are simply observations and we can have conversations about these people because we use this set of common names. If you can read these without casting bad judgment on those who came up with them, please enjoy! If not, wait for the next post!)

1. Patti Peruvian - she is actually one of our real friends now, but before we knew her, we didn't like her much. There was an unspoken duel between her and I - we liked the same equipment for the same classes. At times it became quite immature as both of us would walk quickly to the desired machine at an unusual pace. For tread class I would want to be on the treadmill next to my mom, but she liked that one too (I have no idea why), but she would always come and be right between us, so we just started coming earlier. Of course, I won. I don't remember how it came about, but we started talking and she's actually really great! She is from Peru and goes back every year for a month or two. We love you Patti Peruvian. (Oh, and her name really is Patti)

2. BYU Boy - this is probably the stupidest of our names. He is actually a well-known former BYU football player, but hey, who knew? Well, we didn't at least. He would always wear BYU t-shirts and he looks so young, we used to debate if he was pre- or post-mish. Yes, post-mish, post-college, and married with children. Oh well! We still call him BYU Boy.

3. Onion Man - I'm sure onion man is very nice (he was also mentioned in a previous post), however, he sweats profusely - PROFUSELY - and it smells like onions, really bad. If you're within a 10-foot circumference of him, it's so bad you can't breathe. He always smiles and the stench doesn't really appear until he has worked out long enough to create large sweat marks all over his t-shirt, so you just casually move to another area when the time comes, no big deal.

4. Princess Leia - ahhh, one of my favorites. She appeared at the gym about 2 years ago when she was either engaged or newly wed. She would wear the rock her husband bought her, a new work out ensemble every day, make up (of course), and her hair up in these ridiculous buns waaaaay on top of her head. I'm not sure about these people who wear make up to the gym, if you're working out, it usually just sweats itself off, but whatever. Anyways, because of her quaft of hair (which is still present to this day), she earned her code name of "Princess Leia".

5. Booby Mom and her Booby Daughters - a few summers ago this mom and her two daughters got new boobies together (or that's how it appeared). I'm guessing they were recent high school grads and this was maybe a graduation present? I don't know, but that could be a feasible scenario for these three. They would come in their tight, revealing tops and work out in the area with many many mirrors. They would usually lift really light weights that would show off their new purchases and stare at each other. It was hard not to stare, it was quite a sight!

6. Frizzy Mom - typical mom in her early- to mid-forties. Usually wears running shorts that are too short and some work out top that looks like it just doesn't match (usually one of those outfits that make you tip your head to the side and say "huh?"). Very friendly, well, friendly to the skinny hot moms. She thinks she is all that and a bag of barbecue ruffles with ridges. And she has really frizzy long hair that she thinks looks really good. Most of the people I have described I quite like, they seem nice and it's just kinda fun to have a code name that fits them. However, this one is different. She isn't very nice so I don't feel as bad calling her frizzy.

7. The Biggest Loser - this is a group of people, actually, and they all pay to come live in a house and get personal training and nutrition assistance (like the biggest loser) for about 8 weeks at a time. They basically spend all day at the gym and they work really hard. It's kinda fun to see people so dedicated and working so hard for a common goal - quite motivating sometimes!

8. Old Golf Man - he is one of my favorite people. He comes to the gym and lifts weights everyday and then gets one of the 25-pound bars and works on his golf swing for at least 20 minutes. One day he even asked me if I was a volleyball player because I'm so tall - thank you golf man, I love compliments! :)

9. The Dads - this group is never the same group of dads, but there are always a few from the group that are in the weights area together. They aren't in fantastic shape, are starting to get guts that hang over their basketball shorts, and try to lift like the high school boys. They still think they are in their "prime" and it's charming. My favorite is when they are talking about their kids but don't want to sound un-masculine so they usually do it while curling some heavy-ish weight and using a deeper voice. News flash - you're still taking Katie to kindergarten and talking to your other gym dad friends about how much you miss her while trying to lift.

This video helps illustrate my point:

The Case of the Quesadilla

I worked 6 of the last 8 days. SIX! That's a lot! Especially when they are 12 hour days. Anyways, yesterday, my last of these past few busy days, was really really busy. I was so excited when I transferred my second patient to the floor at 4:15 and I finally got to eat lunch. Because I woke up late (ah! I hate this!! Definitely a New Year's Resolution will be to be early for work-ok, at least on time), I didn't have time to pack a lunch, but I did remember cash (which I usually forget whenever I need it). I had been thinking about a turkey wrap on the yummy spinach tortilla thing all day and when I arrived in the cafeteria I was sorely disappointed. They were closed. At 4:00. It's a Sunday. So I just stood there, I don't know what else to get. I always get the turkey wrap or the Mexican food on Fridays. Then the little Asian woman walked over to the counter where they make the delicious wraps, I totally thought I had a chance. I asked her if there was any chance she wouldn't mind making one more (nothing was cleaned up, everything was out and ready), she said "no, we are close, I go home". Seriously, that's what she said. So I asked again nicely, "so you can't make just one more?" - let's be honest, I'm starving, it's late, and all I want is a turkey wrap, I would make it myself if they just let me behind that little counter. She responds "I say no, I go home." I almost started laughing, but I thought that might be rude, not like she was being very Christmas spirit-y, but I didn't. I turned around wandered around the cafeteria about four more times, and decided on a quesadilla. After I made my decision, to my chagrin, the same Asian woman was now behind the grill counter! Didn't she have to go home? Anyways, I ordered a quesadilla, the cheese was all melty just how I like it, and I grabbed a little pico (I love pico). I was over the turkey wrap, they will be back on Monday. I said "thank you!" she said "mmhmm, you  like extra sassa?" [I'll translate, sassa = salsa] What?? Now she is being nice?? I said "yes please, thanks! Have a Merry Christmas!" to which she said "mmhmm". I was so confused.

Links I Like

This week there have been a lot of links for things I have actually read/enjoyed! Here is a small sampling:

"Lessons In Manliness: Atticus Finch"

http://artofmanliness.com/2011/02/02/lessons-in-manliness-from-atticus-finch/

15 Winter Dating Ideas (these look really fun!!-hint, hint)

http://www.eastercloset.com/2011/12/15-winter-dating-ideas-guest-post-by.html?spref=fb

This is HI-LAR-IOUS! I love it!!

Thanks Cyndi

This is one of my favorite songs during this time of year and I like this version (I LOVE the version on Elf, just sayin)

I also found this cover of a favorite 80's hit and quite love it, also, I'm liking Queitdrive this week. Thanks to Cyndi Lauper for her contribution as well. (Yes, they are a little greasy/sweaty, but hey, it was 2006).

Murmuration

A friend posted this and I love love loved it. If I were to see this in real life (and even watching it in the comfort of my own home), my thoughts went in the "Heavenly Father sure loves me" direction. I think this is amazing and beautiful and I wanted to share it.

http://vimeo.com/31158841

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Invasion of the Nolans!

I have never ever EVER met a Nolan before, have you? I have lived 24 1/2 years and have never actually personally met a Nolan.  

Until last week. 

In my mind, the name "Nolan" is reserved for accountants, old men, or that kid in 3rd grade who ate glue, that's just what I think of when I think of the name Nolan.

However, I met a Nolan last week at church, he had a little facial hair, was tall, kind, and friendly. I wouldn't have guessed he was a Nolan but I was pleasantly surprised. 

Call it coincidence, but a nurse I work with has a son named Nolan.

And the show "Revenge" has a Nolan in it. 

Who knew there were so many of them! It was nice to meet you, Nolan.

Absentminded sometimes

I swear I had work this morning.

I've been thinking about it all week and kinda bummed because I work Monday, Halloween, so I thought it was lame that I had to work the Saturday before as well as the holiday itself. Not so mon frere. I drove allllll the way to Provo last night and stayed super late because it was Friday night and I wanted to get out of the house and the old roommies offered a place to sleep, I declined because I had "work". Also, I was invited to go to St. George for the weekend, which would have been fantabulous, but said, "thanks, I have to work on Saturday though." When I went to bed last night at 12:47 a.m. I thought, "oh how I wish I could be called off tomorrow". When I finally woke up at 5:50 a.m. no one from work had called and I got ready, including a healthy lunch-packing, which I was very proud of. I drove to work, walked in at 7:01 (not even bugged I was late because I was not too thrilled about being there in the first place), and they all looked at me like "what the heck are you doing here?" (except at the U they don't say "heck").

Ya, well, I got my Saturdays mixed up. 

I work next Saturday, not today. Scale of 0 to bugged, I was at a 9. The worst part is this is the second time this has happened. It's awesome not having to work when you thought you did, but when you change your plans because you thought you had to work and you don't. As my sister Maddie would say "ug".

There were a handful (which means > 5) of times in high school I had swim practice in the mornings and for some reason or another, I ended up in the car with all of my belongings ready to go at odd times in the morning, 2:04, 3:57, 3:15 . . . ya. We don't get in the pool until 5:30. And it's kinda funny when your dad walks out into the driveway in his underwear looking at you like you're crazy and telling you to get in the house. Then you realize why.

I have also woken up IN the shower at least four times that I can remember. I thought, "oh, I don't remember getting up, I must be really tired". When I return to my room it is, again, the middle of the night. I have been so absent-minded before that I have completely shaved my legs and fallen asleep again without washing the conditioner out of my hair.

Waking up late stresses me out. But I'm so good at it. I love my sleep, but the balance of getting enough rest and waking up with enough time to be on time and get ready is a tough one.

Older-ish men I have a crush on . . .

I may or may not have mild crushes on older-ish men. Not creepy, stalker-ish crushes, but just "he's cute, when my future husband ages, I would be ok if he looked like _____".

I know I have shared this with you before, but I LOVE the Today Show. On the Today Show is that cute Matt Lauer. He has great taste in shoes, is so classy, and always responds tactfully to anyone he is around. Love him.

Next, my date to the Royal Wedding (remember?). Yes, Mr. Bradley Cooper himself. A little more rugged and edgy, but oh so cute. I don't think we would have any kind of long-term relationship, but again, a crush is just that, a crush!

George. Oh George. You make looking at dead bodies and crime scene materials so much more fun! Again, just so cute! Love the baby face. And he's so sweet! Or at least he is on CSI. 

Patrick Jane (I don't know his real life name). Again, I LOVE The Mentalist. My mom and I watch it together every week. With sugar-free hot cocoa. He is so cute! And so smart. And from Australia. 

Note . . . I know I don't know these people in real life and that I am making complete assumptions about their character and personalities, I just don't want you to think I'm completely delusional.

I don't want to be a Kardashian

Confession . . . I love Keeping Up With the Kardashians. It's completely ridiculous, I can't believe people actually live this way, but if it's on and nothing else strikes my fancy, sure, I'll watch it/they are kinda funny, you have to admit. But the last few weeks have taught me that I really don't think I want to be a Kardashian. They have all the toys and the clothes and they are beautiful, but I'm not really sure what they do all day. Other than live in their pretty houses and put on makeup so they can look pretty and go to dinner and parties with their friends/family and be followed around by cameras, I'm not really sure what their actual "occupation" would be.

I, on the other hand, have a real job. I go to work, I get paid, it's great! I love going to work, I feel productive and I like feeling like I'm helping other people. However, I also have days off. Like four of them. Every. Single. Week. Depending on scheduling, sometimes I will have five or six in a row! What is a girl to do?! The first day is awesome, I get everything done and feel accomplished. The second day is also pretty great, I get things done but it's laid back and I still feel productive. After that, however, it all goes down hill. I don't have kids, or a house, or a husband, or a dog, and after following my mom around at Costco far too many times, well, basically I've got to work on my hobbies. (And I've already covered spending 3 hours at the gym every day so don't suggest that.) If I could keep up with the Kardashians I probably would think about it, I drive a corolla, I wouldn't mind changing it up a bit, but my paycheck and common sense might not agree.

Anyways, if anyone has any idea of what in the world I can do on my days off (preferably something benefiting the community, not just Erin - although that would be great too), let me know! I especially like being outside, but inside things are good too. Waiting for your suggestions! :)

P.S. Do you think that's their real hair? I'm suspecting extensions . . .

Thank you

I think that at certain times in our lives we are surrounded by people we need and people who need us. I can't help but think about this past year and be grateful for the people in my life. I have been truly blessed by having people I can always talk to, find strength in, look up to, who love me for who I am no matter what and who are my true friends. I am impressed by the people I am surrounded by and feel very lucky to call them my friends and family. Thank you isn't enough to express my gratitude, but maybe someday I can pass on the love and support they have shown me. I'm feeling very grateful today and needed to share. Thank you for all you have done for me, I love you.

Night shift

I have a night shift tonight. I hate nights. Half of the lights are turned off so it's dim enough that you could fall asleep anywhere. You have to wake people up and ask them orientation questions at 4:00 in the morning-I'm not oriented at 4:00 in the morning so I'm not sure how these people answer questions. Sometimes I just feel like a zombie wandering around, but if you keep walking you can usually stay awake. I hate that feeling of "it's 2:30 in the morning and my brain is turning off and there is nothing I can do about it." I think driving home after a night shift shouldn't be allowed. They should have a nursing nap room. However, I do quite love the feeling of "I've just worked 12 hours and it's only 7:00 in the morning". Oh nights. I have two.

Erin, RN

So . . . yes, I'm aware it's been a little while since I've posted, but for good reason. I've been busy! This summer has been great! Lots of swimming, sun, looking for a job, and just enjoying the summer with family and friends. I didn't really have anything to post about for a while because I was spending most of my time looking for a nursing job and that's not interesting to hear about. However, I got one!!! And I LOVE it!! I am working at the University of Utah in the Intermediate Care Unit. It's a step-down ICU and it fits me perfectly. I love the ICU and the intensity and excitement of it, but I'm a new nurse and I have a few things I want to learn before I jump right into the ICU setting and I'm loving taking care of moderately critical patients but having 3 instead of 2, it's pretty cool! And thanks to my good friend, Mel, for taking this picture on my first day of work! 

Also, since I'm working in Salt Lake, I'm moving! Yes, I am making the big move from Provo to Salt Lake! I'm a little nervous since I've finally gotten this Provo thing down, but I know it will be good. If you have any suggestions or ideas of where to go, I would love to know! Well, I'm back so stay tuned for next time! It won't be too long this time!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!! I just wanted to let you know how much I love and appreciate you. You're the best mom out of all the moms. You are so patient as I have tried to learn to sew (and still can't), as I learn lessons the hard way, and when I just need someone to talk to. You are such a great example of what I hope to become someday and I love you so so much.

Thank you for making me take piano lessons, always having a good book suggestion, expecting my best out of me, letting me "shop" in your pantry, staying up late and chatting, staying on the stairs for an hour, showing me how to live the gospel, and loving everyone around you. Love you!

Rent

I've been paying rent in Provo for the last two months, even though I haven't been living there. Yes, I'm going back, Sandy is just much closer to Salt Lake than Provo and with gas prices finally going down (not!) I'm heading back to Provo. Anyways, in order to continue storing my belongings in the freezing cold basement in an awesome house with my roommates, I need to pay rent by the 3rd (or 5th at the latest) of each month. On May 4th - cutting it a little close - I headed to the bank with my rent check on the way to the gym. No phone (this part becomes important later). The account number was written on top of the check so the text I had in my phone with the account number to deposit it in wasn't really necessary.

I get to the drive-through at the bank, put the check in the tube-y thing, and sent it to the returned-missionary-looking girl behind the window, who wasn't pushing the button while speaking into the microphone and then said "oh sorry!" when she realized I was trying to read her lips. After a few minutes, ok maybe not that long, she says "This account number doesn't look long enough, are you sure this is the right account number?" I say "Ya, I've used it before, I'm pretty sure, do you have an account for someone under that name?" She tries again and says "Sorry, we don't have anyone with that name or matching account number here." I take my check back and go to the gym, thinking she is probably just not very smart and I will come back later.

After my work out I run home, grab my phone, double check the account number (which is correctly written at the top of the check - thank you very much), and go back to the bank. This time I go inside. To my chagrin, returned-missionary girl is still there. We try again. No luck. I call my trusty roommate and tell her the situation and she says "Do you have the right account number? (yes) Is his name spelled right? (yes) Are you at the right bank? (duh)" Missionary girl tries again. I take the check back trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do. I can put it in the mail and send it to Diva (the landlord - no that's not his name, just what we call him), try to deposit my check next time I plan on going to Provo, I don't know, good plans weren't really coming.

Then I get back in my car, text the roomie to apologize for the phone call and that I can't figure out how to pay my own rent and tell her about missionary girl and say she is (and I quote) "not the brightest crayon". I was so bugged. Then I realize, as I'm leaving the parking lot, the sign at the bank doesn't say "Utah Community Credit Union". Why is this a problem? Because I'm at the wrong bank. Trying to pay my rent to the kind, modestly-dressed girl behind the counter who probably realized my blonde roots run deep and still humored me by trying the wrong account number more than one too many times. Who is the dull crayon now.

79 Days and Counting!

I love this girl. How could you not? Isn't she cute??

Today she got on a plane . . .

And is leaving for the WHOLE summer. Don't feel too bad. She's going here:

to Fiji

Saying our final goodbye's at the airport (a little pasty and winter-y looking, but don't worry that will all change when we see you next in 79 DAYS!!! But really, who's counting? Me!!)

I'm missing you already Lyss!!! Love you!!! Have a wonderful time and I can't wait to hear about your adventures!!

Happy April 29th!

What an exciting day!! I have been looking forward to this for a while now and I am so happy for William and Kate (I like Kate better than Catherine, so let's just go with it for now). Everything was so beautiful and classy, I expected nothing less.

Also, you may or may not know that today is Alyssa's birthday!! Happy Birthday Lyss!! (This is a picture of us sitting on the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, I thought it was fitting for the occasion)

Alyssa is one of my most favorite people in the whole world, when I think of her, I think of:

• Being on time
• Peacemaker
• Disciplined
• Sometimes clumsy
• Tender
• Fiji (oh how I'm going to miss you!)
• Skittles
• Skirts
• Clean and tidy
• She always smells good
• Her hair looks great all the time - even when she wakes up
• She's a great example
• Trendy
• Put together
• Wonderful

Ok I'll stop now, but you get the picture. She's great and I love her. I hope you have a great summer and a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Love you!!!

AP Tests

So . . . I went to college once. And when I was there, I studied. I was often in the library and the particular floor I studied on varied, but I know how to study. My sister, Taylor, is studying for her AP tests which are coming up in another week or two and for the past couple of nights she has had study groups at our house. They are a loud bunch, but I hope they are getting some effective study in. She has the funniest friends and I love hearing what they are talking about. While I'm sitting here trying to watch The Office, this is a little bit of what I'm hearing, since I can't hear The Office anyways . . . .

I know what you're talking about - the feather! Ya, that's it, that's the one! Is it Donatello? Oh, we're still on 40?

Ya, 41 is A - 42 is dumb

When I think of Gothic I think of really tall spikeys

Fuzzy backgrounds, kinda funny-looking . . . Taylor! Are you eating the wax?

This cheese is gross, I could never get past the wax. It's smart cheese. We could make really hard balls and throw them at each other. (Seriously?)

Ya, they're pretty, but they have really bad hair.

We saw that! But it was in San Francisco, and it was different.

I feel dirty when I think of Rococo.

Are they talking about pointilism in 46?

I'm always talking and I'm always making people laugh - ok what number are you guys on?

This is about 10 minutes of dialogue. They are really funny and I am so glad I'm not studying for AP tests right now, or finals. Ya, being graduated is awesome, but it did take some studying. Ok, a lot of studying.

Easter Ham

I LOVE Easter. I love getting an Easter Basket and hunting for eggs and most of all, the Reese's Peanut Butter egg. I look forward to them and they make me happy. I think my most favorite Easter basket was my Sophomore year of college when my family went on vacation for Spring Break and left me in Provo. Ya, it was awesome. However, my mom made me the best Easter basket of all time. It had lots of goodies, my favorite magazine (Self), easter pencils, sticky notes, the works. And I love the colored easter grass, there was, of course, easter grass.

This year Easter was good too, loved the Easter basket, loved not working on Sunday (the first Sunday I haven't worked since February 28th - yay!), and loved wearing my favorite pink dress - very Eastery. For dinner we had ham. Ham. Yes, ham. Why ham? I have no idea. Back in the day didn't they have lamb? Or sheep? When did we switch animals? Why did we switch animals? When I think of ham I think of Christmas, people have ham on Christmas - I also don't know why we have ham on Christmas but it's traditional and we do. But now we have ham on Easter too? Ham gets two holidays, that's a pretty big deal. Prime rib gets new years, corned beef gets St. Patrick's, chicken gets my birthday, hot dogs get the 4th of July, beef stew gets Halloween, and of course, turkey gets Thanksgiving. But why ham? Why Easter? I don

't get it. The others make sense, but I don't even like ham that much. I didn't know it was that significant. I guess I just missed the ham boat.

Ok, so I couldn't resist and I googled "Easter Ham Origin", this is what I found:

The Easter ham, and most other "Easter" traditions actually have their roots in Paganism and have nothing to do with Christian commemorations of the Resurrection of Jesus. Although Christianity observes Easter to acknowledge the Resurrection, most know it is not the actual day of this event.

Still, Paganistic rituals infiltrated the Christian Church and have become intermingled to the point of misconceptions. The word Easter is in the Bible only once and is used Acts chapter 12. There it tells that King Herod (an evil pagan) was preparing to participate in Easter rituals at the time of Peter's arrest. So Herod delayed bringing Peter forth for sentencing until the pagan rituals were over. (You can read this miraculous story in verses 1-19)

What were these rituals and where did they begin? Noah's grandson (Cush) and his wife Semiramis had a son named Nimrod. Reports say that after Cush's death, Nimrod married his own mother and became a mighty king. He too was eventually killed. His mother then began the deceit of deifying her son/husband, claiming he had become a "sun-god" (the origin of "Easter Sunrise services), and he was then to be called Baal. (Baal was worshipped as a god of fertility and promoted sexual sin.)

She proclaimed that the people of Babylon should worship him and that he was with them in the form of a flame. This wicked Queen, doing the work of Satan, was creating a new religion and set herself up as the goddess called "Ishtar." Hence the root of the pronunciation "Easter."

After she became pregnant, she bore a son named Tammuz claiming he was the product of a sunray, which caused her to conceive. But Tammuz grew to be a hunter and was later killed by a wild pig. "Ishtar" then designated a forty day period (the source of Lent) to mark the anniversary of Tammuz's death.

During this time, no meat was to be eaten. Every year, on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, a celebration was made. Ishtar also proclaimed that because a pig killed Tammuz, that a pig must be eaten on that Sunday.

This is of course a condensed version of all pagan beliefs originating Easter. Satan is a master deceiver, and has filled the world with idolatries, lies, and misconceptions. The Easter Ham and all else promoting the ancient pagan religion of Mystery Babylon (per "Ishtar") are customs of the false god, Baal.

I have no idea if it's a reliable source, but here it is, and I feel better that I have some idea about the origin. (http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/origin-of-easter-ham-faq.htm) I'm ok with pagan holidays, they have them spread throughout the year pretty well and it means government holidays! Yay!

Royal Wedding

Do you know what's happening in one week? Yes, William and Kate are getting married!! I'm so excited. I think she is beautiful and I love their story. They are enchanting, sweet, and I love them. I love that they met and dated for a long time and how classy and in love they are. Yes I will be recording the wedding and surrounding events and watching it all day (oh ya, and happy birthday Alyssa! I won't forget about you!). I'm excited to see her dress, her hair, the flowers, Westminster Abbey, the ring, everything. Maybe she can give me some ideas for my wedding! No, there is definitely no wedding and no prospects, but someday, right? I'll be taking notes.

If I were attending the royal wedding (as an invited guest, of course), what would I do? Well . . .

First, I would put the invitation on the fridge at my house along with all of the other invitations from friends around Provo. Theirs might go in the middle though.

Second, I would pick out a dress . . . something elegant and modest and maybe something like this

(and I would look amazing in it).

Third, I would find a date. Since this is an imaginary situation I will take full advantage. Yes, I would be going with Bradley Cooper.

Wanted: A Gym Partner

I love working out. Lifting. Running. Spinning. Stair climbing. Swimming. The works. However, I really like going with a friend! I'm not very reliable, my work schedule can really interfere, and I don't always go to the same gym, but if anyone ever wants to come, I would love some company. I like working hard and I'm not the type to go with make up on, so if you feel like you can keep up let me know! :)

Under Construction

The blog will be under construction for the next little while. It needs a face lift and some life so I will be working on that. It might look weird or ugly or cute or not matching, but if you happen to see it and you like something, I would love to know! I'm ready for a change and any suggestions! :)

Keeping you posted

Life has been a little busy lately and I haven't posted as much as I would have liked to, but updates will be coming!

First, and most exciting - I passed the NCLEX!!! It was not fun, it was hard, and I vow to never do it again. It was really fun writing, "Erin Zundel RN, BS" for the first time (it means I have taken my nursing state boards and am licensed, but I have also received my Bachelors of Science, which is different from a BSN but most people don't know that). I still like being called "Nurse Erin" if the desire overcomes you and you would like to formally address me. I participated in the graduation ceremony in August - which was great, but felt kinda weird considering I didn't actually graduate until December, but even then, it didn't feel over until I took that test. Now I feel like a college graduate and I'm loving it!! (This is the first time since I was 4-years-old that I haven't had homework!!!)

[Note: top picture is my nursing class - I love these girls, we made it through 3 years of nursing school together and had a lot of fun doing it. I miss you all and can't wait to hear what exciting things you will be doing! This picture was taken after our final "Closing Social" event. It was a really fun night. I'm laughing so hard, however, because Melissa's husband was trying to take a picture - along with all of the other husbands, moms, and attendees - and if you know Melissa you know that her anecdotes are hilarious, and she was trying to help him be a little more assertive. We were laughing so hard!! The bottom picture is of graduation in August! Such a good feeling!! Thank you cute sisters for taking a picture with me!]

After all the papers, tuition, and late nights, I have learned a few things along the way . . .

-It's not always about homework and getting the best score in the class. Sometimes it is. But sometimes it's not. Balance is a hard thing in college, and especially in nursing school, but sometimes you have to set aside the competition and just worry about doing your very best.

-There are good nurses and bad nurses. Learn from the good ones.

-Hands can be washed. It's ok to get them dirty sometimes.

-Listen to your mom. (I will not repeat this)

-Go to bed early. (This kinda goes with the previous point)

-Sometimes going to the midnight showing of Harry Potter and then trying to make it to class the next day is an appropriate choice.

-You don't have to wash your hair everyday.

-Always volunteer - this includes raising your hand and doing things you don't think you are comfortable doing.

-Find good friends and learn from them. They are not easy to find and most of them get married, I'm really grateful for my current roommates, they are great friends and it's lucky for me they are still single.

-Be grateful. No matter how hard things have been or how overwhelming challenges can feel, being grateful can truly make a difference. Thanks mom and dad for all you have done and continue to do for me. I would be nowhere without you and I am grateful for your constant love, encouragement, and support. Thank you. I love you!

Second - I have completed my term as Director (West) on the National Student Nurses' Association Board of Directors. It has been an amazing opportunity and I have had a great year. I loved the people I got to know and work with and hope to know them for a very long time. (And a special shout out to my roommate Reneka - who made me feel welcome and invited, put up with my alarm clock, and whom I love and adore, what can I say, she's the best!). I also got to pass my position on to a fellow BYU student! Jaclyn Coleman is now Director West and will do an amazing job. It was really fun being able to pin her at the last meeting where I handed over my position. I know she will take good care of things.

Third - and ya, actually this is probably the most important - Happy Birthday to ME!! I love love love birthdays (especially my own) and I celebrated my 24th on April 12th! Fun fact about Erin - she has 3 sisters, 2 of which are also born in April, also, there are 4 girls who live down the street, 3 of which have April birthdays! I think this is a fun, unique coincidence and I love that we all have April birthdays (because really, April birthdays are the best!) I also have 3 cousins with an April 12th birthday - again, another affirmation that it truly is the best day of the year.

Well, I'm sure you all have missed me, and now that I am no longer a student, have passed the NCLEX, and don't have too much to do, I can blog! Lucky you :)

No Excuses.

I am the "I'm not feeling like doing that so I don't think I'm going to" queen. If I'm not committed to something, I don't put any effort into it and it shows. I did the stair climber at the gym this morning and rocked it. 60 minutes, 6.59 miles, 689 calories. It feels so good to accomplish things that are important and to succeed at things that matter. I saw this video when I came home and it's something I want to remember, especially on those "hard" days. And really, isn't everyday hard? I find things are "easier" when I have a plan, I decide what I'm going to do and stick to it. Even if there is a challenge, I like it when I stick to my plan and push through it, I feel tired at the end of the day, but I know I worked hard, and that's a good feeling.

Little Things Lately

My goodness! I haven't posted in forever! And for good reason. I finished school at the end of December (with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and a minor in Art History and Curatorial Studies, yay!!! And yes, it's my blog so I kinda felt like tooting my horn, I'm done now) and getting everything finished up for the semester always takes quite a bit of time. My family also went to Disneyland the week before Christmas (a little rainy but a ton of fun), which kept me away. Then there were the holidays (always great) and this month I've been starting my new job and studying for the NCLEX! (Yes, I know it sounds like a disease, but it stands for the National Council Licensure Exam) and every time I think about blogging I think "No, I should wait, I could use that time to study." I don't really like studying for it, but soon (hopefully next week) I will be able to take the biggest test of my mortal life, pass, and be a real nurse!! In the mean time, I get to "observe" at the hospital. What does this mean you ask? It means no touching patients, doing nursing things, or even charting. Charting is probably the most boring activity known to mankind, and I can't even chart. Oh well, as soon as I'm licensed my poor patients will be fully cared for by yours truly!

Some thoughts lately . . .
1. I'm not a student! What kinds of things do people with real lives and no homework do? It seems like there is a lot of free time, or time that I get to decide what I want to do with it, and I'm just not quite sure how to handle it.
2. I no longer have an excuse to avoid the gym. I used to love the gym. It was a priority, it came before basically everything except sleep. Now I'm not loving it so much and because I'm a little more free with the new schedule, my lack of gym attendance excuses aren't working so well.
3. I think every married girl I know is pregnant. Seriously. It's so fun to read everyone's blogs and hear about babies and all the new exciting things that are happening in their lives and I love it, but I'm pretty sure I don't know a married girl who isn't pregnant or who hasn't had a baby in the last 2 months. Pretty cool!
4. I would really like to travel. Somewhere warm and balmy where I can get a tan. Hawaii? Greece? Anything is fine with me really.
5. Work takes a lot of time! Having a scheduled time on and off is SO great, but 12 hour shifts kinda make days pass by without being connected with the world. I love my new scrubs, the little shoe things I got so that my feet won't hurt, clocking in and out is kinda cool, and soon my name badge will say "RN, BS".

Well, that's about it for now, but I'll keep you posted, wish me luck!

P.S. It's Cezanne's 172nd birthday! (Thank you google!)