Do me a solid!

I go to school with this sweet, amazing girl and her blog has been entered into the Best Health Blog of 2012 contest.  And, she deserves to win. 

She has worked hard to lose 80+ pounds, but that isn't why she deserves to win.  She deserves it because she is so real.  She admits that it is a struggle, a battle.  Every day she makes the choice to be healthy and encourages others to do the same.  She has incredible highs and you can't help but sympathize with her lows.  She has overcome so much  admitted things to the world about her journey that I can't even admit to myself (I am working on that, by the way). 

So please, check out her blog.  She is listed under my "other people's business" box as Alisha.  Click on the link, check out her story and then vote.  The link to the contest is on her page.  Vote everyday, because I gotta support this spunky chick.  Or you can just click on THIS link.

And, the most amazing thing about her is that she did all this while in Nursing School!  She fit in exercising and eating right in between clinicals and studying and writing care plans (so I have no more excuses!) 

For that alone, she is one of my heroes.  I'm going to go take a walk, now.

Christmas 2012

Our first Christmas in St George.......warm enough to wear t shirts outside!

We had a big Christmas Day Breakfast ......a new recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes was a hit.  We hosted a big turkey dinner for Dave's family.  The food and company were great, but I missed my parents, aunties and uncles from up north. I was able to talk to my parents and Cris texted me a pic of Christmas at the Vallejos house.

 

 But, we will need to change our traditions as the kids grow up and have their own lives.  It was almost an act of God to get us all together this year. 

 

We will probably start doing one Christmas at home and doing Christmas up north the next year.  I think that is the compromise that will make everyone happy. 

 

One of our presents for the kids is one last family vacation with just the five of us....I am hoping to go to the Grand Canyon for a weekend, or maybe Bear Lake.  Nothing is definite other than we are doing it this Spring/Early summer.  I can't wait! 

 

 Heather

 

 



 Theresa

Drew

Me and Dave

The  Monkeys

 

 

 

 

 Dave's mom and step dad, Barn and Jim

 

 

 



Dave's little bro Ed,  his wife Audra and one of their sons Quinton (Owen was busy playing with his new truck)

 

 

 

 

The pic Cris sent me from his cell phone.......Dad looks grumpy

Something Different

I decided to change things up a little bit. 

New year, New Ang and Dave

Cleanse = cleaning out the garage and letting go of so much junk.  Maybe we will actually be able to park our car in our 2 car garage

Reflection- going through and sorting old family pictures (getting ready to scrapbook again in a few short months) My! how the kids have grown!

positive attitude-  Daily affirmations about $ (they have  work so well for school, time to bring them to more aspects of my life)

staying in better touch with my kids-- a call ( and/or in Theresa's case a visit) every week

cutting food consumption in half and drinking more water ( I hardly notice the difference in hunger levels--I am amazed at how much I have been ignoring my own hunger cues)

And, these changes have already started.  The over-achiever in me wanted to get a jump on New Year's resolutions

29, yet again

     Another year......I don't feel much different. 

Dave took me out to a wonderfull dinner at a little Italian place.  the calamari was the best I have ever had.  We split an order of chicken marsala, it was so delicious it makes me hungry just thinking about it.  And, Dave insisted I get the creme brule for dessert (like he had to twist my arm).  I felt very spoiled.

I was thinking of all the "childish" things I still like to do....coloring, chewing bubblegum, singing along to Disney songs.  They make my heart happy. 

I like things organized, calm.  It is in my nature.  I may be a little too tender-hearted, but I am also stubborn and determined.  I love people and I try to learn from everyone I encounter. 

These qualities have got me this far, I don't think I will cahnge them.

I would, however like to loose a few pounds and maybe not be so unkind to myself.  I am working on those things.

It will all be worth it

     This semester is over.  I can't believe I am so close to being an RN.  My hope at the beginning of the semester was just to pass.  We have to get an average test score of 78% or higher, and I have heard so many horror stories about our Professor, Dr Chew.  I took the first test just praying for a passing score.  And, with a lot of studying and hard work, I passed.  Now I know that Dr Chew isn't so scary (in fact she is an amazing teacher that expects a lot out of us and cares so much about our success).  She has taught me so much about nursing, given me confidence and helped me trust my skills and knowledge. 

     Now, here I am.  I managed to get an A in Nursing III and Pharmacology.  There may have been a few set backs learning experiences along the way, but I earned those grades with sweat, tears and a few popcorn dinners.  I have earned an A in all of my Nursing classes.  I don't say this to boast, but to let you know how much you guys help me with my success.  A word of encouragement ( a funny picture on facebook or a word of support on my blog) always seems to come when I need it most.  Some nights it takes all I have to study after a long day at work.  Sometimes, I get so stressed out that I cry over the most trivial things (poor Dave doesn't know what to say half the time).  You, my friends and family deserve to share in my success--WE made it! 

Just one more semester to go! 

 
Sometimes I wish I could send a copy of my transcripts to SUU, but for the most part I know I am where I need to be.  And, I would like to think that I have moved so far beyond that.  I am still amazed that I will be Angie Mack, RN!  And, you all can celebrate that.  Thank you all for believing in me, supporting me.......for just being there rooting in my corner.

Be Thankful

We had a nice little Thanksgiving break.  Mom and Dad came down to visit us, and we did a little sight seeing.  I even had a night off of clinicals, and I didn't do ANY homework. 

It was nice to remember all that I have to be thankful for over this last month. 



Theresa and Zane, and the City of St George in the background.  

 

 

Drew and Dad climbing all over the rocks