Year in Review

There were so many changes this year. But, it has been a good one.

We moved
I got into nursing school
Dave got tattoos ( Heather and Theresa did, too)
Drew got his driver's license
We got 2 black cats
We got a new(er) car, a 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Dave and I celebrated out 10 year anniversary in Vegas
Dave quit his job at the boys home
Theresa graduated
Heather and Theresa moved out
I turned 36, Dave is now 41. Heather is twenty, Theresa is 18 and Drew is 17
Dave got a job with the Detention center in St George
I finally got an ipod
I commute to Colorado City at least once a week for school
We emptied our storage unit

We have so much to be thankful for. I know more good things are coming. Have a great 2012!

The Most Important Thing

Family

Time together, swapping stories, practicing traditions, sharing meals, hugs and laughter. It always great to get together with my family--in laws, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. It's my favorite part of Christmas

Mack Family Christmas 2011

String Addiction

Roger and Allen

Roger-and his bunny tail fluff butt




We need to have a string intervention with Roger. It starts in the morning when I put on my robe....attack the tie. Then I do my hair...........attack the cord to the curling iron. When I get dressed....attack the tie on my scrubs AND my shoelaces as I tie my shoe. I try to wait until he's distracted to put them on, it's a good day when I can tie my shoes without his "help". Anything even remotely string like (hair, clothing, cords, dental floss) gets attacked if it moves. He also loves to steal Q-tips and contact lens case lids. He can't get through 10 mins without a string fix. I'd kill him, but he's so darn cute. As I type this, he is curled up and (thankfully) sleeping at the computer where the fan blows out hot air. We had to nix the Christmas tree this year and put all the presents well out of reach, lest they enable his addiction. Maybe it's his lack of tail that fuels his need to have long, tail-like things.









Dave just had to have him...........ugh!

29 and still holding.........

At the beginning of the school year, one of the kids in my class was shocked to hear my real age. " I thought you were 29 or 30, tops." he told me. I told him he just made my year! But, I got good genes, I guess.

Anyway, I am older and wiser. I know the satisfaction of realizing a life-long dream. My life is good. I have some things to work on, more goals to accomplish, but I'm on my way.

New for me this year:
Nursing School
Thai food ( I am mad that I have missed out on it for so long)
Pretty purple car
meticulously written patient care plans

My constants:
"polyanna" out look on life
reading--not as much fiction as I would like, however
anything orange
un-ruly curly hair

Ways to de-stress

I may have become something of an expert in this subject :)

• Break big tasks up into little steps


• Organize and plan out as much as possible. I am a list maker and I like to cross things off as I complete them


• Take a 10 min break when stress levels rise if you can, if not take 5 deep breaths and regroup- I have found this really helpful when I'm taking a test


• Learn to laugh--at yourself, at the situation, have a good sense of humor in general


• Take a night off-- you deserve it. Go out to dinner, watch a movie, don't even think about work/school


• Do something physical- I like to clean the house after I have studied so that I can think about the material and allow it to absorb. Going for a walk helps, too


• Take a long, hot bath to relax. This is another place where I think about things I have studied and make connections


• Prioritize and let small things go. I have learned that I don't have to vacuum every week, school is more important right now


• Play with your pet-I have learned that a purring kitty in my lap does wonders.


• Take a break every hour or 2 to get a drink or snack, let things sink in. It helps to go back to the material/job with a fresh mind

(((Hugs)))

All this talk about technology replacing human interaction.......I agree that it is a problem for a few ( I know my kids would rather text than carry on a real conversation) but most of us are able to not let the internet replace the humans in our lives. In fact, I think it brings me closer to my friends and family. Facebook is how I stay caught up on everyone, a quick text to one of my kids lets them know that I'm thinking about them. And when I can, I am sure to have those real face-to face visits with my loved ones. Honestly I am so busy sometimes I only have time to check in on facebook, but it helps me feel connected.

All I'm saying is that facebook, internet and texts have their place, but nothing beats a real hug

You're probably sick of hearing about it........

.........But I can't help myself. I absolutely love it! Even when I have to survive on 4 hours of sleep or spend 7 hours working on my "mini" care plan. It is everything I hoped it would be, and I am still filled with a sense of wonder about it all. Angie Mack will be an RN! In 18 months!

Class is great and I am doing well. I actually got 100% on my clinical calculations test. The first time in my life I have ever done that well on a MATH test. We have a lot of fun, work hard and learn a lot. I know I would not be here with out all of your love, support and encouragement. So, you all will just have to bear with me for the next few years.


That said, I am really looking forward to the end of the semester so that I can rest, read what I want and spend some time with family and friends. I also have a few projects around the house that I'm gonna force Dave to help me with. I love this time of year and I have so much to be thankful for.


Dave is working in Nevada for the next week or so. I miss him but he's making lots of money and working hard for his family. The cats are good. The kitten is a monster but it's hard to be mad at him when he's soo cute. They keep me company and make me smile. The kids are doing great. Heather is doing well, working and trying to get into college. Theresa is liking school and being out on her own. Drew is on the Stage Crew and likes to run the light board. They are all becoming adults. I think Dave and I did alright.