What I learned in Computer class

For my last job, I was trying to make a spreadsheet to help me keep up with daily data for an end of the year report and quickly realized I do not recall how to navigate efficiently around Excel.

Then I remembered why. All I learned in Computer class was how to hunt buffalo and pack lightly. I lost a lot of good friends and family to the trail and we had some memorable trips. Between this and Midnight Rescue during elementary keyboarding class, it is simply an accomplishment that I have even figured out how to blog!

Disclaimer: This video is long but somehow addicting. I encourage you to only watch enough to jog the memory and then shut-her-down.

Inspiration, Exploration, and a little Perspiration

Indeed the words for my weekend.

Inspiration.

Found this wall inside the home of Amanda Mason-Hays and knew I wanted one.

I decided before I start my new job and I should tackle one last big Betty-Finale of a project.

Durham living room before:

No I do not decorate with Christmas year round, these pics are from December.

Durham Room After:

While I want to take credit for this mighty feat, I should probably go ahead and confess that my mom was in town this week. Not only was she the support during the ever daunting “decision-making” moments that stress me so, she also sponsored the rugJ. This 8x10 majestic number was only $199 from Marshalls HomeGoods. Steal of a Deal!

Exploration.

The family then spent Saturday transporting through time and reliving the story of TEXAS at the Houston Museum of Natural Science's new Texas exhibit. I feel reconnected to my roots and proud to be Texan (or as they kept saying in the video Texian.) I love being a Durham, but my Crockett blood runs deep!

Perspiration.

I am sure you were expecting to find a picture of how ridiculously hot and humid it seems to be this summer and it was hot and humid this weekend. But this Perspiration is not from the sun, the guilty villain causing me to sweat this weekend was UNITED/CONTINENTAL Airlines. They canceled my parents flight on Sunday! grrrr. Then they had no plan to help the 200+ passengers find a new way to get to their destination. Oh wait, they did offer to put them on the Tuesday evening flight. While that sounded soooo helpful, my Dad had a project at work he had to be back for. Jon and I got online and booked them on the 9:45 p.m. flight from Hobby, drove to IAH picked them up (first they waited 2 hours to get their bags back), and drove them to Hobby with Mom on the phone in the backseat trying to convince Continental to refund them for the canceled flight. Perspiration.

In Conclusion:

I love Southwest. Why do I punish myself by booking flights with other airlines? I know what me and Southwest have is real, true, and beautiful. Forgive me SW and please take me back!

Say Hello To Your Friends

I did. Quite Frequently in fact. I loved that group of gals when I was young. I read the series in a matter of weeks forgoing most childhood play time to simple sit on the couch and read about Kristy, Dawn, Claudia, Stacey and Mary Anne and their wonderful babysitter adventures. I read the books, watched the show, bought the movie, and even owned the board game!

(for Avid fans I realize I left out Mallory and Jesse, but if you recall they came later as junior members)

I took the quiz to find out which character I am, and of course, it was Kristy. This always irritated me growing up. I did not want to be bossy Kristy. The reality was that I was indeed a super bossy child. I loved school, reading, studying, and playing by the rules. It was very important to me for everyone else to also play by the rules. I am truly grateful for every elementary friend I had. My favorite "game" was teacher, where I could plan all activities and tell you exactly how I wanted them done and fail anyone who did not follow the instructions. POWER TRIP!

Realizing my bossiness was overpowering my life, my friends, and any chance I had of a relationship; I began to work extra hard to suppress the boss within. End result~ I am now the indecisive door mat that cannot even pick where to eat when it is just me. No lie, I call Jon to help me pick what to eat for lunch sometimes. It is probably just as irritating to my friends as being bossy was. Dang it woman, just tell me where you want to go or want to do or want to eat!

While I am still a stickler for rule-following to some degree, (I cannot stand it when I sit next to people talking during a lecture) it has become painfully obvious that it is difficult for me to make plans that will involve other people. Telling people what to do makes me nervous, even telling students to behave last year was a daunting task.

What if it is not what they want to do? What if they think I am being bossy? What if they hate chinese food and I choose Thai Cottage? What if I'm wrong? AHHHH

So today when I took this quiz, I really thought about Kristy. There would be no BSC without Kristy. Someone had to make the plan. I mean the first book is titled Kristy's Great Idea for a reason my friends. While it is easy to view this person as bossy and controlling, maybe I should be looking at it as a positive character trait. Haven't you been going out to eat with friends and it feels like everyone in the car is saying "I don't care, where ever you guys want to go." Someone has to eventually decide.

This summer as I embrace the Betty within I will also try to embrace the Kristy. Not full throttle though, I refuse to go back to standing on the slide at recess yelling at the other students the proper playground rules. (yeah I really did that)

Houston GNO! and Justin Timberlake

Reblogged video via abitofsilliness.

I don't know if it is really funny or if I just think he is so cute that it becomes funny because I want it to be. I really do have dreams that Justin, Beyonce, and I hang out a regular basis. Someday I will be seen at a coffee shop nonchalantly chatting it up with JT, B (of course Jay-Z will be there with her), Tina Fey, and Kristin Chenoweth. Someday.....

But for now I will enjoy the fact that I was invited in my first Houston GNO!

Girls Night Out. Which indicates slight success in the new effort to make friends. I was so friendly I even shared fajitas with someone. (even let her order sour cream on the plate without my usual obnoxious groan.) We went and saw Monte Carlo. I will not try to defend this choice but will bravely admit that I did not HATE it.

Do I have girlfriends yet? I think it is happening people. I was pretty darn-tootin charming; sharing fajitas, carpooling the ladies in the Prius, appropriately sneaking Spice Girls into the CD Player, throwing out the compliments, giggling and giving that "look" to the gal next to me when Selena Gomez finally kissed the boy. We can only hope they took the bait.

Someday my exclusive coffee date with my dream cast will be routine, but it was nice to find a pleasant filler until then. Thanks ladies for the invite. Keep them coming.

Bake this way

Thick and Chewy Blonde brownies with Chocolate Chips

Recipe Source: from My Kitchen Cafe (www.mykitchencafe.blogspot.com)/originally adapted slightly from Cook's Illustrated

image via RealMomKitchen

Simple! Just the way I like things. This was fantastic because I did not have to fight with my mixer. My mixer prefers to show off by only allowing the speeds super-fast up to out-of-control-fast. It refuses to function at a steady speed, which usually results in not only flour and dry ingredients all over the cabinets but also over mixing. I used semi-sweet chips and white choc. chips to help me clean out the pantry. Nanny said they tasted yummy, but she is so sweet I think she would smile and say it tasted yummy if I made her a mud pie. But isn't that what Grandparents are suppose to do?!

This would work

images via Combining two loves: Ice cream and sugar cereal

This is a Get-Away Moment.

In 6th grade, I experienced this overwhelming, "I do not know how to cope with my emotions yet", moment where I grabbed a box of Lucky Charms from the pantry and ran away. After a couple blocks, reality sunk in that a cereal box really was not the ideal run-away gear. I decided to just chill at the park swinging and eating the marshmallows from the box instead.

Maybe if this concoction had been in my freezer I would not have needed to run away at all. This is running away. I can only imagine that this would somehow magically (yes, that's a pun here for the "magically delicious" cereal) make overwhelming emotions shrink to manageable proportions with each crunchy yet creamy bite. Kudos to you MilkMade Ice Cream.

Thumbs Up for Rock and Roll!

Freedom Breakfast with the Durham’s was a success, I think mainly because I invited the freedom pancakes to join me. I can finally say that I own a pack-n-play, it's a hot item and I have been eyeballing them for awhile. Game time with friends provided challenging fun and it became downright intense during Sequence. Marriages were at stake. Listening to the fireworks from our upstairs window did not offer quite the same sentiment to the Fourth as actually seeing them but they sounded great.

The three day weekend left me refueled and ready to tackle another week.

I feel…. I feel…

Can't seem to find the right words:

Thank you sir. Well said. That's it exactly.

my new fave make-up trend

This chick, Katie Alves, paints complete Disney movie scenes on her eyelids. I cannot even successfully master the smokey eye. Impressive. I am blogging this in an effort to propel this into a new make-up trend. What a great conversation starter. Put your favorite classic movie scene as your eye-shadow and simply close your eyes when you are awkwardly out of things to discuss. This might be my new friend-making plan.

Seriously guys, she's got freaking baby Simba on her lid! Here's hoping miss Katie never gets ptosis.

Move your Body

And yes... Amanda Mason-Hays and I did learn this dance and jam out in her living room when I visited. What's that? oh I am blushing! We did look just as good or better than Beyonce. You guessed right.

ohhh I love me some Beyonce. Do not even ask if I like her new album. That is simply a ridiculous question. I am demonstrating great blogging restraint by not posting endless you tube videos of her new songs. But I want to.

Take a look, it's in a book!

image via deviantart

Completed so far:

Body Surfing- Anita Shreve

I was as virgin Shrevian and I must say it was not too bad. Fast easy read. Perfect if you are looking for a "lighter" summer beach book.

The Midwife's Confession- Diane Chamberlain

Picked it because my interest in Labor and Delivery. Disappointingly it did not include much about the actual midwife profession or stories, but it did have some intriguing characters and surprising curve-balls in the plot. Started off slow but at the end I had to stay up till 2 am to finish reading to find out what happened so I guess I ended up pretty involved.

Love wins-Rob Bell

I know, how controversial! Just Scandalous :)! If you have questions, doubts, insecurities, even anger about this book; it might be a good idea to quit assuming you already know what it says and actually read it. You may still have the same feelings but at least you will no longer be acting like you can read Bell's mind. (Apology to those who indeed are telepathic. If you have read his mind by all means, pass on the book)

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake- Aimee Bender

Enjoyable. Creative. Do it.

In the works:

Love is a Wild Assault- Elithe Kirkland

Good ole Historical Fiction came with high praises from the Scott family. Pretty heavy reading though and might take the rest of the summer.

And I leave you with some Reading Inspiration as you too enjoy your summer reading. Let me know if you come across a keeper.....

Embracing the "Betty" within

I have a 2 month break between jobs. This, for some, is a welcome rest. An anxiously awaited vacation to leisurely read, watch some desperate house wives, or sunbathe at the community pool. (I must admit I still am watching my share of horrible shows.) Immediately I start to stress. I begin to feel the need to "wife up". This pressure, I must stress, DOES NOT come from Jon; who keeps telling me to relax and simply watch The Bachelorette.

When I am working full time I have the ultimate excuse. I am not much for the household managing. I only do laundry once a week and I cook a maximum of two meals (usually crock-pot) a week at that is about it. And I do not feel guilty. I work hard at a stressful job and so does the hubs. Jon and I come home, grab dinner, and then cuddle on the couch watching Netflix or reading the rest of the evening. No pressure. We work hard, we relax.

When I am not working I feel the need to embrace the unfamiliar world of a stay-at-home-wife. "Everyone else is at work, I must be doing something!" my mind shouts to get me out of bed early.

Let me fill you on my new Betty Draper life:

1. Waking up early with the Husband for moral support. Does he really need me to cheer him on as he brushes his teeth or eats a Cliff bar? Probably not! But I feel great purpose here. :)

2. Work out appointments. I refer to working out as an appointment now. It makes me feel like I have something official going on in my day. "What are you doing today," one may ask. "Oh, I have an appointment at 9:00 a.m." (A crucial appointment to go to Zumba or bodypump with Amanda Scott my work-out buddy.)

3. Baking. I am determined to help Jon make friends at his new job by sending copious treats all the time. My husband will be the most popular one at work if I have anything to say about it! Two words: Cappuccino cookies! I am seriously stalking Joy the Baker!

4. Laundry. Daily. I go through Tide like a drug. It is very therapeutic to do this task. Such a sense of pride for getting that drawer full of plaid boxers. Once I start working I will drop this drug cold turkey though.

5. Vacuuming. I need there to be vacuum lines on the floor so that when Jon comes home it looks like I did something… haha. It’s quick easy and makes it look like I made some effort to clean the house.

6. Cooking. Not much though. Because the truth of the matter is we really enjoy eating out.

7. Visiting people. I will blog more about this later, but I have this rare opportunity to catch up with pals. Love that!

And I still find time to squeeze in some Bravo t.v. and good reading in! Now all I need are some cute A-line dresses and some petticoats to be good to go. I keep reminding myself to embrace this time. Enjoy the little things now because the 12 hr shifts are sneaking up around the corner. Who knows, by the end of this vacation I might be a self-declared Betty and Proud of it!

Why so Delicious?

I have a new very serious and startling addiction.

It began as an innocent snacktime, pick-me-up and now has work its way into a nearly daily -DAILY- event. For those of you who know me, sweets are a weakness, but this, my dear friends, I think will surprise you:

http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/full_menu/desserts_and_shakes/chocolate_chip_cookie.html

I rationalize....

"it's cheap~ $1.08 for two"

"I had a rough day"

"I had a good day"

"I barely had time for lunch"

"Traffic is so bad it will help pass the time"

On my route home I pass FIVE McDonald's that tease and torment me. If I am strong enough to pass the first four, I break at the last one and even add a diet coke to the order. All the Mcdonald's worker now know me. They crack jokes about "the cookie girl" or at the one by my school "esta es la chica que come todas las galletas."

It is funny, and then..... it get serious... BOO for serious thoughts.

Truth B-slapped my face this weekend: This is not innocent! Dang it!

Sometimes in an effort to combat my obsessive eating habits/thoughts I allow myself to overindulge. Fearful, that saying no to a craving gives the power back to my old thinking. But this is just a substitute I suppose. The reality is, I am giving food the same authority if I always say yes as I did when I always said no. What happened? Soo sneaky J. Food, my friend, you are not in charge. Do not be confused by my recent baffling behavior but I am still boss! This week I am challenging myself to say no McD’s!

And I am willing to admit that I will probably need help. So if anyone reads this blog….encourage please! If you have my number, call or text between 4:30- 5:00 p.m. this week to remind me that I am in charge.

HAHA! Creepy and soooo fitting for this post.

Introducing: Shallow Small Groups

Feliz Dia de la Madre

Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing, beautiful, fun, compassionate mom! Thank you for the years of unconditional love, friendship, and guidance. I am blessed beyond measure to have you as my mom! I love you!

And I am also blessed that I love my husbands Mom too! Thanks for being such a sweet and fun M-I-L Kelli Durham!

Movin' right along

Being a School nurse was…….

School nursing was a time…..

The thing about being a school nurse…..

When I look back at school nursing……

OK School nursing was simply not for me!! J I really do not know what else to say. Eventually, the teachers started being nice, I finally got added to the staff e-mail list so I wouldn't awkwardly show up in my crazy socks when they had changed it to "Crazy Hat Day", and the one Christmas card I got from a little boy who took an inhaler every day was slightly encouraging. But overall, this is not what I pictured I would be doing when I decided to be a nurse.

First off- I should NOT complain! I was very lucky to score the gig in the first place. Thank you Jan Jones at Health Services! Telling her I was leaving was hard because I felt like an ungrateful tiddy-babby. Without this I would have been doing nothing, or settled for job with a major contract and would not be able to tell you my big news:

I will soon be a nurse on PICU at TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL! MMMM that feels so good to say, type, or get up and doing a little jig to. Am I scared?…… uh yeah! I have been sitting in a school all year taking temperatures and screening vision….I am terrified! Bonus news alert:

It’s the GN program! Meaning I get paired up with a fellow nurse to work with for the first 20 weeks. This news was like zofran for my nauseous stomach. Can I repeat how awesome this is?!? THIS IS AWESOME!

As usual, I am also tripping into a little Guilt Coma. Am I abandoning these kids? Is leaving a pride issue? Where is my commitment? How will I face the staff after they find out?

I will hopefully quickly work through this and just get excited about how Jon and mine’s life keeps “Moving Right Along”!

Nothing soothes a nervous spirit quite like the Muppets!

The dress

I have this weird obsession for pretend shopping for cute dresses. I really do not like shopping. I can do, let's say, about an hour of mall time, and then I am done. Get ready for Cranky Carly. Oh I will bring it! A bad attitude, mean remarks, pouting, and if you push me, I can give you a hell of a breakdown in a dressing room over my arms! Ask my sweet mother. She has learn the hard way to keep the shopping time sharply to 59 minutos!

But for the first 20 minutes, I get fairly excited about cute dresses. Well Carly, you are thinking, I never really see you wear dresses. mmhhmm. You are correct! And yet I want to.

So Why not?

First: When am I suppose to wear them? Nurse= Scrubs and our church is pretty casual.

Second: It looks like I am trying to hard! My fear is people will look at me and think: Why is she wearing a dress? And it puts this added pressure on me that my hair and makeup need to look even better. And with the state my back is in... forget about it! I would have to wear a jacket. Which I end up putting on anyway, feeling like a scank with my shoulders exposed ;)!

I never think these things when I see someone else in a dress so why would I think others are have such rambling thoughts about me.

Occasionally I, or usually I can blame to co-shopper with me (i.e. MOM) can talk me into buying such a dress. I am excited. I feel all cute in the dressing room and think, I am going to find places to where this new attire. The result is these lonely dresses sit patiently in the closet. Oh and they do not even make the "real" closet. Poor guys hang untouched in the guest bedroom closet as to not torment me with their sad dusty eyes!

So this weekend I am conquering these insecurities and putting on dress! Judge away World, because my scanky shoulder, backne, and ponytailed hair are wearing a cute dress anyway!

oh dear.......................................

One and Only

Seriously, I am an adult (or at least I am attempting to be one) and THIS is not suppose to be a something an adult deals with. Adolescents….. sure. Teenagers….. Absolutetly. Even the occasional College student must face up to this experience. But Adults? NO!

What do you think you are doing Bac(k)ne? Yes, it is true. I am and adult dealing with the ever real and ever humiliating fact that I have ACNE on my back. What is even more embarrassing is how I have handled it! About two months ago when I started getting red spots on my back I thought it was just the occasional successful pimple attempting to torment me. When they began to take over and start a war with all the moles on my back I began to PANICK. This is not acne?!? This is a rash… or an infection I caught from those sick kiddos that come to my clinic. A nurse in denial! I scheduled a dermatologist appointment ASAP to prevent this RASH from getting worse.

At my appointment I told the Doctor how I have maybe a strep of staph infection on my back.“You are not going to believe how bad this infection is!” I stressed to him just sure he would agree. He took one look and asked how long I have been dealing with the ACNE on my back!!!!!

These guys are not friendly either. They itch and they hurt! I had encounters with pimples in high school but my heart now has more compassion for my fellow acne sufferers of the world. I was prescribed different washes and creams and the battle continues to rage on unsuccessfully.

The winner of most of the war so far is insecurity! It simply amazes me how this seemingly insignificant flaw can drain gallons of my confidence fuel. The last two weeks I have been driving on E! And poor Jon has had to basically carry me to keep me going. J

Then today, while cleaning out the prius, I found an old CD I had bought with Amanda and Tyler in high school. This is cheesy stuff folks, but I found a really silly WONDERFUL song that helped pick me up a little today the same way it did when I was 16.

Sometimes I have good days and it's good to be me
Sometimes I get the best of insecurity
And it's quite alright to be the one and only
But today I feel like the one and lonely

It's not that I don't know beauty is only skin deep
Just the skin I'm in, not the girl within
But one imperfection takes away my grin
Not that I think I'm ugly but
Acne throws me for a backslide
I won't go outside
Makeup can't hide how I feel inside
Some days it's hard to be a one girl revolution

Cooties

Baby Austin

With this down time on Spring Break I thought I might add some old posts that I never published:

Baby A is here!

Melissa texted me yesterday that she was going to the hospital...... My heart was a little nervous since it was a month early but I should have known better than to fret! Melissa did amazing!

I received the most beautiful picture of a handsome baby boy at around 10:40!

Congrats to my dear pals Will and Mel!

09/07/2010