{Oh What a Night…}

…of spooktacular fun!  And to end the night, a nice fire and a few spooky stories!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

{The Queen}

This little girl is definitely the “Queen” of the household!  She is beyond being spoiled.  And she knows that all she has to do is give those sad puppy eyes and she can get whatever she wants!

{A Quick Snap}

{In the Midst}

Linking up with On Cloud Nine

 

While walking outside the other night, I happened to look up at the sky.  This is the view that was above.  This sky was a mixture of emotions.  Tranquility of the blue sky mixed in with turmoil or anger, and peeking through was peace and happiness.

Many times, life feels just like this picture looks.  We battle many trials and storms, but if we stop and look closely we will find that there really is peace in the midst of that storm!

{A Taste of Color}

This photo has been linked with Pastor’s Girl’s Ponderings Photo Challenge!

If you get a chance, go take a peek at all the colorful entries!!!

{Underwater}

Well, not literally, but metaphorically speaking I am.  I promise my blogging will resume to normal very soon!  We have started 3 new classes and have been gasping for air all week.  This week is no different.

So, please be patient with me for a few more days!!!

{On Cloud Nine}

Have you ever taken a photo that speaks to you?  I have, many times.  And this is one of them.  As I look at this tree, I see it standing all alone. 

It reminded me of life.  There are many times that we feel as though we are standing all alone.  Everyone else is off in the distance.  But it is in those “alone” times when we find our true inner strength.  Our roots grow deeper and discover that no matter what the circumstance, the storm will pass and the blue skies will return. 

This post has been linked with:

{Happy Birthday}

To my Mom!  I hope your day is a special as you are!!! 

Happy 29+ ;)

{Never The Same}

I love watching the sunset, especially at the beach.  And as the season changes from Summer to Fall, the sunsets get even more spectacular.  This night was no exception!  It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky, a light breezing and a few crashing waves.  And even though I am only 20 minutes from this nightly occurrence, I don’t go often enough.

God really created something magical when it comes to the beach and sunset!

PS!  This is SOOC…off of my phone so there is no editing!  God’s canvas just the way he painted it!!!

{Meet the Hermit}

Hermit crabs are quite fascinating to me!  They have no shell of their own, so they inhabit other empty shells that they find for protection.  As they grow, they leave the small shell behind and search out one that will better suit their needs.  I wish it was that easy for us to take up residence in new homes!

 

{Rough Draft of Life}

I recently read a quote, author unknown, that caught my attention.  It read: 

“Living involves tearing up one rough draft after another.”

As I read it, I couldn’t help but let out a little laugh!  Because is it SO true.  How many times do we plan something out only to have life change it?  All the time.  We plan for an outdoor party and then the rain decides to arrive without warning.  Or company shows up unexpectedly as you are getting ready to leave.  While those are just small things that occur, there are many life altering events that bring about the need to alter life’s plan. 

I am getting better at learning to let go and just enjoy the roller coaster ride of life.  And while I am very much the one that likes full control of everything, I’m learning that sometimes things just won’t work with me in charge.  2010 has been a year to teach me that life’s plan requires many rough drafts so to speak.  But each rough draft has brought about new and exciting changes in my life.

I’m excited to see how the rest of this chapter in my life will unfold!

{Weekend Blog Hop}

It’s the weekend and that means it’s time to Blog Hop!

If you would like to join in on the fun, click on the Weekend Blog Hop Button and it will tell you what to do!

{I Did It}

I actually did my own blog template!  It took me a little time to find a scrap kit that I liked.  I wanted something bright and fun.  There a still a few small things to finish adding…signature, blog button, etc.  But the biggest part is now complete.  And it is quite easy to make your own custom template with the changes that Blogger has made.

The scrap kit elements are from ScrapMatters.  If you get a chance, go take a look!

Excuse the mess...

blog is under construction!  So please check back soon to see all the changes that will take place!!!

{A Quick Snap}

{Kickin’ Out the Stess}

It is so easy to get all wrapped up in life and let the little things stress us out.  As I was sitting around over the weekend, I realized that I am letting the smallest of things get to me.  So I decided that it is time to reinforce some of my stress relievers.  If not, life will not be happy for me…or those around me for that matter!

So here are a few of the things that help me de-stress my crazy, hectic life!

Listening to soothing music can calm my frazzled brain every single time.  My choice of easy listening is Enya.  So I keep the playlist ready to go at all times and it is usually playing as I study too!

Getting outside and breathing the fresh air can do miracles.  It is so easy to get stuck inside behind a desk and loose your perspective.  Taking a short walk and letting the breeze blow through your hair helps to re-focus.  And it is the perfect time of year to get out and breath the coolness in the air too.

Stop the procrastination!  And I am SO guilty.  I promise you I am the worst for putting things off until the very last minute.  But really…it gets me nowhere! And then I just end up completely frustrated and mad at myself for slacking and waiting until the last minute. 

And finally…don’t forget to take time out for yourself.  If it is getting a pedicure, taking the camera out and about or retail therapy, make time for you!

So what are ways that you de-stress your life?

{Nursing Student Humor}

 And I must say that I agree!  This week we finish up with 2 classes only to begin 2 more.  It is the vicious cycle of nursing school!!!

{Stream of Consciousness}

Well there hasn’t been much new happening in my world!  I will finish up my last 2 days of clinicals in the nursing home this week.  And I may just do a little dance on my way out the door Tuesday!  Each person has their area of choice, and I know that mine is not in geriatrics.  The next rotation will be in Pediatrics.  Now that is more like it!  So bring on those little ankle biters :)

Speaking of school, I cannot believe that we have been going for 4 months already!  This means 8 more months ‘til we’re pinned!!!

The weather gave us just a little tease this past week.  It was so nice to have nice, cool temps.  But the warmth came back with furry this weekend.  Oh Fall when will you be here to stay?!?!?!?!?!

And Halloween is quickly approaching.  I’ve got to figure out what in the world I will be this year.  Any ideas???

{On the Move}

While out and about last weekend, I made a stop at the bay.  The tide was out, so I decided to just look around and see if there was anything interesting.  And interesting is exactly what I found!

As my mom and I were walking around, we heard a strange noise.  That is when we saw them.  Literally there were over 100 crabs scurrying up onto the sand.  Never have I seen such a sight!  They were not pleased in having an audience either!!!  But I did manage to get a few shots them at least :)

 

{Blissfully Beautiful}

One of my most favorite things to do is take a walk along the beach.  There is something about the sound of the crashing waves and the smell of the salt air that washes away the worries of the day.  It is also one of the most beautiful places, especially at sunset.  And each sunset is different…never the same color or pattern.  A new show each night. 

These photos were taken last weekend.  And while it wasn’t sunset, it was an amazingly beautiful day.  A bright blue sky…splattered with puffy, white clouds.  It really doesn’t get much better!

  

{A Quick Snap}

{So Who’s Your Dancing Pick?}

I absolutely love watching Dancing With The Stars!!!  Things around my house come to a halt on Monday nights so that I can get my fix.  Otherwise I would be a very unhappy person!

So I definitely have a favorite picked out…Jennifer Grey.  From the very first night, she had my vote.  I was literally brought to tears watching that dance.  And each week she continues to get my vote.  And let’s not forget that Dirty Dancing is and will always be one of my all time favorites :)

Are you watching?  If so…who is your pick???  And don’t forget to vote for your favorite!

(Photo from:  http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/team-jennifer-grey/ThemeGallery/558251)

{Cape San Blas Lighthouse}

While out and about on Saturday, I stopped and got a few shots of the Cape San Blas Lighthouse.  And believe it or not, I had never taken any pictures of the lighthouse before now! 

  

A little history:

The first lighthouse at Cape San Blas, near the town of Port St. Joe, was erected in 1849. It was an 85-foot conical brick tower designed to warn ships of the dangerous shoal at the Cape. This structure was destroyed by a storm in 1851, and replaced in 1856 with a similar brick tower that was destroyed within a few months. The third lighthouse was built in 1857 and was damaged during the War Between the States, but survived until toppled by beach erosion in 1882. In 1883 it was replaced by a 98-foot "skeletal" lighthouse comprised of eight cast iron legs that support the "watch room" and lantern at the top of the tower. Although the tower initially stood 1500 feet from the shore, a powerful storm in 1894 left it damaged and standing in water. In 1918 it was moved one quarter mile to where it stands today and the light was lit on January 22, 1919.

{A Dear Doe}

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day!  The weather was perfect…bright blue skies, sunny and the temp was mild.  So perfect that I even saw a beautiful doe grazing for breakfast!  She was not the least bit worried that I was watching her or taking her picture…she was too interested eating!!!

{Macro Madness}

 

{The ABC’s of Me}

It's the ABCs of me, if you want to play along feel free!

A - Age: 29.... No, really, I am, it's true!  And will turn 30 in 4 months!!!
B - Bed size:  Queen!
C - Chore you hate: Dishes…I’d much rather clean the bathroom!
D - Dogs' names: Muffy...and she quite spoiled!
E - Essential start to your day item: Coffee…need the caffeine jolt to get me going!
F - Favorite color:  Red!
G - Gold or Silver: White Gold
H – Height:  5’5”
I - Instruments you play: That I played...clarinet and was a Majorette!
J - Job title: Nursing Student!
K - Kid(s): Just of the furry variety!
L - Living arrangements: Me and the dog!
M - Mom's name:  Christine
N – Nicknames: Mandie or Manda
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: When I was young for a surgery. 
P - Pet Peeve:  The toenails MUST be painted at all times!
Q - Quote from a movie:  “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” 
R - Right or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: Only child!
T - Time you wake up: Too early…thanks to being a student!
U- Underwear: And just what about them?!?!?!?!
V - Vegetable you dislike: Not a fan of squash!
W - Ways you run late: Not paying attention to the clock!
X - X-rays: Numerous!
Y - Yummy food you make: My favs…egg rolls & chicken spaghetti!
Z - Zoo animals: The tigers!!!

Yikes.. that was long!