My Name is Desiree and I Have a Wordrobe Problem....

Yeah, you heard me right....
and anyone who has seen my closet or has helped me move has probably wanted to stage an intervention.

Since I have been on break (a whole three weeks) I have wanted to do some serious overhaulin on my bedroom and closet. Last semester took quite a toll, and my bedroom and laundry situation was quite neglected.

My goal was to get my room, study area and wardrobe situation completely organized and in tip top shape before the fury of the summer semester and plans of spending A LOT of time outside in the yard or at the pool with kiddos. So in true Desiree fashion, with school starting in less than a week away, I thought I'd better get to it.

I started by busting out on the washing of the clothes... realizing that my dresser and closet were already pretty full that I needed to start clearing out some room if I had any plans of putting any of these clothes away! So out came the garbage bags.....

and one...

...by one...

...by one..

...by one...

... I had filled six of these bags! I loaded them all in the truck to be taken to be donated in the morning.

Man oh man do I feel so much better! I have been able to put away all of the clean clothes with a little room to spare! I am not finished with my quest but I sure made quite a dent! Since I have gotten back into shape and lost weight, the first few bags of clothes to go were things that no longer fit. No desire to fit back into those puppies! The rest were things I just no longer wear and had been holding onto for sentimental reasons or felt guilty about getting rid of (because they were gifts, expensive, etc.) Some of them were things I've had since high school! Although I am proud to say they fit, I am NOT proud to say I wore them! Haha!

The only area I wont be cleaning out is the shoes... come on people baby steps! I did that last year and got rid of a bucket full of shoes, and since I haven't made many shoe purchases in the last year I am probably safe.

Anyone else on a spring cleaning binge lately?

I encourage it, very liberating!

I'm not a Blogger.... I'm not even a blo..

So, Yes, I do in fact have a blog as you can see, but I use the term very loosely. I read blogs, real blogs, from people who do it for a living and thank goodness I do not because I would be broke (haha too bad I already am).

So 2011 has already been quite a year for me. Lets start with the bad news first:

I am not super smart genius we all thought I was >Gasp< I know heartbreaking. It was for me when I realized it too.

I, Desiree, have to repeat a class. Awesome huh? My second semester Anatomy and Physiology class was quite a bit more difficult than I had planned. Not to mention having the crappiest instructor in the history of crappy instructors. Of course when someone isn't passing a class it's easy to blame the instructor so I will take partial-ish responsibility. I will not go into the hell I have been through with this instructor in this post, maybe another one, because it would take up the entire post. Since my semi-intention when I started this blog was to document my experiences as a nursing student, mother, etc. I feel it is deserving to discuss. I will be continuing the class all the way to the end, even though I know I wont pass, partially for financial aid reasons and in the words of Mr. Sheen, "defeat is not an option." (In case anyone isn't tired of hearing Charlie Sheen quotes)

My Microbiology class has been quite successful and doing well. It's very interesting and I find myself becoming a pseudo-germophobe. Oh, bacteria, how I respect thee.
I must mention that my Micro instructor is AWE-SOME. With her background and well rounded teaching style I am very surprised she is not teaching at the University level, but for my sake I am glad she isn't.

Moving on..

On January 17th I committed to getting back in shape and shedding the pounds I gained the last year or two. I have been quite successful and loving the results. Diet and exercise works... who knew? I've changed my eating habits and log every bit of food that touches my lips. I work out at home and invested in a gym membership. Although at first I felt a membership was a luxury I couldn't afford, I have found it very beneficial and have categorized it as a necessity. So much so that if I had to choose internet over gym membership, I might be checking my Facebook and blogs at school. So far it hasn't come down to that. I have lost 21 pounds so far and another 11 to go to reach my goal. My Fitness Pal has been my best friend and I strongly encourage anyone trying to loose weight/get in shape to use it. Plus it's free and has a iPhone/Android app which I heavily rely on.
Another motivating factor is I am training for the Tough Mudder in June in Beaver Creek. I have not official signed up yet, I'm saving my pennies (sign-up, lodging, painkillers, etc) and a recent unexpected trip set me back. I have committed myself to it though and hoping I can get in enough shape to survive, which is really my only goal... survival. I'm excited and a bit terrified.

Kiddos

Both are doing fabulous.
Ethan is wrapping up 1st grade and his favorite subject is recess, although he is also doing great academically. He's getting ready to cross-over from a Tiger scout to a Wolf and I am ready to cross over from a Den Leader to a non-Den Leader. I don't see that happening soon, but I hoping for someone to step up and take over. I like doing it, but with school right now I just don't have the time, money, energy to let it consume so much of my life, as I see many of the other den leaders have. It's certainly a bigger commitment than I had thought when I signed up, although I wasn't given a whole lot of information initially. I just couldn't tell Ethan no and he was so excited. I am hoping to get him into sports soon which is certainly more my speed, and he really wants to play soccer. He has taken up interest in the guitar, I even bought him one for Christmas. Nothing fancy, just a kid size learning guitar. So far he doesn't have the focus to learn, but likes playing around with it, which is good enough for me. 

Miss Maci is getting ready to turn 4 next week and we've been talking about putting her in a dance class soon. She is quite the performer and loves singing and dancing around the house. She is getting so smart and has recently learned to spell her name, I quote, "M-A-C- and a line with a dot." Cracks me up!

From our recent Royal Pic-a-nic in the back yard. I just realized the have my super eye squint when they smile. Haha!

Wholly guacamole it's late and I have written quite a long post.
Hope to post more often and keep all 2 of you who read this updated on school and training!

Ready or Not...

So here we are, another semester. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by!

Last semester, though... last semester really sucked. I can't give any one reason why, but I didn't care for my instructors (I'm not the only one) and it didn't help. Just because one has the credentials, does not mean that one should teach. I was also suffering from a severe lack of motivation in the beginning of the semester, which lead to a constant game of catch up. Only one of my classes was difficult, but I ended up not doing so great in both. Again, not a great semester, but it's over with and I passed my classes, so moving on....

This semester though... this semester is going to rock! I can already feel it. My motivation is in overdrive. Don't get me wrong, the classes I have are difficult. Though they compliment each other nicely, I have been warned by a few (instructors included) that the combination of Microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology II is not going to be easy.

I think my motivation this semester is partially due to the fact that I have very competent and pure awesome instructors, the kind that truly inspire you. I was even stopping myself from clapping in one of my classes during lecture, just for the mere fact that everything he said made sense! (Dork alert, I know) I know with instructors it can be a "win some loose some" situation and especially at the community college level, but this semester is a total WIN. I don't want to get ahead of myself since it's only been one week, but so far, they rock. They are tough and very strict, but if they know what they are doing and do it well, they can be. Also, I have successfully arranged a study group for my A&P II class, something I should have done last semester (live and learn).

Another thing that is helping is I've added working out to my daily schedule. Yes, another thing that I have squished into my schedule. I never really gained the "freshman 15" when I was in college after high school, the only significant gaining I've done was the "Knocked up 100." Yet, if there is a "freshman 15" for the unconventional returning student.... I managed to do it... and then some. So, I've put myself on a strict diet/workout regimen and it's been paying off. Not only is it paying off on the scale, but it's paying off on my motivation. I study after my morning workout (post shower) and it really helps my concentration. I know that there are studies that say exactly that, so I am not learning anything new.... but it's nice to see that they are right about it.

I am just so excited I had to share it, even if no one else cared. If I've totally bored you, I'm sorry I cannot refund the last 3 minutes of your life, assuming you made it here.

Study groups and Jillian Michaels workouts,

Desiree

Old School

So I've made a new discovery. Actually it's not new, it's been used for a long time, probably because it works.
The last week or so my kiddos have been having a hard time getting along. Sure they are siblings, so it's no surprise that there is going to be fighting from time to time. Yet between Ethan being home from school on break, the rustle and bustle of the holidays and the cold weather, it's gotten a little out of hand. We are all a little stir crazy.

But.. AHHHHHHHHH!

The other day it was a back in forth thing where one or the other was in time out or in trouble, it was the only thing they could consistently take turns at. I was at my wits end and on top of it fighting off a bug. So I decided to initiate something from my school days.
Remember when a fight would break out in the hallway and both students would get into trouble no matter who started it? I remember thinking that it was so unfair for the person who didn't instigate. I realize now the reason they did it... it works. I have started making both kids accountable for arguments, fights, etc. no matter who "started it." Here is what I have found:

1) Less fights.
2) One or the other usually tries to dissolve the situation before the word "MOM!" breaks out. Not only is it quieter and more peaceful, but they are learning to resolve their own issues, great tool.
3) Less tattle telling. 
4) They too, don't think it's fair. Another important life lesson.

Of course with the tattle telling issue, I have to make myself clear which is tattle telling and what things need to be told as concerns for safety are more important.

I am sure all of this and so much more (for and against) are written in a plethora of Parenting books and magazines, and handful or so of which are collecting dust on my bookshelf or in a box in the crawlspace. I'll be honest, the only books I am reading right now are textbooks and I struggle with finding time for those, so they continue to sit. Not to mention all kids are different, (age and gender aside) what works for one, doesn't always work for the other and what works this month, probably wont work next.

If there is one thing about parenting that I have learned, is the rules of the game are constantly changing and even the smallest victories deserve the attention of a Super Bowl ring. This game play wont always work and there are always exceptions to rules, but right now as I type they are both coloring in peace and WWIII hasn't broke out over a navy blue crayon that they both HAVE TO use.

Happy New Year

So here we are 2011. I'm feeling pretty neutral about the new year. 2010 was pretty good to me, so it was nice to seamlessly skate on into a new year with as much hopefulness that got me through 2010. 08 and 09 were not so great and I am very happy to see them far in my rear view mirror.
I'm not big on the resolution bit, so no resolutions for me. Don't get me wrong I have some goals for myself but I think putting them on a "list of resolutions' cheapens them and sets myself up for disappointment. 
My New Years Eve was laid back and quiet and it was so nice. The kiddos were at Dad's but I still rang in the New Year in great company.

2010
One year ago I made the decision to go back to school for nursing and can't believe it has gone by so fast, only 13.75 years to go. Seriously, I'm not counting down the time quite yet, too soon for that and too overwhelming.
Ethan made the transition from Kindergarten to First grade and is doing very well. He also started Cub Scouts as I began my journey as his Den leader. I couldn't be more proud of my little man.
In April Maci turned 3 and is getting smarter and more independent by the day. My very independent "I can do it myself" little girl, and beneath the daily challenges she hands me, I am beaming with pride.
I was able to open my heart a bit to new people and things in 2010 and so far so good.   

2011
I am excited for the things to come for 2011. By the end of my spring semester I will be able to put myself on the wait list for my fall back nursing program, which felt so far away last year.
Ethan will be crossing over from Tiger scouts this spring and will no longer be in the youngest Den in our pack, and I will have a tad more Den Leader knowledge under my belt. He will also be going from First to Second grade and moving closer to that day when my goodbye hugs and kisses will have to exist in the car since a) he won't want me to walk him to his classroom (which has already started) and b) even if he did let me walk him to his classroom, affection would be a big no-no in public. I have been warned by plenty, but for right now I will hold on to my PDA's for as long as I'm able to. He is and always will be my snuggle buddy.
Maci will be 4 this year and will be starting preschool. As she sits here next to me in her pink tutu and pink leggings and kitty cat shirt that says, fittingly, "smarty pants" it's harder to see her grow up than it has been for Ethan. Maybe because she is a girl, or my youngest or maybe since I wont be having anymore children. All very likely variables. Either way, she will continue to grow and I am excited to see the sweet, smart and independent person she will become. 

Overall, life is good, I am so lucky to have the people in my life who continue to stand by me and I am so proud to call them my friends and family. Happy 2011 All, I hope it is filled with awesomeness as mine is sure to be!

Random Acts of Irritation

I have a handful or so of pet peeves, but I feel strongly enough about one of them that I need to post about it. Now that the semester is over I have a few extra minutes a day to do such posting, so watch out, I may become the Postinator, Super Poster, Blogger McBloggerton or the lesser known Bloggy Round Pants.
(too lazy to post a cheesy graphic here)

 Anyway....

I go to the grocery store a lot, much more than I would like to. Every time I get so annoyed by all the grocery carts (or buggies, whichever you prefer) scattered all over the parking lot. Now, I am just as lazy as the next guy, but come on people! Can you not walk the twenty extra feet to put the cart in its designated area so that I, and many other people, don't have to drive into the parking lot dodging carts? It's enough to have to dodge the people who think that they should walk right down the middle of the parking lot isle, or the other drivers who think the parking lot is Rocky Mountain Speedway. I will not forget to mention the parking spot stalkers, the ones who want to jam up everything while waiting for someone to load all of their groceries so that they can steal that perfect spot. If they are too lazy to park further, they too, are probably too lazy to put their buggies away as well. Now I'm not one to bitch without giving solutions, so here they are for all you lazy, I'm going to leave my buggy anywhere in the parking lot people:


1) I get it, I'm a parent too. If you're anything like me I load up the kids, then load up the groceries. I too feel uncomfortable leaving the little ones in the car while I return the buggy. Here's a thought, plan ahead, when you park make sure you park next to a buggy return location, that way it's right there... BAMN! Grocery cart returned.

2) I am not one to hate on those who are either disabled or injured, and the trip to return the cart just isn't within your reach. I know, you just wandered around the entire grocery store and your injured knee just cannot handle the extra 20 feet. I get it, I've been working out with Jillian Michaels and my sore legs are having a hard time just trying to sit on the toilet. So.... when the nice young man asks you if you would like help out to your car, take it. They will walk you out, help load your groceries AND take your cart. DONE!

3) If you're anything like me, when you get home you like to make as little trips back and forth to the car unloading your groceries. You try to load up as many bags on your arm and recruit the kiddos to help out as well. Why not take that same idea while you're on your way out of the store? If you have a few bags, load'em up on your arms, leave the buggy at the store and you don't even have to worry about returning the cart. VIOLA!

4) Now... if none of the above applies to you. You cannot find a spot close to the return area, you are not hurting and cannot bring yourself to ask for help, and/or have a months worth of groceries in your cart and have to wheel the buggy to your car. Here is my solution: Get over it! Take the extra 30 seconds to put the cart away. Most likely you were the aforementioned person who waited for the supreme spot and are super close to the store. I know what you're thinking, "but there isn't any return area close to my car" (awwww) that's because you are 10 feet away from the store and can return it to the area where you retrieved your cart!

Last week I had a very pleasing moment. I was walking with my buggy full of groceries out to my car and watched this lady take her cart and park it right behind my car! I almost had to laugh as she was looking around to see if anyone had noticed her moment of lazy/rudeness. So I hurried up to make sure I arrived before she pulled out of her spot. My first inclination was to take the cart and park it behind hers.. yeah... that'll show her! Instead, I took the cart and pushed it right by her window, looked at her and smiled, making sure she noticed me. I then continued to walk her buggy over to the gentleman who was in the parking lot retrieving stray carts. I looked over as she tried to hightail it out of there, obviously embarrassed by her act of rudeness. Proudly, I continued to unload my groceries and then I walked my buggy over to it's designated area. 

Update to "My 15 Minutes of Fame"

Here is a clip that features our solar panels! You can find their YouTube Videos here.