Nursing School "Hell Week"

They told us the first week back to nursing school for second semester is called "Hell Week." I'm not really sure why they call it that but they do. So it was off to Carson City for me to stay for a full week. We got back from Vegas on Monday and Tuesday, I was in Carson.
It was an intense week of labs and small mini-lectures. We learned all the skills we will need when we hit the floor this week for clinicals at the hospital. We learned NG tubes, foleys, IV assessments, and how to give pediatric injections to name a few.

To Vegas and Back...

Our trip to Vegas was quick but great! We got in a lot earlier than expected on Saturday night. We checked in at the Air Force base to our room and then had dinner at Dwayne's favorite fast food chicken joint: PopEye's Chicken. After dinner we looked around the BX (base exchange) and then went to the room where I did homework (lame I know but it had to be done) and Dwayne played his PSP.

Sunday early afternoon we were able to visit with my not-so-baby- baby cousin Katana. She's been living in Vegas for about 7 months or so and we were missing her tons. We did Christmas with her since we still had her presents from the holidays and then took her out to lunch at Chilis. She was such a good girl the wait staff gave her a coupon for a free kid's meal the next time she comes back. After lunch we went to the mall that was down the street and walked around looking in the stores. We stopped into the Disney store since it was having a huge winter clearance sale. Next we went to the Hallmark store where Katana and Dwayne danced with the Valentine's dancing guy you could buy for someone that played and danced to the song "Love Machine." Having danced up an appetite we decided to get some ice cream. It was so yummy!

Later that afternoon, Dwayne's family got into Vegas from Texas. So, we said our goodbyes to Katana and promised to come back the following day before we left Vegas to say goodbye. We headed out to Sam's Town, the place D's grandparents love to stay and gamble. This trip out they brought his aunt Loreen out too! It was nice being able to see the three of them since we all live so far away from each other. After we all had dinner, gambled a little, lost a lot, we turned in for the night. I once again, did a little homework and D this time watched TV. The morning came and we had breakfast with Dwayne's grandfather and then we all said our goodbyes and D and I checked out of our room. Then it was off to see Katana again before we left town to head home.

It was a quick but well worth it trip!

Viva, Las Vegas!

Well, Christmas break sure flew by fast. For one last carefree weekend D and I are off to Las Vegas. It's a three day weekend for the college, I have the whole weekend off, and D gets off early Saturday afternoon. We are going to meet his grandparents and one of his aunts down there who are flying in from Texas. We all thought it would be a nice oppurtunity catch up and visit even though it'll be brief.
Also, hopefully, we'll be able to visit with one of our little cousins who have been living in Vegas for the last few months, Katana. She and Dwayne refer to each other as "bacon bits" a nod to his wonderful job as a police man. Yes she's only four but she is a super smart funny four year old.
So, we will leave Saturday afternoon and arrive in Veags later that night. After what I'm sure will be a wonderful visit all around, we will head back to F-town on Monday and D will prepare for the work week and I will preapre for *gasp* my second semester of nursing school! Take care and safe travels, until next time.....

Winter Fun!

With the cold weather here I say:
"Lets take advantage!"
So, we went ice-skating! I had never been before but D was well experienced from his childhood in Germany. We went to the Rink on the River in Reno. We rented our skates, laced them up and then there was no turning back! I was super nervous but D assured me if I took his hand I'd be alright. I didn't fall, not even once! I was a little unsteady at first but after a few rounds around the rink I was ready to let go of his hand so he could go at a little faster pace without me for a few laps. He was so good compared to me! I got the hang of it eventually and we both had a good time together. I always love our date nights together!
Me and Dwayne lacing up our skates! Ready to go!




This isn't so bad....look, he's such a natural!



See, he held me close and I didn't fall!




Winter fun is always good because then you get to snuggle and warm up!

Christmas Festivities

Our Christmas was full of parties, fun and family. We kicked off the holiday festivities with our annual family Christmas party. Since we had a new house this year, we hosted it. Generally the party rotates through various family members and this year, it was us! It was a lot of fun. We play games, eat a lot of food and exchange presents. With a big family there's always lots of excitement!

Our second party was in Fernley. Every year we get together with our closest friends for dinner, games and an ornament exchange. This year, Erin, my best friend hosted the party. We had a lot of fun once again. Since the party was in Fernley, D was all about going bowling at the newer Fernley bowling alley before the party.

On Christmas eve my family goes to church together. We go to mid-night mass and all sit together. It gives us a really nice chance to reflect on the real, true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus.

Before mass, D insisted I open one of my presents. I argued but he won and I opened it. He had gotten me new pajamas and had wanted me to wear them that night.

Dwayne had to work Christmas eve night and I had to work Christmas night. So... we exchanged gifts with each other early Christmas morning when he got off of work and before both of us went to bed. It was a lot of fun and even Halo, our puppy got into the present opening action. Later that night we did gifts with my mom, brother, and sister after Christmas dinner.

As I previously blogged, we bought this new house and this was our first Christmas in it. Below is a picture of our tree in our new house!

We had a wonderful Christmas!

ABC Tag

(Look Joleen! I'm actually doing a tag! :) )

A- Attached or Single: Married
B- Best Friend: Dwayne, Mom, Erin
C- Cake or Pie: Pie, chocolate cream to be exact
D- Day of Choice: Not at work...(Have to agree with Jen and Joleen)
E- Essential Item: Wedding Band
F-Favorite Color: Pink
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: Gummy worms...the brite crawler ones
H- Hometown: Fallon
I- Favorite Indulgence: Mom's Fudge
J-January or July: January...snuggling is the best!
K- Kids: Maybe someday...
L- Life isn't complete without: Love
M-Marriage date: October 8, 2005
N- Number of Brothers and Sisters: 1 younger sister, 1 younger brother, 1 sisiter in-law
O- Oranges or Apples: Apples
P- Phobias and Fears: Spiders, Really big trucks on the freeway
Q-Quirk: wow, where do I begin?
R- Reason to smile: I am loved!
S- Season of Choice: Fall, followed by Spring
T- Tag 4 people: I don't know four people on here...I guess mom will have to be the one
U- Unknown Fact about me: eeee.....I don't know what to put here....
V-Vegetable: Green beans
W- Worst Habit: Second guessing everything
X- X-ray or Ultra Sound: Either....I've had both
Y-Yogurt or Yo-Yo: Yogurt
Z- Zodiac Sign: Gemini