Tis the Season!!

2011 Reflections and 2012 Resolutions

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Happy New Year's Eve!!!

I definitely am working on making my goals year-round, but the new year is always a pivotal time to take inventory on how far we have come. When we were younger, and even up until a couple years ago, my mom would make us write our "vision statements" for the year in addition to spiritual, physical, and mental goals. It is a great thing to do no matter where you are in life....

Last year I shared Pumpkin's resolutions with you: 

"1. No bas (bottles) - so far he is only taking a couple at night with water only...2. No more night time feedings (we have cut down on the milk A LOT, now he doesn't fuss as much and his belly is a lot less bloated too...3. Sleeping in the big boy bed4. Potty training - even his teacher thinks that he is ready, time to whip out the pull ups!"

I am so excited for him because everything was done, well except for the complete potty training, but I am hoping that by his birthday we will be good...pray! It's amazing to look back and see how far he has developed in just one year - last year I talked about how he was starting to call me "mommy" all the time...awww That is definitely a great example of why I started my blog in the first place. I want to be able to go back and remember all the wonderful things about life right now.

This year Pumpkin's resolutions are: 

1. Finish potty training!
2. Start reading - if anyone has any good phonics type book recommendations please share!
3. Get on a soccer team
4. Learn karate in a real, controlled setting and not just on Power Rangers
5. Behavior improvement - Don't get me wrong, he is a great kid, but we just some fine-tuning when it comes to listening to his mommy and following directions in public...LOL

My resolutions are a work in progress but so far... 

1. Study the Word daily and join a ministry at church.
2. Make better food choices and exercise regularly.
3. Generate more medical school-help content and income from the blog.
4. KNOCK OUT my Boards. 

In my marriage I want to... (also a work in progress tho) 

1. Carve out a REGULAR date night in our schedules.
2. Go on a vacation together.  
3. Maybe read a marriage book(s) together...
4. Work on formulating our "get out of debt" plan together and set more financial goals.

Do you make resolutions/goals for the New Year? What are some of yours? 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

More.

Something in my spirit keeps telling me that I need to go to a new level.

I need to stretch.

I need to be more of an example.

I need to bear more fruit of the Spirit.

I need to continuously exercise my faith.

I need to be more kingdom and eternity-minded.

I need to actually get involved in my church.

I need to stop depending on my feelings and more on what God says.

I need to look outward to help others instead of always looking at how I can help myself.

I need to REALLY get into a habit of dwelling in the Word and not falling out of it.

I need more of You, Lord.

Things My Toddler Says

At Grammy's house

While opening Christmas presents sealed tight:
"Give it to my daddy, he's strong as Hulk!"

His new favorite question: "Because why? Tell me!!!"

"Mommy, you're my buddy/favorite."

To his cousin Meg, who is a teacher, while she was quizzing him on letter sounds: "That's what the teacher says..."

Me: "Nate you are so :insert: helpful/smart/polite!"
Nate (matter-of-factly): You're welcome.

Me: "Nate it's time to go"
Nate: "Two seconds. I'm almost done..."

Me: "Nate it's time for bed..."
Nate: "I not tired. I just woke up!"


Me: "Nate it's time for a bath..."
Nate: "I don't take a bath. I not dirty..."

"WOW! That's amazing!"

"I don't care!" - This needs to stop like tomorrow.

"Stop kidding me!"

Nate walks up to me one morning when I have on shorts, touches my leg and says, "Mommy big leg?". The next day I wore pants and he goes "Where's mommy big leg?" o_x

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas 2011

Some of my favorite photos from this Christmas: 

Christmas morning excitement 

Opening presents with Dad and Maimeo (Nate's mom)

My grandparents and some of the grandkids

"Thanks Lita!" 

His new bike that made him not want to open any other presents after 

My mom and her parents 

The hubs and I 

Mommy!

Yesssss!!!

I am done with finals and Christmas vacation thus far has been amazing!!! It was a rough semester but I feel accomplished because I didn't give up and I finished strong. 

I feel like a little kid because not only is school out for THREE WEEKS, I am so excited because I have gotten to see and spend time with the family and friends that med school has pulled me away from. We were a lot better this year about getting the tree up and decorating before finals. I'm extra late with the pics but here is our tree!

It still is crazy thinking about the fact that I am an adult with a family with her own Christmas tree. Ok, yes, I know get over it...it still blows my mind how much time flies and how much life can change in just a year...

My last two weeks will be filled with more family time and getting my organization life up in our home...I have closets I want to do, papers and clothes to sort through, budgeting, scheduling, etc. My to do list is long, but I know I can get it done in time for classes...

God is so good. He has really been showing out for our family this year and I see nothing but great things in store for 2012!

Irish baby blessings 

Merry Christmas from the Johnsons

 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

- Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

Why is Med School So Isolating?

I am so thankful for the conclusion of the semester. 

Freshman Year Circa 2005 

One of the biggest reasons is that I get to reconnect with some of my closest friends. I know after college everyone moves on and has to start their own lives, but some MOST times I feel like medical school takes that way of life to an overly-isolating extreme. I am sure that it is the combination of home and demanding school life for me. I have hardly any time to talk on the phone without someone in the background calling my name or feeling like I need to be studying. Plus, I have very few weekends conducive to getting away for a quick BFF catch up session.




That is part of the reason why Christmas time is great because we go to Michigan which also happens to be where most of my friends from college are from and comes home to. It's like an ongoing reunion. The great thing about having awesome friends is that they totally understand that I have so many things pulling at me, but when we do get back together, it's like we pick up right where we left off.

B Girls Halloween 2005

Just looking at these pics made my day a little brighter. I miss my friends!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Maybe I am just extra basic but this has me ROLLIN...hahaha

Music Monday: Tis the Season

Music Friday?...Let the Holiday Festivities Begin!

The Biebs is doing thee absolute most in this Christmas song...but I have to admit it's kinda nice...

Music Monday: Tis the Season!

The Jam.

Wordless Wednesday: It's Coming.

Posts wil be scarce, but please don't forget my classmates and I in your prayers!

December 9th: Neuroanatomy
December 12th: Pathology
December 14th: Genetics
December 16th: ICM

Music Monday: Tis the Season!

I just discovered this new version of one of my favs (thanks Glee!). Below is the new and the old :-)

 

Wordless Wednesday: Thanksgiving 2011

YUM...can you see the anticipation on my face? haha

Brothers!!!

My mom's parents

My brothers Carey and Jordan, with our cousin Kendall - don't mind Jordan's face lol

My brother Josh and I

The hubs, Carey and I

My little cousin Billy

Nate and our cousin Ava

The kids table :-)

My mom, her brother, and their parents

Saturday was also Grandaddy's 85th birthday so we celebrated after dinner 

My child loves cake...Yes, he is licking his spoon

My First Thrifting Adventure

Photo Credit

Last week on my first day off I tried my hand at thrifting...I got some great tips from my BFF in LA and from Mimi over at Lipgloss & Binky, searched on a few thrifting blogs and I was on my merry way...

My first stop was a Goodwill OUTLET...Who knew? Well, the premise of the outlet is that after the clothes don't sell in a regular store they get sent here and they are sold for .69cents per pound!!! They bring out these HUGE bins filled with stuff and they rotate the bins every hour. It was so overwhelming...but I walked away with a plus size shirt with a print that I really liked - brand unknown, a Lands End white men's dress shirt, and a purple Sonoma Lifestyle duster sweater. I spent $4.32.

So then I planned to hit up another Goodwill in a more affluent part of town. On the way, I stopped at a Salvation Army that I passed and it was definitely a miss...But when I got to Goodwill it was one of the nicest I had ever seen. And it didn't have that old clothes smell either. There I got a 100% Cashmere sweater in tan and a grey NY&Co. sweater both for $4.42 - neither were on sale, but they were in great condition so thats a steal to me...

The next day I started having buyer's remorse - mainly from my outlet purchases, but the hubby reminded me that I didn't spend a fortune so it wasn't a huge loss...I realized that I was just lacking inspiration, so I started googling what to do with big over size shirts LOL... I am starting to love the idea of having unique stuff that no one will have...and for CHEAP! I need to get a skinny belt, but here are the two looks I had this weekend with some of my finds:

What do you think? Have you or would you consider thrifting?

If you are looking into trying it yourself, here are the tips/sites I found:
Ginger and the Geek
Painfully Hip -> this site might end up being a new favorite spot...

Let me know how it goes and link up!!

Music Monday: Tis the Season!

I have been listening to Christmas music for the last two weeks...I am always more than a little eager to get my Pandora station and playlist going. So now that it's officially the Christmas season, you already know ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday. May the food be good and the memories unforgettable! I am trying to have a year round spirit of gratitude, but here is my Thanksgiving edition. I am thankful for:

...For my relationship with God. It is nowhere near where I want it to be but I am so grateful for all of the seen and unseen blessings he has given me and my family.

...Almost being half way done with my second year.

...That I have this extra time off to spend with family.

...That our family has food to eat every day and a home to come back to.

...The good health of my family and friends.

...That my little brothers are all doing awesome and I am so proud of the young men they are growing into.

...For my Sonshine little Nate :-)

...For the love and support of those close to me and have my best interest at heart.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

xoxox

This Week in Med School...

Block two started last Thursday and ended on Monday, so that pretty much took over my life... Nothing big to report other than the fact that I had a MUCH better handle on things this time around, and all praise to God, because I think I finally have the hang of second year - better late than never!

Peep the confidence level going into the test this time:

Can you say complete 180? LOL

Photo Credit

Okay, okay, let's rewind a bit to two weeks ago and I will tell you about my general surgery SPD session.  Once again we were sent over to the simulation center where our small groups rotated to 4 different stations - 45 minutes each - and got to practice some common things you might see in general surgery.

Station 1: A vascular surgeon gave us a quick presentation on vascular disease followed by a tutorial on using a venous doppler
Station 2: A surgery resident walked us through placing a foley catheter and naso-gastric tube in dummies
Station 3: A general surgeon instructed us on looking for direct and indirect hernias and we practiced finding them (on a dummy too)

 Photo Credit 

Station 4: A breast surgeon talked to us about breast cancer and we practiced performing a breast exam and explaining how to report a lump correctly

It was definitely a lot of fun! I am still keeping my mind open but ENT has really been the most interesting for me. Of course, I have a lot of clinical exposure ahead of me so I am just enjoying the chance to get to try everything.

After exams I was beyond exhausted. Sooo happy that we have 5 days off for Thanksgiving break, and it feels so good to sleep in (and don't get me started on all the food I am about to eat)!

Wordless Wednesday: Facetime

I video-chatted Natey while I was studying and he just laid by the phone looking at me...

My heart melts. 

Facetime

Going to be honest, this student mommy thing is getting harder/sucks... :-/

Music Monday

Grateful Fridays

TGIF! But I'm so glad I have more to thank God for than just because it's Friday.

I'm thankful for... 


...all of the veterans, including my grandaddy who bravely fought - and are still fighting - for our freedom.

...the holiday season I love is coming quick! Which also equals the end of the semester. WOOT WOOT...

...for my new friend 5 Hour Energy!

...for having heat in our home for the cold nights.

...for our health and strength.

...for the pleasantly warm weather we have had.

...for all of the support and prayers of my family and friends.

...that I am getting closer to my clinical years - I registered for Step 1 this week!!!

...that Thanksgiving break is so close I can feel it! Family time, sleep, and food - it's going to be
A-MAZ-ING!

Have a restful weekend everyone! xoxo

Kreativ Blogger (The Link Up Part II)

The always lovely Candace at New York State of Mom linked me to her Kreativ Blog Award post, so now you have the joy of reading even more about yours truly! :wink: So here goes: 

Name your favorite song: So hard to choose... 
"No Greater Love" - Fred Hammond
"Lesson Learned" - Alicia Keys 
"Daughters" - John Mayer
"My Cherie Amour" and "That Girl" - Stevie Wonder

Name your favorite dessert: This peach cobbler dessert thing the Hubby makes...DELISH

What pisses you off?: America's public school system and health disparities. 

When you're upset, you: If I'm really upset, I lose my apetite. If I'm upset but don't take the shut down route, I get really focused on school work... So as a result, I lose weight and get A's. How ironic. 

Your favorite pet: Our family dog Samson. He's a white german shepherd that grew up with us, and thinks he's the 5th child. 

Black or White?: Depends on my mood. Black is timeless but white is so crisp - and both are elegant. 

Your biggest fear: To spend my life doing something other than what God put me here for. 

Best Feature: My communication skills...and my eyes ;-)

Everyday Attitude:  To be better than I was yesterday. 

What is perfection?: God's love for us. It's perfect and fearless. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..." 1 John 4:18

Guilty Pleasure: I looooove those days when I don't get out of bed for anything except for food. It's extremely lazy and extremely wonderful. 

Random Facts:

• My parents wanted to name me Angelica and my Grammy wanted them to name me Elizabeth. 
• I love to read and I prefer real books to electronic ones. 
• I love to sing but not in front of people. 
• I am a neat freak.
• I have very traditional ideas about life and marriage despite how non-traditional my life is - like my continuous urge to be June Cleaver. 

Ok, now to link up (in no particular order). Make sure you stop by the blogs of these lovely ladies. They are all pretty boss... 

Money Matters Mama

The YeYo Diaries 

The Prissy Mommy

Science of Marriage

The Chocolate Knot

JordynRose

An Amiracan Story

Bibs and Baubles

Bossy Girl in the City

De Su Mama

The Link Up! (Part I)

One of my favs, Mimi from Lipgloss and Binky tagged me in her award season link-up, and I am FINALLY catching up...First of all, you should definitely go and check out her blog. She is one of those moms who has mastered the art of being fab...

So now you get to learn ten random things about me:

1. I love being a mom. Like, I don't know what I thought life was about before Natey came along.

2. I don't like being called "Jazz".

3. I have a VERY diverse music taste.

4. I'm the oldest and only girl of 4.

5. I used to commute almost 2 hours one-way by train to go to high school.

6. My mom is one of my closest friends.

7. I was on Oprah with my dad for Father's Day when I was 9.

8. I knew I wanted to be a doctor by age 7. My parents knew when I had a strange phobia of acquiring communicable diseases and illnesses like meningitis, e.coli, and HIV. My mom says I told her I wouldn't play over at other kids' houses because, "I wasn't sure if they used bleach".

9. I love OLD movies - like "Imitation of Life" and "Mommy Dearest". Oh and, not as old, but still great "Steel Magnolias", "Baby Boom", and "Terms of Endearment".

10. I can't dance. :gasp:

Ok, so now I have to link up with 10 other blogs (in no particular order). Make sure you stop by the blogs of these lovely ladies. They are all pretty boss... 

The Kimble Krew

Mommy Delicious

Fit Momma V

The Young Mommy Life

Tiny Blue Lines 

Mertinso

Surviving Medical School and Motherhood

Baby Makin(g) Machine

Man Wife and Dog

Fearless

Wordless Wednesday: Johnson Photo Booth