Wish List, Check.

It's hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit.

I think missing the past few Christmases have something to do with it.

I also strongly believe that when I was 16 working at a coffee shop during the Holidays and listening to Christmas music 24/7, it was ruined it too.

I strongly dislike Christmas music.  And Christmas shopping.  I like giving gifts, but I hate the holiday mall madness that goes on. 

Anyway, all negativity aside, I just wanted to say that on Christmas Eve and Christmas day I burst into tears of happiness quite a few times.  I don't know if it was estrogen, but I do know I was happy and am very happy.  Family is so important to me, and to be able to be surrounded by them, especially with a new little member of the family, was just amazing.  I mostly would start crying when Audrey was smiling and laughing and dancing in her bouncer.  My family thought I was crazy, I think.

I LOVE HER FACE!!!

I got everything I could have ever wanted and more this Christmas.  Really, presents meant absolutely nothing this year and I would have been happy to be present-less.

My Christmas Wish List was:

1.  To be able to spend the Holidays with my family (and Taz).  My Dad invited my Mom and her boyfriend over for the day and evening, so really, I got to spend the first Christmas with my entire family since my parents got divorced.  As my grandma said "Did you ever think you'd see the day?!"

Taz and I's sleepovers.

Oh and obviously to be with Audrey!!!  I have the most adorable niece ever.

1a) To be able to see my BFFs and second family (the Pattersons) for Christmas.  Mission accomplished.  We had a blast.

This is my Second Mom, Nichole of course, and me.  At a fam party.

So many laughs that night!!

These are 2 of my absolute best friends forever, Marissa and Stephanie.

2. To be happy and giddy again!  And to move past everything that last year's events brought me.  And guess what?!  I'm happy and giddy again!  And ready to get rid of a lot of stuff here at home that I had been keeping.  

This may be one of the reasons I'm smiley all the time.

3. To get a job.  Santa did so good on this one, you guys.  I got my dream job, hello!!!  Santa also left a few unnecessary goodies under the tree for me relating to this dream job: A little bitty stethoscope and some sweet little scrubs.  I cried when I opened those.

4.  Now I'm finally starting to call Utah my home.  I already have some sweet friends, roommates, a bestie, and now a super sweet guy.  I really, really miss my friends, guy, and bed.




And that, ladies and gentleman is the reason I'm blogging from New York right now as opposed to Utah.  My flight was cancelled and I'm snowed in!  Eek.

Dream Job.

Guess what?  I'm Nurse Amy again!

I don't know if I've ever written about it here, but I have always had a dream field that I've wanted to work in:  Pediatric oncology/working with kids with cancer.  Whenever someone asked me what I wanted to do with my nursing degree in the long run, that it what I would tell them.  I knew I'd have to be patient; I was expecting to be in the field in years and years to come.  

If there's one thing I've learned about trying to find a nursing job in Utah, it's that you always have to know somebody in order to simply just get an interview.  And 99% of the time, you don't have enough experience/specialty experience, so they just give you the interview because they were doing your 'referral' a favor.  I got in contact with a girl that I have yet to meet that is a friend of a friend and she knew that her position was my dream position.  She told me I could put her name down.  I crossed my fingers, and I got an interview.  I went in knowing that the job opening post stated in bold "pediatric experience strongly preferred" and I didn't have that.

BUT miracles happen and that interview was the best interview I have ever had to this date.  I seriously lucked out on that one because I'm terrible at interviews.  Stupid anxiety.  I knew since it went so well, the ball was in their court.  When I heard they were checking out my references, I was in crazy mode.  On Tuesday, I got the phone call offering me the job.

My job:  I will be working on an Immunocompromised Inpatient Unit -  Taking care of kids one-day old through mid-twenties with cancer, blood diseases, post- stem cell transplants, and renal/liver transplants.  I will get to know and love these patients and their families.

I am so very, very excited.  My dream job has come early :)

(I'll Be) Home for Christmas.

I'm home for Christmas!!

I'm sure I'll be blogging a lot until it gets closer to the date since my fam I'm sure will be busy until then.

Matthew dropped me off at the airport this morning - It was sad saying goodbye to everyone last night, especially my BFF Cassie whom I love to the moon and back.  12 days is going to be so long without her....(Yep, we can't go 24 hours without seeing each other).  The other Matt (aka my brother) picked me up from the airport along with Taz.  He was so excited to see me.  He led me up the stairs and went straight to my room, right for my bed...But that was before he kissed and jumped on me for what seemed like forever.  YAY.  Serious cuddle time tonight.  

But before that cuddling happens... I'm going to go see my little niece Audrey right now.  Obviously, expect a ton of pictures.  

K bye guys :)

To Love.

WHEN YOU LOVE PEOPLE & HAVE THE DESIRE TO MAKE A PROFOUND, POSITIVE IMPACT UPON THE WORLD, THEN WILL YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THE MEANING TO LIVE.

--Sasha Azevedo 

"I’ll miss you Mr. P.  You have been my favorite patient .  I’ve learned so much from you, my friend.  Please come visit like you told me. "

I found this while browsing the history of my more private blogs. This was from January 2011.  

I had just taken care of a 59-year old man in New York City who passed away.  I'll always remember him.  He is still one of my favorite patients that I have ever taken care of.  I wrote about him in my journal so I'd never forget him and the bond I felt with him.  

I think it was a pivotal point at the beginning of my career -  To know that I can care about a human being so much that I barely know.  To know that I made a difference in his life just by taking the time to hold his hand in the days before he took his last breath.

I know I was put here on earth for this reason - to care deeply for human beings.  To love them and nurture them.

These human beings range from being my friends, family, future spouse and children, to people I don't know who just need to be loved.  Told hold their hand when they need it, take care of them when they are sick, to listen.  

I'm so glad that this is my purpose..There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that.

Vague Post.

I've been happy lately, guys.

Except yesterday when my iPhone decided to not turn on.  It gave me a heart attack.  Thank you, kind gentleman at the Apple Store for resuscitating it (and me, metaphorically speaking).  No thank you for deleting everything off my phone.  Thank you Murray, Utah for having an Apple Store.

I was happy last night when I had a dream I completed a world record while skydiving from the highest point anyone has ever been - It was like an obstacle course in the sky.  Did you know in my dream world, there are caverns and craters high up in the sky that you can jump from? And when you finally land to win the world record, it is during in inopportune time (like during a Chicago Cubs baseball game in midfield)? 

Well, now you know.

I'm headed home in 6 days.

I hate having to be on a budget for Christmas shopping.

I actually really, really dislike shopping during the Holidays.  Hello, online shopping (thank you Etsy for helping me out with this).  

By the way, my super stylish Aunt Joann has an awesome Etsy shop -  She sells amazing, amazing vintage clothing.  She probably has no idea I'm putting her shop on my blog, but you're lucky enough to get the link HERE.  Go shop! 

Happy Holidays.

I'm smiling!

Officially Holiday Season.

Hello.

I wish I had major updates, but this will do.

Well, I am going home December 17th-29th if I haven't mentioned that already.  I am planning to be cuddling with Taz/my niece Audrey for the majority of the time.  I can't wait.  Audrey is getting so big! Here is proof:

Almost 2 months old!  And a smiley baby!  And she laughs!  Can't wait to see her in person again.

So last week my roommates and I decorated our apartment all Christmas-like.  It looks so cute!

Panoramic view:  We're just that good.  

We also broke our Christmas wishbone.  I got the bigger end!  I just can't tell you what I wished for....

These are my roommates, Liz and Brittney.  I promise we decorated the tree.

On Saturday, I went to the Festival of Trees with my old roommate Cassie and Co.  It's a huge expo of Christmas trees that people decorate and theme.  The trees get auctioned off and all of the proceeds/gifts and trees go to Primary Children's Hospital.  It's for a good cause, and some of the trees were awesome.  One even got auctioned off for $16,000.  Crazy.

 I found this tree to be the most fitting.  Cat Lady lifestyle, here I come.

I can't believe it's December already.  Where does the time go?

Thanksgiving in Utah/Colorado.

I am so blessed to have such amazing friends.

Thanksgiving Part One:  My Place!

Or as we liked to call it "Friendsgiving", happened last Sunday.

My roommate Liz and I hosted at our new-ish apartment.

We decided that we'd make it easy on ourselves and buy a pre-made Thanksgiving meal from Smith's.  Turns out it was all cold food...So, it was a delayed start but we had a wonderful time!

None of my friends showed up (still bitter about that), but any friend of Liz's is a friend of mine so we made the most of it.  

This is my roommate Liz, making her debut appearance on my blog.

It was our first Thanksgiving meal that we prepared and hosted.  We felt so grown up!

The whole crew minus Liz...From left to right, me (eyes closed), Noodle, John, Lacy, and Cassie (who stayed for 5 minutes).

Cassie, Liz and I....And John and Lacy's unplanned pose in the background!

We were so lucky to have a guy at our Friendsgiving to carve our turkey.  I don't think we would have stood a chance if it were just Liz and I.

Liz and her Best Friend Lacy.  She's a doll.

The majority of my meals this past week.  I'm not complaining one bit.

Thanksgiving Part Two:  Rifle, Colorado.

So i don't think I have ever talked about my good friend Kari on my blog.  She is one of the most amazing ladies I know.  I met her online through a military girlfriend/spouse support group (when I was dating a guy in the military in 2008) and we quickly became friends.  We've kept in touch since then through facebook.  She is married, has a husband just recently out of the military, and they have the most beautiful daughter named Piper.  I met Piper and Kari for the first time on my drive out to Utah this past summer.  After 4 years of hearing about her love story, I finally got to meet her husband Aaron this time!  I felt like I already knew him..He was probably creeped out, haha.

She was kind enough to let me spend the holiday with her little family.  I had such a wonderful time.  So many laughs and memories were made in such a short amount of time :)

That's Kari on the left.  In the middle is Katie, Kari's good friend.  We had a fun night.

My living quarters/own guesthouse for the stay, plus a goodie bag!  She spoiled me so much!!

I am seriously in love with Piper.  She is beautiful.
Sidenote:  Everyone always tells me spending a few days with babies is good birth control.  It just makes me that more excited to have a little one of my own in the distant future :)

 Piper and her best friend Pudge.  He is SUCH a big dog.  

Peace out, guys and girls.

Sad.

I need a job so badly.

Getting rejection e-mails on the regz is not the best.

I'm feeling pretty discouraged right now.

I have a confession to make:

I'm living my life vicariously through two elderly people leaving me wrong voicemails.

I get two voicemails yesterday from a man we'll call Jim.

Jim thinks I'm Edna's grandson.  He tells me that his Grandma needs assistance, that she needs to get rid of her cats and one has an eye infection, and that she shouldn't give her car away to the other grandson.

Edna called me twice and left me a two voicemails today.

She's putting her cat down tomorrow and wants her grandson to say his goodbyes.  Also, she's moving out soon and to not let anyone tell him otherwise.

It's like my own personal soap opera, courtesy of voicemails that are not meant to be sent to me.

I almost feel guilty.

Mostly sad, though.

Almost too random.

Who am I?

I'm a big sister.

I'm a daughter.

I'm an aunt.

I'm a friend.

I'm a roommate.

I'm a nurse.

I'm a Penn State grad.

I'm a lifelong learner.

I'm a human being.

I'm alive.

I am happy.

I'm sitting home on a Friday night in my bed.

It's snowing outside.

I feel like hibernating because it's dark all the time now (daylight saving's time is terrible).

Updates on me (I know you're eager to know):

Not much.  Job hunt is going really, really slow.

My brother turned 18 on November 4th and I was so proud he voted for the first time.

Here is my conversation with him on his birthday:

Me: So what are you doing to celebrate for your birthday?
Matt: Gambling my life away. I won $2 on scratch offs.
Me: Do you feel old now?
Matt: Yeah, actually dad signed me up for the retirement home today. I think I have dementia. It happens to the best of us.

I absolutely love that sarcasm runs in the family.

My sister turned 22 on Halloween.

My niece Audrey is now 7lbs 10oz - HUGE .  Haha Just kidding on the huge part.

Cassie and I have been unemployment buddies.  Sadly, I have to say goodbye to her on Monday when she starts her new job.  She has kept me sane for so long!

We voted (Cassie did 2 minutes before the polling place closed).  And sadly our man didn't win.  BUT, I'm done with politics for a while.  It has taken it's toll on me to read people's statuses every day on Facebook.  All the arguments, yuck.

I'm planning on coming home for Christmas -  First time in two years that I'll be able to spend it with my family!  This makes me really happy.

This may or may not be the most random post ever.  Bam.

Eek!

I haven't posted lately.  My life hasn't been all that exciting.

I watched "A Little Bit of Heaven" last night.  Kate Hudson is in it.

Never watch that movie, ever...Unless you want to cry your eyes out -  I did.  I usually wait post-movie to cry.  In this case, I was peeing on the toilet (TMI I know) and just started bawling.  It was a humbling moment. I woke up with tissues surrounding me in my bed.  

I carved pumpkins with Burt, Megan, Sherra and Tommy last night.  

I think it's safe to say Burt and I made the coolest pumpkin carving ever (even if he carved more than I did).  This pumpkin is sitting outside of my apartment door.  If anyone smashes it, they are done for.  And I'm starting to feel like I live in the projects -  There is a baby crying upstairs all the time and a couple screaming at each other in expletives that shouldn't be written on a blog.  (Don't worry mom and dad, everything is fine!!  Until my pumpkin gets smashed...)

We also watched The Breakfast Club.  Easily one of my favorite movies of all time.  I just love how intense and raw it is, and it's set in one place, during one morning. (Don't laugh at me)

Let's take a moment to love on this video.  I'm secretly hoping that someone else will have this song stuck in their head and showing up in their dreams even a year after watching it....

I miss my family and my niece a lot.

I also didn't get my first choice of a job...This is the second time I'm telling anyone.  If I tell it to someone, why not just tell it to the blogging world?  (or the two that actually read my posts).

I'm in love with a girl....

I'm an Aunt!!

My little sister Ali is a Mom!

Ali and Zach's first family photo.

From 9:30 am on Wednesday until 7:45 pm on Thursday, my sister was in labor.

Her water broke at 9:30am on Thursday 10/11/12!! made the 4 cm mark at 6 pm, and she was ready to push within the hour.

Audrey Jane Prentice obviously waited until 10/11/12 to make her appearance, since it is one cool birthday.

Erythromycin is a biatch on those eyes.. Sorry girlfriend.

My sister did amazing.  You have no idea.

I was an extern at Lenox Hill in labor and delivery, and my sister was probably the best patient I have ever seen in labor.  She took it like a pro.  One amazing mom.

Her fiance Zach was the best support partner/soon-to-be-daddy ever.  To be honest, my mom and I were just the lucky people to be there.  It wasn't even necessary because of Zach...He was amazing.

BUT, I was SO happy to be a part of that birth!!  It was beautiful...Yes, it was a long labor but I wanted to be there for everything.  Ali and Zach, thank you so much for allowing me to be there in that one, beautiful moment.

I am a first time aunt, and I am SO HAPPY!!!!!

Aunt Amy, are you kidding?!  I am so happy to take on that role!

Right after I got there on the second meeting (today), she was wide awake....I enjoyed every minute of it.

Matt first meeting and holding his niece.  He was so nervous and careful.

My hair is still messed u.  I don't get it.

I was trying to wake girlfriend up so she could get some sleep tonight.  And I was so happy.

Look at those beautiful baby toes.

Most beautiful picture by far..... (copyright Grandpa Madden).

But she is even more beautiful in person.

Oh, I am so in love!!

My Little Sister, a Mama.

Amy & Ali :)

Tonight I had dinner with my sister and family.

It was the last night that my sister wasn't a mom.

(well, she had a baby in her belly, but tomorrow it becomes official).

Christmas 1992 maybe?  I hit her on the head with a shovel that year.

Tomorrow, she becomes a mom.

That little girl on the right...A mom!!!  And me, a big sister always.  (Matt's first Christmas)

I become an Aunt.

A first time Aunt, to a little girl named Audrey Jane Prentice.

2010 or 2011

I will be a very proud Aunt.

Proud of her sister, her boyfriend, and the future that the Little Miss will have.

Bahamas 2010 -  Why didn't we meet J. Biebz?!?!!?

Ali Cat, I will be there every step of the way.

Little Mermaid forever.

I will try my best to be the best big sister I can be for you.... Because I know you will take it from there for Audrey as her Mama. 

Halloween 1992.  Devil/Angel Bride.  Jkjk

I love you, I have always loved you, and I always will.

Tomorrow, you will be the strongest I have ever seen you and I know that.

I am crying because I am so happy and excited for you!!  

I hope we can always laugh like this.

But remember, you will always be my little sister.

And I LOVE that, Ali.

I love you more!

Love,

Your big sis Amy :)

Family Love.

Even

After

All this time

The sun never says

To the earth

"You owe me."

Look

What happens

With a love like that.

It lights the

Whole

Sky.

-Hafiz

I'm back in New York for a week to become an Aunt.

I love family.

Time sure does fly.

I enjoyed a rainy fall New York day today.

I love rainy days...Mother nature must know that.

I cuddled with Taz all day and read books.  

Tried to find crafts to make and then I realized, I'm not creative.

Overall, a dream-like day.

I can't lie no more, gotta be true to myself.....

You guys, I am doing so great!!!

That's my new saying (?) - "YOU GUYS!!"

But regardless, I am doing tremendous.....

I initially thought it was going to be quite a moderate transition...

But rather, it feels as if I have never left.  Such a crazy, unexpected, wonderful feeling.

I found a home!  I am living in a brand new apartment with 2 other way cute fun girls.  My first grown up, clean apartment with no crazy superintendents (that are NOT rapists) and never-been-used appliances.  All clean everything.  We gotta get rid of boxes in our living room, but other than that it's so cozy.  In fact, I initially started blogging from the comfiest bed on earth (MY new bed) and now I'm on my balcony.  Yep, balcony.  First class, e'erbody.  

This s the new place.  I 'got' (I KNOW wrong grammar, it's okay) my own bathroom, walk in closet....yay.

Here's a preview of Amy's life the past few weeks:

But I still have my old roommates in my heart.  Saturday lunch at Hooter's while my BFF Sherra is working is the best.  She's a good waitress, sometimes...Cass is a perfect companion.  We love Hooters.

Burt and I went to a pet shelter and it was the saddest thing ever.  I loved this baby.

My first job interview(s) at U of U...I parked in level 3 of the parking garage.  That's my fave number.  I have a THIRD (the number!!) interview scheduled for next Thusrday for my dream position.  And one tomorrow for my 2nd ideal spot.  Eek, when it rains it pours I guess.

Oh Hey Nich, here's a never before seen pic.

NICHOLE I wish this could be you instead of me.  Love you forever and ever.  Love, Amy and Grieves.

So, long story short Burt knows a lot of famous people apparently. Awkward, for me at least, since I am not a famous-person's-person.  Not a fan girl, not a crazy girl, not normal, just awkward.  And I found out Nichole is obsessed with this guy I was having dinner with..Grieves.  A rapper.  Who is apparently a big deal....I didn't know.  He was super nice, fun, beer lover, etc....I probably was out of line when I asked him to make a "make a wish" video for Nichole (she's not dying).  Oh, the things you do for best friends.  :)

THE END for now.