What Happens in Vegas.

This is a way overdue post BUT... Here it is.

I finally made it out to Las Vegas!

I have been wanting to go for forever...And this trip was perfect.

My dad and his girlfriend had planned to be out in Vegas from the 5th-12th, and I told him I'd try my hardest to be there.

None of my girlfriends could go.  So Matt went with me :)  

We surprisingly had a really fun road trip there and back.  Did I mention we finish each other's sentences all the time and then hysterically laugh about it afterwards?  It makes my day.

 Matt and I visited from the 7th to the 9th.  We stayed at the Luxor Hotel, and we had overall a good experience.  On Monday, we went out to a fun Irish pub/restaurant called Nine Fine Irishmen in the New York, New York Hotel.  Their chicken pot pie...To die for.  Ahhhh I still have cravings and dreams about it.

On the 8th, we wandered the strip.  I was expecting it to be straight sidewalk, kind of NYC-esque and was pleasantly surprised at how it was set up.  It was awesome, minus the crazy people trying to hand out crazy fliers.  That night, we went to Cirque du Soleil's "Le Reve"- All performed in a million gallon water stage.

I can't even explain how beautiful and breathtaking it was.  It was an experience I really will never forget.  (Side note - I looked up behind the scenes stuff - there are scuba diver stage managers guiding the performers and giving them oxygen while they're underwater - How cool!).

I lost about $40 on slot machines.  I watched Matt win a couple hundred/lose a couple hundred in roulette, but I get anxiety just looking at those dealers and serious gamblers so I didn't participate.

On Wednesday, we wrapped the trip up but had a way fun time with my dad exploring.  The highlight was definitely riding the rides at the top of The Stratosphere.  Absolutely hilarious.

My dad looks like he's having a heart attack.  I love this picture so much.

Mrs. Levine , RN.

Right now, I'm listening to Maroon 5 on repeat.

If you didn't know, Adam Levine is on Saturday Night Live tonight and I can't hide my excitement any longer.

Sometimes I like to call him my future husband.  A girl can dream.

"Hey Amy, I love you too."

My job -  I really do love it.  I am two weeks in and it is exactly how I knew it was going to be: 

Sad, sad, but so very rewarding.  

So many lessons to be learned from the strongest people (both patients and families) I've seen in my life.  These kids, I tell you...They have such wisdom beyond their years.

I look up to my little patients.

My favorite part of my job as a pediatric oncology nurse is painting nails and playing with trucks.

I also enjoy playing with beanie babies.

I'll post more later -  I have a hot date tonight that I must get ready for.

2013 Stuff.

Happy New Year!

Can't believe it's 2013.  Weird.

My Facebook Newsfeed has been full of people calling 2013 a New Beginning.  I feel like every year I see that.  But after thinking about it, it's true.  If a New Year is the mark of a new beginning for you, go for it.  Be the person you want to be and do the things you want to do.  I think I'll do the same.

Most people who know me well know that last year was probably one of my worst.

I was engaged to start out the New Year. 

I was planning a wedding.

My dreams got ruined and I suddenly was not anymore.

Cancelled engagement; I was crushed.

Quit my job of 6 months.

From April-June, sat in Utah enjoying time with friends and realizing that life isn't so bad.

Moved back home in June.  Had a lovely summer vacation at home to basically heal myself.  

Went on my dad's new boat a lot and just appreciated the beauty of Upstate New York.

Decided it was time to move back to Utah at the end of August.  Hardest decision ever.

But it was probably the best decision ever.

Moved into an apartment with two lovely new friends and roommates.

10/11/12, my niece Audrey Jane was born.

Most beautiful and happy baby on earth.

November, I got to visit my good friend Kari in Colorado and spend Thanksgiving with her family.

The End of the World didn't happen.  In fact, it worked in my favor.  I had a cute guy in Utah waiting for me.

I got my dream job: Working with kids with cancer.

I finally got to spend Christmas with my family after 3 years of not being able to.

I spent the New Year with Matthew and his family laughing, probably the whole time.

Do you see the progression there?

It just keeps getting better and better.

Yay!

Here's to 2013: A new beginning!