A Memorable Monumental Milestone

Last week I turned 30.  Gulp, 30 years old.  I faced this day with excitement and apprehension, thinking of all that I have accomplished in 30 years and all that I have yet to complete.  All in all, I am satisfied with my life, my relationships, my family, my health, and so on.  But still, it’s a big birthday that makes you stop and think.  I of course, didn’t stop.  Nope, I worked the night before and then we had plans to visit my family for the weekend (after getting a nice 8 hours of sleep).  Alas, that is not how things played out.

I got ready for work, as planned, making Ben pose for “my last hours in my 20s,”  photo.  But then I talked to my sister, who wasn’t feeling well.  She described her symptoms to me and my first thought:  Appendicitis.  Possibly a rupturing appendix.  I told her to go to the ER soon, especially if she started to feel worse and I headed to work, telling her to keep me posted.

An hour or so into my shift I got the text that she and my mom were in the ER, waiting for a CT scan to confirm the possible appy.  Yep, I was right and she needed immediate surgery.  By this time I was nearly done with work, so I texted Ben, telling him we would be heading home sooner than expected.  When I got home he had the house all Birthday-ed out for me!  Flowers all around, cake and cupcakes, candles, all for me to enjoy before heading to bed for the day.  Such a sweetie!   Sadly, we fast-forwarded the lovely event, packed at lightening speed and drove the 3.5 hours home!

We drove straight to the hospital where we stayed for most of the day with my sister.  Her surgery went well, but she needed to stay overnight.  Ben and I finally went to my parents house so I could sleep (it had been nearly 24 hours!).  But not before making Ben take another photo, of me, age 30 years, on 0 hours of sleep!

Doesn’t he look so handsome?!  And me, well, I’m a total mess, but ya only live once, so might as well post weird and embarrassing photos on the internet 🙂

Anyway, the next day we finally had a little birthday celebration on the back deck.  We all looked a little haggard, so I’ll spare you that failed photo op, but the two cakes made up for it in spades!  My sister kept apologizing for “messing up” my birthday celebration, but really, it didn’t matter.  It was just another example of how things like birthdays and special days don’t matter so much in the bigger picture.  Sure it’s nice to have cake, but health and happiness come first.  And knowing that you have a loving and supportive family is awesome.  Just awesome!

And there you have it, a very memorable 30th birthday extravaganza!

XO,

mrsvtgt

Just a Radom Wednesday

I had the urge to film a vlog before I feel asleep this morning.  It’s kinda funny, in a Brenna is delirious sort of way, so I had to share!  Enjoy 🙂

XO,
brenna

The Adventures of Night-Life: Day 1

Well, I survived my first night shift in the NICU.  It went surprisingly better than I expected.  It’s crazy how 12 hours can fly by without realizing that you are staying up the whole night.  The last time I saw the sun set and the sun rise (consecutively) I was going through my “wild-ish” college days!

Anyway, I was a good level of busy for most of the night, with it picking up considerably around 5am when one of my babies decided to drop her H/H and required a blood transfusion.  That’ll definitely eat a chunk of time!  I think that my “nausea hour” is around 4am, which means I should probably take a snack break a bit before and back off on the caffeine before hand.  So strange to plan meals and eat throughout the night.

It’s funny, the sun just popped up and bam!, it was morning!  Very cool.  Driving home I chatted with my mom and then when I got home Ben had dinner all ready for me.  I thought that I wasn’t hungry, but the smell of a turkey burger and acorn squash at 9 am proved me wrong!  So yummy and just what I needed before I crashed, head first, into bed in my perfectly dark Bat-Cave that Ben created.  Love that guy!  As I was drifting off my mind continued to race for a good two hours, but that’s expected, when you’ve been up for a solid 24 hours.

I finally joined the living around 2pm and enjoyed my granola and coffee.  Very strange to have my day shifted so much, but also quite satisfying.  I’m sure after three more nights of this I’ll be singing another tune, but I’ll take the happy moments when I get them!

And with that I’ll sign off with a stifled yawn and a tip of my hat to all those night workers out there!

~b

Another Beginnning

Tonight marks my first night shift as a nurse.  *Insert freaked out face, panic mode, and a few choice words.*  Honestly, I really am freaked out.  I tried my best to stay up late the past few nights to flip my sleep schedule and the latest I made it was midnight.  And this morning I forced myself to sleep till 9am.  Granted, that is WAY later than I usually sleep, but gosh, I’m going to be a complete zombie about three hours into my shift.  I’m thinking of trying to take a nap in an hour or so, but that may just end up stressing me out more.

When I was younger I was a complete night owl, always pushing myself to say up as late as possible.  But then I grew up, got a job, and started waking up around 4 or 5 am.  Surprisingly, I have loved this schedule.  The mornings are quiet, the birds are starting to sing their songs, and I can simply absorb the peace.  It’s so strange to think that I’ll be missing those quiet moments.

And now, moving on to the fact that I am off orientation and will be taking care of these teeny, tiny babies by myself.  *Insert REALLY freaked out face!*  Yes, yes, I am trained to do this, but really, really, these babies are sick.  They are tiny.  And if I miss something all can spiral out of control in a very short period of time.  Clearly, I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown here.  But what’s a girl to do?  Deep breath, and take that leap.

~brenna

Just Call Me RN.

It’s official, my paperwork arrived and I am a Registered Nurse.  Goodness gracious, I can’t believe this day finally arrived.  There were definitely times where I doubted myself, but I kept going.  I kept pushing the limits and had the most unbelievable support team a girl could ask for.  Y’all rock.  Seriously.

Thank you, to my husband, my family, my friends, my employer, colleagues, and my fellow nursing school pals.  You all helped to get me where I am and I truly could not have done it without each and every one of you!!!

XO, Mrs VTGT

It’s the Little Things

Waking up before the alarm sounds.

Coffee in my favorite Lake Champlain mug.

Silly cats playing in the sunbeams.

A pretty new handbag.

Love and support embracing me from all directions.

Dear Stress-Ball-Cranky-Pants Self,

You have been a ball of stress these past few weeks (ok, ok, maybe months or possibly years), but you really need to stop.  You keep coming up with these lame excuses.  Yes, you have a new job.  Yes, you have to take this insane exam in two weeks.  Yes, money has been tight for the past two years.  And yes, you are adjusting to married life.  But you know what?  These are just excuses.  You are in control.  You do not need to let the stress take ahold of every fiber of your body.  It’s just silly, you are stronger than this.

Now, take a minute and think about all that you have.  All that you are a part of and all that makes you smile.  You have a loving husband who makes you laugh each and every day.  You have a cozy home that keeps you safe and warm.  You have an incredible family who surrounds you with love and encouragement.  You have this new career that, given some time, will challenge and motivate you to do amazing things in this world.  You have friends, near and far, who are just so awesome.  You have a kick-ass shoe collection, too many handbags, two stacks of beautiful denim, and snow tires that are seriously the bomb!  And last but not least, two of the best fur-babies out there!

So you see, crazy stress-ball self, it’s really not as bad as you think.  You have everything you need, you simply need to let go of a few things.  Let go of the anxiety.  Let go of the stress.  Let go of the insecurities and fears.  They are weighing you down and creating a cloud of negativity in your life.  You say you feel like you are putting on a show, that you are not able to be yourself.  Well, the first step is to let go.  Just see what happens.  See if your smile starts to return.  See how being silly and living in the moment helps to put the spring back into your step.  Just try, ok?  And stop taking yourself so seriously, this is life, and it’s the only one you’ll get.

Sincerely,

Me.

The New Year and a Little Yoga

Well hello there beautiful peeps!  I’ve been so busy the past few months (graduating nursing school, getting an RN job, you know…) that I’ve neglected all forms of social media, well, except for FB stalking.  That never ceases to amuse.  Anyway, I’ve started this awesome yoga journey and want to share my experience with ya’ll!  Without further adieu, here’s a vlog update!

Of course, totally awkward video, but it’s kinda fun to make them!  Please excuse the yoga-ready-ness of my outfit.  I was literally just about to do my daily yoga and wanted to get my video processing!

If you want a yoga program to really kick your butt, without a crazy gym membership or expensive classes, I highly recommend checking out The Ultimate Yogi.  It’s a crazy 108 day commitment, but so far, totally worth it!!  I’m all about enhancing my life experience and opening my mind, body, and spirit to new adventures!

All you need is:  the DVD set, a yoga mat, water, a way to watch (my laptop!), and a quiet space!

And now, if I haven’t convinced you to check it out now or run for the hills, here’s what you’ll look like after 🙂

Oh yeah, totally worth it.  Floppy bun, sweaty face, and aching muscles!  But seriously, I am so excited to jump head-first into 2014.  New job, awesome fitness goals, first anniversary, and my 30th b-day all lie ahead!!  #bringit2014 #theultimateyogi

XO,

MrsVTGT

Random Friday Rambling

XO,
Mrs VtGT

Minty-Fresh

{BGD jeans // Gap sweater // Lucky boots // Target hat // Brandy Bell Design earrings}

I’ve never been a hat person, but for some reason I was drawn to this one and picked it up on a whim.  Super-glad I did!  I tend to gravitate toward it on those days where my hair is not cooperating (which to honest, is most days lately), and it really pulls a look together….and covers up unwashed hair!

So, mint jeans.  They were all the rage a season or two ago and now I have to figure out how to keep them in rotation.  I like pairing the bright and fresh mint with the toned down gray, it keeps it season appropriate, but adds a little extra pop.  What do you think?  Are you still rocking the colored jean look?

XO, Mrs VtGT