oh. my. goodness.

I am SO very thankful for the phone call this morning that brought me such great happiness and nervousness all in one! I'm so thankful that I have a job interview tomorrow morning. I'm so thankful that God has placed Karen in my life as a supportive friend. I'm so thankful that the sun is shining today and I'm thankful that Josh, my loving husband, has been pray for this (job interview opportunity) for a while. I am so thankful for supportive friends and family, and I am so thankful for my life. I'm so thankful that Jesus died on the cross to save me... me! A little piece of ... embarrassed, shy, afraid to reach out to people... me. God has put it on my heart this week to help others in need of a friend, in need of someone to count on. I pray that I would find an opportunity to serve in that way. I pray that I would be able to do God's work every day of my life. A job is meaningless unless I'm living for God first and foremost.

Love, Sara

It's almost February!!

So sorry I forgot yesterday! It was a slow kinda "eh" day for me. We went snowboarding Friday, and yesterday we did the dishes, cleaned up a bit around here, did laundry and I studied for the NCLEX, and I took a nap. This morning Rigby got us up at 7:30 when we could have slept till 8:30 so we were not happy with her. That's okay though because we will most likely take a nap later today. I've decided that Sundays will be my "day-off" from the Gym... other than that I'd like to do some form of exercise everyday to keep my metabolism boosted. Anyway, we had an excellent time at church this morning - I'm SO thankful for Sandy Browne and her family. They are such wonderful people, and also Elizabeth - she seems very friendly and is from our area. I'm glad that we have people to support us and welcome us into the church family. I'm thankful for pulled pork BBQ because it smells wonderful right now. I'm thankful that it isn't snowing right now. I'm thankful that February is coming soon - I'll be ever so thankful when the NCLEX is out of the way. That's all for now. =]

Love, Sara

we're gonna hit the slopes today!

I'm SOOO thankful that Josh and I are going snowboarding today. A.) it'll get me out of the house for more than an hour. B.) I'll get a great workout out of it and C.) I hardly got to go last year because we were so broke! (still are but.. anywhooo). I'm thankful that once again the sun is shining. I'm thankful that I woke up before 10am energized and ready to take on the day. I'm thankful that I got a lot of studying done last night, and I pray I would be able to get the same amount if not more done today. I would LOVE to pass the NCLEX on the first try and not have to wait till July something-or-otherth to take it again. I'm thankful that Rigby is a fairly well-behaved pup and doesn't get too stir crazy. I'm thankful that it's warm enough outside that I can take her for a walk without worrying about frostbite. In short, I'm thankful for the "warm" (relative term) weather. I'm also thankful that Concord Hospital has not emailed me that I haven't received the job. No news is good news.... in this case. Please God oh Please oh Please oh PLEASE! Amen.

Love, Sara

64 posts today!

I slept like a rock last night... I even was still blinking after taking Rigby outside this morning. So it was then that I had this thought... I gotta start getting up earlier so I'm not a zombie on my test date! Anyways, I'm thankful for sunshine today, I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to sleep in as long as I did. I'm thankful that Josh and I went to the gym and got back safe and sound last night. I'm thankful for not a lot being on the agenda for today... sort of. I'm thankful that Josh and I are (most likely) going snowboarding Friday evening - burning calories, getting out of the apartment for several hours, yeah! Sounds good to me! I'm once again thankful that God continues to provide through my check from IUP. I pray that I would be able to get a job soon, and that you would grant me patience, Lord. I know everything is in your hands, and you are in control. I needn't worry and I thank you for that peace you've placed inside me. Please Lord, provide me with a job soon. In your name, Amen.

Love, Sara

January 26th... does this month last forever?

It seems like it's been January an awful long time. A lot has happened in this month, though which probably makes it feel longer than it really is, and it is slowly coming to an end... very slowly. I woke up this morning with a pounding headache, no new messages in my e-mail and nothing new on facebook. I've been crying for the past three days solid because I'm bored and lonely and I want to go home. Despite all of these negative and "bad" things, I am thankful... thankful to be alive, thankful to be living here, thankful that Josh is going back to school and following his dreams... I'm thankful that it isn't snowing today like the forcast said it would. I'm thankful that it's not negative degrees outside anymore like it has been the past couple days. There's always a way to turn the negative around, and that's my main practice and goal with this blog. So that someday it won't even be a thought process to look at things positively - it will just come naturally...

Love, Sara

whoops!

I almost forgot about today! I'm thankful first of all, that I remembered. I'm thankful that I have a loving family. I'm thankful that my husband tries to put me first, or.. before school anyways. I'm thankful that we're in a safe, friendly community here in Concord. I'm thankful that I have somethings to keep me busy, like studying and watching netflix or whatever.. I'm not COMPLETELY bored and lonely. I'm thankful that Rigby stays by my side, even though I don't take her on long walks like I should and she's probably bored to tears and sick to death of me. I'm thankful that the water was hot for my shower tonight. I'm thankful that we have food to eat, and God is somehow still providing - with a check for 250$ coming in the mail from IUP. I pray... I pray SO hard that I would be able to pass the NCLEX on the first try, and that I would be able to get a job soon. Please God. Please continue to answer my prayers. Amen.

Love, Sara

"Authorization To Test"

This morning - first thing I did was check my e-mail. Got my Authorization To Test letter first thing! - THANK YOU LORD! Next, scheduled my exam - THANK YOU LORD! Now I'm trying not to jump up and down squealing, and trying to wrap my head around how much studying needs to be done, and how to go about it in a calm methodical manner. I have 15 days to study since my test is at 8:00am (probably won't be doing much studying that day.) I'm so thankful that God has answered my prayers. My paperwork has gone through in record-time it seems. I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to take this exam. I'm thankful that I have the means to study for it, and I'm thankful that the worst of the anticipation and "not knowing" is over. Thank you Lord, you are SO SO good to me.

Love, Sara

Church on Sunday

I'm so thankful for church, community, God's grace... I'm thankful that God continues to place people in our lives (or so I assume) to help us on our journey. I'm thankful that we have a new-found church family.. I'm thankful that Becca and Drew are in the new england area. I'm also foolishly thankful for football. I pray that Josh and I can become commited to the church in Massachussettes. I pray that we can continue to gear our lives fully toward Jesus Christ. I pray that God would help me to get my priorities in order, and that he would continually teach me humility and the meaning of being a submissive wife. Amen.

Love, Sara

luncheon

I'm thankful that Becca and Drew will be coming to visit us at our apartment. I'm excited to get to know them better and make better friends with them. I'm thankful that we got our apartment all cleaned up. I'm thankful that I got my GN yesterday. I'm thankful that God has my life in his hands, and my future. I'm thankful that I have a loving husband who squeezes me tight in the middle of the night and says "You're the best wife in the world! I love you!" in his sleep (and has no recolection of it the next morning). I'm thankful that I talked to my mom on the phone yesterday. I'm thankful for Rigby's silly sense of humor that makes Josh and I laugh ridiculously.

Love, Sara

God works quickly

I got my temporary practice permit today, as well as registering for the nclex on pearsonvue's website. I'm really super excited, but I'm also scared! Now that it's really happening, and happening fast, I'm going to have to crack down on studying! I'm SO thankful that God has answered my prayers and that my paperwork has gone through quickly. I have a sense of relief that I'm in good hands - God's hands (that was not a crack at an Allstate commercial). I'm thankful that the snow we got today is already cleared up for the most part. I'm thankful that it's Friday! I'm grateful that God has obvoiusly blessed my life. I'm thankful that I have materials with which to study for the NCLEX. I pray Lord, that I would be able to hear from a hospital regarding a job soon, and that I would be able to focus and concentrate on studying for the NCLEX. Thank you Lord!

Love, Sara

fun in the [cold] sun

Today is Thursday. Do you know what that means? It has been 1 week since my fingerprints were done. Do you know what that means? This time next week, they SHOULD be done! Which means I will be that much closer to taking my NCLEX and being a f'real nurse. Today, I'm so thankful for sunshine! I needed it after yesterday's gloom. I'm thankful that I have an apartment to tidy up, and I'm thankful that Rigby's always by my side [even if she's trying to bite me]. I'm thankful for my morning rituals (drink coffee, check e-mail, check facebook, write on blog, drink coffee.) I'm thankful for music today, and I'm thankful that I have clothes to put on my back and shoes to put on my feet. AMEN!

Love, Sara

Josh's first day back to big boy school...

I'm thankful that I was awake and able to wish Josh a good day as he left for school. I'm thankful that he's starting back to school today. I'm thankful that we will (most likely) deposit Josh's refund check today. I'm thankful that I started reading this James Patterson book. Looking at those few things I just said - my next goal for this blog is to be thankful for things that I feel like I wasn't responsible for happening - i.e. books to read, and stories to hear instead of... starting to read the James Patterson book. I decided to start reading the book, being thankful for that is sort of redundant. SO... reboot... Today I'm thankful for movies to watch, books to read, exercises to do and Josh going back to school.

Love, Sara

Blizzard... AGAIN!

I woke up to about an inch of snow on the ground, and it is to continue until early evening - THEN it will turn into ICE. Sounds like fun eh? I'm thankful that Josh's classes were cancelled - I would hate for people to have to travel in this mess. I'm thankful that we have shelter, and heat, and Rigby. I'm thankful that Josh is SO concerned with my hospital looking job searching, although at times it can be reaaaally irritating. I'm thankful that I have all day to study - which I will not do, but I will make my best effort to study at least for an hour or two today. I'm thankful that we have netflix. I'm thankful that the days are still moving forward, even if they are running a little slowly. God will provide. He will.

Love, Sara

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Today, is a Monday - but it doesn't function as a Monday since it is a holiday. Today, I'm thankful that I slept in till 10:30am. I'm also thankful that Rigby did her business quick this morning. I am hopeful that the Human Resources departments are open today, although I tend to sort of doubt it. I'm thankful that today I have nothing much on the docket other than cleaning and straightening up a bit, (and groceries). I intend to visit the gym often these next few years of my life - I want to be in shape, and back to my wedding weight. Man, that was nice. Anyways, I'm thankful for today - and the sunshine once more.

Love, Sara

early mornings..

I'm thankful for facial cleanser, for hot showers, for the gym and for healthy food. I wish I would utilize more of those things than I do. I'm thankful that my mom is willing to help out Josh and I financially until I can get a job. I'm thankful that my fingerprints are done and my transcripts are being processed/sent to the NH state board. I'm thankful that in the grand scheme of things, I won't have to wait all that long for a job (hopefully). I'm thankful that my nursing school days are done and I never have to go to another clinical, or take a round of exams all within 1 week. I'm thankful for my husband.. thankful that he puts up with me stealing the covers and getting up early, making a lot of racket, and in turn, waking him up early.

Love, Sara

puppies and coffee

Steven and Penny are here! I'm definitely thankful for that! I'm sure Rigby is too - except that Penny's playing with Rigby's toys and she seems to be a little selfish and incapable of sharing. Puppies are starter-children. Period. I don't care what anyone says. Anyways, I'm thankful that we're going to hang out in Boston today. I'm thankful that the sun is shining. I'm thankful that Steven got here safely, and I'm thankful that him being here could take my mind off of the whole job-hunting thing. I pray I would hear something soon. I would really prefer not to work at starbucks or dunkin donuts or something. I would love to go straight into the hospital workforce. 'Twould be great. Anyways, that is all!

Love, Sara

"Application Status Change"

I'm thankful for the words "Application Status Change", especially when one of my applications is highlighted and says that beside it. I understand that this may not be the one either. I understand I may be waiting longer to get a job. I can still wish and pray though. I'm thankful for sleep. I'm thankful that Steven's coming up tonight. I'm thankful that I have some things to get done today, and I'm thankful that Josh has another interview with the DA's office in Nashua. I pray for his interview as well - that it would go well, and he would be able to get the job. Lord, grant me patience and help me to know that you are in control, and you will take care of us. Thank you Lord. Amen

Love, Sara

Mountains of Snow outside... Mountains.

Although it completely and utterly BLIZZARDED on us yesterday, the sky is blue, the sun is shining and ... Rigby is jumping at the bit to go play in the snow. It's like having a child... I really think it is. I'm thankful, anyways, that she's so animated and energetic. I'm thankful that I'll have good company when Josh goes back to school. I'm thankful that we have a gym membership that I can utilize as well, and I'm thankful that I have some great acquaintances to keep me company. I pray again and again, father that you would provide me with a job. I pray that I would be able to begin my career as a Registered Nurse soon, father. Please Lord. I know you are Sovereign, and you will provide for our small family. I know that I am unworthy, but I pray you would bless us, Lord. Amen

Love, Sara

SNOW DAY

Today, I'm thankful that Josh and I don't have to go anywhere. I'm thankful that our apartment is warmer than it is outside. I'm grateful that winter only comes once a year. There are about 2 feet of snow outside right now, and it isn't even finished yet. Poor Rigby has been cooped up all day, and I feel bored out of my mind. The good news is, I cleaned the dishes! and I imagine I will vacuum up some dog hair in a matter of minutes as well! I have been productive despite my limitations. I'm thankful for children's play - watching kids sled-ride or... attempt to sled-ride down the mountain of snow in front of our apartment is ever so amusing.

Love, Sara

1/11/11 ....111111!

Today, has been a great day so far, and it's only 9:44am so there is still a whole lot of promise for the rest of the day too. Josh woke up before me (which never happens), Rigby slept solid till 9am! (She usually wakes up at 7am and gets rowdy in her crate). I'm sipping my coffee looking out our big beautiful bay windows at a bright blue sky with sunshine beaming down. I'm thankful for that whole picture-perfect scenario. I'm thankful for Karen Grafton and her husband, Steve. I'm thankful for our landlords - Diane and Joe McGahan. I'm thankful that God has placed people in our lives to help me feel less isolated. I'm thankful that home is merely a phone call away. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to experience new things and to live in a different place. I'm grateful that God pours his mercy and grace unto an unthankful, undeserving person like me. I'm thankful that God provides in all circumstances.

Love, Sara

It's all coming together!

Got an appointment to get my fingerprints done for Thursday, January 13th at 3:15pm. It takes 2 weeks after that for them to be processed and sent to the state board, and I'm hoping fairly soon after that my paperwork will be processed and I'll get my authorization to test. I'm still praying that I would hear back about one of these many jobs I've applied for - I'm really actually rooting for the maternity job at Catholic Medical Center. I would love critical care, but I need a full time job so Josh and I can finally have health benefits. Anyways, I'm rambling. I'm so! thankful that Karen and her husband have taken us under their wings. They're such sweet people and I enjoyed our time with them last night immensely! I'm thankful that I've gotten as far as I have with the NH state board of nursing. I'm thankful that our apartment is all clean and organized and settled. I'm thankful that Josh has this week off to spend with me before he goes back to school. I'm thankful for many many things today!

Love, Sara

I missed yesterday =[

Yesterday we went to Boston to spend the day, and then watched a movie together when we got home. It was a good time - Sue and I went shopping and I'm thankful that I got to buy some nice clothes. I'm thankful that we got there and back safely. I'm thankful that we all had a good time. Today the Brown's left. I cried, well - everyone cried haha. I'm so thankful to have such wonderful and loving in-laws. I'm thankful that Josh and I are somewhat settled in and that we have each other to get through this tough transition period. I'm thankful that I found out my fingerprints could be processed in 2 weeks instead of 8, and I'm thankful that we have today (Sunday) to finish getting unpacked and settled in. Next week will be interesting, and once again I just pray and pray and pray that I would be contacted about a job soon. Please, Lord. I'm begging you.

Love, Sara

January 8th, 2011

I am so very thankful for our caring landlords. I am so very thankful for Emily's caring Aunt. I'm grateful that we got as settled as we did in one day. I'm grateful that Rigby's adjusting as well as she is. I'm thankful that I have a loving husband who will take her on a walk at 9 in the morning. I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to apply to hospitals as a GN, and I pray that I would hear something soon, or that my paperwork would go through quickly and I can get this big bad test out of the way. I do need to study for the test before I take it, but I will do that once Josh's parents leave and we don't have anything else to do. I think I'll start by doing 200 questions a day until I catch up a little bit. I should have been doing 100 a day since December 20th, and I definitely haven't been. I'm rambling! Anyways, I'm also thankful for coffee and hot showers on this beautiful Saturday morning.

Love, Sara

New apartment in New Hampshire!

Today, I'm thankful that we got moved into our apartment. I'm thankful that we all got here safe and sound, and I'm thankful that my car didn't die on the drive. Rigby's pooped on the futon that we bought for $100 at a second-hand shop. Overall - a good buy. We are enjoying our new apartment although I'm scared to death that I haven't gotten a call or an e-mail about the maternity job. I pray that I would hear something this next week about it and I pray that my fingerprints would process quickly and I would be able to get my GN permit. I'm so very thankful for what God has provided for us thus far. I know that God is sovereign and he will provide! I know that in my heart and I pray that he would just give me a heads up soon. =]

Love, Sara

It's Snowing!

We're thankful that the move is going well so far. We're also thankful that we've been able to afford it thus far, thankful that the moving van is sitting in our driveway as we speak, and thankful that mom and rod are coming today. I'm thankful that the worst of the cleaning is over and that we got the big things mainly torn apart. I'm thankful that it's not snowing currently in NH and I pray and hope and pray and pray some more that someone contacts me about that maternity job. Please, Lord - I know you are sovereign and you will provide.\

Love, Sara and Josh

It's pack up day for real.

Today's going to be the brunt of our tearing down and packing up. I'm thankful that I got a good night's sleep, I'm thankful that I get to sit and have my breakfast and coffee before we get rolling. I'm thankful that I have such a cute puppy. I'm thankful that Josh and I read books together - even if it is a little like 5th grade haha. I would LOVE to get into a routine of writing on here and reading my bible every morning when we get settled in up in NH. For a while, I won't have a job and Josh doesn't go back till the 18th so we have time to get used to each other hahah. I'm excited to go though, it's a new stage in our lives.

Love, Sara

i love rice krispie rectangles.

I'm thankful for my non-nutritious breakfast of rice krispie treats. I'm thankful that today we get to take Angelo to the airport and see my Joshy. I'm angry that Rigby ran away from me this morning, but I'm thankful that I got her back. I'm almost thankful that she has to be on a leash all the time in NH cause then I won't feel bad for putting her on one, and she won't be able to run away from me like that. I'm thankful that there's no snow on the ground, and I'm thankful that today is a Monday! yay!

Love, Sara

It's 2011!

I'm very thankful that I got to spend new years with my family. I'm thankful that the Steelers are smashing the Browns! I'm thankful that I got to take a nap this afternoon and sleep in a bit today. I'm thankful that we went to church this morning and said goodbye to all the Indiana folks! We have a lot of cleaning and packing to do yet, but I think we'll get there. I'm so happy that my mom said she would come down one more time before we make the big trip. I'm really excited to move to a new place and start a life on our own. =]

Love, Sara