WINTER IS HERE!

It's accurate that they call skiing/snowboarding a rich man's sport!! It's EXPENSIVE-- the gear, the passes, shoot even the food is outrageously priced. I feel so incredibly blessed for the chance to grow up involved in this sport. [note: I am NOT a rich man-- but I make it work!] I am so glad I was able to pick up snowboarding at an older age (I skied as a kid.) I'm not going to sugar coat it; the first couple times you snowboard are the worst days of your life! It is far from fun, and your ass hurts more than it has ever hurt in your life!

But then one day, you just get it.
You can switch back and forth from healside to toeside and it is glorious.

I seriously have the biggest smile when I am riding down the mountain, and I can't help but giggle like a schoolgirl when I catch some killer powder. And to add a cherry to the cake, this day and age you can stream Pandora anywhere on the mountain!

Floating down the mountain to your favorite music is something in life you have to try at least once!!
& today, underneath it all-- I'm not even wearing a bra! #winning. #tigersblood. 

My Why [& Related Rambles]

My Why: I owe it to myself. To feel strong in my own skin. To feel alive and amazing. To conquer. To Inspire.

Has it been over a month or has it just been a day? If you "cheat" then you are on a "diet". I changed my lifestyle last month, and I don't regret those noodles last night>> I just worked out harder and ate better today. I feel great when I eat lots of fat, and lower my carbs; I feel like crap when I eat like crap. After sober November we celebrated too hard, I swear I was feeling it for a week! It messes with the nutrition, the movement, and the sleep! To the point I don't even enjoy it, it's not worth it. Cool-- glad we got that out our system.

Today I went to our apartment's fitness "class" or aka just this personal trainer/army/dude Brad ANNNND myself. Today's torture was "For Time" 50 pushups TRX, 50 pullups TRX, 50 sit ups, 50 leg raises, 50 squats TRX, 50 jumping jacks. My time was 20:27 so remember that is what I get to beat next time! The worst part of it was walking up the four flights of stairs after! Really though, it's like I have my own free personal trainer, it's great! :) I am still doing Yoga with Adriene-- day 15 of 30 (two yesterday and one today). Totally slacking/killing it in that department. I thoroughly enjoy my time with her-- she is always reminding me to smile, to open up my heart and to just breathe.

Current Reads: I'm listening to Keto Clarity, by Eric C. Westman, MD, Jimmy Moore on my first month free on Audible!

Favorite chapstick: Natural ice, no matter what kind-- it is the ONLY kind that works.
Currently doing a lot of Sudoku too..

"If you are trying to better yourself, you have jumped over the fence. You have chosen hope over hopelessness. If you did one thing towards good health today, you are winning."//Unknown

Oh, and a good pair of jeans does the body good! Go out and get a pair you feel good in, you'll feel more confident on your journey!!

drool.

Avocado, blue cheese, bacon burger... [no bun] I love that you are keto approved.

K.... kind of random, but shout out to my 10th grade english class professor: Mr. Beh [spelling?]
I never forgot this one lesson he taught: Dress for respect.

Such truth in this statement, whether you are the ones dressed or the one judging.

if you wear sweats everywhere, no one will take you serious.
wear a suit and people automatically respect.
it's interesting how scrubs change people's perspective too.
get ready every day, it simply states so much about you.

Don't worry, I either live in scrubs or cozy clothes. & I'm not even mad about it.

These thoughts brought to you by Gilmore Girls, specifically Logan Huntzberger [talk about Droooooool :P]

Checking in.

My mom & I met such a rad man [& his wife Amy] this weekend! His name was Ken, and his philosophy for life and staying young is simple:
1. Smile.
2. Hydrate.
3. Keep your mind and your body moving!

I'm holding myself accountable and trying to work on my self-discipline! Today marks day thirteen of Sober November for me, day four on my Keto diet LIFESTYLE, and day two of: The 30 Days of Yoga journey with Adriene. Hey-- gotta start somewhere! :)

This past weekend was quite relaxing & enjoyable-- full of temptations [carbs & booze] but I held strong!
On Saturday morning my mom and I went on a nice long hike up Millcreek canyon, right next to Millcreek Inn <3! I have been loving this nice fall weather! I am stoked that we actually have had a fall this year in Utah!!

After our hike we headed up to Kamas to meet our friend's [Scotty & Kaitlin] twins: Emilia & Eleanor. They are so freaking adorable! Our little friend Everett [E & E's big brother] showed us his horses, his Star's Hollow goats and his playhouse! We were actually locked in his playhouse for a good 6 minutes, it was hilarious. Such cute kids!!

After Kamas, my mom and I hit up our favorite local jerky place Samak, and then took to Park City for the night! We scored a deal in a cottage at the Park City Hotel, we even had our own hot tub on the deck!!
We went to the No Name Saloon for Scotty's birthday dinner, and I drank a TON of water, and stuck within Keto limits (minus a nacho or two ;).

On Sunday, we met up with David and Mikey at the Ice House for AJ's 21st birthday! Second bar in two days that I have been in and not drank, it was quite nice!! Then the biggest challenge of course: Sunday dinner @ Grandma's house! I totally gave into the pumpkin cheesecake and I don't even regret it haha. I love seeing the whole fam dam!<33

My phone has been acting up, so it wouldn't charge all weekend-- which was a nice break from everything actually. The things I missed most were MY CAMERA, Snapchat--I'm obsessed, and surprisingly MyFitness Pal! Of course it was rough not being able to text David too ;).

Photo and weekend credit goes to mi madre -- gracias mamá.

Peace and love to you, my friend. :)

So, I admit... I was totally blog stalking, and came upon this post. I HAD to share it.
It is actually a graduation speech by Baz Luhrmann, so credit due where credit due.

Ladies and Gentleman,
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.
The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…
I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked…
You’re not as fat as you Imagine.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind.
The kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Sing.

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don’t waste your time on jealousy;
Sometimes you’re ahead,
Sometimes You’re behind.
The race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults;
If you Succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life.
The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.

Get plenty of calcium.

Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don’t Congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either.
Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s.
Enjoy your body, Use it every way you can… Don’t be afraid of it, or what other people Think of it,
It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own…

Dance… even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Brother and sister together we’ll make it through
Someday your spirit will take you and guide you there
I know you’ve been hurting, but I’ve been waiting to be there
For you.
And I’ll be there, just tell me now, whenever I can.
Everybody’s free.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings;
They are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard;
Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will Philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you.
Maybe you have a trust fund, Maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you’re 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen…

Career Chronicles

I've been doing a little reminiscing today, looking back at old photos I thought were lost. It has been a goal of mine to go back and make "yearbooks" of my life. I've been prolonging the process, because where do you start? 2016 while it is still hot and fresh in your mind? Or 2006 while you still remember some details? I have always wanted to keep a journal, but I have been terrified of being judged. So in a way, my day planners have been what I call my "Life Bibles" for the past decade. I am so happy with myself that I have used them religiously, and have kept them close.

Anyway, today I found some very old pictures of my coworkers, who have become such dear friends over the years. I wanted to post a thank you to my former boss, and friend V Fred who gave a twenty-year-old, redheaded girl a chance at her first CNA gig. When I was little I was obsessed with babies, in-fact I told people when I grew up I wanted to be an OB-GYN, not fully understanding what that entailed. When I saw a posting for labor and delivery back in 2008, I thought I'd give it a chance! I had a coupled interview with Nikki Larsen, and she was so cute, so sweet, and had experience. Vikki gave us a tour of the unit, and when we walked in the tech room, there was a full term fetal demise. I was in shock, and Nikki started bawling-- at that point I knew she got the job.
I was surprised when I received the job offer, and soon learned we both were hired on!

Throughout the eight years I worked as a scrub-tech/patient care assistant, I have met the most amazing people, and have had such incredible experiences-- both happy and very sad. I worked throughout nursing school, thinking I would have to start somewhere like med/surg or a nursing home. When graduation creeped up on me, I wished I had asked more questions, and jumped into more patient care.
I applied for jobs like crazy; positions at Primary Children's, NICU, I would have even loved to work in the OR somewhere. When I learned Labor and Delivery was hiring for the float pool, I was terrified yet excited. I held my breath and hit submit. I worked with Melanie before, and she set me up with an interview right away. I was beyond stoked to accept my dream job, one that I once thought of as impossible to get as a new grad!

This first year as a new nurse has been very rough, yet very fulfilling. It is hard to transition from a nurse's assistant, to being that responsible nurse I once called if there were problems [especially at four different hospitals.] I have had to stop being shy, self-conscious, and doubting my abilities. I know more than I think I know, and I will continue to learn new things every single shift. I absolutely love being a nurse so far. My patients are the highlight of my job. It is the best thing in the world to get to spend all day with a mom and family during such an exciting, life changing transition. Guys-- I literally help bring life into this world!!!!!! Although I have had to experience extreme trauma and grief that I never did expect in labor and delivery; I know that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

So, from the bottom of my heart: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
Thank you V Fred, and Melanie for both of my incredible positions I have held so far. Thank you to my stellar scrub techs for your friendship, for always being so willing to help out, and for making my transition so smooth. Thank you to my fellow RN's who have answered questions after questions, given me such great advice, and setting such powerful examples for me. Thank you for all the OBs and residents that have been so patient and willing to teach me tips and tricks. Thank you to those who were there that life shaking day; for all the hugs, love and encouragement to come back to work. Huge thank you to my family at IMC who has believed in me, and help mold me into who I am today. Thank you to all the staff at LDS hospital, Riverton hospital and even Alta View hospital that have welcomed me with kindness.
I am truly honored to work for such an incredible company, and especially such an incredible team of individuals.


Had to share some of these classic pictures of my girls from the Pelvic Palace:

RAW.

Say that you are joyfully married to your soulmate and best friend. You live in a good space that you absolutely love to call your home. You have your dream job of helping life into this world. You have a strong supportive family spine. You have come to accept the fact; that you have the prettiest long, thick, red hair everrr. Just had the best wedding of 2016 and married your king.
You can add a very traumatic experience to that, and hey if you looking for negativity, you can find a lot of things that bring you down.

But overall you choose to be happy!

You are the the happiest, nicest, caring person that people know! You love people, and people love you. You are surrounded by everything happy, positive and perfect-- and you totally love your life!

And then your therapist says to you: "It sounds like you have depression."
Then she continues on how the word: "depression" has such a bad stigma. It is simply a chemical imbalance caused from all your stress.
[ie nursing school, moving, wedding, death]
Let's be honest here: your lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills matter too.

You are in denial, but you start thinking that in actuality.... you have felt a little off, a little disconnected from the world's energy, a little down on yourself for this and that-- you're even very fat for you. You have pushed away some best friends, withdrawn to your head and sometimes you try too hard to fake that smile. You give it a second thought and read up on this word: "Depression"... "that feeling of impending doom" <- Those new anxiety attacks that you have to breathe yourself through. Your lack of interest in even getting dressed, let alone leaving the house for any reason. Drinking often, and way too much. That tossing and turning at night, caffeine not doing a thing. Shoulder shrugging, large scrub wearing, minimal make up wearing zombie.

Hmm.. maybe you have let yourself just slip through the cracks.

I am taking this as my: "wake up and feel reality call."
#choosingtobehappy

Here are my short term and long term goals for myself:
CHECK THAT POSTURE GIRL!! [posture checks all day, working out and stretching that back and shoulders.]
Stop with the constantly saying sorry-- [unless I really need to be sorry of course!]
Be confident and be assertive-- FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT.
No more of this withdrawn crap [I'll save that for my zen time]
Coping with conflict <-- This might take some research and time..
Save $$$$
More green tea, much less alcohol. [Sober November]
No comparing yourself to others, just yourself yesterday.
Blog more -- lucky YOU :P
Give at least 5 compliments and 5 genuine thank yous a day.
Spend more time with the grandparentals.
Quit pressing snooze, or at least only once-- haha.
Backpack through Europe. [Planning on our honeymoon November 2017]
Go back to school for my Bachelor's degree, but let's enjoy two more quarters off first ;)
BE HEALTHY!! [the gym was a good start today, but I want to nourish this baby maker.]
Diet-- meal and dinner plans weekly!
Volunteer monthly.
Be more involved in the world and news-- still not politics though ;).
Spend more time outside in nature!
At least 3+ road trips this year!! [Yellowstone/Jackson & Pacific Coast Highway!]

From this older, happier post:
What are you feeling especially blessed or thankful for today? If you are feeling down and out, I challenge you. Every night when you crawl in bed, think of three things you are thankful for today, and three things you want to accomplish for tomorrow. Think happy thoughts, then sleep on them, and make the best of every day.

Wigs for Kids.

I have been saying all of 2016, that after I got married I would donate my hair! Well- November 2nd I did just that! After a little research, I learned that Locks of Love actually charges the family for the donated hair. Wigs for Kids was suggested to me by a friend! I found a cute little salon that would send it for me! I was able to donate 13"!! 

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
BEFORE: 

AFTER:

love.

Love is deep. It's sacrificial. Love doesn't always mean happiness. Love is sharing someone's joy as well as their pain. You smile when they smile, and you hurt when they hurt. Love is being willing to endure pain or hardship to spare the one you love. Love is supporting someone through their struggles, consoling someone when they grieve, and caring for them when they are sick. Love is unconditional. ⠀⠀ ⠀

True genuine love is not always easy. ⠀⠀ ⠀

But it is worth it.

the more one judges the less one loves.

I Just left the gym for the first time in longer than I would like to admit -- & I loved it. I am thankful that my hunky husband will come with my ass, and show me how it is done. :P
Not everyone is as lucky as him to not feel judged there -- I love you babe! ;)

Anyway, I love this insta-post and had to share it with you today!

::::::::::::::::::::

"When Chris & I first started working out at the Rec, we were judged hardcore. Someone even posted on Facebook about the "buff couple" & how they "thought they're hot shit because they wear their belts all the time". This was about two months after my back surgery & I did indeed wear my lifting belt during almost all of my workouts for support.

My point is, everyone gets judged. People don't bother to understand where you're coming from or why you do the things you do.

That overweight guy? Someone judges him because of his weight, but little do they know he's already lost 100 pounds & has changed his entire life around.

That guy with the skinny legs? He's had seven knee surgeries & he's currently trying to strengthen his legs. It's just a long hard process.

That skinny girl you think "really needs to eat"? She's actually super self conscious about her thin figure & has been trying to gain weight, but her metabolism is super high.

That kid who follows you around & watches everything you do? He looks up to you and wants to learn your workouts, he's just scared to approach you.

That girl with really bad form? She had to mentally prepare to enter the weight room because she was terrified of people judging her. She second guesses every exercise, but she's too intimidated to ask anyone for advice.

That buff dude you think is cocky? He grew up in poverty and working out was his alternative to drugs or alcohol. He's not cocky-just focused.

That woman taking too long on the equipment you want? She's a single mom exhausted from working two jobs & raising three kids. She's trying to push herself to finish her workout, but she needs a little extra rest between sets.

That old man doing strange exercises and talking too much? He decided to get a gym membership to stay active & socialize after his wife passed away last year. Talking to you makes his day & has helped his depression.

There's more to people than what you see. Instead of jumping to conclusions or making judgements, take a moment to consider someone else's perspective.

Don't judge a book by its cover."
@stephanielynn996 // Via: Instagram

Hi blog friend!!
Do you feel neglected? You totally should, but everything that has happened this year, has been ahhhmazing. Hopefully that gives me a lot to write about :P.

For now, just a quick update!!

I'm coming at you from our office, in our nice little apartment that I share with my HUSBAND!!!!!!!

Today is October 13th 2016 and here are some fun facts:
♥ My beautiful Momma turns 46 today-- breast cancer free for two years now!
♥ Our one month marriage anniversary is today-- #Llamas.
♥ My amazing Grandma turns 75 in ONE week!!
♥ I'm an auntie already!
♥ Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton is going to be president next year.
♥ & Gilmore Girls finally hooked me.
That is as exciting as it gets for Mrs. Olsen over here ;)
Stay tuned ♉ .

freakishly quiet in my head today..

Wow, I think this is the first time in the last three years I have nothing to stress about.

#Oola

There has been a lot going on with me lately, and I have caught myself off balance.
I need to balance these chakras right up.

Starting today I'm going to take steps every single day to do better at taking care of myself so I can better take care of others. I feel so weighed down right now (and not just from vacation burritos haha). I am starting to feel all the mad stress of new career/moving out/getting married/adulting etc.

"What is to give light must endure burning." //Viktor Frankl -- perfectly sums up how being a new nurse is going for me.

I think it has been the most traumatic, yet most rewarding thing I've done with my life.
It is such an emotional experience to be there at the most exciting, life changing moment between a family. Whether it's first time mommy and daddy, or just another angel baby for the family. Human life is a true miracle. It's been incredible to share so many intense and humbling moments together.

Being a nurse is a lifestyle. I need to set a good example, and contribute to the team, and that means I need to take better care of myself so I can endure more. Physically and mentally.

"Ongoing self-care practices are absent." //Eric Gentry.

Lessons from Nurse Residency 03/01/2016: ABC's of prevention: Awareness, Balance & Connections.

MY goals as an RN on the team:
be present, and alert.
take a deep breath and things through.
be a collaborator.
practice gratitude every shift [Say thank you at least 3x daily.]
deal with things as they come up, and stay on top of charting & strip reviews.
learn to SPEAK UP and be confident!
communicate clearly.
be hyper aware of the environment and any trends or changes.
after every shift; think of something I have done well, and something I want to work on.

I love my job!

September thirteenth, two thousand sixteen

Six months from yesterday, on our three year anniversary.
Cannot wait to marry my soulmate. <3
Visit our wedding website here.
#EatDrinkandbeOlsen.
#llamas.

nutella stuffed red velvet cupcakes!

Guys, I made these for my friend's birthday and they were the biggest hit!
I think the best part is the frosting-- and that is usually my least favorite part.
Here is how to blow some minds:
Make cupcakes according to box instructions:

Let cool for a few minutes, and take a spoon or scoop and scoop out a chunk in the middle (save the chunks!)

Stuff them with as much nutella as your heart desires, and replace the cake chunk.

Now for the frosting! I came across this recipe on pinterest! I'm telling you, this is the best part!
Frosting Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups milk
3 heaping tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (NOT confectioners)
1 1/2 cups butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine milk and flour in a small saucepan. Cook, over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and thick. Remove from heat, pour the mixture into a clean bowl and cover the surface with saran wrap. This stops the cooking and also prevents a skin from forming on the surface. Set aside to cool.

In stand mixer cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and mix.
When your milk mixture is slightly cooled, add one tablespoon at a time to the butter mixture, whipping thoroughly in between.

Whip until you have a fluffy, white and buttery frosting.
Frost immediately! Refrigerate to solidify the frosting and it tastes better cold!

Enjoy them! Share them! Let me know if you like them?

Hey stranger.

Whoa, I cannot believe I haven't updated my poor, little, neglected blog since AUGUST 2015!!
Sorry to all of my non-existent readers! ;).

In the last five months a lot has happened, you could say I'm "growing up" fast.
Some of my favorite highlights by month!

AUGUST 2015
♦ Pickling spicy pickles.
♦ Taste of Wasatch for Justin's birthday.
♦ SLIPKNOT with some of my all time favorite people.
♦ Book of Mormon the Musical!!
♦ Running through the sprinklers.

SEPTEMBER 2015
♦ Carrying on the Swiss Days tradition.
♦ Making Salsa (and my first ever solo batch.)
♦ Getting to go to the KBER studio to see A Lily Gray live on the radio.
♦ Oktoberfest!
♦ Celebrating two years with David! 
♦ Going to Jenny's cabin.

OCTOBER 2015
♦ Celebrating a LOT of birthdays!! [David's, Mom's, Grandma's]
♦ Picking & carving pumpkins.
♦ Finishing my capstone clinicals in three weeks!
♦ Dressing up like bums at school!

NOVEMBER 2015
♦ Family pictures.
♦ Mastering my resume & portfolio. (really, it was a highlight lol.)
♦ Making some KILLER cupcakes. (stay tuned for recipes!)
♦ Thanksgiving.

DECEMBER 2015
♦ Not only graduating, but FINISHING nursing school!!
♦ Getting ENGAGED!!! :D
♦ Becoming an Auntie!
♦ Celebrating Christmas with the family.
♦ My first interview for a NURSE position.

JANUARY 2016
♦ Passing my NCLEX and officially becoming a REGISTERED NURSE!!
♦ Being offered my first [and dream] job as a nurse, in Labor and Delivery!
♦ Snowboarding in our KILLER powder!
♦ Seeing my first two Sundance films.