Adjusting

First full week of 3-11 pm work was rough! I never thought of myself as a morning person, but I guess I kind of am. I do like having the morning to pack healthy food and run errands, and grab Starbucks without the rush. Adjusting to work life versus school life has been very strange. I find that after I finish a task or activity, I don't know what to do next. I gave myself last week to adjust, and this week, I'm aiming to make more of a schedule with hitting the gym and reading my new book for a book club I'm attempting to start with some friends. Last weekend, Cody and I spent a lot of "together time" as he went out of town Wednesday to spend time with his friend, Mike, in Ohio. We watched lots of football on Saturday, and then went to see Argo in the evening. Admittedly, I had low expectations as it isn't my kind of flick, but it was really good! Sunday, we biked to the farmer's market and picked up some yummy produce, and came back and had lunch together! We finished off the evening making dinner together as well!

English cucumbers, french baguette with tomatoes and goat cheese, and homemade roasted cauliflower cheddar cheese soup

This week was pretty much typical as far as work, although I'm now on the Emergency Department floor, working with experienced nurses and picking up my own patients (to an extent). It's very intimidating to be with people who have been doing this a while and are very fast and efficient! I'm learning so much everyday and hope to gain as much as I can out of this experience! After Cody left, I spent some time with my roommates, and then went to a Halloween party on Saturday night with my friends! I had a blast and have consequently spent today recovering and pulling my life together! I'm starting to really like Sundays because I feel like I get a lot done. I'm feeling very blessed today to have days like today to savor what I have and enjoy my life as it is right now. I think it'll be my new goal to hold onto that feeling throughout the week.

If you haven't already, check out my friend Sarah's blog at http://spire-life.blogspot.com. She always has something that inspires me! This week, it's her workout posts!! Time to get my butt into gear!

Best,
Lauren

1st Week of School, Errr Work!!

Last week was my first week! Soooo exciting to finally put all of this hard work into action! This week was all training and orientation, but we were able to meet our ER new grad group which was awesome! The 7 of us really get along well and we have really gelled well so far! The first week focused on how Tucson Medical Center functions and wants things done. Cool things I found out that I did not know:

• TMC is the only non-profit hospital in Tucson (rock-on!)
• The ER new-grad program was recently redesigned and incorporates tons of interdisciplinary education!
• TMC new grads actually are enrolled in a residency program for a full year

Needless to say I am so grateful to be working for such an awesome organization! Emily and I have really enjoyed our first week as nurses wearing our carribean blue scrubs and walking around with our heads high not as students anymore! It is very comforting having such a great friend to go through this whole process with! I was also able to see one of my best girls Sunny this weekend and catch up with her. It was the perfect cap-off to this first week and I am really looking forward to having more time to spend with her!

So far, this week has been more orientation, but geared toward the ER which is more enjoyable because it has relevance. Friday will be our first 3-11pm day and we will actually be on the floor shadowing the core nurses!! EEEEK!

Until then,
LB

Entering adulthood

Eek! I passed my boards!!! I am now, Lauren Blackley MSN, RN!! This means that I start my job on Monday and I am now officially, officially entering adulthood! Cody has been very supportive through all of this latest craziness and the day I took the test was no exception! He took me out to dinner to celebrate being done and he made me feel really loved :) Not unusual for him, but special none the less. The days before the test, we had a wedding for two of our friends which was fun and very true to the couple.

 The Sunday immediately before the test, my roomies and I picked up new couches from two friends who generously donated them to our bare house! Now we are able to have people over to visit! This is going to come in very handy with the roomie's significant others coming to visit next weekend! Full house!

After the test, I went back to Michigan for a week to relax and spend some time with my mom and my family. I was able to do a ton of good shopping with my mom, and spend some quality time with my grandma. I got some great new Sperry's that I am in LOVE with and went to a yummy dinner with Mimi!! My mom and I made soup and watched movies and I feel like I got a nice rest that I really needed after all the hard work over the last year and a half.

Nate, Emily, and K Shea

Angela, Me, and Kuma

Angela and Kelly

 I was also able to spend some time with my friends from home. They always make me  laugh and I always have fun with them. My friend Kelly Shea and I spent a whole night watching TLC and laughing at Secret Princes. We also went to sushi as a family and laughed a ton at my mom and my brother. My mom also helped me buy new scrubs to start my new job which was something I really wanted to do with her. A trip home was definitely what I needed and I'm feeling much more at ease going into my new job and new career. This week has been pretty uneventful, although I have been going wedding dress shopping with my friend Cara! She has looked beautiful in everything and is going to have a tough time picking something when her mom comes to town!! I start my job Monday and I'm sure I'll have LOADS of stories once that starts!

Until next time,
LB

I'd appreciate this week being over now.

My NCLEX (aka my exam to determine whether I'm a real nurse) is next Monday, so I would really appreciate if this week would hurry by. That being said, the last week has actually been pretty good considering I stayed in my house and studied all day, everyday. I am getting into a pretty good routine with an early morning workout, a quick Starbucks run, and a shower before sitting down to study. Cody has been SUPER busy with work, biking/climbing, and groomsman duties for his friend's upcoming wedding, so we have kind of been like two ships passing in the night. Not the case this weekend though.

Thursday night we went to one of our favorite Tucson restaurants, Vero Amore, which recently switched locations. Per usual, the food was amazing. Friday night, we also went out to dinner, which we don't usually do, but we have some Groupons we needed to use, so out we went! La Fuente is more traditional Mexican cuisine and Cody loved it! Afterward, we met up with some friends to grab drinks and be social. We had so much fun dancing our tails off to a combination of hip hop and alternative music at Skybar. The three girls in the photo are my friends Erin, Betsy, and Christina, and man, did we laugh! Hopefully we'll go out again together soon and I'll have more photos to share.

Saturday was game day! Cody loves antipasto, so I made a platter for him for the game. He killed it and I ended up having to refill it. I also made pumpkin pie dip (which was amazing) which was one of the easiest things ever. Making game day food has to be my favorite part of football season. I've been stalking Pinterest for new recipes, although this coming week we have a wedding, and the next week is a by-week for Michigan, so I'm currently on hold. After watching the Wolverines stomp the Minutemen, we watched a bit of the other games before heading to tailgate/go the bar to watch the Arizona game. We met up with friends and stayed for a bit, but the game was a big blow out, and we left early. Today was super relaxing as I was able to study and get some chores done. I am really enjoying lazy, yet productive Sundays right now.

I am going to Michigan after my exam to spend sometime with my family and friends to just relax after all the work, and I have to say I am counting the minutes. I feel like all I've been doing is taking practice tests that make me feel incompetent and watching videos that review the most basic content that I still can't remember. I'm sure it will all be worth it, but the light at the end of the tunnel right now is a trip to Michigan to soak up some fall, complete with donuts and apple cider. My beloved mitten is calling my name!

I'm determined to chronicle our adventures better, and I think I'm off to a pretty good start! I'll keep working to keep things fresh, although Cody is the better activity planner!

Love,
LB

Snooze-fest

Since the last post, I've been trying to come up with some great pictures and stories tell. I've got nada. Cody has been pretty busy with work and activities (biking, climbing, etc.) and I've been studying my little tail off. Hence, no photos. We went to a party at our friends house on Friday night that was fun, but I had to leave early to babysit the next day and Cody came with me.

Saturday football was obviously a great day in our house! Cody and I were both pleased with team 133's performance, and Arizona killed it against OK state! My new roomie Emily went to Notre Dame and they had a good week too! The brother of some friends of mine kicked the winning field goal in that game (shoot out to Kyle Brindza!). So now that Michigan is ranked 17, Notre Dame is ranked 20, and Arizona is ranked 24, the new house is a happy house! We're still getting settled so I'll take some pictures next week.

Saturday night Cody and I did make a super yummy dinner which I'll post the link to at the bottom. We discovered a new appreciation for whole wheat pasta (AKA, it wasn't as dry as we remembered it being). The rest of the week has really consisted of work and studying for us, with some good laughs via Pinterest.

Pasta with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Creamy Lemon-Yogurt Sauce

http://www.ezrapoundcake.com/archives/13338

Serves 4 (calories: 303 per serving)

• 8 OUNCES WHOLE WHEAT LINGUINE (OR YOUR PASTA OF CHOICE)
• 1/2 CUP NONFAT PLAIN GREEK YOGURT
• 1/4 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
• 1 TEASPOON GRATED LEMON ZEST
• 1/4 TEASPOON SALT
• 1/4 TEASPOON GROUND BLACK PEPPER
• 1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL
• 3 MEDIUM (8-OUNCE) ZUCCHINI, CUT INTO THIN STRIPS (3 INCHES LONG AND 3/4 INCH WIDE, LIKE A BIG STICK OF GUM)
• 2 GARLIC CLOVES, THINLY SLICED
• 1/2 PINT GRAPE OR CHERRY TOMATOES, HALVED LENGTHWISE

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook about 9 minutes, or according to the package directions. Remove 1/4 cup of the cooking water, and set it aside. Drain the pasta. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the yogurt, Parmesan, lemon zest, and salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, and cook just until wilted, flipping them over occasionally with a spatula. (The zucchini will be soft and somewhat see-through.)
4. Use a spoon or spatula to push the zucchini aside so a space on the bottom of the pan is clear. Add the garlic, and cook for 15 to 30 seconds, until golden but not really brown.
5. Mix the garlic into the zucchini.
6. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
7. Transfer the zucchini mixture to the yogurt mixture, and stir to combine. Add the drained linguine, and toss gently to combine. Add the reserved pasta cooking water a tablespoon at a time, if necessary, to thin it. Divide among four bowls and serve.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving): 303 calories, 7g fat, 14g protein, 49g carbs and 255g sodium.

Until something more exciting happens, 

LB

Forever, Go Blue!

Well, that was depressing. This past weekend, Cody and I traveled to Dallas to watch our beloved Wolverines take on Alabama in the Cowboy Classic. The weekend was awesome. The game, not so much. Our first day there we went to Cavander's to get a few of Cody's friends some western wear, and then we went to dinner, and dancing at Cowboy's Red River that night!

Cody and I have gone two-stepping a few times and were able to show our friends a few (limited) moves. The people in that place can DANCE! The next morning we got up early and left to tailgate in the parking lot at Cowboys Stadium. It was boiling out and I was cookin'! We had a blast though, and even met some people that were friends of friends from college! The food and company was well worth the heat. I have to add that a few of the returning Michigan players look pretty great compared to last year. I am super excited to see what the rest of the season holds!

 We came back Sunday and totally crashed after our jam packed weekend! Monday was our third year together and we celebrated by making some crafts! We made a outline of our respective home states using nails and string. They turned out pretty well if I do say so myself!

 The rest of this week is dedicated to work for Cody and studying for me. I take my boards on September 24 so the pressure is on now! Wish me luck!

Love,
LB

Mother of all updates

Obviously I have not been posting. In the last 3 weeks, I:

• Graduated from my nursing program with a Masters of Science in Nursing!
• My parents came to visit
• Signed a lease on a new house
• Got a new bed
• Flew to Michigan
• Attended 2 weddings
• Went to Northern Michigan to relax
• Flew back
• And celebrated Cody's big 2 5!!!

Moral is, I've been busy. To fill in ALL the details would require multiple posts, so I'm going with the abbreviated version.

First up is graduation/parent's visit. We had a blast! Most of our time was spent drinking or in the pool, or both. After the ceremony, we had dinner at 47 Scott, which is my new favorite place. A fair amount of restaurants in Tucson are privately owned, and have small menus that change frequently, and 47 Scott is one of them. We had a yummy dinner and ran into a friend of mine, Lindsey, who also graduated that day! Afterward, we went to a rooftop bar to see my fellow graduates. The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing, although we did go for a short hike on Saturday. 

Next was the new house and bed. This one is short. I needed to move closer to the hospital, and I needed a bed. My bed was a graduation gift from my parents, and I am already in love! The new house is closer to everything and is super nice. We have a living room downstairs, and a bonus room upstairs. Cody and I are going to move my stuff today.

The Michigan trip was the best part as I was able to visit Ann Arbor, and be there to witness a good friend get married, and so was Cody. The weddings were Friday and Saturday, and both were BEAUTIFUL!! These couples did an amazing job, and we had such a great time at both! I'm going to hopefully head back to the mitten in a few weeks to spend more time with my Mom, and with my gorgeous friends. You can see a photo of them below. Seriously, SO pretty! 

My friend Jenna was married at the Weller Carriage House in Saline, and Cody's friend Maria was married at the Detroit Yacht Club. Both were very well done! Love you guys!

After the weddings, we went up north with our friends Jennie and Matt, who are also getting married, but not until next year! Very exciting stuff! We played games, and kayaked and just enjoyed each others company. I love doing trips with these two and can't wait to see what we can plan next!

After a filling at the dentist Wednesday AM (blech), we flew back to Arizona just in time for Cody's birthday! He is now 25 years old! He can't believe it, nor can he remember it. I made carrot cupcakes which turned out pretty well! The recipe is below. 

As for now, we're all caught up. However, next weekend, we fly to Dallas for the Michigan vs. Alabama game. To say we're excited is an understatement. I will definitely have updates after that! 

Until next time,

LB

Carrot Cake Cupcakes
http://pinchofyum.com/carrot-cake-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Author: Pinch of Yum, recipe from Pam M.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sifted flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups grated raw carrots
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 lb. butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 lb. powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients and oil with carrots. Add one egg at a time and beat well after each egg.
2. Bake for 50 minutes in a 9×13 inch pan. Let cool completely. (For cupcakes, half the recipe and pour batter into greased or lined muffin tins. Fill them about 3/4 of the way to the top and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until tops spring back when you touch them. This amount will make about 24 cupcakes.)
3. Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy. Add powdered sugar. Spread frosting over cooled cake.
4. Refrigerate and eat cold for best taste!