Wishful, Wishful, Dreaming

For those of you who don't know this yet, I'm a dreamer... and a BIG one as a matter of fact. But sometimes that's all a girl has, and I make sure I make the best of my dreams.

For example, right now, I am dreaming that I could see the beautiful sunset in this glorious city in Greece...

And as I try to balance my clumsy self (and praying really hard that I don't fall and break my neck) in those sexy Dior pumps on the steep steps of one of world's most ancient, historical, and beautiful places,

I am totally rocking this hot number by Jay Godfrey, and turning heads left and right! "Sorry about your neck sprains fellas, but I'm taken!"
And since I borrowed it, I am also trying to hold on for dear life to this $2,500 Valentino purse . My dreams can't even afford the darn thing! On a second thought... What the heck; my dream just got herself a new purse! It totally completes my outfit and makes me look so much more chic. I'll even go as far as say that it makes my olive, golden skin glow like it never has before, and THAT really is a dream, since I seem to be so darn ashy all the time!

All the while, I am savoring this supper juicy and delicious shawarma, and I know that the garlic breath it's going to leave behind will be worth EVERY. SINGLE. BITE. Besides, I'm not kissing anyone tonight. This is MY time, where I get to explore and enjoy everything on my own. That's unless you guys want to come, and then we can all have a party!

Oh, and most of my dreams end in me eating some supper sinful but sooo very delicious tiramisu. Today, I'm having the cupcake version by Martha Stewart. And did I mention that they didn't add one ounce of "love" to my "handles"???
I know that some of those dreams are way beyond my wallet reach, but around here you dream big or you go home, and I ain't going no where! So thanks for dreaming with me!

Happy Dreaming!

Fair time

I LOVE fairs!!! From the deep fried everything, to the fun and happy atmosphere that it brings, I love it all! So when I found out a few months ago that there is a huge one in Dallas every year, I was soo very excited and couldn't wait to go. Well, yesterday was our lucky day, and we had a blast!

Here's the proof that we were there :-)

They were teaching the crowd an african dance! So much fun!

Can you tell my vegetarian days are long gone??? That is a huge smoked turkey leg I am getting ready to swallow! Unfortunately, I could only eat 1/10 of it. They had sooo much food there, and all of it was of course fried. They even had fried butter!!! I mean, that's just a heart attack waiting to happen!

Must say that the horses were not too thrilled with the outfits they were wearing...

I love the way fairs look especially at night. It's like everything comes to life!

We even made new friends! Doug works with Brandon and Rebecca is his girlfriend. They also just moved here.
And this is yours truly with her sexy man! It was such a fun, relaxing day!
Happy Monday ya'll!

Under His Wings

Well, it's that time of the week again when I get to share my favorite verse with you guys.

This week I've realized once again of how we take so many things for granted in our lives, and how we truly appreciate them only when we lose them, or come really close to it. Maybe you have heard this story on the news, and if you live in Texas, I am certain you have. Earlier this week, a 19 year old Jordanian kid, had the intent of blowing up a Wells Fargo bank, as well as one of the biggest buildings in downtown Dallas. As a matter of fact, if the FBI wouldn't have been aware of this, we would have relived that awful 9/11 day allover again (if you did not hear the story, you can listen to it here.) Hundreds of lives would have been lost only half an hour from where I live! This news has made me even more thankful that we have a God that watches over us, and that He didn't allow this to happen. This world is so full of evil, and I am so very glad for the promise that He gave us in PS: 91

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust...

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." PS 91:1-2,4

What a wonderful assurance that is! I hope everyone is having a very wonderful weekend!

I just don't get it!

A few months ago I came across a blog that had a post about things that they found weird (if it's yours let me know; I can't remember where I saw it). So I though I should post some of the things that I just don't get either. So here are five of them...

I don't get how Andrew Zimmeren can eat all that "Bizarre food" and not get sick!!! I'm impressed and grossed out at the same time by the man. I mean, I am all for trying different foods, but I think I would draw my limit line somewhere before beating snake hearts and roasted bats... But hey, more power to him!

Lady Gaga's style! She is one strange lady (that's if she even is a lady, because rumor has it that she's got some non female parts. What!!???!) I mean, has anyone seen what she was wearing at the VMA?

I don't get why people smoke when it says right on the packet that it will kill them!!! I especially don't get it when those that have oral or throat cancer smoke through a trache!

I don't get why people completely shave their eyebrows and then pencil them in. Isn't that a bit weird?

And finally, I was never able to get this style!!! I mean, what's so hot about showing your boxers? To me it just looks like they pooped their pants, and are just draging it along with them the entire day...

So, I am very curious! What don't you just get???

Back off Kanye!!! I'm getting an award!

After nine hours of having costumer satisfaction drilled into my head (be nice to the patients even when they think you're a waitress running an open bar resort. Got it! ), I finally got home exhausted, only to find out that my very sweet blog friend at "One heart, Two hands" has given me this awesome "Kreativ Blogger" award. She is a great inspirational writer, and her posts portray her deep love and passion for serving God and people. She is amazing, so show her some love!

So here are the rules:

1-Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2-Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3-Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4-Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.
5-Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6-Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7-Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated.

Here are 7 things you might not know about me:

1. Besides English, I also speak Romanian, Spanish, and can read and understand some Russian
2. I moved to the states with my family when I was 14. (and yes, I do have somewhat of an accent. Maybe I'll do a video one day, and you'll hear it...)
3. I would love to adopt my second child.
4. I am just dying to practice medicine in a third world country for a few months at least.
5. When I brought my American husband home for the first time, it went something like "My big fat greek wedding," especially when my grandparents found out he was a vegetarian ( "You eat no meat? It's ok, I make you fish." No grandma, he doesn't eat fish either...)
6. My Papa (grandpa) is my biggest fan, and my biggest hero, and there are no words to describe how much I love him.
7. Since my husband probably will not be ok with me bringing home every orphan child I find, I would love to open an orphanage someday in the future.

So those are some things about me. Now I shall tag seven other fabulous blogs, which is a hard thing to do, because there are so many amazing blogs out there that I love.

Paige

Jane

Katie

Susan

Kari

Bailey

Kristin

Shanna

Leslie

Definitely check those blogs out! They are so creative and amazing each and everyone of them in their own special way. (and in case you haven't noticed I also don't know how to count. But all of those ladies are just fabulous, so I felt generous today!) Happy Tuesday!

A Working Woman!!!!

First of all, I want to thank you all so much for your input and for helping me make a decision. So I have decided to go with, (are you ready?drum roll...) card number 4! A lot of you guys like it, and even though number 1 got a lot more votes, I was thinking that it might be a little less work for me to do number 4, and it came in second place, which 'aint that bad, right?!!! I am looking forward to showing you guys what it looks like once I am done making my own version of it (which hopefully will be as cute as this one).

Moving on to bigger news: I am officially part of the working force as of today!!!!! Yay for me!!!! Today was my first day of orientation and I got a lot of new and old info, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. Boy does it feel good to know I will be able to buy things now!!!! Can you tell I am just itching to go shopping??? Yes, it's been a while and I need a fix real bad!

Well, as I was sitting through the orientation, I was thinking about all of the supper cute clothes that I will not be able to wear this fall (or EVER) to work. It made me a bit sad, especially because I kind of fell in love with the J Crew line. Not that I would be able to afford them even if I was allowed to wear them, but aren't they just HOT!?! Just let me drool and daydream for a second...

Instead, I will be wearing something like this for the rest of my life (since we're not even allowed to pick our own cute scrubs). But you know what? After all I've been through, right now I am more than happy to wear them! And besides, they do help to pay my bills...

Another thing I won't be able to wear anymore, are super cute shoes. Bye, bye cute shoes (tear)... So I took full advantage today and wore some cute, fun ones for my orientation (*smile*) (Please excuse my fat feet)

I hope everyone is having an amazing Monday!

'Tis NOT the season to be jolly yet, but I need help!

So I need a little help from you ladies deciding which Christmas card I should create this year. I know you're thinking "Woman it's only September!", but last year I didn't get a chance to make my own because I started in the middle of November and between school and life, I was not able to finish them in time. So this year I'll start in October, and hopefully between the 200 + questions a day I have to answer while I study for my boards, work, extra curricular activities, stalking other blogs, and family life, I'll be able to send them out by the beginning of December. So will it be:

#1 The Fun Wreath Card

#2 The elegant "Let it snow"

#3 The sophisticated "Oh Christmas Tree"
#4 The Season of "Joy to the world"

So whatcha thinking? Which lucky card is going to make the cut?

Yay for answered prayers

This entire week has been a week of answered prayers and I am so very thankful to God for all that He has given us. First I am so thankful that I got my paperwork back from the board of nursing so now I can be a working woman starting this Monday, secondly I am very thankful that in this crazy economy my husband's company keeps on growing and he has a stable job, and last but not least, my dad has found a job! He's an engineer and his company closed down back in January, so we've been praying a lot that he finds something else. And he did! It's a temporary job, but we are all so very thankful! Because of all those things, I picked this as my favorite verse of the week (for those who are new to follow me, I do one of those favorite verses every Saturday). Yayy for a week full of answered prayers!!! Feel free to let me know what your favorite verse was this week. I hope everyone is having an awesome weekend!

Matthew 7:7-8

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Celebrity status

Is anyone a "So you think you can dance" fan? The only season I ever watched was season 5 which just ended a few months ago. As I was watching the try outs of season six last night, I though I should share this with all of you:

Yes, you guessed it! Yours truly is the doofy looking one in the middle with her mouth wide open. You would have thought I just met the president! For those of you who don't watch the show, those are some of the finalists, and I really enjoyed watching them. I met them while I was walking through the Mall of America (for the first time. That place is HUGE!) with some friends. I saw them walking by one at a time, and I was thinking "Hey that looks like... Hey that one is....Hold on a second!" Well this is probably as close as I will ever come to meeting any TV "stars", but I got to say, it made my day!

Glorious Wednesday!

This was me this morning! I feel ohhh soooo happy and surprised!!!! But before I tell you why, did anyone hear Obama calling Kanye a "jackass"??? Now that's making the news!!! That is just hilarious! If you haven't, you can watch (hear) it on youtube here.

Ok, on to bigger and better news. You will never believe it! I almost couldn't believe it! But I got my paperwork from the board of nursing, and guess what??? My first day on the new job will be on MONDAY!!!!! I am jumping out of my skin with excitement!!!! Isn't God just soooo very amazing!!!! They said it was supposed to be another 3 weeks, but surprise surprise, it came in last night!!! Thank you all for your so sweet comments yesterday, and for keeping me in your prayers!

So the third thing I've got this morning which I am also very excited about is this fun MeMe that I was challenged to do by non other than the beautiful Kari from 2 Dogs and a Blog.

Here are the rules:

1. Respond and rework: Answer the questions on your blog,

Replace one question that you dislike with a question

of your own invention, and add one more question of your own.

2. Tag other un-tagged people.

What is your current obsession?

I am currently obsessed with watching TV and eating those Milano chocolate and raspberry cookies! I could eat an entire bag at one seating. Not very good for my love handles, but my tummy loves them!

Who was the last person you hugged?

My hubby! I love hugging him all the time... and he is pretty much the only person I've seen in days... But I am a big hugger by nature, so usually I would hug almost anyone, unless I get a vibe that they're not cool with that.

What's your favorite dinner?

I am obsessed with trying all types of new food! I LOVE FOOD!!! But I think on the very top of my list have to be Arabic, Greek and Indian cuisine. Yummo!!!!!!!!!!!

What was the last thing you bought?

The last thing I bough was a coffee maker. My old one broke and I really love my coffee. I just need to find a balance, because sometimes, I have a really hard time falling asleep at night if I drink too much of it or in the afternoon.

What are you listening to right now?

"This will be an everlasting love" I sang that at my wedding for my hubby with the help of my beautiful bridesmaids! It was sooooo fun!

What is your favorite weather?

I love it HOT but preferably below 100!

What is your least favorite season?

Which is the one with all the rain and mud? That's the one I hate! And it seems to depend on the state.

What's in your purse?

Mirror, lipgloss, camera, wallet, cellphone, and candy.

Say something to the person who tagged you:

Kari is gorgeous and another fellow Texas newbie just like me. She has a great sense of style and she can make some very yummy and beautiful foods! She is awesome, and you ladies should check her out!

What is your favorite dessert or cool treat?

Tiramisu all the way baby!!!

What did you want to become as a child?

Lets see: a detective, an actress, a criminal attorney, and a doctor (which I am still considering).

What do you want to be now?

Someone that Jesus would be proud of first of all. A super-wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend.

What do you miss?

I could talk the entire day about the things I miss. I miss spending time and joking with my parents and little brother; I miss all my girls from back home in MI (that includes my baby Genna whom I love to pieces), I miss my crazy college days, I miss having great, fun conversations with my grandparents (they're the best a girl could ever have), and I am really missing shopping! Those are just a very few...

Which is you favorite country/state, and why?

So far for me is Italy. It's so historical and gorgeous, and I have lots of family there.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

I would go and pick up my mommy and fly all the way across the world to see my grandparent. Ok... that may be a bit more than one hour, but that's what I'm dreaming about.

What are your most challenging goals right now?

Trying to keep things within a budget and trying to pass my boards (which I am very terrified of)...

What is your 5 year plan?

Being completely settled in whichever state we should end up, finish my grad school, see the rest of Europe and some other places in the world, doing some mission work, and having a little mini-me! I better get started on some of them soon!

What is your favorite sport to watch?

I really am not that much of a sport fan at all, but I do get into NASCAR sometimes because my husband is obsessed with it.

What show would you want to be a cast member on (reality included)?

The Bachelor. JUST JOKING!!!! I would love to be on the "Amazing Race"! That would be sooo much fun!

What is your most prized possession?

Can I say my husband??? Would that be wrong? No? Ok. MY HUSBAND!

Name one favorite childhood memory.

My favorite childhood memories where mostly with my grandparents. They are just amazing human beings! My papa and I used to dance a LOT! Whenever there was a song on tv, we would dance. I will never forget my time spent with them.

That was fun! Ok, now it's your turn:

Katie at "Loves of Life"

Kristin at "Jorden and Kristin"

Katie at "The Mathis"

Bailey-Ann at "My Life as a Coastie Wife"

Callie Nicole at "Through Clouded Glass"

You can look but you can't touch

First I'm going to start with a little update on my Board of Nursing situation which if you missed you can read all about it here. Now that a few days have passed, I find this story kind of funny, so stay with me as I am going to update you on it. I promise it's worth it!

I was nothing but nice to those people every singe time I would talk to them on the phone, and even after the lady told me that I might lose my job but to pretty much get over it, I still did not say one bad thing back. I just hate rude people and this is why I try to never be rude myself, but push me enough times, and I will snap. So I have decided that I needed to call back and get some answers but in a more "rude" and dementing way I guess. I usually am on hold with them for ever but this day it was even longer than any other time, so I knew they must be really busy. As the lady picks up the phone, I get ready to have my authoritative voice on and tell them what a bunch of jerks they have been, (you get the point) and the very first thing that comes out of my mouth involuntarily is "I think I'm going to cry." Right after I said that, I was crying uncontrollably on the phone. The lady was like "Ummm... ma'am... Ma'am are you ok?" I knew they must be really busy since I was on hold for so long, so I did not want to take a minute to stop crying; instead I was trying get my words out in between sobs "I (sob) don't (sob) want (sob)to (sob) lose (sob) my (sob) job." Needless to say, I was feeling like a complete idiot. Half of our 10 minute conversation went like this and the entire time I was thinking "Really! Really! You're going to cry NOW!!????!!! Am I PMS-ing? No, not yet! WHAT IS GOING ON?!!!?? PULL IT TOGETHER! WOMAN, YOU BETTER STOP CRYING!!!!" Well, at least the lady was the first one that I've talked to that was actually really nice, and she explained what was going on. So, to make a longer story short, if all the stars, the moon, and the planets are aligned just right, I might, just might get my papers back in 2-3 weeks and that's when I can start working. Mean while, we are broke as a joke and trying to pay for two mortgages more or less (since now we have a house that is on the market in MI, and one that we're renting here), plus it cost us an arm and a leg to mover here, plus other expenses. All this on one salary. Needless to say, I am now unable to practice my favorite hobby: shopping. So I have a new motto nowadays (at least until I have a job) "You can look but you can't touch;" because if I touch, I buy, and if I buy, next month I will be purchasing my new home from Home Depot's "wherever they keep the refrigerator boxes" section and sleeping under a bridge, therefore "CAN'T TOUCH THIS!" (how many of you are singing the song now? Ok, maybe I'm the only loser doing it.) But a girl can dream, right??? So here is what I'm dreaming about:

Those Aldo boots would look just so cute on my feet with a pair of jeans on, wouldn't they?Vanity, why are you my friend some days? (you ever ask yourself this question?)

I love this OPI dark purple!!!
This teapot set is even cuter in real life. It's from Pier1 and it would look amazing on my coffee table (that I still need to buy).
This duvet from Pottery Barn would look amazing in my guest room.
Isn't this pillow from Pier1 so beautiful??? I love pillows!!! And they have so many cute ones. But I can't touch them
My good friend here, is getting even more expensive, so I have to cut back on it majorly (Ok, maybe I'll touch it once in a while...to treat myself)
Don't get me wrong, I praise God every single day for what I've got (which is plenty) and for the fact that Mr. B has a really great and secure job. But, I'm just a vain and greedy human being somedays... can't help it.

So those are some of the things I'm craving right now. What are yours?