alex

Congrats Christina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great job!!!

Aw congrats on becoming a paperwork Mrs!! Your dress is cute!!

LOL!!!! If you're that "smart" you deserve to have your pics shared on the internet to make other people laugh... hehehe

Funny that you posted this because while we were ouyt running errands today I thought about how much I appreciate Mat! He helped me at the gym, went grocery shopping with me & then he even filled up my car with gas! So we stopped at the beer store to get some Corona for me, so I bought him a case of beer for himself. Then when we got home, I lead him to the bathroom to take a shower with me...(something we don't usually do because we're too tall! - I'm 5'9 & he's 6'4 lol) I won't get into any details, but I'm sure he knows he's appreciated

Quote: Originally Posted by LC_Rachel Honestly Danielle- I would have joined the last two seasons but I hate the idea of weighing in and sending the picture. I'm just SO ashamed of my weight right now that I'm not comfortable with anyone seeing it- even my doctor or myself. I had a VERY long appointment with my doctor last week based upon some lab work. He's given me some meds, plus a strict diet and exercise regime. I'm hoping to at least kick start my losses and then when I feel comfortable with the #s to hopefully join one of the upcoming BL contests. I wish you all the best with your weightloss. I completely understand about not wanting to post anything here, but remember we are all here to motivate & support you, not judge you. We're all here to support you!! Quote: Originally Posted by nueland I have lost a total of 12.6 pounds! Was going for 20 but that will do... I still have untill November to get the rest off! Congrats! 12.6 is an amazing loss!!

Quote: Originally Posted by hollisandsteph Ever tried a Jamaica Smile We lived on those during our trip..lol It is half Strawberry Daquri, half Pina Coloda and then Rum Cream on top (Bailey or another irish cream wisky works too). I know it really doesn't work well for you AHR but when I saw Rum punch it brought back memories of Jamaica Smiles...lol My BM is having a 4th of July party next weekend and rented an resturant stye machine from Ace Hardware that will hold 2 different types of frozen drinks so we are making Smiles then! I cannot wait. I have actually been thinking about renting on for our reception but not sure if it is too late because we are only 2 weeks away now. Plus I think we would be spending more than we intended on on alcohol. Sorry I know this was off topic alittle bit:-) Quote: Originally Posted by lauren c. at dreams in pv, they called the jamaica smile a miami vice. if i were making rum punch, i'd get some punch and put rum in. LOL From what I remember, the difference between the Jamaica Smile & the Miami Vice is the Rum Cream. Miami Vices only have the daquiri & pina colada in them... now I want one.... mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I'm kinda freaking out because I misplaced my digital camera & my folks are coming in from out of town so unless I find it before they get here, I probably won't get to send in a pic!! I did PM Maura though because my weight is the exact same as last week so maybe if I don't find the digi cam, she can just post that I stayed the same?? I hope so! Quote: Originally Posted by lauren c. well i just weighed in, with absolutely no change. so altogether, i've lost 4.8, which i believe is 3.7% of my weight. the good news is that my current weight is w/in my height parameters, so i changed my goal weight at ww, and am now at goal!!!! i wouldn't have done this, except i know that my previous goal was good 2 years ago when i made lifetime, and is not really reasonable or maintainable now. 3.7% is amazing!! Great job on reaching your goal!!! Quote: Originally Posted by DanielleNDerek Alex i was thinking you. I thought you had a couple of really big weeks. I think what some girls lost in one week was close to what i lost the whole contest. Well i'm proud of myself, i thought i would lose more. I was aiming for 15lbs and i lost 10.5. i would like to lose 20 more by the wedding. But i am now fitting into a size smaller pants, which i'm excited about. And fi has been telling me that i look nice a lot lately, which before the contest i was always wearing sweats and activewear. i've been dressing better so i feel better. I'm going to treat myself to a twist custard cone this weekend. i've been craving it for weeks now. I'm so excited for it lol. Well i'm proud of all you girls that stuck with it!!! It was tough. I'm dying to find out who the winner is. So many girls had really big weeks. 10.5... wow great job Danielle!! I was hoping to lose 10, but that didn't happen! Enjoy that twist custard cone - you deserve it!!! Quote: Originally Posted by Yari So...I had a pretty good weight loss this week. I have been consistent the last few weeks. I can't wait to see who won! Consistency is a very good thing!! I'm with you on being anxious to find out the winner! So all in all I didn't lose much. A measly 5 lbs. BUT I am very happy with all my progress! I may not have lost big numbers, but I am positive that my inches have gone down significantly! At the pool party we had on Friday, all my friends were taking turns feeling my abs (they even called their boyfriends over to have a feel! lol) & everyone I see keeps asking what's different about me! I was carrying heavy things at my friends garden centre & one lady actually exclaimed "look at your biceps!!!" So I really feel great! Once I find my camera, I'll post some after pics in my blog because I posted before ones too! Thanks everyone for all the motivation throughout season 2! Also a HUGE thank you to Ann & Maura for helping out!! I am definately in for season 3.. hehe

Quote: Originally Posted by ~*petals*~ Besides wedding planning of course... I decided to step outside my comfort zone this summer and take a class called Arial Arts! It's at the local Cultural Arts Center and it teaches you things like static trapeze, spanish web, and arial silks. I've been to 2 classes so far and it's the hardest thing I've EVER taken!! (Realizing that I am totally not flexible nor do I have arm strength...) LOL That is so cool!!! I'd love to hear more about it! I wish we had something cool like that here...

Etsy :: creativebridal :: White Sea Shell Wedding Bridal Bouquet If you decide it's too much to take on yourself, you could probably get someone on etsy to make one for you... I came across this one for an example!

Oops - double post

LOL LOL LOL! All these names crack me up!! To each their own I guess... A friend of mine who works for the gov't had to pass a travel grant for medical work signed off by Dr. Anthony Bologna... Tony Balogna... hehehe

I don't know anyone who has tried it, but it looks beautiful! What a great idea! Please keep us posted on your progress in making it - I'm very curious!!

Quote: Originally Posted by DanielleNDerek I can't wait to see who it is. I'm thinking it's Alex. she had a couple of big weeks, if i'm remembering. If you're thinking this Alex, you've got it wrong! LOL I'm proud of my progress (haven't gained anything back) but it's not enough to win! Thanks though - made me feel great! (unless you're talking about the other Alex.. then ignore me LOL!!!) Quote: Originally Posted by LC_Rachel Oh and fabulous, skinny wives. LOL Didn't want to forget about you Lauren. Don't forget about fabulous, skinny girlfriends.... lol no ring over here

Thanks for sharing the pics! Looks like you guys had an AMAZING time in NY!!!!!!! (ps - the naked cowboy looks like he has a pretty sweet a$$! LOL)

Anybody doing anything exciting today?? We don't even have fireworks in my hometown this year because there was a big celebration this weekend called Ribfest & they had fireworks... boo for no fireworks!!

Adorable! I'd wear it for sure!

Quote: Originally Posted by Abbie yay! happy day to all my favorite northern neighbors! pssssst.... what's canada day? like 4th of July for us 'Mericans? Here's an blurb from Wikipedia cause my explanation sucks: Quote: Frequently referred to as "Canada's birthday", particularly in the popular press,[1][2][3] the occasion marks the joining of the British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces (the Province of Canada being divided, in the process, into Ontario and Quebec) on July 1, 1867. However, though Canada is regarded as having become a kingdom in its own right on that date,[4] the British Parliament at first kept limited rights of political control over the new country, which were shed by stages over the years until the last vestiges were ended in 1982, when the Constitution Act patriated the Canadian constitution. Canada Day thus differs from Independence Day celebrations in other countries in that it does not commemorate a clear-cut date of complete independence. I wish we had nice weather today! It's only 12 degrees & raining... so much for going swimming!! And poor Mat had to work... although he'll be making lots of extra money for working the holiday so I don't mind one bit!

I'm planning on actually working!! LOL I've been unemployed for a couple of months now & will be working for a friends garden centre/landscaping company for the summer. I work in the store & then I also do lanscape work - planting & stuff. It's hard work, but it's amazing! I worked 14 hour days last summer with them & felt great! When I'm not working I plan on helping Mat's parents out at their cottage. They're in the process of building a huge, beautiful cottage & are doing alot of work themselves so I like to get out there to help as much as I can. When I can find the time, I'll be reading some books & hopefully getting out on the road for a few short road trips to visit family & friends.

That sucks! They're too cute when they give you the look afterwards to make sure you won't be upset! My rabbit has chewed through almost any cord you can think of - mostly while things were plugged in (if cats have 9 lives, rabbits must have 15!) The best was when she ate the number 8 button on our cordless phone. I was so shocked, all I could say was "She ate eight" over & over... LOL

So I know how much everyone here loves random pics, so I thought I'd post a few from my weekend! I organized a birthday/engagement party for a very great friend of mine who actually got engaged the night before her birthday! So I thought it was fitting to combine them together. They've actually decided to get married ibn Jamaica in January & have asked me a be a bridesmaid! Unfortunately I can't commit 100% right now (finances), but I wanted to do something for them, especially her! I'm pretty broke because I'm unemployed so I decorated on a HUGE budget! I bought almost everything at the dollar store, but it was fun & laid back so it didn't matter! I had inflatable palm trees, flamingoes, monkeys, parrots, leis, colourful tablecloths & napkins.. it was colourful & inexpensive! No good pictures of the decorating though... The cupcakes I made. The jujubes I used for the "rings" on the Congrats ones kinda slipped, but they looked super cool at first! Me & the girls (including Lily the puppy! lol) I'm on the far left & the birthday girl is beside me. Me ruining a perfectly good picture by being a perv... hehehe The happy couple! Everyone actually wore the leis I bought so I was pretty excited! Me & Mat. Unfortunately for an attrative guy he takes the worst pictures!! Not a very good pic, but we had a campfire after we all ate & swam. It was an awesome time! The day after the party we went out to Mats parents cottage to help with some work & went fishing too. I had to post these pics of Chloe (Mat's parents dog) in the boat. She's too funny - she barked non-stop at me when I tried to get into the boat. She acted like she owned it. What a silly girl! Her, a few minutes before she got too close to the edge & fell in the lake. She swam laps around the boat until Mat would pull her in. Dummy.

Thank you ladies all so much for your replies! I completely forgot I had asked these questions so I haven't checked for any replies for a while.. oops! Quote: Originally Posted by JHarwood2Be Oh here is a forum you can check out for all things nursing related. You'll read the good and the bad! allnurses.com - #1 Nursing Community for Nurses Thanks for the site - I'll have to check it out! Quote: Originally Posted by amandalovesryan there are so many amazing things about this job, i met a ton of great friends, i learn something new every day, i make amazing money, i get to learn about people's lives 80 years ago. you do not have to go to a 4 yr school. there are programs with hospitals that are only 2 years long. there are also some excellerated programs that are only 18 monts. I say go for it. you can always find work! I wish it only took that long... Quote: Originally Posted by kleslie5 not in Canada However, there are 2 yr programs (straight - no summers!) for those who meet the undergrad prereqs, so if you have a science undergrad or even a few yrs of uni science like anatomy and physiology, you might consider this option...the programs are called CTF (compressd time frame) programs...at UofT and UWO for sure if you want to stay in Ontario! I got my 4 yr RN degree from UWO - the program was fantastic, and I have lots of friends who did the CTF program, so I can tell you more about that if you're interested. In ON, we also have the new grad initiative, so all new RN grads are guaranteed full time employment for 8 months at least after graduation. However, with our nursing shortage, you could work anywhere, anytime, so this isn't really a big concern. If you want to stay in northern ON, there are lots of great northern incentives, so more $$$$ Anyway, I love nursing - the profession is amazing and there are unlimited opportunities in so many areas. Good luck with your decision - I know it is a big one!!! Kate Thanks for the info, but I think I'd be staying here at home to take the program if I decided to. Because of the extreme nurse shortage (& doctors too!!) our local college (Northern College in Timmins) has an agreement with Laurentian University (Sudbury) where you can get the 4 year undergrad while studying here at the college. It's a pretty great thing. I wouldn't consider moving away because of Mat's job. Quote: Originally Posted by ethrondson I have been a nurse for the past 3 years and I LOVE my job!!!! I actually just went back after taking a year off (3 months sick leave and 9 months mat leave) so I am just getting back into the swing of things. I wouldn't say that nursing if a fun job, but it its an enjoyable and rewarding job. I missed working while I was off for the year, and actually went back to work 3 months early. I have been working in a rural hospital that has 22 beds (including 2 ICU, 1 pallative and 2 labour & delivery). Rural nursing is different from specialty nursing in the sense that you 'specialize in everything'. In rural nursing you can have a little bit of everything going on, from labour & delivery - geriatrics - cardiac - dialysis and more. For example, at the beginning of my first shift back to work last month we had a woman that was fully dialated and she had her baby within an hour, then I was off washing different patients, many that are long term care patients awaiting placement. Then I had to go do a big dressing change on a patient that has extensive abdominal injuries caused by a self inflicted gunshot wound. With rural nursing we also work in the ER so I was covering coffee and lunch breaks over there, and finally I finished off my shift with a man that came in and was starting to have a heart attack. We had the paddles (adheisive pads) on him and watching him so we could shoke him if the medications we were giving him didn't help and he ended up coding on us. The medications ended up helping, and we didn't have to shock him, but that was my first shift back! In rural nursing you never know what to expect during your shift. This morning when I got to work, we were told about a woman that was in the city for an appointment yesterday and had fallen and bumped her head. After the 2 hour ride home, she was complaining of a lot of pain in her pelvis, so her family brought her in lst evening. They cleaned up the small cut on her head and did x-rays which showed a stable pelvic fracture. She was admitted to the ward after the broken pelvis was determined. There seemed to be no other problems besides the pelvis pain, and she was taling to the staff when they did rounds at 5 am today. At 6 am when they were doing the water rounds, one nurse went in there and she was unresponsive, had gurgled breathing and foaming from the mouth. They quickly moved her to ICU and the Dr on call came over to figure out what was going on. After we got report this morning, I went over and helped to intubate this patient so we could ship her to the city for further testing and treatment. We got a call back from the city this afternoon and she has a massive bleed and they want to send her back to die. Of course with us being a rural hospital, we don't have patients here that are on vents, so she can't come back unless they can get her off of it, which taking her off could also be the end of her life. I wouldn't say that nursing is a fun job, but it can definately be exciting and rewarding. I truly enjoy my job, and although I am also one that has so many careers that I would love to try, I don't want to leave nursing to do it. Downfalls - Because of the shortage, the risk of burnout is high, and you really need to watch yourself to try not to let this happen. Dealing with anger patients that are waiting to been seen in the ER, many people think that a sore throat or a knee that has been bothering them for a few months are priorities and that it should be first come first serve!!!! I love when people tell me that they are going to go to the city to be seen and I inform them that they are triaged at a level 5 (lowest level and many of these things can be seen in the clinic) and when I was in the city and triaged at a level 2 (needs to be seen by a nurse right away and a doctor within 15 mins) I was there for 5 hours! They usually change their tones and appriciate it only took them an hour to be seen here. Watching people suffer and those who have to die alone because they either have no family or friends, or they don't come in to be with them. Benefits - I love labour & delivery and being one of the first people to see and hold that brand new little life! Seeing a patient leave the hospital that was not expected to leave alive. To see a patient smile and thank you for helping them get better. The overall satisfaction that you are making a difference in peoples lives everyday, those of the patients and their families. I would totally recommend nursing to those who are up for the type of work involved. If you don't like blood, you can't handle other peoples or any other bloodly fluids, I wouldn't recommend it. If you can handle these, than this job is like no other. Thank you for all the detail!!! I honestly don't know how I would react to large amounts of blood.. and that worries me! I've only seen smallish injuries & they've always interested me. Plus it might sound stupid, but at least I can watch operations on tv without being grossed out - that's gotta count for something!! LOL Quote: Originally Posted by Sarah I'm a Labor & Delivery nurse too... there are quite a few on here! I've been a nurse since 2005, and Labor & Delivery is what I've always done- I went to nursing school wanting to do L&D. I really love my job. It's very exciting and rewarding, and even when it's bad, you still have so much you can offer your patients. I am so honored to be involved in what is one of the most important moments in someone's life- the birth of their child. It's really an amazing thing. I think one of the best parts about nursing is the flexibility, and then opportunity for advancement, and new learning. I'm always doing something new. In addition to L&D I have cross trained to do Triage (like OB ER), Pospartum, Special Care Nursey, and charge nurse. So including those things and labor, that's at least 5 different areas of just labor & delivery nursing I could be doing any particular night. I'm never bored I also work 3 12 hour shifts a week, and hardly have to use vacation time unless I go somewhere for more than a week. The pay is great, and at my hospital we can work unlimited overtime, which definitely helps~ I usually work 48-60 hours a week. I love the thought of working shifts - Mat does it & I don't think I'd have any issues with it. The opportunity for OT as well as the flexibility really appeals to me too! Can any of the Canadian girls give me some ideas of salaries? If you're not comfortable posting it in front of everyone, could you PM me please? I still am not sure, but am looking into it further. I have a "bleeding heart" as my Mom says so I think I'd have to be careful because I get attached to people easily. I also tend to get very emotional. I'd have to learn a balance I guess. If anyone has any more info they'd like to share, I'd really appreciate it!! Thank you gals so much for all the replies!

Looks like you had a great time! Molly is gorgeous!

Wow Wow Wow! Your pictures are incredible Morgan!!!!

Very happy that you're happy AF came! Now "be good" until the wedding, then the baby making can hit full-speed ahead! LOL

They look GREAT!!!!!!