Putting it out there

So, I had quite an eventful weekend the past couple of days...going to my friends wedding that I was in, my car overheated & needs some major repairs (or I need a new car)...this sums it up...it's hard for me to put this out there; but if anyone is willing to help, or know anyone who could would you be so kind as to let me know???

I am in a bind...in need of a loaner car for any length of time in the next few weeks. My car literally broke down & overheated in Victorville this weekend and I can't get repairs done just yet due to costliness of it. Is anyone able to loan me a car (a spare car or a car if you're out of town for any time). I'd be so grateful and willing to compensate somehow

They got nothing on you baby

So, on my brothers birthday last month I took him to his youth group (because his birthday was on a Sunday) and hung out with him afterwards (which included taking him to his favorite restaurant Wingnuts). During that time, I got this jewel. Folks, this is why I love my brother. He takes control of the radio in any car he is in, and finds a good song he feels he can dance to. :) Never a dull moment with my Bubba. I love him so! (p.s., we were basically at a stop light for most of the video, and the other half I was paying attention to driving and just holding my camera out. p.s.s., don't mind me and trying to say something clever...couldn't even spit out "break your moves out") :)

Conversations with a 5 year old put a smile on my face

These are little morsels of funny goodness that I remembered from a conversation with an adorable 5 year old I babysit for (I will call her "H")


H:Will you ever have children? 
Me: Yeah, probably 
H:...so that I can watch her, right? Because I really only like to play with girls

H's mom was expecting a baby.  H had already named it "raindrop", and would not even speak of it being a boy.  To her, there was no way the baby would be anything but a girl.

H & I were sitting at the dinner table as she was eating dinner.  It was a big window that looks the backyard.  H started to make up this story about how there's a hummingbird living in an orange tree in her backyard and says"she Is a healthy bird who had healthy babies. We had a doctor look at her".  And remember, her mom was expecting a baby.  Funny girl :)


p.s... I changed my layout.  What do you think? 

A Washington D.C. picture post

If you couldn't tell, I am currently taking classes and also been busy working a lot.  Both of these things mean that I have no time to blog.  So sad, I know.  I like blogging...it's such a unique process to write and formulate my own thoughts and to actually sit down in order to do all that.  Of course, I'd also like to have more people viewing my blog/getting feedback but c'est la vie...even if it's for my own enjoyment it still serves a good purpose.  Anyway, I have some more posts I will publish soon.  But first I wanted to share about my trip to Washington D.C.

Getting to D.C. and back home proved to be a chore (to say the least).  Once Stephanie & I got there it was quite the city though.  It really isn't that big of a city, and yet it is so rich in beautiful architecture, land & history.  It seems like you can almost never run out of things to do there.  In the 3 days we had there we got to do a lot.  I personally had a wonderful time, even considering the heat and humidity.  Here's what Steph & I did: visit the National Cathedral, National Air & Space Museum, the Vietnam War, WWII & Korean War Memorials, the Washington, Lincoln & FDR Monuments, Arlington National Cemetery, Georgetown, National Gallery of Art, tour the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and the Capital.  Oh yeah, and also view the White House (from the outside).  If you couldn't tell, I love American History (just for fun, I took at least 3 history courses in college.  That was after A.P. US History in high school) :)

This is a very poor picture quality image...however, this is the "we've been trying to get the D.C. for 10+ hours and now we're finally making it" smile :)

Here are some pics of the Capital:

one of the 1st US Senate rooms

And some pics of the National Air & Space Museum

(oh yeah, and did I tell you I know how to fly?  Let me know if you'd like me to take you anywhere!)

He is no longer a pre-teen!

My brother (who I lovingly refer to as Bubba) is 13 now!  Thirteen!  Holy cow Batman...where does the time go?  Not to get all mushy but I remember the day that you were born Bubba.  I was in 5th grade.  It was a Friday...but a very special one; because it was your birthday & because we had "Colonial Day".  I was torn between getting to go to school & participating in the festivities of Colonial Day & dressing up like a Pilgrim, making candles & apple juice & bread the old fashioned way, and many many more fun things that define 5th grade at St. Joachim School.  Not to mention, my love of history has been with me since a young age & fifth grade was no exception.  But, I wanted to get a chance to see you with our sisters.  Thankfully, I have an awesome grandma & dad who worked it out that I could go to school for half the day and then my dad would take me to see you.  Unlike some family members, I had been excited from the get-go about you...but I know for sure that we all could not imagine life with out you.    You were a surprise & a totally awesome one!  You are full of joy, an amazing baseball player & pitcher, goofy fun, have an awesome heart and are very smart!  I love you!!!! <3

Sticker value

I thought that it would be really funny to write about some of the random/interesting bumper stickers I've seen while jogging or walking (to the park) with kids I babysit...enjoy

• "Gas Hole" located on the gas tank of an old truck
• "who would Jesus bomb?"... a very interesting political statement & I would like to know the logic as to why this person put a sticker that says that on their car
• "I'm only speeding because I have to go poop" (which also includes a little drawing of poo)
• "reading is sexy" ...this was on a car w/ a Washington license plate (because I thought it was important that it came from a Washington car--haha)

Tees for Haiti

Good friends of mine (who've I've mentioned on my blog) have created some awesome t-shirts to fundraise for their Haitian sons adoption as well as Heartline Haiti (an organization in Haiti doing amazing work post-earthquake).  They have lots of different designs and come in sizes from infants to mens to maternity... Check these great tees out!  

45X

Notice the title?  Does anyone know what it means?  Just curious...any ideas?  I can tell you.  I'm quite the expert about 45X.  It is part of my story.  One of the things that I've been wanting to share about is my story.  It is truly something that is embedded in the fabric of my heart, mind and soul.  This is not normally something that I tell a lot of people.  But recently I've felt this push or inclination to share, to be vulnerable, and open.  Because I've seen lately the good that can come from that.  Let me elaborate...

I was born with a condition called Turner Syndrome.  It is a chromosomal disorder that occurs in females, where they are born with a missing sex chromosome; meaning that usually a person should be born with 46 chromosomes but I was only born with 45.  (Hence, the science jargin for missing your 46th chromosome is sometimes called 45X.) If you are male, your last two chromosomes (your 45th and 46th) are XY; and if you're female your born with two X's (XX).  I however am missing my last chromosome.  This abnormality is called Turner Syndrome because the person who described it was a doctor named Henry Hubert Turner (as with any medical condition) :).  In case you were wondering, this means that I was born female (with all the female parts)...you have to have the Y chromosome for a fetus to begin to grow male parts (fyi).  About 1 out of 2,000 to 3,000 females are born with this chromosomal abnormality.  Amazingly, my body can function without a 2nd X chromosome (the 2nd one is really only there to recognition of sex...even in females with a normal XX, the 2nd X really doesn't do any work.  I've learned this in my genetics/science classes).  Anyway, it does have medical implications though.  A lot of females born with Turner Syndrome have heart conditions, endocrine (hormonal) problems, physical abnormalities like webbed feet, broader diaphragms, short stature.  I'm quite fortunate to not suffer from many of these, and none of which are serious to my health.
My parents found out very shortly after I was born that I had Turner Syndrome (TS).  One of the tell-tale signs on the probability that I might have TS was that I was a shorter baby, and had swollen feet.  Tests were done and confirmed that I in fact was missing my 46th chromosome.  My parents found out that one of the things that came along with me having TS was that I have one kidney that is shaped like a horse shoe, and instead of a tri-cuspid valve in my heart I have a bi-cuspid valve (meaning a special valve in my heart that is suppose to have 3 flaps to open and close, I only have 2--but the two still completely cover up the valve like it needs to be).  One of the leading & highly knowledgeable doctors with regards to TS was at Stanford Childrens Hospital and my parents chose to have him as my physician; so about once a year we would visit there.  Dr. Neely is someone I will always remember.  He was a great doctor, and someone I look up to still.  He was only slightly older than my parents, but he had red hair just like me.  And he also had a daughter my age who had red hair.  It was sort of a neat similarity & connection to share.  Well, I don't believe that I had much medical care before I was about 5 or 6 except for tests & normal check ups with my endocrinologist.  I was definitely not as tall as my peers but it wasn't too concerning yet.  But in first grade, when I was about six we started the discussion of me taking growth hormone during my elementary & adolescence school years when growth should be taking place.
I remember between 1st & 2nd grade visiting Stanford Children's Hospital with my mom & dad.  The nurse who we had known for a while, Louise, was amazing at teaching us how to administer the growth hormone and even let us practice on her (with a saline solution of course).  The doctors would figure out, some special way, how much growth hormone I should start out taking...then about every 6 months to a year it would be adjusted and increase slightly based on my growth/that fact that it was was working well/and trying to maximize my growth plates still being open and this being a critical time for my body to grow to a normal size.  I remember going for this doctors visit too where I would start taking growth hormones, and the doctors wanted an x-ray of my entire body to see my bones (etc) before I started growth hormones.  It was the summer going into 2nd grade and I had just gotten my ears pierced about a week before.  This was a huge deal in my family because the Ehrhorn girls had a rule (to please my grandpa) that we had to wait until we finished 1st grade to get our ears pierced.  I remember being worried about having the holes from the piercings close so I didn't take them out, and in my x-ray the bones are white (as normal) and there are black dots on my ears where my earrings are.  I've also had to have several echocardiograms to monitor my heart and make sure that everything is still going great with it (which it is) and I've never had any problems with it...no problems exercising, functioning normally, etc.  My mom and/or dad & I would go up to Stanford about once a year for routine check ups and to update my growth hormone regimen.  I would look forward to our yearly or bi-yearly trips with just me and the parents.  It really made me feel special and is something I hold dearly to still :)  Very early on, my parents made the decision that we would only tell our family about me having TS.  It was difficult to keep having to take growth hormone replacement a secret; I still can't decide what I would have done as a parent.  Because it is a whole heck of a lot of explaining to do to elementary school aged friends that could go badly.  Anyway, I also remember when I was about in 4th or 5th grade I started to give myself growth hormones all on my own.  That was a big deal.  And it helped my parents out a lot.  I would only have to take it once a day, but we decided to do it in the evening.  This wasn't always easy to manage if I had a sleepover or if my parents were going out and we had a babysitter.  When my parents were still having to give me the growth hormones themselves, sometimes they wouldn't get to it in time before the babysitter got to the house so they would have to remember when they got home that evening before they went to bed. The tricky part to that is that I would 99% of the time be asleep and they would have to give me growth hormone in my thigh.  I have always been such a sound sleeper that I never (ever) remember waking up to them maneuvering me to give me the growth hormone.  But several times they would tell me that I would talk in my sleep and say things like "ouch, that hurts" or something to that effect.  Sounds about right :)

When I was 15 years old & a sophomore in high school I had one last x-ray of one of my growth plates.  It was almost closed, so after a few more months of taking growth hormones I didn't need to anymore.  I grew to be 5' and 3/4'' and am in the top 90-95% in height for girls with TS.  Along the way, I've also had to take hormone replacement in order to jump-start puberty (which is the case with all girls who have TS).  When I was 17 & a senior in high school, I got word about a TS camp that was being held in Colorado the summer after I would be graduating.  I had never met anyone else who had TS (at least that we were both aware of) and thought it would be an absolutely amazing experience to meet about 50-60 girls who have TS, as well as have camp counselors who have TS.  It was am amazing experience to meet all these wonderful girls.  I've made friendships that I know will last a lifetime.  In addition to all that, we got to stay at Colorado State University for a week, horseback ride everyday for a week, white water raft, swim etc.  There was a wide range of girls with TS there, from 11 years old to girls in the mid twenties.  But on the other hand, it was saddening to see some of the problems that other girls were born with that I was somehow fortunate enough not to have.  And some girls had just found out a few years prior that they had TS and any medical treatment to get growth hormone treatment etc would be helpful but not as beneficial and intuitive as it was for me since I started at such a young and ideal age.  This just made me even more passionate about going into the medical field as it was the summer going into college as a bio major.  I wanted to (and still do) be an advocate for girls with TS & their families who do not have the resources or financial ability to seek the best medical treatment to overcome some of the obstacles that come with having TS.
I am so fortunate beyond belief for having absolutely amazing parents who sought the best for me, and having a supportive family behind them.  I know that there have been many personal, financial and many other sacrifices made in order to get all the care that has helped me tremendously.  It's because of them that I am so motivated, strong, and can handle the hard things in life.  They've taught me from example that it's not about falling but rather how you pick yourself up...and that in order to make the best of things, to be proactive, optimistic and move forward in life in tough situations. And, the outstanding and knowledgeable doctors and nurses that have been consistent in my life truly have been inspirational. I have always had the mindset that I am the way that I am for a reason.  God made me this way for a reason.
About two weeks ago, Steve Carter gave a sermon about how God's blessings occur at the same time that evil and hardships can occur.  And it was just an echo of how I feel about having a chromosomal disorder.  There are many things that have been sucky because of having TS... having to deal with all of this from a young age, the medical treatment I've had to have, still having some physical ailments (like a bad back, migranes and having to take some sort of medication all my life), probably having to adopt a child instead of having one of my own, etc....But I feel like I am in a position where I've had nothing but the best situation for having TS...like I am an expert on it and I can do so much good to help others with TS...and my heart is forever changed for adoption and I am thrilled to hopefully have a family of my own one day that God has planned for me knowing that I wouldn't want a child any other way than to adopt.
Phew, what a post.  It's definitely something huge for me to share this...as well as write all of this.  It can come with a lot of stigma (at least in my mind it can...being labeled as having a chromosomal disorder) and can be easy to not want to share in such a big way.  But I did.  My hope is that this post can be a used in order for people to have more understanding towards each other, that it would be encouraging to all, create a place of community...and maybe, just maybe, be a place where TS girls can find each other for the first time and connect (and maybe share stories and form friendships)  :)  Because we are all in this together, right?  I'd really love to hear your responses, questions, comments etc!

I will leave you with this...beautiful & so true

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,I know that full well...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be" Psalm 139

Sometimes, you just have to laugh about life

My life has seemed even more busy and full lately.  Here are some things that are either funny, crazy or caught me off guard...but in life, you have to laugh things off and deal things with a smile.  Some of those things are: not having an ATM card for about 2 weeks now...yeah, that's fun.  I've learned a lesson that you can be much happier with your car if you get regular scheduled maintenance done.  Also, I am cat-sitting my friend's (LoLo) cat (because she's on her honeymoon) and the other night I ran out of contact solution at her house but it was late & I didn't want to go to the store so I used my re-wetting drops and kept them glass cups because I also couldn't find my contact case.  It all worked out and my contacts didn't bother me the next day, so you just gotta laugh :)  And the next day I had to buy contact solution, a case, and more eye drops.  Currently, the cat (Piper) is snuggling with me on the couch my the computer because she thinks my computer "pprrs" a little bit.  She is such a funny cat...she'll snuggle with me, when I wake up she'll come over to me in the bed and nose nuzzle me, and loves playing.  I know, it's weird for me to be talking about a cat (because I'm a more of a dog person) but if I had to choose a cat as a pet, I'd want one like Piper :)  Well, I will leave you with a picture of Piper and something funny a little girl said to me this week.  A 5 yr. old girl I sit for was jumping on her trampoline and tells me she can do a backflip (I knew she was making this up, but I was supportive with a "really? that's great") and then says she's gonna show me a jump and asks "will you tell me if I fall?" (and I'm thinking, you'll probably also know if you've falling.  Silly girl :)  And here's the picture...I call it "Cat & (computer) mouse"

Moneywise

So, I started to write this blog about 2 weeks ago.  I know it had been a while since I last blogged... to be honest, I felt like I was so overwhelmed with babysitting and all the things going on I didn't have it in me to blog.  Because of that as well I didn't have inspiration about what to blog about.  Then, when I sat down to blog yesterday a flood of ideas came in.  Funny how that works, isn't it.  In the past 3-4 weeks I have: bought (a roundtrip) ticket to Washington D.C. (woot woot!), bought Switchfoot concert tickets for their hometown (San Diego) concert, finally bought a nice replacement straightening iron, and I actually moved into my new place with my own room!  Phew.  That's a mouthful, and a lot of expenses.  Seriously crazy.  However, that's all paid for with cash.  I know that some of those things aren't necessary, but they're things that I've been waiting (and waiting) on.  I've just been thinking about my expenses lately, and how I'm blessed to be able to save some money lately in preparation for all these things.  And, of course, I've had a lot of work lately.  It definitely isn't not easy to manage finances...it takes work and planning.  But i find it very valuable for me to balance my checkbook and also plan ahead to see what babysitting jobs that are in the future and the amount of work I have lined up.  I've prayed that I can also get some rest and feel refreshed, because I have definitely been feeling bogged down/tired because I've been working more than usual.  And I feel that this past weekend being with some lovely friends and having a big 'ole celebration has brought me lots of joy and a renewed perspective (albeit, even if I didn't get much extra rest in...but that's okay).  This might be a random post, but my purposes are to simply open people up to spending within their means and being accurate with the money they are keeping.  It can definitely be worthwhile.  (and, isn't my post title fitting? right?...moneywise...being wise with money...no? maybe it's just getting late...haha)  :)

Update...the good life :) (stream of consciousness post)

It's been too long since I last posted...and that seems to be the way that I have been starting my posts lately. My bad.  I really have been super busy.  I really feel like I am so blessed though, and have a wonderfully amazing life.  But, I thought I'd give a short update & also let you know that I have two (maybe 3) new posts in the makings (and let me tell you, they are good posts if I do say so myself) :)  I was in my best friends wedding this weekend.  (you know, the one where I posted about it here)  Anyway, it was simply an amazing wedding!  I seriously get a little choked up still when I think about it.  My best friend is now married!  Crazy.  She honestly stole the show with how stunning and absolutely gorgeous she looked.  And she threw an amazing wedding.  It was simply breathtaking, and at the end of the night she even said that it was way more than she expected/hoped for/anticipated.  All that to say, I know it wasn't easy for her to plan it so kudos again to you LoLo.  And congrats to you and your hubby!  I don't have any pics yet because I really didn't take any at all...because LoLo's sis was taking a good amount, there was also a professional photographer there, and also because my 3 year old not-top-of-the-line Canon Powershot battery displays a low battery warning after taking about 2 pic and I have to take the battery out and put it back in (and I believe the battery is newer).  Anyway, I digress.  I will share pics as soon as they are available to me :)  But, the memories of getting to spend the entire day & a half with LoLo before her wedding, the getting ready for the wedding, seeing her & her hubby's 1st glance, the ceremony, the kick-butt reception with amazing food/cake, fun dancing, a tasty candy station, and witnessing the love the couple have for each other and the love so many people have for them, and truly enjoying being a bridesmaid with LoLo's sis and a longtime family friend (who are both intelligent, funny & lovely women, and great company) is still fresh in my mind.  I still haven't heard anything from CBU, so I am going to contact them tomorrow...hmph.  Will update as soon as I know stuff too.  Oh yeah, all that in between working full time and cat sitting for LoLo while she's on vacation and a million other things :)  Another post I have in mind is sharing a photo of LoLo's cute cat Pipper.

A Bucket List

I was having a conversation with some friends from the India team a few weeks ago about things I want to do here on Earth.  It got me thinking about what I want to do with my life...thought I would share and I'd love to here any of yours! :)  I think it's cool to be able to come up with something tangible to get you thinking, as well as see the ways that God can bring the things you hope to see/do/accomplish to fruition.  It also reminds me of the movie "A Walk to Remember" where the character Mandy Moore plays has her own bucket list (one of which is getting married in the church her mother & father got married at...how sweet)

• become a nurse
• see a miracle
• take up surfing
• own a dog of my own
• purchase a house
• travel Europe
• be married
• adopt a child
• run a marathon (or half)
• learn how to play the drums
• go to New Zealand & Australia
• actually go through with getting the tattoo that I've design for myself (it's a cross that is written with words from Psalm 139)

I'm a simple girl, and am just beginning to scratch the surface of realizing some of my own hopes and dreams :)  

I also want to say Happy Easter to all of you!  I hope that you can take the time this weekend to either read some of the Easter story in the Gospels and to also think of the tremendous victory that God made for us some 2000 years ago, and the significance of our Saviors death.  I am taken aback when I think of it, and I know I cannot even fathom the full extent of the significance and victory.  Many blessings!

Long time, no blogging...

I can't believe it's been 16 days since I've last blogged...that's a long time.  I've been babysitting like a mad woman.  Things are going really well with that.  I love the places where I am babysitting.  It's been bringing me a lot of joy and laughter.  And also some great opportunities where I'm going to become a Licensed Childcare Provider.  I am also still waiting (and trying my very very best be also be patient) to hear from CBU.  I took a (very) quick weekend trip to the Bay Area last weekend to drive a friend to her parents and I also got to spend a day w/ my aunt, uncle & cousins.   I haven't seen them in a while (I think since this summer) so it was amazing to see them.  My little sister came home for a week on her Spring break, and I enjoyed her being here (surprisingly, we got along well).  I've been tired lately, because my schedule has really been that crazy busy.  But some exciting things are that I am moving in about two weeks, and the wedding of my best friend is in about 4 weeks.  :)  Anyway, I think that's about it...if I have anymore to blog about, I will :)  I'll leave you with some funny things that kids I sit for have said/done.

• A 5 year old boy I sit for got new neighbors, whose ethnicity is Chinese.  We were playing outside, and the neighbors come out and get in their car.  As they drive away the 5 year old says "Brittani, that's are new neighbors.  They eat Chinese food.  They are from China.".  (Kids don't typically filter what they say.  Good thing the neighbors car windows were rolled up.)
• The mom of the 5 year old mention above came home, and I was about ready to leave.  His mom always pays me cash and he understands that; and sometimes the mom lets the kids hand me the money.  So, the 5 year old boy says "mom, can I give Brittani my money?" and proceeds to get his moms wallet out of her purse.  
• Same 5 year old, and his 4 year old sister will randomly burst out singing Bon Jovi "shock to the heart, and your too late.  You give love a bad name"....oh my goodness, does that get me every time (partly because I like Bon Jovi and it's just so funny...I know their dad influenced them on that one & I wonder if he knows it)
• I was at the park with a 2 year old boy & 4 year old girl.  They were playing with a 3 year old boy who was at the park.  The 3 year old boy was digging a good size hole and his sitter asked him "what are you digging?".  He said "I'm digging to China, cause Jesus is there".  I was right there, so I said "yeah, you're right Jesus is there"   (all of this is beginning to make me realize there's a Chinese theme here with these kids...)
• getting big open mouth kisses from a cute little 11 month old when I do "airplane" with her or pretend to throw her up in the air because she likes it so much :)
• at the pre-school of the 5 year old boy I mentioned, there was an area of the playground marked off with red caution tape.  One of the boys friends was running around by it (and where I was standing) and says "I'm going into the danger zone" and lifts the tape up and goes under.  It reminded me of something that could be said in the movie Top Gun or something and then the song "Highway to the Danger Zone" starts playing

Sitting, waiting, wishing

"I've been sitting, waiting wishing" to hear anything back from CBU...but I haven't heard anything.  And at this point I really hope that not hearing anything is a good thing (or at least not a bad thing).  Something that I am being reminded of and taught is that I really need to utilize the power of prayer.I have so many people in my life who believe in prayer and I know pray for me; but I need to use these prayer warriors in regards to this aspect of my life because I haven't been good/disciplined with this.  So, if you guys would be able to pray for me I would so appreciate it!  And keep 'em coming!  Well, that's all the update really...and I'll leave you with some funny kid stories/quotes

• little 3 year old girl says to her adoptive brother "when I get older, will you marry me"...in her cutest little girl voice...her brother says "no, I'm gonna marry Ryder" (his friend)...so many things about this made me laugh...but I didn't at the time because it was very heartfelt :)
• little four year old girl calls her friend whose name is Antonia, "Aunt Onia"
• I'm watching a 4 year old girl and 5 year old boy for a few nights this week and the 4 year old girl has wanted to sleep with me at night...I let her and a couple times during the night I woke up to her snuggling with me...she's precious.  I'm sure she thought it was a fun sleepover.  

Happy birthday to my little sis (who isn't so little anymore!)!!!!

Happy Birthday Kor!   I love you lots!  I hope that you have a wonderful day today!  How is it that you were born 19 years ago today??!?!?!!?  I'm proud of you for so many things that you've done...for doing well in high school, going to college, being a wicked awesome cheerleader in high school, for being a hard worker, for being a real/truthful person.  Most of all for being you.  Beautiful you!  For old times sake, when you come back to OC you, Cristina, Brad & I should ride our bikes to Carl's Jr (I guess you can get fries or something...).  Love you lots, and I pray for even more blessings this year than the last!

The Funnies Page...brought to you by pre-schoolers :)

I've compiled some of the funny things that kids have said/done in my presence lately.  Man, kids can be so funny :)

• a 5 year old girl I sit for was asking me about nursing school.  She knows I'm pursuing going to nursing school, but I don't really talk to her about it but she brings it up occasionally.  But when I was sitting for her last week she asked me if I was a nurse yet, and I said "no, not yet.  Hopefully soon though".  Then she said "when you're a nurse, will you be my nurse?".  I said "YEAH, and you can come to the doctors office and I'll get you and say H, come back with me and I'll take care of you."  Her face lit up and she said "YEAH, that'd be so cool!"  And then a few minutes later she wanted to draw and she made me a card w/ a picture on it (couldn't tell you what exactly the picture was of) and she said "Brittani, this is for you.  It's for you to look at everyday to remember to be a nurse".  If that's not an obvious reminder to me.  haha
• I babysat a few days later for the same girl...it was night time when I got there and she was going to bed and wasn't feeling well.  I got to say good night to her before her parents put her to bed.  Then, her mom said that she told her "Brittani is my favorite nurse"...aww.  I love ya too H! :)
• I was watching a one year and a half year old girl who is very smart.  I was putting her down for her nap...we just read a Dora book and went in her room.  I had just changed her diaper, gave her the binky, and her blanket when she points to go out of her room and says "Dora book".  I thought, "okay, maybe she wants to bring the book with her to bed" so I go out to the living room and sit on the couch with her to get it and maybe look at one more page.  But as soon as we sit down she gets out of my lap and darts for her toys.  It was totally a strategic strategy to get back to her toys.  So I had to say "no toys or playing right now, it's time for bed.  Do you want the Dora book?"  and she didn't seem interested in the book.  So, I put her to bed and she said "nigh, nigh Brittani".  She's a cute and funny little one. :)

Can I get a "woot woot" and a "hey, hey"?

Hey my fearless readers!!! :)  My day today went pretty well...I babysat and the little girl I watch acted up again today by kicking and hitting me a lot when she had to take a nap.  Seriously don't know what her problem is...I even handled the situation like my normal (professional babysitter) self and she still kept at the kicking & hitting.  Just weird to me...I really haven't had a kid do this continually.  But then again, she gives me attitude pretty much all the time anyway (even if she's well rested).  After babysitting, I fought another battle to get to the nursing school info session...that's right, I drove on the 55 & 91 freeways during rush hour to get to Cal Baptist University (CBU).  I made it just about 5 minutes late to the info meeting, but I am so glad I went.  I feel that CBU is such a fabulous, wonderful, fantastic and beautiful school!  The nursing faculty/staff were amazing and I stayed to also get a tour of the "skills lab", which is basically a fully simulated hospital floor for nursing students.  It's state of the art!  And they described the nursing theory that they teach by, and I am impressed.  All this with a school that has a Christian foundation.  Then, I made sure to introduce myself to the admissions counselor I've been in contact with for about a year and a half and she remembered me and took my application.  I asked her what is the liklihood that I'd get into the pre-nursing program and she said I would probably get in, and if not they would work with me to help me take a few classes elsewhere and then start the program.  I feel like looking at private schools that have the option to finish pre-req's there is something I'm going to pursue at a few more schools while I am also trying to get into junior college classes.  But, according to the counselors my theory is right about the system...right now community colleges are suffering from budget cuts and they aren't able to have enough classes for all the students wanting/needing to take the classes and and CBU (and other private schools) they are able to increase the number of classes available for a course based on how many students there are to enroll.  It may just be my entry-way into an MSN.  We'll see...I should know if I can start the pre-nursing program for this summer in just 2 or 3 weeks because CBU has rolling admissions!  Would you all join me in continuing to pray about my application there, as well as my pursuing nursing school?  xoxo

p.s....tell me what you think about my new blog design.  would love to know!
p.s.s.  ... I think I've found a place to live w/ a dear, dear friend of mine.  woo hoo!
p.s.s.s. ....someone please tell me they know where I got the "can I get a 'woot woot' and a 'hey hey' "...please!  :)

I'm on my way to yonder...

A song by the very talented Drew Bray played on my iPod in my car today called "yonder"...part of the lyrics are "I'm on my way to yonder". I kind of feel like that, but in a cool way...like tomorrow, my "yonder" is California Baptist University (CBU)...with the hopes that my application will make it through and I'll get accepted to the pre-nursing program...which would be a yonder to maybe getting into the actual Masters of Science in Nursing program. But really, my interpretation and heart for the "yonder" is where God would have me! And that's really exciting! I have had soooo much joy this week it is amazing, beautiful, lovely and basically an answered prayer! God is so good!!!!! I think that tomorrow I will be posting a "funny things kids say post", as well as a recap of how the informational meeting/application turning in/visiting CBU went. Should be good

Plan A: Prayer, Plan B: Prayer (you India people know what this means :)

It's been a good week (I know it's only Monday, but I haven't written a blog in a little over a week). Thing have been going well with living at my parents...I've done a good amount of babysitting that has gone well. I did get sick though; and I'm still sick...before my move I sort of had a cold that was almost gone and then there were a couple of long nights (w/ packing and babyistting) where I didn't get a lot of sleep which then caused me to sick again (or I am calling it being "re-sick") last Sunday when I moved. And now it's progressed this week, going from a cold where I didn't know my nose could have so much coming out of it, to now a hacking cough. So, I've knocked down the cold, and am currently taking something to help with my cough so hopefully it'll go away soon. And I've really been trying to rest. But considering some things going on I can't take too much time to do nothing. Which leads me to the knew news...or an update. I had the crazy idea that I'd love to take pre-req courses at a university so that I could be able to finish faster. This whole trying to take junior college classes just isn't working too well. Then, I started looking at correspondence with an admissions counselor at Cal Baptist (CB) and they actually have that available. I can be enrolled in the "pre-nursing" classes starting this summer. They are having a Masters in Nursing informational meeting this Thursday that I am going to attend an personally hand in my application in person to this admissions counselor. I'm excited, nervous, trying to be hopeful, but most of all really really really trying to be dependent and reliant on God. Years and years ago, when the whole nursing process started I've said in my heart "if this happens, it's going to be because of God and not of me". I want this to be something that reflects a calling on my life, but how God has made it come to fruition. So, my plan A and plan B is prayer, prayer and prayer.

prayer for:

• this whole nursing process, and my wisdom and seeking God through all of it
• that I would be able to get my application finished to the best of my ability, and that I would present myself with all my capabilities and experience
• that I would be able to get all my letters of recommendations to turn in for Thursday...they aren't full on letters, but more of a survey type format to fill out
• that doors would open for me to start the pre-nursing classes this summer at CB

That's all for now...thank you my prayer warriors! You are truly a blessing & I couldn't do this without your support or your prayers being heard. :)

The bright side of things on a rainy day :) (can also be titled "A Heart Change" or "This is my confession")

Confession time...I've been in a funky mood lately. Some of the kids I babysit for (in particular 2 unrelated kids) have been a lot to deal with...and I have let it get to me. And I'm moving, and I've let that get to me. That's really not like me. I'm the person who rallies others and is always seeing the sunny side of things and can compartmentalize so that things don't effect me. But I think after going to India this time, it's been harder. Anyway, today...on a rainy and gloomy day that wasn't a perfect day babysitting...I was listening to Switchfoot and it spoke to me and comforted my spirit and brought me joy. And I had a heart change...I was remembering how I've posted a good amount about the fun times I have with kids I watch and the funny things they say, and how I actually haven't done that in a long time. And not long before that I was thinking to myself how I don't see the bright side of things in moving in with my parents only to have to move again soon, and not getting into classes, and having some hardships babysitting. That's when the thought entered my head "Brittani, you are always the one who's positive and lists the pro's and always says 'It's not all bad' "... so here it goes

Pro's

• I love my family very much!!!!! And I will not think of the negative things that could happen (fights with them or being more confounded by living with them)...I haven't lived with them in six years and that's exciting!
• I am so fortunate to be able to have the ability to live with family and have more time to be able to pick a place to live
• I am going to be able to save more money...I'll be able to finish paying off the India trip (because I still have about $950 left to fundraise) and whatever I have on my credit card, and save up for a car
• I've had numerous people tell me that if I needed to I could crash at their home if I need to...love my group of friends
• God has provided so much in having people to help me move, staying at my current place an extra week, and so many other things

Now, for the funny kid stories!

• the three year old girl I watch (who is almost 4!) was with me and her mom when her mom was asking me about my living situation and if/where I was moving and I said I didn't have a place yet...and the 3 year old girl goes "Brittani, you can sleep on my bed and I can sleep in a sleeping bag on the floor by the bed". Melt my heart!
• I am already in love with the little boy I babysit for who recently came home to his U.S. family. He knows my name (from a girl named Britney at the orphanage he stayed at) and this week when I was babysitting for him he would run out of the room we were all in and run back in yelling "BRITTANI" and I would say his name in the excited way he did to mine. This lasted for a good 20 minutes until we had to get ready for bed and even after that he kept doing it. Then at bath time I actually put bubbles in his bath and he went crazy...and I'd put bubbles in my hands and blow them in his direction and he literally went hysterically laughing and flailing into the water...EVERY TIME!!! (and I purposely kept doing it for at least 5-10 minutes). His laugh is so contagious and adorable. And it's adorable how much his whole family loves him.
• while I was sitting a 5 year old boy and he wanted to watch the Lion King. It was at night and I knew it was okay for him to watch T.V.; as I was putting the DVD in, he starts talking about the movie and says "oh, yeah and the monkey baptizes Simba"...he was talking about the part when Rafiki puts the red dirt/paint on Simba after he's born. Too funny :)

Anyway, I am going to try even more to go to God with all these things(the good, the bad and the blah) and ask Him for joy, strength and perseverance!