The Insightful Delights of the Dutler's

Drop Box

2010-10-29T16:45:00.000-05:00

My beautiful niece!

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Me when I was lots younger. You can see a slight resemblance to Isabella!

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Big yawn!

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Isabella

2010-05-14T20:44:00.002-05:00

Here is my beautiful niece, Isabella. She was born March 21 at 12:01 am. She is so adorable and loves to cuddle! Congrats Joel and Angela!

San Fransisco Day 5

2009-09-06T09:27:00.003-05:00

Up early, around 345am. I really didn't get any sleep the night before, but that is just because I am worried I will sleep through my alarm and miss the flight. So I am out the door a little before 430am and heading to the BART to go to the airport. Trying my hardest to steer clear of the homeless and thought I had, up until I smelt the most awful smell of a person who probably hasn't showered in weeks. It smelt like urine that has been setting in a toilet for days (nurses you know what I mean!). Luckily he was asleep and I just kept on walking, even faster. Got to the BART and headed to the airport. Met a couple from WI heading back home who were originally from Iowa City. Got to the airport to find myself having trouble printing my ticket. Finally got it done and headed to the security line. Why can't they all just be the same and ask the same things from everyone. Des Moines wants this and San Fransisco wants that. I swear! I finally get through and the plane is already boarding! I haven't eaten, I am thirsty and I am still trying to get my shoes on. Oh, I didn't check anything so I am carrying a heavy dufflebag around too! Luckily it isn't my turn to board, so I am able to get a drink. Board the plane and head to Chicago!
On the plane I sat next to the lady who is the creator and president of Japonesque. It is a company that sells makeup brushes. I try to make small talk, but she wasn't very talkative, which I could understand. It was an early flight and a long one at that. But I did at least tell her I had some of her products and I liked them. She was glad, but I didn't get anything free. Darn.
In Chicago I sat and waited at the airport for an hour or so before we would board and take off for Des Moines. I called and talked to Jeff for a little bit, then read a book. That was part of the best part of my trip. I got to read books that didn't involve nursing. It was great!
Then off to home where Andrew came and picked me up. I was so glad to be home.
If you want to see more pictures let me know. I have all 300+ pictures printed off in an album!

2009-09-06T09:03:00.003-05:00

Sunday I headed over to Alcatraz. Getting there was slightly difficult. I bought my ticket for the trolley for the ride back to the hotel first. I got in line for the street care to take me there, but then realized I was in the trolley line. So I got to the stop for the streetcar. While waiting I met some ladies from LA who were in town for the Senior Olympics. We talked and when the bus came the driver told us this was not the streetcar to the piers. So we had to cross the street and wait for the next streetcar to take us over to the piers. So if comes and I get on, only to get crammed liked sardines into the streetcar. Not exactly pleasant. I was really getting nervous thinking I was going to miss the boat ride to the island. When we finally reached my stop, I walked super fast to get there, only to wait in line for my ticket. Speaking of the ticket, I bought it a couple of weeks before I left and had it emailed to me. Only I never received it so I had to call the company and make sure I had my ticket because my card had been charged for it. Luckily they did and I told them I would pick it up at the ticket office. And luckily for me, other people were running late!
The boat ride over was cold and windy (obviously). I took pictures going there and also had our camcorder to get footage of Alcatraz.
Here are some of the pictures I took.

Once back on the mainland, I walk a little bit to get on the trolley to take me back to the hotel. I waited probably 30-45 minutes to get one. Then once again I was crammed into a trolley like a sardine. So many people on. And then to make matters worse, we kept stopping to pick more people up! There was no room. So finally we are moving along when we almost hit a car because it wouldn't move. Apparently trolleys have the right of way in the city. Once we get past that car our trolley dies! Yes, it died! I was so frustrated. I called Monica to tell her I was running late. Meanwhile supposedly another trolley is on the way to pick us up. The driver is still working on it and with moving some gears around gets us moving again, slowly. So slow in fact that we needed a push. So the driver gets out along with a couple passengers to give a little push. This is great up until we are heading down the hill and there are cars in the way! I was about ready to just get off and walk back. I kept looking at my map figuring out where I was and how far the hotel was from each stop. I even called Andrew in the middle of the debacle only to loose his call and make him frantic! I finally just got off at a stop and started walking. I was familiar with the area because of all the other walks I had taken. Called Andrew back and told him all was okay.
Got back to the hotel and we headed to the great little French place that made all different kinds of crepes. It was soooooooo good. I don't remember what I had for my main meal, but for dessert I had a Nutella crepe with white chocolate and caramel. It was divine!
Then off to bed to get up early. Heading back home!

San Fransisco Day 4

2009-09-06T08:55:00.003-05:00

I didn't do much Saturday. Woke up around 9am and bummed around. Laureen and I went to move her car to a different parking garage when we came upon the Filipino parade. It was interesting. Here are just a few pics from the parade.

Then I decided to go to some of Moncia's conferences on Medical Sociology. They were very interesting and I even did some of my own networking. It was fun.
For dinner that night Monica, Laureen and I went to a Spanish place and had some Tapas. Interesting. Then we went back to the hotel room and vegged out. Laureen actually read our Tarot cards. It was fascinating to see the difference from when she read them last year to this year. I wonder what they'll say next year?....

San Fransisco Day 3

2009-09-05T13:42:00.006-05:00

On Friday we changed hotels for Monica's conference. While she was there, I went to the the Museum of Modern Art. There was a Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams exhibit that I really enjoyed, but couldn't take any pictures. I also stumbled across the San Fransisco Chronicle. Later that night, Laureen, Katie (another one of Monica's friend of the University of Arizona), and I went to supper at a French restaurant La Bastille. Very good. After that we all met up in the room and just hung out.

San Fransisco Day 2

2009-09-05T13:23:00.006-05:00

Thursday we got up and headed to Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill. Lunch at a cafe, then a coffee break at a different cafe. After lunch off to the City Limits bookstore where many famous authors has spent some time. Monica's friend Laureen, from San Fran, picked us up and drove us around for a "quick" tour of the touristy area, aka Fisherman's Wharf. Then to the Palace of Fine Arts, the Golden Gate Bridge, and finally The Golden State Bridge Park. Later that night Monica and I went to the Contemporary Jewish Museum, but I do not have any pictures from there.

San Fransisco Day One

2009-09-05T13:08:00.004-05:00

Back in August, Monica and I went to San Fransisco. It was a vacation for me, but she had a Sociology Conference to attend. We both arrived early afternoon. After dropping off our bags we went to Berkley and checked out their campus. Then we went to the Yerba Buena Gardens. These first pictures are from our small hotel room at The Mosser hotel, Berkley and the gardens.

Blogging

2009-09-03T22:13:00.001-05:00

It has been awhile since I've blogged and I plan to change that this weekend. It has been a busy summer with much to tell so keep coming back.

March of Dimes

2009-05-22T16:17:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to say a big THANKS to everyone who donated to the March of Dimes March for Babies. I was able to raise $680, $80 more than my goal.
The day was breezy and cool. I ran in 35:55, which was about 1:10 faster than last year.
My goal for next year will be $700 so be ready.
Thanks again.

March of Dimes

2009-04-20T09:18:00.002-05:00

Hurry Everyone. Only 12 days left and I need $140! Please help me make my goal. (Please, Please, Please! I am on my knees groveling for your help!)

Sponsor Me at March for Babies!

2009-03-27T10:03:00.001-05:00

The Reader

2009-03-11T08:23:00.002-05:00

While driving to Hanover, I bought the audio version of the reader. I must say, I was somewhat disappointed by the book. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but I think the way it was read kind of made it hard to follow. For instance, he would be talking about events happening in the 1940's, then would start talking about current events, only then to switch back to the 1940's. That was the only fault I found with the book.
It is such a sad story, the reasoning behind Anna's thought process and why she pleads guilty to crimes she didn't commit, just to hide a secret. I won't tell you what the secret is unless you want me to.
I haven't seen the movie. I usually don't see the movie if I have read the book. I find myself disappointed because the movie isn't how I interpreted the book to be.
Anyway, good book. Recommend.

New Image

2009-03-10T21:22:00.004-05:00

A couple of weekends ago I drove over to Hanover, Illinois, where I used to live. One of my best friends, Nettie, took the leap and opened her own salon. She held a grand opening. It is so beautiful. Nettie, her husband Kyle, her parents, brother, sister, and their significant others all helped remodel the old doctor's office. It is now this great place to relax. So if you are ever in IL, just on the other side of Dubuque, go see her and tell her I sent ya!

Camera

2009-03-10T21:17:00.002-05:00

I accidentally left my camera at work on night. Big Mistake. Some of the girls got a hold of it and this is what I found. It is our version of Nurses gone crazy...while at work on the night shift!

Chocolate Breakfast

2009-03-10T21:10:00.002-05:00

On January 31, Gina and I went to Van and Bonnie's Chocolate Breakfast in West Des Moines. We got up at 445am and got there right at 5am. Not that many people there when we got there, but when we left at 630am, the line to get in was unbelievable. There were some really great things to eat. For example, chocolate covered bacon! I know, it sounds disgusting, but it was sooo yummy! It had that sweet and salty combo going on. I didn't like the dessert wines. Way to sugary for me. After all that, we went to Village Inn to eat some eggs and toast to counter-balance the chocolate. We want to go next year, so all who want to go, slumber party at my house!

Mindy's Baby Shower

2009-03-10T21:02:00.002-05:00

Back in January we, as in book club, had a baby shower for Mindy. It was fun and of course we had great food that we shared with great friends. At the end will be some pic of me and Thomas, Mark and Mindy's little guy!

Marlys and Me

2008-12-22T17:40:00.003-06:00

In my baby book is a picture of me when I was 5 days old, getting ready to go home. I knew I was born at Methodist, so I brought my baby book to work to ask my coworkers if they might know who that nurse was. Some people said it looked like Marlys and I said it is not.
When Marlys got to work that night, someone asked her who was in the picture. She said, "Well, that's me." Then someone else said, "Well then, you're holding Morgan!"
Both of us were truly shocked. I am glad to find out it was Marlys. We are very close friends and her house is where Hot Tub Club is.
When I told my mom that, she was floored. Of course my dad said, "Who, that blonde?"
So the first picture is of Marlys and Me, October 22, 1978. The second picture is Marlys and Me on October 22, 2008, 30 years to the date.

Weight Watchers

2008-12-20T21:46:00.002-06:00

Today I went to weight watchers. Still learning about the new momentum program they have just started last week. So I weighed in today and finally made it to my 10%, so I have lost 16.4 pounds!!! I was so excited. I have worked really hard the past couple of weeks to get there. With Christmas here, it gets difficult, but I try to remember how great my clothes are fitting and that I don't want them to be tight again!

I haven't kept up with blogging, but I hope to get some pictures up this next week of the Harris Christmas. All of my mom's siblings were back, so there were 100+ Harris' in Indianola last Sunday. It was great to see everyone.

Tucson: Day 5

2008-11-11T15:14:00.003-06:00

Up around 830am or so. Monica got ready for class and I finished packing and getting organized to come home. Of course we played a final game of Yahtzee!
Off to the Tucson International Airport around 12 noon. We said our goodbyes, which wasn't terribly sad, since Monica will be back for Christmas break in about a month.
The one thing I will miss is the weather! It was so beautiful there. Temperatures were in the 70's during the day, but did dip into the 40's during the night. The sun was shining, it was just beautiful.
Imagine how I felt when flying to Minneapolis when I see snow on the ground! And then when flying to Des Moines, it's snowing in the air! Luckily, the snow was staying in the air, and was just drizzling on the ground.
I landed a little after 8pm, called Andrew and he came and picked me up. Now it is back to the "same old story, brand new day."

Tucson: Day Four

2008-11-11T15:09:00.003-06:00

Sunday was another low key day. We did homework all morning and ordered Magpie's Pizza for lunch. I love their pizza, it is the best I have ever had!!
After homework and lunch, we got dressed and played some Yahtzee before having dinner with Frans, Monica's boyfriend. He is from Sweden and is working here doing Philosophy work. He is very nice, attractive and quiet! It was so hard to hear him speak at times. Monica said the way he was talking in the restaurant was the loudest he had ever spoken! Anyway, he is really nice and I think they make quite the pair.
Of course when we got home, we played Yahtzee! We played for 3 hours or so. We just love it!
I think we went to bed around 1am!

Tucson: Day Three

2008-11-10T22:09:00.002-06:00

Saturday we got up around 8am to head off to our spa day. It was located in the middle of the desert, and I mean that literally. We traversed the gravel roads and wild javalinas to get there. Once there it was amazing.
First we had a yoga class that lasted about one hour. (Definately felt that the next day!) We sat in the hot tub after that. Then it was time for my massage. It was devine! While Monica had her massage, I ate some salad and climbed to the roof for a beautiful view of the desert and the Tucson mountains. Then I sat in the sauna for about 20 minutes. Once Monica was done with her massage, I had a lympatic facial. Wow! It was heavenly. When I was done, Monica got hers and I ate some fruit on the rooftop again. By the time we were done, we felt great. If anyone gets to Tucson, look up Desert Reflections, it is an awesome getaway.
After we got home, we ate a quick supper of leftover Mexican and headed to the observatory at the University of Arizona. We went to the telescope and looked at the moon. Something was down and so that is all we were able to look at. Then we went inside and downstairs to the mining museum. It was very interesting to see all the minerals we have in the world and how quartz and come in so many shapes, sizes and colors. So many differnt minerals to look at. The opals that that had had to be the size of an orange. Just amazing.
After gazing at the minerals we headed to the theatre to see the night show of the stars. I thought we were actually going to open the roof and they would show us where the constellations were, but it was a film about where to find constellations and talked about nebulas and supernovas, etc.
Back to Monica's after that and watched a movie called Vera Drake. It is a British movie set back int he 1950's I believe. Anyway, Vera is a housekeeper who performs abortions for girls who "find themselves in trouble." It was a very good movie, but sad also.
After that, off to bed.

Tucson: Day Two

2008-11-10T22:04:00.002-06:00

It was so nice to sleep in today!!! I actually got some quality sleep. It was great!
Anyway, Monica went to class today and while she was gone, I did some homework on my own. Not really something one would like to do on vacation, but it had to be done.
She got home around 3pm and we headed out to do what we do best: SHOP!!! Monica got a new purse (with my help!) and I got a new pair of earrings. While out and about we went into Tiffany's. Big mistake. (Andrew, if you read this, there are a couple things I would like to have. Don't forget our 5 year anniversary is coming up!). Beautiful jewelery. Then we went to a great Mexican place.
After the shopping we came home and started playing Yatzee. We love this game and play it for hours when I visit.
It was a nice leisurely day.

Tucson: Day One

2008-11-07T13:40:00.002-06:00

I got up yesterday around 330am. I repacked my luggage and headed to the airport at 430am. My first flight left for Minneapolis around 640am and landed and 720am. The flight was one of the most turbulent I have ever experienced. The rain made it that way, but it was a fast flight, thank goodness.
I had around an 1 1/2 layover in Minneapolis. My flight for Tucson left around 10am. I watched one episode of Fringe and then decided to try to get some sleep. (I didn't sleep at all when I went to bed Wednesday night, so I was exhausted.)Of course I didn't sleep because I am afraid of drooling or sleeping with my mouth open, so I just rested my eyes!
Landed in Tucson around 12 noon. Monica picked me up a little after 1pm. We went and had a light lunch at IHOP and then headed to her house. Talked a lot and then her friend Lorraine came over and read our Tarot cards. Interesting. I just took it with a grain of salt. We talk for a while afterwards, then got ready for bed.

IPOD

2008-11-04T16:29:00.002-06:00

Quick question, and I hope someone has an answer. I am flying to Arizona on Thursday. Is it okay for the IPOD to go through the x-ray machine at the airport?

Weight Watchers

2008-11-04T16:28:00.001-06:00

I weighed in this am and I have lost 11 pounds since starting WW!!! It has taken so long to get there, but I still have more to go.

Handy Man

2008-11-01T15:50:00.003-05:00

I am in need of a handy man who would be willing to spend a few hours at my house doing some menial tasks for me. I have a couple of ceiling fans that need looked at and a few other odds and ends that could be done. Please let me know of anyone you know who would be willing to help. I would pay for your time.

Mud Wrap

2008-10-31T13:11:00.002-05:00

Today I went to The Spa at West Glen for a mud wrap. It was very enjoyable. I had a glass of wine, got muffified, sat in the sauna, and just relaxed.
Thank you to all the the families at Jordan Creek Family Church who all chipped in and got the gift certificate for me. I really enjoyed my time away from reality.

Birthdays

2008-10-31T13:05:00.002-05:00

Andrew and I celebrated our birthdays a couple of weeks ago. He turned 33 and I am now the big 30!
For Andrew's birthday we went over to his parent's house and had a nice dinner and spent some time with them.
The next day we went to Paradise Pizza to celebrate our birthdays together. I love their pastas there. Everything is just so good there. YUM!
I worked the night into my birhtday and we had a taco party. Everyone brought something to make tacos with. My friend Amie and I made cake and covered them with fondunt. For our first time, it didn't turn out too bad, but now we have a better idea for next time.
I was supposed to work the night of my birthday and got to work, to find out the patient we were expecting went to a different hospital, so I got to go home. Didn't do anything to exciting but homework.
Andrew and I decided not to get each other gifts this year. Instead we decided to donate our spendings to the local food pantry. Everyone could use a little help this year.

Brush with greatness

2008-08-27T22:45:00.003-05:00

I have had my brush with greatness this summer. First in June or July I was at Hy-Vee and ran into Shawn Johnson. Then today I ran into Target to get a few things when I about ran her coach over with my cart! It is just so surreal to go shopping and run into these people. It is just strange to see them in such common places, even though they needed to shop too!

tattoos

2008-08-27T22:39:00.003-05:00

Okay, I understand why people want to have tattoos, I have 2 myself, but this is extreme if I say so myself. I was flipping through the channels this morning and stopped on the History Channel where they were discussing tattoos. Well I guess the new thing is to get your eye tattooed. The tattoo artist takes a small hyperdermic needle and places it on the sclera and tatoos it. One person just had a blue dot on his eye while another actually was tattooing his whole sclera blue!! I can't even fathom doing that!

Playing for Pizza

2008-08-27T05:57:00.002-05:00

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham was an okay novel. I haven't ready any of his other books, but I thought this would be interesting. It was a great read for a few days, it kept me interested, but I wouldn't call it a favorite.

"Love the One You're With"

2008-08-26T05:56:00.003-05:00

Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin is a story of a newly married woman, Ellen, who runs into her old flame, Leo, by chance one rainy afternoon. Old feelings of romance surface when Leo and Ellen do a photoshoot/story together. Only Ellen's husband has no idea what is going on. Well, Ellen's husband, Andy, is from Atlanta and is very, very wealthy. Ellen is also best friends with Andy's sister, Margot, and she is not happy when the friendship of Leo and Ellen resurfaces. Ellen is left with hard choices, especially when Andy wants to move back to Atlanta from New York City to be by his family. Will she choose Andy, the one she gave her life to or Leo, the one who got away?
This is a great book that kept me turning the page.

Resignation

2008-08-17T22:00:00.002-05:00

I have decided to resign as the Nursery Coordinator at Jordan Creek Family Church. I have held that position for 3 years now, since the church was founded. I have enjoyed it immensly, but I feel it is time for me to move on. Other things in my life are happening and I need to focus on them. I also need to be in service more. I haven't been in service much over the past three years and most people in the congregation don't know me unless they have children in the nursery. It will be hard to leave. I have seen so many children grow up. I know I will cry my last Sunday, but God has great things in store for me and I can't wait to see what they are.

Class

2008-08-09T11:41:00.001-05:00

I am done with my second class at Gonzaga. I feel like I have been in school for a long time, but only since March. It is going to be a long 2 years til graduation.
I'll have about 3 weeks off before the next class. Hope to get a lot of work done around the house in that time.

Life

2008-08-04T00:30:00.003-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted before now. I have been busy, but aren't we all?
I have been busy at work for the past couple of weeks. We seem to be not so busy one day and then the next day we have no time to even get a drink of water. So work is well.
I have also taken a teaching position at Kaplan University. It used to be Hamilton College. I am a LPN instructor at a clinical site. It has been interesting so far, and hope I continue to like it.
Grad school is going. I will be done with this last class on Friday and I can't wait. I have a lot of books I want to get caught up on before the next class starts.
My mom had surgery last week and that kept me busy trying to call and see how she was faring. I felt bad I couldn't be there for her, but I know she understands.
Andrew and I are trying to decide where we might take a vacation. It will be hard to do so when ISU football starts because we usually buy season tickets. Hopefully we can get away for a weekend soon.
So that is it in a nutshell.

I Know This Much is True

2008-06-20T10:19:00.002-05:00

I also finished I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. Wow, what a great book. It is a story about a set of identical twin brothers, and one is schizophrenic. The book is told from the point of view of Dominic, the twin without mental disabilities. He tells of their childhood with a passive mom and an abusive stepdad. He describes the struggles of Thomas, his twin and tries to figure out why he suffers from shcizphrenia and he doesn't. He is forced to look at his life and make peace with his past and embrace his future. In the process, Dominic finds out more about his life than he bargained for.

Certain Girls

2008-06-20T10:14:00.002-05:00

While in Missouri, I was able to catch up on some reading. The first book I finished was Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner. It is a continuing story from her first book, but now Candice's daughter is 13. She is trying to discover who she is and in the process, finds out more about her mom and dad. But instead of seeking the truth, her 13-year old imagination runs wild. Of course, there are twists and turns that throw you for a loop, but it is a great book. I even shed a few tears at the end.

Missouri

2008-06-05T17:08:00.002-05:00

I am going to be leaving for Missouri in the morning. My Dad had back surgery today and I am going to help my mom for about a week. It is an eight hour drive to their house, which I am not looking forward to, but what can ya do.
His surgery went well. They moved the nerves in his back so he isn't in as much pain. Thankfully, he is staying the night. Now the goal is to keep Dad out of the fields and the barn.

March of Dimes

2008-05-27T20:42:00.002-05:00

On May 3rd was the March of Dimes March for Babies walk. Well, I ran - my first 5K. Of course it was 40 degrees and very windy, but I finished in 37:05. I hope to improve on my time as I run more of them. In fact, I raised $525!!!! I hope to do even more next year. It was so windy that my plate blew over twice, so Gina, Amanda and I went to Paradise Pizza for lunch! Fun was had by all.

Michael Buble

2008-05-27T20:27:00.006-05:00

On April 25, Gina and I went to Michael Buble. It was her first concert of his, my second and just as entertaining. The band Naturally 7 opened for him - aweome. After the concert, we met them and I got their autographs and a picture.

Migraines Continued

2008-04-28T17:13:00.002-05:00

I have unfortunately had to use my new migraine medication since I got it Thursday. Luckily and thankfully I worked. My headache started at 6pm and by 8pm I was able to eat, but was very drowsy and slept most of the evening on the couch.
Today I met with my nurse practicitioner. She says they are occurring mostly because of the weather. Seasonal migraines is what called it. Migraines sometimes occur with seasonal allergies. So we are going to continue to monitor them and if they continue to occur, she'll send my to a neurologist. Hopefully I won't have to do that.

Migraines

2008-04-24T17:36:00.002-05:00

I have had 3 migraines in the past week. It is horrible. Today it started at 5am. I was filling out some paperwork and I couldn't tell if I was writing inside the lines or not. Took 4 ibuprofen. When I got home from work I took to excedrin migraine and a lunesta hoping to sleep. I did for about 3 hous. I work up and my head and neck were throbbing. All I could do is cry. I called for an appointment at a walk in clinic. Then I called my Aime and she took me to the doctor. I got a shot of Toradol, which burns if you ever get it, and a new perscription. I came home and have tried to rest, but not really. My neck is still really sore and I have some nausea and haven't eaten much. I hope this is over soon, I see Michael Buble tomorrow!!!

Running

2008-04-16T16:59:00.002-05:00

Today was my first day outside running to get ready for the 5K. It was not too bad. I think I did around 4 miles in 60 mintues. The south wind made it hard in some areas.
Early this morning at work, I got a migraine. On the migraine scale, I'd call it a 5. Came home and took more medication and slept. I didn't even hear Andrew open up the garage door, which is right under our bedroom!
Feeling much better and running out side felt really good.
Just a reminder, just 3 more weeks left to donate to make me run the March of Dimes 5K!!!

Help me reach my goal!Sponsor Me at March for Babi

2008-04-09T19:58:00.001-05:00

Snow

2008-03-27T17:21:00.003-05:00

Snow, snow
Go away,
Come back here
NEVER!!!!!!

Finally some sleep!

2008-03-22T05:13:00.002-05:00

Since Tuesday night at 8pm I had slept only 12 hours until Friday night at 9pm. Didn't get much sleep. My hours got changed at work this week and I was coming in at 11pm, which one would think I would get more sleep, but I didn't.
After working Tuesday night, I had a committee meeting to go to, which lasted until 1030am. Instead of going home and going to bed, I decided I would stay up all day and get a ton of stuff done, then go to bed early Wednesday night. WRONG. I did get homework and laundry done, cleaned the kitchen, ran to Costco, and got all the garbage out for Thursday. At 430pm I laid down on the couch and slept off and on til around 640 pm when I got up to eat supper. Well right at 707pm the hospital called. I freak out thinking I was scheduled to work and I was late. Not exactly. Someone on night shift had called in and Gina wanted to know if I would come in at 11pm. I said, "Gina I have only had 2 hours of sleep today, I don't think I can." Then came the begging and pleading, so I said, "Let me talk to Andrew." So I did and I thought I should go in because we did buy textbooks for school and some other extras, but he wasn't so sure. I told him I would go anyway. So I called Gina back and she said she only needed me for 4 hours because Cindy would work the other 4. I chose to work 11p to 3a. which ended up being 4 am because we did a c-sections around 230am. Then I slept from 5-830am. Hoping to sleep at least til 11am because I had another committee meeting to go to. So I went to that, did some other things and laid down on the couch around 4pm. slept off and on until 7 when Andrew and I made some leftovers to eat. Just to tired to cook. Oh, and I was on-call from 3p-7p also and was going to be on-call from 3a-7a Friday morning. At 9pm I went to bed, with my cell phone in case the hospital called. So there I am sleeping so soundly in bed, when I wake up to hear Andrew snoring. I try to rouse in a little to make him stop, but it doesn't work. So I go to sleep on the couch, at 2am!!! And the best part, I couldn't fall back asleep. So only another 4 1/2 hours of sleep that day. Luckily I didn't get called to the hosptial. Last night I finally went to bed at 9pm. Didn't hear Andrew come home friends' house. Slept great til 4am. I slept for 7 hours. It was awesome!!!
Today is still busy, going to exercise, then heading off to the Iowa State Women's game at Wells Fargo with some friends from work. Then I need to continue to work on my paper. If anyone has some thought on bioethical principle, drop me a line.

March Of Dimes

2008-03-21T08:14:00.003-05:00

Well it is that time of year for me to start fundraising for the March of Dimes. This is my second year in a row for me and this year I really want to surpass what I raised last year.

First off, the March of Dimes is an organization that helps families and babies that are born premature. Last year my coworker had her baby at 25 weeks. Katelynn in almost 1 now and is crawling and starting to talk. It is amazing to see how she has grown and developed over the past year.

I don't want to have another family go through that, but if they do, it is great to know that the March of Dimes will be there to help support them in any way possible.

This year I am challenging myself. If I raise $500 I will run the 5K and not walk. Please help me acheive my goal. I have $240 right now, $260 to go. Please go to www.marchforbabies.org/morganrn and that will direct you to my site where you can donate. Please help. Even $5 can make a difference. Just imagine if this would happen to you.

The walk/run takes place May 3 at 9:15am at Racoon River Park in West Des Moines.

Thanks for all your help.

The smoking ban

2008-03-18T22:15:00.003-05:00

I had lunch with some friends today and I brought up the smoking ban. I must say that I don't agree with it. First let me tell you that I believe and know first hand how smoking is very detrimental to one's health. I have seen what is has done to family members, residents in the nursing home and how it affects babies born to mom who smoked during pregnancy. But where does it state that the government should have the right to say what one does to one's body? If a person wants to smoke they should have that right. Why limit them to restaurants and bars? All of the hospitals in Polk county are smoke free, you cannot smoke on the property at all, not even in your car. But you can go on the sidewalk and smoke because it is county property. So a person eats at a fine establishment and what do they do? Round the family up to leave, smoke in the car and then smoke in the house, where their family is exposed to the second hand smoke! My friend Tera said that smoking or not smoking should be determined by the owner of the establishment. I agree. Then the public can choose where they want to eat. My grandparents choose not to eat in many restaurants that served alcohol because they didn't want to be exposed to that kind of behavior.
The same is for food. The government says that people can no longer cook food in trans fatty acids. Fine, make fast food somewhat healthier for people. But what about the person who orders a 20oz steak, a baked potato with butter, sour cream and bacon bits, and corn along with 3 regular Pepsi's to drink. How unhealthy is that? How detrimental is that to ones health. That person probably doesn't grocery shop healthy either and buys bad food and they have kids that are overweight and obese. What are we doing for them? Not much.
Don't we have free will and the right to choose what we want to put into our bodies? 2 Corinthians 6:20 states, "you were bought for a price. Therefore honor God with your body". I believe this and try to do this everyday. But again, we have the free will to do with our bodies as we wish, maybe the government should think about that. Otherwise who knows what they will try to ban next.

Happy Birthday Lillianna!!

2008-03-18T06:14:00.003-05:00

Today is my niece's 4th birthday. She is a bundle of energy. She loves the Disney princesses and anything girly. She has curly brown hair, just like her mom, but you can definitely tell she belongs to her dad.
She, too, lives out by Chicago so I don't see her often, but she is spoiled by her Aunt and Uncle.
Happy Birthday. I love you.
Aunt Morgan

Happy Birthday Zach!!!

2008-03-17T16:05:00.003-05:00

Today is my nephew's 13th birthday! I can't believe it. I am sure his parents are dreading the teenage years! He lives out in the Chicago area with his dad, my brother. He is really a great kid who loves to fish and play video games, etc. I only see him a couple times a year, but I send gifts throughout.

Oh and to top it off, Zach was born today on St Patrick's day with red hair, freckles, and blue eyes and neither his mom or dad is Irish!!!

Love ya buddy!
Aunt Morgan

The Red Tent

2008-03-15T17:02:00.004-05:00

I just finished reading The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. It is a story based on Biblical charcters: Dinah, Rachel, Leah, Jacob, etc. Though the story is not the same as in the Bible, it is a great read. Anita tells a story of Dinah, how she comes to have 4 mothers, how she fell in love and lost him in just a matter of weeks, and how she came to fall in love again. The story has many twists and turns that keeps you turning the page until the very end where her life come full circle. I highly recommend this novel. I almost cried at the end. I own it if anyone wants to borrow it.

I don't know how oftern I'll be able to read knowing school starts on Monday. The next book club book is Manhunt by James Swanson. It is the story about the search for John Wilkes Booth after he murders President Lincoln.

Gonzaga

2008-03-10T10:44:00.001-05:00

I have been officially accepted to Gonzaga University!!! I will be obtaining my Masters of Science in Nursing, focusing in nursing education so I can teach at the college level. This will take me about 2 years to do. I am really excited about this.

catch up

2008-03-07T16:26:00.003-06:00

Sorry I haven't written in a while, I have been busy and it seems like it is not going to stop anytime soon.
It all started last Thursday. My brother Joel came over to help work on the toilet. Once he got going on that, I started to paint the foyer in the house. I was doing all of this because mom and dad were coming up to see us and to go to the state tournament. Joel left around 2:30pm and I continuned on painting. Andrew got home and he quickly changed to go have supper and hang out with an old buddy. I was going to have dinner with Gina and a couple other girls, but when she called, I was almost done painting, so I backed out. I got done painting around 6:30pm and headed over to Quizno to get some chili. Then I was going to come home and take a bath in the whirlpool and just relax the rest of the night. Oh no! There is a message on the answering maching and my cell phone. It is a message from Jenn stating, "Morgan it is 7:15, we are just wondering where you are?" What!!! I am not to be working, I thought I was off. I didn't have it written down anywhere that I was to work, but lo and behold, on my schedule there it is. So I quickly called work and told them I would be there as soon as I could. I called Andrew and let him know also. Of course I am really tired. I had been up since 8am and would now have to be up for 24 hours. Oh and to top if off, Joel couldn't get the toilet fixed so the plumber is going to be at the house Friday morning at 8am.
So I get to work and work til 730am and head home. The plumber is waiting for me when I get there and I tell him what is wring. He finds nothing wrong with it. What!! Whatever Joel did, fixed it, it just needed to create a seal. So the plumber left and Andrew and I went back to bed. I slept really good until Andrew left to go to work. Once the garage door opened, I was wide awake.
I got up and showered and went grocery shopping. Came home and did last minute touches to the house, hung some artwork and worked up to the minute until mom and dad pulled into the drive way.
We went to the Tavern for supper. Went back to our house and talked. Then Joel and Angela came over for a little while to visit. I went to bed around 11pm and was asleep by midnight.
Up around 830am, I went to the gym. Dad went over to Aunt Sharon's to visit then off to Uncle Rob's to do the same. After the gym, Mom and I did some shopping and had lunch at PF Chang's with my frind Stacie and her boyfriend Tim.
Hooked up with my Aunts and my cousin and my sister in law and went to the girls state basketball tournament. Good games this year.
Afterwards, we ordered pizza and went back to the hotel and hung out. I left around 1130pm went home and got ready for bed. Asleep by 1230am.
Up at 6:30am to get ready for church. Home around 12noon and took a nap on the couch. Once up I went to Pleasant Hill to a birthday party for Stacie's daughters 6th birtday. Fun at the bowling alley.
Home around 7pm. Had supper and I don't remember what I even did that night.
Did various things around the house and did some studing for my MAT test for grad school on Thursday.
Wednesday I studing all day and night, went to work for a unit meeting, came and studied even more.
Thursday I had a meeting at Methodist for one of my committies came home, went to bed, up at 3 to get ready to head over to Drake to take my test. Went to work at 11pm and here I am now, typing and getting ready to get ready for work.
I offically got accepted to Gonzaga University yesterday. Classes start on the 17th. I have a lot to do over the next week to get ready for classes and I just feel like the madness won't stop. I don't even have any children and I feel like I am always busy!!!!
By the way, does anyone know what happened to KZZQ?

Book Review

2008-02-18T04:38:00.003-06:00

I just finished reading The Good Earth, by Pearl S Buck. It depicts the story of a Chinese man, Wang Lung.It begins with him being a poor man, living in a small hut with his ailing father. With no wife he tends to the field until the day of his wedding when he heads off the the House of Hwang and takes a slave to be his wife. He now rejoices for he can pass off some of his duties to his wife and only having to tend to the rice fields. As the story goes on, his wife, O-Lan, bears him children, 2 boys at first, a girl who mysteriously dies, another girl and finally a set of twins, a boy and a girl. After droughts and starvation, the family moves to south China where the food is. After running with the mob, Wang Lung comes into much money and goes back to his homeland with his family. He eventually becomes a very wealthy man, faced with a conscious of right and wrong and how he resons his decisions. The irony of the book is at the end he has bought and is living in the House of Hwang.
A very good read and I highly recommend it.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T16:19:00.002-06:00

We don't do much for Valentine's Day here. We are pretty low key about the day, but we do have little things that we do. For instance, we will eat at Wendy's tonight. It is our tradition. We started it 4 years ago when we were dating. We decided that we didn't want to do alot, knowing we were getting married in 6 weeks. We just didn't want to spend the extra money. We'll buy each other a card and a small gift, nothing much.
Well Andrew did buy me 12 red roses this year. He had them delivered to the hospital yesterday afternoon so that when I got to work last night, they would be there waiting for me. It was very sweet of him. And everyone at work was a little envious of my thoughtful husband.

Sick

2008-01-30T08:36:00.000-06:00

As if having a cold and losing my voice last week wasn't bad enough, Monday night, early Tuesday, I came down with the stomach flu at work. Not pretty. I left work at 2am Tuesday morning. I slept on the couch so I wouldn't wake Andrew up. Then I called my mom around 7am. Why is it that when we are sick, we want our moms? Then I went upstairs and slept in my bed, until 1pm. Went downstairs to find that our furnace wasn't working. It was 61 degrees in the house. So I had to call Schaal to come and fix it. Slept on the couch until Andrew came home. By now I am starving. Hadn't eat much all day, afraid of what might happen. So he went and got me some McDonald's. Granted, not the best thing to eat after being sick, but it sounded so good. I didn't even eat half of it, but what I ate was good, and I kept it down. Then I slept on the couch until 930pm when Andrew woke me up and sent me to bed. I just hate being sick and nonfunctional.
I feel better now, except now my mom is sick. I hope germs don't travel through the phone!!

This week

2008-01-24T11:27:00.000-06:00

I haven't been feeling the best this week. I have had a cough and an earache and a stuffy nose. Of course I am one of those people who don't go to the doctor unless I am dying. I even started to loose my voice. I felt like I was going through puberty. Not good week to loose my voice either. I had a patient go quicker than I thought and had to yell for help to get people in the room to help deliver a baby. All was good though.
I did run 2 times this week. I ran 30 on Monday. Then today I went to Accel Fitness with my friend Amiee. It is nice there and alot cheaper than Aspen. I am not able to attend the classes at Aspen, because of working nights, which is why it is more expensive. So I think I'll switch. Accel has cardio and free weight machines, so it all is good.
I also went to Nurtishop in West Des Moines the other day. Got a protein shake, which tastes surprisingly good. Does anyone have any opinions about them? I need to talk more to a nutritionist about how to incorporate them into my diet. So many questions.
Well I need to get ready for bed. Gotta work tonight.

Exercise

2008-01-18T10:22:00.000-06:00

This week I have been really good at exercising. Thursday I took off, but I did shovel the sidewalks. Monday I went running and it was horrible. I hadn't ran in about a month and I wanted to die and I only ran for 20 minutes!! Wednesday I ran for 25 and today I was back to 30minutes. On the other days I have been doing exercise tapes at home.
Eating was not the best this week. I find my weakness to be between 3 and 4 pm. I do well up to then. Just need more will power.

Lighten Up Iowa

2008-01-16T07:57:00.000-06:00

So today I start lighten up Iowa. I am doing this along with Weight Watchers. I am the team captain for a team at work. I am hoping this will give me more accountability. I have set some goals for myself AND wrote them down so hopefully I 'll be more successful at my lifestyle change this time.
Last night Andrew and I order Happy Joe's pizza for one last hurrah before LIU. I have been doing really good at WW and have lost 4 pounds over the past couple of weeks.
I am trying to get into the routine of working out again. I was out of commission for about 3-4 weeks with a bad cold and working alot of shifts in a row at work. I ran Monday and wanted to die, but I did it.
For all my family and friends, I ask that you pray for me for strength to get through this and to continue to be a healthy person. I also ask that you support me and not criticize when I choose to eat differently than you. Also, feel free to point out if I am not being a healthy person or making bad choices.
Thanks for all your help!!

Swimsuits

2008-01-07T10:52:00.000-06:00

I know I have a lot of blogging to catch up on, but I had to talk about this. I was a Target this morning picking up a few things when I passed the clothing section and saw swimsuits!!!! Already? It's only January. If that doesn't pressure you into keeping up the resolutions, I don't know what will! I just wanted to cry when I saw them sitting there. Summer is still 4 months or so away! Who is thinking of swimsuits this time of year! Now I'll really have to stick to weightwatchers!

Ice Storm

2007-12-14T09:11:00.001-06:00

This winter we have been hit hard by ice. I can't remember having this much ice and snow so early in the season. I don't think it is officially winter yet and I am sick of winter. Oh well, just a few more months then I'll be complaining about being so hot!

Harris Christmas/Patten's Indoor Happening

2007-12-14T09:07:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday was a little busy. First there was no chuch due to the weather, which made the day a little less busy. We went to Indianola for the annual Harris Christmas. This is my mom's side of the family. There wern't too many there due to the bad weather. It was nice to see family we only see this time of year. Some are getting older and others are bringing new little ones into the family.
Then later in the afternoon, Cindy and I went to Dr Patten's Christmas party. He is one of the ob's that delivers at Lutheran. It was fun to sit and talk to people out of the work setting. His house is so beautiful and his tree was gigantic!!!
After that, I went home and spent so time with Andrew and got some sleep!

Christmas Tree

2007-12-06T10:12:00.000-06:00

We finally put up our tree last night. We were going to do it tonight, but Andrew felt festive, so Wednesday night it was. We played some old Nat King Cole records on the record player and starting decorating the house. Now it is starting to feel like Christmas at the Dutler's! Finally I can move all the presents from the formal living room to under the tree!

Great News

2007-12-06T08:05:00.000-06:00

In 2003, I was in a car accident on I-235. I won't go into all the details, but one of the persons in the accident was suing my insurance for $80,000. Naturally, and if you know me, I freaked out. Litrally, everytime I got something in the mail from the insurance company, I just wanted to throw up.

Back in February we had a deposition. I just did my part and left. I didn't want to stay and hear what anyone else had to say.

Nothing was getting settled, so I had to request to take a week off in January for a potential trial date for this accident. Again, wanting to throw up. I don't do well under major pressure.

So last week I got a phone call from my lawyer saying that the case had SETTLED!!! I was so excited. I cried. I was so happy to have that off my chest.

I prayed almost everyday that God would let this case settle. I know others were praying too. So thanks to all who kept me in your prayers during this difficult time for Andrew and I.

Good Books

2007-12-05T17:02:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading 2 good books.
"Agent Zigzag" by Ben Macintyre was great. It is about a man with a criminal past who becomes a spy for the Germans during WWII. He is sent to England to gather war information, but is caught right away by the British. The story goes into detail about how he, Edward Chapman, becomes a double spy and why he does it. The book was slow to start for me, building how he became a spy. Once the storyline gets to the actual spying, it was hard to put down.
"The Painted Veil" by W. Somerset Maugham was a quick read for me, just a couple of days. It takes place during the 1920's when a woman named Kitty, 25, finally gets married to Walter. She only marries him to be married before her sister, who is younger than herself. During her marriage she lives in Hong Kong because of Walter's occupation. During that time, she meets a man, Charile, and begins having an affair with him. When confronted by Walter, she has no choice but to go with him to a remote area of China where cholera is running rampant. It is there she finds who she really is and comes to terms with her past behaviors. I totally recommend this book.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-10-18T12:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I'll save my age for when you ask, but I won't publish it. It's not that I am ashamed of how old I am, it just might come back to haunt me in future years.
So after hot tub club, I came home and slept for a few hours. Was feeling lazy and bored, so I went to the gym. Walked for an hour and then ran a quick mile. Came home, showered and Andew and I ordered Happy Joe's Pizza. I was craving taco pizza, so that is where we got it. It was so good, it hit the spot. Andrew got me the new Reba duets CD and the movie "Transformers" as a gag gift.
Then we went to the mall. We were window shopping at Helzberg's and I found an opal that I liked and Andrew bought it for me!!! I was a little shocked. It is not like him to just buy something without comparing. It is so pretty. I had to have it resized, so next Tuesday I should have it.

Hot Tub Club

2007-10-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we had Hot Tub Club in honor of my birthday. This time it was Gina, Misty, Marlys and me. It was fun to just sit and relax after a 12 hour shift and shoot the breeze with friends.

Boredom

2007-10-14T17:02:00.000-05:00

We have season tickets to ISU. This year is not the year to have them. It has been quite disappointing. Yesterday we played Texas. When we got to our seats, there were 3 Texas fans about 2 rows behind us. One of them was really annoying. I mean, she was being annoying to just be annoying. In fact, she was so annoying that after the 1st quarter, Andrew and I moved to a different area. At the end of the second quarter I predicted the score would be 56-10, knowing the score was 28-3 at the end of the half. Well the score was 56-3, close enough. At half time we left and ate lunch at Hickory Park. It was very yummy and very fulfilling. Needless to say we did not eat supper last night.

On the way home from the game, Andrew talked to one of his college buddies. I got bored and took pictures of us. Here they are. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Baby!!

2007-10-14T16:44:00.000-05:00

Today is my husband's 32nd Birthday! So I thought I would write a few things as to why I love hime so much:

1) He's handsome

2) He's intelligent

3) He makes me laugh when I am down

4) If I am sick, He'll try to take care of me

5) He always makes sure that everything is going to be okay

There is plenty more I could say about him, but I don't want to have you read a really long blog!

I love you honey!

5K

2007-09-18T15:44:00.001-05:00

A coworker, Amie, and I have decided to run the Susan Komen 5K on October 6th. I have always wanted to run a 5k but have always found a reason to not to. I have paid my money, so now I am committed. We bought new running shoes yesterday that are comfy and were on sale ( a bonus!). I ran 3.1 miles yesterday under 33 minutes. Today I ran for 21 minutes, 2 miles, on a program that does random inclines. Hopefully over the next 3 weeks I can get into better shape and lose some pounds.

Living Room

2007-09-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

I painted our living room a couple of weeks ago. It is called polished maple. It turned out to be a really nice deep brown. I love it. Makes the room seem so warm and inviting. Now just to finish decorating!

Great Book

2007-09-06T13:04:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading "A Thousand Splended Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. It was one of the best books I have ever read. It is a story about a woman who suffers through the invasion of the Russians in Afghanistan during the 1980's and all the trails and tribulations that she faces. I loved this book more than the "Kite Runner." I couldn't put it down. I totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

Labor Day

2007-09-06T13:01:00.000-05:00

One of my best friends from junior high came out for a visit over the weekend with her husband and two very adorable children. We had a lot of fun. Saturday we went to Outback Steakhouse and on Sunday they came over and we grilled out. Nettie's oldest is 2 and this was the first time I got to see him and his little sister. It was nice to be able to catch up and spend time with friends, though it does want me to rethink having children, at least that close together!

Welcome Ethan!!!

2007-08-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

My friend Amanda and her husband Quintin had a baby boy last Thursday. Ethan weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces; much to the surprise of everyone! I recorded the delivery for her. It was alot of fun being able to tape and not actually have to "work." Congratulations you two! He's a keeper!

Neosho

2007-08-13T18:13:00.001-05:00

I was at work last night on CNN's web page when I read about the shooting in Neosho. For those of you who don't know, I lived there for about 6 months, went to church and high school there. Fortunately, I did not attend church there. And who knows, maybe someone I went to school with did. I just don't understand why people have to be so violent and so desperate that they only way they can handle a problem is to go and kill random people - and a church of all places! One should be able to go to church in America and feel completely safe. We all need to say some prayers for this community, the church and those involved in the shooting. May this be an opportunity to witness to a hurting community and bring everyone closer to God.

Hairspary

2007-08-03T20:56:00.000-05:00

I went to see "Hairspray" yesterday with some friends. Again, skeptical about the movie, but did enjoy it very much. The songs were catchy and I found myself tapping my foot along with the beat. John Travolta did a great job. All the actors did amazing. My advice, go see it!

Family Reunion

2007-07-30T13:44:00.000-05:00

I had a busy weekend. First my parents came and stayed with us Thursday night. We took them to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. It was good.

Friday I made a pasta salad and made meatballs for the Asmus reunion on Saturday. Andrew and I watched "Night at the Museum". It was funny and entertaining.

Saturday up at 8:00 to cook the meatballs and got ready to leave. Got to Cedar Falls about 11:30. Jeff and Tina were there with Cody and Lilli. They are soooo cute!!! Alot of family there. Had fun. Came home and did nothing!!!

Sunday I went to church. Then we had lunch at Andrew's parents house. Andrew's step-grandma was there. We stayed til about 2:30 and went home. I took a nap, then headed over to Monterrey's for supper with Book Club. We had a farewell dinner for Monica since she is leaving for Tuscon for her doctorine in sociology. Then off to work for 4 hours.

Grace Lahey

2007-07-15T21:25:00.001-05:00

Welcome Grace!! This is Grace Lahey, one of my best friend's new baby. She was born on July 10 in the afternoon. She looks just like her daddy! Congratulations Dan & Sara.

Clarinet

2007-07-14T13:11:00.000-05:00

I decided to get my clarient out and play in a group for Iowa Health Systems. I feel very - lost. I haven't played in probably 7-8 years and am a little rusty. I can't remember all the fingerings for it so I have quit practicing for a little while anyway. And most of the songs have 3-4 sharps, which is kind of difficult, but I'll get through it, just need to buy some things to make it easier.

Camp

2007-07-14T13:05:00.000-05:00

I got back from camp and I am glad to be home. It was alot of fun. I gave out plenty of bandaids. (I think we need to invest in the company that makes them!) No major injuries, even though they played in the mud pit for about an hour. I did have one girl run a fever, but got it down. I was just thankful that I didn't have a diabetic. I met some really good kids that were my assistants when I needed them.
It was so great to see so many children reaching out to God and to see what he has planned for their lives. It is hard sometimes to let yourself go and seek Jesus, knowing that all of your friends are watching you, but so many went beyond that and truly reached out to God. It was so awesome and amazing.
I am glad to be home and to be sleeping in my own bed, not that I was as uncomfortable as the campers. I had a nice cabin with a double bed, but nothing is the same as the bed at home. Now I just have to get ready for the next week!

Camp

2007-07-08T15:51:00.001-05:00

Just want everyone to know that I am going to be gone for the next week to be a camp nurse for our church. I'll check back in when I get home on Friday!

July 4th

2007-07-05T04:19:00.000-05:00

Andrew and I had a pretty low key holiday. We slept in, which felt great. I had worked everyday and was tired. Then I ended up taking a 45 minute nap, which would have been longer had my brother not called.
We got together with Joel and went to see "Transformers". At first I thought I was going to hate it, but I loved it! It was funny and suspensful. Kind of had the same theme as Independence Day. I reccommend it.
After the movie we ordered pizza and watched some TV, mainly some poker.
Then as I was getting ready to get ready for bed, worked called and needed me to come in. I was on call and luckily I took that nap.
So here I am at work, with not a day off all week!

Bizzare

2007-06-30T22:10:00.003-05:00

I went for a walk yesterday and I was just a few blocks from the house, when 2 deer ran in front of me and crossed the road. I just find that absolutely bizzare that in West Des Moines, there would be deer in our neighborhood. Hummmmm...........

Bizzarre

2007-06-30T22:10:00.001-05:00

Vacation Part 4

2007-06-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

Wednesday we went to Mme Tussaud's Wax Museum and then headed to the Eifel Tower at the Paris hotel. We went to the top and looked out all over Vegas. Even saw a fontain show from the Bellagio.

On Thursday we lounged by the pool. After a few hours we went to Seifried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin habitat. It was really awesome. For supper we went to Treasure Island and ate at Isla's, a great Mexican restaurant. I'd go back. I also recommend it, Thanks Josh and Dara.

We turned in early because we had to be at the airport by 6am to fly back home. A trip wll worth it.

Vacation Part 3

2007-06-28T14:08:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday we spent most of the day at the Rio for the 2007 World Series of Poker. If you know us, poker is a mainstay at our house, we watch a lot and Andrew plays online a lot when I am at work. So to walk in there and see all these world renown poker players, it is surreal. Doyle Brunson, Todd Brunson, Freedy Deeb, Greg Raynor, Phil Gordon, Annie Duke, any one who is anyone in poker was there (except Chris Moneymaker, didn't see him). Even Celine Dion's husband was there!

We watched Howard Lederer and Dan Harrington play a Head's Up tournament. It was awesome to see them play. It is so different than watching it on TV. Can't see what they have for a hand unless the players flip their cards over, which isn't very often.

By the end of the day, our feet and backs were killing us, but it was well worth it.

Vacation Part 2

2007-06-27T17:30:00.000-05:00

On Monday we relaxed by the pool for a few hours. Can I say HOT!!! Oh my. Within a couple of minutes you start to sweat, and everything you touch is hot. The cement is hot so you basically run to the pool, where the water is nice and cool. After spending time in the pool, laying back in the chair to work on your tan is much more tolerable.

Then on Monday evening we went to Cique du Soleil's Beatles Love show. It was awesome. Very talented people. The stage is built so that you are almost interactive with the show. Andrew really loves the Beatles, so we both enjoyed the show very much. Too bad we didn't go to Vegas this week because Larry King Live did a show from the Mirage for the 65th Birthday of Paul McCartney and all the Beatles living and the spouses of the deceased were there. How cool would that have been to see the 2 remaining Beatles!

Vacation Part 1

2007-06-25T08:36:00.000-05:00

Our flight to Vegas went off without a hitch. We got to our hotel, dropped our things off and walked around. We decided to eat early but in reality it was almost 6 Des Moines time. Then I took a nap. I had been up since 4am and new I would not make it through Jay Leno if I didn't. So after that we went to see Jay Leno. He was performing at the Mirage. Very funny and very hyper.
On Sunday, we did alot of walking. We found a Walgreens to get some staples of food. Everything there is so EXPENSIVE!! A bottle of water in the vending machine was $3! And they don't believe in serving Pepsi products anywhere in restaurants! Everytime we went somewhere that had Diet Pepsi I bought one and horded it to last the whole day! So here are some pictures from the first couple of days in Vegas. The Saga to continue later.

Home

2007-06-23T10:12:00.000-05:00

We got home from vacation yesterday afternoon and what a welcome it was. Nothing like being greeted by a nasty thunderstorm! Destruction everywhere around us, but not our property thank goodness. Vegas was fun, I'll fill ya'll in on it throughout the next week or so.

Vacation

2007-06-16T05:50:00.000-05:00

It is finally here! We leave for vacation today!! 6 nights in Las Vegas. We can hardly wait. We haven't been on vacation since February of last year (2006), so we are ready for this one. We see Jay Leno tonight and on Monday a Cirque du Soleil show. Just ready to relax by the pool and get a tan. See ya next week!!!