It's Over!

Summer semester is officially over. I took my last final exam (which was in my developmental psychology class) this evening. Although I struggled with the course at the beginning and complained about the amount of work give, I ended up pulling an "A" in her class. I ended up with a "B" in Microbiology. I know that's not bad, but it still brings down your GPA, and I was really hoping to get an A in that class as well. But like always, other life events interfere, so I'm thankful that I achieved what I got.

So I have about 1 1/2 week break before fall semester....nursing school....starts back up (August 17th).

I babysat all day today, babysitting all day tomorrow, babysitting for a few hours on Sunday. Hoping to get some pool time in with a friend this weekend...hopefully. And then next weekend I'm going to Nashville to visit one of my good friends for a little "mini vacation." I have my Nursing Orientation Session next Friday from 9am until about 1:15 pm then will leave from there to Nashville. Then I'll return Sunday. Classes will start back up that Tuesday, which I am excited about...just wish I had a little longer break. I also already have 2 babysitting jobs that Wed and Thursday night of the week school starts.

More blogging to come. I forgot to blog about my wonderful ER visit last Monday (missing my 2nd to last day of class, and the day before my Micro Lab Final)...but all turned out ok, just a major 24 hour stomach bug...the worst I've ever had in my entire life. It's definitely going around down here and I'm guessing I caught it at class from someone. It's amazing at how good I felt, then all of a sudden BAM!!

Off to get some rest before another day of babysitting (it helps that they are great kids).

I hope everyone has had a great week. Our public schools start back next week....so for those of you with kids starting school next week, enjoy your last school-free weekend :)

Friday News

I am headed to the lake tonight for hopefully a nice and relaxing weekend. I was wrong about not getting a day off from classes for the 4th holiday. I thought our professor had July 5th on our syllabus, but he didn't, and he verified in class on Wednesday, that Monday is indeed a university wide holiday...YAY. So that means an extra day at the lake. Of course I have to take studying stuff with me. I've been spending the majority of my time studying Microbiology, that I haven't had time to do much for my online Developmental Psychology course. And I didn't do too hot on the last exam. So I will be catching up in this course at the lake. We have an exam due by Wednesday, a project due next Sunday, and a few other assignments. The professor uploads her lectures to the course website (since it is an online course). That is the only thing I don't like. Most of the lectures are 1 1/2 hrs to 2 hrs long and it is very hard for me to sit in front of my computer and listen to them. And then she adds all these extra videos for each unit, that in total, are at least an hour long. It is a lot of stuff, but I have to do better on this next exam, because I really want an "A" in this course.

For those of you who don't follow me on facebook, this past Monday, I got some wonderful news. I was selected to receive a full nursing school scholarship. I was 1 of 2 people and it is the best and highest scholarship the School of Nursing gives out. I was so happy, excited, shocked, etc. Totally unexpected. I was pretty sure that I would get some sort of scholarship, because the School of Nursing gives out a lot of money. I knew I had the GPA, resume, good essay, good recommendation letters, etc. But I also knew it was very competitive and we were told that probably 75% of this class met the requirements to apply for a scholarship. We had our 1st Nursing orientation session last Friday. We were told that they had extended the scholarship deadline and we would not find out if we were selected to get a scholarship until the 2nd week of August. Classes start the 3rd week, so as you can imagine, not too many people were happy about that. The particular scholarship that I'm being awarded requires the school to notify the recipients by June 30th. So that is why I found out sooner.

It is such a blessing and such an honor. I'm so thankful and really give God all the glory for this. Our family has been in some really tough financial situations lately. If there was not going to be scholarship money awarded, we were definitely going to have to take out loans. The scholarship may not cover all other expenses, and it does not cover the summer semester next year. But other than that, it funds the entire program and there are no requirements to keep the scholarship (such as GPA, etc.). This is such a blessing and took a huge burden off of my family and myself's shoulders. I had been applying for other scholarships (such as Solvay CF one, Boomer Esiason Transplant Grant, etc.) but had not heard back anything.

This summer is going by so fast, and before I know or realize it, I will be starting nursing school. YAY! Classes will be over the last week of July, with my last exam the 1st week of August. I'm hoping to fit some sort of mini vacation during my 2 week break before fall classes start.

I am babysitting tomorrow and next Friday. Then the next Friday, the 16th, I am taking the required CPR course for nursing school. So since I have classes 4 days a week, these next few weeks are going to be busy busy!

We had a really good CFF Young Professionals Board Meeting this past Tuesday. We are really excited to get this group up and going for our chapter. We have tried in the past, but the right people were not in the right place at that time. We are confident that the members on this board are very passionate about CF and really want to help find a cure. I was elected Secretary of the group, since I love taking notes, organizing, etc.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend!!!

MIA/Update

I promise I'm still here and plan on blogging. My schedule has just been way to crazy. So I apologize. I hate not having the time to blog :( I'm up late studying, and couldn't stand the thought of me not having posted anything since the 1st week of July.

We had our Nursing School Info Session on Friday. We ordered our uniforms and registered for classes, amongst other things. We have a more detailed orientation session the week before classes start. I have a CPR class on July 16th;

My Blood Pressure Saga continues with a new medicine as of Friday. So far, it is magical and doing the trick. Last week we had increased the dose of HCTZ (the diuretic), but for some reason, my BP decided to get worse, instead of better, or even just stay the same; overall, the HCTZ was good for removing the fluid I had gained, and really keeping off any excess fluid I may be retaining, but not much in the Blood Pressure situation; I am now on Lisinopril, and my BP has dropped dramatically within just 2 doses of it; But it may be just a tad too much; not sure yet. Will re-address with transplant coordinator on Monday.

My back pain seemed to stabilize and actually get better, until I decided to go tubing on Memorial day weekend. However, finally, it has calmed down somewhat. I had taken a break from my physical therapy appointments, because I didn't want to use up all my visits too soon; I decided to go in for an appt week before last, and I will go again this week; so hopefully that will help.

Two exams next week (Micro Lecture Exam) and midterm for Microbiology Lab Class. And other assignments, etc. for my online Developmental Psychology course.

Babysitting tonight for several families combined

Our local CF Chapter has a Young Professionals Board, in which I am a part of. We have a get-together/meeting Tuesday night. Oh, and our CF chapter finally got its results in for our local (Birmingham) Great Strides Walk. As most chapters are required to send all the money/collections from each Great Strides Walk to a third party now, it takes awhile before everything gets credited to the Great Strides teams, walkers, etc. So far, our Miracles Team has raised a little over $8,730. We may have a few more donations coming in; I'm very proud of my team and all their hard work; and I personally met my goal of $4,000.....raised about $4,375.

I have transplant clinic on Wednesday. I'm on week 3 of my TOBI; i think a Sinus infection has creeped in my body (hoping that's all it is); I have to get all my medical forms signed and vaccinations required for Nursing School Medical Clearance.

Babysitting this upcoming Friday, then headed to the lake for the weekend. Unfortunately, we don't get a day off from classes, like most companies/work offers for the July 4th Holiday.

I really want a beach vacation. Trying to decide about oil spill situation....and if I can go due to my crazy schedule, that works with the other parties involved???

Ok, going to try and get some sleep :)

Brief Update

Just when you think your life has calmed down....it gets crazy again :) Sorry for no blog posts like I had intended to do during my 3.5 week break from school/classes. I was busy volunteering with our CFF Chapter, busy preparing for my walk team, babysitting like crazy and then just daily life stuff like sleeping and eating :) I volunteered at our last local CF Great Strides Walk on Sunday. It was a hot day...a fun day, but it flat wore me out.

We did get to go to the lake over Memorial Day Weekend. Despite rain off and on, we had a good time, and Monday ended up being a pretty good day....which included some tubing...in which I am still completely sore and back pain city. Oh well!

Anywho...classes for the summer semester started back last Wednesday. I have classes 4 days a week...which is a bummer. Usually you can schedule your lab and lecture class on the same day. However, they did not give us that option this semester. And since it is a shorter semester than the fall or spring, we have lab class 2 days a week, whereas during the other 2 semesters, it is only 1 day a week. So needless to say, I'm busy again and back into studying already. We have our 1st Microbiology Lecture Exam next Monday (a week from today). I have found that I don't like the Microscope very well in laboratory...not very talented at looking at things. Hopefully that will improve. In addition to my Microbiology classes, I have an online Developmental Psychology Course.

I am babysitting occasionally on Fridays and weekends...although it has slowed down a lot compared to when I was off from classes for a few weeks. I am teaching Vacation Bible School next week in the mornings...and then I will venture to classes shortly after the kids leave. Usually you have 2 Adults/teachers in each class. But due to limited volunteers, I am on the only adult/teacher for 6 lovely (hoping lovely) 1 year olds Monday-Wed, and 7 lovely 1 year olds Thursday and Friday. I will have 1 teenager helping me. So I have to prepare a lot more than I usually do this week. Usually I just kind of swing it...look at lesson plans, activities, etc., as we go throughout the day. Not this time. Most of the kids are 1 1/2 -2 yrs old, but not yet officially turned 2 yrs. I'm excited, but it will be a crazy week!!!

Ok..due to limited available blogging time and me really needing my sleep lately...that is about all I can share tonight....other than 2 more quick things!

First...if you don't follow me on facebook...then you haven't yet heard...I got accepted into Nursing School. So yes, lots of stuff to do for that this summer as well. Classes will start in August..but there will be lots of info sessions, meetings, and other stuff to complete this summer. Nevertheless, I am thrilled and so excited! Please pray that my body/health will cooperate throughout the nursing program!

And one more prayer request: I am still having issues with my Blood Pressure. I'm not sure if I have mentioned this or how much detail I have discussed? I went off the Norvasc, as apparently it was causing my body to retain fluid badly...and I mean seriously...I gained 7 lbs of fluid in my tummy and feet/ankles. It was awful. Upon determining that there was no more blood clots in my feet, the Norvasc was stopped, switched to HCTZ and Lasix for 3 days. I peed off the fluid eventually, but now the fluid is coming back into my tummy off and on. Last week, between Tuesday night and Wed night, I had gained another 4 lbs of fluid, but yet lost it at the end of the week...and the cycle continues. My BP has dropped somewhat, but I continue to have very high peaks (150s/100s) and on average, it is still running in the high 120s/mid 130s over 80s-90s, with the occasional peaks. Please pray that we can get this under control!

Off to bed and will hopefully post more soon. Sorry for the long post...but if I don't do it all at once, it won't get done.

Another Weekend-Wrap Up

Once again, I haven't had much time for blogging. Therefore, I'm doing a wrap-up post, updating from the last week or so.

This week was my spring break. I had 2 goals: catch-up/get ahead on my school work, and do some scrapbooking. Unfortunately, #2 goal didn't happen. The first goal was partly accomplished. This week flew by so quickly, and I wish I was so much more ahead in my school work/studying.

I did several CFF volunteer stuff this past week as well. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday involved meetings regarding CF Great Strides. Friday also included speaking at our Children's Hospital Child Life Services Retreat. Myself and our local CFF director presented at this retreat. Then afterwards, we met and discussed more on Great Strides. I also attended a bridal tea on Saturday, and babysat multiple times since last weekend. So all-in-all, it has been a busy last few weeks.

Time is definitely flying by, and the end of the semester is drawing near....which means one thing: I better get on a roll and study my heart out so I can do really well on the last few remaining exams. YIKES!

A Health Update: things have been going pretty well. This weekend hasn't been the best however. I'm really hoping I'm not getting sick. I'm only 2 weeks out from my TOBI, so my only option would be to start the inhaled Colistin. I'm going to give it a few more days and see how I feel. My back pain has been going back and forth. I also started exercising...YAY! I'm really trying my best to keep it up. I've also been making myself drink water, as I don't really put forth much effort to accomplish that on a daily basis. I know my body needs lots and lots of it, so I'm trying extra hard to drink 1 bottle per day (I use to drink 1 bottle per 2 weeks). I did get in some good sleep this week, which as helped my energy level some.

In other news...my curtains (valences) are finally up in my room!!! Also, the manufacturing company that makes the decorative stool I bought at Home Goods is willing to ship me one from their warehouse in California. She is charging me the same retail price plus shipping. I was surprised she offered that to me, since they are a wholesale company. She checked all the local stores and no one carried the product nor had ordered on the next shipping cycle. So I think I'm going to accept her offer! I will post a picture soon that shows the valences and everything together (my bed isn't made currently...lol).

This coming week includes a project due for my Nutrition Class, classes, another CF speech, another CFF meeting for Great Strides, an Auburn Singers Concert for my cousin, and 2 PT appointments for my back.

A few more things....today is Brandi's birthday....so head on over to her blog and give her some birthday love!

Have you voted for Jada Bug? Click here to vote! Only 8 days left! And you can vote once each day!

Weekend Wrap-Up

Once again, here is an update post from the last week or so. I promise I will get back into frequent posts, it has just been a little crazy, especially with school.

A lot of my "free time" has been spent studying. I had two more exams last week. My next exams are in about 3 weeks. I also have a project due in 2 weeks for my Nutrition course.

An update on my health: things have been pretty stable lately. The only thing really bothering me is energy level and just being really tired. I'm hoping to get back into exercising soon, now that my back pain has subsided some. I finish my TOBI inhaled antibiotic on Monday. I will give myself probably a week or so to see how I feel before approaching the subject of starting inhaled Colistin. I am hoping some of my lab values have returned to normal from the last clinic appointment back on February 10th. My transplant coordinator has not made me come back to get them recheck. She is just going based on my symptoms. I will probably go to clinic for a follow up appointment in April, if all goes well the remainder of this month.

In about 2 weeks, my 2nd most busiest time of the year will begin. April and May are always insanely busy. One reason is because I'm taking classes again. Also, we have all of our CF Great Strides Walks within those 2 months as well. And I always try to volunteer at as many as possible. I also have 1 wedding in March in Louisiana, and another one for a cousin here in April. Then there are several birthday parties, Easter, bridal tea, etc. Also, I am continuing to speak for the UAB Benevolent Fund, which coordinates and controls which charity organizations UAB supports. I spoke the last week in February. I'm speaking again this coming Tuesday, then again on the 24th and 30th of March .

I have also had a few babysitting jobs recently, and have a few more coming up. I hope those continue, as its my only source of income :)

I'm still finalizing a few decorations in my room. I changed out my light switch plate on the wall. It was the basic bright white standard plate. I bought a bronze metal finish one at Target yesterday. It matches my decorative accents in my room as well as the wall color better than the stark white.

I'm hoping to get my curtains (Valences) up tomorrow as well, but I need my Mom's help on that one. I also bought a decorative ottoman-like stool for the end of my bed. I wanted something to put there that I could use to set clothes out one, etc. In my former room upstairs, I used my big, nice chair for stuff like that. But now my chair is out in the den, because there wasn't enough room in the bedroom. I love this stool...it matches my room perfectly (especially my wall art above my bed). I wanted two of them, but HomeGoods only had 1. I've been checking back frequently to see if any more come in stock. One of the ladies that work there said they should get some more in...so I'm really hoping they do. The company that makes this particular decorative furnishing is only a wholesale businesses and I can't find any online stores that carry their products. We only have 2 HomeGoods stores in Alabama. So if any of you ever see a duplicate to this...let me know :) I really want a 2nd one!!

The design matches my wall art almost perfectly!!!! And the material of the stool is suede-like just like my comforter on my bed!!!

If any of my blog followers are local and are not participating in a CF Great Strides Walk currently, I highly encourage you to do so! You can click on the Great Strides Widget at the top right of this blog for a link to my personal team. Or you can send me an email! SUPPORT CF!!

I think that is about it...not much to report.

Post-Christmas Update

Wow, it's hard to believe Christmas is over. It's also hard to believe that I haven't blogged in almost a week and didn't blog on Christmas Eve or Day..sorry! I definitely had plans to blog and actually a couple of things to share. Oh well! LONG POST AHEAD!!!!! Quite a bit of updating, and hate to split it up. Sorry!

It was crazy around our household....working until the 18th, cooking, cleaning, babysitting, parties/get-togethers,family, shopping, etc. We had a great Christmas. My mom and I went shopping the day after, and found some good deals. I really enjoyed it and it wasn't that bad, as far as the crowds and traffic went.

I am actually working this week (Monday-Wed). The place where I have been working was going to have a really small skeleton crew, and the manager asked if I wanted to come in and cover for the girl I had been working with. I jumped at the opportunity (especially since it meant earning a little more $$$). It was really slow today.

I had a transplant clinic appointment on the 16th. It went pretty well. My PFT's had gone up a pretty good bit, my 02 sats were 99% (which is the highest they have been since April or May this past year). All in all it was a good appointment. We think that some of the breathing and 02 sats have been better due to the removal of my gallbladder. My shaking has continued to be really bad, and there are setting up a consult with a neurologist, just in case something is going on.

I am still having a really difficult time gaining my weight back. I lost about 12 pounds before/during/after the surgery. I have yet to gain 1 pound back, and I am at a whopping 86.5/87 pounds, which is NOT good. I am really trying, but my stomach is really having a difficult time eating a lot at once. I'm also experiencing a lot of nausea, which is interfering as well. Hopefully this will turn around soon. I hate it...and none of my pants/jeans fit me right now. I had to go buy 2 new pairs of jeans.

I am all registered for classes this next semester. I am taking Physiology (the 2nd part to anatomy). It will consist of a lecture class and a lab class. I am also taking Nutrition, which is one of the pre-nursing electives required. I'm excited and praying this semester will be much less stressful :)

I have been off and on as far as feeling good. I have been really exhausted and not sleeping the best. I have had a really bad sinus infection for several weeks now. I started on some oral Cipro back on December 11th and are taking it for a total of 3 weeks (21 days). I only have a few days left. I am also on my month of TOBI (and are a little behind on starting it).

Today, unfortunately, I had not been feeling the best, but though it was just my sinuses and being tired. About 2:00 or so, all of a sudden, it hit me. I felt awful. I managed to stay at work until about 4:20 (our day ends at 4:30); I checked my temp in the car, because it felt like I had one. Sure enough I had a low-grade temp. I got home, unloaded and climbed in the bed, and checked my temp with a different thermometer (instead of the one that stays in my car 24/7). It was higher at 99.8 (which is high for me). Currently, my temp is 100.9 and is not going down with Tylenol. I have no idea what is going on. My chest is hurting, back aching, coughing up junk, and very sob. I hate this, especially since I was working this week. UGH!!!

I will keep you all updated. I may be making a trip to clinic or the hospital this week. Sorry again, for the long update. I hope everyone had a very blessed Christmas. And if for some reason I don't get around to posting again before Thursday...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Pier 39 Sea Lions

While on my babysitting trip to San Jose/San Francisco, we went to the Fisherman's Wharf on Saturday. Within the area, we walked over to Pier 39 (one of the piers at the Fisherman's' Wharf). Pier 39 is famous for its sea lions (seals)!! And all I have to say, is that I was EXTREMELY entertained and fascinated by all the sea lions!!! We stood there forever just watching and laughing!!! Certainly an amazing thing to see!!! Here are some pictures and history/facts about Pier 39 and its sea lions.


The sea lions camped out in PIER 39's West Marina have been endearingly coined, "Sea Lebrities." The noisy (it was funny listening to them "bark" and make so many noises!) sea lions started arriving in herds/groups, taking over the docks in January 1990 shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. At first they numbered from 10-50, but due to a plentiful herring supply, available dock space and the marina’s protected environment, the population grew to more than 300 within a few months. Each winter, the population can increase up to 900 sea lions, most of which are male. The seals come and go as they please! During most of the year, there are at least 100-500 sea lions. The highest count is more than 1,000! During the summer months, there are times when no sea lions visit K-Dock (Pier 39). They migrate south to rookeries (birthing and breeding grounds) off of Southern California and Mexico. But in recent years a small group stays year-round at PIER 39's K-Dock.


These California sea lions use Pier 39 to "haul out" or come out of the water to rest. Biologists believe the sea lions stay at Pier 39 because there is plenty of food nearby, the docks are protected from storm waves and are easy to haul out on, and sea lion predators (great white sharks and orcas) do not come into the bay.


It is illegal to feed wild sea lions as well as other marine animals. These sea lions find their own food in the bay or ocean areas! Sea lions are "opportunistic" feeders, which means they will eat whatever fish are abundant in the area at the time. They mainly eat herring during the winter months.

The Adult male sea lions weigh up to 900 lbs and have a bump on their forehead. The female adult sea lions way up to 250 lbs. However, most of the sea lions at Pier 39 are males. The females stay back at the rookeries (birthing and breeding grounds) off of Southern California. Harbor seals are white with black spots or black with white rings and are silvery grey when wet! There were lost of Harbor seals here at Pier 39 when we were there!


(this sea lion was floating on his back...can you tell ??)

If you ever get the opportunity to visit San Francisco, I highly recommend checking the sea lions out!! (beware though...the smell is AWFUL, but worth it)! We had so much fun watching them!

Post-San Jose/Francisco Trip

Sorry I haven't blogged yet about my trip!! So here is a quick overview of how the trip went!

I flew out of Birmingham last Thursday (Oct 1st) EARLY morning! I arrived in San Jose around 12:00 pm California Time (PST). The wife, mom, etc., picked me up and took me back to their apartment. I got settled it, met the little boy, and then they left around 3:00 pm on their hiking trip! I kept the little boy (17 months) until Friday late night! The couple returned home late that evening (around 9:30 pm or so)! Then on Saturday, the mom (Ginny) too me around the city of San Francisco sight-seeing, touring, etc. It was SO SO MUCH FUN!!! And beautiful weather the entire time! (a little foggy and windy in San Fran, but not bad).

The babysitting was an interesting and good experience. I had never done anything like that, but was thankful for the opportunity! The couple was so sweet and really made me feel at home and very comfortable. It was a free trip. They paid for EVERYTHING, from plane tickets to food, etc. And then I got paid to babysit!

I also got to see my new 5-week old baby cousin Saturday night. Ginny took me over to their apartment, which was located about 30 minutes away in Menlo Park!! She is so precious and I was very excited to see them!!

Saturday in the city, we visited the Golden Gate Bridge (and several parks surrounding it), Fisherman's Wharf (Pier 39 with all the seals), Lombard Street, Haight Ashbury (Hippie district), and the park (can't remember name) where Full House TV Show was filmed. And then we drove around the city looking at a few other places. We definitely crammed a lot of stuff in!! I flew back home Sunday, leaving San Jose around 9:30 am PST, and arriving back in Birmingham around 8:00pm CST. I had a not so good experience with baggage returning home! Thankfully though it didn't get lost! My stop mid-way between San Jose and Birmingham was Houston, Texas. Upon arriving in Houston, there were two planes departing to Birmingham. Well, somehow my baggage got put on the 1st plane to Houston (and my flight was the 2nd plane); So went I went to get my baggage in Birmingham and it wasn't there I started to panic. Luckily one of the security guys knew that a suitcase wasn't picked up earlier and it ended up being mine! Also, TSA decided to randomly select my checked bag to inspect...LOVELY!! They ended up turning everything in my suitcase upside down, sideways, etc. I had a box of cereal in my bag, and tennis shoes. Well, they busted the cereal box, and it spilled all over the suitcase, clothes, make up bag, etc., IT was awful...SERIOUSLY! And they didn't zip up the top compartment (open to the outside) all the way either. Needless to say, I was a little PO, but thankfully nothing was missing!

Here are a few pictures from my trip! I will post more later!

Golden Gate Bridge

Park below Golden Gate Bridge; view of Alcatraz behind me!

Lombard Street! I had never heard of this...but it was so cool!!

Fisherman's Wharf!

Park from "Full House" (house known as the "Pink Ladies")
BEAUTIFUL VIEW!

Haight Ashbury (Hippie District)!

My baby cousin Louisa...PRECIOUS!!

I LOVED seeing the seals at Pier 39 and will post those pics later this weekend!!!

I'm Back

I got back from my trip late Sunday night!!! Today I volunteered and spoke at our annual Tee off for a Cure Golf Tournament for CF! It was a lot of fun and I will post more about that later! I can definitely feel the jet-lag today and are preparing for another MAJOR MAJOR anatomy lab practical on Wednesday, so will be busy with that, work and more babysitting until then!!! Hopefully on Thursday I can catch everyone up on some things!

The trip was great!! And thankfully, I actually felt REALLY good for it! YAY!!!

We had one of our CF adult patients at UAB get transplanted Sunday! As far as I know he is doing great, but please keep him in your prayers!

Also, I have an appointment this Thursday to check out that fluid around my liver!

Friday Fill-In

Here is this week's Friday Fill-In! Click here if you are interested in participating!!!

1. I have a history of not thinking before I speak sometimes.

2. How to make a kid stop screaming at the top of his lungs just for fun is something I wish I knew.

3. I'm eating (or recently ate) candy corn and cheese.

4. There are too many holes on the road on one of the interstates near by.

5. So that's it, that's all I get????

6. Anything is better than nothing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting, tomorrow my plans include touring San Francisco and visiting my new baby cousin and Sunday, I want to have a smooth plan ride back home!

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I know I am here!

Taking a break!

In case some of you don't know, I left this morning for San Francisco (San Jose) for a babysitting job until Sunday! I left BIRMINGHAM, AL at 6:30 am this morning, and arrived out here in San Jose at 11:30 am (PST). The couple have left on their trip...so I'm now here keeping their little boy until Friday late night or Saturday early morning!

Needless to say, I probably won't be reading blogs too much, and I apologize for not commenting on many this week! It has been a crazy and hectic week!!! I hope everyone has a great rest of the week and weekend!

Babysitting in San Francisco

I have been given the opportunity to fly to San Francisco to babysit for a couple I know! Kind of an odd job...but hey, I'm up for whatever...and you all know how much i love babysitting and kids! From Alabama to California....here I come! This will be my 3rd (well, 4th if you count the medjet flight for transplant)to California! I've never really been anywhere else (with the exception of Florida for the beach)in the United States. I think it's kind of funny, because California is practically the farthest state from where i live! (except Hawaii). I never imagined I would travel to CA the many times I have and to Mexico! And this has all just happened in the last few years!

So...I am flying out to San Fran/San Jose on October 1st through Sunday October 4th! I am keeping a little 2 yr old Thursday night through Saturday morning! The couple I'm babysitting for doesn't really have any family out there to keep their little boy, and they have been wanting to take this particular trip for a while now. The trip (hiking trip) involves staying overnight and not exactly the right settings for a 2 year old! So she asked me :)

They are paying for my flight; I'm staying at their house!! And...they are paying me to babysit! Great deal if you ask me! On Saturday, she is taking me into the city to sight see, etc. I'm really excited! As you may recall, our trip to San Fran for the CF Conference back in July got canceled. And although I'll be working part of this trip, I feel like it is almost a little blessing from God!

To make it even better, my cousin and cousin-law, who live in the San Francisco area, are having a baby the 1st week of September (if she arrives on time). So I'm hoping that I will get to see my new little baby cousin at that time as well!

So that is my good news to share with you!