Shoes

Some are passionate about clothes. For others, it's jewelry. Still, some prefer handbags.

I love shoes.

Ever since I was little, if I had the right shoe, I could be or do anything. It seemed to me that by wearing the perfect shoe, I would then have the mind-frame to accomplish any given task. You put on the shoe, you transform into that perfect person. I could score a goal in my soccer game, if I had my cleats tied up tight. I could pirouette, pique, or plie like the best the minute I slipped my dance shoes on. And I was a bullet in the water while wearing my fins.

For whatever role I'm playing, I need to have the perfect shoe. (Random thought, but ironically enough, Cinderella is my least favorite Disney Princess. Shoe envy, I guess.) There are many important roles that we play during our life, and I want to share with you some of the shoes that I wear during the week.

This pair is one of my favorite pairs to wear to church. You can't go wrong with a little peep-toe, especially in summertime!

This sassy set is one I like to wear for date night. I like to dress up nice to go out with my best friend, and these shoes complete the outfit.

You'll find me in these shoes running up and down the halls of the hospital. I love being a nurse, and I would be miserable after a long night without these shoes.

Here are my running shoes. I've put a few miles on these shoes, and I have many more to go!

Technically, these aren't shoes. But my feet absolutely freeze if I don't wear these when I write. I have to have my fuzzy warm socks on so I can focus on my writing, instead of my popsicle feet.

Let's face it. All of us have more than one pair of shoes in our closet. What type of shoes do you wear during the week?

Happy Birthday to Me!

This year for my birthday, we took a trip with our good friends down to Vegas.

IT. WAS. SO. FUN!

I got to do some shopping and discovered the happiness that is H & M. Unfortunately on our big shopping day, the shopping gods were very unfavorable towards me. Despite that, I managed to scrape by with a few very cute accessories.

For my birthday night, Jess and I went to a "Duelin' Piano" bar. It was literally in this place called "The Pub". If you have never been to a piano bar- GO! It is so much stinking fun! You submit your requests to the pianists-any song you want!- and they play and sing it for you. It's incredible to hear. I think one of my favorite songs that they did that night was 'The Devil went down to Georgia' it was awesome to hear it played on a piano.




If at the bar, they try to offer you any alcoholic beverages, you can always use the pregnancy excuse- even if you aren't pregnant. Which Jess did.

A few requests went up for a few different songs, and they had some requests for birthday people and bachelor party people. Now, when they get up to the stage, the bartender will usually offer them a free drink or some shots. The pianists bang on the lower half of the keyboard while the crowd shouts "Chug! Chug! Chug!" Quite amusing.

Jess submitted a request to them for my Birthday. Luckily, she had mentioned on the piece of paper that I was pregnant (Let's get this straight- NO. I am not pregnant. ) so that I wouldn't have to chug an alcoholic beverage.

So I mosey on up to the stage.

And the guy proceeds to say,"You're pregnant, so soon you will have the opportunity to teach your child all of the fun songs you learned. So let's start back in kindergarten."

He then played "I'm a little Teapot" while I did the actions.

I did them very well.

He then played 'The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and I did the actions for that song too.

He said, "Okay Maria, you've graduated. And now it's Spring Break in Las Vegas. So I want you to put both hands on your hips, and try to make your shoulder blades touch." I complied with his request. He then sang to the tune of "I'm a little Teapot", but changed the lyrics.
It went something like:

I'm a little bimbo, tall and stout.
Give me lots of money and take me out.
When I get all steamed up, I don't put out.
I slam the door and say "Get the heck out!"

I can't remember exactly, but it was funny! Then the whole Pub sang Happy Birthday to me. It was a fun night!

The next night, Tyson gave me one of the best birthday presents EVER. Jess and I dressed up fancy for a phenomenal trip to Mandalay Bay Theater to see the Broadway show:



If you know me, then you know that I bawled during the opening scene. This Disney show is what originally inspired me to go to Africa; going to Africa was one of the best things I've ever done. It was a marvelous gift to be able to see this show because it took me straight back to Africa. It was spectacular. The costumes, scenery and performers took my breath away. If you ever have the opportunity to see this onstage, do it.

Indeed, I had a very Happy Birthday!

Work Update

Work is getting better, I haven't had any more meltdowns.

I'm feeling more comfortable, which is good. They tell you to give yourself a year before you feel really confident.

So I'll give myself a year.

I'm still scared, but hope that with more time I'll gain more experience so that I can be proactive, and not freak out.

Thanks to all for prayers and good thoughts on my behalf.

Love you!