My number one

So my posting is VERY infrequent due to the frequency of things school has me doing...

But this weekend warranted a post.... because so many things happened that have me just bursting at the seams with smiles.

To start off, it was a very hard couple weeks at school. Test scores have not been my friend, assignments are never ending, and clinicals drain every ounce of energy I have left over... After my 8 hour shift last thursday I believe it took me 5 whole seconds to lay on the couch and fall asleep.. for three hours...sorry not sorry...

But anyways, after this crazy stressful week I had the most wonderful weekend and I just want to share it with everyone, because good things come to those who wait... and sometimes God puts things in your life when you reach the breaking point and need them the most.

Boy did I need it.

First my boss gave me Saturday off... just because (YAY) ..so I preceded to plan out my weekend of fun starting with that.... I then realized we didn't have a test on monday for nursing which NEVER happens..

usually my sundays are spent in my apartment, pajama pants on, books out, wine glass by my side (just kidding Mom) pouring over pages of nursing (amazingness) trying to figure out how to remember every  single one of the billion.. seriously billion.. hypertension medications out there.

Friday I got to nanny all day for my ADORABLE 4 month old cousin, and got to spend some time with my mom as she came over to visit her niece (and favorite child).

PS babies are a lot of work... wait a while to get knocked up... seriously, just babysit for a baby all day and your legs will be CLOSED.

Saturday I picked up a cake for my friend Sara, grabbed Starbucks, which was graciously paid for by a neighbor who happened to be behind me in line, ran over to her house, and helped her prep for her "girls" party later that day.

I then ran a few more errands, had lunch/coffee with a friend, went to Sara's for the fabulous party, donned my St. Patricks day gear and headed over to my aunt and uncle's St. Paddy's Day party for the night. I was able to see many extended family members that I don't often see, and shared many giggles (and drinks) with the fabulous Dillon clan.

SISTAH SISTAHH

LOVE my uncles.

Sunday I again had my coffee paid for at caribou this time by the very cute barista (male version?) who said.."its your birthday today right? (Cue Maria's puzzled expression) , right yeah happy birthday! You get a free drink! So sweet!

My sister and I then headed downtown to see my cousins perform with their irish dance company at the landmark center. We were able to see even more extended family on my other side, bringing many cousin hugs and catch up sessions.

My heart just gushes watching these girls grow as performers and as young women, and I am so blessed to be able to spend so much time with them during the summer and see them grow through the school year.

I could not be more proud!


I then got a text saying that my U10 girls hockey team that I had gotten so close to last year had made it to the state championship and their game was at 4.

The perfect timing for me to go home, change, and head out to the rink to watch those dear girls play their hearts out. I was unable to help with their team this year due to my school load, and only made a couple games, yet it worked out perfectly for me to make their last game and see them win the state title! Oh boy do i miss seeing those adorable faces every week!

I adore these girls and their wonderful families!

So in a nutshell, it was a weekend full of unexpectedness, new friends, old friends, family, blessings, coffee, and joy.

I KNOW that sounds so cheesy but this weekend gave me just the energizer I needed, and the reminder that no matter how hard things get, just look around and notice all the good things in your life, because THAT is why you work your butt off... to make those people proud.

All the nursing professors say "School should be your number one". No, school is not my number one, yes it is my priority, but my family and friends are my number one. Because if I didn't have all of those people in my life cheering me on, I would not have made it this far in the program.

School isn't a life, people you love and who love you are a life. Appreciate them.

So thank you to all of the people I saw this weekend, thank you for being part of my number one.

Happy Living
~M