Sunday, January 31, 2010

A fresh start

The first dip into a brand new beautiful butter.
Is it wierd to post a picture of butter?
I kinda figure, well, I enjoyed the moment, so I had to share.
How I love fresh starts.
In all forms.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Pizza and cider

Since we went out on Tuesday, we had a little post-anniversary dinner at home tonight. I am not so good at making dinner every night, so when I do, I try to make up for it by making something semi-homemade. Tonight was a random collection - pizza, caesar salad, pineapple, apple/grapefruit juice, and sparkling cider.


The next two are courtesy of my lovely and talented husband. I love how creative he is, and how it expresses itself in many little ways.

I also love that we drink sparkling cider out of wine glasses. Have we ever drank wine? A couple times when Ali lived here. But otherwise, these glasses get next to no use. Which is fine with me, since I'm not big into alcohol. I love that J is with me on this one. So, we sipped sparkling cider together. PS - I forgot you don't necessarily fill the glass to the brim. We could only drink half. :-)

Thanks for being my dinner buddy honey.

Dear John,

Thank you for my beautiful flowers from the flower shop on Tuesday. And for surprising me and coming home early before I had a chance to beautify for you. I love when you come home early.

I love my flowers. How did you know? They are beautiful on our counter and make me smile every time I look at them. Thank you for the little note you wrote with the flowers, too. You know I love the personal touches.

Thanks for the best anniversary, aka, "you're the best wife ever" card. I love being married to you. Thank you also for my yummy amazing truffles. Thanks for knowing I don't like nuts or coconut or any of those crazy things, and for getting me the best box of chocolate with none of the wierdness and all of the perfection that chocolate is meant to be.

And thanks for asking me to the Keith Urban concert years ago. Thanks for marrying me 2 years and 3 days ago. And thanks for sticking by me day after day. I love you for it all. And more.

Love, Jordanna

a not-so-favorite part of school

UPDATE: I emailed the lady who created the nursing theory, and she emailed back!! She's like famous. And, there is no other published research on my topic, which is what I was looking for. So, I am not crazy!

Well. The ultimate student claim.

I have to write a research paper.

Ugh. Seriously. I hate research papers. Not so much the writing part (although I don't love that) - I even got published once during my first degree conquest (aka, past life).

But the research. I can't find articles. I don't know what search terms to use. I don't even know where to start. So I spend hours wasting time, so it feels, looking for who knows what. I recognize this about myself. Which is why I am going into a profession that doesn't require me doing research, or writing. I thought.

Anyway, today I visited my alma mater to get some professional help in the library. Yes, I actually made an appointment with the librarian at the school I no longer go to. And she was, semi-helpful. Although, I got an alumni library card. How cool do I feel. :)

But then I got an email from her later today. She had "looked into" it a bit more for me and had a couple more suggestions. Regardless of whether that helped, I just thought it was cool that she took time to try to help.

I want to remember to take the time to help others. Even if it is my job. I want to go above and beyond my call of duty.

Now if only I didn't still need to find research.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

2 years of marriage, and counting

Two years ago today, I married my best friend. I eagerly anticipated our little life together - setting up our little apartment (my first!), dreams that would become unified, a love that would grow, a future of pets, kids, jobs, homes, friends, and lots of fun.

Today, I look back and and see that I love my husband so much more now than I did when I married him. I am thankful for love that continues to grow, patience and laughter, hugs and heart-to-hearts. I'm thankful for a renewed understanding of marriage and what it means to truly love. Second to becoming a Christian, marrying John was the best decision of my life.

In honor of January 26th, 26 of the many reasons I love J.

1. He takes out the trash.
2. He always makes me smile when I'm sad.
3. He provides for me.
4. He supports my random but much needed frozen yogurt runs.
5. He holds my hand in church. And everywhere else. Anytime, anywhere. And his hand is just the right size.
6. He listens to me talk about my day, and shares his with me.
7. He's brilliant - he knows how to do pretty much everything (except nursing, although he knows more than I thought ;-).
8. He plays a mean guitar.
9. He supports my nursing dream.
10. He really loves the Lord.
11. He prays with me.
12. He calls me J. And hun and bun and beautiful and sweetheart and my wife.
13. He gives the best hugs. We fit perfectly together.
14. He loves Emma like a daughter.
15. He lets me teach him about diseases and pregnancy and mental disorders and other irrelevant nursing information.
16. He lets me wear yummy smelling lotion before bed even though it's not his favorite.
17. He cuddles with me.
18. He gets the mail.
19. He's always thinking of the next business venture for us.
20. He loves my family.
21. He has a great family who has welcomed me with open arms.
22. He lets me navigate in the car.
23. He wears jeans every day (and don't forget your cute khakis today, hun).
24. He makes amazing chicken quesadillas and breakfast potatoes.
25. He loves the cold weather and hates roller coasters, just like me.
26. He loves me with all of his heart. He lives the inscription in his wedding ring - Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

I love you, Mr. McGovern. Happy Anniversary!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Curly hair... rain, and Emma

I've always wanted curly hair, like Jessi's hair. She can make the cutest crazy buns, or stick a barette in it, and it looks professionally done. Or straight hair, like Katie's. It curls perfectly and dries without the need for a blow dryer and straightener. But not wavy hair. I wanted it to be one or the other. I probably would have said the opposite if I had curly or straight hair. Oh well. I'm content.

Emma has wavy hair too. And she's content with that. Because she's cute. We tell her all the time.

Emma has hair like me. Wavy and kinda crazy, a bit rough and wild. I love it. And like me, hers gets a bit curly in the rain. Except, much more so than mine.

I love curly hair. And Emma. And the rain. So all three together delighted my heart.

She seriously melts my heart!

Happy 80th, Bud!

Today, Steve's dad turns 80.

Bud is one of the funniest guys I know. He has had a rough few years of big surgeries and is such a trooper. I am so proud of him.

Happy birthday Bud! I am thankful to be a part of your special family. Here's to you. :)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

So ... yeah

[disclaimer] I've got nothing profound today. Just some random thoughts. More a stream of consciousness kind of thing. I tried to think of what moment stuck out today. But then I realized, there were lots of moments today. So here's a glimpse into my chaos of thoughts and events that make up the moments.

It's raining. Gosh I love the rain. I sure wish it would have thundered all day. Although Emma didn't like the one big clap we got. But it only rained half the day. Oh well. I can't be picky. I'm in Sandy Eggo after all. So, God, thanks for the rain. And thanks for letting me be home in it. That was pretty lucky. I am in the coolest bible study ever with the neatest girls. I love it. I love them and I love Wednesdays because of it. Emma is driving me crazy. She won't go to the bathroom in the rain! Seriously. We stand out there for 20 minutes of wet rain and freezing wind. And she shakes her head. And picks up sticks. And eats them as fast as she can before I take them away. And runs from leash end to leash end while I look like a lunatic dog owner. Yah yah. I have control of my dog people. Don't worry about it. That's what I think when I get the looks from the neighbors. But seriously, she is so stinking cute. And her hair is curly in the rain. Especially her face. I love it. I thought I was done writing papers. But apparently not. I have an entire class this semester dedicated to discussions and writing papers and editing them. I got a whole degree in this stuff. But I guess I didn't write about nursing theories, so it doesn't count. Oh well. Good news is, I was semi-productive today. 3 study guides, 2 paper critiques, some organization, and bible stuff. And, I start clinical Saturday. Yah Saturday. Kinda a bummer. Oh well. It's only 7 weeks. "Postpartum obstetrics." AKA, moms after they have their babies. Should be fun. Although, I seriously doubt they are gonna want a nursing student taking an hour to do their brand new baby's assessment. Oh well. I'll get faster. I gotta come up with some good conversation starters. Is it wierd that I'm excited about the new OB NCLEX review book I got? I made eggs and toast today. I thought that was pretty domestic. And valentine pre-cut cookies. Yep. They're the best. And yes, I need to go to the grocery store. Poor little Gizmo got stuck outside in the rain today. J and I almost adopted him. Cute cat. Have I mentioned how much I love my husband? He is so cute. And gosh my sister makes me laugh. And my nursing friends when I get 21 "reply to all" emails in a row with one liner responses. Hey, at least I have mail. I'll take it.

Well, I guess I'm not that exciting after all. Oh well.
Happy almost Friday!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Taken, with commentary

Have I mentioned how much I love my sister?

[short story] She was in town this weekend for Steve's birthday and spent the night at our house Saturday night. We watched a super scary movie, and she told me exactly what was going to happen before it happened (the only way I will watch a slightly nervewracking movie). We had a ton of fun together.

[long story] Saturday night we had a little get-together for Steve's birthday. Carly had bought a bluRay, accidentally. Well, J's new Christmas present led him to want the movie. He pulled $8 out of his wallet, I contributed my $1, and we purchased Taken. J and C were ready to watch it that night. They convinced me to watch it with them, on the condition that Carly would spend the night and tell me when any scary things would happen.

Well. She came through. She was exactly right every time. And so, I will trust her with my future viewing needs. :)

I seriously love spending time with my sister. The 3 of us have so much fun together. I'm so thankful for such a fun and spontaneous sister. And thankful that she likes to be with me. And J.

Love you, sis. Thanks for being my shoulder to shield my eyes when it got scary. I realize normally a husband might play this role, but my sister is the tougher one (love you honey) so I went for her this time around.

Ahh, fun times.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

My little helper

Today after clinical, I came home to find that John had stood in a long line at the post office to mail a package for me, so that I wouldn't have to do it. And then, he got me Yogurt Mill. Cappuccino and vanilla with chocolate chips. Maybe my favorite combination of things ever. Which I would have taken a picture of if I hadn't devoured it like I did.

It means so much when he does little [big!] things like that.

Thanks honey for being so thoughtful, and for running my errands for me. And thanks for thinking of me and remembering to take the coupon, and getting us yogurt for lunch.

Reason #1476 why I love John: He eats frozen yogurt for lunch with me.
Reason #1477 why I love John: He mails my packages for me.
Reason #1478 why I love John: He plays Mario with me until the cows come home. Or until I get too frustrated to continue. Which usually comes first.

I love you, J!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Yo yo yo, this is for Stevie!

He has the funniest sense of humor.
He listens attentively.
He is wise, wise, wise.
He isn't afraid to laugh.
He's the king of marketing.
He taught me all I know about baseball.
He is a spiritual leader.
He cares about his family.
He loves me lots and lots.

He is a great example of a man, husband, father, and friend.
Steve is the best stepdad ever.

Happy birthday, Stevie! I love you!



Top 10 from the week

1. [Almost] 1 week down, 13 weeks + 1 semester + 1 exam to go to becoming a nurse!
2. John is home, safe and sound from his little business travels.
3. Emma did [fairly] well on her first official 'training' walk.
4. An encouraging bible study with amazing women of God.
5. Good conversations with good friends.
6. I get to mentor the sweetest new nursing student ever.
7. Miguel's for dinner... welcome home J!
8. Family time and looking forward to seeing my sister tomorrow.
9. School is so much better than last semester.
10. I sold 3 books online!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Listen to My voice

Tonight was Emma's first obedience class. Well, we went last week, but this was the first week she got to come. And man was I nervous for her. J had to meet us there, and I talked to her the entire way there.

It's gonna be ok Em. There will be lots of doggies there, but Mommy and Daddy will be there, just listen to my voice Em.

I prayed with her in the car in the parking lot.

We waited for J to get there and boy was she excited to see him. Then they said, spectators to the side. Only one trainer. J said, go for it. So he went to the side, and I stayed with her.

We had to line up with the other dogs and "heel" down the asphalt. She got to go with the little dogs. She was so good. She walked with me and listened to my voice.

I cried when we got back and the big dogs took their turn, and I hugged her and told her how proud of her I was. I looked at my proud husband standing on the sidelines smiling, and I returned the smile through wet eyes.

Gosh I'm ridiculous.

I love my dog like I birthed her. Have I mentioned that? Just wait til I have kids.

The first day of kindergarten is gonna be rough.

Heck, the first day doing anything new is gonna be rough. Riding in a car seat. Sleeping in a big girl/boy bed. Going to the doctor. Crawling.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father...[The sheep] will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd." John 10: 14-16

Some days are rougher than others. Sometimes letting go is hard to do. Sometimes I have to trust that someone else knows better than me. Like these dog trainers. And my God.

He has a plan that is bigger and better than anything I could come up with on my own. He's shown himself to be faithful and true, when I listen to His voice. I am His sheep and He is my Shepherd. I need Him to lead me like Emma needs me to lead her. I need to hear His voice.

Thanks, God, for using my dog to remind me yet again of your simple truths.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Ready set go... part 2

Well, I think I've tied up all the ends of what I wanted to do over break. At least most things. There's always something. But I think I'm ready. J too. He has to go back to work tomorrow. I think we're ready.

We talked more about our goals over coffee and donuts. We wrote out 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year goals. We are such planners. :)

I spent time with Jesus in the morning. I'm thankful for women in my bible study that keep me accountable to that.

I cleaned. Everything. The bathrooms. The floor. Luigi's cage. The sheets and towels and clothes.

I organized. My dresser and closet. My school stuff (including my adorable new pink folder!). Receipts.

I hung pictures (partly with J's help). In the bathroom and in the hall. This makes me very happy to have things on my walls. Thanks Mom for the cute decorations! My Grammie made the heart hanging. She is very talented.
I had leftovers with J.

We took Emma for her walks. I tried to train her on a walk. We had... semi-luck.

J and I had some great conversation time.

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13b-14

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:36

Ready or not.... here goes part two of nursing school. 2 down, 2 to go! Next up - labor and delivery and pediatrics!

Lord, we are doing this together. Thanks for letting me be on your team.

Pray for the trial this week to repeal Prop 8. There are spiritual battles going on that we cannot see, and we are called to pray.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Saturday, January 9, 2010

12 Moments that created Saturday

~ Emma's morning walk
~ Shopping with my husband
~ I used a Christmas gift card to get boots which are so soft inside :)
~ Pat and Oscars for lunch
~ Nap time with John and Emma
~ A brief chat with my sister
~ A cute email from my grandma
~ J took Emma on her second walk for me
~ Church
~ Dinner with J's family
~ A heart to heart life chat with J
~ Our most recent family photo with my best friend and favorite little snuggle pup, using J's new remote controller (thanks, Grandma!)
Man I wish I didn't have to go back to school on Monday. But I remember the end-game. One day it will all be worth it!

Friday, January 8, 2010

A new home for 'Moments'

The short story:

jordannamcgovern.blogspot.com is now www.jordannamcgovern.com! And it has a new look!

We are still working out the little quirks, so the look may still be changing a bit, but for now you can access "Moments" at my website.

The long story:

So my husband is the coolest nerd ever (in all love) and bought me a website with my name in it after we got married.

I made fun of him for his own website for quite some time prior to me having my own website.

Then there was our wedding website (which was actually super cool).

I had a wedding consulting semi-website for awhile, and J had a couple websites he created.

The point is, I realized websites are a way of life for our family. And man does it help to have someone who can read and translate 'symbol.'

Anyway, he somehow redirected my blog to my website. You can now find my blog here at www.jordannamcgovern.com!

Thanks, honey!!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Welcome to the USA, Mr. Flashlight

A few weeks back, I decided to bid on my first ebay item all on my own. I've bid on a couple things, but it always makes me nervous so John has to encourage me to click the "bid now" button.

This time though, I got brave. The $1.99 price tag with free shipping definitely helped. An LED flashlight keychain. In green. It was perfect. Now I would finally have a fully functional keychain that I could fend off intruders with. :)

And I would also be getting some mail. Which I love.

J asked me later that day if I had bid on a flashlight on ebay. I forgot he got the confirmation email. I smiled. He laughed. I told him how cool it was going to be. He laughed.

Three weeks later, it came. I thought it had gotten lost in the mail. But then I saw how far it had to travel.

All the way from Hong Kong, China to San Diego, California in the USA.

I had ordered an international item. And it came complete with a customs form. In a tiny brown envelope. Straight from the manufacturer.

We had ourselves a good laugh.

I turned it on. It worked the first three times. Now it works, oh, 40% of the time. So I figure, it will save me 1 out of 2 times. That's not bad.

It's the little things. Totally worth the $2.

Oh puppy, how I love thee

People may think we are ridiculous. But we talk to Emma like she's our kid. And we talk about her like she's our most prized possession. Because she is.

It has been so fun to get to hang out with her over this break. We took her to the park today. She loved it. Of course. She rode in my lap on the way there.

We, seriously, are in love with our dog. And I love it.

It's going to be so fun to get to be a real mom one day. To have real kids. AND a dog. Or two.

Gosh it's fun to look forward to things. And still be content and at peace with where we are now. And I am.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Thankful for the Repairman

Today J and I took our cars to the shop for their check up. John was proud that his '97 camry was in tip top condition. My sweet explorer, however, needed a bit of tune up. They changed the transmission fluid and some cap to something, and heck if I can remember the name, or what it does.

It was rough to watch. When we picked up J's car, I saw mine in the shop, with the hood up and some boxes sitting on it. I said to J, oh it hurts to see it like that.

But it worked. And my beautiful blue car smiled at me as I hopped in it, feeling as good as new.

And I got to thinking.

God is our repairman. Sometimes (many times) I have to go to the shop. He prunes me so I can be more fruitful. And it's tough to go through. And to watch.

But He prunes us to be more fruitful. He is the vine. We are His branches. We can only bear fruit if we remain in Him. John 15.

It's tree trimming season. Winter. They just clipped all the leaves off the trees in our complex. Like, all of them. So I am seeing this first hand. And I know it is rough for those branches to feel bare and exposed. But in just a few months, they will be more beautiful than ever. I can see the bigger picture.

That is the cool thing about God. He knows what will be in a few months. He can see the biggest picture. That is why I trust Him to do the pruning. To be my Repairman.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Treasures on the table

John and I have been taking advantage of a little time off together to chef up some meals for ourselves.

We made the "perfect sandwich," according to John. :)
I tried homemade potato cheese soup (it's so convenient when we like the same things).
We had pasta and veggies for dinner tonight, and finished up with a homemade white chocolate dream ice blended from my all time favorite coffee shop, thank you Carly!
It was pretty good. But no one makes it like Coffee Bean.

If only vacation lasted forever. I'll enjoy it while I can! Before the chaos begins again next Monday...
At least I have these two to keep me sane and remind me to be thankful.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

A fresh perspective

I love new outlooks on life. I love seeing new people look at life in different ways. And appreciate different things. Worship in different ways. Love in other circumstances.

This New Years, I went to my church I grew up at for a little celebration with some African American gospel groups. It was in the middle of the night. Literally, as in 12:30AM to 3:30AM. Not a typical "Jordanna" thing. Jordanna is tired at 8 and ready for bed at 9. But I decided to be different.

I got to see another culture, another life, another way to worship the Father. I got to experience life as others see it. I got to be real. You know what I love? That they raise their hands whenever they feel led. It's not about what other people are thinking. They stand when they feel led to stand. They don't look around the room to see if others are standing first. They agree out loud. If I said "mmm hmmm" or "preach it" or "yesss" during a sermon or prayer at my church, I'm pretty sure five people in the congregation would look at me with a what are you doing look.

And that's ok. It's ok that people are different and worship differently.

But sometimes, it's ok to worship unafraid. To love from the heart. To dance. To sing loud. To "amen" something.

If it's real. And let's let God be the judge of that. I want Him to see me for who I am. I want a pure heart for Him. I am inspired by my other brothers and sisters in Christ. To live like no one's watching.

It really doesn't matter what people think. Because it's for the Lord. He is the reason for everything.
Thank you Lord for being the reason.

Happy New Year!