CHRISTMAS IN INDIANA

Christmas this year was bittersweet for my family. We are all missing my grandpa and feeling his absence. On the other hand, I got to spend some good quality time with a couple of friends, as well as my family on Christmas day. We had a great time hanging out, playing games, and just being with each other. Mom made a fantastic Christmas dinner too. Christmas night it began to snow! It was so peaceful...watching the cold white stuff cover everything. I had hoped for a white Xmas, and it happened!
We thought we were flying back on Tuesday afternoon, but our airplane had some kind of mechanical problem. So our flight was canceled and Randy and I ended up staying all night in Indianapolis in a hotel the airline chose. We went downtown Indy, ate dessert and had drinks in a rotating restaurant in one of the hotel high rises. Talk about romantic! The next morning, we flew out of Indy at 6 am (3 am California time), had a layover in Atlanta GA, then in Austin TX, and FINALLY we made it into LA at 1:30pm Wednesday. I ended up coming down with the same cold Randy had for the past week, so I called into work sick on Wednesday night and we both fell asleep by 8 pm. Whew! What a Christmas vacation! Click on the pic above to see more!

Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas!

To my dear family and friends:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Since I have to work most of this week before we take off to Indiana on Friday, I just wanted to spread some cheer. Click on the above pic for our California Christmas pictures. Look for Indiana Christmas pics after we return!

Hope you have a wonderful, safe, and blessed Christmas!

Check these out!

Follow the links to new pics of our sleepover with Levi and Conrad, Thanksgiving celebration, or Randy's last softball game of the season.

Can I just say how excited I am that the Christmas season is FINALLY here?!?!?!
Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Randy Has a Point

After I made a typical "midwestern" grammatical error tonight, and after Randy got finished correcting me, I asked him, "Oh gosh- what will our kids be like?".
His reply?
"They probably won't be able to stand themselves."

World's Highest Website

Check it out!

It's a sad, sad day at our house

Randy, Nick, and Andy took off work tomorrow so that they could sit all night long outside Target, so that when the store opens tomorrow they would be able to each buy a brand spankin' new Playstation 3. I went by Target today around 12 noon, and already there's a line of about 20 people waiting to buy the 12 the store was selling. I went to KMart then, and the electronics guy told me that they were supposed to get 2 but he had just received a call that none would be coming. He did have some advice, though- he said he had just talked to someone at Sam's Club and they had theirs in stock already, and the line outside the store wasn't long at all. So, off I went to Sams and low and behold- 2 people were in line! I was excited- I called Randy and he was excited too- but all hope faded fast as the first guy in line told me that the manager had just come out and said that they only have one to sell- maybe another will come overnight. That's one. A single solitary Playstation. That means one of the guys in a line of two will be able to get one. What a crock of you-know-what. I went home and called every store in Ventura County that would possibly get some in, and most of them said they were getting 2 or 3 but had lines atleast 20 people long. Fryes' manager said that store was getting 20 consoles, but 40 people were already in line. I even called stores in Indiana where my sister lives, her best friend lives, and my parents live (three separate towns). Same story there- 20 people for every 1-2 consoles. I'm holding out hope that my step-dad's friend who is a manager at Target will be able to get one for him. But, as the old saying goes, I won't be counting my eggs until they're hatched.

Sorry Randy. I tried. I think we should just boycott Sony for good. Corporate jerks (that's the nicest thing that can be said about them).

Grandpa's Memorial Service

Randy and I got back from Indiana yesterday. Grandpa's memorial service was filled with laughter, tears, and lots of family and friends. It was beautiful. Click on the pic above to see a visual of the weekend.

A new fun thing to do and waste time with!!!!!

YEAH!!!! Randy and I received a VERY special gift from Andy and his wife Angie, our neighbors and one of Randy's best friends: A NINTENDO DS!!!! Woo hoo. We are both really excited. Good thing our parents taught us how to share.

Grandpa is gone...

...but will never be forgotten.

I know I will see him again.

Conrad and Nick's Birthday Party

I know that I'm a little late getting these up, but this is really the first time I've had to download pics since I've been back from Indiana. I really had a good time at the party, despite what was going on in my own family life in Indiana. Thank you to everyone at the party for cheering me up, praying for my family, and thank you to Melanie for spending the day with me and taking me to the airport. You all rock and I'm so blessed to have great family and friends like you. :-)

Enjoy the pics!

"Little Miss Sunshine"...

...is an excellent movie! Randy and I went and saw it tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. There were sad parts (Randy even cried once) and absolutely hilarious parts. Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear and the rest of the cast were brilliant. We give it four thumbs up!

The best part of the movie was that some of it was filmed at Ventura's very own Crowne Plaza Hotel and the pier. Everyone in the theatre, including us, were surprised and started laughing when it started showing the hotel and surrounding areas. I didn't know that they had filmed here- why wasn't I notified???!?!?!

Go see it if you can put up with some swearing. Or wait until it hits ABC Family, fully edited, in 5 years. It'll still be a great movie then too.

My chances of twins are looking even better!

Check out this new study!

Can you say Misplaced Priorities?!?!?

Ok- here comes one of my rantings.

Why in hell did New Orleans (and/or Louisiana government, and/or the NFL, and whomever else) spend $185,000,000 to clean up, remodel, and reopen a stadium when half the population remaining there and left homeless from Hurricane Katrina is still living in substandard housing (if they are even that lucky)???? Shouldn't the government be spending all those millions of dollars on something worthwhile, such as scraping bacteria and mold off the streets, rebuilding/remodeling hospitals and the healthcare system in New Orleans, and, well anything else besides an entertainment complex?!?!?!? What is wrong with this picture????!!!!!!!!!!!

I would like a justifiable answer please. Not just "if you build it, they will come" or "It's good for city morale". What a crock of s*#@!

Ok ranting has commenced.

Patients Say the Darndest Things

Conversation I had today with a patient:
Me: "Hi- I'm Kristi"
Patient: "How do you spell your name?"
Me: "K-R-I-S-T-I"
Patient: "Oh! That's how my friend spells her name. Only she's skinny."

Happy International World Peace Day

Peace out, brothers and sisters. Put flowers in your hair, paint smiles and peace signs on your VW vans, and hold hands while singing Koom-bye-yah today. Pretend that all God's children are celebrating.

Next time we have a party,

I want these!

HAPPY 30th ANNIVERSARY, RANDY AND JACQUIE!!!!

Since today, September 18th, is their anniversary, this post is dedicated to two of the most loving people I know- my husbands parents, Randy and Jacquie. You both are loved by everyone and I am so grateful that I married into such a wonderful family.

This past weekend, we threw Randy and Jacquie a surprise 30th anniversary party. It was a giant feat to attempt, since usually we can't put anything past them. No one spoiled the secret, however, invitations were sent, and the party was on. After a long dinner in Ojai, we showed up at the Bang's house and SURPRISE!!!! Randy and Jacquie were surrounded by people who love them and have shared their life and love with them over the past 30 years.

Go see the pictures!

Something to make you....

...appreciate what you have....

Where is WD-40 when you need it?

I hate getting the cart at the grocery store with the bum wheel. The incessent squeal while shopping is like driving around town with your car horn stuck.

Yes, that was me at Vons on Thompson at 10 this morning, just in case you heard me rearing the corner if the frozen foods section.

Lord of the Rings

After failing miserably at watching LOTR a few years back (I fell asleep both times), Randy and I finally watched the triology over this past week, finishing up late last night with "Return of the King". I really liked the movies' plots, but at the end I just wished they'd all stop fighting and get over it. I didn't want to see any more orcs get their heads smashed off, and I was tired of Frodo and his attitude. Sam had to have a lot of patience to put up with a whiny, lazy brat like Frodo. I just wanted the hobbits to get back to the Shire, Gollum to be dead, and for Liv Tyler to hook up with Stridor (and for Eowyn to back off of him- he's taken!!!!). Don't get me wrong- I liked the movies, but they were way too long I think. Plus, the only thing I keep on asking is why couldn't Gandolph's special eagle friend just take Frodo to the volcano and let him throw the ring off in the first place? I've never read the books, but is Frodo portrayed as an idiot as much as he is in the film?

Finally- New Pics!

I have been back from Indiana for a week now but finally I had time to upload some new pics from when I went to Indiana for my high school reunion and when I got Lasik done on my eyes. Have fun looking!

I'm home!

The entire apartment is sparkly and shiny. Thanks pookie!

I'll post the pics of my reunion and trip on Friday when I have time and am not jetlagged. Yes, three hours does make a difference, especially since I have been up since 1:30 am California time.
Isn't it time for bed yet?

I'm hoping and praying.....

...that my airplane pilot takes off on the correct runway tomorrow morning. Just a thought.

I LOVE REAL STORMS

I am here in Indiana right now, listening to the rain pouring outside the window. The lightning is bright and the thunder is loud. Just found out that there's a tornado watch out tonight. For those of you who do not know what a tornado watch is, basically the conditions are perfect for a tornado to form but none have been spotted.

It's been a really long time since I have enjoyed a good Indiana summer rain storm, and I'm loving it! The good thing? Atleast if a tornado comes in the middle of the night, I can see now (without relying on my glasses) to get myself into the hallway or into our crawlspace. The crawlspace is probably filled with spiders and that would be way too much for me to handle. I prefer our hallway, although dragging the mattress out to cover us is a pain.

I miss "my" Randy and wish he was experiencing this with me.

Enough ramblings for now. Gotta go to bed so I can listen to the rain and drift to sleep.

See at last! See at last! Thank God Almighty, I see at last!!!

Today, I got Lasik done on my eyes. And I can see! For the first time since 3rd grade, I have been able to see without any correction whatsoever. The procedure itself was pretty quick with a little bit of discomfort, and my eyes are still a little itchy/swollen, and I had to keep my eyes closed for 4 hours afterward to let my eyes heal (thanks Pookie for leading your blind wife around and feeding her. And for taking pictures- which will be posted later). It was all worth it to be able to look at the trees and see leaves again without glasses. I can look at the horizon and see the fine line where the ocean ends and the sky begins. I can read things farther than six inches from my face. Woo Hoo! This has been the happiest day of my life since I married my best friend.
Things didn't start out so great with Jacquie falling and breaking her arm this morning. We went in for our surgeries at the same time- me for repairment of sight and her for repairment of a crushed radius. She's doing ok now, all doped up post-op at the hospital , recovering.

What a day!

It's about time!

Our porch is FINALLY getting redone thanks to our apartment complex's handyman Jason. We were promised this when we moved in in March and a miracle occurred and our landlord actually sent the guy over today to do it. And we didn't have to threaten her or anything, but I was just about to.
Y''all are gonna have to come over and check it out once I get some flowers and stuff out there.

A GREAT TIME CAMPING

We went to Mammoth to camp this past weekend and I think everyone had a blast. Between the rain, freezing cold nights, beautiful sights and sounds of the mountains and Yosemite, and the snow/freezing rain that we got to play in, it was an AWESOME vacation!!!!
There's never a dull moment with our group. Even to the end, when we woke up to a bear in our camp, we had our fill of excitement. Woo hoo! We saw a bear!
Click on the bear below to see the rest of the pics.

All Cleaned and Ready for Inspection, Ma'am!

Yep, my mom is coming to town. And she's staying with us (thank you Randy- I love you pookie!). This is the first time since our wedding that she will be out here in good ol' Ventura. I have spent the last 2 days cleaning things as spotless as they can get in our old apartment building that hasn't been painted in years. Four words: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. The thing is a M-I-R-A-C-L-E!!! I don't know what they put in those little sponges, but whatever it is, works really well on all the black marks on the walls.

It's Officially Official!!!!

The one and only bugg is a real REGISTERED NURSE!!!!! I found out today! Check it out! (just enter my name and viola!).

And, I would like to say that I LOVE my job. It's awesome. I'm learning so much and can't believe I am where I'm at. Cottage is a great place to work, and I feel as though I'm making some small difference in this crazy world.

I did almost puke due to the stink of one of my patient's poop the other day. If you think that regular poop smells bad, you should smell chemo poop.
WOO-EEE!!!!!!

I love the other nurses I work with and feel like I'm meant to be there. And, the good thing is, the 12 hour shifts go pretty quickly. My feet and legs kill me by the end of the shift though. I have very Dr Scholls orthopedic shoes but sometimes the most comfortable shoes at the beginning of the shift just don't cut through the tiredness of running around for 12 hours.

I was able to talk to a 50 year old cancer patient the other day who has a 15 year old son (hits pretty close to home for me). I told him my experience with my dad and he told me that he's having trouble talking to his son about his cancer and how it's getting worse. I was able to give some insight as to what I went through, what feelings his son might be having, and how to approach the subject of having hope but being realistic. We both had tears in our eyes when we finished our talk (even though he didn't see my tears). I think it may have helped me as much as it helped him. It showed me that my dad will never be far from me, and that I should always take advantage of those moments that I can use his life and my experience to help other people.

I love being a nurse. God please give me the strength to never stop loving what I do, because I was created to do this.

The Doodlebops

I am not usually a Disney Channel watcher, but this morning I came across a show titled "The Doodlebops". Maybe all of you parents out there have heard of the show, or your kids may watch it everyday, but as a non-parent, I was actually impressed by it. At first glance, I thought that someone would have to be either very young or too high on LSD to watch the Doodlebops. But, I was captivated (and I fit neither one of the categories I might add) and thought that it was a great show for kids. Do any of you parents with young kids ever watch this show? It seems to be very educational and entertaining. All I kept on thinking was how much Levi would love it. Check the Doodlebops out!

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!

From all of us here at Pretty Is as Pretty Does, thanks to you viewers and readers for making our first year in Blogland absolutely splendid. It was one year ago today that we first made our mark on this world through interesting thought and exhilarating visuals. And a bunch of mindless ramblings.

Here's to many more years of at-the-edge-of-your-seats-blogging!

CHEERS!

Those Crazy Japanese!

Wish our American pranks were this funny!

By the way: this link should be working now. I've kept you all waiting in suspense.

I Want To Do This

Traveling, or should I say dancing, around the world.

I'm (unofficially) an R.N.!!!!!!

That's right! I passed my test! It's unofficial though because my school hasn't mailed our transcripts yet to the Board of Registered Nursing (B.R.N.) and they can't send me an official license until they get those (GRRRRRRRR!!!!). But, I passed irregardless. :-)
Whew! Sorry to all my friends and family for driving you crazy in my nervousness. I love you all for believing in me when I didn't necessarily believe in myself. I couldn't have done it without you. Snuggleupandkiss, I love you so much and I'm so sorry you are married to such a neurotic wife. xoxo
On to our next endeavour!

Great News!!!!

As of today, there are only 187 days until Christmas! Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Summer Fun: Five Things

5 Things in My Fridge:
Apples
Coke Zero
Lettuce
Slim Fast
Chicken marinating in BBQ

5 Things in My Closet:
Clothes hamper
Jewelry box
3 pairs of sunglasses
4 empty champagne bottles
Clothes hung on hangers

5 Things in My Car:
Randy's shoes
Nurse bag full of dressings, catheter kit, etc...
Nursing careplans
Umbrella
Toy figurines of Elvis and Darth Vader

5 Things in My Purse:
Receipt from Vons
Purell anti-microbial hand gel
Pair of latex gloves
Elvis wallet
Advil

I love my sister

Keri, in the words of Stevie Wonder: "You are the sunshine of my life..."

This blog post is devoted entirely to you, since you don't think I blog enough. Maybe this will keep you from complaining for a little bit. :-)

I love you and miss you!

God is Good, Life is Good

Psalm 65:5-7
You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.

How Many States have you been to?

I have been to 41 (80% of the USA). Only 9 more to go!!!


create your own visited states map

Cruisin' May 2006

I had an awesome time with all my friends on the cruise this past week. Besides forgetting something and having a stressful late start, everything was smooth sailing. We had a total of 18 people in our group (including babies): Me, Randy, Martha, Jared, Nate, Kristen, Conrad, Whitney, another Kristen, Sara, Dan, Avery, Alex, Celeste, Ann, David, Mikee, and Vera. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate a big milestone than with all of you. Thank you for making this trip so special for me....can we do it again next year?!?

Randy and I FINALLY got all of our pics titled and uploaded, just for your viewing pleasure. Click on the pic above and enjoy!

Kristi Went to Indiana...

...and brought back these exhilarating pictures. Take a look!

The Circular Kitchen

Not too sure if I'd like this kitchen, but thought it'd be a cool topic of conversation. Guess you wouldn't have people crowding you in the kitchen while you cook! (scroll down on the website to see pics)

Food for Thought

The proof of God lies within the banana.

I AM FINISHED

My preceptorship/internship for nursing school is over. Kaput. Fini. Finito. Acabado. I am essentially done with (this part of) nursing school, except for a few loose ends I need to tie up. Woo hoo!

Newest Pictures Ready to be Seen!

Here's the link to our pictures. Enjoy!

Sleep

I guess my sleep schedule (of lack of, I should say) finally caught up with me. Last night I slept 13 hours straight, then I took a 45 minute nap during the day. I think that's a world record for me sleeping when I haven't been sick. My best friend Kristen can sleep for like 24 hours straight. She hibernates. I want to be a hibernater. I felt great today, only now I can't go to sleep and it's after 1 am. Oh well, no pressure. I don't have to be at work until 6:30 pm.

What's your sleeping record?

Did You Hear?

Scientists spend $2.4 mil to test the power of prayer in healing. Wonder where they got the money to blow on this "experiment"....

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/health/3760510.html

Night Shift

I have completed 2 night shifts now at the hospital. I love it! I kind of get into a slump at like 5:00am, but then I just refuel or get some caffeine and I'm fine. It is very quiet but, despite what most people think, there are a lot of patients who do not sleep at night. Some of the nurses do though. I can't nap it because I think if I fell asleep I wouldn't be able to truly wake up and be productive. I just try to sleep enough between shifts and chug on through. Maybe once I start working and having kids, the nap breaks will be more enticing.

I want to build an indoor mini-mall complete with food court (with all the traditional favorites), clothes stores, movie theatre, and other fun things for all the people out there who work the night shift. Night shift cops, nurses, housekeeping, military personnel, factory workers, firefighters, etc... all need places to go and hang out at 3-4 am when they aren't working.

Sorry I'm rambling in this blog. I've been up all night and all day and I'm pretty tuckered out. Goodnight! (or is it good morning????)

HAPPY TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY RANDOLPH!

I love you more than words will every say. You have made my life wonderful and I look forward to many more years (like atleast 80) with you.

Missing you tonight, Pookie Bear. xoxo

Thank You!

Randy and I finally moved this past weekend to a much much bigger place. We wouldn't have been able to get it all done if it hadn't been for the following people: Jacquie, Randy Sr., Martha, Jared, Nick, Jen, Andy, and John. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (Randy thanks you too!)- we couldn't have asked for better friends/family. We love you!
We really appreciate all your help! :-)

I'm Back!

Did ya miss me?

Inundate

in·un·date (nn-dt, nn-)
tr.v. in·un·dat·ed, in·un·dat·ing, in·un·dates

1. To cover with water, especially floodwaters.

2. To overwhelm as if with a flood; swamp (ex: Kristi is inundated with nursing school).

(Source: www.thefreedictionary.com)

Something to Bring a Tear to Your Eye

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/videos/autistic-guy-basketball1.html

Even Randy shed a tear on this one. Get the kleenex ready!
(You may have to click on "If video does not play, click here to download" in order to watch)

Life

Today I helped code (bring back to life) a 30 day old baby boy.
He survived. Praise God!

Another day in the life of a nurse.

New Pictures!

Death Valley 2006.

Hooray for Scientific Advances in Corneal Reshaping!!!

Before Lasik

After Lasik

Today I went for my Custom View Wavefront Technology Lasik free consultation. I am a "perfect" candidate (the doctor's words, not mine) and plan on throwing away my old glasses by the end of May. Yippee! I have no idea what it means to open your eyes in the morning and actually be able to see across the room or past 10 inches in front of my face, but I will come the end of May! I am so excited!

Quote of the Day

"If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead." - Johnny Carson

What I Really Need for Camping This Weekend:

A WEARABLE SLEEPING BAG!!!
Who knew they made such a thing?

Why Do People Say the Things They Say? Part I

I was standing in the check-out line tonight at the hospital getting ready to buy my food. This lady, whom I have never before in my life seen nor met , came up behind me in line, looked at my tray, and said to me "Wow. You must be really hungry! Are you really going to eat all that?" (I had a half cup of mixed veggies, a 6 roll of sushi, green jello, and a small thing of milk on my tray). I said "Yeah" puzzedly, like who are you woman that I've never seen before who is asking about my food intake!?!?!? Then, to top it off, she said "I guess you're skinny, you can eat all that." After giving the woman my all time best 'confused' look, I picked up my tray and walked away.
Who was that woman? Part of the food police?

What in the world?!?!?!?!?

Congrats to Artie and Shannon!

My sister Keri just informed me that her best friends are going to have a new baby due in September. YAY! Maybe, just maybe, they will have a little girl named Lucy to be a little sister to A.J. (pictured to the left, age 20 months).
I am so happy for you guys!

Look! We're on the Internet!

I recently helped one of my nursing school classmates, Cheryl Mac, on her careplans. How did she repay me? A free photo shoot at the beach! Randy and I spent about an hour down by the Ventura Pier with her snapping away. I guess she liked what she shot, because Randy and I are now on her website http://www.pureimagephoto.com/ !!!! Enter the site and click on "engagements", then click on the middle thumbnail pic. Run your pointer over the numbers at the bottom of the screen to see more. SUPERSTAH!

Happy S.A.W. Day to My Beloved

Three years ago tonight, Randy and I had our first date. I made a dinner consisting of Shrimp Scampi and Asparagus and we washed it down with some good Wine. Ever since then and forevermore, on January 24th we have and will celebrate our S.A.W. Day. This year, however, the celebration has been rescheduled to Friday since he is out of town tonight. I went shopping though and the shrimp, asparagus, and wine are eagerly waiting for my love's return, as am I.

Weirdest Thing I Saw Today

Who knew cats could bark?!?
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/2006/01/barkingcat.html

Kristi Bugg B.S., R.N. (to be in May), O.C.N. (2 years from now)

It's official! I got my first nursing job at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. What a relief to know that I will be starting my dream career in oncology at such an awesome hospital.
FYI: O.C.N. means Oncology Certified Nurse

Indiana Pics

Ok, kids, I got the pictures of my recent trip to Indiana posted on Flickr. Enjoy!

A Little Hanky Panky Perhaps?!?

I got back from Indiana early this morning and went in to our computer room to change clothes. What did I find laying on the futon? A pair of women's unmentionables!!!!!
Randy denies any and all accusations against him. Should I believe him? Or was there some nasty, no taste (the undies were quite ugly looking) hussy in our apartment this week while I was gone?!?
Randy claims that he found them in the laundry room and thought they were mine. Whatever! For the record, I don't not have ANY underwear that looks like those! He wanted to put them back down in the laundry room, but could you imagine what would happen if he was busted doing so??? Panty pervert!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Any New Year's Resolutions?