Feed the Birds

I've never been a really big animal person.  I mean, I always loved the pets I had, as well as my cat now, and I've always been ok with the general existence of animals, but don't usually care that much about other animals.  However, last week I noticed for the first time, a mother duck with eight ducklings.  The cutest thing I've ever seen!  I've been watching them swim for a few days in the pond outside my front door, and started throwing some bread crumbs to them occasionally.  Yesterday, I was feeding them.  Not even tossing bread crumbs into the water, just the ground, when suddenly out emerges a turtle.  I don't know how much experience you have with turtles, but those things freak out when humans get close to them.  Then another turtle, and another... five of them!  It kinda freaked me out, and then I saw a huge snapping turtle swimming uncomfortably close to the edge and decided not to get too friendly with the turtles (I should tell the story about a snapping turtle biting my toe once).

But today I was feeding them again, and the same thing happened so I took a picture of it.  First I felt like the little old bird woman from Mary Poppins.  Then it got freakishly like Dr. Doolittle.  The ducks are all pretty friendly with me now, and though I would never touch them for fear of catching diseases, it is kinda fun.  They're like my little friends.  I came out of my front door tonight to go hang out with a friend, and the mother duck walked with her ducklings all the way around the pond to get closer to me.  Probably not a habit I should form, feeding animals outside my apartment.  One day I'll open my door and they'll all be waiting on the patio.

But it really is neat how much life is out there, and I don't even think about it.  Nature is so cool, even if it is in a man-made retention pond.

If you are anywhere in the northeast Florida or southeast Georgia regions, you are probably well aware of the wildfires and thick smoke in the air.  Today was almost unbearable.  I don't know if the pictures above do it justice, but the air is thick with smoke.  Even for someone like me who doesn't generally have issues when it get smoky, it has been miserable and difficult to breathe even indoors.

And for good measure I added a picture of me and my kitty Albus.  Isn't he cute?!

I think I am starting to develop cluster headaches.  I've been having really bad headaches that last between two and four hours, starting late afternoon and lasting into the early evening or later.  Upon doing some research, cluster headaches seems to be what it is.  So while I thought I've been coming down with something, it seems that cluster headaches is what it might be.  The problem is, I've never had frequent headaches.

I was thinking it also might be related to my blood pressure.  Yeah, I'm 24 and already dealing with hypertension.  I need to go to the doctor, I know.  So anyway, I tend to run systolic between 130s-140s, diastolic anywhere between 80-90.  I'm genetically pre-disposed to it, thanks a lot, Dad!  So anyway, tonight toward the end of my headache I drove up to the drug store and checked my bp.  150/81.  So I invested in an automatic bp machine so I can track it.  I've been tracking it at work, but I decided that is not an accurate way to do it since it is already going to be elevated from the stress.

Hoping to feel better within the next few days.  I have a lot more respect for people who deal with frequent headaches be it migraines or cluster, because it makes me exhausted and feel like all I want to do is sleep once they are over.

Easter

We called him "The Holiday Gorilla."

And then.... this happened.

Oops, I really thought we were all smiling in this one.

See, we can be normal!

The Toby's.
Hannah had to come late because of writing a paper, but she made it!

This is what happens when you get Bears and Kerchers together for Easter. Lots of fun pictures. Not having any of our extended family in town over the years, I have always felt like the Kerchers were our family. We went and saw Hunger Games last night after the festivities. It just gets better and better!

Upon our post-movie discussion, Lauren and I came to two conclusions. If we lived in Panem, who would we be? If I were thrust into the Hunger Games and forced to fight in the arena, I'm sure I would be just like Foxface. I like to think I am clever and could easily hide from people, surviving for a long time but never wanting to actually be apart of the bloodshed until absolutely necessary. However, upon further discussion, Lauren and I figured we'd probably be spoiled members of the Capitol. Crap.

Anyway, a good weekend was had and now another week begins. I was supposed to work tonight, but due to a hurt back and not feeling so well (sore throat coming on), I called out. I'll go back Thursday night and hopefully feel better by then. Have a good week, all!

Two things I am loving:

Naked Juice. Have you tried this? It is SO good. A lot of my co-workers will drink this while they are charting or on their break, and rave about how good it is. Honestly, I always thought they looked a little gross. The color of the smoothies can be a little disconcerting and a turn-off at first. I finally tried the strawberry banana one and the blue machine. Filling, and a good substitute for a meal if you are busy or on the go.

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt. I've seen a lot of those commercials for Greek yogurt and wondered what all the fuss about Greek yogurt was over regular yogurt. I still don't get why it's the "in" thing, but I tried it and it is delicious. It is of a much thicker consistency than regular yogurt, which in my opinion makes it a lot better.

Yesterday I went to the beach with my friend Lauren. It was a good, relaxing time. I did get quite a sunburn... yow! Hopefully it'll turn into a little more of a tan after a week or so (it usually does) but right now I am in a lot of pain. I had to run up to Target to get aloe lotion. I can smell summer-- and I'm loving it! I've decided that even though I love cool weather, too much of those dreary winter months (even in Florida) can really affect my mood. Already after a little sun, I'm feeling much better than I have in awhile.

And how many girls does it take to air up four tires? Apparently it takes two of us exactly four minutes. Between Lauren airing them up and me checking the tire pressure, and accidentally letting too much air out, it was a ridiculous scene with us running around the car trying to get it all finished in time.

I've still got a touch of a headache from yesterday's fun in the sun. I'm looking forward to the next several months of heat (yes, I know I will be eating those words come July and August), afternoon showers, and relaxing.

I went and saw the Hunger Games yesterday. I went to the 11am showing, which was nice because it wasn't crowded at all. Having read the books, I'm glad to say that it was true to the story for the most part, and overall a very well-done movie. It was almost as hard to watch as it was to read the first book (if you know the premise, you know why). I did cry, yes I did cry. I loved how they captured the Capitol... almost exactly how I imagined it in the book. And Cinna... in the short time he was onscreen, I really grew to love him! Now, I'm excited for the next one!! The second book was really good.

I have been beyond exhausted since being off work Saturday morning. Saturday, I slept 10am-8pm. Then I went to bed again from midnight until 7am. Which was good, because I was able to stay up all day Sunday and hang out with my family. I went to bed early, about 9:00, slept until 4:30 yesterday morning (which isn't bad). Last night, around 6:45, I decided I was so tired I should take a nap. Fast forward to 5am today. I can say that I feel so refreshed! I think that for the first time in a long time, right now I am not tired. I can't say I'll feel this way all day, but right now it feels good.

Got my apartment cleaned yesterday. Good feeling! Clean by my standards, anyway. It always looks a little lived-in, which is ok by me.

One more day off today, and it's back to work tomorrow night. I'm hoping for a good week of work this week. Lately it has been tolerable, though Friday night was tough. I love admitting a patient whose blood sugar starts at 500 and is 38 by morning... not to mention, three patients who need help up to the bathroom all night, cleaning up others all night, pain med after pain med... and more. If you're a nurse, you understand! All right, enough talking about work on my day off.

I'm gonna relax today, maybe lay out by the pool. Sounds wonderful. Have a great day!

Work has held me captive for the better part of the past week and a half. Tonight I work the seventh of the past ten days, and after that am off for three! I'm beyond tired... yesterday I went and got my nails done after work, and came home to sleep. Woke up for an hour to watch American Idol, then went back to sleep until 4:30 this morning. And I only woke up because I was hungry. After a shower and a meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner?) I think I am going to go back to bed and hope to sleep until the afternoon. Not sure if it's gonna happen or not.

And I was wrong, I'm not off for three, but four days! Awesome! All week I've been keeping myself going by remembering that I have off three days, but it's even better now that I know it's four. I'm sooo thankful!!

Happy Hunger Games!!! Is anyone else excited? I know I am!!! But I won't be seeing it for a little while. I don't feel like fighting ridiculous crowds that consist mostly of 16 year olds who think Peeta is, like, sooooo hot. Actually, it's Gale who's hot, girls... hands off! (although at the end of the day, Peeta is the one for Katniss)

I have a question for anyone who cares to think about it. What is your opinion on an unmarried woman adopting a child? I recently read on facebook someone wishing they could adopt, and one of the reasons she listed for its being impossible was that she was unmarried. I feel like I know what my opinion is "supposed" to be, but I honestly think it would be awesome. Don't worry, I'm not actually contemplating doing this, at least for awhile. I've always said that I would adopt one day, but seeing how I don't know if I'll ever get married, I don't see why I couldn't, if I get to the point where I could afford it and was in a good place to do so. If your opinion is different from mine, I won't be offended.

Anyway, now that I'm not tired at all, I'm going to attempt to go back to sleep.

Is it just me, or do the first few months of the year always seem super dreary? I hate the months of January through March. Just hate them, and I don't know why. Life never seems quite as dull and... just, "blah" (for lack of a better word) as it does during these months. Maybe it's because Fall is my favorite season, Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I love the mid-spring and summer months as well. The time in between sometimes just seems unbearable. And for no real reason!

Anyone watching American Idol? My top picks right now are Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez. I think one of those two will win it. It's really been a lot of fun to watch this season so far.

Disney was fun on Monday. BUT the crowds were horrendous! I have never, in all the times I've gone to Disney, seen so many people. We waited over 45 minutes just to board the monorail. Everything was lines, lines, and more lines. Of course, that didn't deter us from having fun and enjoying as much as we could. We still hit up Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Tom Sawyer's Island, Buzz Lightyear (I'm now a first-class ranger), Carousel of Progress, and Mickey's Philharmagic (definitely a favorite). I love Disney World. You go and it's like being a kid again, no matter how old you get. I can't wait to be able to take my own kids there one day.

I've been sad lately, and hoping for a turn-around soon. Wish life was better right now. I need to be more thankful for the blessings that I do have.

I'm excited to say that this week entails a trip to Disney! It's been over a year since I've gone (I know, that's not really a long time) so I'm excited! There's nothing like a little Disney therapy. In the form of Alan Menken scores playing throughout the parks...

This past week was an OT week for me... but it's done and now I can relax for a few days! It was rough this time around. But it could always be worse. I slept until almost 7pm today, so now I'm wide awake with no chance of going to sleep anytime soon. So what better way to entertain myself than by watching Hallmark movies? I love an evening all to myself.

I have another busy couple weeks of work coming up, so I'm happy to have the next few days to relax and have fun.

I'm sad today. Been really nostalgic, and realized today that a year ago I was in Illinois, moving furniture into the assisted living facility where we anticipated my grandma would live. I have such mixed emotions about those days alternating between sweet and bitter. Those days were some of the most special ones I can remember.

I remember that day being incredibly rainy and overcast, but how excited all of us were for this final chapter of Grandma's life. We knew she didn't have many years left to live, but we knew that this was right for her. She would still have family nearby and perhaps make new friends and hobbies. When we realized her health was failing for good, we came together. It was almost like the family gatherings of the past, only it was sad.

No matter how old or young a person is, loss is loss. When two people have been such an important part of your life for so long are gone, there is such an emptiness without them. I experienced a lot of loneliness, because so few could understand the depth of grief around the death of grandparents. One thing I will never, ever do is downplay another's loss. Someone could be 105 and their death is a loss to someone.

This week I want to remember my grandparents in their healthier days. Once my grandpa wrote me an e-mail when I had expressed to him how much I missed them after coming home from Christmas. "I want you to have a good day. I know you miss us and we miss you, but we have to take life as it comes to us and enjoy it. You do have a good life in Florida. Say hello to everyone for me. Keep writing. Keep your letters coming. Keep the faith." Another time, when he wrote, "Goodbye for awhile. Don't take any wooden nickels. You are my sweetie from Tahiti, tweety tweety. Love, Paw Paw."

I don't want to focus on their loss, but on all I have gained from them through the years. I am so grateful to have had two such wonderful people to call my grandparents for 23 and 1/2 years. I want to remember the long walks in the evening, baking cookies with Grandma, listening to stories about the depression and the war from Grandpa. I wish they were still here, more than anything, but there's nothing that can change, because it is what it is. Can't wait to see them again someday.

My car is a beaut! Just thought I'd throw in a little crocodile hunter for ya there. Really, it is awesome and good as new. Almost like it never happened, if I ignore the bank account.

Had a pretty good weekend. The next several days will be packed with work and sleeping, so get ready for some exciting posts coming your way.

Do you ever sometimes revert back to feeling like a high schooler? I feel really petty, but an old friend (or maybe what I thought was a friend, not a bff but I definitely thought we were friends) got married this weekend, and as the facebook posts come rolling in I've realized I'm the only person who didn't get invited. And it kind of sucks. It's silly, I know, but the truth. And then I realize that's what I hate about facebook! I never thought twice when posting about an event that I was invited to, until I'm the only one not invited. Oh, well, it isn't like it's a feeling I'm that unfamiliar with anyway.

This week I had to buy: a USB cord for my phone, headphones, and DSL cord for my internet all thanks to my kitty Albus. He seems to think that any wire is something he should eat. It isn't the first time, either, but this time it was all stuff I actually had to replace, and of somewhat significant monetary value. Geez, animals are expensive! And sometimes kind of annoying. But I love him anyway! He keeps me from being lonely. I remember reading somewhere (a long time ago, but it always stuck with me) that simply petting a cat reduces one's stress levels significantly. And if you compare cats to dogs, which one is less stressful to own and take care of? A cat! Dogs are smelly and slobbery and in your face, not to mention they bark at all hours and can't use a litter box.

Well, hope everyone has a wonderful week! I plan to!

Side Note: America's Funniest Home Videos is probably the best way ever to lift your mood. There is nothing funnier in my opinion! (Did anyone see SNL last night? Terrible!!)

I get to pick up my car today! :) I'm very happy about that fact. Hopefully I can keep it in one piece from here on out. That was my first fender bender, and it wasn't fun.

Work is still going, it seems to make the days go by for me when I don't have much else to do. I picked up overtime this week, though I know I will sorely regret it. Until payday, that is. I figure that I don't have much else to do, so I might as well start trying to pay off some more bills while I'm at it.

I finally saw The Help last night. While it was a good movie, it wasn't nearly as good as I thought it should have been for all the hype around it (though, usually that's how it is). I thought the storyline was kind of weak and there were too many times during the movie that I felt as though I didn't really understand what was going on. And I'm not usually one of those people. But I did cry several times, so as far as a movie that is able to tug at your heart-strings and make you think, it was good.

I've got major bags under my eyes today. I'm pretty sure I'm starting to look old... oh well. Good to have a few days off. Hanging out with my sister today.