This week in pics. (not too exciting...)

After 6 months of no pictorial fun, I finally found my camera battery charger in the basement and started snapping some shots of random life in this Johnson household.  Nothing too fun, but you get the picture.... (pun intended)

new running loot.

sweet new shoes

post run.  Don't know what my thing is with this highlighter yellow color.   But hey, at least the cars can see me. 

Nathaniel doing some dishes. Thanks hubs! 

patio chair before....

Patio chair during...

Patio chairs after.... in a snowstorm.  Pretty good for a 10 dollar garage sale find! 

parsley!

Thought the cork garden markers were cute, but the squirrels ate 'em up! Thanks Pinterest.

Nathaniel: "Oh good, we're growing trash now".

and our kitty. Charlie. I swear she's usually happier than that. 

Before heading off to work for the night. 

And here's some FUN pictures from a hike a few months ago in Georgetown, CO!! 

Pretty cool huh?   Anyone know how to remove the white photo background? 

For that 8 year old boy.

Last night, thoughts of a busy Monday and a busy week crowded my head as I tried to fall asleep.  I lay awake thinking of the rescue drugs I'm supposed to know, but don't, for my PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification course starting in the morning. I hoped and prayed that our computer works and my textbook arrives in the mail soon for my new online Biochemsitry class also starting this week. I wondered if I'll be put on call for one of my two night shifts this week. I wondered if it was supposed to snow this week and if I should bring in my plants. Oh yah, and this is the week I decided to start training for a half marathon and my first run is tomorrow. Sigh, it's going to be a long Monday, and even longer since I couldn't fall asleep!

Halfway through my day today, after learning about types of shock and resecitation procedures, a coworker learns about the Boston bombings and shared it with the class. I put in in the back of my head, not knowing the full story behind what she had said. A few hours later, after my brain was already hurting from memorizing doses of Epi, Atropine, and Adenosine, I walked outside to discover a stinkin' April snow storm and thought, "heck no, I'm not running today!" and my mind drifted to what I learned earlier about the marathon.

I sat down to read some news articles on my phone and it started to hit home a little more than I thought it would.  If you're a runner, aspire to be a runner or maybe are married to one, you'll know that the running community is pretty unique. Running miles and miles has a beautiful way of connecting people despite having worlds of differences between them.  Two years ago, I ran a marathon in San Diego. The scene then was loud, energetic, inspirational, awe-inspiring and so much fun. I imagine that was the scene today moments before those bombs went off (and probably a bit more competetive in Boston!). Many of these runners today had dreamt for YEARS of running this prestigous race and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was finally theirs. They've beaten their bodies, sacrificed time (and probably some relationships), they've supported each other, many have chosen to run for a good cause. Now, many are also fighting for their lives and face gruesome recovery in the coming months. They may never run again.

So, today, despite whiteout snowy conditions, I ran. I started my training a few hours ago with a mere 3 miles around the park. It was exhausting and painful, seeing as I haven't run in months, but I embraced the cold, donned my highlighter yellow and pink gear, and I ran. I prayed. I probably would have a cried a bit, but my eyeballs were frozen (literally ice crystals on my lashes). I ran because I was able. Each step was for those victims.

June 22nd I plan to participate in the Slacker Half Marathon in Georgetown, CO and I will run each step for them.  May God and God alone bring healing and recovery in a way that no amount of miles ever will.

Third time's a Charm???

It's been a couple months since my last update and things have been pretty status quo around here.  I'm still working nights at the hospital; we've ended that whole one car thing by buying a pickup truck off craigslist (I feel pretty badass driving it, no lie); We've done quite a bit of demo on our basement in order to prep for an overhaul (and we're both picking up some overtime to cover it!); we hosted my parents for a fun few days (hoping they come back soon!); and I've been dreaming and planning my garden (I've got seedlings to prove it!); and we're lucky enough to be hosting a truly enriching community group from our local church each Thursday night in our living room. This has been our life the past few weeks - nothin' fancy and we're both lovin it.

However, a couple weeks ago I decided to mix it up and say, "hey. I think I'm gunna go to grad school". So, well, I start in 11 days!

 I decided to apply for a spot in University of Bridgeport's Human Nutrition program and apparently the summer term starts April 15 (since when is that summer?). It's all online and it focuses on the physiology of nutrition and its impact on chronic diseases and the human body! So here I am, excited to dig into Biochemsitry and dreaming of all the places a degree like this could take me. No, I don't have a great idea of where I'll be when I graduate and I can't think of a "perfect job" that will utilize my RN skills and a masters in Nutrition, but hey - it should be an iteresting ride!  I imagine it'll provide answers as to why carrots and cinnamon are really that good for you (in a deep physiological, anatomical way), and I'm curiously excited!  Luckily a thesis is not required, however anyone who wants to do my APA format for me, I'd love the help!

I am slightly concerned, however, that this degree should come with a warning label "WILL NEVER EAT AN OREO AGAIN" due to fear of highly processed chemical shenanigans.  Ugh, but I like oreos. And my husband likes hot dogs. I don't really wanna be THAT girl that can't enjoy her food because of fear of cancer or dying young, but I also want to enjoy food in a way that God intended it to be enjoyed way back in the day of the garden.  I definitely appreciate that food is as much cultural and social and FUN, as it is nourishing and restorative. Anyway, so don't judge me if I become a full fledge nutritionist in two years and you see me scarfing down at the Cheesecake Factory. We'll see.... we'll see =)

Oh and PS. Ashamed to say, this really is my third attempt at grad school (pathetic, yes). First time was in STL at Washington University and I got one semester into a public health (ish) program and then decided to pack my bags and head to Denver for fun, so that was the end of that one. And last year, I thought I'd try my hand at the whole delivering babies things via a midwife degree, but I was denied from the University! Well darn. ah well..... stuff happens and here I am again! So... hopefully third time really is a charm!