A Running Commentary of My Snow Day Thoughts

Well, here I sit.  I'm supposed to be post surgical right now but instead I'm mopping the puddles from the floor for the 17th time from the kids dropping their snowy gear on the floor.  The cat continues to eat Leah's chocolate creations (fuck you Santa), and I have tirelessly placed ALL of my Monopoly Pieces from the Shaw's Grocery Monopoly Game on the game board.  Maybe THIS will be the year that I win a 1 million dollar vacation home.  Side note, I won UNDER a pound of bananas and a WHOLE pound of iodized salt.

  I have cleaned the walls, made the beds, and done everything I can think of to try to keep my mind occupied so the tantrum is kept at bay.  The TV is on in the background,  Someone just said "fudgetastic."  I feel the rage in my throat.  I want to roundhouse kick the TV, but it's new, and expensive.  So there's that. Who the FUCK just says "fudgetastic?"

My mind wanders again.  I can't help but feel sorry for myself.  The grocery stores are open, people will get their seltzer water, but I will not get the lump removed from my breast today.  Part of me is relieved because there was no time for a manicure and my hands look like a 70 year old mechanics.  My skin is also in shambles.  My body has not gotten the memo that I'm almost 37. The stress also isn't helping.  Make-up is frowned upon during surgery.  As a surgical nurse, I have no idea why.  I don't follow that rule, but all of the makeup in the would wouldn't have helped my cause today.  There is something comforting about at least feeling pretty while you're going under the knife.  It's trivial and vain, but have you met me?? I don't leave the house without my brows or lashes, no matter what!! 

I'm wrapped up in a blanket on the couch.  I've had 3 cups of coffee.  I haven't blogged in a while, life got in the way.  I remembered how good it made me feel and I feel bad that I haven't made the time.  Long Island Medium is on TLC.  I LOVE her, but the only thing I can think of is how she wipes herself with those nails.  Also, bacteria.

I have come to grips with the fact that my surgery has not happened yet.  I know it will be soon, it's just waiting that I'm REALLLLYYYYY not good at.  I am super optimistic, I just don't like not being in control (SHOCKING, I know).  I want the surgery to be over-with so I can pour more energy into perfecting my resting bitch face (RBF for those of you who are not down with the lingo).  There is so much I could be doing.  I could be watching cheering videos to get ideas for my team.  I could obsessively be counting the 8-counts to my cheering music (I swear I count and clap in my sleep), I could be standing in the mirror with my magnifying glass and tweezers working on perfecting my brow shape.  I could be tending to the corned beef dinner that my people requested for dinner.  Oh yeah, that's right.  There's nothing to tend to when you're just boiling the shit out of salted, fatty meat and veggies. #Italian #ItaliangirlsdoNOTboilshit #Ikindoflikethecabbage I could be obnoxiously pinning recipes on Pinterest that require 8,000 ingredients that I don't have.  But I'm choosing not to.  Not today.  

I just checked on the spawn.  Gabe is shoveling the street.  Leah is swinging with her hair wild and tipped with icicles.  Both of their cheeks are bright red.  It made me smile.  Tantrum and anxiety remain at bay.  I just texted Ben to get mustard.  I cannot be forced to eat this "meat" without at least a gallon of mustard.

Rosy Red Cheeks

For now, I'm going to stay strong and keep my bitchy, strong attitude that I have about everything.  I'm going to remind myself that everything happens for a reason (SO cliche, GAG).  I'm going to TRY not to roundhouse kick any objects.  and I'm going to enjoy tolerate my boiled dinner tonight, with a couple of glasses of wine.  Then hopefully I will find some episodes of trash TV and this day will be over.  Tomorrow is a new day, and hopefully with that comes a new surgery date.  I'm going to continue my mantra of "FUCK THIS SHIT" about pretty much everything as I always do, and I'm going to get through.  Lastly, I'm going to try not to obsess about the puddles on the floor.  Scratch that, I'm getting the mop.
Until the next time...
Peace, love, wine and a PERFECT RBF!!

Danielle <3 

#FIRSTWORLDPROBLEMS

Yes, we are still alive.  This summer brought some unanticipated changes for the Mascara and Mason Jars Sisters, but our feet are back on the ground, and with a blink of an eye the holidays are approaching.   Katelyn and I LOVE  are OBSESSED with Christmas.    It is a time for family.  A time to slow down from this crazy life and enjoy every moment and tradition. I think this year we will post some of our EPIC holiday craft fails, favorite recipies, movies, and overall bombard everyone with cliché Holiday Crap. I see lots of shitty clipart and tacky Christmas colors in the future. When Santa squeezes his fat ass down the chimney he's going to find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse, just sayin'

Okay, here we go. Updates. After 13 amazing years at Maine Medical Center, I changed carreers.  I never thought I was brave enough, but so far so good and I'm embracing the change whole hartedely (and learning a ton along the way).  Thank you to all who have supported me and believed in me during this transition, and I promise that now that I am settled in there will be more posts!

Let's talk about where this year has gone!!!  HOLY SHIT! IT WAS JUST JANUARY!!!!  All of a sudden I am  texting with my mother non-stop planning Thanksgiving dinner (which I have been nominated to host.)  Thanksgiving in America is confusing to me in so many ways. The turkey, the gluttonous indulgence of food, the shopping, football, the thankful lists that are posted on Social media.

First, let's get something straight, I HATE TURKEY!!!  You can brine it, soak it, marinate it, dump wine on it or soak it in bacon grease and lard and it's still dry and bland.  Those of you who know me can confirm that  I am a decent cook, but I don't care if you are the love child of Bobby Flay and Paula Dean........TURKEY SUCKS!!!!!! I wanted to do something more non-traditional this year.....like ethnic dishes from  around the globe. But my Italian Catholic mother informed me that we would be having goddamn turkey and all of the fixings.
Our texts looked something like this:

ME: I WANT MEXICAN FOOD LIKE MY FRIEND IS DOING.  LET'S HAVE TACOS AND MARGARITAS. OR CHINESE.  CHINESE IS ALWAYS GOOD. OR PIZZA.

MOTHER: (spoken in half Portland half Boston Italian woman accent) DAN, I DON'T THINK THAT'S A GOOD IDEA. THE KIDS NEED TRADITION.  WE NEED TO HAVE TURKEY

ME: UGHHHHH I HATE TURKEY, I HATE COOKING IT AND I HATE CLEANING UP AFTER IT.  PLEASE DON'T FORGET THE TURKEY BRINING INCIDENT 3 YEARS AGO.

MOM: DAN, WE'RE HAVING TURKEY. AND SQUASH. AND STUFFING. AND DINNER ROLLS, WE HAVE TO HAVE  DINNER ROLLS. AND POTATOS. AND GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE.  SQUASH? PEAS? BRUSSELS SPROUTS ROASTED WITH SQUASH AND LITTLE NUTS AND CRANBERRIES. DO,YOU KNOW HOW TO SET A TABLE? DON'T USE PAPER PLATES LIKE YOU DID BEFORE, THAT'S TACKY.  DO YOU HAVE A TABLE CLOTH? YOU KNOW DAN, INSTEAD OF BUYING CLOTHES AND SHIT FOR THE KIDS, YOU REALLY SHOULD HAVE A TABLE CLOTH AND SOME LINEN NAPKINS. WHAT KIND OF PIE. ..................

ME: (RADIO SILENCE, CRICKETS CHIRPING)

MOM: DAN!!!!! ANSWER ME!!!!!!

ME:  (UNABLE TO FIGHT THE INEVITABLE BECAUSE THERE IS NO GETTING HER BACK AT THIS POINT) FUCKING FINE. I'LL MAKE TURKEY, BUT IT'S  GOING TO SUCK AND I HATE TURKEY FOR THE RECORD. ALSO, I WILL NEVER OWN A LINEN NAPKIN.

Hopefully I will manage to drink enough wine to look past the mess that is inevitable and get my ass out to the Maine Mall for some good old fashioned Black FRIDAY shopping.

This brings me to my next discussion......BLACK FRIDAY.  It is basically everything that is wrong with America.  After we GORGE ourselves on an abundance of easily obtained food, we will sit and complain that we ate too much whilst there are enough  leftovers to provide 10 families with food for the entire month.  While we are digesting, we will sit and look through the millions of fliers and decide what frivolous purchases we will die without  need, and plan to intentionally stay up all goddamm night and spend money we don't have on a bunch of treasures  shit that none of us need. After 2 more glasses of wine, we follow our precisely planned shopping route. Macy's at 1 am for the doorbuster leather boots.  Followed by Walmart at 2 am for them 100 dollar 60 inch tv.  Finish it off at TOYS R US at 5 AM for the hottest deals in toys. After we have sat all day and reflected what we are thankful for, we will proceed to get shit faced and go punch someone for a Furby.  We will leave our warm, heated house that contains the abundance of food and go lay in a tent in a damn parking lot for 6 hours so we can stampeed elderly people and children for some OJ Simpson style leather gloves for $2.99.  You see where I'm going.  It makes no sense!!!!


Next up, the "thankful for" lists. All month, people have been posting on Social Media what they are Thankful for.  Most people's lists look like this:

DAY 1: Thankful for small miracles
DAY 2:Thankful for my amazing friends
DAY 3:Thankful for my children.

I'm pretty sure my  list would read:

DAY 1: Thankful I didn't slap the bitch giving me dirty looks in Starbucks while I was ordering my super grande fat free skim mocha Chai pumpkin gingerbread  latte with stevia.

DAY 2:Thankful for Netflix so I can binge watch Grey's Anatomy and drown out the sounds of my arguing children

DAY 3:Thankful my shellac didn't chip while cleaning the toilet.

Whelp. I guess this is why I don't do a list, I'm too brutally honest.  In lieu of all of the tragedy in the world, I am thankful for the small things, like simply being alive.  We are all on borrowed time, so slow down, take a breath and look around at all that you have, because things can change in the blink of an eye.  While this post is lighthearted and funny because laughter is hands-down the best medicine, please don'the forget about what is TRULY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!  Help someone in need this holiday season, even if it's just giving someone a compliment or a hug, because in the end, there is still more good in this world and we need to shout it louder than the bad.

Until the next time, peace, love and caffeine.  I need to start stretching for the Black Friday Olympics ;)

Food Out of a Truck (Or Any Moving Vehicle)

I promise we are not dead.  This summer has hit like a storm for Katelyn and I!!  The kids are home and the activity level in the house had quadrupled!!!  After the long winter that nearly did kill us, we are soaking up every moment of the sunshine.  My kids are driving me bat-shit crazy and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Here are a few updates before I get started.  For those of you who don't know me, I am a fucking klutz.  I am ALWAYS tripping, falling, dropping/spilling shit and just overall being ungraceful.  Whelp, I struck again, and this incident may have been my worst one to date.  While attempting to get my ass back healthy, I decided to make a smoothie with spinach and lots of green shit because that will definitely make me skinny tomorrow, right?  I stabbed my pinky finger trying to get a piece of frozen pineapple out of the .  The knife went all the way through.  I hit the bone. There was an exit would. I severed the damn nerve.  Silver-lining?? As I'm standing with a knife sticking out of my finger I think "hmmmm, I must have really done something bad because I can't feel this"  Ended up having the nerve repaired surgically.   I've been out of work. I'll spare you the pics but it was gross, trust me.  I'm losing my mind.  Pineapple:1 Danielle:0.  Cheetos are WAY safer. 'Nuff said.

Another fun update, my mother-in-law got married yesterday!  It was a beautiful garden wedding and we had so much fun.  Gabe looked like a "yodeler" in his suspenders and bow tie (thanks for the visual Katelyn), and I rag-curled Leah's hair and let her put "pascara" on her little ginger lashes.  She looked stunning and can stop growing ANY TIME NOW!!!  It was a beautiful day of family, music, golf-cart races, smoked pig and wine.  Lots of wine.  Much love to the newly-weds.  


Okay, this brings us to our post, I promise!!  On Thursday, Katelyn came over to help me cook for my mother-in-laws rehearsal dinner.  We made sauce from scratch.  Baked ziti. Whole milk ricotta cheese.  Sweet Italian sausage.  Four pounds of mozzarella.  The whole nine, we weren't fucking around. We were keeping all of the cardiologists in business this weekend.  When it comes to authentic Italian cooking, go big or go home.  There are NO short-cuts, and PLEASE for the LOVE OF GOD do NOT make your all-day sauce in a friggin crock-pot.  This is sure to give any Italian woman a coronary, and while it's a tried and true method for many, an Italian girl would rather be caught dead than making a potta sauce in the slow cooker.  Okay, enough about that.

 For a few months  a while now, Katelyn and I have been talking about opening a food establishment.  Sometimes its a diner.  Sometimes it's a café, It's even been a goat/Christmas tree farm WITH a café.  But it always goes back to the food truck  I was first introduced to food trucks in North Carolina when I went to visit our brother last April.  Food trucks are big in other states and have been for a while.  Up "heyah" (google a Maine accent if you are unfamiliar with it, you won't regret it) in Maine, trends are slow to arrive, so I was thrilled to finally try this trend when I went on vacation.  There are food-trucks on every corner, and we decided on home-made dumplings with local meat served by the sweetest lady with the most AH-mahzing dreadlocks I have ever seen. (My dreadlock obsession will be another post, I promise.)  I was hooked.  I was thrilled when I found out that Katelyn had the same obsession.  She frequently goes on "Creepy Craigslist" to search for food trucks for sale.  (We all know Craigslist is moderately creepy on a good day)  What a cool way to start a local business, get to know people and do something we love all at once. 

So we had our idea, but what would we serve??  Katelyn is a Libra and lacks the ability to make a decision.  I am a hot mess and live in a state of chaos in my brain.  We were never able to decide, the competition was too steep.  Not to mention that neither one of possess one bit of business knowledge or money to start a business.  That all is about to change ladies and gentlemen, we honed down a plan inspired by our cooking adventures Thursday!  WAIT FOR IT....WHAT IF WE OPENED A FOOD TRUCK THAT SERVED AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FOOD????  It would be called Mascara, Mason Jars and Manicotti!!!!!  (Katelyn gets all of the credit for the title, and it's epic.)  Right??  It's such an awesome idea you can't even keep your excitement in!!

Imagine all of the lives we would literally change.  The busy lawyer who was going to skip lunch can now grab a bowl of authentic baked ziti before the next meeting.  The tired mother with 2 hungry kids can skip the Happy Meal and give her babies a bowl of spaghetti!  The couple vacationing can have gnocchi with sauce and tell all of their friends back home. The young hipster can grab a meatball crafted with LOCAL MEAT and no chemicals. The vegetarian can have a bowl of linguine with garden tomato sauce.  There will be espresso served with milk for the caffeine addict, and S. Pelegrino sparkling water in abundance. ( I mean, I personally can't afford 2 dollars and fifty cents every time I want a fancy-pants water, but our truck is going to cater to all crowds) Do you see where we are going?  The possibilities are endless, We will appeal to everyone.

Now that we have our idea. I've deemed myself in charge of decorating.  Katelyn is way more subdue than I am, and we cannot have the modest food truck.  No way!!  Our truck will have an airbrushed (yes, air brushed.  You know the guy at every mall across the U.S. who airbrushes shit???  We're hiring him for our truck) Italian Flag across one side (the side which has the window), and the amazing title on the back side, so everyone knows who we are.  There will also be a large wooden spoon attached to the roof.  Something WILL light up, I haven't decided what yet, but there will be lights.  maybe ground effects.  Yup, our van will be decorated like a 1990's teenager's dream, because that's how I roll and I'm the decorator.  There will be an external speaker that plays the Tarentella Napoletana at all times.  Imagine Katelyn and I in a supped up truck with THIS blaring while serving our Grandmother's recipes to the hungry public?? We will also have the capability to make announcements on the speaker like "Jimmy, getchyourassuhereyourspaghettiisready!!!" (said like a true Italian girl)

Okay, we have a plan, a menu and a theme, but what will we wear???  There will obviously be an Italian Horn necklace involved.  Our hair will have to be in a poof and we will have red lips and red-checkered aprons.  We will be the only food truck in town that requires a dress code, and people remember that shit!!!!!  We may even let out Mother come work for us if she's lucky.  The plan is all coming together and we hope that one day we can make it happen.  Life needs to get out of the damn way so there's more time for fun!!!!

Until the next time Peace, Love and Caffeine and Much Love!

I'm posting a recipe tomorrow for Linguine with white clam sauce so stay tuned.  I made it tonight and could have drank the sauce #ilovefood #iquitsmoothies

 




 

A Photo-Diary of GWBTP. You're Welcome.

Hello Everyone!!!!  Wow, May has turned out to be such a crazy month for both of us.  We looked at the calender today and realized that may was almost over, how did this happen?  We decided to do something different with this post.  After the overwhelming amount of laughter, interest, curiosity, and overall sheer astonishment that the original Goodwill by the Pound (GWBTP) post sparked; we decided to do a photo-montage of our actual experience today.  You truly CANNOT begin to understand the sheer amusement wonder of it until you have experienced it yourself, but we hope this comes close.  So without being long-winded, we present to you GWBTP....in the flesh.  Enjoy!





Here we are, dressed alike and ready to go!

 

Look at these sweet bins filled with trash treasure!

 

We mean.....who WOULDN'T want a dirty lamp-shade???

Poor Keith, all crumpled up in a bin.  Don't worry, we still love you even if you're Australian but sing American country music with a southern twang' #confusing

 

1993 called, it wants it's phone back

 

 

Not scary. At all.

 

Getting our workout on with a little Shake Weight action.  NBD.

 

I TOTALLY NEEDED one of these.

 

 

Tell us, where else would you go where there's a Barbie head rolling around on the floor?

Thong Tha Thong Thong Thong.  Again, not creepy. At. All.

 

We Always talk about starting a farm and having a Cafe and hand-made goat milk items.  We have FINALLY found a book that will tell us how to do that.

 

PLEEESSEEE!  I want the blow-up Christmas lawn ornament!!!

 

There is ALWAYS one random crutch. 

We weren't joking....people wear gloves.

Stuffed Elf.  Need we say more?

Look at all of our sweet deals!

You know those cars you walk by that are filled to the brim with SHIT???  Yup, we do that too.

We hope you can ALL sleep better tonight after seeing this superior photo-journal . We had so much fun.

Until the next time (which will be WAY sooner than the last time!) Peace, Love, and Caffeine and Much Love

 

Danielle and Katelyn

 

 

 



 

 



An Open Letter to My Children

 My softer side :)
I have been meaning to write this forever, so I decided to share it with everyone

To My Greatest Accomplishments,
 
I have been meaning to write you a letter since you were born. But as fate would have it, life, work and raising you to be the amazing kids you are got in the way.  Well NOW it's time!

First, I need to let you know that I NEVER could even imagine the power of love until I became a mother.  It is the most fantastic, powerful, and pure form of love that anyone could ever experience.  I loved you both from the moment I wanted you, and I can honestly say that the love I feel for you has increased every.single.day. since your births.  From the moment they placed each of you in my arms I knew that I had to protect you and be the very best mother I could be.  You became my world, everything(one) else were just small pieces of it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you mold into the perfect little people you are.  Both of you so different, but so awesome at the same time.  You both are so genuine and flawless in your own unique ways, and I look forward to every day I have on this earth being your Mother. I could watch you sleep for hours, still in awe at the perfection you both possess.  Did I really make something so astonishing???   I will continue to wonder this for the rest of my life.  How did I get so lucky?

You two are best friends, and when I catch a glimpse of you holding hands or laughing hysterically at each other it melts my heart every single time.  You have your own special language and your secret games, and the joy it brings me to watch this relationship is indescribable.   I know that as you grow older this may change.  Please my babies, even through the tough times remember the love you share and always put that first.  There is nothing more unbreakable than the bond of siblings, so please stay close and cherish one another.
 

Next my carrots, please understand that when I get upset, it's because I want what's best for you.  If I'm mad, its because I feel that whatever it is you're doing is not the best or safest way.  It does not mean I love you any less, in fact it's because I LOVE YOU SO MUCH that I want so much for you.  I may threaten to sell you to the gypsies, but they would have a helluva time getting past me :)
 

Gabriel, my little old soul.  You are the one who taught me how to be a mother and we continue to learn together.  Every day you amaze me with your budding personality and facts about EVERYTHING nature.  it's your Zen place and I hope you continue to find comfort in this your whole life.  I have watched you struggle and never give up, and you are KICKING THE ASS of Tourette's!!!!!  You haven't let your struggles bring you down, and on the rare occasions that things were really tough, you came to me and we worked it out.  I cannot even express how amazing it was to know that we could work through difficulties together, and you bet your bottom that I will continue to advocate, support and fight for you for the rest of your life.  The sky is not going to be the limit for all that you have to offer, and don't ever stop learning or being you!!
 

Leah Brynn, my little spit fire!  You came into this world fighting and it has turned you into the strongest-willed most solid 6 year old I have ever met.  Your laugh is contagious, and the room lights up when you are in it.  I beg you to keep this confidence and continue to build on it as you grow.  There are limitless possibilities to where this journey will take you, and you have the personality to persevere in whatever it is you will do.  Your art work is stunning and your creativity is going to take you far!  Please don't ever settle for anything less than amazing.  I will be right by your side as your fighter, advocate and biggest fan, and don't ever forget that.  Please know that you can always talk to me about ANYTHING, and there is nothing you could ever do or say to change that.

As we continue this journey together, I know that it's not always going to be easy.  There will be times when you don't like me or what I have to say.  Please know that I will continue to always everything to keep you safe and happy, regardless of how mad you are at me.  I will also continue loving you during the difficult times and hope that my love and support will get us through any struggles that may arise!  I will always be here, by your sides to pick you up when you are down or raise you up  even higher when you are thriving.  You both are my most important job.  I will never let you want for anything substantial, even if I'm worked to my limits.
 

In conclusion my children,  this journey has been nothing short of spectacular so far, and I look forward to waking up every day and being your mother. It is the most profound and meaningful job I will ever have. Thank you for being my babies (no matter how old you are)
 

LOVE, Mom
 

 Until the next time, peace, love, and caffeine!!! xoxo

Labor and Delivery 101

In the last month, I've had 3 various occasions while chatting with strangers or acquaintances where I've been told "You're a labor and delivery nurse!? That must be so fun getting to rock and play with babies all night." 

Truth is, that couldn't be any further from the truth. I simply nod and smile, agreeing that I do indeed love what I do, and agreeing that yes, it WOULD be fun to rock and play with babies all night, if that's what my job entailed. The fact of the matter is, the time I actually spend with the newborn is minimal.

The best way I can describe labor (totally subjective), is an out of body experience. Besides the excruciating pain, which is the most obvious thing you think of, there's the nausea, the pressure, the uncontrollable shaking, the fear/anxiety of what to expect and of course, the exhaustion. I think I've unintentionally, mentally blocked out of the majority of my labor, but I vividly remember at one point feeling like I was the lead in "The Exorcist", waiting for my head to start spinning at any minute. There's nothing that could've prepared me for labor, and I do this for a living....

My job as a labor nurse is NOT to rock and snuggle babies. The mother just worked so hard to deliver that baby, her body unknowingly just did a triathlon. SHE deserves to snuggle that baby. To look into its tiny, beautiful eyes and know that what she just experienced was not for nothing. 

My job is to support a woman when she's at her most vulnerable state. When she's scared or anxious, when her body is weak and tired, when she's trying to catch her breath in between the pain of contractions or pushing. To be on her side, to labor with her. My job is to be silent but present when my patient is trying to hypnobirth or having her partner as a labor coach. To offer advice, education, or recommendations when needed. To be non-biased of her beliefs, preferences and goals, but to remind her of why certain things need to be done from a medical stand point.

I have laughed with patients, as they stared at their baby, pointing out each tiny feature and running down the family tree trying to decide who the baby might look like. I have cried with patients when situations don't turn out as expected. I have prayed with patients and their families, held their hands, offered distraction or conversation, and sat in silence, letting them know my presence was there. I have been vomited on, bear hugged, and soaked head to toe while trying to monitor a patient who could only find comfort standing in the shower. 

Labor isn't always like you see in the movies. It can be long and non progressive. Patients will spend the majority of their pregnancies planning each detail about the birth and in one quick moment during labor, that whole plan can go out the window. As nurses, we WANT everything to go accordingly. We hope and pray for positive outcomes. We feel joy and and a sense of accomplishment when labor goes as planned. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. It's my job to come up with modifications to try to stick with the patient's plan as closely as possible when medical circumstances prevent them from having what was previously desired. To empower a woman, to help her find strength and faith in the situation. If or when a patient is ready to throw in the towel and get pain medication, it is my job to tell her that it's OKAY! That labor effing hurts! That there's no gold star for not getting medication and she has NOT let herself, her partner or me down. My most important goal when caring for someone is "safe mom and safe baby" and I will remind patient's of that. All the other details are just preferences, a guideline to follow but not to mold to. 

Like any job, my job can be frustrating. Sometimes communication can be lacking or it's difficult to see eye to eye with a patient. Sometimes I leave work sad when I have a challenging patient. Sometimes the patient is in so much pain, that you can't talk them down or your go to "bag of tricks" doesn't help. I have accepted that I cannot change the world but if I have made even the tiniest difference for the better, then I know I succeeded. 

Labor and delivery is hardcore. It's specialized and it's intimate. It's never just black and white or cut and dry. There are so many considerations and emotions involved. My coworkers amaze me everyday. I see them advocating for their patients, supporting and comforting them. Going out of their ways to meet the patient half way when it seems impossible to do so. Making referrals and offering resources to patients who may not have everything figured out. I have learned from them and continue to do so every shift. We are a family. It is definitely not a job for the meek or faint hearted. There are nights so crazy busy that we don't sit, we don't pee and a lunch break is considered inhaling food in 5 minutes at the desk while answering call bells and watching the fetal heart monitor.

Truth is, I love what I do. It's welcoming new life, or tragically saying goodbye too soon. It's rewarding and challenging. It's nerve-wracking and intense, joyous and heartbreaking. I LOVE snuggling babies and do occasionally while stamping footprints or at patient's request, but the look on a new mom or dad's face as they meet their child for the first time after a long wait, the instant love that explodes a room, THAT'S what keeps me going!

#perspective

Much love friends!
Katelyn

The Liebster Awards... My First Nomination!!

Hi Everyone!  This post is a bit different.  My friend and fellow blogger Sandy has nominated me to answer some questions.  It's a wonderful way to get to know more about your fellow bloggers.  Thank you so much Sandy!! And if you want to check out her totally awesome blog about her journeys, here is her address www.sandylitcher.blogspot.com .

Here are the questions Sandy gave me:
1. What is your all time favorite show or movie?
My all-time favorite show is a newly discovered one for me and it's Parenthood, hands-down.  I am a regular Netflix junkie, and I have watched A TON of shows, but NEVER has a show hit so close to home.  I laugh, I cry, and I feel like the whole Braverman family could be a part of my life.  Maybe it's because I never had that family-dynamic, but either way the show is well-done!  I chose a show because there is NO way I could have picked one movie.  Impossible.
2. What is your favorite season or holiday to decorate for?
Christmas. No questions asked.  I go ALL out!!!  Hand-made garland, little white lights, a huge tree, a village, carolers, it's like national Lampoon at our house, and I love it!!!
3. If you could give up one responsibility, in your life, what would it be?
Without question, Finances.  I suck at them, they are such a burden, and I hate it. Period.

4. If you had a day all to yourself, what would you do?

I would go to the beach. ALONE. With cucumber water and my kindle.  I would stay until sun-set and not have to worry about a thing.   It would be magical.

5. If you had an extra $1000 and no bills, how would you spend it?
I would take my kids on a vacation to the "beach in Florida" like they have been begging me to so.  Someday my carrots, someday.
6. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
I LOVE writing.  It is a creative outlet that I desperately need.  I love showing everyone my struggles, joys and adventures and I hope to meet some amazing people along the way!
7. How did you come up with your blog name?
I blog with my sister, and we wanted a title that suited both of us.  We are both super girly, but she has a country flair and I have a diva flair.  And with that, "Mascara and Mason Jars" was born
8. What is your favorite thing about you?
My spunk.  Some call it loud.  some call it funny. Some call it bitchy.  I call it ME!!!  I am full of energy and I say whats on my mind.  It has taken me a long time to reach this point of comfort in embracing who I am, and I am proud.
9. You get 3 wishes, what would you choose?
1. For my kids to be happy, healthy and genuine souls their whole lives
2. To NEVER have to worry about money again.  I'm not saying I want to be rich, and I KNOW money doesn't fix anything.  But the truth of the matter is that it's a necessity in this life and I'm sick of worrying.
3.For my kids to not have to grow up in such a crazy, scary world.
10. If you could be invisible for the day, where would you go?
This is a tough one but my gut is leaning towards going to a war-torn country to help me gain some perspective on the crazy things that are happening in this world.  Who knows, maybe I could see something that could end this madness and restore peace once again!!

I nominate Katelyn of www.mascaraandmasonjars.blogspot.com
to answer these 10 questions so our readers can get to know more about us:
We are BRAND NEW to blogging and don't follow a lot yet but that is a goal, and once we have some favorites there will be more nominations!!

1.What is your favorite childhood memory involving your siblings?
2. How has being a Mother changed your life?
3. What is your favorite thing about yourself?
4. What is your biggest weakness?
5. What do you love about blogging?
6. If you were given the opportunity to pamper yourself in any way, what would you do?
7. What scares you the most?
8. What is your favorite chore?
9. What is your favorite song of all time?
10. What do you wish for your future?

I hope everyone enjoys learning a bit more about us, and I'm off for most of the week so stay tuned for some great entries!

Until the next time Peace, Love and Caffeine.  MUAH.