Leave a Legacy...

January is a month full of important dates. There is the new year, Martin Luther King day, the beginning of a school year, Elvis's birthday, the Chinese new year, etc. Those days are always overshadowed by two other days that will always have way more importance to me than anything that could have possibly happened.

Today marks 2 years without our sister and friend, Leah.


On the Jan. 8th it marked 6 years without my dearest friend, Emily.

So as I sit here and think of how amazing these 2 girls were and what they meant to my life, I can't help but think of the legacy that they both left. If you did not know Emily or Leah-they were both incredible! Over the years, I have noticed when people talk about them they say things like, she loved her family so much, she loved her friends, she loved life, she loved Jesus, she would do anything for her sisters, she adored her brothers...everyone always remembers how they loved. In the end, that's all that matters...how you love. So forget the small things in life. Forgive people and move on. Love until you think you can't anymore. Leave a legacy worth remembering.

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

Ohhh boy!

Ok we know that everyone has been waiting for another post…yeah right. I am working on the consistency part-it’s just hard when you work a million hours every day. And yes I know there are not really a million hours in a day but that is what it feels like. If you know me, you know I say what I think. And there may or may not be a lot of that in this post.

So Zumba. For those of you who don’t know, and have subsequently been living under a rock for the past 5 years, Zumba is a dance workout class. So we get to the friendly (not so friendly) YMCA and hustle up to the classroom. A-we have to hustle because we think we are 15 minutes late B- we are 15 minutes late because the nice (not nice) lady at the front desk would not let me attend the class without giving her my id. Oh yeah because I forgot to mention that I am clearly a terrorist and obviously a sexual predator. We get up the classroom and the class has already started. Dang it! We make our way to the back of the classroom and very awkwardly start joining in. First things first—I notice that EVERYONE is already drenched in sweat so I am thinking to myself, “Dang this must be a really hard class if everyone is like this after 15 minutes”. Then I realize, wow this teacher really does not have very much rhythm. The moves were more like punching and kicking. After a few difficult moves Cara and I look at each other like “What in the world?” We are in the back laughing at ourselves and what complete idiots we are when we hear Workout Barbie yell from the front, “Get it together! This ain’t no dance class!” Workout Barbie say what?!? What we had actually done was join the kickboxing class with 15 minutes left. Embarrassing really because there is no doubt in my mind that when we walked in after everyone had been working out for 30 minutes they thought we were idiots. Which we are.

After we cut our losses with the kickboxing class, we start the Zumba class. Cara and I are feeling pretty good about this because well we were both cheerleaders and high school (meaning we have some pretty good dance moves in our history--Ludacris anyone?) and would like to think that we have pretty good rhythm. We got a spot up front and I knew it was going to be a good class when I saw that the lady in front of me had a uni-braid, tribal ankle tattoo, and wait for it—had graciously worn her red lacy thong with her painted on yoga pants. That is aweome that you have a Rue21 thong on but sweetheart leave it in your pants. Next comes Maria Hernandez, our instructor. And that was not really her name but you get the picture. Here is a visual:

I am going to be real honest…we were hoping for a Zumba class that would pump us up-you know lots of popping it, the occasional shake, and who doesn’t love a good body roll? Well the moves that Maria did with us were not that. AT ALL. Looking back I think all that we really did was move our feet really fast really close together and twirl and twist our hands. That is not our groove and Maria could tell. How? Maybe the fact she came over to stand in front of us 75% of the class. Oh well. I got out of that class in a hurry because no doubt the Zumba groupies were talking about how uncoordinated we were.

Now for a section I would like to call

"Only in Tennessee!"

This weekend I had the chance to go see the Blue Man Group. It was awesome!

It was at TPAC and if you haven't been to a show there--they serve alcohol in the lobby. That was probably most the crowd’s favorite part. By most of the crowd I mean the Nascar loving rednecks that came "into town" to get some culture. Exhbit A-

Ok that sounds harsh I know but let me continue. The Blue Man Group does not talk throughout the entire performance; they play music, videos, do skits etc. So that makes for some silence. Here is a selection of some of the things that were yelled out during the silent moments:

"Oh harder. Do it harder."
(this dear lady was referring to the drums but knew she was making a sexual innuendo and thought she was so funny that she continued to laugh at herself after she yelled this from the balcony.)

“FREEBIRD!!!”
(really sir?)

“Plaaayyy that funnnky muuussiic bluuee booy”
(as you may have noticed there are lots of extra letters in all the words above. That is to accommodate the drunken slur. Plus who even says that?)

Rednecks aside, the show was great! I would see it again in a heartbeat!! Cough cough:::In Chicago, in 2 weeks::cough cough.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for my family, friends and such a blessed life! Hope that everyone has a great day with their loved ones! Have a great Wednesday!

Soon To Be: Cara Cross, RN, BSN

(WARNING: this isn't remotely funny...sorry to disappoint. I’m a terrible writer/speller so try not to judge me in my attempt at blogging my thoughts.)

This is the title I have been long awaiting. Just those 5 ‘lil letters behind my name hold so much weight, stress, and loss of sleep/appetite and have driven me into an anti-social oblivion...

I always wished I was a fun major like communications or elementary education where I could spend my days hanging out with friends, going to the movies on Friday nights and making cutesy bulletin boards and teaching about frogs. But no....I chose nursing.  Where 7 days a week, I sleep, eat and breathe everything nursing.  My life is an endless “TO DO” list; the satisfaction I feel crossing off a task on that list is the highlight of my day. Pathetic I know.

  (I got to pretend to be a teacher for the day with my friend Krista's first grade class!  She is the best teacher and her kids are adorable!)

 (How cute is he!!!?? This was my favorite little man in her class. I think im drawn to the pudgy kids, because I was once one. Reference previous blog!)

 (My Uncle Ray...look how handsome he is !)

My desire to be a nurse was influenced by my family and my Uncle Ray’s death.  He passed away in April of my junior year in high school from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.  This is a disease that moves throughout your body like a raging wild fire.  It affects muscles and you gradually lose the ability to walk, move your upper extremities, talk, and ultimately breathe which takes your life.  This was devastating news to my family when he was diagnosed. 

A little back ground on my uncle so you know just how wonderful he was...He was the type of person who would drop anything just to help you.  He made me laugh incessantly.  He was constantly loving and supportive of my dreams even if they weren't basketball, soccer, cross-country and basketball like my other sisters (They were ballers, I was a measly cheerleader). He was a hard worker, and could make anything with his hands. He adored his family and my sisters and I.

When he became sick, my Aunt Robin, who is a nurse, was constantly at his side caring for him.  This is when my heart was sparked to do nursing.  I would stop by everyday after school to see him and rub his ice cold feet.  Due to the way he sat in his wheelchair, his lower extremities did not receive good circulation thus they would become purple and cold.  Rubbing his feet was a way to serve and love him, so I loved this time every day.  He would whisper to Aunt Robin a funny story from growing up, for her to tell me.  We would all sit there and laugh, my Uncle was quite mischievous and daring when he was young, so all of his stories were playing pranks on people.  Moments like these up until his last breath are ones that I cherish.  I got to see love displayed by my Aunt in the way she so gently cared for him, she truly honored the vows “Until death do us part.”  I share these precious memories because they all influenced my decision to become a nurse. And they are the reason why I have stuck it out and am now almost to that finish line...

(Yes I feel weird and its awkward that I'm putting pictures up of myself!-But people like blogs with pictures and Im here to deliver!)

(Who really makes "TO DO" list and puts them on their lamp...this girl!)

(And of course my planner is my life! Im looking for a new one, so suggestions are welcome!)

So shortly (in 7months to be exact), I will be the nurse I longed to be so many years ago.  It’s exciting, yet terrifying.  You would think that along the way… through the tears, late nights studying and many bed baths given (And believe me, I’ve seen it all)…that I would know what type of nurse I wanted to be....But that’s a big fat…Nope!  I’m beginning to freak out because I start looking for jobs in a few months and I have no inclination as to what direction to go.  Maybe that means I’m flexible and can do any area…nahhhh probably not!  I’m a type A girl (My mom is nodding her head right now in agreement).  I have to have a plan and know what direction I’m going.  I hate CHANGE (My mom just whispered a hush, amen)!  Examples:  I hate when my mom doesn't put up the snowman Christmas tree…I hate when my schedule is disrupted…I love “TO DO” list and making a plan.  So not knowing what my future holds or what my passion is…well its just plain scary.  I wish I was “that girl”, (Like my roommate of a 5 years, Meggie who is a NICU nurse! So proud of her!) who knew what type of nurse she wanted to be from the get go. 

(Meggie and I on our first day at Belmont! Many tears were shed that semester over leaving Lipscomb, but it has been worth it!)

I know the type of things I do NOT like:

Psych patients
Neuro patients aka psych patients

 (This picture is when Lofton was born! His mom Cherry and I are friends and I've adored this kid even before he entered the world! He has an incredible family!)

(And this second one is from the other day when I got to babysit him! Highlight of my week! Its not very clear and terribly awkward of me, but he looks so cute trying to smile. I couldn't resist putting it up)

 (This one is baby Andrew- Meggie's nephew, he is the cutest baby around)

(Of course I have to include this sweet girl! This is baby Kali, her mom Cari and I were in Delta Sigma together. I got to rock her to sleep the other day. Some might call me a baby whisperer!)

 So only having 2 dislikes makes narrowing down my “likes” a bit harder...I am only certain of one and the other is iffy.

1. I LOVE BABIES:  I mean I LOVE everything about them. If the previous pictures don't prove it, Im not sure what will!  My friends in my clinical group (I use the word “friend” lightly-I only have 3 really and what a blessing those 3 are!) make fun of me because if there is a baby around I get so excited!  Plus I have some of the most adorable babies in my life, which only feed this passion.
2. Iffy about Labor and Delivery: this is the only area that has always been in the back of my mind. Im sure some of you are squirming to think I could enjoy looking at ....Well anyways, But I think that this is an area I could enjoy. And BABIES are involved so of course I love that aspect!

This lil baby momma is adorable! Meet my sister Candace! I finally get my very own nephew and I'm thrilled! I love Coleman Cross Smith already! Eric and her have so graciously allowed me to be in the delivery room with her when Coleman arrives! So on December 28th well see if my calling to Labor and Delivery is confirmed or denied!)

Don't get me wrong, I luurrvvee babies! But I don't want my own baby anytime soon. That would involve a husband, and looks like thats not on my radar so well just have to hold off on wanting my own. I just enjoy loving on everyone else's! Besides I can give them back at the end of the day...its really the life!

So as I finish up this semester... LORD HELP ME!  No but seriously, Im going to need His help! …and as I approach next semester (the down hill slope), I am hoping God lays on my heart or puts me on a path to figuring out what type of nurse I want to be.  I know that He has been faithful to bring me this far and He doesn't abandon the works of His hands.  So I guess I will have to wait...Something I am not very good at, but I am reminded of this verse.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalms 27:14

I have always thought if God had to say “wait for the Lord” twice He MEANS it...So that’s what I am going to do...wait.  I can’t say I’m enthused about this, but I know that He is calling me to trust him and be faithful in prayer. So I hope that you will join me in that. 

And I solemnly swear to not blog about studying or nursing for at least a few months. Sorry this was totally not entertaining but have no fear Erin will be blogging about her trip to Cookeville for Homecoming and our first trip together to Zumba! If you can imagine Erin and I trying to dance to tribal music, then you’re in for a laugh!  And the corner house is decorating for Christmas thursday! Our interior designer Ellen, will do great things for our home. Pictures and Post soon to come!

love,

CcC

Drum Roll Please!

As we have been told numerous times--everyone has been anxiously awaiting our first blog post. Well we have to give the people what they want. So now let me start from the beginning. Cara and I have been inseparable since birth--that is just the honest truth. I believe we meet in the nursery of First Baptist Church while in the arms of Ms. Virginia as she rocked us in those horrific wooden rocking chairs from 1920. Anyways, the reason we really became friends so early in life was because our mothers had an incredible bond that included loving to talk on the phone for hours all day and then volunteer for everything possible at church. So some might say that our friendship started over the convenience factor that our mothers were constantly together and having daughters the same age was like a built in babysitter. I really wanted to find a picture of us when we were babies but if you know Nora, she is an amazing woman! But organization might not be her strong point so trying to locate pictures at our house would entail fighting my way to the back of the closet in our extra bedroom and pulling out 16253 boxes of pictures that we have only to find that none of those boxes have what I am looking for. So this was the earliest picture I could find of us. We apologize in advance for the poor quality of pictures. More than likely all of these were taken on a disposable camera.

I know this is at one of my birthday parties. I would guess 5 or 6? As you can tell Cara still had the ever popular bowl cut. I had one too. They were horrendous. I can't even begin to describe that time in our lives in such a small space, we will have to have another blog dedicated to that. Nora and Jackie thought that was a great idea, even to the point of getting one themselves, SUPRISE it wasn't. At this point in our lives we were really into Barbies, baby dolls and beanie babies. Cara always had the cooler toys-Nora was the cheapest mother you have ever met! You know those Farbies (fake Barbies) that they sell at the Dollar Tree? That's what I had! My Farbies clothes consisted of socks that never got a match that we were allowed to cut up and put Velcro on...NOT COOL. Just a side note--Cara and I both had Lee Middleton Dolls growing up, (if you were a girl and breathing from 1995-2000-you know what I am talking about) Cara's baby had a monogrammed blanket...we were 7...I rest my case.

Next came middle school... As you can tell we both put on a little weight and I grew a unibrow. Our favorite store was the Limited Too, it did not matter that we had to wear the 16/18 size. Cara lived in overalls and I am not just talking about denim ones. Girl had velvet, corduroy, khaki, if they made it…she had it. See below = proof.

Woof.

Is this not the sweetest best friend picture ever? Our families went on a camping trip every year and this is a picture from one of them. Cara and I feel asleep in the hammock one night. We have always had a thing for sleep.

I would venture to say that this might be the best picture we have EVER taken together. Middle school was rough for us. I was homeschooled and Cara wore Aeropostale (see above). If you can look at this picture with our laughing, I commend you.

At the beginning of high school we really got into make-up. You might think that we are heading out to a function or a hot date but truth be told...we are at Craker Barrel with our youth group. I was still homeschooled, Cara was in year 10 at FCS, and we were almost able to drive! Driving meant we could cruise up and down Main Street, go and sit at Sonic for hours, and most importantly drive around while blaring rap music because we thought it was cool.

75% of our pictures from high school involve this infamous face.

I would say that 11th and 12th grade were some of the best years of my life. I finally got to go to FCS and Cara basically made me into who I was. As I am sure you can imagine...we were cheerleaders, key club members (key club?), class officers, FCA members, Diamond Dolls, etc. If it was extracirrular...we did it. They were great years!

Of course there is a lot more to our friendship but for right now--this small look into our lives will have to do! When I am not working 65 hours a week and Cara does not have to go tend to her refugee family, go teach fire safety to elementary monsters, or study for 2375 tests and we have more time we will add more!

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday! We are half way to the weekend!!

Scanner...really are we 1999??

Ok ok ok...I know what you're thinking. Where the heck is your blog!! 


We have an explanation...we need a scanner. To insure that we adequately give you a accurate glimpse of who we were and who we are, many pictures need to be uploaded. So along with the billion other things we have to conquer this week, Erin saving the world, and I locking myself in my room studying. We will some how find time to upload them. Who knew blogging could be so demanding and we havent even begun. And trust me, you want us to upload the pictures...there priceless!

(The sad thing is, we cant blame this mirror picture on middle school)

 (And if you havent caught on yet...we like to make fun of ourselves                                       -were good at it)
And the roommates decided tonight were going to film a monthly talk show discussing various topics. So if you know the corner house...you know they will be entertaining! Stay tuned!


As Erin would say...
Lovey Lovertons you!
E&C

Post Soon To Come...