A Humble Beginning: My First Date with Brett

After a couple of days of getting to know one another via text message, Brett finally asked me out.  I was so excited to put a face and an actual person behind the texts.  We decided to meet at a Tim Hortons (a Canadian coffe/doughnut shop) on our university campus.  We both had class that day, but I got there a few minutes before he did.  As I awkwardly stood around waiting for this person who I wasn't sure would even show up, my mind was racing.  I couldn't believe that I was actually going out on what was really a blind date.  When Brett arrived and we got seated with our drinks we started to really get to know each other.  This conversation was mostly held up by Brett - what can I say, he has a gift for being able to carry a conversation with almost anyone.  I was so nervous that I was saying very little; in my mind all I could think was "don't say something stupid, don't say something stupid...".

I didn't hear anything from Brett for the rest of that day after we left Tim Hortons.  I wondered if I ever actually would again; my conversation with him left me feeling so young.  He was in his fourth year and it seemed like he totally had is life together, whereas I was in first year just trying not to fail chemistry.  But the next morning, when I was in my chemistry class (I am realizing that maybe if I had texted less and paid attention more in chemistry I wouldn't have had to try so hard not to fail...)  I got a message from him saying "Hi Aubrey, I had a really good time yesterday.  How is your morning going?".  I was thrilled.  It didn't take him long to ask me out on a "real date" to a movie.

Brett and I on our first date - going out to a movie.  Note that I am wearing a strapless shirt in this picture...  There is indeed a shirt there.

Back in Scrubs

This past week marked my first week back in scrubs since Christmas holidays.  It felt good to get back to it!  I almost forgot how much I liked having a role as a nurse in the hospital.  It is easy to forget, admidst the craziness of exams and finishing up classes for the term, why I actually went into nursing.  Coming back this past week was a good reminder of the amount of good that we nurses and nursing students are able to do.

I hope that you are able to find a career path that makes you feel as happy as I am feeling now that I am back in my scrubs!

Healthy Eating and Exercise Update

Source

Can I be the first to say that I have absolutely no ability to stick with a healthy eating/exercise plan over Christmas holidays??  However, holidays are over for another year so it is time to get back on track!  Brett and I have started going to the gym together which is a great motivator.  I am finding that I am on my own more with the healthy eating train.  It is hard to do by yourself, especially when all you really want is a big piece of cake (I have a serious weakness).  So, what am I doing to make sure I keep up with the healthy eating?

 Here are my top five motivators/tips:

1.  I pack my own lunch.  There are so many hidden calories/grams of sodium/grams of sugar in foods that you can buy in cafeterias.  Also, I make sure to pack my lunch the night before because otherwise I would never do it in the mornings.

2.  Read the labels.  As annoying as standing in a grocery aisle and reading/comparing every different kind of granola bar is, it is worth it to find out what is actually in the food you are eating.

3.  Remind yourself that it is worth it.  When you eat well, you feel better.  I've been sick less, felt better physically and mentally and I have simply just felt better about myself since I have started eating better.

4.  Have a healthy treat at the end of the night - something that actually feels like a treat.  For me, that is lactose free ice cream and occasionally some angel food cake too.  For anyone who is lactose intolerant, Chapman's makes a lactose free ice cream that is amazing!  I have had soy "ice cream" and it does not even compare to the real thing; this Chapman's ice cream is actual ice cream (minus the lactose).  Also, it's no sugar added, so it is a win-win.

5.  Try out the "My Fitness Pal App".  I love this app.  It makes it easy to keep track of how much exercise you're getting, what you've been eating, and how much water you've been drinking.  I find it much easier to stay motivated when I see my calories going in and calories going out.

I hope that you have a healthy New Year and continue checking into Live, Love and be Married blog!  I'm still working on that darn scarf...

Chef's Apron Tutorial

Hello!  This week I plan to get back to my regular posting schedule.  I was supposed to be back to it last week, but unfortunately we were going through some family stuff that kept me from my usual writing.

This apron tutorial has been sitting half done for quite a while now, and I am so happy that I finally managed to share it here.

What you will need:
1 1/2 yd of main body fabric (I used 100% cotton)
1/2 yd of coordinating trim fabric
matching thread
scissors
sewing machine
iron
ironing board

1.  Cut the pieces.

2.  Make the neck loop and ties.

3.  Assemble the main body of the apron.

4.  Make the trim.

4.  Attach the pocket.

You're done!!