Nursing school.

Last night I finished my application, paid for it, and then sent all of my transcripts to Bay State College in Boston, MA. I already have a Bachelors Degree in History, but now I want to go back to school. I am applying to their Associates of Science in Nursing program. Their program is a brand-new program, and as a result, they still have spots left for the nursing program for this fall. I'd basically come back from Ecuador and then start nursing classes the next day.... If I get in! I hope! I really would LOVE to start the education for my new career. It's something I have talked about for 2 years, taken the pre-requisite classes for, but everywhere seems to have a long waiting list! I am hoping I get in to this program.

vacation, so soon.. yet so far.

Peter and I embark on our trip across Ecuador in less than a month from now! I've been so busy booking things, working my butt off, finishing off this nursing school application, cleaning, cooking, visiting friends, having friends visit, etc. I wish I had more time to update my blog. I just have some photobooth photos to share.

Peter modeling his Ecuador jungle attire for me.

My hair is getting so long!

I can even wear it up now :)

The plan is to send Benjamin Franklin away in this box of beer..

One of my favorite people, Simone, came to visit recently as well. She's Brazilian but now lives in Australia. But she's visiting the states for the summer!

One of my favorite people, Simone, came to visit recently as well. She's Brazilian but now lives in Australia. But she's visiting the states for the summer!

I want to add stuff to my Etsy store, but I am leaving for my holiday so soon. I think I should wait until after I get back?

Monday's Menu: Pizza!

Pizza isn't something I get to enjoy all that often, as I'm severely lactose intolerant. My tummy does NOT like most cheeses. Daiya and Vegan Gourmet cheeses, however, are a go! So I decided to make some pizza of my own. I didn't make the dough myself, but I picked it up from the Stop'N'Shop I frequent. It's the closest grocery store to us, and the dough was pretty good!

I rolled out about half the dough, put some extra virgin olive oil in the casserole dish, and laid everything out. I first layered fresh baby spinach with some finely chopped garlic and olive oil. Then a little bit of red sauce, baby portobello mushroom slices, buffalo'ed Gardein chik'n tenders, fresh tomato, and then the "cheeses."

I first cooked it for about 15 minutes, and it looked done, but it wasn't. I didn't cook it long enough, but I quickly popped it back in the oven for a few more minutes and it was fine. AND DELICIOUS!

Notes: I can't decide if I love the Vegan Gourmet or Daiya cheese better. Both are good and come in a variety of flavors. I'd say Daiya definitely melts better, but both are tasty.

As for the Gardein products, I much prefer their frozen items. I haven't been too happy with the refrigerator stuff, but the frozen chicken/beef is AMAZING!! It holds up really well in stews too.

touring bands

Earlier this week, California bands The Funeral Pyre and Early Graves stayed with Pete and me in our little apartment by the sea. The living room floor, normally wood, was carpeted with sleeping bags. The dogs loved it. They had extra cuddle buddies. It was like they were having a sleepover party. They've been playing in MA and NH the last few days, and one of the shows was at Church in Boston, which I was thought was a pretty rad venue as well. Pete played with them in Haverhill at Anchors Up on Wednesday evening, but sadly, I did not get to attend as I had work.

The boys' sleepover party.

Church's bathroom. I thought they were cool.

our little man

Benjamin Franklin is dressed up to go see his dad.

Pete took a 20-something mile bike ride to his friends' house and now is stranded there, so Ben and I are going to pick him up, but with this sweet little get-up I (half) made him, Pete's pride and joy is sure to get some extra love later!

my job

I actually hold down 2 jobs, both in the food and beverage industry, close to where I live. Although I could not say which job I love more, I can say that I love this view the best, no matter the weather.

Every Sunday and Monday, rain or shine, for 12 hours, this is what I gaze out at. Not bad, right?

smiles

Coming home from a long and stressful day at work, opening the fridge for a drink, and seeing this... makes everything OK.

:)