Amy . . .

What would you like to know? I am fun, but crazy. I have a most perfect husband, and 2 cats named Samson and Delilah. We are presently working on adopting a little girl from China and have a separate blog for that. I am a Christian and am working on a better relationship with him. I live in the Atlanta area and love sharing stories with people. I am also a pediatric nurse and I love it! I love to talk and meet new people and I love Disney Cruising

Sunday, August 31, 2008

the physical and spiritual

Greetings to my new blog readers from the weight loss challenge (see side bar if you want to join) and all my friends!

Ok the physical. Yesterday we woke up and headed out to Celebrate Freedom, a free all day Christian music concert in Conyers. We went to Chick Fil A and I got one chicken biscuit. Now, I know its 10 points but planned on eating ok the rest of the day and I knew I would be doing some good walking so no guilt there.

Get to the park, get a good seat and enjoy the end of Third Day and some new artists. Just had a great time. Early afternoon and I tell Michael I am not going to eat unless I am hungry. First bad decision. We got some water and unsweetened tea and walked around. So we are in one of the tents and one of my new allergy spells kicks in. I sneeze up a storm, my head starts to itch and my face swells up. I had a sudafed with me so we found some more water and drank that. Eventually the swelling went away but then I had a new problem. I just did not feel well. We sat down for a while and watched Chris Sligh ( I was soooo looking forward to him and was not disappointed). My stomach started hurting and for the first time I really thought i was going to pass out. I figure now I was a bit dehydrated and my blood sugar probably dropped really quick. Next bad decision since I was trying to watch what I ate was one of those lemon ice things since its mostly ice. After that, my mouth went completely dry. Totally odd. Anyway I eventually got really sick and eventually emptied my stomach (sorry if TMI). Sat for a long time in the cool tend and after feeling guilty I drank a Sprite which ended up being 6 points but my body needed it, ugh! I still felt so weak and honestly had I not been a nurse, I would have told myself to go to the E.R

Eventually we headed back to the stage and I started feeling well and started sipping water and watched an amazing performance of Mercy Me. We decided to leave after Mercy Me even though I was feeling much better. Just didn't want to chance it. Headed home and got a Chicken dinner from PUblix and I measured everything but still went over my points. I do not feel guilty at all and now its Sunday morning and my eyes are still a bit swollen but I am much better!

Besides being a bit ill, I would say this was one of the best days of the year. It was nice to be in sun with my hubby and we just relaxed and chatted. Its amazing what watching thousands of people worshiping can do for your soul but thats another post!

The Spiritual
In the past 2 months I have met some blogging friends in the real world. One new friend told me she was afraid I was going to be a bit too conservative but after talking to me on the phone she said I would be ok! Ha! I talked to another new friend who told me it was because my blog has spiritual overtones in it.

I just wonder how people really see me. I do not want to be seen as the religious girl. I want to be known as a God follower. I do not want people to think I am going to try to push God down their throats. That's not my job. My job is for people to see God through me. Right now I am trying to get the real life Amy and the blogging Amy on the same page. Don't get confused. I do not have a multiple personality disorder. If I had to pick which Amy I preferred, it would be the blogging Amy. These are my thoughts, these are the things on my heart. I am so hesitant to be myself in real life. Its hard. This post is going on long enough, so I will stop. So I am hoping my blog will continue to be from the real Amy and that it doesn't come across so pushy.

I am learning to listen to God. He speaks to me in the coolest places.

Friday, August 29, 2008

My job

SOmeone asked me what type of nursing I did and what I have learned from it so I thought I would share it with you..

I am a pediatric nurse at Scottish Rite Hospital which is part of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I work the night shift and have been there almost 7 years. I am usually in charge each night.


SO what type of floor is it, you ask? Well its called a cranio/facial floor and we do take care of patients who have had certain plastic surgeries like cleft lip/palate, other deformities, brain tumors, hydrocephalus, spina bifida,seizures, head injuries of all types and any other neuro issues like migraines and stuff. So I get to see a lot. I was able to take care of Baby Noor a few years ago, remember her?

What type of head injuries do we see the most? Trampolines accidents, kids in bouncy seats falling off tables and kids riding their bikes without helmets. Also, I can say that we will never own a pasta maker.

So that's it. That's what I do. A lot of the injuries have made me paranoid when I am in public and see kids without helmets but I never wore a helmet when I was a kid and see how I turned out?

Brownies

Im just going to post when I feel like it. Those brownies the other day rocked!

1 box of Betty Crocker Brownie Mix

2 cans of pumpkin

Mix and bake at 350 for 35 minutes, let them cool and put in fridge. Sooooo yummy and only 1 point for a piece. You gotta try it!

a few things

There are a few things I do not blog about simply because I do not know much about them but here are my thought on 2 of those subjects.

Sports
Michael Phelps- oh my word. Talk about being disciplined. I could not watch a lot of his events because I was afraid he would lose. Loved the Olympics that I watched was was pretty much swimming and gymnastics. China did a beautiful job!

I love the Manning commercials.

Politics-
I won't begin to say I understand anything about politics. People are mean. Seriously, people give you crap if you are the opposite party, regardless of what you actually believe. They hear you are a republican or democrat and quickly come up with a snide remark. Some people are very passionate about their party and will defend the nominee no matter what that nominee believes in. Both candidates are passionate. Both want to win. Just because someone is an excellent speaker does not mean he should be president. And just because someone is very patriotic and has more experience than his opponent doesn't mean he should be president. I think the worst thing I keep hearing is how someone doesn't want another Bush in the office. Well, that's not a problem. NO one named Bush is running for office. Why do we judge simply on which party we belong to? People assume that if a republican takes office, they will make the same decisions President Bush has made. That doesn't seem fair or really smart. People are just really ugly about this election and those people who choose to slam the other one make me stereotype everyone who is in that party. That's not fair either.

I remember hearing that during get togethers you should not talk about religion or politics. I can understand that now!
I am glad we are able to vote, no matter what your choice is!

Okay, I am tired so I am not making sense.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Someone asked me about the weight loss challenge so far. Its not too late to join, check the button on my side bar, click on it and add your info!

Every Monday you check in with your results!

Second, Wednesdays are my free diet days so today I got back on track by starting out at the gym.

I had an apple and a brownie from yesterday for breakfast (totally yummy) All I did was mix Betty Crocker brownie mix with 2 cans of pumpkin. You cant taste the pumpkin.


For lunch I will have a frozen WW meal ( on sale at Publix plus I got coupons at me meeting) and a serving of veggies.

Dinner tonight will be another WW mean plus an extra veggie.and a fruit

Snacks today will be
Grapes and laughing cow cheese
WW yogurt (2)

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Wednesday

Well today totally didn't go as expected, but none the less i have loved it so far. I was hoping to have lunch with a friend or two but everyone was busy and then planned on going to a weight watcher meeting where I knew I had gained more weight.

Well, I went ahead and went to my Weight Watcher meeting where I was surprised to learn I lost 2 pounds. After that I went over to the furniture store to order a part for our bed and then went to the grocery store to load up on fruits and veggies and other things. I plan on making some low fat brownies today, I will let you know how those go.

Then a friend called and I decided to visit her at home since she was stuck waiting for a cable hook up. Plus I had not seen her sweet boy in a few weeks. It was a needed visit. This friend is struggling with far more than I ever knew and she needed the visit far more than I did. I am so glad we were able to spend some time with her.


Hopefully i am back on the WW wagon. I signed for a challege trying to lose 30 pounds by Christmas..
We will see....

Monday, August 25, 2008

tagged a few weeks ago

a few weeks my friend Christy tagged me so now I will participate Here are 7 random things about yours
) I loved and still love boy bands! Go ahead and either laugh out loud or roll your eyes since you already assumed that.
2)I love lemons with salt on them

3)A perfect job would be to work in a newborn nursery but those are really hard to find anymore. Truly, babies either room in with mom or go to the nursery but there arent many babies in there.

4)
I am terrified of driving in the rain
5)
I have wonderful amazing friends and family
6)
I love anything with toffee in it
7) I do believe if you put cheese on anything, it will be yummy



So if you are reading this, you are tagged. Make sure you visit Cristy too!
3 more things I am no longer ashamed to admit I watch

anything with Gordon Ramsey
Tori and Dean-still In love
Dog the Bounty Hunter

Judge as you will
this is Amy Christopher and I approved this post

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Thanks for all the input, advice and encouragement. Weight loss is just one thing I am struggling with. Not that struggling is bad, there are just many things I am working on.

A big thing I need and want to do is memorize scripture. I want to know God's word. When I have questions, I want them to flow through my brain. So as I get ready to start my women's Bible Study, The Amazing Collection, I hope to take at least one verse, stick it on a card and put it on the fridge. I always find it neat that no matter what study I am doing, I find a verse that speaks to me no matter what's going on in my life.

Do you have a favorite verse or a life verse?

I have 2
The first one is the first long scripture I learned in Sunday School

Psalm 51 is the whole Psalm but its verse 10 that has been on my mind lately
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

I Timothy 1:7
7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.


Funny huh? Here I complain about not being able to lose weight am reminded that God has given me discipline to do that. I get intimidated quite easily. You would not think that since I have such a big mouth but this verse has been with me since high school.

Your turn

vacation pics

Vacation pics are up at www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com

Jose won the contest for most entries, still waiting for sister to pick the other ones

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

the one where Amy confesses



I have not gone to a Weight Watchers meeting since the end of June. I went today and I am glad I went and will continue to get back on track.


I did gain, A LOT! Like 11 pounds in 10 weeks! I would say what the heck but I knew what I was eating so its all my fault. There you have it. I confessed.

Now that thats over with, whats your favorite healthy foods to eat? Do you have a favorite low fat recipe?

and check out the cool Wordless Wed pic at hubbys blog at www.valtool.blogspot.com

His mom has cool neighbors!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Cheesy Owen

Turn the volume off and just watch his face. One of the many reasons I go to Florida!

Monday, August 18, 2008

to blog or not to blog that is the question

Well, we are back. Had a nice time. Visited family and friends, met some new ones and ready to get back in the game. Michael took some great shots.

What did we do? Went to Jungle Adventures, spent to much money but did see some animals.

WE had BBQ 2 times.

We had Tijuana Flats 2 times

Amy went swimming once.

Visited grandparents.

Visited parents

Amy got to put Owen and Seth to bed and read some books and said our prayers.

Visited with Janie,Seth, Owen, Rachel, Jenny, Basil, Cameron and J Mei. Kids rock

Went to Frosty King for Ice Cream

Michael found a penguin game on yahoo (courtesy of nephew Seth) and he beat it.

Family can be stressful at times but I would not trade them for anything in the world. Even with bickering, they love me and Michael unconditionally. I am spoiled. I would love to live near family but I do not want to move to Florida. Its a great place to visit though.

Home and family. Comfort. These are all great things.

One more thing that's been on my mind. A while ago, I read a blog about why even bother praying if God already knows everything. So here is my take on that. You know when you talk to a preschooler or kindergartner and you ask them what they did or how there day went. Most of the time, you already know. But, you desire that communication with them. It truly brings me joy to have a real conversation with a child. Don't you think God deserves the same? And that is why I talk to my Heavenly Father!

we are back

We are home from vacation and I will be posting the pics over at the family blog which is at www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com

So what did you do last week? and yes I really want to know?

Monday, August 11, 2008

Comment game

Y0u guys know the drill. I will leave a question with 2 choices in the comment box. You answer and give a reason and then you make the next question of 2 choices. I plan on taking a break from blogging while on vacation but I will drop in and participate too! We will make a game out of this. In order for your answer/question to count, there should be 2 answers before you respond again. We will have winners with the most creative question, the funniest answer and the most active participant. Make sure you tell your readers about this. The more participants, the more fun!!!! Take care and have fun!


the contest is over. I am home and a normal post shall be coming. sister kelly will be picking the winners since she doesnt know any of you!
thanks for playing

the prizes? a choice of my favorite books

Sunday, August 10, 2008

this made me smile

Well, tomorrow Michael and I head down to Florida to meet a new nephew and spend time with family. Would'nt it be cool if this was our last trip before China? It could be, you never know. But we are still anticipating a decent wait.

On another note, head back tomorrow where we will kick off the comment game once again! WooHoo!

Saturday, August 09, 2008

weekend at work

Happy, sad. Such emotions occur all the time in my career. This weekend, a patient we have had for months learned not only had her brain tumor not decreased in size, but had indeed grown after a lot of therapy. Her family has to make a decision. That is never, ever a good line to read when you talk about cancer. Another patient on the floor is not done fighting although his treatment has not worked either. I can not imagine. I do not want to imagine. I pray for peace, wisdom, and comfort. I pray for the families, the patients and the nurses and doctors who try so hard not to get close to these patients and know that this is impossible. I pray for the brand new nurses who are wondering what they are getting into.

Happiness. Patients whose brain tumors are benign and will not need any more treatment.

I have a job like anyone else. I just tend to bring mine home with me all the time.

For those of you who had read my blog over the last couple of years, you may have remembered me talking about Catie who passed away at the age of 4. I have kept in touch with her mom and she is expecting again. Her mom is a teacher and decided to go back to school and this year she was placed in the school and the classroom that Catie went to her

Thursday, August 07, 2008

My list

I was thinking about doing a Thursday 13 but couldn't come up with anything creative. Next time, perhaps?

I was talking to my email penpal and realized I may not be the only domestic chick out there. You see, I want to be. I need to learn a lot of things before we go to CHina!

I want to learn to cook really well!

I want to learn how to sew

I want to learn how to crochet or knit

I want to learn how to scrapbook or find other ways of keeping memories

I want to learn how to paint a room without painting the ceiling.

I want to keep all of my house and car clean

I want to learn how to live simply

I want to not have to go buy things because I can

I want to be frugal

I want to be joyful all the time

I want to be an awesome wife and mom

I want to be happy with what I have !!

Does anyone have any suggestions on any of things? Seriously, I am asking for help!! Gotta get working on some of these things ASAP!

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Book review and give aways- Finding Stephanie


-Book tour http://susanmaywarren.typepad.com/scribbles/2008/07/finding-stefani.html

About the book: When she put her dreams on hold to help run the family ranch, she never imagined they would slip out of sight. Luckily for Stefanie, those dreams are about to come knocking at her door.

Lincoln Cash has gained fame and fortune on the big screen, but a crippling secret leaves him one last chance to make his mark on the movie industry. With dreams of hosting a new film festival, Lincoln intends to remodel a sprawling ranch in eastern Montana to make it the new Hollywood hot spot.

Unfortunately, a house fire threatens his plans. So does opposition from his new neighbor Stefanie Noble, who's not thrilled about his Tinseltown changes. What Lincoln and Stefanie don't know is that the fire won't be the last disaster to threaten Lincoln or his future. Someone is out for revenge... but who? And who is the real target?

Read an excerpt: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/c1_findingStefanie.html

About Susan:
Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

Link to buy the book: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1028342&item_no=310190

Link to Susan’s website: http://www.susanmaywarren.com


Link for blog tour schedule: http://susanmaywarren.typepad.com/scribbles/2008/07/finding-stefani.html

My thoughts on the book and then scroll down for my give aways and a different contest
You guys know I love Christian fiction books. This was good, really good. Totally different than what I am used to reading but this author makes it an easy, good read and kept my attention the whole time. Stephanie is an interesting character and I am sure you will see yourself in some of her personality. I am very much looking forward to reading more of this author! I have to also add that this is the 3rd book in a series and I did not get read the other 2 but didn't feel like I was missing anything.
Ok, if you are still reading here is whats going on. The publisher gave me a copy of this book plus another one from the author. I am giving away both copies. All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me some of you favorite authors.

The author is having a scavenger hunt and giving away a great gift card! TO play, head over to the book tour and visit the other participants
Here is the info on the contest, the book tour address is posted at the top of this blog

Once again, here is the link to the tour. Click here

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

A Tale of Two Friends

Many years ago, there were 2 girls destined to be friends. They were both strange creatures and loved life.When I say they were strange I mean that as a total compliment. You should meet them, they are quite cool. One day while Amy was on a Christian match maker site, she got a message from a girl named Mandy. Now, knowing that Amy was on this site to meet dudes ( and eventually she met the perfect one), she did not respond to the message. But then Mandy made it clear that she too was looking for dudes too but noticed Amy lived in Central Florida and was a Christian. Now, they were both looking for new friends and decided to meet.

So one evening, they met at Stavros and had the best Greek Salads in the world. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. This was the summer after they graduated college and spend a lot of time walking the beaches and becoming buddies. They realized they both loved cheesy movies, wanted the perfect man and could both recite the movie 8 seconds. Mandy soon invited Amy to Metro in Orlando ( large awesome Bible study for singles in Orlando, kind of like 722 in Atlanta) and Mandy helped Amy grow in her faith by being cool friends. This is where Amy learned worship music rocks and this is the year " I Could Sing of Your Love forever" was introduced to Amy. Both girls love details. They even drove through a fire on the way to Metro one night as Central Florida was being eaten by fires. Seriously, they drove down the interstate and there was fire on both sides. Pretty scary since we were on our way to church and the last thing you want to think about is burning.

These 2 girls might me the silliest girls in the world ( If you disagree with that statement I totally would challenge you) and could totally be themselves around each other. Mandy was just here for the summer and went home to Ga or Va or where ever she lived those days but the ladies kept in touch.

They have both gotten married (though neither attended the others wedding) and Mandy has gone to have 3 babies and moved to Texas and now has cool connection to Chris Tomlin but we love her because of who she is and not who she knows, ha!

They have gone years without talking or visiting each other. Years ago, Amy and Mandy were able to visit each other in Atlanta during one of Mandy's visits. Years went by until NOW.

Rumor had it Mandy would be in town for family visits. She promised she would call. When she did not call, Amy was worried but she did not need to be. Tuesday morning after work, friendship was restored and Amy realized how blessed she was to have a rocking friend. Now, Amy's husband joined them for breakfast at Cracker Barrel and probably noticed these friends were meant for each other as they are still very silly.

This is not the end of the story for Amy and Mandy, just getting ready for another chapter. Friends rock and friendships restored are awesome.

Below you will find a pic of this historical event in the lives of these funny, yet entertaining chicks!









BTW, Book tour stops here tomorrow and I have been given 2 books to give away!!!!


Monday, August 04, 2008

the one where Amy answers your questions

If you could only use ONE adjective to describe yourself, which would you choose? You have to sum up your entire being in one word!
What a great question. Very hard but I will say different. I wanted to use the word special but that sounds negative to some people. God created me different and if you know me, you will know I am different. I have unique tastes, a very different vocabulary and I am just now beginning to love who God created me to be


You may have told us this before, but what is your middle name?
Suzanne


What is your favorite childhood memory?
I have so many. My parents were so good to me. This will be a whole other post. Vacations ( were not that many but just being with family was special), Christmas, playing with neighbors, love my elementary school memories


Have you ever visited Canada? If not where in Canada would you like to visit if you had the opportunity.
I have not been to Canada but would love to visit Prince Edward Island where Anne of Green Gables was filmed

I will also bite... though an odd one... hehehe... What time do you want to meet and will it be at the Fish Camp and maybe Dustin's for lunch???? What do you think?
We talked about this yesterday and I am so excited. We can talk about this later. I can not wait to miss Fliss and her hubby

Friday, August 01, 2008

Ask Away

Thought I would do this again since I have nothing, ZILCH to post about. Ask me anything. I promise to answer each one and if its something I dont want to post public, I will email ya!
Come on, all I need is one question to make me feel cool today!
I will answer any and all questions monday morning