Day 31: Making strides

The training continues and I am enjoying every minute of it... who would have thought?! Wrapping up week 2 on the tredmil.

Day 30: Horizontal stripes

My life in a coffee shop today.

First Pinterest purchase @TailorStylist !

Day 29: Today was 60 degrees...

I got way too use to the city life too quickly, sad to be heading home! (Especially since this weather feels like springtime.) After a run on the lakefront with a beautiful view of the skyline I had a new appreciation for the constant activity. Wish I had thought to snap a picture. Andrew worked from home today and joined me on being productive in the living room. Two old chums in the real world.

View from the train. Goodbye traffic!

Day 28: City Living

Successful study day at a coffee shop in Lincoln park, followed by shopping on Halsted with Erika, and dinner out. Thanks for the hospitality Andrew, Erika and Erick!

Rad glasses girlie.

Day 27: Day of rest

Great day today living local in Lincoln Park. If I could make myself relax on a couch and bake homemade pizzas every Sunday, I would.
Love this city!

Quality time with Andrew and a cozy fire!

Day 26: Chicago bound and birthday celebration

Happy 23rd bday to Katie! We celebrated by taking a party bus into the city and capped the night off at Moe's Cantina. Can we just recap about the bottle service?

Wow, so many memories with my Lakehouse girls. It was a blast being reunited and great to be able to pick up right where we left off! This needs to happen again soon.

Sorry, Katie, I had to post this picture. It's just too good!

Al was there too! She surprised Katie by coming in from Holland. :)

 

Pre-party bus.

P.S. Happy actual Birthday to Meg! Even though I wasn't with her, I thought about her all day. Can't wait to celebrate.

Day 25: Celebrating those we love

I enjoyed spending the day with birthday Mom at the Spa and getting ready for the MN visitors, Uncle Tom and Aunt Kathy. We cooked an awesome dinner, steak and lobsters and had a great time celebrating these two special people!

Happy 53rd Mom, Happy 60th Uncle Tom!

Cute MOM opening presents and loving her new apron.

Day 24: Good morning sunshine!

The beautiful January view outside of my front door. I hope it stays this peaceful outside for my mom's birthday tomorrow. :)

Day 23: I love January sales

Shopping is way more satisfying when you find good deals, (especially at Nordy Rack!) Don't tell that I was out in search of birthday presents, not presents for me. Oops!

I'm in an 'earthy' phase...

Day 22: Lets train for it

Sam and I are running a half marathon in April! Definitely a first for both of us. We signed up, so it must be for real. 

So far, I owe the motivation to her since she is way more confident about this idea than I am. I can't imagine training for something with out having someone to share the experience with; it's way more fun this way. Today is our actual day 1 of training. Woo Hoo! Since I found this hidden note of encouragement, this is proof I put these runners on this morning!

Philippinas 4:13

Day 21: In the midst of studying

Today I realized how exciting it is to receive post-holiday mail. These notes of kind words came at a perfect time during my days upon days of studying.  :)
Thanks Jenna, for delivering yours in person! So great catching up with you over good food.

Day 20: Happy Sunday!

Beyond thrilled to be reunited with my favorite person after spending so much time apart during the holidays. Yes, it was bittersweet knowing she was in Spain, but without me this time. ;)

 How much did we need this day together? A LOT. I love getting visits from Sam especially on a Sunday (my least favorite day of the week) because this means she will most likely start my Monday with me too. I'm glad this end-of-the-week-tradition is continuing on into 2013. 

I am so proud of her for leading yet another retreat this past weekend, she makes me want to be a better person and offers more to me than I ever thought possible. It is amazing seeing our lives unfold together, 18 years and counting...

xoxo

Day 19: A much needed/overdue reunion!

I have such inspiring people in my life. 

This night out in GR came at a perfect time; just when you think you might be feeling the mid-winter blues they go away when being surrounded by these beautiful faces. Note to self: Go to Little Mexico again. (Stella's... I think I could do without!)

I loved hearing how my nurse buddies are adjusting at the hospitals in Chicago and Ann Arbor, bonding over being a Dec. grad and living at home with the roommates, and just having too much in common, especially with Lauren these days. She is so wise.

  Love my SIBs!

Blessed to be with so many of them at one time!

Day 18: Feels like winter to me

Great day getting my ski legs back and racing to keep up with the speed demons! We skied ALL day and definitely got our fair share of night skiing in. (Brrrr!) I wanted to photograph my Rossi's that I whipped out for old time's sake. I've missed them!
This picture is actually monumental because about 1.5 seconds after it was taken I dropped my phone off the chairlift... So smooth. Matt (to my left) saved the day by jumping off the chairlift (whoa.) and rescuing it! I am so lucky it was retrieved and in perfect condition. I even have living proof and successfully captured this picture. Happy girl.

Day 17: Mid-week ski trip

We made it to the cozy town of Cadillac, MI this evening! Thanks to the trusty little white Audi we made it safely, (Trevor VanderHart) I am so happy to be back at Caberfae Peaks reliving my high ski race weekends. Was that really 6 years ago?  Cheers to my first time skiing this year!

This Blue Moon was unusualy GOOD.

Day 16: BSN

Today, I received a pleasant surprise in the mail, my diploma! It's in writing, it's stamped, and it's official. Now maybe I should stare at this everyday until I become a RN.
Thanks T, for helping me frame it already!

P.S. Thinking of Papa on his actual 80th Birthday! I am so happy the surprise arrival of his children was a success, such a cool story. :)

Day 15: Family Foto Fun

So, I was looking through all of our family photo proofs from the photography session we had in Key West and reminiscing on the great memories. Photo sessions... I usually feel awkward and too posed, so I just freeze my face and hope it's over soon. Probably not the best method. 

Of course we took so. many. photos. Group photos, grandchildren photos, grown-up children photos, Grandparent's photos, immediate family photos, couple's photos, "photo-with-your-favorite-cousin,"
la la la. The photographer loved us?

Out of the 100+ photos, here are FIVE (am I breaking the one photo/day rule?) that I love.

The"lean-in" shot.  I'm pretty sure it's too much personal space in one photo for this one to actually be ordered and framed so lets remember that THIS happened. I think Charlie's cheek is actually touching Gramma's hair. Yup. 

One big happy family! Okay. I'm just going to say it... I think we're a little lop-sided. I'm not quite sure the height differences and staggering idea really worked here. ;-) Maybe the first location (when we were straddling those bushes, yes?) turned out okay after all?

Imagine half of this group shouting directions to the photographer on how we wanted our photo to be taken, (HA HA) along with Uncle Rod yelling, "Can someone hand me that towel again, my face is dripping with sweat." (Meanwhile, his light blue shirt becomes dark blue.) After the first pose I think the ladies calmed their opinions down a bit. I'm sure the photographer appreciated that.

Here's to BUD and BARB who made this all possible. How cute are they?!

Cheesin' faces! [Someone loosen up Katie's death grip, yikes.]

I'd just like to point out the length of Charlie's hair (you can't tell.) + Andrew's comb over. Now how could a mom be disappointed with this? Stunners.

I'm happy to say that Erika joined us for this family photo op but I chose to display to one without her because I am hoping this will be the very last professional Puff photo ever without Erika Puff, I MEAN KOEPSEL! 

We love each other. Indeed, they are holding me up. I think the legs had to be cropped out of this one. #skirtproblems

This was a fun event because: This year, no outfit requirement. Not even a casual, beachy, or dressy theme. We wondered how that would turn out. I liked how everyone's outfit pretty much described their personality. [Obviously, as you can tell, my mother did her magic within our immediate family, though.] I think we looked great as a big group; great color theme, Toors! Here's to Key West 2013!

Love these people, all 24 of them, my home team.

Day 14: Rise and Grind

Monday: The NCLEX studies begin. My morning productivity started off right with Starbucks coffee, Smartwool socks, and my favorite little guy to keep me company!

Day 13: My other half

 

I just realized my 13th picture is of someone who has been my best for 13 years. Ironic. 

There was not a better way to end my weekend than to spend some quality time with Meg, watching the Golden Globes. I forever need this best friend in my life; someone to be as open as humanly possible with, someone to help me dissect every happening in my life on a daily basis. My friend that feels like family, thanks for being wherever I am; not just today, but everyday. 

Thanks for making me belly laugh this evening. Love you to the moon.

Day 12: For the love of children!

Amelia, Sarah, and Michaela.

My Saturday night consisted of Cuddle Up-it's, snap chat, slumber parties, bedtime stories, and a whole lot of energy. I absolutely adore these girls and their fragile minds. They are a constant reminder of the simple things in life, the importance of laughter, and the need for gentleness.

Day 11: Back to reality

Welcome back to me! Ohh, the days when this Ascom phone does not stop ringing on 4south. 

My holidays are officially over, and it's January 11. Love extended holidays.

Back to reality... what is reality for me these days, anyway? I am officially graduated and am comfortably settled in Grand Rapids, but what's next? I have a blank calendar for 2013 and WOW, is this real life? It is bizarre for me not to be juggling a million activities plus school. Although, I planned it this way I am now laughing at my life's current To Do list: Study for NCLEX, pass NCLEX, spend 1+ month in Utah, get nursing job. If only this was as simple as it looks on paper. Luckily, I learned a lot in Nursing school, so I will prioritize. ;-) Step 1: Study for NCLEX... (I will be in step one for awhile.) 

Anyway, my reality part comes in to play for my part-time job at the hospital. I decided to keep my job as a NA until post-NCLEX, which will then allow me to transition in to a RN role. It felt odd returning post-grad, but it's nice to have that constant in my life; 12 hour shifts to keep me grounded and a phenomenal hospital that I gain more and more from every day, plus pay checks (duh!)

So, my life in 2013 is currently [in the making] and I am working on figuring out where I am suppose to be, physically, mentally, and socially. Along with the uncertainty of it all, I am satisfied. Satisfied that I am presented with so many opportunities and pathways to choose from. And above all, my limits are endless and I am so blessed.

Day 10: Welcome home:: Holidays are over

My EXTENDED holidays are officially over, which means so are the Christmas decorations. Sadly. Can you tell this is MY box of ornaments from the "kids tree?" 

Day 9: Road trip

Wow, what a long day of traveling. My mom and I left around 9am this morning from Valdosta, GA with our prime traveler in the back seat [Brady.] There was not much of a view from the passenger side window or the rest areas where we stopped so here are the main highlights. 

Two islands + Grand Rapids, what a sight. 

We listened to a Jodi Piccoult book on tape, Sing you Home. Kind of an interesting story line, we never did end up finishing it. And listened to our fair share of country music, of course. Netflix also kept us entertained (along with many naps); I am now a fan of Downton Abbey.

 I am thrilled we made it home to Grand Rapids today; 1:15 am was our arrival time. Mom crashed around 8-9pm but I insisted we made it home. I couldn't imagine spending the night in another hotel near Indianapolis, only five hours from home.

Back in the mitten, home sweet home.

Day 8: HP

Spent the day at Universal Studios to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with mom. I could add 100 pictures from today, we loved every minute of it!

Day 7: Trisha and Kara

I hung around by the pool in Englewood today hoping for the sun to come out, but had no such luck for a last minute tan. I relied on several beach towels for warmth while refusing to leave the poolside! It was definitely a weird Monday knowing the rest of the family was working/at school/traveling while I lounged! What is my life...? I was so happy to see my Florida girls, Trisha and Kara one last time after they got off work and day care. So thankful to have had one final dinner out and one final tell-me-everything-on-your-mind night together. It was a tear jerking goodbye, I love these two!! Miss em already.

Day 6: SUP

"Sorry Dad, but this is what you look like!!!"

Stand up paddle boarding is more fun when you have someone to paddle around, notice Erika lounging on the front of my board. At this moment, I believe I was showing my dad what his posture looks like when he paddle boards. A little hunched over, maybe? I love this photo for two reasons: This is a typical picture of the two of us and it reminds me of the last activity we fit in on Sunday morning before leaving Key West. Next time I get on a SUP (can't handle that abbreviation) I'll be on it for a yoga session, it just looks too fun.

I had so much fun with Erika on this trip. My genuine and hilarious sister-friend. She was a highlight of my trip. I know I will be reminiscing about our pillow chats ((and being too blatantly honest with each other)) for months because my abs are still sore from laughter. The FL trip would not have been the same without her and I am so glad she got to experience a Toor family vaca. 

Adios Key West!

View from the pool.

View from our balcony.

Day 5: Birthday Celebration for the 80-year-old

After a perfect final day in Key West which concluded the weekend with a fancy birthday celebration for Papa!
We were lucky enough to have the warmest weather yet (and no fog!) Erika, Dad, and I started off the day with a huge and delicious breakfast at the hotel restaurant and then headed downtown Key West with my immediate family where we ate at an awesome outside seafood restaurant. We also walked around the town and visited the mini White house; that was a "must-do." I loved returning to the Marriott to find everyone else lounging by the pool waiting for us to paddle board.
We packed everything in leaving us just enough time to get dressy for the evening. We reserved a room at the Marriott for dinner which worked out really well size-wise (and Papa's hearing) but still left enough personal space. There were so many great things about tonight: We had a slide show going-- so fun to reminisce through all those old pictures. The birthday book was a success, not only was it completed, but everyone read their letter to Bud. He loved it. It was so great hearing everyone present their thoughts/ideas/emotions. And lastly, the wine and food !!! This evening is in close competition with Bermuda 2006.
These are my two favorite snapshots of the night: The girl cousins and Bud&Barb with the massive cake. I'm not sure if he looked happier here or during his dinner speech. :)

Is that smoke rising from the "80 candles" Papa just blew out?!

Best meal of the trip.

Day 4: Look who has arrived

Okay, it's hard to pick one picture from the active days we're having in Key West, but it's the people you're with that make your trip. And, the fifth member of the Puff crew is finally with us! Fresh from Utah. So happy to be reunited! We missed him greatly for Christmas and NYE, but are glad to have him here for Papa's 80th birthday celebration. 

Charlie and I headed to the end of the island to go parasailing with the cousins. Shout out to new experiences. How has our action-sport-junkie-family never gone parasailing before? 

We had a bonus tour on this shuttle that pointed out important landmarks and history on the 4 mile x 2 mile island... "complete with 71 bars!" We've already experienced the great night life, although I am sure it's a little calmer here in early January. This was our family's second time to Key West so I resisted the urge to jump out of the shuttle to get my picture taken in front of the Southernmost Point and Ernest Hemingway's house. Get us to the ocean already!!!

Quality iPhone selfie right here. Note: [Obviously representing Michigan.]

Day 3: It's official!

They're engaged! Caught in a moment during the champagne toast!

As if the New Year has not brought enough excitement already, I was pleasantly surprised by the engagement of my dear cousin, Tommy and his girlfriend, Brandy. The Toor clan, including 28 of us, arrived to Key West on Friday afternoon and kicked off the weekend with shocking news from the future groom and bride-to-be that evening. It was so exciting having everyone there to celebrate. I could not be happier for this good looking couple and the love they share. Cheers!

Downtown Key West.

Pre-engagement fun!

Day 2: Back in Englewood, FL.

The New Year festivities continue!

The West coast of Florida has always felt like a second home to me and each time I visit it never feels like a complete vacation without spending some time on Boca Grande. The best part about going to Boca Grande is having the luxury to arrive on the island via the B&B with "capt'n Papa." I was beyond thrilled to enjoy a trip to one of my favorite spots on the island, The Pink Elephant, an adorable little restaurant with a spacious patio. (This is key because the Toor's never go anywhere without traveling in a pack!) It was an extra bonus seeing my cousin, Mary at work all suited up in her pink tie. Rumor has it, George Bush was spotted here a few weeks ago, however, we had no such luck in catching a glimpse of the former prez despite the island buzz.

Darling Kara!