That's all folks

Austin and I have converged our blog life... check us out at aerampey.wordpress.comWe look forward to your comments!

The lack of posting...

is due to our limited access to internet. You may see us hitch-hiking to campus to bootleg some wifi there. Except I don't think it would be bootlegging really seeing as I am a student still... anywho. That's the scoop.

The knot is tied.

Austin and I have now been married for two weeks and two days!

We loved our wedding, and are thankful to everyone who was there to make it so special. I have not had so much fun at a wedding as I did at ours... thanks to so many of you!!!

Austin and I have been back from our honeymoon for one whole week, and have loaded and unloaded a moving truck... placing our things in piles in our apartment in Indiana, slowly unpacking things into their proper places, although it seems we're running out of space.

But here are some pictures of beautiful Kauai, Hawaii!












Yay for married life! Austin and I will be joining forces in the blog world soon. We'll post the new site address!

Monumentous Day.

Today, I packed up most of my earthly belongings. They now sit in boxes against the basement wall, taking up about half of the room. I never knew I could have accumulated so much over these 22 years of my life. Now, to combine my things with Austin's, we'll have a ball of a time trying to sort through it all. I will post pictures soon of this great event.

This Weekend

Today... in just a few moments, I get to see my beloved. I must make some gag with my sappyness, but it's been a month or so since we've seen each other, and I am SO excited! Austin and his parents drove through the night to get here with enough time so Austin and I could go to the courthouse to get our marriage license before it closes! Wow, only 2 weeks to go, and I am Mrs. Rampey.

Well, I have a huge list of things to do while he's here, like give him a haircut, pick out gifts, look for a mattress... fun, fun, fun. Hopefully, I won't wear him out too badly.

Now I just wait for he and his family to pull into the driveway!

So far... 97.

We are gathering response cards, and as they come in, entering them into a handy Excel sheet so we can count how many are coming. So far... 97. I sure hope that we get the 90 response cards that are still out there! Hint, Hint :)

Austin and I cannot believe that we have only 3 1/2 weeks until we will be married! Until we're in Hawaii! The best is yet to come, my friends.

The wheels on the bus go round and round...

This is more fun than a chain letter... Thanks Miss Aubrey.

1) LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN A THEATER.
The new Indiana Jones... at the drive in... with my parents :)

2) WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
His Needs, Her Needs. Good read before you get married.

3) FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
Quarto... Fun game introduced by the soon-to-be sister- and brother-in-law Melanie and Andrew.

4) FAVORITE MAGAZINE?
Cottage Living or Coastal Living, pretty houses and scenes. Cool old stuff.

5) FAVORITE SMELLS?
Baking Bread and Fragrant Florida Flowers (alliteration, anyone?)

6) FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Everyone singing acapella in chapel or church.

7) WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD?
Like I've disappointed someone I love.

8)WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN U WAKE?
Can I afford a few more minutes of sleep?

9) FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
Don't eat much fast food... And can't think of a favorite.

10) FUTURE CHILDS NAME?
I like Ethan or Evan for a boy, don't know what my soon-to-be husband thinks about those names... That's a long time off, yet.

11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT—’IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’d…
Pay off my school bills, pay for Austin's Med School, Buy a car... Invest for my future children, Support Austin and myself in overseas missions, Give to people who need it.

12) DO YOU DRIVE FAST?
I like to drive around 80 MPH... is that fast?

13) DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
No.

14) STORMS–COOL OR SCARY?
Cool. Makes me feel small.

15) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
1995 Honda Accord with nearly 200 thousand miles on it. It lasted me through my junior year of college.

16) FAVORITE DRINK?
Coffee or Sweet Tea

17) FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD…
Read and study... Create more things with my hands, get a degree in Art, too.

18) DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI?
If they're not too stiff.

19) IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?
I like my hair color...


20) NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS YOU HAVE LIVED IN.
Euclid, Ohio; Mentor, Ohio; Marion, Indiana; Hiram, Georgia

21) FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
On TV: Tennis; In real life: Volleyball??? Not a huge sports fan.


22) ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
She is very giving.

23) WHATS UNDER YOUR BED?
Junk I need to go through before I get married: Old Martha Stewart Magazines, lots of pictures, other pac-rat things :)

24) WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN??
Yes... It's been a good life so far.

25) MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
More of a night owl, but becoming more of a morning person with routine. Coffee surely makes the mornings more bearable.

26) OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?
Over easy? Sunny Side Up? They're just good to dip your toast into! Yum.

27) FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX?
In a hammock outside, on a big porch, or in the bathtub.

29) FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Cookie Dough.

30) OF ALL THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE TAGGED, WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?
My sis already responded, but she would've been the very first! So next in line would beLibby or Melanie.

Growing up is hard to do.

As you all well know, Austin and I are getting married in a short 5 or so weeks here. I think that the reality of adulthood is staring me in the face, spooking me out a bit... meaning jobs, insurance, rent, or finding an apartment to hold us, moving. I could continue, but I do not want to risk sounding full of self-pity. Don't get me wrong, I am so thrilled at the excitement of my upcoming marriage to the most wonderful man, and a new life together, but nobody really tells you how emotionally taxing this whole growing up thing is. At least, nobody warned this girl that I would be discovering new emotions of fear and trepidation (not quite, but I like the word...) as the uncertainty of life starts to creep in and make me shake in my boots.

It has been quite comical as I have rejoined my parents in their home for these last few months as a single woman. It started out as a plea to my mother to recongnize me as an adult, capable of making my own decisions about when I would like to do my laundry or clean my room... you know, things that moms tell their kids to do... but should be careful to give these instructions to their adult children. Now my saying, "Mom, I'm an adult" generates giggles, as all of us in the Richardson household can still tell that I am still holding onto Mom and Dad with a few pinky fingers... not quite ready to give up this state of dependence when it comes to dining out, shopping, or cooking meals... but I am admittedly ready to become an independent adult when I say "I'm an adult... (hello)?!?!"

I'm kinda that in that between stage, where one is not quite sure how to be an adult while they are living with their parents, but they so desperately want to be esteemed as one.

But anyway, Austin has been on a job hunt for several months now, and we haven't heard much yet. So as you may guess, my sense of security is somewhat lacking. I know that the Lord will provide something, and so many are good to remind me of that. But I would ask that you would pray that Austin would find something, and soon, as our wedding date is scooting up quickly!!!

To say the least, I love where my life is headed, and I'm thrilled to have Austin as my partner to share in all the uncertain adventures... But please, pass the tissues until it happens :)

Goodbye May, Hello June.

Yes, it is already the third of June (only 2 months til Aug. 3rd!!!), but still early enough in the month to welcome June. May was busy, full of weddings, birthdays, practicums with Amish, beginning my job at the bank, wedding planning... and cold weather. It has officially started feeling like summer. The busyness of my schedule in May was reminiscent of my harried schedule at school, I can feel myself relaxing, and settling into my summer.

I think my birthday was a perfect way to welcome June. My family made a wonderful summer meal: steak on the grill, baked potatoes (sweet and golden), salad, and corn. We couldn't just sit around with the beautiful day it was outside, so I decided that for my birthday we would go for a hike. We all forgot how busy we were, and trudged down a beautiful wooded path, and got some exercise, singing "Onward Christian Soldiers", and "I'm in the Lord's Army". What a sight we were. After a long scenic drive through Waite Hill and Kirtland Hills, we arrived at my parents home and had a fire complete with S'mores! I hope June is full of days like this one.

Anyway... Summer's here and the time is right for dancin' in the streets.

Happy Birthday Austin!

Today, my sweet fiance turns 23! Happy Birthday, my love! I cannot wait to marry you!

So close!!!!

Yet it feels so far. Austin and I get married in 77 days. I cannot believe that we have already come a whole year since we've been engaged. Now it's less than 3 months away and I am ecstatic!

In the past 3 weeks, we've found an apartment, ordered our wedding rings, ordered our invitations, updated our registries... In other words, lots of wedding details have been nailed down (Mom and I have been running around doing all kinds of fun stuff), and it's starting to feel like it's our turn, FINALLY! Hooray!

Monday, I start my summer job at the bank, and Austin starts his job at the YMCA camp near his house. I have been so proud of all the hard work he has done to find jobs.

So, I will stop bragging now... Except for, I get to go to Hawaii in 77 days!

Happy Birthday Sis!

Today is my big sister's 25th birthday. Hooray!!!!!!!

Pinning, Grad-Jee-Ay-Shun, and Amish Folk

Well... This past week has been hectic and exciting. I was worn out after checking people out of their rooms, cleaning and packing, rushing to ceremony after ceremony, and looking for apartments. It was nice to have family around, as Austin's fam and my fam came for all the festivities. We all ended up in Kokomo Saturday night, laughing, chatting, eating Pastarrific... and staying where Barak Obama stayed just one night before. Finally, I started to relax, and then Austin and I went back to Marion to apartment-hunt. So far, not much looks good. A lot of old tiny places with small showers. I don't know yet! But Austin and I will return to Marion this Saturday to continue the search. But until then, I am visiting with Amish in Middlebury and Millersburg at clinics, learning about their culture. Austin's friend, Heath is housing him for these next two weeks. We're both in Amish country because our dear friends Jess and Blake and Libby and Gabe are both tying the knot within these next 2 weekends. I'm in both weddings and Austin's in Blake's. I will post some pics of the weekend of fun!

Celebrate!

Today was my last day of classes as a traditional undergrad student! HOORAY! Austin and I are going to the Caedmon's Call Concert in Kokomo to celebrate another accomplishment, 3 years of togetherness!

Night shift... Finito!

That's it, I've had it. No more night shift clinicals. Hooray! I actually liked the pace at night, I could get all of my work done with my patients. The downfall...



I sleep during the day. Yet no more!

New Shoes

Hey, check out this fun tune: Paolo Nutini "New Shoes." Makes you want to tap your toes or dance a jig. It's really catchy.

Chicago, Chicago, that toddling town.

My dear sister and several great friends took me to Chicago this past weekend for a bachelorette celebration. Don't worry, nothing scandalous. We started by arriving at the Hotel Indigo. If you haven't heard of one, google it. It is an artist's hotel, for sure. They showered me with silly games and fun gifts. The next day we spent shopping and seeing most of Michigan Ave. They had tasks for me, such as wear a tiara and beauty-queen sash that said "Miss Bachelorette" all day long, kiss a statue on the cheek pretending it was Austin, find a random red-headed man and taking a picture with him, yell from a busy street corner that I am getting married on August 3rd, tell my engagement story to our waitress at Giordano's Pizza... you get the idea. It was SO fun, and I felt SO special. I am really starting to feel like I am getting married. Pictures to follow!

Florida... Success

We made it to Florida and back safely, with many memories made in the middle. I truly enjoyed the company, we giggled, asked each other silly questions, pictured opposites of everything, putzed around retirement villages (plural), attended a senior women's fashion show, cruised on a pontoon boat with our dear Amy, engaged in amateur photo shoots of our own, sang off key on purpose, visited with my Floridian Family, watched almost the entire first season of LOST... spooky, sneaked into the pool and hot tub after it was closed, sniffed the orange-scented air, laid on the beach in the rain, gathered freckles on our noses, whooped each other in Phase 10, sang Happy Birthday to Isabel, ending our trip stopping in SC to meet up with Austin and the guys.... the list goes on.

So you may sample some of our fun...

FLORIDA or BUST!

My girlfriends and I will be in sunny FL next week at this time, and we will not be thinking about the slushy snow that is covering our grassy areas, instead, we will be gazing at beautiful green palm trees, sand, water... Not wearing closed toed shoes, but our little toes will be naked and feeling the warmth of the sun in our sandals! Can you tell that I am so excited? We won't be wearing our winter coats! Oh joy, oh bliss! Here's our crew.


Kat, Elise, Isabel, and Libby!

Notice, we will be trading our rain/snow boots for thongs (the ones for your feet)... And fleece sweatshirts for a swimsuit coverup. Whoopee!

Happy Birthday Blog

So yesterday, I have been dabbling in the blog world for one whole year! It's certainly crazy that a year ago, I was enjoying two snow days. Lately, it's been sunny and snowy here. Pretty nice break from grey weather. I can feel my seratonin levels rising.

Well... It is also Valentine's Day, and I must brag, if you will allow me to. This morning I was awakened by a phone call from my betrothed, summoning me to a suprise in the lobby before I headed out for clinicals at the on-campus health center. He had set out for me a beautiful arrangement of "fire and ice" roses, freshly brewed Starbuck's coffee, and was preparing to make me cornmeal pancakes with black raspberry and peach preserves for the top! What a good Valentine's Day wake up call. Plus!!! he woke up at 6:45, showered, got dressed, and didn't even have to go to class until 9:25. I sure love him.

Surviving 12 Hour Shifts Overnight.

So I made it through 2 back to back 12 hour shifts in the ICU from 6/7 pm to 5/6 am... My sleep cycle is totally off kilter. I will adjust though. I got to see two patients get intubated. A bit more intense than a Med-Surg floor. It was a good experience.

Dracula Part III

I have now completed my right of passage into my senior year of nursing classes. IV Sticks. That says it all. This evening, on my first try, I tapped the blood well on a fellow nursing student in his antecubital vein (aka elbow crease) and it felt good! Not the fact that I was putting someone in a mild bit of pain, but that I was successful on the first try!!! Then, so I knew what it felt like, I got to be a guinea pig for that poor student (who was stuck twice in all, once by me, and another time by another student). So that's it! I can start an IV on you if you ever want one... not that you ever will.

one little weakling

Yesterday in my Concepts of Health and Wellness class, we measured our muscle strength and endurance. I felt like I was in elementary school again, being forced to try to get President's Fitness Stamp of Approval, or whatever it was called. I never made it because I couldn't do a chin-up. Well, my muscles haven't changed much, because after bench pressing, spine crunching (or leg-pressing, however you refer to it), sitting up, pushing up, I have discovered that my muscles are registered in the low muscle strength category. At least I scored average while doing sit ups and push ups. Boy am I feeling it today. I even woke up periodically during the night to turn over and inwardly moaned with pain as I moved my shoulders. I am one little weakling. I better buff up before I have to lift any more patients!

Shopping

My mom and sister would be proud. Last night, Austin and I went to Kokomo for a date, looking for some dress pants for him. We started at one end of the strip and worked our way back and forth, from Old Navy to Kohls... in the end, we found a pair of dress khakis for him. At Old Navy, I purchased a couple things. The reason my mother would be proud is because I bought something that fit me, and my sister would be proud because I found some bargains. I bought a printed thermal shirt for $4, and a cream colored sweater/sweatshirt for $8. It was time for some new clothes, and yes momma, the shoulders fit! Hooray!

Getting back into the swing of things.

This semester is going to be very different. I am taking 12 credit hours. Ten of those are 2 clinical classes that meet only Monday and Friday. Another 1 credit is a health class that meets for half of the semester, and for the last credit, I get to enjoy a weekly piano lesson (involving practicing throughout the week, learning new music, expanding my musical horizons... oh what a pain). I think I will really enjoy this schedule. The kicker is that I get to try my hand at the graveyard shift for my clinical rotations in Critical Care Nursing. We'll see if I can handle it. :)