Tuesday, September 16, 2008
All in Political Fun!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Stepping Out of the Dark Side...
This morning I finished my last ever “required” night shift from UCIMC! I’m so relieved to finally venture into the day“light” and live like a “normal person!!” But yet the feeling is oh so bittersweet. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the principles that this institution has set forth, such as the research basis for patient care and evidence based practice; I just couldn’t juggle the nocturnal lifestyle while pursing my academic goals. I’ll really miss this place! My supervisor and manager were very supportive and accommodating, and my coworkers were some of my first friends that I made in Orange County. I’ll also miss the nursing autonomy that was rightfully respected due to Magnet Hospital recognition, as well as the cohesiveness and willingness to help from my colleagues.
I'm pretty sure that if I would have anywhere else, I would have comfortably settled within my role as a bedside nurse. Instead, Practice Council and NANN involvement have broadened my perspective on how I could better build upon my practice to become a safer RN.
Thanks UCIMC for the great foundation and opportunities.
**And to everyone out there, always appreciate your nocturnal workforce. No matter what anyone says, it is so hard on the body and mind. The lack of true deep rem sleep will leave you discombobulated and even worse, cranky (not to mention, the toll it takes on your skin!). Even if you’re responsibility free and able to squeeze in 6+ hours of “recovery” sleep during the day, you STILL wake up feeling like you have just been up all night! Then there’s the following night off when you’re unable to sleep! So again, appreciate the nocturnal workforce. It’s hard enough having to do your job; but it’s even harder when your body is screaming for a comfy bed.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Feeling Lucky & Going with the Beat!
[[sound trippin' to ]] Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat: Lucky
Ron has only been in school for a week and I’ve already lost him…
I remember back during our very first club outing at Desert Rain. My friends met up with his friends at Casino Morongo and before we knew it, we were getting down on the dance floor! Ron, being far from a shy guy, was trying to impress me with his dance moves. Well it worked and I was immensely captivated. His interpretation of the body roll was smooth, but oh so awkward. He was trying though, making love to the beat but I couldn’t stop giggling at how funny, I mean cute it was!But hey! That dance trick did catch my attention, as well as one of Rachael Ray’s associate producers! So yes, ladies and gentlemen, my husband is super cool with his signature dance move: the body roll. Hollllllla!
Now, the music has changed. That stage stealing mistress of his, “Annie Sthesia,” has already seduced him into routine and she’s made it very clear that only two can tango. So for now, Ron’s dance card is full. It’s been somewhat of a difficult transition, having him gone five days a week, when we were so use to having four days off from our working schedule.
We’ve had a few fights and quarrels during the adjustment, none of which lasted that long obviously. You see, I’ve always believed that God works in mysterious ways. At the end of the week, He reminded me of how “lucky” I am when Angela (mommy to be!) posted this song up.
"They don't know how long it takes,
Waiting for a love like this,
Every time we say goodbye,
I wish we had one more kiss,
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will.
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend,
Lucky to have been where I have been,
Lucky to be coming home again,
I'm lucky we're in love in every way,
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed,
Lucky to be coming home someday".
Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat: Lucky
So Miss Annie Sthesia, I’ll let you cut in for this dance. But come August 2010, just like JT brought Sexy Back, Ronald Rea Tolentino Atienza is bringing the body roll back!
Side note: I can’t believe that 11 months ago Ron and I were pronounced “Man & Wife.” Time has slipped right through our fingers!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
My Throwback 25! 80's Style!

"Tryna bring the 80s back, that's okaaay, that's where they made me at!" - JayZ
I’m almost 100% sure that the reason why I love party planning is because of my mom. For the past 25 years, my mom has either planned or allowed me to have party of some sort in our residence. Even when I refused a debutant's ball for my 18th birthday, she was able to convince me otherwise. Back then, I didnt put up much of a fight, I was doing it for her. But as I look back on it, I totally appreciate the efforts that were put forth into it. During my wedding planning, we butted heads a few times and I had to assure her that she need not worry about anything. All she had to do was sit back and enjoy herself! It left her uneasy, but assigning the task of flowers kept her busy =) She loves to host by cooking up a storm, and it helps greatly that my dad just so happens to be a DJ.

80s kids !!!
Being that I’m so detailed oriented, I tried my best to incorporate a lot of 80s inspired goodies, as well as many “youthful” aspects!
80s goodies & candies: Nerds, Now & laters, Pixy Stix, Pop Rocks, Ring Pops, Push Pops, Colorful bracelets, Glow bracelets, 80s stunna shades, & Rubix Cubes!
PACMAN cupcakes!
Tightest Birthday Cake Ever! Too bad Mario was melting!
Mr Margarita Man came to get the party started!
We also dunked a couple punks! Hehehe!
Aint a celebration of youth without an astro jump!
Or a cotton candy machine!
Once again, I just wanted to thank everyone who came out to celebrate with me, whether you dressed up or not, your presence there was deeply appreciated. My second favorite celebration in life would have to be that of BIRTHDAYS (weddings come first!)! I just love the whole feeling behind it and even moreso, the chance to see all your closest family and friends! I'm beginning to realize and understand that as we all get older, the opportunities to see everyone becomes less and less. So thank goodness for that one day in the year when you get to celebrate the people in your lives!
ate khrisna and khayla
Cruz Cousins!
dez, me, ron and grace (missing RJ)
I'm standing next to DMC!
fantastic 3!
Kris on the look out for Moo-Moos!
With BaoAnh, Adam, Irish and Jojo
Duck-Cow-Chicken reunite!
me and sophia
BFF Ivan
Alex, Ron and Aumnard
Dustin dancing up on DeeDee
Miles DJing the last hours of the night
As I mentioned to my guests during the blowing of the candles, this would probably be my last birthday party. Besides, what’s to look forward to now?! The decade ages I’m sure; or even when our kids start having their own parties. But I think I’ll have to save those parties for when Ron and I get our own pad, with our own yard to accommodate everyone. My parents have been so accommodating hosting all my parties, that I think its time to give our poor house a break. LOL
candle time!
Mario's pretty much dead at this point
Luckily for us, none of our neighbors complained about the music which went on pretty much past midnight before everyone settled down to watch the American Dream Team win the Gold in Beijing! Here are just a few dancing pics
"Just Beat iiiiiiiiiiiittt! Beat iiiittt!" re-enacting the Michael Jackson video
The signature Freddy move. Wish you were here Phreddy!
Thanks again Mom and Dad for accommodating my parties pretty much for the last 25 years!! Also to my hubby Ron for encouraging all my crazy ideas and for really helping me out! Also thank you to everyone to brought food, it wasnt necessary, but thank you! Lastly Thank you yet again to all my family and friends who made me feel special on my birthday and bringing it back to the 80s!!
Thanks Mom and Dad! The chillest, coolest and most down to earth parents ever!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Shut up and Drive, Drive, Drive – Rihanna
Last week, my husband ended his 3.5 year career as an RN in pursuit of becoming a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). These next two weeks will be solely dedicated to breaking in his mental engine by following a map handed to him by his coaches:The Summer Reading List. Yet, the minor road trip does not end there. As told by colleagues in his CRNA forum, this will be a journey of bumpy roads, unforeseen obstacles, constant gear shifting, but with the occasional rest stop. But if you knew my husband, you'd know that even if his fuel tank hovered just above empty, he'd still sputter like the little engine that could, ignore the blinking gas light, endure the beating, and peel out on the dirt. Pesky bugs and bird droppings ain't got nothing on this!!!
So in the back seat, goes the wifey while in the passenger seat lies that bitch I've yet to meet, Annie Sthesia (as dubbed by spouses of CRNA students in the CRNA forum). I don't doubt that I'll come to know and hate Miss Annie Sthesia, but I do know that she will be my husband's greatest preceptor and educator. And since I'm his number 1 fan, I can only sit tight and allow him to take in this great opportunity (and I guess also to remind him during intervals of complaints that he needs to Shut up and Drive!).
So with his change in title to jobless-broke-college student, came my promotion to the bread winning-sugar mama! For now, I can glorify in this presitigious household status even though I wont be able to work fulltime (due to my own pursuit in grad school) and our financial aid alliance with Uncle Sam. In two years however, I'm looking for some return and compensation with that very first paycheck. This is not limited but should include expensive delicacies and exotic tropical vacations! LOL! Let the two year road trip begin!!!