Geez it's been a long while since I've posted...anything.

Oh my gosh. Hello bloggers!! So, the past three years have been, well...a little nutty, to say the least.

Let me just list a few events that have taken place over the past three years--nothing too deep into detail; just a few key happenings...in bullet fashion to catch y'all up. Here goes:


- Made it through Grad School! Yes, I can now officially introduce myself as Cassandra Nafziger, MSW.

- Marriage to my love is better than ever these days...we have made it through, amazingly, a rough couple of years and are now stronger than ever and the closest we have ever been. We both made some pretty bad choices over the past 2 years and I don't want to go into detail but it's amazing to me how resilient and strong my husband is and I'm very proud of all that he has accomplished. We have wonderful, awesomely supportive family and friends to thank.

 - I have reunited with my best friend and we are closer than we ever were. I'm so excited to announce that she is pregnant with her second child, and is soon to be married to her love & I CANNOT express in words how ridiculously excited I am to be a part of these amazing events in her life.

- My husband & I both landed new jobs...and we will soon be looking into buying our first home. EEK! What's exciting about my job is that it's in town...it's been many years since I've found a job in town. I've commuted for a long time and I'm looking forward to the super short trip to and from work. Not only is the commute awesome, but both of our jobs offer benefits! We have not had medical insurance for years...and now we have secondary insurance!

-My sister & her boyfriend were married my first year in Grad School but didn't have the chance to hold a wedding ceremony until last month. The ceremony was beautiful and sooooo worth the wait!! I was so happy to be able to finally witness my gorgeous sister walk down the isle. I don't know if she realized how important the ceremony and having friends and family witness such a life event was until the big day.

I have to say, things are looking up at an almost overwhelming pace and I am so thankful for everyone I have in my life and for all of the help, guidance, and love I have all around me. I'm so lucky.

Over the Weekend

So...it's Friday and I'm finally getting around to posting about last weekend.

This week has been Cuh-ray-zeee. I work at a community college library...a VERY small library and school started Monday. Let me just say, I'm totally relieved it's Friday and I'm off already. I need to re-coup from all of the running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. Not to mention I began a 5 day Hospice training this week and it gets out pretty late at night. Late for me anyway.

Last Sunday, I took my mother and youngest sister to Oceanside, CA to visit my grandparents and my brother who were staying at a condo there for a few days on vacation. We had a BLAST! And that's saying a lot because I'm not a beach person...I hate the humidity in the summer, hate sand sticking to me...EVERYWHERE, and hate salt water. Hate is a strong word. But really, I very much dislike the beach more than any other place. Although, it is a beautiful sight.

Anyway, here are a few pics I was able to take during the day:

So there ya have it...and please poke fun at my ridiculously short bangs...Can't wait until these suckers grow out!

TGIF!

Tuesday's Adventures

I spent the first half of the day with my sister yesterday. It was super fun. First we went to the Cactus Wren, a used bookstore in town. I wanted to take in a few books that either weren't what I thought they were going to be or I had already read and didn't necessarily feel attached to. If you bring in books they give you a credit toward purchases. Cool! We found some books that we might enjoy and then headed out to lunch at the new Ma Rouge coffee shop/cafe in town. After lunch we headed to out favorite antique store in town, Pioneer Crossings where I found a super awesome beach/picnic bag for this summer.

♥ New Read

♥ Caity enjoying her Raspberry Lemonade 

♥ THE most Delicious salad...Italian...something or other?

♥ Carametto latte--Caramel & Amaretto syrup, extremely sweet & delicious. A treat for me since I drink plain 'ol joe all the time.

♥ Super nifty new beach bag--bring on the beach!

♥ First time in my new funky beaded flip flops. I bought them 2 Saturday's ago and wore them for the first time yesterday...totally kill my heels but they are too adorable. I love beaded things :)

There you have it--since I work  nights now I get to chill out during the day until about 2pm. Then I have to get ready for work. Although I'd rather be working mornings and enjoying the rest of the day when I'm off--nights are kind of a nice break. The only thing that sucks is I'm not a night person. I'm up early and am super tired by about mid-day or 4pm...and that's when I have to be at work. But this will only last another week.

Thank goodness.

Crystal Earned Her CNA Pin!

On Monday my sister Crystal earned her CNA pin! Woot woot! I believe now she now wants to be a home health nurse...and I think she's planning on continuing her nursing education. She's super excited and we are so proud of her!  

Congratz Crystal!

And after the ceremony we all went out to celebrate at Applebee's ♥ 

Sorry the photos have a yellowish tint...I haven't quite figured out the camera under flouresent lighting. And for some reason my camera kept taking blurry photos--I always have it on the same setting but on Monday it somehow reset itself :(

Candace & Eddie

On Sunday my family met at Granny & Grandpa's house for a BBQ and to catch up. Everyone has their own lives now that most of us kids are now adults and working and going to school...we hardly see each other all in one place. My grandparents' house is like the hub--where we go to recharge the family, lol. The only person missing was my soon to be 19 yr. old sister, Crystal. But usually there are one or two that have to work unless we plan these "reunions" a month or so in advance. It was very nice, and some friends/family from Iowa are in town and they came over to visit too. Anyway, I took some photos for my Sister Candace so that I can get them printed and put in nice frames for her new place. Here is a preview:

Angel (dog), Eddie (boyfriend), Candace, & Lucky (dog)

Candace was nudging him to make him smile...

Mmmm...the blossoms smelled heavenly!

I haven't quite figured out what exactly I want to do with these pictures yet...make them look retro? Make them bright? I really like the first photo--but I also ♥ the brightness of the green leaves & grass and the yellow of the Lemon. Hmmm...maybe I'll just make several copies and she could choose the effects she likes most. And the rest I can put in my scrapbook and give to my mom! Yup, great idea. Sometimes I just have to talk it out with myself!

Any more ideas?