tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78324892396450771752024-03-12T21:37:48.808-07:00All Because Two People Fell In Love.....Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-59709744314387639602011-06-11T12:02:00.003-07:002011-06-11T12:54:10.153-07:00Is this thing on?I'm pretty sure Christmas cards get more frequent updates than this blog. Not sure really where to start...<br /><br />Looks like the blog ended with our graduations about a year ago. I'll give the reader's digest version (at what point will that reference be too old?). <br /><br />Renee has been doing incredibly well as a nurse. She started on the night shift working 7pm-7am and recently moved to days. No longer do I have to leave for work in the morning and say, "See you tomorrow morning for 15 minutes before I leave for work again." She was also recognized by the March of Dimes as a finalist for Nurse of the Year in the Rising Star category. She was asked to be part of leadership committees and Magnet champion committees. She even put together an awesome nomination for her mentor and her mentor won a Mentor of the year type award. I can give you dozens of examples of how she has gone the extra mile for her patients and just as important, for their families. She is always loving the action of the ICU and also has fun stories that she likes to tell. Patient care is really the reason why she loves being a nurse and all the other awards and committees don't really matter to her, but it's always nice to be recognized. <br /><br />I continue to work at Vanguard in a Team Leader position. We are now the largest mutual fund company with well over $1 trillion dollars in assets. Our department of about 50 people manage about $35 billion dollars. It's a little crazy when I think of it that way. It's been rewarding seeing some of my direct reports get promotions because I spend so much time with them and it's cool to see their hard work pay off. I've been in charge of a lot more initiatives in the past year on top of developing my team and I've started seeing a lot of success recently. I feel that I'm ready for the next level where I would be leading leaders but it's going to take another two years which is a little frustrating. At the end of the day, knowing I have a promising secure future in this economy is pretty good so I shouldn't be complaining.<br /><br />At home we have been busy. We installed new floors, maintained the cars, learned some new cooking recipes, and really enjoyed our time together. Some close friends of ours recently got engaged and seeing how excited they are really reminded us of how awesome it is to be married. We've grown a lot from the one bedroom apartment in a shady part of Phoenix when we first moved here. We now have careers, pets, friends, favorite local restaurants, furniture, a guest room, and a knowledge of wine that is a little more than red or white. Not much, but enough to not feel like total buffoons. <br /><br />We've also been fortunate to have traveled to some incredible places. We went to Europe last year and saw a little part of Spain, Renee's roots. Seeing her face light up at something as little as the white birds, because it reminded her of her Yayo, was such a special experience that it's hard to describe. Taking a train eating bread, cheese, drinking an authentic bottle of Italian wine, and playing continental was one the most memorable parts of the trip. We were also able to see the Vatican in Rome and give her a Yaya a rosary that she kept until the very end. It was a sad time for us when she passed away, but it went as well as those things possibly can. At the funeral, the priest said some really nice things because he knew both of them (but he was in some weird hurry and cut Renee off when she wanted to say some words, we're still a little bitter). <br /><br />More recently, Renee and I spent a weekend in a quaint cabin in Sedona. It was fun to take the dogs on the trails and spend a couple nights with just our little family. The views were great, we did our fair share of getting lost in the mountains, and even did some grilling. <br /><br />I left out a ton of other things we have done this past year. We're looking forward to spending more time with family this year and can't wait for Renee's parents to move to Phoenix. Cheers!Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-83942733870503204322010-01-27T17:51:00.006-07:002010-01-27T18:14:40.433-07:00IT'S BEEN TOO LONG!So it's almost humorous how long it's been since we've posted on this blog. Since the last post, SO MUCH has happened!<br /><br />1. Renee graduates from nursing school and lands her dream job at Banner Good Samaritan in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/S2DiVL6zuMI/AAAAAAAAAg4/6sUSAcGO8no/s1600-h/GEDC1739.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/S2DiVL6zuMI/AAAAAAAAAg4/6sUSAcGO8no/s320/GEDC1739.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431590004213397698" /></a> <br /><br />I am now officially Renee Chavez, RN, BSN. Since then, I have completed my orientation and am now completely on my own. It's SCARY but I absolutely love it! I am currently working night shift, which pretty much stinks with sleeping. Miguel and I don't get to see each other as much, but we absolutely appreciate every second we get to spend together now. I slowly learning to trust myself, even in scary code situations. I had my first patient code. It was TERRIFYING! But I'm glad I went straight into the ICU. I like the challenge, and I enjoy learning so much every day! I have an awesome mentor who is there for me every step of the way, as well as a group of fellow new grads who work on the same unit with me. We have lunch every once in a while to exchange stories and support! Life as a nurse is, well, interesting and eventful, but most important, extremely rewarding! More to come!<br /><br /><br /><br />2. Miguel graduates from ASU with his Masters in Business! He is now officially Master Miguel! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/S2Djju1u6iI/AAAAAAAAAhI/9OeUG1eW-Ck/s1600-h/4419_619050016643_202347_35810135_4738663_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/S2Djju1u6iI/AAAAAAAAAhI/9OeUG1eW-Ck/s320/4419_619050016643_202347_35810135_4738663_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431591353617148450" /></a><br /><br />After graduation, Miguel continues to work at Vanguard. He likes his job, but was getting inpatient with the lack positions available that would allow him to move up in the company. Well, his hard work and patience have officially paid off and he got a promotion! He's officially a Team Leader!!!! He supervises about 10 people. He is SO PATIENT and SO INTELLIGENT. I KNOW he is an amazing supervisor! I can't wait to see him grow in his career in the coming years! Hopefully I can get him to post on this blog as well so you can learn more from his perspective during his first year as a supervisor!<br /><br />3. Pablo graduated from the University of North Texas!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/S2Di4i3j86I/AAAAAAAAAhA/tX3wBna9gP0/s1600-h/GEDC1790.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/S2Di4i3j86I/AAAAAAAAAhA/tX3wBna9gP0/s320/GEDC1790.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431590611669218210" /></a><br /><br />We are sooooo proud of my little brother! He is currently teaching music at a local studio and playing in 2 bands. One of them is on itunes and getting ready to play in a major music festival with the Flaming Lips called NX35. You should seriously check them out! More to come on his band. <br /><br />4. Renee and Miguel take over Europe! Miguel and I were lucky enough to get to visit: Paris, Rome, Venice, Greece, Croatia and Turkey! It was AMAZING! We had a blast getting to spend so much time together! More pictures to come! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/S2Dk2d8-jWI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/faKb-VyhmQs/s1600-h/europe"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/S2Dk2d8-jWI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/faKb-VyhmQs/s320/europe" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431592775013272930" /></a><br /><br />Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with this blog now that school is over for both of us!Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-64579736352649079272009-01-15T00:41:00.002-07:002009-01-15T00:47:34.293-07:00Almost time to start school!!!So we're gearing up to get back in the swing of things with school! Well, Miguel has been working all break, but I have been doing absolutely nothing but sleeping and eating. Man, it's been great =) I know this semester is going to be tough, so I've been taking in all the sleep I can get. <br /><br />Miguel's still rocking the house at work and of course at school. Neither of us have any idea what to expect from the next couple of months. Miguel will be nearing the end of school (he graduates in August, but is walking with the ASU in May....i know, his program is strange) and I graduate in May! Right after we graduate we're going to head to Europe for "Renee and Miguel take over some of the coolest places in the world!" We're both so excited to go to Europe together. Right when we get back I will be taking the Kaplan review for the nursing boards and then hopefully taking the boards soon after that. Then it's time for the wedding! Lauren asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, so I'm super thrilled! A great friend of mine, Caitlyn, is also getting married this summer. She also asked me to be a bridesmaid, so it's going to be a great summer! I'm hoping to start working soon after my boards in the Banner hospital system. <br /><br />I guess that's all for now. Let the fun begin.....Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-85009408942274658252008-12-28T21:50:00.002-07:002008-12-28T21:54:15.592-07:00Some pictures from Miguel's Mom's 50th celebration!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhX7wBt7PI/AAAAAAAAAa0/n7BcNrNSOo4/s1600-h/IMG_7848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhX7wBt7PI/AAAAAAAAAa0/n7BcNrNSOo4/s320/IMG_7848.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285070846735281394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhX72YOc8I/AAAAAAAAAas/xP4EEtFpJDg/s1600-h/IMG_7832.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhX72YOc8I/AAAAAAAAAas/xP4EEtFpJDg/s320/IMG_7832.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285070848440300482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhX7tD0jZI/AAAAAAAAAak/hs9mWyXaBBc/s1600-h/IMG_7830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhX7tD0jZI/AAAAAAAAAak/hs9mWyXaBBc/s320/IMG_7830.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285070845938797970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXqGbvuuI/AAAAAAAAAac/ZTlNo_T0Eg4/s1600-h/IMG_7800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXqGbvuuI/AAAAAAAAAac/ZTlNo_T0Eg4/s320/IMG_7800.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285070543512386274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXpwvS5nI/AAAAAAAAAaU/byFBGMH7hb0/s1600-h/IMG_7774.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXpwvS5nI/AAAAAAAAAaU/byFBGMH7hb0/s320/IMG_7774.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285070537688802930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXpg1UI-I/AAAAAAAAAaM/xkgE345pbF8/s1600-h/IMG_7773.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXpg1UI-I/AAAAAAAAAaM/xkgE345pbF8/s320/IMG_7773.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285070533419082722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXpOOlPSI/AAAAAAAAAaE/xgabM0l45JY/s1600-h/IMG_7700.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXpOOlPSI/AAAAAAAAAaE/xgabM0l45JY/s320/IMG_7700.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285070528424787234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXo4Kfr6I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/oDC-bDbKUQI/s1600-h/IMG_7699.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SVhXo4Kfr6I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/oDC-bDbKUQI/s320/IMG_7699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285070522502066082" /></a>Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-54914406278108665532008-12-28T21:36:00.004-07:002008-12-28T21:58:11.499-07:00Christmas and Family Fun!Miguel and I just got back from California for a fun-filled Christmas vacation!<br /><br />The week started out with my parents driving here to Phoenix, surprising me by bringing my little brother Pablo and his puppy Mitch. I can't even say how excited we were to see him. The dogs got along really well, although there were some problems with Ava getting jealous of Mitch and Austin playing so much. The cats pretty much stayed in our room the entire time to stay out of Mitch's way. Basically, we ate, drank, and played hours and hours of rockband. It was SO MUCH FUN!! <br /><br />On Christmas Eve, Miguel and I left for the bay area around 6pm and got to California at 7. We went straight to my brother-in-law Fernando's house to spend time with Miguel's parents, Fernando, and his fiance Lauren. We had some FANTASTIC salsa and just spent some good time talking and drinking some beer and wine. After that we left to our cousin Perla's house to say hi to Tia Chuy and Crystal before they left for their Christmas in Paris!! When we got there they were watching the Twilight movie. Seeing as watching this movie will be a huge event for me (after reading all 4 books in only 4 days and becoming completely obsessed in the process) I refused to watch the movie until I was here at home with Amanda. We went back to Miguel's parents house and completely crashed until 11 the next day. We spent the next couple of days celebrating the holidays Chavez style with the cousins and the rest of the family. We had a fantastic trip! For Christmas, Miguel's parents are going to give us our plane ticket to Europe for our graduation trip!!!! When we opened the envelope with the voucher we pretty much tackled Miguel's mom! We are so grateful for this help and are so excited for our trip to Europe! We plan on leaving May 18 and flying into Paris. After that, we will fly into Rome for a couple of days and then head up to Venice to board our cruise ship. On the cruise, we will visit Turkey, Croatia and Greece! We're hoping to fly out of Venice to return home May 31st. We couldn't be more excited for this trip!!! Lauren also gave me a nursing student's survival pack as my Christmas present. The pack contained chapstick (OF COURSE!) and a cute kitty cosmetic bag with a mirror. She also gave me the nurse's pro pack, an organizer that carries all of our various scissors, tape, alcohol wipes, safety pins, and my pin light. I couldn't be more excited to show off my gift at clinicals this semester!! Thanks Lauren!! <br /><br />So now we're back in Scottsdale and Miguel is getting ready for work tomorrow. My in-laws and Tia Sandi and cousins are going to be coming here to Phoenix for the next week, so it will be another fun week of family time. Hopefully we can go see the zoo lights and other fun stuff around the area. We plan on spending New Year's with one of my best friends Debora and friends. I don't feel that well, so I will also be trying to rest as much as I can and then finally get back into my Bikram yoga routine. <br /><br />Miguel and I are also getting really excited about the fact that we're coming up on our 2 year wedding anniversary on February 10. We will have been together for 4 years. Time flies when you're having so much fun being married and in love! <br /><br />More posts to come now that I have time off from school!Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-37306495591608771642008-11-04T23:43:00.001-07:002008-11-04T23:44:44.198-07:00PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA....A WONDERFUL, HISTORIC DAY. WE'RE SO HAPPY, WE COULD CRY, AND WE'RE SO PROUD TO BE AMERICANS AT THIS MOMENT!!Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-81866645001977595722008-11-02T22:08:00.000-07:002008-11-02T22:09:52.890-07:00October 2008!<div style="width:400px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w56.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/cebc953d.pbw" height="300" width="400"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/?action=view¤t=cebc953d.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-17111744040831540232008-09-29T14:58:00.004-07:002008-09-29T15:06:45.577-07:00Some fun pics!!!<div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w56.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/a976138d.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/?action=view¤t=a976138d.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>
<br /><div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w56.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/1173069363.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/?action=view¤t=1173069363.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>
<br /><div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w56.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/1178586643.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/?action=view¤t=1178586643.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>
<br /><div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w56.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/1176179497.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/?action=view¤t=1176179497.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>
<br /><div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w56.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/15cf7df3.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/rburrull/?action=view¤t=15cf7df3.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-26955891149095015532008-07-29T13:42:00.003-07:002008-07-29T14:22:02.599-07:00It's been awhile<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-JtP_OeFI/AAAAAAAAASA/YOWaX3Zt0j4/s1600-h/DSCN0019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-JtP_OeFI/AAAAAAAAASA/YOWaX3Zt0j4/s320/DSCN0019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228549102879275090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-Jtdmp0DI/AAAAAAAAASI/DKIf0TK2k9o/s1600-h/DSCN0014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-Jtdmp0DI/AAAAAAAAASI/DKIf0TK2k9o/s320/DSCN0014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228549106534305842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-JtzqwnbI/AAAAAAAAASQ/Ysf1U0cIv38/s1600-h/DSC01917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-JtzqwnbI/AAAAAAAAASQ/Ysf1U0cIv38/s320/DSC01917.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228549112457108914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-JuMOPPOI/AAAAAAAAASY/WT14u26gcV0/s1600-h/cath+lab.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-JuMOPPOI/AAAAAAAAASY/WT14u26gcV0/s320/cath+lab.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228549119048367330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-JubtRIEI/AAAAAAAAASg/d7col8pNTHk/s1600-h/DSC01724.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/SI-JubtRIEI/AAAAAAAAASg/d7col8pNTHk/s320/DSC01724.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228549123205046338" /></a><br />So perhaps it's been awhile since we updated our blog. Needless to say, we've both been busy with school and work, and just life. Miguel is a rockstar at work and with school as usual. He's working full-time right now as a temporary team leader, managing 7-10 people. He's so patient and good at what he does, so of course he's doing so well at work! On Tuesdays and Thursdays he goes to school from 6-10 and takes care of homework and various group projects on the other days and over the weekend. <br />As for me, I'm still doing the school thing and loving it. It's SO HARD though!! Summer semester was supposed to be one of the hardest of our entire nursing school process, and they weren't kidding. At the beginning of the summer I was doing clinical rotations at Mercy-Gilbert hospital. I rotated to almost every unit, including the OR, PACU, ER, electrophysiology, and the med/surg unit. I loved working in the hospital, especially the ER! Although I haven't worked in the ICU yet, I have a funny feeling that I'll end up working in either the ER or ICU. As long as there is plenty of adrenaline to go around! I can't say how much I am enjoying school and the friends I've met there. One particular special friend I've gotten close to is Amanda. She's just one of the coolest people I've ever met. She's been through a lot in her life, including surviving a coma and a liver transplant. She's great. Our semester ends August 8, and then we start again two weeks later for our OB and peds rotation. I'm really excited for the rest of the rotations, because our last semester we get to rotate to ER and ICU! Nursing is for me, I know it in my heart. Although lately I've had to eat, breathe, be nursing school, I can't say I've been unhappy about any of it. All of the sacrifice Miguel and I are having to do while we're both in school is going to be completely worth it, I know it and he knows. <br />Without Miguel's constant support and love, I have no idea how I would be getting through such hard schooling. It's hard to spend time together, but when we do, it's just perfect. Our favorite thing to do is to just stay around the house and just be. I probably don't tell him enough how special and important he is, or that he's just everything to me. He's an amazing husband and best friend. I honestly couldn't be happier with the way my life is going right now. Aside from being able to spend more time with Miguel, I wouldn't change a thing right now. I get to see my best friends and I get to see my family and spend time with my doggies and my kitties. Who could ask for more?<br />At the end of this semester we're going to be going to Mexico for a Chavez-Burrull fun-filled adventure. Miguel's parents were kind enough to rent a suite at a time-share called the Grande Mayan near Puerto Penasco to help Miguel and I celebrate our 25th birthdays. Thank you so much and it means a lot to us! We're both ready for a fun, relaxing break from school and work. Pablo and his girlfriend Ashley are going to come, which is awesome! I know it was really hard for both of them to get time off, as both of them are taking summer school classes, so I'm really pumped to have them be able to join us! I can't remember the last time we've all been on a vacation! I LOVE spending time with Pooky (what I've called my brother since high school) and I think Ashley is just fantastic. They seem to be doing really well! My dad owns a new AVIS as well, on the westside of El Paso. As hard as it is for him to be running both businesses, we all know it will be worth it and I can only hope this experience shows him how talented he really is. My mom is still working at the JCC and granting wishes for the make-a-wish foundation. She's already granted 10 wishes this year! Congrats on 10 successful wishes mom!! My mom spends so much of her time doing so much good for so many deserving people. I am so grateful that I learned from her the joys of giving what I can to those in need. <br />We spent the fourth of July with Amanda and some other friends at the Tempe Town Lake, ,which was a blast! We definitely needed that 4 day weekend and break from school. <br />There's not much more going on. The last weekend of break we're heading to El Paso for Danny and Cynthia's wedding. I agreed to help Cynthia set up the reception area for their big day, so that should be exciting. Danny has been a dear friend to me for a very long time, so helping make his day special means a lot to me. Of course, I also volunteered Miguel to help me with the decor....he gladly accepted the request, because he's just a swell guy =)<br />I want to end this ridiculously long post by saying that being married is so fun! Miguel and I continue to learn so much more about each other and all of the amazing things we can do as husband and wife. It's hard to believe we've been married for a over a year and a half and that we've been together for over 3 and a half years! I'm so grateful to have him in my life and so grateful he chose me to spend the rest of his life with. I love you Miguel =)Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-85138031250330682692008-03-18T15:12:00.002-07:002008-03-18T15:47:32.944-07:00Thoughts on lifeLast week was SPRING BREAK!!! Miguel and I went to El Paso, and then I visited some friends out of town. <br /><br />While we were in El Paso, my parents cooked some great food and invited the cousins and some of my high school friends over for some fun! We had a BLAST!! We played some "golf" and a round of kings, and then just sat around at talked. It was really great seeing everyone after such a hectic week at school. We drove back from El Paso, and spent the rest of the week relaxing, until I met up with some friends. <br /><br />The week before spring break, I had 2 exams on Friday: one in nursing theory, and one in pharmacology. Thankfully, I still have an A in pharm and a B in theory, which makes me very happy. I feel as though I do nothing but study these days. I had no idea how hard school was really going to be. I wake up around 6, go to school all day, come home from school, read, read, read, read, eat, do some more reading, and then go to bed. The next day is the same thing all over again. I know it's going to be worth it though, because I'm going to be able to care for so many people! <br /><br />We just got back from our second round of clinicals today. Our first round was in a preschool, and we got to come up with a lesson plan and teach the students all about the importance of exercise. I didn't imagine how hard it would be to keep 17 4-5 year olds still and ready to learn. That was our third and final visit to the nursing school. It was a pretty bad neighborhood surrounded by poverty. We were told by the school nurse that many of the students come to school in tattered clothes and shoes, so one of the most important donations to the school was clothes for children of all ages. Our particular class was state funded, and only for students whose parents make below poverty level income. The school nurse also stated that the majority of the kids don't even stay at the school for a whole year, because they are evicted from their homes many times a year. They have parents that are scared to give their real names, due to the immigration policies. I really don't feel like bringing up politics (I AM A DEMOCRAT!!!) All I will say is that with all of the publicity that surrounds immigration in our country, I feel that the devastation it can cause the children and families is definitely not emphasized enough. One of the students, a 4 year old little girl, had her parents deported back to Mexico. But not her, because she was born here. Her parents wanted her to have the best life possible, and that wasn't in Mexico. She now lives with an aunt, and talks about missing her family constantly. Who speaks for these kids? Who stands up for the broken families that are brought about by the HORRIBLE immigration policies. I'm not one to say that all people should come here without contributing to our country. But honestly, it's human nature to want the best for you, your family, and your kids. With everything I know about Mexico, who am I to say I wouldn't do the same thing. There's no doubt in my mind I would. Who are we to say these people shouldn't have the same chances, especially if I KNOW her parents were honest, hard-working, good people. For the record, NOT ALL IMMIGRANTS ARE DANGEROUS, GANG-BANGING CRIMINALS. Some just want to raise their children in the best environment possible. <br /><br />I can honestly say it was one of the hardest things I've had to do since the start of nursing school. The teacher told us that many of the kids come from very broken homes, and were exposed to horrible, horrible things, including drugs, gangs, parents in jail, and abuse. She gave some background on the kids, which was very VERY hard to hear. Knowing that horrible things happens is one thing, but seeing the effects of it first-hand is another. There is one particular student that really stands out to me. For confidentiality, we will call her Jane.<br /><br />Jane was born in a drug house, and was finally forced away from her parents into her grandparents house. According to the teacher, her grandparents did not want her to move in, and do not act as if they do. The first time I met her she was all smiles, ready to hug any person she saw. She was outgoing and excited about life. She and I immediately connected. The next time I saw her, however, she was throwing a temper tantrum any time I gave attention to any other student. The teacher let me know that she was having a rough time at home, and probably needed a hug. That's it, just a hug. No candy, gifts, traveling, a car, toys, new ipod, computer, TV, playstation, or bike....nothing but a hug. I picked her up, put her on my lap and gave her a huge hug. She hugged me so tight back I can't even explain. I kept her on my lap and read her a book, and for that moment, she thought she was on top of the world. <br /><br />This is just one story of many I could tell from the preschool. She was one of hundreds at that school that shared the same experiences with other nursing students in my group. I know it is a hard story to hear/write about/read. But I feel that it is important for me to share my experiences in order to make it known that sometimes, things aren't as they appear. She wasn't throwing a temper tantrum for selfish attention. All she wanted was to feel loved. It cost me nothing to sit down with her, and the rest of the students, and just show them love for the time I was there. <br /><br />Hopefully this will serve as a reminder that we ALL need to do our part to help those in our country. Turning a cheek is NOT the answer. A simple smile, handshake, nod of recognition is sometimes all somebody needs. No person is better than any other. I don't care what color, race, sexual orientation, etc anybody is. EVERYONE IS A PERSON AND JUDGING/TURNING YOUR HEAD IS NOT THE ANSWER. <br /><br />Remember, a hug costs you nothing, but can honestly make somebody's whole world. We can all use a break in our busy lives to help those that don't ask for much. <br /><br />I wanted to take time also to say that I am thankful each and every day to those who are fighting for us overseas. It is because of them that I am here and have the freedom to help those in need and speak freely as I do. Those men and women and their families are in my thoughts and prayers always.Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-66680972875567044072008-02-11T21:47:00.000-07:002008-02-11T21:57:28.097-07:001 year anniversary!!!Just yesterday, we celebrated our 1 YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!! We can't believe it's already been a year since our big day! <br /><br />Looking back, there are soooo many times we would just look at each other and think,"I can't believe we're this lucky...." We're still so in love and so happy to just be together, as husband and wife.<br /><br />There's nothing either of us would change about our first year of marriage. We've been through some huge things together, including applying and getting into ASU! Without Miguel, there's no way I would have had the courage to apply to the ultra-competitive ASU nursing program. Because he was here with me, telling me I could do it and that he would be here for me every step of the way, I decided to apply, and then got in! At the same time, Miguel applied to the ASU business school to get his Masters in Business Administration. Of course he got in. We've learned that there's so much we can do together, because we believe in each other and we believe in us. <br /><br />We spent our anniversary doing nothing here at the house but enjoying each others company. The evening ended with a wonderful dinner at T. Cook's restaurant that is located in the Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale. The food was amazing, the romantic atmosphere was amazing, and of course, being there together after a whole year of being married was amazing!!<br /><br />We're so excited for many, MANY more anniversaries to come. How many anniversaries are there in forever?Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-54642736576840610002008-02-04T16:55:00.001-07:002008-02-04T17:25:29.594-07:00It's times like these....There are some times when you just have to stop and reflect about things that have happened in your life. For me, this is one of them.<br /><br />A very dear friend of my mom and dad, Mr. Rudy Vega, passed away last night, after a long, hard battle with cancer. We knew it was going to happen, as he had been in and out of ICU for the last month or so, but for some reason, it doesn't make anything any easier. First of all, I want to comment on how strong of a person he was. He made it through a round of chemotherapy, which is extremely difficult. I've never been there, but from what I have heard and learned, it is a very painful and long therapy. My parents went up to Albuquerque a couple of weeks ago after his wife called them to let them know he wasn't doing well. From what my mom said, he wasn't in any pain, and his two kids and wife were doing as well as can be expected. My mom said that although he didn't seem to know who was and wasn't there due to his medications, she felt a special connection with him right before they left through a special gesture he gave. There is no doubt in my mind that he knew my parents were there and that they love him very, very much.<br /><br />I am very grateful that I got to see Rudy, as well as his family, at our wedding. They made the trip down to El Paso to be there for my parents and I, which was very special. I remember all of the times (probably in the thousands) we would go over to their house when they were in El Paso, and just hang out. The adults would drink and be merry downstairs, and us kids would play upstairs. There wasn't a single, not a single time, he didn't greet me or anybody else with one of his big bear hugs and warm smiles. He was just so happy, and it was contagious. He was an amazing friend to my parents, and I am very grateful for that as well.<br /><br />Because of my faith, I do know that everything happens for a reason, so I have learned to not question why things happen. My first instinct is to ask why he was taken at such a young age and why such a good man would have such a horrible disease, but I know that is something I will never know. He fought as hard as he could against such an awful disease. I am not going to say that he lost the fight. He left peacefully and pain-free and with his beautiful kids, wife, and family by his side.<br /><br />Although I am very sad, for his family, my parents, and myself, I choose to instead be very grateful that my family did get to have him in our lives. I am very grateful that he knew how much he was loved, and that those who love him had the chance to say good-bye.<br /><br />It's times like these that remind us that we need to be grateful for each day that we have. We have show those we love how much we love them and that we appreciate them every single day and that they are special every single day.<br /><br />I will miss you Mr. Vega. We will miss you Mr. Vega. I can only hope you are healthy, happy, and know without a doubt how much you are loved.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"> Dragon tales and the "water is wide"<br />Pirate's sail and lost boys fly<br />Fish bite moonbeams every night<br />And I love you<br /><br />Godspeed, little man<br />Sweet dreams, little man<br />Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings<br />Godspeed<br />Sweet dreams<br /><br />The rocket racer's all tuckered out<br />Superman's in pajamas on the couch<br />Goodnight moon, will find the mouse<br />And I love you<br /><br />Godspeed, little man<br />Sweet dreams, little man<br />Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings<br />Godspeed<br />Sweet dreams<br /><br />God bless mommy and match box cars<br />God bless dad and thanks for the stars<br />God hears "Amen," wherever we are<br />And I love you<br /><br />Godspeed, little man<br />Sweet dreams, little man<br />Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings<br />Godspeed<br />Godspeed<br />Godspeed<br />Sweet dreams<br />~Godspeed (Sweet Dreams), Dixie Chicks</span><br /></span></span>Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-33446046285347405182008-02-01T17:43:00.000-07:002008-02-01T18:06:33.254-07:00Too long since my last post!So it's been a long time since we've posted on our blog. Partly because we've been lazy, partly because we've had so FREAKING MUCH TO DO! <br /><br />Some key points of the last couple of months:<br /><br />Our California family, including Miguel's parents, Fernando, Perla, Eddie, Anthony, Crystal, Tia Luz, and Lily came down to celebrate New Year's. We had such a great time that weekend, and of course on New Year's! We ate GREAT food, had FANTASTIC drinks, and played some nice rounds of continental. It really was a great time. <br /><br />The weekend after Miguel's parents along with Miguel and I went to Houston for a family gathering. Our cousins Christina and David came as well. It really was so much fun. We had a blast playing spoons, and just hanging out and talking. Yaya was soooo happy to see us, which was great. One very special thing that happened was that Yaya gave the three granddaughters some of her very special jewelry. She divided it all up and placed all of the pieces in three beautiful wooden jewelry boxes. When she gave me my box, I didn't know what to do. I was just so touched. She gave me some beautiful rings, some bangle bracelets, and earrings. The most touching gift, however was a charm loop filled with charms she had received in her life. One in particular was a stop sign shaped charm that said "I'll never stop loving you" that my grandfather had given her. Wow, I still don't know what to say. SHE had to tell ME to stop crying, which was such a change! Anyway, it was a very special moment that I'm happy I got to share with her. I love you yaya!<br /><br />Lets see, some other stuff that has happened. I had my last day at work and I started nursing school! GEEZ....it's so hard!! I don't think I've ever been this tired, but I'm still loving it! Next week we go to an independent living center and a preschool to do some health assessments, and then off to the long-term care center we go for the rest of the semester. The professors are FANTASTIC! They all like to hug and be so supportive! We as students can really tell how much they care and want us to pass. As hard as it is, I know it will help me be the kind of nurse I really want to be. 3 weeks down, 10,000 to go! <br /><br />My mom came down to Phoenix for my "lighting the lamp ceremony" which was an induction into the nursing field. It was really touching. I'm so excited to be starting this career.<br /><br />Miguel starts school tomorrow! He's all ready, and super excited. I will keep you posted!!<br /><br />Love you all!Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-4303663216928556532007-12-26T20:41:00.000-07:002007-12-26T20:54:34.350-07:00A very special gift from PabloA very special gift was also given to us by my brother Pablo. He recorded the 3 songs he played at our wedding and gave them to us on a CD. My brother is one of the best guitarists I've ever heard. Not just because he's my favorite little brother and one of my best friends in the whole world, or because I love him dearly, or because he is the kind of person I want to be someday, but because he really is an AMAZING guitarist. This gift really meant a lot to us, because it reminds us of how special our wedding day really was. He wrote two of the songs just for us, and they are just beautiful. He learned and played the song "Romance" for us as well. I can't help but cry when I hear it. He's always been a hero to me not only because he has always been there for me, but also because of his good heart, how smart he is, and how much he just absolutely loves his family and would do anything for us. He's used his musical talent for such good. He taught guitar for a year and a half, and also donated hundreds of hours to putting together a charity concert in El Paso for the Invisible Children network, which benefits the children of Africa. He invited his band from Dallas, as well as other El Paso bands to perform for a large audience outside a coffee house, and got the manager of the coffee house to donate the money he made that night to the charity. He had to organize the entire thing, along with his friend Kyla, which involved contacting the charity leaders and having them send 100 shirts, DVD's, and bracelets. The benefits of the t-shirts, etc, sales also went straight to the charity. He showed a short clip about the cause in the middle of the show and gave a beautiful speech about why we were all there, bringing everybody to tears. He worked so hard, and was paid nothing. He was happy knowing he was doing his part to help the Invisible Children. He raised well over $1,000 dollars and sent it straight to the organization. There was a story about Pablo and the charity in the news paper, and he plans to do much more charity work in the future. <br /><br />This is only one of the INFINITE reasons why my little brother is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to have in my life. <br /><br />I love you Pooky. Miguel and I love you. Thank you for being you.Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-5096645111211368622007-12-26T16:16:00.000-07:002007-12-26T16:51:26.211-07:00Back from EPTWe just back from El Paso last night. It was a fantastic trip. We got to see a good friend of mine named Danny, who is now in the Air Force, and was lucky enough to get a leave for the holidays. I don't know when he is getting deployed to Iraq/Iran or when I will see him again, so it was GREAT seeing him. He means a lot to me, so it makes me sad that I may not get to see him for a long, long time. We also got to see most of my family that lives in El Paso. Aadrian came over to the house the night Danny and a couple Pablo's friends came over for some drinking and relaxing. We had a blast. I don't think we stopped laughing the whole night.<br /><br />Christmas Eve was awesome! We danced and sang a lot to some good classic rock like good Burrulls and Cantus do, and all was good. The family didn't leave my house until around 4am. As a family, we made a toast to my Yaya Margarita and my Yayo, who have both passed on, but are still in our hearts. Poor Santa had to stay awake after the children went to bed to have all of the presents under the tree by morning. In all the craziness, we forgot to give him cookies! Santa is on a low carb diet anyway! =) On Christmas day, my dad would not let down with the "Santa was here last night" and Christmas carols until he had successfully woken us all up. As tired as we all were, it was well worth it to wake up. Santa brought us lots of goodies! Miguel received a comedy CD, family guy boxers, and a learning angel from my parents, an Incubus dvd from Pablo, and I got him some really nice cuff links (because all MBA students need good cuff links!) as well as a ton of ASU gear. My parents gave Miguel and I a rockin' ipod speaker set. I got some beautiful angels from my parents, as well as monkey socks! For those of you who don't know, I call Miguel monkey, so that was really cool. Miguel gave me a BEAUTIFUL sapphire ring (because it is his birthstone) as well as a blue tooth and cd. All together, it was a great Christmas trip. We left El Paso around 2pm with the doggies.<br /><br />Miguel and I also said a prayer for Miguel's Nino Fallo, who passed away a year ago. We also said a prayer for the family, who we know is still struggling with losing him every day. It is still very hard for Miguel, but knowing that his spirit is still here and he is touched by it each and every day helps him be ok. We had a long talk about him on the car ride here, reflecting on all that he was and what a great man, father, brother, uncle, son, husband and friend he was. We talked about how he continues to teach us how to be a better person, and will be with us every day, until we see him again. We laughed about the time we went bowling before our graduation, the first time my family and I met him, and how he almost bowled a perfect game. Even though he tried to teach my dad and I how to bowl, he beat all of us by like 1,000 points (probably not 1,000, but it was close!) .<br /><br />We love you Tio Fallo, Tia Martha, Yaya Margarita, and Yayo, and you will be with us for now and for always.<br /><br />I also got my hair cut and dyed. It's shorter, layered, and much darker. I really like it, and so does Miguel, so that's good.<br /><br />Now we're getting super excited for Miguel's family to join us for New Year's! Last I heard, they are driving here today. We are super excited to see everybody, and so ready to party Chavez style! It's a bummer that Miguel and I don't have a day off, even New Year's Eve. I'm pretty sure Miguel has to work a full day, and I work 8 hours. Such is the real world! As much as it stinks to have to work when we don't want to, we are loving being on our own and taking care of business as far as working hard for the things we have. It feels so good to know that we're taking bigs steps for our careers and our family. It's going to be a tough 2 years while we're both in school, but so worth it in the end. The light at the end of the tunnel is that I will finally be an RN and Miguel will be a big business man with an MBA. I would like to go back to school after I get a couple of years of experience in the hospital to get my masters in nursing, and eventually get my PhD and be a nurse practitioner. That's pretty far in the future, but I'm getting excited. I feel like we are at the starting line, getting ready for some rough roads, but ready for the victory that is at the end.<br /><br />That was a weird tangent. Anyway, we also found out that Miguel's parents will be joining us in Houston! We are so happy to have them come, and I know my family is as well. Yaya Josefina just loves them, so she is very excited to see them. We are leaving on the 4th and returning that Sunday. We are going to be nice and cozy at Tio Fernando and Tia Laura's house. My last day of work is the 4th, so it should be a great start to my 1 week break before I start school on the 14th. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, happy.....all of the above. I guess I just don't know what to expect. I will keep you posted! Also, Miguel found out he did not get the supervisor position. It was his lack of experience, but they let him know that once he gets some more experience under his belt, he should be good to go. He is bummed, but happy that his weaknesses are all ones that can be worked on.<br /><br />That is all for now! As if it wasn't a novel of a post. I should probably get it copyrighted.Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-49477853777012256912007-12-17T18:00:00.000-07:002007-12-17T18:02:13.966-07:00WHAT A LOAD OFF!!So we just found out today that we were FINALLY granted IN STATE TUITION!! We are officially covered with the financial aid I received for nursing school this semester! The cost of tuition went from almost 9000 to 2600!!! WOW!!!! <br /><br />When it rains, it pours......but when thing work out, man, it's just AWESOME!!Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-28577871931889822602007-12-16T20:58:00.000-07:002007-12-16T21:03:57.055-07:00Pictures of our new ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/R2X0-JFqZJI/AAAAAAAAAN4/0Icl5np9oMo/s1600-h/DSC01931.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/R2X0-JFqZJI/AAAAAAAAAN4/0Icl5np9oMo/s320/DSC01931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144787497769395346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/R2X0-5FqZLI/AAAAAAAAAOI/zMpVVGzgFtY/s1600-h/DSC01932.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_RH4O_4af1kc/R2X0-5FqZLI/AAAAAAAAAOI/zMpVVGzgFtY/s320/DSC01932.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144787510654297266" border="0" /></a>Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-9999074284559037522007-12-16T15:00:00.001-07:002007-12-16T15:02:52.863-07:00MERRY CHRISTMAS TO US!We got a NEW CAR!!! We traded in our highlander for a 2008 Toyota Corolla!!! It's dark blue with dark interior. It is SO PRETTY! This will get us better gas/liter when I'm driving to BFE for school. So much is changing and new! Also, Miguel got a call back for a second interview for a supervisor position. WOW! We're leaving for El Paso on Friday night in our new car!<br /><br />Sweet!Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-56554427260758984652007-12-14T17:29:00.000-07:002007-12-14T17:31:25.389-07:00GOOD NEWS!!!We found out today that MIGUEL GOT INTO THE ASU MBA PROGRAM!!! We couldn't be happier! I am just so proud of him. I knew he'd get in. He's just amazing like that. He also interviewed for a supervisor position at work, and got called back for his second interview!! <br /><br />We all knew you could do it babe!! I love you!Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-55910127705777198202007-12-05T20:08:00.000-07:002007-12-05T20:18:59.810-07:00An update on one of my best friends and her familyAn update on my friend's baby. Turns out he stopped breathing on Sunday night around 1:30 am. My amazing nurse friend gave him CPR and saved his life. The ambulance took him to the hospital, and he's been there since. My friend called me today to let me know that he's going to be ok. They didn't know how long he had been deprived of oxygen, so they were very, very relieved to know that his brain function was normal. He might be there for awhile longer, but we are all very grateful that he's going to be ok.<br /><br />This family means a lot to Miguel and I. This friend is the reason I decided to go into nursing, and definitely the kind of nurse I want to be someday. She had the presence of mind to give her own 6 day son CPR to save his life. She is a wonderful mom, and her husband is a wonderful father. Their first son is just fantastic. We couldn't be happier that their family is going to be ok. They are still in our thoughts and prayers, and will be until we know they are all safe at home.<br /><br />I also got fitted for my nursing uniforms today. We get to wear maroon scrubs with the ASU emblem on the left side. I also received my stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, pen light, nursing clip board, and bandage scissors. I couldn't be more excited!! I put on a fashion show for Miguel, and he said I looked like a real nurse! I found out that my drug screen was received by the nursing school today, and everything is clear. The only thing I have left to do is show up for class on January 14th! Some administrative stuff we have to take care of deals with financial aid and in-state tuition. We're basically fighting for both. Hopefully all goes well, and we receive a Perkin's loan (which can be forgiven after 1 year of working as an RN) as well as in-state tuition for both Miguel and I. Miguel hasn't heard yet about school, but he should soon! He is also applying for a supervisor position at work. He's doing so well! I always knew he would. =)Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-5265881337315263412007-12-04T21:08:00.000-07:002007-12-04T21:30:26.635-07:00The Holidays and New Years!!Unfortunately our air conditioner/heat went out about 2 weeks ago. It's been pretty cold, even here in Phoenix, but we've hung in there. Miguel's parents have been really helping us find a new unit, as well as finding somebody to install it for us. Thank you so much!<br /><br />After speaking with Fernando tonight, we found out that Miguel's family will definitely be here the day after Christmas and through New Year's! We're super excited to have family here for New Year's again! Both Miguel and I have to work on New Year's Eve, but we'll both get off early, and will definitely be ready to party! Miguel and I are SO EXCITED! <br /><br />We just found out that my parents are giving us an early Christmas present! We'll be heading to Houston to visit my grandmother, as well as to see Tio Fernando and fam, Tio Javier and fam, Christina and fam, and hopefully others as well. We're really looking forward to it. The week after I start school, so it will be a nice break before the craziness begins.<br /><br />On a sad note, a good friend of mine called me today to let me know that her 7 day old son is in the ICU because he stopped breathing on Sunday night. He isn't intubated, but is on oxygen. They don't know what is wrong with him. Please keep my good friend and her family in your prayers.Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-33512590345550427232007-12-02T20:56:00.000-07:002007-12-02T21:07:48.143-07:00Good times with family and friends!Last weekend, Richie and Cassie came from El Paso for the Cardinals vs. 49ers game in Glendale. We had a blast! The 49ers ended up winning in a horrible fumble in the end zone. Richie was happy. It all ended with a FANTASTIC hot dog story. Ask and we'll definitely let you! It was great seeing them. The weekend before that, Miguel's mom and dad, as well as his brother Fernando came to Phoenix to celebrate an early Thanksgiving. Friday night was his mom's birthday celebration, which was very nice. Our Thanksgiving dinner consisted of lobster and fantastic steak. The food was FANTASTIC, and as always, we had a great time. We ate, had drinks, and were merry! <br /><br />We will be heading to El Paso for Christmas this year. Miguel and I can't wait! We leave the Friday before Christmas, and return on Christmas day. We are taking our doggies, which is always fun. We love hanging out with family and friends in El Paso, so we are very, VERY excited! <br /><br />On another exciting note, Miguel turned in his application for the W.P.Carey MBA program at ASU this last Friday. They told him we would find out before Christmas. It is just so exciting to know that we could both be done with school in the next two years. After that, we'll see.Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-52138062180744009972007-11-23T13:26:00.000-07:002007-11-23T13:35:06.144-07:00We hope you all had a Fantastic Thanksgiving!We hope everybody had a very happy Thanksgiving! Although we weren't able to spend this holiday with our family, we were blessed with a wonderful dinner with Debora and her family at her sister's house. We had a WONDERFUL meal prepared by her mom and sister, followed by fun and games with her brother Felipe's daughter Neveah (heaven backwards!). We honestly had a great time. Unfortunately, Miguel had to get up to work today, but we're getting excited for a great weekend! A friend from El Paso, Richard, is in town for the 49ers vs Cardinal's game on Sunday. Because Miguel and I, as well as Stephanie and Tyler, will also be going, we decided to put together a great tailgate party. We're going to meet at our house at 11 and then party until the game starts at 2!<br /><br />In other big news, I decided that I'm my last day at work is going to be January 4th. I hope to relax for a week before nursing school! I already let my company know, so for now, I just get to countdown! Miguel just took the gmat last Saturday, and found out that he got a great score, so we're looking forward to him started business school soon! If all goes well, he'll be starting in February.<br /><br />We'll keep you posted on our lives!!Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-27548116871446316032007-11-18T20:21:00.000-07:002007-11-18T21:10:19.908-07:00Pictures!Here is link to our engagement pictures, taken by our wonderful cousin Dyanna, as well as a link to our wedding pictures, taken by another wonderful cousin Patrick. Thank you both for giving us these memories! <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/progal/album.jsp?aid=768a5498cf47d2693072"><br /><br />http://www.shutterfly.com/progal/album.jsp?aid=768a5498cf47d2693072</a><br /><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/dyanna/sets/72157594464034686/"><br /></a>Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7832489239645077175.post-44176898138642538312007-11-18T19:53:00.000-07:002007-11-18T20:20:48.151-07:00Our First BlogWith all of the changes in our lives, we thought it was the perfect time to create a blog to share with our family and friends.<br /><br />For our first post, we wanted to start from the beginning. We met as seniors at Stanford University. Miguel, a psychology major, was busy managing Stanford's first juggling club, Down with Gravity, and I, a biology major, was working in a microbiology research lab and working as a teaching assistant for "The Biological Basis of the Biological Clock." <br /><br /><span id="au_how_copy">I had seen Miguel out and thought he was one of the most handsome men I had ever seen. And I hid every time. I'm definitely not one to be shy, so this was very out of the ordinary. I happened to see him in my dorm, got the courage to give him my number, and waited a couple of days for his call. We met at a Stanford senior class outing, and have been together ever since.<br /><br /></span><span id="tp_how_copy">At our graduation party that was being held at his parent's house in Santa Clara, on June 12, 2006, and in front of all of our family and friends, he proposed to me while giving his graduation speech. For the first time in my life, I was speechless and crying. Of course I said yes. We got married on February 10, 2007, in El Paso, Texas, and had a fabulous honeymoon in Fiji!!<br /><br />Since summer of 2005, we've lived in the Phoenix area. We were first living in an apartment in central Phoenix. After both of us made major career changes, and with the help of Miguel's parents, we made the move to a house in southern Scottsdale, which is where we live today, with our two wonderful dogs, Austin and Ava, and our cute kitties, Danny and Angel. Austin is a rescued chocolate lab, and Ava is a golden retriever. Miguel is currently working at Vanguard as an Education Savings Associate, and Renee is working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Clinical Research Advantage. <br /><br />Many exciting changes have recently come about. I was recently accepted to the ASU College of Nursing program. It is a year around program, so as long as everything goes as planned, I will be graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and RN in May 2009. Miguel also decided he wanted to go back to school. Miguel just took his gmat on Saturday, November 17, and will be applying to the ASU MBA program to begin in February 2008. <br /><br />Married life is just AMAZING!!!<br /><br />~Mrs. Chavez </span>Miguel and Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839346332738875062noreply@blogger.com1