This is simply a follow up blog to inform all of you that even though I have to learn lessons the hard way...at least I learn them!
In reference to my blog about being pulled over, I have taken the good officers advice to 'not speed on the reservation' to heart. I make sure that I KNOW what the speed limit is and that I only go a little itty bit over, if at all. People have even passed me and sped off into the wild blue and I wonder..."where's my cop friend now?"
Well last week I turned the corner and eased into my slow motion speed of roughly 36 mph. Everyday that I pass that dreaded spot where he pulled me over, I make sure I have my licence (which would probably be best BEFORE I got to that spot, preferably in my house before I leave...but nonetheless, that thought crosses my mind) and then I look to see if the cops are waiting for me. Well this day he was! However, no slamming of the break was required. I simply drove right past him and went on my way as he stayed put!
Isn't it funny that I still thought that he would find some reason to pull me over. I thought that maybe my speedometer could be broken and in reality I was going 75 and had no idea!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Hallelujah!
Oh happy day! The results are in... I passed my certification test!!! All of you can now sleep better knowing that I dont have to retake this stinky thing ever again! :)
When I graduated from college, I remember thinking how happy I was that I wouldn't have to take any more tests. Then I started working in Pharmacy and certification was required. So off to the books I went again. Studying and agonizing each day for the months before the test. Then there were the weeks after- fretting and worrying each day that I saw the mailman. When the results finally came and I passed- I was happier than I have ever been before. Now for sure, I thought to myself, no more tests! It was a happy time.
Then I got into Child Life and again certification was required. Again, the late night cramming sessions came into play. And these past few weeks have been filled with moments of surety that I passed and moments of doubt when I thought that I didn't.
I got a call today from a girl who took the test with me. As soon as I saw her name on the caller ID, I knew that's why she was calling. "Did you get your results?" She asked. Now, you see I work Saturdays so the answers was "ahh!!! NO!!!!" She passed, so the pressure was back on. For the next 5 hrs I had to wonder what kind of night I would be having... good or bad? As I drove home my stomach was in knots. I was sure that I didn't pass. I went to the mailbox and saw a tiny little slip of paper. Surly, I didnt pass. They would be sending me a certificate if I passed. I opened it up and read, "Your test score appears below." Of course I read that to mean -below the allotted number to pass. (not below, as in later on in the letter.) Then it said, "Congratulations! you passed!" I was so confused, I had to read it a few times!
Tears filled my eyes as I realized the wait was over. I am now certified and the best part- I will be getting a raise! oh Happy day!
Heres the lesson I have learned...If I decide to change careers it will be one that will NOT require certification. I dont think my heart can take it anymore!
When I graduated from college, I remember thinking how happy I was that I wouldn't have to take any more tests. Then I started working in Pharmacy and certification was required. So off to the books I went again. Studying and agonizing each day for the months before the test. Then there were the weeks after- fretting and worrying each day that I saw the mailman. When the results finally came and I passed- I was happier than I have ever been before. Now for sure, I thought to myself, no more tests! It was a happy time.
Then I got into Child Life and again certification was required. Again, the late night cramming sessions came into play. And these past few weeks have been filled with moments of surety that I passed and moments of doubt when I thought that I didn't.
I got a call today from a girl who took the test with me. As soon as I saw her name on the caller ID, I knew that's why she was calling. "Did you get your results?" She asked. Now, you see I work Saturdays so the answers was "ahh!!! NO!!!!" She passed, so the pressure was back on. For the next 5 hrs I had to wonder what kind of night I would be having... good or bad? As I drove home my stomach was in knots. I was sure that I didn't pass. I went to the mailbox and saw a tiny little slip of paper. Surly, I didnt pass. They would be sending me a certificate if I passed. I opened it up and read, "Your test score appears below." Of course I read that to mean -below the allotted number to pass. (not below, as in later on in the letter.) Then it said, "Congratulations! you passed!" I was so confused, I had to read it a few times!
Tears filled my eyes as I realized the wait was over. I am now certified and the best part- I will be getting a raise! oh Happy day!
Heres the lesson I have learned...If I decide to change careers it will be one that will NOT require certification. I dont think my heart can take it anymore!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Upside down and inside out!
Have you ever had one of those days where it feels like you have magic in your fingers and everything goes smoothly? Or have you had those days where the magic has somehow left your fingers and everything breaks or falls apart? Which day do you suppose I had today? Correct answer: B.
The problem occurs when your 'falling apart' day affects a little 5 year old boy who is counting on you to have a 'magic day!' It all started when I headed downstairs with a 15 year old boy, to the operating room. Parents aren't allowed in the OR so he asked me to stay with him until he fell asleep. The problem is the OR is very unpredictable at times. His parents and I entered Pre-op at 12:30. Now, I can keep a conversation going for awhile, but my conversation skills were put to the test. Time kept on tickin, but nothing was happening. We talked about Guitar Hero, which he loved and so did I, rabbit hunting, and I was entertained by the crazy things he has done with his friends. By 3:00 finally the doctors made their appearances and we headed on our way to the OR. While there the patient had received some medicine that made him all loopy. (This is one of my favorite parts of the job! People on this medicine always crack me up! ) The surgeon, Dr. Headly, and I were talking as we walked into the room. A little bit later, the patient and I were trying to figure something out and I said, "Oh! Ask Dr. Headly. I bet he has a good head about him!" HAHAHA I know you are all laughing right now. Because I totally cracked myself up. I did not have any intention of being punny- so the shock of it made me laugh out loud. I think I even said "Hey! That was a good one eh?! Haha Good head! Haha" I'm sure the Dr. found it hilarious! It was very apparent by his- "good one Jill". and that was that. I still laughed though.
So what does this have to do with a 5 year old and things breaking you ask? Well, because I spent all afternoon chattin it up in the OR, I felt an extreme rush of things to do on the floor. In my rush to get caught up, I was informed of a little 5 year old who had to have an IV start. He was having a really hard time. I talked to him about what coping techniques would work to get him through it. He decided to play video games. AHa! Luckily we have those. So out the door I flew like a flash (there is my dedication to Christmas.) and the video game machine was not there! What?! Its always there. Finally after the 3rd place of looking, I found it! Phew! Relieved, I went back into the room, set it up and began helping him get started. Of course he picked the football game. Now, For those of you that know me well, know that I love video games. However, I have always stayed away from the sports ones. They just never did it for me. So, as he says "lets play football" my heart sunk a little bit. My cheerleader, Laura the nurse, didnt really help either. "Jill is amazing" she tells him. "She can fix anything and knows all about all video games!" Wow- Laura! Help a girl out! So I felt the pressure. Of course as the little boy is getting frustrated at the game, the time is getting closer to do the IV. Dad, mom and grandma all tried to figure out how to play the game. (You would think there would be a PLAY button, but no. No such luck). We switched the game out, to try one that I could possibly help him with and somehow in the process the whole game system stopped working all together!!! There is nothing more frustrating when you're 5, have to have to get poked, and the game you want to play to help you get through it- DOESN'T WORK!!! Arg!
So, to quicken the story, the IV gets done and I go in search of another game system--The game system that he had played the previous time in the hospital. I found it and brought it in. He was so excited. He said to me "I choose to play Mario!" um...well...Mario was stolen a couple months ago. Sadly, I had to inform him that Mario was lost and his little eyes filled up with tears. "but...but...thats what I want to play!" Moral- Life is hard.
After some talking, he decided on Finding Nemo. We played it for awhile, but it was a little difficult for someone with only 1 hand. (sometime kids refuse to use the hand that the IV is in, even though they could!)
My last chance to appease this child was in the laptop. I retrieved it from my office and went to save the day. Too simple, you say? You say correct. As it was booting up, a huge error message filled the screen. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!! Can a girl get a break? I mean its for the children!
The story ends well though. A little bit of that magic came back into my fingers and it started working normally. I got him all set up and I even think he had a itty bitty smile on his face as I left the room!
I'm just thankful the elevator worked well on the way down. That would be the last thing I needed- plummeting down 4 floors at the end of the day!
The problem occurs when your 'falling apart' day affects a little 5 year old boy who is counting on you to have a 'magic day!' It all started when I headed downstairs with a 15 year old boy, to the operating room. Parents aren't allowed in the OR so he asked me to stay with him until he fell asleep. The problem is the OR is very unpredictable at times. His parents and I entered Pre-op at 12:30. Now, I can keep a conversation going for awhile, but my conversation skills were put to the test. Time kept on tickin, but nothing was happening. We talked about Guitar Hero, which he loved and so did I, rabbit hunting, and I was entertained by the crazy things he has done with his friends. By 3:00 finally the doctors made their appearances and we headed on our way to the OR. While there the patient had received some medicine that made him all loopy. (This is one of my favorite parts of the job! People on this medicine always crack me up! ) The surgeon, Dr. Headly, and I were talking as we walked into the room. A little bit later, the patient and I were trying to figure something out and I said, "Oh! Ask Dr. Headly. I bet he has a good head about him!" HAHAHA I know you are all laughing right now. Because I totally cracked myself up. I did not have any intention of being punny- so the shock of it made me laugh out loud. I think I even said "Hey! That was a good one eh?! Haha Good head! Haha" I'm sure the Dr. found it hilarious! It was very apparent by his- "good one Jill". and that was that. I still laughed though.
So what does this have to do with a 5 year old and things breaking you ask? Well, because I spent all afternoon chattin it up in the OR, I felt an extreme rush of things to do on the floor. In my rush to get caught up, I was informed of a little 5 year old who had to have an IV start. He was having a really hard time. I talked to him about what coping techniques would work to get him through it. He decided to play video games. AHa! Luckily we have those. So out the door I flew like a flash (there is my dedication to Christmas.) and the video game machine was not there! What?! Its always there. Finally after the 3rd place of looking, I found it! Phew! Relieved, I went back into the room, set it up and began helping him get started. Of course he picked the football game. Now, For those of you that know me well, know that I love video games. However, I have always stayed away from the sports ones. They just never did it for me. So, as he says "lets play football" my heart sunk a little bit. My cheerleader, Laura the nurse, didnt really help either. "Jill is amazing" she tells him. "She can fix anything and knows all about all video games!" Wow- Laura! Help a girl out! So I felt the pressure. Of course as the little boy is getting frustrated at the game, the time is getting closer to do the IV. Dad, mom and grandma all tried to figure out how to play the game. (You would think there would be a PLAY button, but no. No such luck). We switched the game out, to try one that I could possibly help him with and somehow in the process the whole game system stopped working all together!!! There is nothing more frustrating when you're 5, have to have to get poked, and the game you want to play to help you get through it- DOESN'T WORK!!! Arg!
So, to quicken the story, the IV gets done and I go in search of another game system--The game system that he had played the previous time in the hospital. I found it and brought it in. He was so excited. He said to me "I choose to play Mario!" um...well...Mario was stolen a couple months ago. Sadly, I had to inform him that Mario was lost and his little eyes filled up with tears. "but...but...thats what I want to play!" Moral- Life is hard.
After some talking, he decided on Finding Nemo. We played it for awhile, but it was a little difficult for someone with only 1 hand. (sometime kids refuse to use the hand that the IV is in, even though they could!)
My last chance to appease this child was in the laptop. I retrieved it from my office and went to save the day. Too simple, you say? You say correct. As it was booting up, a huge error message filled the screen. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!! Can a girl get a break? I mean its for the children!
The story ends well though. A little bit of that magic came back into my fingers and it started working normally. I got him all set up and I even think he had a itty bitty smile on his face as I left the room!
I'm just thankful the elevator worked well on the way down. That would be the last thing I needed- plummeting down 4 floors at the end of the day!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The airport
I flew home this past weekend to take my ever so exciting child life certification exam.
I feel like I have become more of a pro when it comes to flying since I have done it more frequently lately. As I approached the check point, I put all my lip balm/glosses/and chapsticks dutifully in a white clear plastic bag- so, i guess, there would be no reason to believe there was a bomb in them. Can anyone explain to me how a baggie will contain an explosive device if it went off? I'm still working on that one.
Before I got to the the scanning machine things I handed the guy my boarding pass and license and waited for the okay. However, he threw me off. "Let me guess..." He said as he took my stuff. What he was going to guess was a mystery to me and I wondered what on earth I did to deserve this "special" treatment of the security guard talking to me. "Vegas!" He said as he looked at my destination. He laughed and then sent me on my way. I was baffled by this #1 Because I have never seen these people have any sort of personality and #2 Why did I look like I was going to Vegas? (Maybe it was the belly dancer outfit that I was wearing!)
The next step is always something that takes some thinking. Which line is going to move fastest through the check point? I have this amazing sense to get in the line that moves the slowest. This occurs any place where a line is needed. Grocery stores, library, bathrooms etc. (I even waited almost an hour for a hot dog at the Diamond backs game. I just kept thinking that it would go faster any minute. I know. I'm lame!) I was bound and determined to beat the system and pick the fast lane. The trick is once you pick it, you are stuck because everyone else fills in behind you. There is no going back. Unfortunately, I failed again in the picking.
The lady 2 ahead of me had 4 little totes full of stuff. 2 laptops, her carry on and her purse. Each one requiring its own tote. As she was loading up her stuff, the lady directly in front of me was taking off her shoes and putting on her little booties from the airport. (apparently the airport is helping with any sanitary issues. Very nice idea, but for some people they are tricky to get on, which adds to the time.) The lady putting them on was for some reason struggling to figure it out. The tote lady in front of her finally got all her stuff to the moving belt and sent them on their way as she made her way to the medical detector. (I'm still behind the bootie lady trying to figure out how I can help the situation move a little faster.) As the tote lady made her way through the dreaded medical detector, her boarding pass was not in her hand. Stopping the line even more, we had to wait as her things went through moving belt so that she could retrieve her pass.
The bootie lady finally had it figured out and was ready to slide her own tote onto the moving belt. I sighed a sigh of relief- Finally we were moving! But the sigh was just premature. The bootie lady entered the medical detector as I slid my tote onto the belt. The alarms started going off. "Go put your jewelry in your tote" the security lady said. The poor bootie lady was pretty frazzled as I'm sure she was thinking, "I'm not a terrorist! I just like to look good!" She took off her earrings, rings and necklaces as we all waited patiently. She stuck them inside a little bucket and put it on her tote as it slid into the scanning machine. As it did so, I could hear it tip over and each one of her precious things were scattered everywhere inside that dark cave! She didnt notice because she was trying to hurry to not stop the line more. As she went through, of course the alarms go off again. I am now standing, next in line. Waiting for the okay to walk through. But because the bootie lady set off the alarm again, the security lady turned her back to me, cutting off the pass for me to walk through and yelled out "woman assist!" and waited for someone to come. It was funny because she didnt take her eyes off the bootie lady like she was going to try something! I myself, was blocked in , since she had her back to me and the long line was forming behind me. (I even wondered to myself, does she think that I am going to try and slip by as she has her eyes on the bootie lady?Does she not realize that there are like 10 security guards watching everyone? I guess she didnt, because she didnt budge until someone else came. I kind of got a little self conscience and wanted to shout out to the crowd- its not me thats backing you up!!!
Finally someone came, and I stepped through those scary metal detectors- luckily, they didnt go off! Why do I feel like they are always going to go off? I know that I dont have a weapon of mass destruction in my pocket, but I worry- what if someone planted one!
Luckily I had arrived to the airport like 2 hrs earlier- since traffic wasnt as bad as I had planned- so this delay didnt stress me out!
Here is the moral of your story. If you are a lady and like to look nice, make sure all jewelry is off and in your carry on. Once safely past the metal detector, you can get all dolled up! And maybe it wouldnt hurt to practice putting on socks over and over again so as to prepare for the booties!
(I hope this all made sense. I realized as I was typing it that I didnt know the real name for things- so I made them up!)
I feel like I have become more of a pro when it comes to flying since I have done it more frequently lately. As I approached the check point, I put all my lip balm/glosses/and chapsticks dutifully in a white clear plastic bag- so, i guess, there would be no reason to believe there was a bomb in them. Can anyone explain to me how a baggie will contain an explosive device if it went off? I'm still working on that one.
Before I got to the the scanning machine things I handed the guy my boarding pass and license and waited for the okay. However, he threw me off. "Let me guess..." He said as he took my stuff. What he was going to guess was a mystery to me and I wondered what on earth I did to deserve this "special" treatment of the security guard talking to me. "Vegas!" He said as he looked at my destination. He laughed and then sent me on my way. I was baffled by this #1 Because I have never seen these people have any sort of personality and #2 Why did I look like I was going to Vegas? (Maybe it was the belly dancer outfit that I was wearing!)
The next step is always something that takes some thinking. Which line is going to move fastest through the check point? I have this amazing sense to get in the line that moves the slowest. This occurs any place where a line is needed. Grocery stores, library, bathrooms etc. (I even waited almost an hour for a hot dog at the Diamond backs game. I just kept thinking that it would go faster any minute. I know. I'm lame!) I was bound and determined to beat the system and pick the fast lane. The trick is once you pick it, you are stuck because everyone else fills in behind you. There is no going back. Unfortunately, I failed again in the picking.
The lady 2 ahead of me had 4 little totes full of stuff. 2 laptops, her carry on and her purse. Each one requiring its own tote. As she was loading up her stuff, the lady directly in front of me was taking off her shoes and putting on her little booties from the airport. (apparently the airport is helping with any sanitary issues. Very nice idea, but for some people they are tricky to get on, which adds to the time.) The lady putting them on was for some reason struggling to figure it out. The tote lady in front of her finally got all her stuff to the moving belt and sent them on their way as she made her way to the medical detector. (I'm still behind the bootie lady trying to figure out how I can help the situation move a little faster.) As the tote lady made her way through the dreaded medical detector, her boarding pass was not in her hand. Stopping the line even more, we had to wait as her things went through moving belt so that she could retrieve her pass.
The bootie lady finally had it figured out and was ready to slide her own tote onto the moving belt. I sighed a sigh of relief- Finally we were moving! But the sigh was just premature. The bootie lady entered the medical detector as I slid my tote onto the belt. The alarms started going off. "Go put your jewelry in your tote" the security lady said. The poor bootie lady was pretty frazzled as I'm sure she was thinking, "I'm not a terrorist! I just like to look good!" She took off her earrings, rings and necklaces as we all waited patiently. She stuck them inside a little bucket and put it on her tote as it slid into the scanning machine. As it did so, I could hear it tip over and each one of her precious things were scattered everywhere inside that dark cave! She didnt notice because she was trying to hurry to not stop the line more. As she went through, of course the alarms go off again. I am now standing, next in line. Waiting for the okay to walk through. But because the bootie lady set off the alarm again, the security lady turned her back to me, cutting off the pass for me to walk through and yelled out "woman assist!" and waited for someone to come. It was funny because she didnt take her eyes off the bootie lady like she was going to try something! I myself, was blocked in , since she had her back to me and the long line was forming behind me. (I even wondered to myself, does she think that I am going to try and slip by as she has her eyes on the bootie lady?Does she not realize that there are like 10 security guards watching everyone? I guess she didnt, because she didnt budge until someone else came. I kind of got a little self conscience and wanted to shout out to the crowd- its not me thats backing you up!!!
Finally someone came, and I stepped through those scary metal detectors- luckily, they didnt go off! Why do I feel like they are always going to go off? I know that I dont have a weapon of mass destruction in my pocket, but I worry- what if someone planted one!
Luckily I had arrived to the airport like 2 hrs earlier- since traffic wasnt as bad as I had planned- so this delay didnt stress me out!
Here is the moral of your story. If you are a lady and like to look nice, make sure all jewelry is off and in your carry on. Once safely past the metal detector, you can get all dolled up! And maybe it wouldnt hurt to practice putting on socks over and over again so as to prepare for the booties!
(I hope this all made sense. I realized as I was typing it that I didnt know the real name for things- so I made them up!)
Friday, November 2, 2007
Thats it! I'm walking!
As many of you know- I have been traumatized by elevators in the past. But also most recently,as I have mentioned, the elevator at the hospital has started in on the shinanigans! One might think that I would have learned my lesson by now. But I think that at times, it takes a few of those "um- I think my heart just stopped" moments for me to finally get it.
Yesterday, as I got in, there was a dad with his cute little daughters. Of course they were so excited to push the buttons so everyone told them what floor they were going to and eventually all 5 buttons were pushed. We went up to the 2nd floor and one lady got out. Then the lights around the numbers signifying that the floor was chosen, went off and we started back down again. I started the whole "Don't freak out" talk that I do inside my brain to myself, over and over again.
"If other people panic, then I'll succumb to the fear, but until then, stay calm". But then the doors didn't open and flashbacks started flying throughout my brain of the other incidents that I have had. Confused, the dad calmly pushed the buttons again and it went back up and stopped at the floors that it needed to. Whoosh- relief filled my heart as I jumped off onto my floor.
That should have been enough of a lesson learned, but I had to get it one more time before I finally caved in that elevators are scary scary machines that humans put way too much trust in!
Today, I took those same cursed elevators again. I got on and as we pushed the buttons the lights around the numbers would turn off as if they weren't chosen. So we'd push them again, and the doors would close, lights would go off, and we'd be sitting there not moving. Finally it worked. It went up to the 2nd and 3rd floor but then the lights would go off the numbers and it went back down to the first floor. The other lady that was with me, looked at me strangely. and I said something that I'm sure was profound like, "Um- why is it that we can not seem to go UP in this elevator?" Once again on the 1st floor, and weirdly still on the elevator, we tried again. After our ride up and down, we were finally successful in getting to our destinations!
I think that I can cancel my gym membership because I'll be getting all the exercise that I need now- no more elevators!
Yesterday, as I got in, there was a dad with his cute little daughters. Of course they were so excited to push the buttons so everyone told them what floor they were going to and eventually all 5 buttons were pushed. We went up to the 2nd floor and one lady got out. Then the lights around the numbers signifying that the floor was chosen, went off and we started back down again. I started the whole "Don't freak out" talk that I do inside my brain to myself, over and over again.
"If other people panic, then I'll succumb to the fear, but until then, stay calm". But then the doors didn't open and flashbacks started flying throughout my brain of the other incidents that I have had. Confused, the dad calmly pushed the buttons again and it went back up and stopped at the floors that it needed to. Whoosh- relief filled my heart as I jumped off onto my floor.
That should have been enough of a lesson learned, but I had to get it one more time before I finally caved in that elevators are scary scary machines that humans put way too much trust in!
Today, I took those same cursed elevators again. I got on and as we pushed the buttons the lights around the numbers would turn off as if they weren't chosen. So we'd push them again, and the doors would close, lights would go off, and we'd be sitting there not moving. Finally it worked. It went up to the 2nd and 3rd floor but then the lights would go off the numbers and it went back down to the first floor. The other lady that was with me, looked at me strangely. and I said something that I'm sure was profound like, "Um- why is it that we can not seem to go UP in this elevator?" Once again on the 1st floor, and weirdly still on the elevator, we tried again. After our ride up and down, we were finally successful in getting to our destinations!
I think that I can cancel my gym membership because I'll be getting all the exercise that I need now- no more elevators!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Important info
oops! I kind of forgot some very pertinent information in my last blog and I dont want any of you to loose sleep over it. When I returned home, I did exactly what the officer said. I went straight to my room and there it was- my wallet was laying on the floor. Not realizing the panic and anxiety it had caused me. I have made sure since that time that it doesn't jump out of my bag again!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Lesson Learned
Driving in Arizona- Far away from the list of my favorite things. In reality I live about 25 minutes from work. In Arizona freeway time- make that 45 minutes. Its very frustrating to wake up from a wonderful sleep 20 minutes earlier just so that I can be stuck in stop and go freeway traffic.
So I decided it was time to beat the system. What I really wanted was a helicopter drop off every day. Apparently that is frowned upon. So I started taking detours, which led to some interesting places. However, after many failed attempts, such as the frontage road and back roads that everyone else was using, I finally found the perfect route. I had been enjoying this nice zig zag course until yesterday.
While at work, I had just a little time left and needed to buy something before I went home. Reaching for my wallet, I was SHOCKED that it was not in my purse. Praying that it had fallen out in my room and not in the pocket of someone else, I left for home. I left work at a different time, and to my dismay, many people take my "special route" at this time. This made it a whole lot less special. Stop and go was happening instead of zoom zoom zoom. I turned off my normal zig road to a different zag road because it appeared that less people were taking it. Happily finding my new freedom I was finally zooming down the road. Happily that, until I saw the cop in front of me, facing me on the other side of the road. My instincts kicked in as I slammed on my breaks until I got to 45 mph. In my defense and in honest truth, I really thought the speed limit was 40. As I passed him, I prayed that it was empty or he didn't see the outrageous speed I was going, because as you might recall, I didn't have my wallet, which meant- NO LICENCE!!! I almost died as I saw him flip around and follow me. My prayers that it was a coincidence that he pulled in behind me were dashed as he flipped on his lights and I reluctantly pulled over.
With my head bowed as if I had been sent to the principal's offices I wondered what the outcome of this would be. Oddly enough as he approached my car (which seemed like an eternity) he said, "hello, how are you today?" What?! He needs a new door approach because honestly- how is anyone at that moment? "I'm okay" I replied in a quiet, school girl voice. "Can I see your licence and registration?" Here it comes, I thought. I said okay and reached in the glove box. As I was reaching for it he said, "I clocked you going 45 in a 35 zone." "How fast?" was my -reply. He kinda got a smirk as though he was thinking haha I got you. As he said "45" I shockingly said "really- huh". All the while thanking the heavens that he ONLY clocked me at 45 and not what I was going before I saw him!!!
In my frazzled state I handed him my insurance card- not registration!!! I explained to him that I just moved here and that is my newest card until they send it to me in the mail. I had yet to recognize my error, and the look on his face showed his confusion. After a few more random questions he asked for my UT registration. As I reached for it, low and behold I pulled out my AZ Registration. It was then that I realized my error and said, "oh my gosh! I gave you my insurance card! I'm so sorry!" Dumb Dumb Dumb. But then I thought that maybe I'd get off for being dumb! However, the worst of it had not happened. He then asked for my licence and I had to tell him the bad news. I explained that I didnt have it, and that I actually didnt know where my wallet was, and that I hoped that it was at my house and not stolen because I never drive without it (I hope you're catching on that I was rambling now). I then realized that maybe I shouldn't tell him that I didnt know where it was. So I summed it all up with, "I'm sure its in my room. I just cant believe that I dont have it because I always do! and of all days...." He asked if I had anything with a picture ID. Nope. Sure didnt. Well- except for my employee badge at work. (I know you're all saying- no you didnt offer your employee badge! Well yep. sure did.) He said that didnt count.
Shaking his head and standing there in utter shock. He asked where I moved from, if my licence was from UT or AZ, if I knew the number, where I was coming from etc. He just keeping shaking his head in unbelief and sighing. Finally he said, "This really doesnt look good for you." "I know" I said. And he walked back to his car. As I sat there in an agonizing wait, I kept wondering why he pulled me over for a measly 10 miles over. Slowly I came to grips with the fact that I would be paying hundreds of dollars and would have to go to traffic school. I did the crime. I would have to do the time. Oddly enough I wasnt emotional. I was calm as he came back. He then repeated a few more times how things just didnt look good for me(I think he was trying out for an academy award for dramatic affect) and that I need to have my licence when I drive (um, doy. I know that). I just agreed with him, didnt fight him on anything, didnt try any tricks, and didnt make excuses. I guess thats what works because he said. "So, I'm giving you a warning for speeding and first thing when you get home, you need to find your licence and put it in your purse". I wanted to say- "Really? You dont think that thought has been running around my head every minute since I found out that I didnt have it!" But I simply said "Okay officer". Then he added "and dont speed on the reservation again". OH!! The reservation. It all made sense. I had no idea that I was on it! And I have heard things are a little more on the strict side. I'm thankful I didnt end up in jail! I, of course, agreed. and he had me sign my warning. He then added, "You're like the 5th person that I have pulled over today from Utah!" "Really?! " I replied. "I guess they dont know how to teach us to drive!" he laughed and sent me on my merry way. I of course thanked him many times and with a grateful heart drove home.
How did I do it? How did I not get a ticket? How do you speed and not have your licence and still get only a warning? I have come to the conclusion that God was thinking, "Jill sometimes goes fast on roads that she shouldn't. Therefore, to teach her a lesson, I will have him pull her over, but scare her enough that she wont do it again." Well to that I say "I got it! Lesson Learned!"
So I decided it was time to beat the system. What I really wanted was a helicopter drop off every day. Apparently that is frowned upon. So I started taking detours, which led to some interesting places. However, after many failed attempts, such as the frontage road and back roads that everyone else was using, I finally found the perfect route. I had been enjoying this nice zig zag course until yesterday.
While at work, I had just a little time left and needed to buy something before I went home. Reaching for my wallet, I was SHOCKED that it was not in my purse. Praying that it had fallen out in my room and not in the pocket of someone else, I left for home. I left work at a different time, and to my dismay, many people take my "special route" at this time. This made it a whole lot less special. Stop and go was happening instead of zoom zoom zoom. I turned off my normal zig road to a different zag road because it appeared that less people were taking it. Happily finding my new freedom I was finally zooming down the road. Happily that, until I saw the cop in front of me, facing me on the other side of the road. My instincts kicked in as I slammed on my breaks until I got to 45 mph. In my defense and in honest truth, I really thought the speed limit was 40. As I passed him, I prayed that it was empty or he didn't see the outrageous speed I was going, because as you might recall, I didn't have my wallet, which meant- NO LICENCE!!! I almost died as I saw him flip around and follow me. My prayers that it was a coincidence that he pulled in behind me were dashed as he flipped on his lights and I reluctantly pulled over.
With my head bowed as if I had been sent to the principal's offices I wondered what the outcome of this would be. Oddly enough as he approached my car (which seemed like an eternity) he said, "hello, how are you today?" What?! He needs a new door approach because honestly- how is anyone at that moment? "I'm okay" I replied in a quiet, school girl voice. "Can I see your licence and registration?" Here it comes, I thought. I said okay and reached in the glove box. As I was reaching for it he said, "I clocked you going 45 in a 35 zone." "How fast?" was my -reply. He kinda got a smirk as though he was thinking haha I got you. As he said "45" I shockingly said "really- huh". All the while thanking the heavens that he ONLY clocked me at 45 and not what I was going before I saw him!!!
In my frazzled state I handed him my insurance card- not registration!!! I explained to him that I just moved here and that is my newest card until they send it to me in the mail. I had yet to recognize my error, and the look on his face showed his confusion. After a few more random questions he asked for my UT registration. As I reached for it, low and behold I pulled out my AZ Registration. It was then that I realized my error and said, "oh my gosh! I gave you my insurance card! I'm so sorry!" Dumb Dumb Dumb. But then I thought that maybe I'd get off for being dumb! However, the worst of it had not happened. He then asked for my licence and I had to tell him the bad news. I explained that I didnt have it, and that I actually didnt know where my wallet was, and that I hoped that it was at my house and not stolen because I never drive without it (I hope you're catching on that I was rambling now). I then realized that maybe I shouldn't tell him that I didnt know where it was. So I summed it all up with, "I'm sure its in my room. I just cant believe that I dont have it because I always do! and of all days...." He asked if I had anything with a picture ID. Nope. Sure didnt. Well- except for my employee badge at work. (I know you're all saying- no you didnt offer your employee badge! Well yep. sure did.) He said that didnt count.
Shaking his head and standing there in utter shock. He asked where I moved from, if my licence was from UT or AZ, if I knew the number, where I was coming from etc. He just keeping shaking his head in unbelief and sighing. Finally he said, "This really doesnt look good for you." "I know" I said. And he walked back to his car. As I sat there in an agonizing wait, I kept wondering why he pulled me over for a measly 10 miles over. Slowly I came to grips with the fact that I would be paying hundreds of dollars and would have to go to traffic school. I did the crime. I would have to do the time. Oddly enough I wasnt emotional. I was calm as he came back. He then repeated a few more times how things just didnt look good for me(I think he was trying out for an academy award for dramatic affect) and that I need to have my licence when I drive (um, doy. I know that). I just agreed with him, didnt fight him on anything, didnt try any tricks, and didnt make excuses. I guess thats what works because he said. "So, I'm giving you a warning for speeding and first thing when you get home, you need to find your licence and put it in your purse". I wanted to say- "Really? You dont think that thought has been running around my head every minute since I found out that I didnt have it!" But I simply said "Okay officer". Then he added "and dont speed on the reservation again". OH!! The reservation. It all made sense. I had no idea that I was on it! And I have heard things are a little more on the strict side. I'm thankful I didnt end up in jail! I, of course, agreed. and he had me sign my warning. He then added, "You're like the 5th person that I have pulled over today from Utah!" "Really?! " I replied. "I guess they dont know how to teach us to drive!" he laughed and sent me on my merry way. I of course thanked him many times and with a grateful heart drove home.
How did I do it? How did I not get a ticket? How do you speed and not have your licence and still get only a warning? I have come to the conclusion that God was thinking, "Jill sometimes goes fast on roads that she shouldn't. Therefore, to teach her a lesson, I will have him pull her over, but scare her enough that she wont do it again." Well to that I say "I got it! Lesson Learned!"
Monday, October 22, 2007
MY HERO
Last Friday was a little on the rough side. I am going to start working earlier on Fridays because we have new Dr. who is going to start doing most of her surgeries on Friday. Therefore, in order to help prepare kids for this, I need to go earlier. This past Friday started the beginning of it. I had called a family the day before with information and to reassure them that I would be able to prepare their 5 year old and stay with him until he fell asleep. I left work on Thursday with my teaching doll and kit ready for me bright and early.
4:30 Friday morning came really fast. I drug myself out of bed and was proud of myself for leaving promptly at 5:30 A.m. I would have PLENTY-O-TIME I thought to myself. I drove the 5 min to the freeway and started on my way (in the fast lane, of course). A few minutes down the road I felt a little strange. "Man, this road is bumpy!" I thought to myself. I had never realized how uneven the road was in the past. Then I was startled by a strange noise. "Is that the road or my car?" I decided, luckily, to change to the slow lane. Do I get off and check out my car? But what would I check? I don't know cars! I decided to take the next exit and by that time I could barely hold onto my car. It was rocking back and forth and shaking so bad. As I hit the off ramp my tire completely blew! and I almost lost control! I turned right and luckily it was a dead end so there wasn't too much traffic passing. I got out and sure enough, my tire was in shreds!
"Think Think Think! Dad has shown you plenty of times." However, when dad showed me, I wasn't on the side of the road, all by myself, in the dark with a flat tire. I was ready to go hang out with my friends or my TV show was on. So I didn't pay too much attention. I was now regretting that.
Thankfully, I have a brother just down the road. Feeling sad for having to call so early in the morning I dialed his number. In a sleepy yet supportive voice, he calmed me down and reassured me that he would be there. However, he lives about 30min. from me. I tried to think of other people to call, but I had nothin. I called the hospital and told them to please apologize to the family for me and that I would be late.
A little while later my brother pulled up and was all smiles. Not once did he complain about having to come or wake up early. He just got to work. We talked and laughed and every time I tried to apologize he told me not to worry about it. You know, its one thing to help someone, but its another to do it with a loving heart. That is true charity. As he was helping me, I thought of the rest of my family. My other brother, sisters, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law and of course my parents. I knew that each one of them would have done the same thing had they been called (and lived in the same state! :)) and they would have each done it with a smile and without complaining!
To add to the amazingness of my brother, he then let me take his car to work, while he took my car to get a new tire! I made it to work a little on the late side, but the whole adventure could have been a whole lot worse.
-I could have gotten in a huge accident on the freeway
-I could have not had a cell phone
-I could have had to do it by myself- which would have led to a disaster
-I could have had someone come help me and grumbled under his breath the whole time
-I could have had to take my car to work with the spare- driving 50 mph (which would have killed me) and which would have made me later
-I could have had to figure out how I was going to get a new tire, get the best deal, and not get taken advantage of
As you can see, I feel eternally grateful for my Hero.
THANKS AGAIN!
4:30 Friday morning came really fast. I drug myself out of bed and was proud of myself for leaving promptly at 5:30 A.m. I would have PLENTY-O-TIME I thought to myself. I drove the 5 min to the freeway and started on my way (in the fast lane, of course). A few minutes down the road I felt a little strange. "Man, this road is bumpy!" I thought to myself. I had never realized how uneven the road was in the past. Then I was startled by a strange noise. "Is that the road or my car?" I decided, luckily, to change to the slow lane. Do I get off and check out my car? But what would I check? I don't know cars! I decided to take the next exit and by that time I could barely hold onto my car. It was rocking back and forth and shaking so bad. As I hit the off ramp my tire completely blew! and I almost lost control! I turned right and luckily it was a dead end so there wasn't too much traffic passing. I got out and sure enough, my tire was in shreds!
"Think Think Think! Dad has shown you plenty of times." However, when dad showed me, I wasn't on the side of the road, all by myself, in the dark with a flat tire. I was ready to go hang out with my friends or my TV show was on. So I didn't pay too much attention. I was now regretting that.
Thankfully, I have a brother just down the road. Feeling sad for having to call so early in the morning I dialed his number. In a sleepy yet supportive voice, he calmed me down and reassured me that he would be there. However, he lives about 30min. from me. I tried to think of other people to call, but I had nothin. I called the hospital and told them to please apologize to the family for me and that I would be late.
A little while later my brother pulled up and was all smiles. Not once did he complain about having to come or wake up early. He just got to work. We talked and laughed and every time I tried to apologize he told me not to worry about it. You know, its one thing to help someone, but its another to do it with a loving heart. That is true charity. As he was helping me, I thought of the rest of my family. My other brother, sisters, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law and of course my parents. I knew that each one of them would have done the same thing had they been called (and lived in the same state! :)) and they would have each done it with a smile and without complaining!
To add to the amazingness of my brother, he then let me take his car to work, while he took my car to get a new tire! I made it to work a little on the late side, but the whole adventure could have been a whole lot worse.
-I could have gotten in a huge accident on the freeway
-I could have not had a cell phone
-I could have had to do it by myself- which would have led to a disaster
-I could have had someone come help me and grumbled under his breath the whole time
-I could have had to take my car to work with the spare- driving 50 mph (which would have killed me) and which would have made me later
-I could have had to figure out how I was going to get a new tire, get the best deal, and not get taken advantage of
As you can see, I feel eternally grateful for my Hero.
THANKS AGAIN!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
What a steal!!!
So tonight I need to share with you the good fortune that has come into my life recently.
#1- I have had a computer desk for a number of years now. However, I have not had a chair to go with it. I have searched for one that is just right and isn't going to require an arm and a leg to buy it! About a month ago, my roommate and I were in Bed Bath and Beyond looking for things for our house. I found a cute picture and went to purchase it. As we were walking out the door, we noticed the clearance section. Now, I don't know about you, but when I see clearance, I am drawn towards whatever it is, just to look! But this time, I was intrigued because there was this cute chair in the pile. I had already put on my sunglasses, preparing for the blazing Arizona sun, so when I saw the price tag, I thought it was a mistake due to my lack of vision.
Then my roommate said- does that prices tag really say $1.98? It was true. The crazy price that I thought I had made up behind those dark shades was what it was. But I am not easily deceived. You see- I was waiting for Kandid kamera to pop out and say- just kidding. Or at least wait until we sat on it and then collapsed to the ground in a pile of chair pieces and embarrassment. I of course had my roommate sit on it first and low and behold- it didn't collapse! The man at the counter saw us standing there starring at the chair for quite sometime and asked "Can I help you with some
thing?" I replied that we wanted to know how much the chair was. He said the price was on it. I said, "Well this says $1.98. Is this a joke?!" The guy looked very stunned. He looked as though he was thinking- what kind of company do they think I have here? Of course its no joke! Sure enough it was no joke. They remodeled their wedding registry and got new chairs so they just stuck out the chairs to get anything they could for them. And lucky me came by at just the right time. I am still wondering why they chose $1.98. They should have just said- Free! But either way I am happy with it!!! My new addition fits very well in my new house!
thing?" I replied that we wanted to know how much the chair was. He said the price was on it. I said, "Well this says $1.98. Is this a joke?!" The guy looked very stunned. He looked as though he was thinking- what kind of company do they think I have here? Of course its no joke! Sure enough it was no joke. They remodeled their wedding registry and got new chairs so they just stuck out the chairs to get anything they could for them. And lucky me came by at just the right time. I am still wondering why they chose $1.98. They should have just said- Free! But either way I am happy with it!!! My new addition fits very well in my new house!#2 I recently bought a box of Apple Jacks and was so excited to pour myself a bowl full for dinner tonight. Now, I grew up loving cold cereal, but I forgotten something that I used to make cold cereal super exciting---The toys that come in them! My roommate pulled out something from the top of the box and asked what it was- "A Toy!!!" I shouted in complete jubilation. But did I realize what what it was? I thought it was a watch at first, but then-much to my happiness- it was an X-box game to play on your wrist! Could there be a better prize for someone than that which I got? I say NO! I love video games! Man- Due to this turn of events, I think I need to buy more cold cereal!!! Hours of entertainment will be had by all!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Who knew?!
Before I moved to Arizona, baseball was far from the top on my "favorites" list. It was BORING to me...to say the least. Going to the Buzz games were fun simply because I could enjoy the company of friends and eat a yummy hotdog! However, I never lasted the whole game. After a rousing rendition of "Take me out to the ballgame" I was ready to, in reality, get me out to my car!
Here we are- my two roomies and some guys in our ward at Chase Field! You can see how close we were! Keep in mind, they were $15.00. I said I am beginning to like baseball. I have yet to want to spend big bucks on the game!
Here is probably an unknown fact for all of you out there...unbeknownst to me, I have cousin that plays for the D-Backs. Chris Young! I haven't seen him at family reunions, but he is a dang good ball player, is good looking and has a last name of Young, so all signs point to the fact that we must be related! I know that you are all thinking that there is a problem with genetics and all,(if you make the picture bigger you might see what I'm saying!) but I am sticking with the fact that we really are!
This face right here might just be reason enough to spend a little more on tickets in order to get a better look. He doesn't know it yet, but we're getting married...one day!
What a job these guys have! How much do you suppose they make?! Its probably some ridiculous amount, so I have decided to to maybe make this my future job! Think about it, you get the best seats, don't have to work all that much, and you get some national television time... This is a thought that I may be pondering over for quite some time!
Having said that, the Arizona Diamondbacks are beginning to open my eyes. I realized that my lack of love for baseball is probably related to my lack of knowledge of the sport. There are a lot of little things to know, and those little things make the game a little more riveting.
Now, I do realize that it probably helps that the Diamondbacks are doing really well and just swept the cubs. I even am beginning to find myself flipping through the channels and stopping at baseball (This is a first in the history of my life!)
I had to chance to go to the 2nd game verses the cubs, so I thought I'd share some pics with you all! Keep in mind, the D-backs won 8-4!
Here we are- my two roomies and some guys in our ward at Chase Field! You can see how close we were! Keep in mind, they were $15.00. I said I am beginning to like baseball. I have yet to want to spend big bucks on the game!
Yumm...Nothing like a hot dog during a sporting event! Even though it took an hour in line to get one, I persevered and came off conqueror- much to the happiness of my taste buds and my tummy!
Here is probably an unknown fact for all of you out there...unbeknownst to me, I have cousin that plays for the D-Backs. Chris Young! I haven't seen him at family reunions, but he is a dang good ball player, is good looking and has a last name of Young, so all signs point to the fact that we must be related! I know that you are all thinking that there is a problem with genetics and all,(if you make the picture bigger you might see what I'm saying!) but I am sticking with the fact that we really are!This face right here might just be reason enough to spend a little more on tickets in order to get a better look. He doesn't know it yet, but we're getting married...one day!
What a job these guys have! How much do you suppose they make?! Its probably some ridiculous amount, so I have decided to to maybe make this my future job! Think about it, you get the best seats, don't have to work all that much, and you get some national television time... This is a thought that I may be pondering over for quite some time!Well since the D-backs won today...there will be plent more opportunities to go to games so maybe you'll be seeing some more pics!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Its all in who you know
I wanted to introduce you to my new best friend!
Why is he my new best friend? Well let me just fill you in! I have a good friend named Missy down here who just had foot surgery. It has been a long hall for her and still has to walk with a boot and crutches. Therefore, driving can be a little bit difficult. That being known, I'll move on to the actual important points to the story. Today was stake conference. Seeing as though I am in a student stake, made up of 8 wards,- there are a lot of people that attend...and parking is not an easy thing. (I know that you are all seeing where I am going with this).
Missy had asked me earlier in the week if I would take her and to bribe me (not that she had to) she held up this bright red handicap tag explaining to me that we would get the best parking they had! I was sold!
Today as we pulled into the parking garage, I felt very special to be pulling in on the first level only a few feet from the door! I thanked her for having foot surgery on my behalf and we enjoyed a lovely short walk inside. I thought the perks were over, but little did I realize that they had just begun. When the session was over- there was no wait to get out! I thought to myself (and maybe even said out loud) I have GOT to get me one of these!
A few hours later we had to return to the institute building because it was being dedicated by Elder Eyring. Again- Missy and I headed out there. I wasn't worried because my nice little new best friend was hanging on strong to my rear view mirror. As I pulled in, I soon realized that the presence of an apostle made people arrive a lot earlier than they had in the morning. As we pulled in we asked the ushers if there were anymore handicap places available. "ummm...well drive over to that guy. He can help you" was the reply. The next guy had the same nervous face as he realized that all the spots were full as well. But do not fret. My little red friend came through as the usher said, "we'll let you park in the VIP parking". Sweet!!! I have never been a VIP in places like that. I told Missy, as we walked the short distance past all the cars going up- up- up in the parking garage, that thanks to her, this day was turning out quite nicely.
Once inside we had another obstacle to overcome. In order to be in the same room where Elder Eyring was going to be, you needed a ticket. Those without tickets were being ushered into classrooms in little groups. We got in the "no ticket" line and then my bad luck kicked in. As we got to the front of that line, they ran out of classrooms and started sending people to the Law Building across the street. Panic arose, but Missy's crutches and boot counteracted with my bad luck and things started looking up. "um, I cant walk to the Law building" Missy told them as she pointed down toward her boot. The ushers acted fast pulled us aside and said, "we'll find a place for you". I made sure it was known that we were together!
They led us into the room where only the beloved ticket holders could enter. But where to put us? I was so excited that I had made it into that room even though I had not received the ticket. I kinda felt bad for the poor usher girls because they were so worried about us. So we said, "we'll just sit in the very back." Which turned out to be the best seat. It was the third overflow, but up above was a big screen so we could see it all, we had a wall to lean up against and plenty of room to stretch out our legs and Missy could put her foot up!
Then out to our car and on our way while the rest of the stake waited in lines all the way up 5 flights in the garage. I told Missy that she should keep the boot and crutches and we can do this for many years to come! Count your many blessings even if it comes in the form of someone else's foot surgery! :)
Why is he my new best friend? Well let me just fill you in! I have a good friend named Missy down here who just had foot surgery. It has been a long hall for her and still has to walk with a boot and crutches. Therefore, driving can be a little bit difficult. That being known, I'll move on to the actual important points to the story. Today was stake conference. Seeing as though I am in a student stake, made up of 8 wards,- there are a lot of people that attend...and parking is not an easy thing. (I know that you are all seeing where I am going with this).Missy had asked me earlier in the week if I would take her and to bribe me (not that she had to) she held up this bright red handicap tag explaining to me that we would get the best parking they had! I was sold!
Today as we pulled into the parking garage, I felt very special to be pulling in on the first level only a few feet from the door! I thanked her for having foot surgery on my behalf and we enjoyed a lovely short walk inside. I thought the perks were over, but little did I realize that they had just begun. When the session was over- there was no wait to get out! I thought to myself (and maybe even said out loud) I have GOT to get me one of these!
A few hours later we had to return to the institute building because it was being dedicated by Elder Eyring. Again- Missy and I headed out there. I wasn't worried because my nice little new best friend was hanging on strong to my rear view mirror. As I pulled in, I soon realized that the presence of an apostle made people arrive a lot earlier than they had in the morning. As we pulled in we asked the ushers if there were anymore handicap places available. "ummm...well drive over to that guy. He can help you" was the reply. The next guy had the same nervous face as he realized that all the spots were full as well. But do not fret. My little red friend came through as the usher said, "we'll let you park in the VIP parking". Sweet!!! I have never been a VIP in places like that. I told Missy, as we walked the short distance past all the cars going up- up- up in the parking garage, that thanks to her, this day was turning out quite nicely.
Once inside we had another obstacle to overcome. In order to be in the same room where Elder Eyring was going to be, you needed a ticket. Those without tickets were being ushered into classrooms in little groups. We got in the "no ticket" line and then my bad luck kicked in. As we got to the front of that line, they ran out of classrooms and started sending people to the Law Building across the street. Panic arose, but Missy's crutches and boot counteracted with my bad luck and things started looking up. "um, I cant walk to the Law building" Missy told them as she pointed down toward her boot. The ushers acted fast pulled us aside and said, "we'll find a place for you". I made sure it was known that we were together!
They led us into the room where only the beloved ticket holders could enter. But where to put us? I was so excited that I had made it into that room even though I had not received the ticket. I kinda felt bad for the poor usher girls because they were so worried about us. So we said, "we'll just sit in the very back." Which turned out to be the best seat. It was the third overflow, but up above was a big screen so we could see it all, we had a wall to lean up against and plenty of room to stretch out our legs and Missy could put her foot up!
Then out to our car and on our way while the rest of the stake waited in lines all the way up 5 flights in the garage. I told Missy that she should keep the boot and crutches and we can do this for many years to come! Count your many blessings even if it comes in the form of someone else's foot surgery! :)
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Dont be deceived by appearances!
So I was sitting in our oh so spacious living room the other day when I heard a strange noise coming from the back yard. I looked out and saw one of our sprinklers spraying ferociously (if a sprinkler can be described as such) towards our deck and hitting some cardboard boxes from our move that we had put out there. I thought to myself- I don’t think that it supposed to happen. So I decided that I knew how to fix the problem (I am still wondering where that confidence came from.) I went outside and assessed the situation. I had to bend down and slide under the bush in order to see what was happening. And there it was. A tiny black tube coming out of the ground and wrapped underneath one of the branches of the bush. From this itty bitty tube I do believe ALL the water from Mesa was shooting out at 500 mph! Not putting 2 and 2 together I thought “well, thats silly, why is that tube wrapped under the branch?” So, being super smart, and thinking that I was solving the problem I slid the tube from out from under the branch. Note to all of you- If a tube in wrapped under a branch, there is probably a reason! That illy bitty tube came ALIVE and starting whipping around spraying everything in its path- including me! Now because I had to strategically place myself where I was, there was really no running away. After screaming like a school girl (which I am okay with) I finally got control of it and got my whits about me. I tried to wrap it around another branch so it would shoot at something else that it would actually benefit (unlike the cardboard boxes from earlier).After much time of being sprayed at each attempt that I made, and using muscles that I didn’t know that I had, I actually found a place that it would stay. Getting up and dusting myself off, feeling quite proud of myself and my win over the tube, I looked toward the sliding door that I had just come out of and horror filled my body. In my curiosity when I went out to see what the noise was from earlier, I hadn’t shut the door. And when I had finally found a place for the tube, I had in reality given the tube a direct shot into the door. Therefore there was this nice little rainbow of water shooting (ferociously, mind you) into my house!!! AHHH!!! I screamed and ran inside and shut the door. I guess when I woke up that morning, common sense stayed in my bed because why did I run to the door and shut the door from the inside instead of going to the tube(the source of the problem) and moving it? Now I was stuck inside watching the water hit the door from the outside and wondering what to do. The only way to fix it would be to open the door and let more water in and at the same time drenching myself. What a dilemma!
Luckily that was about the time that common sense came down the stairs and reminded me that there is a side gate! I went around and finally solved the problem. Whew! The next little while was spent using towels to soak up the piles of water all over the kitchen floor and table! This will be a great memory for some time!
Luckily that was about the time that common sense came down the stairs and reminded me that there is a side gate! I went around and finally solved the problem. Whew! The next little while was spent using towels to soak up the piles of water all over the kitchen floor and table! This will be a great memory for some time!
Friday, August 31, 2007
um-yet again!
So...I'm moving again! A huge deal basically fell into my lap and there was NO way I could pass it up. First of all, I have the master bedroom. Now, if you all recall, my room right now is a tad bigger than a cave in the deep dark mountains. My new room is quite large and spacious (not to be confused with the building). I have a balcony--which means that Romeo can now find me and begin reciting poetry my way! Also, it is a brand new house- never before lived in! YEA!!! Count your many blessings- I am so excited. Here are some pictures- ENJOY! :)
I know its a little blurry- I just couldnt keep my hand still! I guess I am just too excited!
My room! LOOK AT ALL THAT SPACE!
THE BATHROOM!
My balcony!
Upstaris livingroom
Downstaris livingroom #1
Main downstaris livingroom #2
Kitchen
Backyard with porch (perfect for a hammock if you ask me! and there is a little swing set as well. I didnt ask so I dont know!)
When we pulled up tonight to unpack there was a perfect full rainbow! Its a sign! The heavens are smiling down upon us!
We'll move in tomorrow so I'll get some updates with actual furniture in it! Yea for me! "I'm so happy!" (Name that movie!)
I know its a little blurry- I just couldnt keep my hand still! I guess I am just too excited!
My room! LOOK AT ALL THAT SPACE!
THE BATHROOM!
My balcony!
Upstaris livingroom
Downstaris livingroom #1
Main downstaris livingroom #2
Kitchen
Backyard with porch (perfect for a hammock if you ask me! and there is a little swing set as well. I didnt ask so I dont know!)
When we pulled up tonight to unpack there was a perfect full rainbow! Its a sign! The heavens are smiling down upon us!
We'll move in tomorrow so I'll get some updates with actual furniture in it! Yea for me! "I'm so happy!" (Name that movie!)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Ticksy little Hobittses!
The hospital that I work at has many wonderful people that donate money to help keep it going. One of these people is a retired General that recently turned 95. He has donated and is continuing to donate millions of dollars to the pediatric department itself. So- how do we thank him? With some carrot cake a little party with the kids on the unit! This is a great plan if you're in a regular hospital. However, when you have 4 kids on the floor and they are all teens- the "lets decorate cookies with the kids" has a different feel to it.
The other part is that I was supposed to have the kids make birthday cards for the General during the last couple of weeks. Well folks, we haven't had kids that could do that. I had a few make them, but it was ultimately up to me to do it. I put on my little kid hat and went to work. They were all fine and dandy, but not exactly what I was picturing. Then it came to me. I put the marker in my left hand ( I am right handed mind you) and then closed my eyes. I thought of a the many pictures I have received from my nieces and nephews and went to work. Then, I got out the stickers and closed my eyes as I plopped them down. When I opened my eyes, I was quite proud of myself! It looked great! I think I even had a few tears of joy in my eyes. But the test was on. Would it fool the others?
I put up the cards around the lobby and sat back to watch. All I have to say was it was really hard to keep the giggles in. I would ask people what they thought of the cards and they would look around and then go right to the one I did with my eyes closed and say things like "oh! look how sweet!" or "this one is so cute!" Or they would get a little laugh and say "oh look at this one. Its priceless". I, of course being so proud of my accomplishment, couldn't keep it in. So I told them, "I did it!" They would get the best shocked faces I had ever seen and then we would laugh together. Of course, we didn't tell the General. What he doesn't know wont hurt him!
I think that that should be enough to say that I am a REAL child life specialist eh? I don't think I should have to take the certification test in November. Do you think the child life counsel would agree?
Well here it is the moment you have been waiting for! I took a picture with my camera phone right before the General took it home!
So what do you think? Could I pass as a toddler?
The other part is that I was supposed to have the kids make birthday cards for the General during the last couple of weeks. Well folks, we haven't had kids that could do that. I had a few make them, but it was ultimately up to me to do it. I put on my little kid hat and went to work. They were all fine and dandy, but not exactly what I was picturing. Then it came to me. I put the marker in my left hand ( I am right handed mind you) and then closed my eyes. I thought of a the many pictures I have received from my nieces and nephews and went to work. Then, I got out the stickers and closed my eyes as I plopped them down. When I opened my eyes, I was quite proud of myself! It looked great! I think I even had a few tears of joy in my eyes. But the test was on. Would it fool the others?
I put up the cards around the lobby and sat back to watch. All I have to say was it was really hard to keep the giggles in. I would ask people what they thought of the cards and they would look around and then go right to the one I did with my eyes closed and say things like "oh! look how sweet!" or "this one is so cute!" Or they would get a little laugh and say "oh look at this one. Its priceless". I, of course being so proud of my accomplishment, couldn't keep it in. So I told them, "I did it!" They would get the best shocked faces I had ever seen and then we would laugh together. Of course, we didn't tell the General. What he doesn't know wont hurt him!
I think that that should be enough to say that I am a REAL child life specialist eh? I don't think I should have to take the certification test in November. Do you think the child life counsel would agree?
Well here it is the moment you have been waiting for! I took a picture with my camera phone right before the General took it home!
So what do you think? Could I pass as a toddler?
Monday, August 13, 2007
Getting out!
This weekend, my roommate Sarah and I decided that enough was enough! It was time to get out of the heat and head off to the mountains for some much needed rest and relaxation! (kind of). So off we went to go camping with her little brothers. It was beautiful- but like always--an adventure! I learned a little thing about camping in the white mountains. They dont have designated campgrounds like the ones that I am used to. You find a nice piece of dirt that looks good and settle down. Here is what we found. It was beautiful!!!
The best part was that if you stood at the face of the tent and looked forward- this is what you would see--
You might not be able to see unless you click on it- but they are cows. Yep. Cows roaming free right across from the dirt road! So funny! I told them that if we woke up to cows grazing around us I would probably freak out!
The other funny thing that happened was that all the wood that he had was soaked due to the unusually large amounts of rain that the mountains had received. We tried, but to no avail- all we got was smoke.
Thankfully we live in a wonderful day of technology and we could call their dad (who was coming up later to drop off their other son) to bring up DRY wood.
Therefore, not having a fire what else are you going to do? How about work on your golf swing. I have to say I've never done that while camping before but it was fun!
Dont be fooled. I know I look like a pro, but keep in mind that I left out the many pictures of me missing the ball.
The next day we went on a hike. There are no pictures on the way up because my focus was on breathing and not dying. However- It was worth it once we got there.
Once back at Sarah's house we hung out with the cutest puppy ever. I fell in love with Brody! So he deserves some pictures on here! You'd have to agree he's pretty darn cute!
I had a great weekend. It was nice to get away from life for a little while. I definitely recommend it to all. Even take a golf club or two because its fun for all!
And a Happy Birthday to my cute roommate too! You're great!
The best part was that if you stood at the face of the tent and looked forward- this is what you would see--
You might not be able to see unless you click on it- but they are cows. Yep. Cows roaming free right across from the dirt road! So funny! I told them that if we woke up to cows grazing around us I would probably freak out!The other funny thing that happened was that all the wood that he had was soaked due to the unusually large amounts of rain that the mountains had received. We tried, but to no avail- all we got was smoke.
Thankfully we live in a wonderful day of technology and we could call their dad (who was coming up later to drop off their other son) to bring up DRY wood.
Therefore, not having a fire what else are you going to do? How about work on your golf swing. I have to say I've never done that while camping before but it was fun!
Dont be fooled. I know I look like a pro, but keep in mind that I left out the many pictures of me missing the ball.
The next day we went on a hike. There are no pictures on the way up because my focus was on breathing and not dying. However- It was worth it once we got there.
Once back at Sarah's house we hung out with the cutest puppy ever. I fell in love with Brody! So he deserves some pictures on here! You'd have to agree he's pretty darn cute!
I had a great weekend. It was nice to get away from life for a little while. I definitely recommend it to all. Even take a golf club or two because its fun for all!
And a Happy Birthday to my cute roommate too! You're great!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Thank goodness for kids!
Yesterday I was working with a five year old boy in the hospital. This little guy couldnt leave his room to play in the playroom, so he was super bored and you can only imagine how his parents were feeling! I went in and introduced myself. I asked him if he wanted some things to do. His not so emphatic reply was "sure". When I returned with some activities his mom had left the room. She came back and we went for a walk (a "we have to keep our hands together so we dont touch anything" walk)and then I left him with some more things to do. A few minutes later one of the doctors asked me if I had worked with this patient. I responded "yes" and she started laughing. Apparently, when I was playing with him, his mom had gone to tell the doctor this really funny thing. After the first encounter that I had with him, and then left to get the activites, he said to his mom- "mom, you gotta get out of here because this girl is pretty!"
At least little boys love me! Now I gotta work on the older ones! :)
At least little boys love me! Now I gotta work on the older ones! :)
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Fish heads
Working in a playroom in a hospital has its ups and downs. Ups include- seeing the children get well and begin playing again, having a fun environment and music playing all day long (which could also go in the "down" category as well. Hearing the wheels on the bus all day long can really start getting on your nerves!)Down side- fish tank. Dont get me wrong. I love the fish. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I love how excited they get to see me in the morning. What I dont love is actually feeding them. Have you smelled fish food lately? EWW! I have to hold my breath and count to three. Not to mention when I slide the cover off the fish tank, an awful, pungent, stinky odor fills my nostrils. Lets just say, not the best way to start the morning. I do it, however, because I love how it makes the children so happy and excited.
That being said, one day I was sitting on a mat in front of the fish tank with a mom and her 2 year old son. We were pointing out the fish and talking to them as if they were in Finding Nemo. The mom pointing to something floating on the top of the water. "Whats that?!" She asked me. Looking at it, I was 100% positive that it was nothing but a piece of the fake seaweed in the water that had gotten loose and was floating on the top. I told her in a rather confident tone what I believed it to be. However, the mom was not convinced. "You know, some fish end up eating each other if they're not fed enough" she said as she got up on her knees for a closer examination. Those words did not bring happiness into my heart. Also I thought to myself--#1 please dont say that in front of your son and #2 please dont really be a dead fish.
Sure enough, she jumped back quickly and with all the confidence in the world told me that it was a dead fish that had been eaten and was still being eaten. I then examined it myself and sure enough it was a dead fish, but without the head! EWW!!! SICK SICK SICK!!! Those cannibals! It had been so disintigrated that it looked like seaweed!
I did the best I could to distract the kid so that the trauma of the hospital did not include the death of one of his fish friends. The mom then asked-"whos job is it to clean it up? Its not yours is it?!" Yes mam! It sure is. I dont know who else would do it. I got up, feeling like the song that is played on the drums right before an execution, was being played all around me. (I even think that I began singing it outload so as to have some comic relief!)I slowly slid the lid off right after a took a deep breath. However, in doing so the fish got extremely excited. To them, they were getting second breakfasts! They were jumping all around and swimming so out of control that the dead fish was moving all over the place and was basically impossible to get out. Then a brilliant idea popped into my head. (or at least at the time what I thought was a brillant idea.) I'll give them more food and then they'll be busy eating that, that they will leave us alone. Nope. Remember, when they get food they go crazy trying to scarf up each and every one of those tasty little circular bites of food- that they dont care that I am trying to scoop of their neighbor and flush it! Each time I went in with the net, a fish would run into it. Then some of them began taking little nips that the dead fish AGAIN! Goodness fishies! Give it a rest!!!
Soon after the food frenzy died down and I was able to fish it out! (hehe. PUN definitely intended!) I went to the toilet and flushed it away. As it was going down, I thought- maybe its tricking me and thinks that this will lead to ocean! Maybe he thinks that he is finally free. Then I remembered that it didnt have a head. I dont think it was a trick.
I now am super careful to feed the fish more food and more often so as to have less casualties!
That being said, one day I was sitting on a mat in front of the fish tank with a mom and her 2 year old son. We were pointing out the fish and talking to them as if they were in Finding Nemo. The mom pointing to something floating on the top of the water. "Whats that?!" She asked me. Looking at it, I was 100% positive that it was nothing but a piece of the fake seaweed in the water that had gotten loose and was floating on the top. I told her in a rather confident tone what I believed it to be. However, the mom was not convinced. "You know, some fish end up eating each other if they're not fed enough" she said as she got up on her knees for a closer examination. Those words did not bring happiness into my heart. Also I thought to myself--#1 please dont say that in front of your son and #2 please dont really be a dead fish.
Sure enough, she jumped back quickly and with all the confidence in the world told me that it was a dead fish that had been eaten and was still being eaten. I then examined it myself and sure enough it was a dead fish, but without the head! EWW!!! SICK SICK SICK!!! Those cannibals! It had been so disintigrated that it looked like seaweed!
I did the best I could to distract the kid so that the trauma of the hospital did not include the death of one of his fish friends. The mom then asked-"whos job is it to clean it up? Its not yours is it?!" Yes mam! It sure is. I dont know who else would do it. I got up, feeling like the song that is played on the drums right before an execution, was being played all around me. (I even think that I began singing it outload so as to have some comic relief!)I slowly slid the lid off right after a took a deep breath. However, in doing so the fish got extremely excited. To them, they were getting second breakfasts! They were jumping all around and swimming so out of control that the dead fish was moving all over the place and was basically impossible to get out. Then a brilliant idea popped into my head. (or at least at the time what I thought was a brillant idea.) I'll give them more food and then they'll be busy eating that, that they will leave us alone. Nope. Remember, when they get food they go crazy trying to scarf up each and every one of those tasty little circular bites of food- that they dont care that I am trying to scoop of their neighbor and flush it! Each time I went in with the net, a fish would run into it. Then some of them began taking little nips that the dead fish AGAIN! Goodness fishies! Give it a rest!!!
Soon after the food frenzy died down and I was able to fish it out! (hehe. PUN definitely intended!) I went to the toilet and flushed it away. As it was going down, I thought- maybe its tricking me and thinks that this will lead to ocean! Maybe he thinks that he is finally free. Then I remembered that it didnt have a head. I dont think it was a trick.
I now am super careful to feed the fish more food and more often so as to have less casualties!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Jill-isms
I once had a friend that would talk about the books that we are writing that are being recorded in heaven. These books contain our very most embarrassing moments. I know that I have thousands of them already written and many more to come. I know that one day when I get around to reading them, I will need an entire box of tissues because I will be laughing hysterically! I thought I would share a few of the moments this week that I am SURE made it into the book.
*I was talking to a girl a church about how her dog gets medicine for his arthritis. I commented on how at the pharmacy we filled prescriptions for dogs that included antidepressants and insulin. and then as a matter of fact, I said, "You know, dogs are people too!"
*I was talking to a co-worker in my office on Tuesday. I had to make some copies and wasnt sure if she would be there when I got back. We said goodbye and I left. A few minutes later, I returned and she was still there! I was so happy that I got a little confused with my words and shouted to her "I"M STILL HERE!!!" (Of course meaning to say, you're still here!)
*We were in our living room talking about funny things and I decided to smell a candle. At the moment that I was sniffing the luxurious pumpkin pie smell, someone made a comment and my friend's response was exactly what I would have said, had I not been in the process of sniffing. Excitingly, I said "I would have said that same thing had I not been sniffing the candle. I guess I can't use 2 senses at once!" (Apparently, speaking is one of the 5 senses! Who knew?)
*And lastly- this one takes the cake! Recently I went to San Diego with my family. I got super sunburned and spent many long nights uncomfortable as I couldn't lay on my back. The redness and burn has left (HALLELUJAH) however, the itching has begun. My back has itched for about 2 weeks straight now. The problem is that it is a super hard to reach place. My poor arm muscles are so sore from trying to stretch and reach the middle of my back. I can reach it, but it isnt a place where I have scratched very often. But now, its a constant every 5 minute motion and my arm is beginning to ache with even the slightest movement now! Well, this morning, they hurt so bad that as I was running out of my house to go work, I grabbed 3 Ibuprofen and guzzled them down. On my way to work, I was so tired. I could barely keep my eyes open. I thought to myself- "Why am I so tired?! I slept well last night." When I got to work I put my head on the steering wheel and actually feel asleep for about 10 min. I woke up, saw the time and freaked out because I was late! I jumped out and started fast walking. I then thought- I feel like I am drugged! because I couldnt walk straight. So I thought back to the IBU and then stopped in my tracks...It wasnt IBU it was Tylenol PM. I drugged myself!!! I took 3 Tylenol pm and then drove! No wonder I felt like I was going to pass out! I feel extremely blessed that I made it to work okay. I went into my office and saw that there wasn't anything too important happening on the floor so I made a call to my dad. He informed it would be in my system for 6-8 hrs! I started drinking a coke and put my head down for a few minutes. I wanted to crawl into one of the beds on the unit!!! I am still feeling the affects of it, so I hope this blog makes sense!
Lesson learned---Sleep aids go in their own special place!
*I was talking to a girl a church about how her dog gets medicine for his arthritis. I commented on how at the pharmacy we filled prescriptions for dogs that included antidepressants and insulin. and then as a matter of fact, I said, "You know, dogs are people too!"
*I was talking to a co-worker in my office on Tuesday. I had to make some copies and wasnt sure if she would be there when I got back. We said goodbye and I left. A few minutes later, I returned and she was still there! I was so happy that I got a little confused with my words and shouted to her "I"M STILL HERE!!!" (Of course meaning to say, you're still here!)
*We were in our living room talking about funny things and I decided to smell a candle. At the moment that I was sniffing the luxurious pumpkin pie smell, someone made a comment and my friend's response was exactly what I would have said, had I not been in the process of sniffing. Excitingly, I said "I would have said that same thing had I not been sniffing the candle. I guess I can't use 2 senses at once!" (Apparently, speaking is one of the 5 senses! Who knew?)
*And lastly- this one takes the cake! Recently I went to San Diego with my family. I got super sunburned and spent many long nights uncomfortable as I couldn't lay on my back. The redness and burn has left (HALLELUJAH) however, the itching has begun. My back has itched for about 2 weeks straight now. The problem is that it is a super hard to reach place. My poor arm muscles are so sore from trying to stretch and reach the middle of my back. I can reach it, but it isnt a place where I have scratched very often. But now, its a constant every 5 minute motion and my arm is beginning to ache with even the slightest movement now! Well, this morning, they hurt so bad that as I was running out of my house to go work, I grabbed 3 Ibuprofen and guzzled them down. On my way to work, I was so tired. I could barely keep my eyes open. I thought to myself- "Why am I so tired?! I slept well last night." When I got to work I put my head on the steering wheel and actually feel asleep for about 10 min. I woke up, saw the time and freaked out because I was late! I jumped out and started fast walking. I then thought- I feel like I am drugged! because I couldnt walk straight. So I thought back to the IBU and then stopped in my tracks...It wasnt IBU it was Tylenol PM. I drugged myself!!! I took 3 Tylenol pm and then drove! No wonder I felt like I was going to pass out! I feel extremely blessed that I made it to work okay. I went into my office and saw that there wasn't anything too important happening on the floor so I made a call to my dad. He informed it would be in my system for 6-8 hrs! I started drinking a coke and put my head down for a few minutes. I wanted to crawl into one of the beds on the unit!!! I am still feeling the affects of it, so I hope this blog makes sense!
Lesson learned---Sleep aids go in their own special place!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Yea for friends!
My old roommate Katey came down to visit this weekend. Plus, my long time friend Nate has been here going to school for a little bit. So being the fun people that we are and being sunday we decided to get together and take a trip to the temple, walk around, and ofcourse---take pictures! Enjoy!
Here is my cute roommate Sarah! I know- We are gorgeous!
I love to see the temple!!!(Dont worry- I did sing it out loud!)
There was this beautiful tree with big green fruit. So of course it became a game of guess the fruit. What better way to guess it than to smell it!
(So I decided to put the strap from my camera on my head. and Yes, I know I look like a Lamanite. Perfect example that my brillant ideas are not so brillant after the thought!)
The verdict is in! We believe that they are limes!
I am thankful for great friends!!!
THANKS FOR VISITING!!!
Now all the rest of you need to come on down! Look how much fun we could have?!
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