JeSsIcA

2012-01-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

This Girl Needs a Belt!

2011-11-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

On October 24th I joined 'Boot Camp with Jess and Company'

This is after one week of working out. One week wearing a 30 lb vest while working out.

Since then I have lost 8 lbs!!! and feel amazing. I am doing workouts I never dreamed of doing and now I cannot wait to get to the gym every morning.

Hopefully, I will get some measurements soon but I will tell you my clothes are fitting again and I feel like I look good. My arms are looking toned.

This is the best move I have taken for my overall health. Today one of my trainers came to me and said "You have come so far in such a short time, You will have no problem reaching your goals."

I believe him! I can do this.

Along with working out I am doing a meal plan. I eat 6 meals a day. I actually eat the same thing all week long which is great for me. I do not like planning food and I do not like having to come up with something new every day. This takes all the work out of it. Plus I am learning how to prepare so many new things. I am loving it. I also like it because I know I am getting the nutrition I need for all the working out I am doing.

The best part is I feel good all together. I am tired a lot but overall my energy has improved!

Stay tuned!

If I ever find my camera I will take another picture.

Death of a Fruit Fly

2011-10-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Clapping your hands frantically will yield approximately 1 fly per hour. They are tricky little buggers. You can however come at them with your finger and smash them, but you have to get the right angel so they do not see you coming. If you try to catch them in your hand they disappear when you open your hand. My solution... I run my hand under water in case they are in there I drown them.

These darn flies are driving me crazy. They like to eat my dinner when I do I would not be surprised if I had one of them for dinner last night.

My plan...though they are persistent and tricky they are dumb. I hear if you put a little treat in a bottle, then put a funnel on the top they will fly in to get the treat. But the "catch" is they will not be able to get out because they do not realize that the entrance is also the exit!

Wish me luck in my experiment. Anyone have some wine...I hear that is a good bait.

Short commute, steep hills

2011-10-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

As the weather starts turning colder I have been assessing the hills I now live on and travel up and down daily. This is going to be a fun winter. I am reminded of some thoughts that I once shared. I feel there will be plenty more of these to come.

Icy Thoughts
By Jessica B.

Oh I hope I stop soon...
There is the curb...
stuck in the gutter I hope not...
I am hungry...
Remember when my house was not on a hill...
To far past the driveway I will have to turn around

The following are more thoughts as she spun her wheels attempting a turn back up the hill...

You knew this would not work...
I am hungry if I get stuck here I might not get the dinner I want...
I hope a car does not turn down this street...
burnt rubber not really a good smell...
Oh remember when my house was in the desert...
Note to self next place I live there will have hot guys next door

Thoughts as she drove around the block...

Should I try from and uphill aproach or a downhill...
Who should I call to coach me...
what shall I have for dinner...
oh nice Christmas lights...
here goes nothing...

Parked safely in her driveway. Jessica heads for dinner

Sleepwalking in Utah.

2011-09-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

There are not any big stories for Utah just a bunch of little gems.

-Woke up one morning with all the sheets and blankets from my bed folded and stacked nicely on my bed.

- found myself wandering my room on occasion no purpose known...usually I realize I am up just tell myself to get back in bed.

- I use to have a curio cabinet in my room woke up and the door was open. I do not remember the details anymore but in my dream I was looking for something.

- When I was really stressed with school, surgery and other stuff... Monica would hear me talking night after night and she would come in and see how I was doing and I would get mad at her for talking to me. I usually would try to tell her I was awake and not talking in my sleep. I finally asked her to ignore me because it only stressed me out.

- I sleep in clothes that I would consider immodest for public...In my dreams I start to realize what I am wearing and become uncomfortable...I use to just pull the blankets up...lately I have woken up in modest shirts I did not got to bed wearing.

Oh how I wish I could remember all the odd things I have done. I have been sitting up in bed a lot lately in my sleep...until recently i changed pillows...I wonder if comfort has something to do with it.

So apparently it is not sleepwalking I am doing because I am aware that I am walking. Whereas sleepwalkers do not know they sleepwalk. One may say I am lucid dreaming because I can talk myself back to bed...but I don't really think I control my thoughts. I don't know what it is but I hope it has provided you with a little entertainment.

2011-09-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

The fun continued into the college years!

In 2003 I became a Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA). At that time Amber had moved back home and instead of making Jeff share a room again the girls shared a room. It was fun I loved it. We all have talked in our sleep at some point in time and gotten caught by each other. I remember Amber and I trying to keep Monica talking when she talked in her sleep. Whenever I talked in my sleep I would get embarrassed that I was talking and become defensive saying I am awake I do not know what you are talking about but really I was still asleep or woke up and new I was caught.

So back to my new position as a nurses assistant. Once I started working the sleep walking started as well. For awhile I just heard call lights in my sleep and had to fight the urge to get out of bed and answer the call light. Then it happened...I woke up one morning and there were no sheets on my bed. They were there when I went to bed. After looking around I found a wad of sheets and blankets. Let me explain why I found then in a wad. When I am at work and taking the sheets off a hospital bed I would pull the corners off the bed and wad the sheets together and toss them in the laundry. So in my sleep I stripped the bed of linen.

Oh it gets better. I did not put those sheets back on my bed properly because at the time my bed was on the floor tucked behind Monica's and Amber and it was just a hassel. So a night or two later I found myself working again. This time I was dreaming that the charge nurse (head nurse) had given me an order to put a warm blanket on a patient. (Warm blanket is a heated blanket when you apply them to patients you want to put them next to the skin and put the other blanket back on top to seal in the warmth). So being the good CNA i was I climbed out of bed and prepared to put the blanket on the patient. So here I am standing over the patients bed. As I stand there I start realizing the patient is Monica. So I climb back in bed knowing I this is just a dream. Well the charge nurse got really mad at me at this point so I climbed out of bed again. As I stand next to Monica's bed I start to tell myself the trouble that will come if I touch her. In order to put this blanket on her in the process described above she is bound to wake up and then she will laugh at me because I am sleep walking. Likely she will wake up Amber and they will both laugh at me. I climbed back in bed. I think I got up a time or two more but never actually put the blanket on her. Maybe I stood up to the nurse, who knows.

This last one I did not remember doing until the next day Amber asked me about something related to it. Amber and I were hanging out in our room and she asked why everything from under her bed was sitting on the floor between our beds. Once she asked that it all came flooding into my memory. I said "Funny you should ask, last night when you were in your hospital bed you asked that I lower the head of your bed, in order to do that I had to move all this stuff for it to go down." I then remembered how weird it was that all that stuff would be stored under a hospital bed. My bed was on the floor and hers was not so I could see under it.

I am sure I did more during this time in my life but those are the ones I remember well. From then on I told Amber and Monica if they every woke up to me moving them "not to worry I was just changing their brief."

This is me hard at work at Banner Baywood Medical Center. The start of my Orthopaedic career.

A Sleepwalkers Day Never Ends

2011-08-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

I am sure I did some more walking through the years but I do not remember much more from the younger years.

In high school it started to get really interesting! It all started my junior year of high school when I worked at the little league concession stands. When I got home from school I would head to the concession stand and I worked there until 10 or 11 most nights. Once I got home I always had some homework to get done before I could go to bed. Once I went to bed and was asleep I started to dream that I was at work. I would dream that a customer came to the concession stand counter. I would actually get out of bed and go to my dresser and take care of the customer. Once done with that I would climb back in bed. Once I felt comfortable and ready to sleep (even thought I was sleeping the whole time) another customer would come and I would get out of bed to help them and do the whole thing over again. I did this night after night and many times throughout the night. The strange thing was I knew what I was doing, I knew I was asleep but I still felt I needed to get up every time. The sleep I did get was not very restful.

Tales of a Sleepwalker

2011-08-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

I have decided to document not only the happenings in my daily life but also those things that go on late at night when most are sleeping. These stories have entertained many...I hope to accomplish the same here...

My earliest memory of sleepwalking was when I was pretty young. I do not remember much but the image of me digging through a closet. My dad tells me he found me and I said I was looking for the sun.

When I was in junior high my family moved. I always shared a room with my sister Monica. When we were setting up our room I remember we debated whether we should have bunk beds or not, then we went back and forth on who’s bed would go where. That night my dad found me standing in the hallway. He led me back into my room (I remember all of this). I went to Monica’s bed and complained about her being in my bed. My dad told me to sleep in the other bed and we could take care of it in the morning.

In this same house I remember waking up one day with the image of a baby lying on two pillows. I then realized I did not have any pillows on my bed. I walked to the other side of my room and lying in the corner was two pillows and a doll lying on top of them. Random I know.

Lucky for all of you I remember when I sleep walk so there are plenty more stories to come!

Part of it All

2011-08-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

This past week I had the opportunity to play softball with my ward. Our stake had a season and a tournament and I played one game in that season. I wanted to go more often but I always talked myself out of it for reasons such as soccer and fear of having to meet new people. The very last game in that tournament I actually showed up to play but they had enough girls so I went home to study. They won that game and in turn won the stake tournament. Since they won they got to go on to the regional tournament.

This is where I come in. Wednesday night was the first game of the tournament I joined the team. That game was fun. Halfway through the game we actually realized we were playing the wrong team. They let us play on. We won 15-0.

Thursday night we had three games to play. The first game was awesome. We were neck in neck with the other team until the last two innings. We ended up winning the game. I kept making minor errors in this game and felt I was not helping the team much but had fun all the same. The announcer took the liberty of calling me Jessie B. It made me cringe every time she called me up to bat. A dear friend on the team went up and asked her to call me Jessica. From then on she would say "Jess-ICA B is up to bat" I will take that any day over Jessie B (said in a whiny voice).

Since we won the first game we had an hour break then we would play in the semi-finals. This game was pretty intense as well. We felt pretty good about where we were at because their pitcher was not that great. However, they put up a good fight and took the game. I did shine in right field though. I caught a pop fly! My batting started shaping up in this game as well.

We had one more game to go. This game was to determine third place. Our excitement had died a little at this point but we played on. This game was a lot of fun. I believe without the pressure of the big win we just had fun. Every time of ran to first base the guy there complemented my swing. After two games I had a lot of practice. We ended up loosing this game but not after we put up a good fight in two extra innings.

By the time we were done playing I was exhausted. What a fun night. What a great group of people. I am finally ready to admit that I am part of a ward and I love it.

Today at church one of the guys sat down in front of me in sacrament meeting and put is hand up in front of me. since I am not use to talking to many people at church it took me a minute to register he was high fiving me!!

Hopefully I will have the team picture to post soon.

Days 3, 4 and 5

2011-08-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Day 3

I will admit this day was not very exciting but I did what I needed to. I am preparing to become a certified orthopaedic nurse. I just need to take a test on all content Orthopaedics and I will have this certification. I basically just looks good and the surgeon I work for wants me to have it. I did a little studying. I also had a very heated conversation with few people on facebook about 90 dollar tickets for people who run out of gas on the I15 in Utah county. One friend felt the new fine was very socialistic. Oh it was a fun conversation. That evening I went with some friends to Syracuse Utah for my friend Cheree. She just got her mission call!! She will be serving in Nashville Tennessee Spanish speaking! I am so excited for her.

Day 4

My day started with a nice walk to the end of the avenues. While I was walking I was studying flash cards on sports injuries. Once to the end of the Avenues I ran/walked back. It was a nice day. After that I hung out with my roommate she loves Netflix TV shows so I always enjoy watching with her. I also went shopping. I was in need of a swim suit for Day 5. After shopping my day was very uneventful. Still enjoyed it.

Day 5

I started my day at 7am packing and preparing for a boat trip!!! A bunch of my guy friends have a friend who has a boat and someone whispered in his ear that I wanted to go boating. So he called me up and planned a trip. We were suppose to be to his house at 8am so my roommate and I made it there ten minutes early. Which is impressive. The other two that were coming with us did not make it till 9am. Not so impressive. We set out for Utah Lake. It was such a fun day. We started by just swimming around the boat. Eventually we tried teaching my roommate to wake board. It was fun we will get her up next time. I went next I got up but was not able to do much. We did some tubing. Had lunch and just lounged around the boat. I absolutely loved it. I was far better than my original plan to sit on the shores of a lake and read.
One thing I found interesting and very flattering was this guy that took us boating. I met him for the first time in April at a friends birthday dinner. We talked some but nothing memorable. Then he was there when I went to the U2 concert. I do not remember anything special about these encounters but apparently he just adores me. In a little sister kinda way. He always tells the boys to invite Jessica. I have not been able to go to anything else until today. So all day he praised me up and down and told everyone (my roommate and two other friends I brought) how wonderful I am. It was funny. As the day progressed he expounded on why he felt I was so wonderful. He liked how I am able to be Mormon but be real and non judgemental as well. He has obviously not had good run ins with Mormons before. At one point he said he really felt there was something to this life that we were preparing for something greater. I told him I completely agree and I know that in our next life we do have an opportunity to be powerful and receive great blessings. I told him that because I believe that I believe we are earning those blessings and showing our dedication and desire for greatness. He loved every word I said.
Today was a reminder of how important it is that we are sharing our light. That we are being Christlike examples. I am grateful he has been able to see that in me. Especially during a time that I feel I need to improve in this area. Apparently I am not doing as bad as I thought. I am grateful for this reminder of who I need to be.
After boating I came home and showered then ran out for dinner with some friends. We wanted to go to a place in Park City but once we got on the road there traffic was backed up for two hours, so we flipped around and went to Charlie Chows. It is a delicious Mongolian Grill. Had great dinner with some great friends.
This week has been so great. I am so glad I took the week off even though I had no real plans. I will also keep you posted on this weekend because it is going to be fun filled!!

Day 1 and 2 of my week off.

2011-08-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

Day 1

Monday turned into my catch up day. I got those things done that just needed to be done. Cleaned my room, did laundry and cleaned the kitchen. The best part of the day was the run/walk I went on. I love the Avenues. It is such a fun neighborhood to walk in. Such fun houses and building to see and hidden parks. I just love it. After that run I made lunch and watched Mythbuster "Shark Week". Busting all the myths of Jaws. It was fun I do not watch TV regularly so it was nice to do it because I can this week.
In the evening I read and I went for a walk with a dear friend. Yet another great walk through the Avenues. It was fun to chat and share stories.

Day 2

I set out to pick up another dear friend for our day trip to Antelope Island. I was shocked when I heard there was an island on the Great Salt Lake. I have not made it to the Lake since I moved to Utah so I figure it was time. Once on the island we drove to Garr Ranch and wandered around. We saw tons of Bison on our way to the Ranch. After the Ranch we went on a 3 mile hike to Dooley Knob. It was a great hike. However, on this island there is no shade or trees for that matter. It was noon so the sun beat down on us. Thank goodness for mother Cheree and her snacks. It is the only way I survived. At the top of this island we pondered life.

On the way down the mountain we discovered the millions of spider that lined the trail. We were surprised we had missed them on our way up...they were every where. My favorite moment was when Cheree tried to snap a picture of one but realized she was rather close to several others so she dropped her phone beyond their web.

After the hike we went to the beach side of the island and grabbed some lunch. Buffalo Burgers...quite delicious. Then we walked down to the beach and made our way through the cloud of brine flies and into the muggy waters of the Great Salt Lake. You can walk out quite a distance before it gets deep. It was a nice walk and we watched the brine shrimp swim. Then we headed home. Such a fun trip.

I got home in time to take a very short nap then head out to SOCCER. I love soccer right now it is so much fun. Every Tuesday I play with a fun group of people in North Salt Lake. Tonight's game did not disappoint. We played for a good hour when it started to rain. We played through it a little but then in started to come down hard. Right before we got under the picnic areas it turned to hail. By this time we were soaked to the core. Once the storm blew through and the rainbow appeared we headed out to play some more. This time shoes were squeaking and I was sliding all over the place. It was a great game.

I ended the night at the groccery store and as I toted all of my food and blankets and shoes up the stairs I biffed it. Luckily my head lost momentum and I only bit the step instead of shattering my teeth on it. My only scars are on my fingers from the grocery bags. When it comes to falling up stairs I am skilled.

I am loving this week off!!

Just a thought

2011-07-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

I got a calling over text message, then a few days later was asked to speak in church over a text. To be honest I really just laughed when those text came through. I know my Bishop is very connected to technology and don't mind his invites and reminders about ward activities. It is kinda nice to be reminded he is involved and aware of our activities.

Today I was text and asked to come be set apart to my new calling during Sunday school. I quickly responded "I will be teaching Sunday school and unable to make it." The response was "okay same time next week then." I did not bother to respond I will be teaching Sunday school next week. Now I realize this is similar to an email that they might send out just quicker response time. However, I am saddened that the personal interaction is lost. Likely the person sending the text does not know who he is responding to, just one of the many he sent a mass text to. I think it is so important for people to feel like they are known and that others are aware of them. We all crave that feeling. When we become one in a mass text that feeling is lost.
I will continue to resist advances in communication technology because I miss human interaction.

The other night I sat with 5 friends all of which had their phone out. I miss the days of sitting around and just chatting without interruption. When everyone was in the same conversation without talking to someone else they would obviously rather be with. I have been in car rides where I was merely the chauffeur, because everyone had the phones out texting and calling others. I might look into that new car feature that will not allow phones to be used in the car. Not only will this keep me from being tempted to text while driving but everyone else will have to sing along with myself and Barry Manilow or NSYNC.

Maybe that is the real reason everyone is on their phone in my car.
I know I must go forward and embrace these changes but I should not have to loose human interaction. I am grateful that I can be so connected to my family despite the miles between us!

I Can Do All Things Through Christ.

2011-07-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

I was asked to give a talk on this subject this week. My thoughts went immediately to the many things I am trying to accomplish in my life. Marriage, bettering my role as a nurse, and living a healthy lifestyle to name a few. I couldn't help but think of all the solutions the world has to offer. A few years back "The Secret" taught us all how to have everything we want in life. Oprah and Dr Oz always have the latest information. Their are fad diets to produce immediate results and whatever problem you have I am pretty sure there is an App for that. None of these fads really supply us with a long term solution. So my first thought was if we turn to the Lord first for direction he will help us accomplish all things.
I called my dad and asked him for some direction in the planning of my talk. He offered great insight and took the talk in the direction I wanted it to go. He said as we come to understand the nature of Christ we gain greater insight on what the word ALL means in the statement ...I Can Do ALL Things Through Christ.

Christ focus is on our spiritual development those things that are going to bring us back into our Father in Heavens presence. So ALL things is going to mean spiritual matters rather than our worldly desires and aspirations. Even if our desire to be the top in our field of work is in the best interest of our families. We need to be disciples of Christ.

When we fear our responsibilities or feel inadequate in our callings and responsibilities.

Let us remember...I can do all things through Christ

When we feel there is no way we can pay our tithing this month.

Lets us remember... I can do all things through Christ.

When we do not feel up to home/visiting teaching, or we do not know how we will fit it in our busy schedules.

Let us remember...I can do all things through Christ.

It is all we focus on the spiritual that the other aspects of our lives will fall into place.

Let us be like Joseph of Egypt who's only focus was to serve those he was asked to serve. Maybe we too will progress to positions of great power because of our Christ like service.

May we have similar desires as the sons of Mosiah who turned down a crown to serve their Lord and Savior and bring others unto Christ.

I believe I can do ALL things through Christ when my priorities are in line with the will of my Father in Heaven.

Searching for structure

2011-06-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

I feel right no I am suppose to date...I am suppose to attend a singles ward...I am suppose to meet a new boy every week... I am suppose to make myself available for all those eager boys to date...I am suppose to be meeting new people all the time...I am suppose to attend institute...I am suppose to enjoy large ward summer trips...I am suppose to enjoy several ward commitments throughout the week to keep me social. I am suppose to be connected to everyone and everything all the time (smart phone).

I just want to be me. I want to go to church and feel the Spirit. I just want to fulfill a calling.

So I ask myself will I be happier in a family ward or will I be avoiding all those things I am suppose to do.

I Have A Dream!

2011-05-31T21:53:00.001-07:00

My roommate had a plan and goals so I had to say something...

I said I am going to open a hospital.

She helped me fill in the rest (she has me figured out)...

It will be a small or large pediatric hospital for hopefully well children. At first we might treat colic and diaper rash then slowly advance to more mature problems such as croup, ear infections, and sniffles to name a few. We will eventually open and ER for scrapes and bruises. The myriad of things we treat will grow much like a child.

The hospital will be run day and night by one well trained and skilled nurse. I feel consistency in these well children's life will be important. Yes you may be wondering but she will also run the cafeteria. The children must be fed.

Currently, there are no children to be admitted to this hospital but you could say they are a twinkle in this nurses eye. She will find them. They might just fall from heaven.

Beautiful capable well trained nurse seeking handsome side kick to assist in much of the same responsibilities. Most likely on an early evening, night and early morning shift, and most if not all weekends. Must be trained in dish washing and other household, I mean hospital, responsibilities. The rest of their time will be spend in fundraising for the hospital. Must love children.

Spread the word people this hospital needs to get up and functioning...there are lives to save.

Memorable May!

2011-05-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

My little sister is in Denver working as a travel nurse. I am so glad she is having a great experience but I also wish she was back here in Salt Lake with me.

Last weekend I got to go visit her. I was afraid I would not make it because I got sick the day before I was to leave. It was a Wednesday so I was needed at work. I struggled through that day. On Thursday I stayed home from work and stayed in bed all day. I got up at three and decided I was going to brave the trip. I flew to Phoenix first which turned out to be quite a treat. My parents met me at the airport and I got to hang out with them for two hours. I was not the most exciting person but I was very excited that I got to spend time with them. Next I got to fly to Denver with my older sister and little brother. That was a lot of fun and totally worth the longer flight. I had to laugh my brother has only flown once and that was before 9/11. We did not do a good job instructing him on security. Oops.

We had a lot of fun in Denver one day we visited the town of Golden. My brothers middle name is Golden so we had fun with that. I slept after that.

The next day we went to Elitch Gardens. It is a tiny little theme park in Denver. Though it is tiny the rides are awesome. It was a fun day we reminisced about our time at Paramounts Great America in San Jose. Fun times fun times.

Later that night we went to take pictures of the Denver skyline. It was so much fun. My brother took some awesome pictures. This was a fun one we took. We finally got my sister to stand still long enough to take it. From this parking garage we could here the U2 concert. Which only got me excited for...

The Salt Lake City U2 Concert!!

My friends talked me into getting U2 tickets almost 18 months ago when they were coming. The show was canceled but we held out and kept our tickets. Let me tell you I am so glad we did because the show was simply amazing!! I know who U2 is and I know some of their music but I was really surprised that I know all of their music. They put on a great show.

Rock On!

2011-05-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

pic found here

Nothing screams 4 day work week better than underpants on your head.

Swing dancing!!

2011-05-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

I took a six week class where I learned 5 different ballroom dances ( I missed one week, but would not trade the fun I had). The very last week we did swing and I loved it. This is no surprise because I was inspired to take this class because in my head I did a mean Lindy Hop.

So for the next six weeks I will be taking a swing class where we will learn six different types of swing. Sorry Monica and Ken only half a class will be dedicated to country swing (so we don't get bored of the music...instructors words not mine). I am super excited about this class. Wish me luck!

Must Resist The Urge To Lead.

2011-04-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

I always thought I was a follower in life. I thought I liked just going with the flow... I think I might be wrong... These were some of my realizations in my dance class today.

Growing up my dad would dance with us and teach us to follow. I loved it and I was excited to be able to read a partner when dancing. However, many times at dances or should I say all the time at dances there are not enough guys. As a result I have become a very good lead. Ask Monica she will confirm it! I have my dad to thank for that too!

I now am having to work through this in my social ballroom class. In addition to my conflicting rolls growing up. I also think I am a strong willed individual. I also like things done right and if people are not catching on as fast as me I take control. This is very frustrating to me. I don't want to be in control but apparently I am more comfortable there. I think this is why I was inspired to take dance lessons. Teach me to follow and maybe be a little more submissive.

Good news though when I dance with the instructor I follow very well... now! He uses me to demonstrate all the things he did not teach us that we should be able to do with a good lead. I own the floor when he does that!

Hopefully, I can apply this to many other aspects of my life. Maybe one in particular.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

2011-04-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

This year for my birthday I got to celebrate along with two great friends. Happy Birthday Fabio and Madi!!! We had an adventurous birthday. We went snow shoeing. This was my first time. It was a lot of fun.

This was the first time I had sees snow piled so high. Crazy!

I decided to teach my dear friend Madi a lesson on accepting help from men. She insisted on climbing the mound on her own, ignoring Fabio's extended hand. So I set off up the hill and took his hand. Unfortunately, my glove slipped right off my hand and I slid right down the hill. Of course someone caught it on camera...Thanks Rebecca!

But don't worry I was not the only one who found themselves down in the snow!On my Birthday I had to work!! After work I joined a gym. (I have not gone since I joined...oops) Then I went to dinner with my dear friends Rebecca. We had sushi. I love sushi. After that I went home and was ambushed by three guys yelling as they entered my apartment. I screamed and covered my head. They truly scared me. Then they kidnapped me and blindfolded me and took me out to dinner. Oops Rebecca was not successful at keeping me away from food. Oh well I had dessert and enjoyed the company. I have the greatest friends. Oh on Tuesday I came to work and this is what my desk looked like. A day late but just as much love.
28 I am going to make this year a good one!

A movie and so much more

2011-04-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

This evening was to be like any other. I was simply going to see a movie. However, the Spirit turned it into so much more...

Caught your attention?

My life is greatly blessed and I must share my experience because it will be a source of strength to me this week and throughout my life. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My life is richly blessed because of my faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have had a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for some time now, but that does not mean I do not waiver. Not so much in what I believe but in the way in which I live it. It is so easy to get caught up in life and forget to do those things that strengthen that testimony every day. It is easy to distance yourself to the point you feel alone...in those times you know what you need to do to get back but it seems so hard until of course you finally pick up your scriptures, enter the Lords Holy House or simply get on your knees. Sometimes when you do that, your self doubt can make it harder to recognize that the Lord has seen your efforts. Luckily, our Heavenly Father is a patient Father and He waits until you are ready to hear Him...or when you create the peaceful moment when you can hear Him and His Son speak to you...so plainly and with so much love. These moments are what we deem tender mercies.

So what movie started this evening for me... The Adjustment Bureau... I saw the preview for this movie earlier today while I was watching another movie (Unknown...no is the movie title...good movie as well). Any way I went to this movie with a friend and his brother. I did not expect it to have such an impact on me. You will have to see it! For those of you who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will know what I mean when I say the movie is Satan's plan. For those of you who are not I will explain briefly (contact me and I will tell you in great depth).

Before we came to earth, two plans were presented in the Heavens...Satan wanted us to come to earth without trial, our path would be set, there would be no choices. We would make it through life and return to our Heavenly Father no questions asked and in the end Satan would get the glory, because he got us all back to our Heavenly Father. Our Savior Jesus Christ also came forward, but, his plan was quite different. I like to call his plan the Plan of Happiness. My Saviors plan would have me come to earth with a gift called agency. With agency I would have the ability to go through life making decisions for myself. Because I have the ability to choose it means I might sometimes choose the wrong thing, I might end up on the wrong path back to my Father in Heaven. However, there is another key factor in my Saviors plan...this is the part that makes him my Savior. Jesus Christ offered to atone for my short comings for the mistakes and wrong choices I would make in life. He gave his life. In doing this I am given the opportunity to learn and grow through my trials...to become better prepared to return to my Heavenly Father and to prove my devotion to him in my return.

So this movie was Satan's plan in that "David," played by Matt Damon, had no choice about his destiny. He could choose the little things in life but when it came to who he would be ...that decision was made by the chief and others were there to keep him on that path. Of course one sees the good in this...a plan is in place to help us reach greatness...but what do we learn in life when there is no real trial or choice.

As I walked out of the theater I was glad I have agency and get to make choices. So I hopped in my car full of appreciation for this Plan of Happiness and it only got better. I was listening to one of my favorite CDs... The Missionary Hymn Project by Rob Gardner. The song Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing was playing. I have always loved this song but I think it was the music that inspired me in the past, today it was the words.

....Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God...prone to wander...

In this life we are human and at times we may wander from God, as humans we are inclined to wander often. It is not always a great sin that causes us to wander. Sometimes it is just a short absence from doing all those things, I mentioned earlier, that keep us in Gods presence. Wherever we wander, whatever we do, the song tells that we are indebted to our Savior because he interposed and his blood was spilt for us. For each and everyone of us that we might one day return to our Heavenly Father. It is part of the plan.

If you thought this was experience enough for my testimony to grow it only got better. The next song on the CD is I Know That My Redeemer Lives. At this point I am crying and singing this song in celebration that I know He lives!! Then it is finish it off with the song that confirmed my decision to move to Utah... I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go... this song reminded me I have a work to do. "perhaps today there are loving words which Jesus would have me speak. " I have a work to do and it is my choice to follow my Saviors Plan.

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me this evening to be reminded that He is aware of me and He has a plan for me. To remind me that I am needed in His great plan and I need to be ready to serve Him everyday.

Haleakala (House of the Sun) Volcano Maui Sunrise

Must one choose?

2011-04-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

I have always been very dedicated to Disney but I have felt bad that my true love was from 20th Century Fox. Yes Dimitri has been my cartoon crush for some time now. Every girl loves the bad guy who turns good for a woman.

But Disney has answered my dilemma with another dashing bad guy turned good. I feel so bad leaving Dimitri behind for Flynn Rider. But look at him can you blame me. Or maybe I could keep both or these cartoon dream boats...They are from two different companies...would they ever really find out they did not have all my heart?

Disclaimer...my cartoon theories on love do not reflect any real theories of love I might have. No love triangles have or will ever exist in this life I call real.

Trying something new!

2011-03-31T20:22:00.001-07:00

So last week I was listening to some music while driving to work. The music was something you would swing too...I thought you know I am pretty good at learning new dances. SO I decided to look up some dance classes. I decided it was not swing I wanted to learn. However, I was also a little hesitant for ballroom but it felt right...So I signed up. Tonight was my first night of social ballroom. I will admit as I thought about the class I had exciting thoughts of meeting tons of new GUYS. I do not know who I was kidding. At least the numbers were even. For six weeks I will be attending a class every Thursday night. We will learn the Rumba and the Tango. Each six weeks they do two new dances. After 18 weeks I will have learned The Rumba, Tango, Cha- Cha, Swing, Fox Trot and Waltz. I am kinda excited. Tonight I think I caught on pretty quick, by the end of the night I was teaching one of the guys. My one concern is getting my hips going. I think this will also help with my weight loss for a reason you are probably not thinking. Yep, I want to track my progress as I dance in front of the big mirror. I wont be able to hide from myself. Even though it is not the crowd I had in my mind I think it will be a lot of fun.

We can all use a little color!

2011-03-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

My Hawaiian tan is wearing off and I decided to get some color.

The Hare Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork has a Festival of Colors every year. 30,000 people come throughout the two days to throw colors. Hopefully, they also learn something about this beautiful temple they are visiting too. This festival was started 5,000 years ago as a celebration of the rebirth of spring and as a way for the priest to show his love for all his followers.

I will admit I wanted to go to this event but part of me did not want to drive down there and go throught the effort to get there. I am so glad I did because it was just fun. I enjoyed the event but I also left a little bothered that we travel down there to celebrate and have fun. We gather in front of this beautiful temple and then the crowd that is largely made up of LDS youth from BYU and surrounding high school along with us Salt Lake travelers. We come to this temple and what do we do we "mosh". We throw people up in the air and do things we would never do on our temple grounds. Yes the music is provided by the Hare Krishna congregation, but I wonder if this is what they expect to have happen on their temple grounds. Hopefully, we have not offended them. I guess they would not keep doing it every year if it was a problem.

While I was there I saw 5 ambulances come and go within a 2 hour period. I spent thirty minutes trying to keep a girls spine aligned as she was dropped on the ground while crowd surfing. Which also got me thinking. As a medical professional I now have the responsibility to step forward in times like these. This time, like all the others, I felt really inadequate. I felt like there was more I should have done. While I sat with her and told people to leave her alone and encouraged her to take deep breaths. People asked me if I did this or if I did that. I don't know if they were just worried for their friend or if their experience should of trumped mine. I just felt that all we could do for her was make sure she did not move and exacerbate her injury. Once the paramedics arrived I helped put her on the backboard then lift her to the gurney. Then I walked away. That is one reason I like my job...I get to follow the patients to the end of their recovery. It is hard to walk away when all is not over.

Though my thoughts yesterday were not all exciting and vibrant like the colors we threw I did have a wonderful time for 6 great reasons... Madi, Maren, Rebecca, Ken, Melissa and Erin!! I have the best friends!

Long overdue.

2011-03-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

My dad told me he keeps checking my blog ...I guess it is time for an update. Plus with Monica having a blog I got to keep some attention in my state too.

Once again I let school take over my life. It once occupied my entire life. It consumed me. Now that I am done, and have been for three months, I still struggle to manage my time well. I was so use to having no time. Now I can't seem to pull myself out of that mind set. I will get there though.

I have taken up reading which also leads to problems in time management. Once I am into a book I am hooked and I have trouble stopping. My first read this year was this book ...

I got this book at a white elephant gift exchange but it proved to be a fun read.

Next, I read the Hunger Games. I will admit I was very hesitant to read this one but I really enjoyed it. I am now reading the second book in the trilogy and enjoying it as well.

But before I started that one I read

One of those church authors. It was a great book. I found it a little predictable but entertaining all the same. Now I want a cowboy!

I am trying to make my reading time productive time as well. I read at the laundramat and as I ride a stationary bike.

In addition to reading I have devoted a lot of my energy to Weight Watcher! I started in January and have lost 10 lbs. It feels great to be doing this and I am starting to get creative with my food ideas. When I plan my meals I love food. I use to dislike food and the act of eating, but it did not stop me from eating. I did not like that I had to plan food and take time to eat it. I did not like to choose where or what to eat. Now, as I eat I savor every bite, I love thinking of the next thing to eat. When my days are well planned I get excited to be on Weight Watchers. There are the rough days too. I look forward to loosing more weight and getting healthy!!

2011

2011-01-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

I spend my New Years Eve with a great friend. We were going to hit up the institute dance but I had to pick a friend up from the airport first so we got to the party at 1130. We danced a little and watched the ball drop in the 5 degree weather then we headed to her house of out traditional dance party in her front room. It was not as lively as past years but it was just fun to be with her. When I got home I decided to write in my journal before I went to bed.
As I wrote in my journal I was reminded of my feelings at this time last year. On New Years day 2010 my exact words were I cannot wait for this year to be over. I remember as I said those words it hurt but it was how I felt. I knew most of what lay ahead for me in the coming year and there was little I was excited about. Lets recap what I knew the year would hold....

Singles Cruise... Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize, Honduras... This was probably the one thing I was excited for. I got to spend an amazing week with all my besties.

Next I knew I would be studying away. Jumping through hoops to reach my goal of earning a Bachelors Degree. Though I knew I wanted to finish school I had learned I was not good at it and would therefore struggle for a year trying to stay focused and interested. Though I dreaded the year because of school. I made it through and I have earned my Bachelors Degree in Nursing!!

I knew the year would be a struggle as I worked on getting over relationships past. I set our to go on one date a month. Some might say that is not very much. But these days that is a lot. This was one date a month that I made an honest effort in making the date happen. Yes I had to ask guys out. I will admit I did not live up to my goal...but I did have some fun dates, 7 to be exact...All of which included the bowling. Well most of them did.

All year I said I will make dating and marriage my focus once I am done with school. Now that I am done with school and have to live up to what I said I think I want to get a Doctorate in Nursing. What do you think?

Those are the few things I knew were in store for me. I will admit they were not all bad things I think I just let the school rule my year and that was scary.

So here are some things I did not know my year would entail...

In March my Grandpa passed away. He was not my Grandfather by blood but he was by love. What an amazing man who gave so much for my family. I love him so much and miss him so much more.

One Legendary Aquafina Modeling Shoot...Courtesy of Carnival Glory and White Heat.

One Engagement to Fabio Alves

The best April Fools joke ever. My dear friend Emily took pictures of 6 couples I paired up and she created wedding announcements and we mailed them to our Bishop. He of course saw right through it but loved it. He loved it so much that he threw an engagement party for the twelve of us. There were games, cake and presents. It was legen... wait for it... dary!

One great camping trip with the girls!

On this trip we created a musical called "I am so glad Helen brought Ice" here is a little taste of it.

Sorry I can not turn it around.

Two great visits from my Arizona Bestie. Stephanie game to visit in August and then again on Christmas Day. I love her visits.

One great Thanksgiving. It was wonderful to return to Arizona. Our Thanksgiving turned into Christmas as we exchanged gifts because Monica and I would not he home for Christmas. As we were dreaming of a white Christmas that ended up not so white.
Christmas Eve was spent with some friends. We celebrated by sharing our traditions. My favorite was the pajamas we all ended up in.

It ended up being a pretty great year despite my fears in the beginning. So back to my journal as I thought of my feeling at the beginning of last year I was excited as I looked forward to 2011. All I know of 2011 is I will be taking a trip to Hawaii other than that the year is a mystery. I remain hopeful. The unknown ahead is full of exciting possibilities. I welcome the year 2011.

Oh so rewarding.

2010-10-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. Wednesdays are clinic days for the surgeon I work for. He sees 25-30 patients every Wednesday. 13 new patients and the rest are return patients anywhere from 6 weeks to 10 or so years out from surgery. I am beginning to see the impact I can have on these patients. Some come and go with little to say. Others are grateful to me and all I did for them. It blows my mind how grateful these people are that I visited them in the hospital. My job is to see them everyday while they are in the hospital. Often it is just a social visit. On some occasions I help facilitate their care in the hospital or at home. It is amazing what a visit can do for these patients.
Today so many thanked me for all I do for them. It has inspired me and I look forward to visiting my patients each day. I loved working in the hospital hours to days after a surgery. I felt I made a difference there. However, after I discharged the patient I knew little of their care. Now I get to know these patients and their stories. I see them come in desperate for a solution to their pain. Then I get to see them months later grateful for the help they recieved. It is nice to see the whole process and help the patients through this.
I am grateful for this great job I have. I work with a great team of Doctors and medical personnell.
This job has proven to be a challenge, but after today it is all worth it.

A head and heart disconnect...

2010-10-05T08:29:00.001-07:00

This is my diagnosis for myself these days. My heart wants to feel and it wants to love like it does best but it cannot because my brain is in overload. When I start to feel I cannot sort through those feelings so my brain takes over. The results are disastrous. Even simply being the support I want to for my friends is too much at times. I wonder how I let things get to this point, but even trying to sort that out is overwhelming.
Hopefully, I can keep my mind in check for ten more weeks. Hopefully, I can distract it with all the studying I have to do.
Luckily, despite the drama I have created for myself I really am happy. I know I am where I need to be. I know I have made the right decision to pursue this education. I am truly blessed. I just hope I do not hurt too many people along the way.

Dating me is a chore

2010-07-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

Just had the worst date ever.

Maybe I just didn't want to be on it.

Maybe it was not only him.

We were suppose to go on a hike but it started raining. So he decided to take me bowling. I have been on 5 dates this year and 3 of them have been bowling maybe next year I should change my goal from one new date a month to one new date activity a month. I shouldn't complain about this guys choice in activities, It was the weathers fault. Anyway he picked me up at 830 pm and dropped me off in the parking lot at 930 where he gave me a side hug then pointed and winked at me at said "catch you later."

Ah what a catch.

I bet he is glad to get that date over with.

Oh well I fulfilled my monthly goal.

Some people thrive off my dating stories. This one is for you.

Mile tracker

2010-07-20T19:50:00.001-07:00

Don't have time to post just a quick brag...

Current mile time 11 mins 45 seconds and improving

Who would of thought me running!

Oh I need suggestions my lead in the biggest loser is fading.. I am counting calories and exercising... running and biking upper body weights. I don't like doing much more but I think it is because I do not know what else to do. Suggestions welcome.

Benefit Masquerade

2010-07-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

My friend had the wonderful idea to have a Masquerade Ball to raise money for a local camp for handicapped children. Her goal was to raise money to sponsor a scholarship for one lucky camper. She put together one amazing night. Her backyard was transformed... the food was delicious... there was tons of fun to be had. Best of all we raised a good amount of money.

My friends are complete nerds but I love them all.
This one I love the most.

This crew is pretty amazing!

Biggest Loser

2010-07-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

I got a new job and put on ten pounds which is no good. Good news is work is hosting a biggest loser competition. I started back at the gym. I ran on the treadmill and clocked a 17 minute mile. That was mainly walking. The next time I went I brought it down to a 14 minute mile. Today 12 minutes and 53 seconds. I want to go to the gym again I love working out.

I will be the biggest loser!!

Oh yeah three weeks and 5 lb weight loss.

The latest homework distraction...

2010-06-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

I love these videos...so funny. Hey honey you want me to play with you...thats all I got.

Fear??

2010-05-30T19:01:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh I was so excited to go on this ward trip and conquer the ropes courses. Fear never entered me as I thought about all the exciting obstacles I would face. In the morning we did one course where you climbed a net then walked across several planks then down a zip line. My team decided to time each other to see who could do it the fastest. I did not come close but I had fun. In the afternoon we did another course where you climbed a pole then walked across a cable with a few ropes hanging down to hold on to then down a zip line. I raced up the pole and had no problem with the transition of footing. However once I was standing on the wire I lost it I was scared to death but I made it. How fun.

I booked it up this pole. I see a future in telephone wire repair.

Once i finally relaxed and put a smile on my face.
I made it!
Thank goodness for friends I might have been stuck in that harness. (My hips don't lie)

My awesome team geared up to attack the course!
Challenge exercises. Climbing the Berlin wall!

What a fun weekend. What a fun ward. I am going to miss them.

Everyday an adventure

2010-05-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

I love this crazy life I live. Whenever I say that it means I have learned a lesson or faced another challenge. I can confirm I have done both but I will not bore you with the details because it has been multiple challenges and many lessons learned.

But I will update you with where I am at this time in my life.

School... 6 months left...They just might become the longest 6 months of my life but I am up for the challenge. Good news is I am passed the half way mark. In my upcoming classes I will learn about community nursing, epidemiology, American government, nurse leadership and more. I am most excited about my capstone project. As part of that project I am seeking a certification in Orthopaedic nursing. It is going to require nearly 70 hours of pure studying. I am excited though because it is in a field I love working in. This requirement will be of most use to the field of nursing I currently work in.

Work... Two months ago I accepted a position as a Patient Care Coordinator for a Joint Replacement Surgeon. Many have heard the story of me nearly sabotaging my interview. Here is a summary... I knew I was a shoe in for this position I was confident up until the moment I met with the doctor... in that interview I told him I did not want the position, I really liked my current job but appreciated the chance to consider it. He just looked at me and laughed and said "I think you are scared" then asked me to reconsider. Well I am so glad I did because I almost passed up and opportunity of a life time. I now work with a talented team consisting of a doctor, physician assistant , fellow, residents and medical assistants. I am learning everyday. This doctor is going to push me to become the nurse I never knew I could be. The patients provide me with endless entertainment as well. They are such wonderful people.

Home... Three years into a life in Utah and I still consider Arizona home... even if my parents live in a different home than I remember. However, the home I live in here in Utah is just as swell. I got one great roommate that is such a support to me. I love that girl. Together we have decided to mix it up a little and move. We are not going far but we hope for new opportunities for growth. We found a nice apartment and will be moving in a month. Should be fun.

Church... the one reason I do not want to move... I am giving up by far my favorite calling. For the last year and a half I have had the opportunity to serve as the 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society. I serve with an amazing Presidency. Our role is easy because of the amazing girls we get to serve. I am so sad I have to leave this calling. I have learned so much about myself and have enjoyed the friendships I have made. Thank goodness I will not be far because I could no make it without these girls in my life. They have been such a support to me. Sad to go but excited for the next adventure.

That is my life right now. Trying to learn as I stumble along.

Just let me have this moment

2010-04-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

How come in life you can feel so blessed, so enriched and know you are doing the right thing, working in the right job... You can be surrounded by so many wonderful people... Yet you can feel so alone at the same time.

Luckily, I know where to turn...I know how to get on my knees...I know the Lord will comfort me and remind me I am not alone.

You Are My Sunshine!!

2010-03-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

You are my Sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When the skies are grey
I hope you know Bill
How much I love you
So please don’t take
My sunshine
Away

I love you Grandpa!

I hope you have always known how much we love you!

Thanks for loving us!
Thanks for loving me!

I got a new job!!!

2010-03-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

Yup I do! A new job. I have been wanting to make a change for awhile now but I had no sense of direction for myself. I thought about critical care because I would love to have that knowledge in my bag of skills. However, I know myself and I do not think I would enjoy that stressful enviroment. If I am going to learn something I am going to put the proper time into it. I could not see myself happy while I learn in an enviroment I find stressful. I already have one of those...school... I can handle that for ten more months.

So I decided to stay where I am at till I am done with school. I even found ways to make my job more enjoyable and less stressful at times. I went to work and focused on my attitude and work was better. (Amazing, huh) Well of course once we figure stuff like that out...Life changes. I was at work and one of the nurses said did you hear about this doctors new nursing position. She told me all about it and I though if I was not in school that would be the job for me. Then someone said don't let school hold you back if you think you are the one for the job go for it. So that day I submitted my application.

Blah Blah Blah

I interviewed and turned down the job. The doctor asked me to reconsider...he thought I was just scared.

Blah Blah Blah

I reconsidered and got the job!!!!

So what is the job you ask. I will be working for one of the Orthopaedic Surgeons. I will meet his patients in clinic and start educating them about their surgery and put a face with the voice that will be calling them in the coming weeks. Prior to their surgery I will help them prep. Once they have surgery I will visit them in the hospital help make sure they are getting the care they need, round with the doctors, make sure homehealth is arranged according to their needs. Then I will make follow up calls a week after surgery. It is a lot of new stuff, but I think it is the patient interaction that I love. It will be a great learning opportunity and an awesome piece to a future resume.
I am excited and nervous.

I feel the Lord has guided my career thus far so I can go forward with faith that this is the right move for me!

Big thank you to everyone that has had a hand in my life thus far. You each made a difference!
Thank You!

Girls Cruise 2010

2010-02-05T21:20:00.000-08:00

We ported in Cozumel Mexico and took the ferry to the mainland. From there our tour guide took us to Tulum to see the Miyan Ruins. They were beautiful they sat right on the ocean. Our tour guide gave us some great history. It was the Church tour guide we ran into later that really made the history come alive. After spending time in Tulum we played at the beach. Then we got back on the ferry that turns stomachs.

Unfortunatly, we only took water cameras with us to shore in Belize so I do not have many pictures to share. In Belize we went cave tubing. The limestone caves were beautiful and the experience was truly memorable. Esecially the race back to the boat. We feared we were going to be left behind. As promised our guides got us back in time.

Isla Roatan was our relaxing day. We had a taxi driver give us a tour of the Island. We shopped the viewed thea rainforest. From one point on the island we could see the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. Pretty cool. We also kicked back and enjoyed the beach.

Our last port was Grand Cayman. I was most excited about this stop because I was going to go snorkling. Before we went snorkling we visited sting ray city. We hoped on a catamaran and went out to a sandbar in the beautiful clear ocean and played with the rays. This was a time full of I was going to say smiles and laughter but lets be honest they were squeals of delight. The sting rays new we had food and they were searching for it. You could be standing really close to the person next to you and the rays would still squeeze between you. It was so much fun. We got to feed them hold them and kiss them, then they gave us back rubs. It was great. Kissing a sting ray brings you 7 years of good luck. French kissing brings you a lifetime of good luck. Naturally, I frenched the sting ray. After this we went to the reef and snorkled. I have no pictures unfortunatly. But let me tell you it was beautiful.

Our snorkling was cut short by an experience I hope I do not have to become accustomed to on all my vacations. One of our fellow snorklers had what we think was a heart attack. After he was pulled out of the water Monica and I along with another nurse performed CPR for 15 minutes in a speeding boat. This was my first CPR experience. It was almost an out of body experience. The man passed away, the reason I share the experience is because it was almost beautiful in a sense. This man loved Grand Cayman, he had come once with his late wife. With her he was never able to visit sting ray city. H ecould not wait to be able to return and swim with the sting rays. On this day he got to do that with his daughters and grandchildren. Then he passed away in his favorite place. As I was doing CPR on this man I felt such peace (this was all before I knew his love for the island) I knew we were not going to get him back but it was okay. I believe the Lords will was done that day. Not that I want to find myself doing CPR often it was kinda cool to be side by side with my sister.

On formal night we could not resist putting on our life jackets in our gowns. We felt like the movie Overboard. People just laughed as they walked by us. We then told them not to panic all was okay.

I love all ten of the girls I got to take this trip with. I still catch myself laughing at the many jokes we shared. Good times.

Out of the ten girls... I am not going to lie... I love this one the most.

This page has a mind of its own and will not space how I want it to. Sorry for the clutter.

Nothing to say

2010-01-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

I have nothing exciting to share I am just tired of my foot being the first thing you see on my blog. So now you get to see me. I love taking pictures on my computer. This is todays. (I really only take them when I cut my hair.)

I am excited though for a great adventure. Come Sunday I will be cruising the Caribbean! Yup the travel bug got me and I am setting off with some awesome friends for and adventure. Some places you can look forwad to seeing pictures of are Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize and Isla Routan. Stay tuned.

In preparation for this adventure I have been working like crazy to get ahead in my classes. Last semester I felt I was just jumping through hoopes, this semester is turning to be some great learning and a little refresher. I am enjoying it.

Well that is what is up with me. Exciting adventures to come...I promise!

2009 Book Titles

2009-12-31T11:50:00.000-08:00

I would never write a book about my life but this year I thought I would let you know some of the titles I have considered for the book I will never write.

January: 1 Good Reason Not To Play Basketball, when I don't want to is not good enough.

February: How to Survive Living with Your Sister. (easy she is fun)

March: 15 Mini Cupcakes and Still Feeling Lucky

April: Considering Yourself Successful at 26.

May: Surviving University Campus Life (written by a girl who attended one class one semester.)

June: New Dew New You!

July: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, San Diego Style

August Back to School: Why I Went Back

September Jumping Through Hoops; A guide to being a successful RN-BSN student

October How to Date Your Home Teachers
November How to Make Home Teaching Awkward for All Involved

December How to Get in Trouble As a Bridesmaid

There you have it some highlights from 2009!

Icy Thoughts

2009-12-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

The following are thoughts had by Jessica as she slid past her driveway...

Oh I hope I stop soon...
There is the curb...
stuck in the gutter I hope not...
I am hungry...
Remember when my house was not on a hill...
To far past the driveway I will have to turn around

The following are more thoughts as she spun her wheels attempting a turn back up the hill...

You knew this would not work...
I am hungry if I get stuck here I might not get the dinner I want...
I hope a car does not turn down this street...
burnt rubber not really a good smell...
Oh remember when my house was in the desert...
Note to self next place I live will have hot guys next door

Thoughts as she drove around the block...

Should I try from and uphill aproach or a downhill...
Who should i call to coach me...
what shall I have for dinner...
oh nice lights...
here goes nothing...

Parked safely in her driveway. Jessica heads for dinner

Christmas Memories

2009-12-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas time always full of warm memories and favorite traditions.
When I think of Christmas time as a child I remember gathering with my dad family Christmas day. We always took one of our new toys over to Grandmas house to show our cousins what we got. Maybe it was a mistake that year we got New Kid on the Block Dolls, darn cousins like to tease. I remember just playing all day with the cousins. As we got older I remember the wonderful meals we shared.
Christmas Eve was always a favorite once the potatoe soup tradition started. Perhaps the best soup ever ...way to go dad! It was always fun to drop off Christmas treats to friends and neighbors. Then to sit around the rest of the evening and beg mom and dad to let us open a present. The last couple of years have been fun competing to be the last person to drop gifts in the stockings. The last person gets an early peak at all the gifts. Of course there was the tradition of leaving cookies for Santa, carrots for the reindeer and some cheese for Santa mouse. For some reason all of us girls would pile in the same bed on Christmas Eve. That was easy when we were little, I remember it getting harder as we grew but we still did it. Last year as a joke I was sleeping in Ambers bed and Monica climmbed in between us. She stayed the whole night...the tradition lives on.
Christmas morning we would all wake up and have to stand in the hallway and wait while dad turned on the Christmas music and the tree lights all while making comments about all the gifts he saw. We would get so annoyed he took longer every year. Opening presents was done one person at a time. My favorite part was always the stockings, I just always loved the treasures inside. We could always count on our toothbrush from Santa mouse. Ambers was always purple and Monicas was green or blue so I could count on a pink one or the occasional teal. Amber brought a fun tradition to our family, the pull-a-part breakfast. Oh so warm and gooey. Thanks for that one Amber.
More recent Christmases have been spent with my Moms side of the family. Wonderful dinners shared and intense Monopoly games played. Which reminds me of the year we got Monopoly for Christmas I was the first to go bankrupt due to some whining my mom kept me in the game! Don't forget the Christmas nap usually a couple of us cousins could be found piled on each other on one of the couches.
Who can forget the Christmas in Puerto Pinasco. What a fun trip that was even if half of us were sick. There was the sandman building contest on the beach and the Christmas Pinata. Grandma and Grandpa took us to a nice dinner and I remember Morgan trying to pay for her own meal because she did not realize the prices were in Pesos and she felt so bad for ordering what she did.
My favorite Christmas with some friends was the year the Divingboard Professionals (my friends band) played at the ward Christmas party and their groupies sang along.

So many fun memories... and so many more to make.

Just needed to hear the Prophet speak

2009-12-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

Life comes at you quick sometimes. You are just going along balancing work, school and church responsibilities. You are doing so good you decide to toss a relationship in there for added excitement. Your juggling act is so good you would be the most popular clown at the circus. Then one week just does not go as well as the last. Why is it every aspect of your life gets busy and slows down at the same time? I guess it is just one of those facts of life. You start to wonder what you did differently, what did you do wrong? How can you fix it fast and get back on track?

This next part I love.

The answer always come in just the way you need it. This time it came at the First Presidency Christmas Devotional on Sunday. I will be honest my mind was distracted the first 3 quarters of the fireside, then the Prophet spoke and made it all so clear. He worded things just for me, put things back in perspective. Then the spirit pours over you and reminds you God loves you. It is beautiful thing. Never have the words to Silent Night brought me to tears, I actually never really like that song. (I know how dare I say that, sometimes great, beautiful things bug me)

How wonderful it is to be able to hear the words of the Prophet, the mouth piece of a loving Heavenly Father upon the earth.

Road Trip

2009-11-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

Monica, Phillip and I took a little road trip over the weekend. I love the Logan temple and have wanted to go to it forever now. Monica and I planned a road trip in the fall so we could see the leaves on the way to the temple However, up until a few weeks ago our schedules did not mesh. I even had a trip planned with a friend but a cold got the best of me and that drive was cancled. So a few weeks after the leaves disappeared in the canyon we finally made the trip. Still a great trip becuase it ended at the temple.

What a beautiful temple. I am grateful for the opportunity to do a sacred work in this the Lords house.

Gotta have a lawn shot at this temple.

Here are my fall leaves I wanted to see. Kinda made for a great picture.
Next year I will make the drive and see the leaves but for now this trip will do.

A life richly blessed.

2009-11-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

That is my life right now...

I live with the best roommate a girl could ask for. I complain about little things (oops she does not know I complain) but all things considered I am blessed to have my sister here in Utah with me. I love sharing our nursing careers with each other. It has always been nice to relate with her through all stages of the nursing process. I love having someone that genuinely cares about me at home. I love hearing her daily updates even if the new tires was the highlight. She is amazing I am inspired by her strength love and commitment.

As I mentioned in past post I have the best parents a girl could ask for. Along with them I have a three wonderful supportive siblings. Amber will forever be an example of service to me. An example of strong will, I use to call it stubborn and opinionated, but now I admire her dedication to the truths she holds dear. There is always a genuine love behind everything she does for others. Monica I have already hit on her a little bit. A little more about her she is diligent in all her endeavours. She is a true friends to everyone. Jeffrey has always amazed me when it comes to the way he speaks of others. He sees the good in people and makes sure others see it as well. He is talented in so many ways, a dedicated and hard worker. They all have been such a strength in my life. 5 people I am grateful to spend an eternity with.

I have a great job and yes I complain about that too. However, the patients and co workers make it fun and interesting. In January I will have worked at the UOC for 2 years. I have grown so much in my career while working there. I am convinced some of the people I work with are the reason I needed to take this job. They have been a strength to me. They have become another family away from home.

I am able to get an education. When I graduated with my associates in nursing that was the end of the road for me. I accomplished all and more than I had planned or dreamed of. It only took two and a half years to realize the value in furthering my education. Even though my goal and passion will always remain becoming a mother. I now have a career to fall back on. My bachelor degree will only be a strength for me. Even though the schooling seems tedious and I feel more like a circus animal jumping through hoops. I know I am headed in the right direction.

Since my move to Utah I could not ask for better friends. It started out with three great roommates which turned into 5. All of which have taught me great lessons and brought me strength when I needed it most. The first ward I attended was amazing and one would think it could not get any better than this. Then it did and I have developed friendships that again teach me daily. I have so many wonderful friends, so many that I am torn in every which way. I wish I could spend time with each of them everyday. They all tell me I am an example to them but if they only knew the examples they are to me. So wonderful to have so many people laugh with to cry with to share life's adventures with. The added spice is nice.

Other things that bless my life daily...
Extended Family
The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ
Good health (I have my struggles but am still greatly blessed)
This beautiful earth... everyday a new picture of beauty

I could go on but I will leave it there.

My best friend... my enemy.

2009-11-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

So I got my new mouth piece to help with my headaches. I am on week two of my wearing it all day for three weeks. I have worn it most of the time I can't say I wear it all day. So why do I not wear it all day? Well if you have talked to me in the last two weeks you are probably laughing and already know why. I asked a friend if I sounded funny he said "oh you sound fine" then my sister laughed at me hysterically while I talked. One of them is lying to me.

I struggle saying my s's and j's the most. So you can imagine it is pretty funny when I say my name. If I talk slow and think about it I do fine. It is just my quick witted comments and long conversations I struggle with.

Oh well I suppose the benefits defiantly out weight the costs here. I hope it works. I had a headache over the weekend so I think my three week run might be extended.

Wish me luck!

An opportunity to teach...an opportunity to learn.

2009-11-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

I taught the Relief Society lesson this past Sunday. With my calling I have had the opportunity teach every forth month. Each time I teach I get to choose the topic I will teach. Intimidating and fun. The first time I taught was in December so it was easy to find a focus. I spoke on aligning our will with out Heavenly Fathers. It was a huge topic but I remember it going well. Aside from being completely nervous up there. I remember my friend talking to me after, she told me to relax and not be afraid of the quiet moments when no one comments. I hated those moments. The next time I taught I chose to speak on sustaining the Priesthood. This was a fun one to prepare because I elicited the help of the some priesthood holders. I asked them how we as a Relief Society might better sustain them. I also asked them how we can sustain them in the dating world. I got little feedback on the dating part but for the most part they asked us to allow them to serve us. That lesson was a lot of fun to teach. I still remember being very nervous but it was a lighter subject so I could joke around and that always calms me. If I can make people laugh I can relax.
This past Sunday I felt a lot of growth in my teaching and preparation. I always get a head start on picking my topic so I can have as much prep time a possible. I first decided to speak on hope. As I studied my thoughts were 'hope is often misunderstood'. So I thought I will clear things up. Well I now know why it is misunderstood... it is very hard to teach it. I now have a better understanding for myself but I could not put it in words to teach. So I decided to go with the home teaching message in the Ensign on obedience. However, nothing developed out of that topic, except for a love for that article. So what did I teach you ask. I still don't remember the thought that brought me to this decision. I just remember climbing into bed and having some thought so I got up turned my computer back on and read a conference talk. I don't remember which one. Then I decided to read Sister Thompson's talk from the General Relief Society Broadcast titled Mind the Gap. After I read it I thought that is a good talk I will have to look at it again and I went to bed. I thought about it off and on but never really had a chance to sit down and plan anything. One night I mentioned the talk to Monica and told her a few of my thoughts they were redirected as I spoke. Then the Friday night before I spoke I was a little nervous because I had very little time to plan the lesson, between homework and hanging out with a great friend. Again I talked to Monica and the plan just came to me. She must be a saint. So the next day a headache took over my life and I was still nervous as to how I would prepare. Another saint came along and helped me relax and get rid of the headache (they never go away as fast as this one did). I had a two hour window that was completely free to work on the talk. I whipped it out in no time. The spirit is amazing when it floods in like that. I thought I downloaded the talk so I could play part of it during the lesson. Then I went out and enjoyed the rest of my Halloween.
So Sunday morning came early like it always does. All the meetings were wonderful, I have an amazing ward. I started setting up for my lesson and found that I did not actually download the talk and since I did not have Internet I did not have the talk. I ran downstairs and found a guy with an iPhone and and other with speakers they saved me. The lesson went wonderfully. Such great comments when I needed them and I was able to build off their comments. I was not afraid of the quiet pauses and as I waited I got encouraging look. At one point I gave the girls a question and let them discuss it with a neighbor then they shared their ideas with the class. I use to dislike when teachers made us do that but now I will respect it because it helped so much and it took the lesson right where I wanted it to go. I felt very natural up there everything seemed to flow. I love teaching. I look forward to my next chance to teach in March.
So what have I gained from these teaching opportunities. I think I have gained confidence in myself I have become more comfortable with standing in front of the girls. A big factor in that is the relationships I have developed with these girls over the last 14 months. They are such amazing examples to me. They inspire me. I have also learned of the preparation needed to allow for the spirit to guide the work and the effort needs to be there. When the ward first started I was asked to give a lesson at Family Home Evening. I tried and tried to prepare something and nothing came. I was embarrassed and all I could do was bear my testimony. One might argue that is exactly what was needed that nigh,t but I feel more thought and preparation would have helped me produce the lesson requested. (though I learned a lesson that night) The biggest thing I have learned is that our Heavenly Father is aware of each of us and he knows what we needand he knows how to get those things to us. Our Heavenly Father knows what the sisters in the Canyon Rim 5th ward Relief Society need to hear and he just needs someone willing to be an instrument in his hand to present that message. I am grateful that as the teacher I don't have to be the only instrument available, those that share comments come ready to add to the spirit. Together we teach and learn. I always have said I prefer giving a talk because you don't have to rely on comments, slowly my opinion is changing.
Thank you to all those who have supported me in the preparation and presentation of these lessons.

Now I am going to go out on a limb here and say...

2009-10-19T00:33:00.001-07:00

I think I have turned out pretty good.

Granted I am only 26 years old and I have a lot of living left to do. I feel I am in a good place. It is time the credit is given where it is due.
Curtis and Linda Buchanan the two greatest parents a girl could have.
Mom and Dad thank you for your example. Thank you for teaching me I am a Daughter of God a woman of great worth. Thank you for raising me in the Gospel. Thank you for showing me where it is the Lord would have me be, so that as I grew I would stay in that path. Thank you for reminding me to love my sisters and brother. I know you thought you had failed us on that one as we grew up. Today I can say my best friends are my sisters and brother. Thank you for making that bond eternal. Thank you for supporting me in all my endeavours and continuing to love me when I came up short. Thank you for teaching me to serve and to love all that enter my life. Thank you for supporting me in my schooling, for sacrificing so I might get through my schooling. For encouraging me when I struggled through nursing school and for celebrating with me when I reached my goals. Thank you for teaching me to work.

Thank you for supporting me in my move to Utah. I have been thinking about that move quite a bit lately. It has come up in many a conversation. The move I think was a pivotal moment in my life. At the time I did not know why it had to happen I just knew it is where the Lord wanted me. (Thank you for teaching me to listen to the Spirit and act when directed) Quickly I learned there was not going to be one grand reason I was to be in Utah and I don't think I went searching for it. Daily little things would tell me this is why you are in Utah. It has been a little over 2 and a half years since I packed my bags and moved here. I have learned so much about myself. I have been given wonderful opportunities to serve. I have developed friendships to last a life time. I know this is where I am to be. The hardest part about being here is of course being away from my family. Thank you for allowing me to come here even thought there would be miles in between us.

Thank you Mom and Dad for all you have done for me.

What Makes it Worth it.

2009-10-15T21:17:00.001-07:00

A busy day of non stop running... So much to do... More patients than one nurse should ever have... A stack of charts reminding you you are behind.

What makes it worth it?

The patients of course.

You are a nurse because you want to serve you want to make a difference for someone. You want to offer a little hope in one persons tragedy. So you set out each day to make that difference. Even when it comes routine you can still find that patient to mix it up for you.

That is rarely the way it happens for me... Usually the patients make a difference in my life. They teach me more than I ever could teach them. They offer me the pearls of knowledge they have collected along the roads they have traveled. Often they do not know they are doing it. Often they see a girl trying her best and they some how know what she needs to hear.

Their stories inspire me. Their love encourages me. They make it worth it.

Thank you to all the patients that have touched my life and given me a chance to serve.

My Newest Project and a Hot Dress

2009-09-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest blanket I made. A few weeks late...cute all the same. Thanks Natalie for your help.

And this is my favorite dress...

Shy no more

2009-09-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

I realized this week that I am the person I thought I could never become. I quit nursing school 6 weeks away from graduation because I would never be able to do all that was required of me. There are so many responsibilities of a nurse how could I ever do them all. I was so quiet and soft spoken. Talking to doctors was a chore. I was so uncomfortable with who I was how could I help people in their time of need. Luckily, I continued on with school graduated and became a nurse. It has been two and a half years and I love every minute of it.

I am a patient advocate. The girls who couldn't speak for herself is now speaking for her patients and her colleagues. Many people I work with laugh when I say I was once shy.

This week I was my own advocate. But first we must go back a few months. I worked with a Radiologist a few months back and I could not seem to please her. She made me cry. That is what I do in situations of conflict. I cry and I don't stop. I let the other person know they have the power. Luckily, I did not have any run ins with her for awhile. Last Friday I worked with her and things went smoothly. So when I had to work with her yesterday I felt prepared. I got her first patient situated and then called her down. Unfortunately, right as the doctor walked through the door the patient asked if he could go to the bathroom. As I walked him to the bathroom the doctor completely went off on me. She said "You do not call me down here so the patient can go to the bathroom." The patient apologized and the doctor said, to the patient, "no you are fine. She should know better, she knows her job " then rambles on under her breath. I walked the patient to the bathroom then marched right up to where she was sitting and said DR. X, YOU DO NOT TALK LIKE THAT TO ME IN FRONT OF A PATIENT, THAT IS COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE, AND I DO NOT APPRECIATE IT." (capitalization represents a stern voice, not yelling, I kept my cool) I like to think she cowered at this point I think she did a little. She responded, "yes that was inappropriate to say that in front of the patient I am having a bad day and I took it out on you." I said "I can understand a bad day, we are good and walked away." The patient came back apologizing to the doctor making sure she knew it was not my fault. Poor guy he felt so bad. So as the Doctor talked to the patient the radiology tech thanked me for saying something because apparently they have been dealing with her crap all day.

I later told my boss and she was so excited for me. She said that I will never have a problem with that Doctor again because I put her in her place.

I must now be careful because that is the second doctor I have set straight this month. I might get out of control.

So there you have it I am not as shy as I once was. I still have a lot to learn about my role as a nurse. However, I am becoming more confident every day. I love what I do I love the patients I get to work with. I am incredibly blessed to be able to serve these people as they start out on the road to recovery.

I LOVE the dentist I always will. Just don't let me forget again.

2009-09-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, approximately my Junior year in High School, I started getting headaches. They were awful I missed a lot of school, saw a lot of doctors, and took a lot of medications. Nothing seemed to help. Over time I just learned to live with them.
Three years after they started I went to a Dentist to have my Wisdom Teeth pulled. A friend suggested I tell my dentist my woes. I did and he said once we get the wisdom teeth taken care of I will look into that. One day at an appointment he played with my jaw. He seemed to believe I have TMJ or TMD. TMJ stands for Temporal mandibular joint (joint where your jaw joins your skull) So TMD is a disorder of that joint. After playing with my jaw and listening to the clicks he decided to fit me for a brace/splint. I wore that splint 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Only talking it out to eat and to clean it. My headaches went away. I loved that splint and I loved that dentist even more. Eventually, I was told just to wear the splint at night. Somewhere in these past 7 years I stopped wearing it.

Not a good idea.

The headaches have come back and with a vengeance. This time my neck and shoulders have suffered as well. I have tried everything to treat them again. Byron and Diamond gave great massages and took care of them for a little while. They still returned each week. I decided I would jut deal with this fact of life. Then it hit me. GO BACK TO THE DENTIST. DUH... so last week I found a dentist online that focuses on Neuromuscular problems. I called for my free consultation. They got me in two hours after I called. After assessing my pained jaw the dentist said "yup I think your old dentist was on the right track. He filed some of my teeth so they would fit together better. It made a difference within an hour. I go back on Thursday for another appointment. I am so excited to get these things under control. I probably get to wear that wonderful splint again. I am not to excited about that but if it helps then I will do it.

I am wearing my old one today. I have been at work it is fun to stutter while talking to patients. When I answer the phone I have found my name is the hardest thing to say.

"Inpatient thith ith THethica"

It is great.

2009-09-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

Does it matter?

Can I do it? When?

Who am I? Am I portraying that?

What matters most?

How much longer?

Is it worth the time...the pain...the effort?

When do you give in, give up, give back?

I want to blog but my thoughts are everywhere. Here are just a few questions running through my head daily?

"I Love Rain Because You Get to Get Wet!"

2009-06-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Those are the words of the little girl I ran into when I was on a walk today.
I went for a walk hoping it would pour. It did.. I loved it. There is something about being in the rain. There is always the little girls reason for loving it simply because you get to get wet. The other reason I love it is because it seems nothing matters to me when I am out in the rain. I just walked and enjoyed the sounds the smells and the water running down my face and dripping from my hair, nose and chin. It is magic. On Wednesday night I got to be in the rain while playing soccer I loved that night too.

What has this world come to

2009-06-20T15:36:00.003-07:00

Dinner with my family. They all seemed to be a little distracted.

Okay maybe it was staged. Only staged because 3 out of 7 of us did have our phones out so we decided we all should.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!

"Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord" Psalms 119:156

2009-05-31T17:04:00.000-07:00

1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.Leave to thy God to order and provide;In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav’nly FriendThru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake To guide the future as he has the past.Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast’ning onWhen we shall be forever with the Lord,When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:16

Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.

As I sat is the temple the words of this song came to mind. Then I read this scripture. They spoke peace to my mind and my heart. I couldn't wait to get a hymn book and really read the words. So today during the sacrament I read the word and again a quiet peace came over me. If that was not enough they musical number between the speakers was again this hymn. The Lord is truly on my side and he was making sure I understand it fully.

Quilting

2009-05-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

I love to quilt. Today I helped my friend start a quilt. I am not sure if I was much help.

It did get me anxious to start quilting again. That same friend has the cutest baby and she recieved my favorite quilt. I guess it is really just a blanket because I ran out of time and just tied it. Here is a picture of it.

I can't wait to get started on the next project.

Clarification!!!

2009-05-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

The last blog was not intended to be a bash on men. Ah this is why i should not blog. I start rethinking my words.

I am incredibly grateful for all the men in my life. Last night I had the opportunity to go with my enrichment group to the Salt Lake Temple to do Baptisms for the Dead. We had great support from the Priesthood holders in our ward. I am always impressed to see these guys step up and honor their priesthood. They are great guys and such an example to me. I think that is why the frustrations of my last blog exsist. Why because I know there are great guys out there I am surrounded by them.

So no bashing happening here. Just frustrations of life.

Be bold or sit at home?!?!

2009-05-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

It seems over and over I am forced to either lay it on the line or just sit back wishing and hoping to no avail. Is there an in between that I am missing?
I meet nice guys, great guys that I just want to get to know better. However, the opportunity is never there unless I make it happen.
I hear stories of women who are married because they persisted, because they were bold. Which leads me to believe I should bet out there... I should tell them when I am interested... when I would like a friendship to be explored further.
I am not afraid of rejection well not completely. Yeah it hurts but I think it is healthy. It just seems that my decision tends to be should I tell him now or should I drag it out and get hurt later. So the obvious response would be you are going after the wrong guys. I don't think that is entirely true. Reason number one all the guys I have liked in the past have all been so different from each other is numerous ways. They have all been at different stages in their lives. There is no common thread. Reason number two well there is none the wording just flowed earlier.
How do you know when one is worth persuing if it is not common anymore to get to know someone (date, curious concept). Do I really have to live from chance meetings week to week.
OR should I just get out there let my heart break over and over. Is there hope these days that one day my heart wont break but will be buoyed up by another.

I can't believe I am considereing posting this, it is what is on my mind.

Could it really be that simple.

2009-05-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

So about three or four years ago my dad recorded a TV show for my sisters and I. I can't remember what it was called. It took three different types of women and they taught them how to find their perfect husband. We use to watch it each week with another friend. That friend got married I will have to ask her if the show helped her. If it did then maybe I should find the tapes and re watch it.

So today I was chatting with my dad. He told me guys are all the same and very simple His words were 'we are like dogs, we run in packs and we like treats.' response to that was, yes but we have been told not to hand out treats because then the guys come around for the wrong reason. His next comment made me laugh. 'Dogs can be trained not to beg.' So then he goes on to reccommend another TV show for me. Are you ready for it... The Dog Whisperer... yup the show about the guy that teaches dog owners how to manage their dogs. I love that show it is very informative but I don't have a dog.

So I am left to think am I over thinking the whole dating process. Can it really be a simple as the dog whisperer makes it with his pack of dogs. I will be watching that show for the next few weeks and I will get back to you. Okay, I really propably will not. I will stick with my new found favorite show. Cupid, it is teaching me to be bold.

I just don't blog

2009-05-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

I am not good at getting on here and letting everyone know what I am up to. I was doing so good till my computer crashed. Now I have a computer and little time I guess.
I will say my life has been so full and wonderful the past few months. In January it turned into a whirlwind but I tell ya I loved it. (of course looking back I can say that). My dear sister moved to Salt Lake in January that same week I started back at school and we were trying to move into a new place. I can still remember that week, my plate was so full, I was so happy but I couldn't find a way to get any of it done. I received a blessing from the greatest home teachers ever. I was reminded I am capable of greatness and I did not have to do anything on my own (and I can not do it with out the influence of the Lord). Now 4 and a half months later I am astounded at what I have accomplished. I filled my plate with even more and I got it all done (grades still pending).
Chemistry my biggest enemy. I took a chemistry class 5 years ago. I remember I loved it and I was hoping I would feel the same about this Bio/organic chemistry class I had to take. I did not it kicked my butt. It is the only class I need to get into the BSN (Bachelor of Nursing) program at the University of Utah. Hopefully I passed so I can move on and take classes in the area of study I love. Nursing. Which brings me to the application process that was a nightmare. I am applying to an online program at the U for registered nurses going on to get a Bachelor degree. The application was not that bad. It was the darn Essay that killed me I am not a writer as you guys can see from reading my blog. I had to write a paper on why a degree in nursing would help me further my career and reach my goals. Transcripts were a nightmare I will not go into detail on that accept to say THANK YOU MOM FOR YOUR HELP!!!! It was rough but I got it done. Now I am just waiting to hear if i have been accepted.
I am the Second Counselor in the Relief Society of my singles ward. I love this calling. It challenges me. I have enjoyed more than ever the friendships I have developed in the ward with the sisters. They are all such amazing women with so much to offer. Though at times I feel inadequate and unsure of what my role is... I love it.
Work has been a challenge while I have been in school. I know most of you will laugh and maybe get angry that I am admitting this. But it was a challenge to me all the same. I have never had to work a full time job and go to school. This semester I took one 4 credit class and worked. It killed me. Nursing is hard on you. Usually I only work three days then have four off. However, my school schedule caused me to have to work odd combinations of hours. Some weeks I just did not make my hours. I think that was the stressful part, knowing I was not getting my time in each week. I decided my class was what was important my paycheck would have to suffer for now. This week I am back to my three twelve hour shifts, I am so excited. I do work with some amazing people that teach me everyday along with the amazing patients.
I has a weird blessing come this year. I was playing basketball with the single adult region. I strongly dislike basketball. When I was eight I played on a team with my older sister. The coach ruined the game for me. He use to grab my arm and drag me to the position I was to play. I think he yelled a lot. I was telling Monica about how it scarred me and she said she remembers he scared her too and she was just watching our games. So any way my friends convinced me to play. I had one good game with a different ward. When it was actually my ward turn to play 3 minutes into the game I went up for what would have been a sweet rebound and came down on someones foot and rolled my ankle. It swelled up immediately and has cause me pain for a good 14 weeks. I am finally playing other sports but have to be careful cause it flairs up really easily. The blessing part... I started going to the gym. I love it, I feel so energized and healthier. Usually and injury pulls you away from the gym but me it pushed me to it. I am in love with the bike I spend all my time on it. Eventually I will venture to other gym equipment but for now the bike and I have a good thing going on.
From that last statement one can probably guess how the dating scene is going. No need to talk about that.

All in all these last 4 months have been awesome. I absolutely love having Monica here in Salt Lake with me. I am excited for all I am accomplishing.

Sorry I need to blog more often so these wont be so long.

Mom I am alive. I promise.

2008-11-08T15:14:00.001-08:00

So I don't have a computer it crashed. Therefore, I have not been able to keep up on my Blog. When I am around a computer I should be working so I don't have time to keep up either.

Not much is happening though so you are not missing much. I have been working a lot. Which is nice I get overtime to make up for the slow summer. My calling is pretty fun. I really enjoy the Relief Society. I am working on my social skills so I can meet and remember all the girls.

Wish I had more to say. I am just counting down the days till Christmas so I can visit the family.

2008-10-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

At least we can come together on one thing.

Some more Halloween

2008-10-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

For FHE tonight my ward made pumpkins. I love my ward. My pumpkin and I fear there is some creepy guy behind us.

Halloween

2008-10-20T21:47:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Keli Cheney had a Halloween party at her cabin. It was a date costume party. I hate costume parties but I love Keli so I decided to play along. I asked Julio Lachaga out, He is from San Jose California. My Uncle referred us as friends on facebook because he lives here. So I decided why not ask him out. This was the first time we met. It was a lot of fun. I dressed up as a 1920's gangster and Julio was a cowboy. My friend Keli was Medusa unfortunately when we took the pic she was already out of costume, but her hair looks awesome.

Picture Tag!

2008-10-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Wow totally random this is a picture of my friend Gavin Hallock at my house with Liesl Smiths dog Kronk. We had a party for our friend Audrey Flynn Chapman before she left for Cuba. Good times can't believe that was 3 years ago.

I tag Danica, Clarissa, Aaron, Amber F.

So, here are the rules: Post the 4th picture in your 4th file and then tag 4 more people.

Relief Society Retreat

2008-09-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

My first Enrichment activity with the new ward was a success. Well at least I think it was. As I mentioned in an earlier post I was called to be the second counselor in the singles ward Relief Society, that means I am over Enrichment. We wanted to have an activity where all the girls could get to know each other. It is a new ward and we are all strangers. My friend Keli offered her cabin so we went to Oakley Utah for a girls night. When all the girls arrived we had dinner (Costco Lasagna...Yum) then the Bishop and his wife spoke to us.

Then we played games and just had fun. There was a good group from the ward and we meshed real well. In the morning we had breakfast and most people took off.
On Saturday after all the girls left Keli and I went to a lake to enjoy the fall leaves. They were beautiful. I love fall. It has always been Amber's favorite season and since I have never really lived in it I have not payed much attention to it. However, now I think it is my favorite too.

This pose is for my dear friend Liesl, she does not read my blog but it is for her nonetheless.

I LOVE IT!

2008-09-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

What do I love?

My job.

I did not get off till 845 tonight but I don't care because I love it. I love meeting my patients. They all teach me so much.

What an exciting thing that is to leave a busy day and be able to say

I LOVE IT!

I got furniture!

2008-09-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Yup, I bought furniture. One of my roommates is moving out and taking EVERYTHING with her, so I went shopping. I strongly dislike shopping.

Already took a nap on one. Not to bad.

That is it that is all I have to say.

Favorite quote

2008-09-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

No time to write so I will share something already written. I love this quote it is so true I got it 4 years ago in an Institute class. Still carry it around. Enjoy.... Then remember it.

Let your light shine:
Our Deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us.
It's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberated others.

Nelson Mandela. 1994

Pretty awesome.

That one hurt.

2008-09-15T23:09:00.000-07:00

So I have gotten really tired of being the only one doing dishes lately. I decided to hold out and just not do them. The sink is disgusting and the dishwasher is full of clean dishes. However, it is slowly becoming empty as everyone picks out of it. I would hand wash all the dishes I use and just leave that mess in the sink. I felt great about this new decision, I was going to teach a few girls a lesson.

Then I went to family home evening. (The activity will be a blog in the near future I can't spoil a surprise yet) It is the lesson I am blogging about. My dear friend Scott Busby gave a lesson out of one of my favorite books the Peacegiver. He told the story of David and Abigail found in 1 Samuel chapter 25. David, son of Jesse, is protecting the sheep of a wealthy man by the name of Nabal. David sends his men to Nabal to request provisions to aid them in protecting the sheep. Nabal refuses them and says he does not know David. David becomes angry and gathers his men and they march to Carmel to confront this Nabal. Meanwhile, Nabals wife, Abigail, gets word of this situation. She immediately has Nabals men pack the provisions David had requested and more, and sends them to meet David. She also herself goes out to meet David. When she comes to David and his men she bows down before them and says "Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be." David is surprised that she wants to take upon herself Nabals mistakes. To that Abigail says not only am I taking his sin upon me but I am preventing you from taking a mans life, thus bringing sin upon yourself. David accepts the offerings Abigail has brought him.

I love this story. Here two men have sinned first Nabal when he refuses to help David and second, David when he desires revenge (though he never acted he sinned in his heart). This story shows how the atonement is not only for sinners but for those affected by sin. When we are sinned against we are given the opportunity to act. We can brush it off and act in a Christlike way or we can seek revenge, thus, sinning ourselves. The atonement allows us an escape from that, because the Lord forgives the sinner and we don't have to do anything. If we do act, we are saying the price the Lord has paid for that person is not enough, more needs to be done. In this story Abigail is a type of Christ. She takes upon her Nabals sin so that David can go away sinless.

Upon hearing this story I started feeling guilty about not just doing the dishes. The Lord has paid for my roommates 'shortcomings' (and of course my long list of problems) it is not my place to make them pay. I should just go about my days and do things the way the Lord would have it done. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and feel forever indebted to him. How often do I find myself marching down that road to Carmel? In taking that march I am saying to the Lord, that I love, that he has not done enough. Scary thought.
So I decided I would go home and do the dishes.
Unfortunately...someone else got to them first.

Fun things I like to say to my patients.

2008-09-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

So I work at the University of Utah Orthopaedic Center. I get the patients after they come out of the PACU (post anesthesia care unit) and I take care of them for 2-4 days. Orthopaedics means bones not foot. We take care of hip and knee replacements, bone fusions, spine surgeries if it has a bone involved we take care of them. Most patients are there so we can manage pain (we can't make it go away completely) and they work with the Physical Terrorist (Therapists). I have fun teasing my patients I love when patients come in cracking jokes because my job becomes so much easier. Here are some of my favorite things to say to them.

1. The Marathon starts tomorrow at 2.
I usually pull this one out the very first time they are getting out of bed and they think they will never be able to walk again.

2. Because you don't need anything we wont be answering your light the next two times.
I use this one when patients put the call light on by accident. We can't have people crying wolf all night.

3. If your food needs to be warmed up let me know, it is hard to tell and I refrained from stirring it with my finger.

I get the weirdest look on this one but it is the truth. How do you check your food? That is what I thought.

4. Phew...That was my first time.
This can be used after almost any scary task, most often used with IV starts.

5. This is the nurses button (pointing to the orange button) we recommend not using it.

This one does not always get a laugh but when it does it is great.

...And of course my favorite...

6. My name is Jessica and I will be your Nurse today.

I have said it thousands of times now and it does not get old.

Those are some of my favorites and all I could think of right now. I will pay more attention to what I say and maybe post some more later.

I thought of another one...

7. This waxing in complementary

Said when removing patients IV, they are usually taped down really good.

A day in the life. This may never happen again.

2008-09-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up a new woman . I had a work meeting at 830 (boring). Then I came home invigorated ready to conquer the world. I decided I want to make Pumpkin bread. First I checked with Amber, the expert of all things Fall, to see if it was the appropriate time of year to start making pumpkin goodies. She gave me the go ahead. So I baked pumpkin bread. It was so much fun and tasty.

I decided since I was going to be in the kitchen so long some dinner should result from it. So I cooked dinner too. My kitchen smelled of pumpkin and Italian chicken. But if that is not smell enough for you throw some pine sol into the mix because I mopped while the food cooked and baked. I don't know what got into me...BUT I LOVED IT. Oh it does not stop there apparently my Relief Society calling kicked in and I made cute little wraps and cards for the bread. Then I delivered all the fun treats. What a fun day.

A year and some more months in review

2008-09-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

January 31, 2007 Jessica lands in Utah. Her new home.

First task car shopping. I bought me a 2006 Nissan Altima. I woke up the first day to a car covered in snow.

After graduating nursing school I decided I needed a change and moved to cold snowy Utah. Little did I know the adventure that would unfold. I accepted my first nursing job as a Registered Nurse (or soon to become one, still needed to take Utah state boards) at the University of Utah Medical Center on the Orthopaedic Med/Surg floor. The staff quickly became my family away from home. I learned quickly and developed an excitement for nursing I thought I never would. Even after one night shift where two patients coded (stopped breathing on me) and one threatened to I still enjoy going to work to serve my patients.

At this time I was living with my dads cousin Vahl Buchanan and his family. I am so grateful they took me in. Their neighbor was one of the counselors in the singles ward bishopric. I had no choice I would attend (I was going to lay low until I finished nursing boards). The ward was wonderful and accepted me immediately.

I spent the first week living with my dear friend Erin (Downey) Flynn. She is one of Monica's best friends but she quickly became mine. For awhile I visited each week and made them dinner and they let me watch 24. In April she had her baby. Little Isolde Flynn it has been fun watching her grow.

Note the TV show on in the background.

March 2007
I found two great roommates, Vanessa Hepworth and Becca Seegmiller, and moved into a Duplex with them. A month or two later we were joined by Lisa Rowland

March was also the month I took my boards and officially became a Registered Nurse!

April 2007

This month I was invited by some of Becca's friends to go camping and hiking at Zions. We hiked the Narrows it was so awesome. I had a lot of fun and made some great friends. We looked a little ridiculous in our space suits.

May 2007

I returned home to Arizona for the first time. Unfortunately the family was more excited for the return of our Missionary. Monica came home from serving in the Germany Munich Austria Mission. It was great to be with family again. However, the time came to return to Utah. I packed up all my belongings and Stephanie Rider and I drove the moving truck to Utah. It was a fun trip. The truck was named 'Chief Yellow Bird', when passing other vehicles a war chant encouraged Chief Yellow Bird along. I was excited to be bringing my wonderful bed home. It was missed greatly. I was anxious to take a knife to the air mattress that was my bed for 3 long months.

June 2007- July 2007

I returned to Utah for the wedding of my cousin Rachel Miller. After the wedding the family went to Flagstaff for a Buchanan family reunion. We visited the Grand Canyon and Walnut Canyon. We just had an all around good time. Melanie Buchanan had just returned home from her mission in Peru.

One highlight of the weekend was the marshmallow fight. And of course Melanie and I took some time in front of the camera.

My ward also had a Redneck Date night, hosted by the Elders Quorum. My date was Joey Fawson he is my 2nd Cousin Colleen Buchanan's nephew. We joked around that we are related, perfect for a red neck date night.

August 2007

I had the awesome opportunity to go to Flaming Gorge with the East Millcreek 19th ward. Every year the ward goes camping and boating. I left Thursday morning after I got off work. We had a great time and I made a lot of great friends.

September and October became a count down to the most exciting vacation ever. Stephanie Rider and I booked a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Mediterranean. I worked and worked to save money and we planned our adventures daily.

Oh yeah... and in September my ward had an Elders Quorum date night. It was a Gangster Gala. We dressed up then at dinner each table hosted a murder mystery. With the help of Lisa Rowland I made my dress. My first clothing sewing project.

November 2007

With passport in hand I flew to Texas where I met up with Stephanie. Together we flew to Chicago then London into Rome. Our first day in Rome we visited the Fountain of Trevi, Spanish Steps and my favorite the Pantheon.

The next day we boarded the ship and sailed to Greece where we visited Mikanos. A island covered in white washed houses. The streets were small and winded in all directions. The mascot of the island in the pelican. For lunch I had Anchovies, YUM?!?!
Dinner

We had opportunity to enjoy an beautiful sunset.
The next port of call was in Kusidasi Turkey. From Kusidasi we boarded a bus and they drove us to Ephesus. Here we got to explore the ancient city where Paul from the Bible preached to the Ephesians.

We found the medical symbol I stood in the Hospital

and we viewed the beautiful amphitheater
and stood where Paul preachedIn addition to Ephesus we were able to visit the Temple of Apollo and eat some nasty lunch. It lookes appetizing but it is all pickled. Yuck. The main course was a fish we didn't dare try it after the salads.

A few days later we found ourselves in Rhodes Greece. A knight town built in and around a castle. Due to stormy weather we found ourselves here for two days. Special thank you to the captain for not taking us out in the storm that sunk many ships.

In the castle searching for my Knight
Due to the storm we missed out on Cyprus.

Next port of call Alexandria, Egypt!!!! We boarded police escorted buses and made the long trek to Cairo where we visited the Pyramids, Sphinx and a museum home to all of King Tuts belongings. The Pyramids are not far out in the desert like one might think they are right by the city. Beware camel rides are dangerous 20 Euros to get on, but that does not include the fee to get off.
my eyes are always closed

Next stop Athens Greece. Sadly I am was not impressed with Athens, the architecture was beautiful but the rest was kinda a bore. I think it was the way the guide presented it. But I have see in none the less.

The original Olympic Stadium

After Athens we found ourselves back in Italy. Naples that is. From Naples we travled by train to Pompei an ancient city destroyed by volcano and perfectly perserved by the ash. It was amazing. Unfortunatly, it was rainly that day so we did not get to enjoy everything as much because we were cold and miserable. From Pompei we went to Sorrento. MY FAVORITE PLACE EVER! It was beautiful I wish we could have explored it more. Here we bought music boxes. Recently I was looking at a picture and I said that is my next vacation destination. I looke to see where it was it was a island named Capri. We were suppose to visit this island but the boats were slow in the rough water so we never made it. So sad, I was so close.

Pompei

Sorrento

From here we returned to Rome. We visited the Vatican, and the Colloseum.

The Popes window

ROME
and of course before headin out we had some Gelato!
What an amazing trip. Thank you Stephanie for making me come!

December 2007 marked the end of my job at the Medical Center. I tool a new job at the University Orthopaedic Center. I wanted a change and was originally looking for a day position. I found this job No weekends No Holidays working nights. I thought it would be a great opportunity for me. I started in January of 2008.

January 2008 was spent on Orientation. Learning the ropes. I was also counting down the days to my next big adventure.

But before the adventure could start Monica came to visit. We had the chance to drive in a fun snow storm to Provo to see our cousin David off on his mission. While she was here we also had a San Jose night. The people who came were Melanie and Jimmy Buchanan, Aaron Jensen, Mark Williams, Kieth Bond and his girlfriend Katie Mack. It was fun to catch up with all of them.

February 2008

Vanessa, Becca, Lisa, Ben Layne, Jason Sargent (Sarg), Chris Seare and myself headed for Ireland! We got a great deal for 7 days in Ireland with rental car and condo. We flew from Salt Lake to New York then NY to Dublin!! The first day was spent sight seeing in Dublin then we ventured down south to Cork where our Condos where.

Ha'penny Bridge

Trinity College with the boys
Lisa and I standing guard outside Dublin Castle
Shopping center in DublinModel opportunity

The Ring of Kerry (or as Sarge calls it The Ring of Fire)
What else do you do at the Ring of Kerry
Me, still on the Ring of Kerry
Blarney Castle (sorry its sideways)
Kissing the Blarney Stone!! I now have the gift of gab!

At church in Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher ... Inconcievable
Stone Table

Aquafina Water Bottle Model in Ireland

We got to ring the bells at a local church
Eating Shepherd Pie at a Pub in Dublin
Water in Budweiser cups

Guinness Factory Becca, Vanessa and a girl that looks like me. There was a wall we could write notes on at the Factory

So that is Ireland. Upon return to the good ole US of A we stayed in New York for a few days. We had packed warm clothes for Ireland because we thought we would freeze. I didn't use my wool coat till I got to New York.

Vanessa, Becca and I

Allison Hannig, Natalie Lowe, Becca, Cami in the subway on the way to the Manhattan TempleOutside the temple

Vanessa won us tickets to see Wicked.
The next day we saw Curtains starring David Hyde Pierce. The best pizza ever. Grimaldi's Pizzaria in DUMBO (district under the Manhattan bridge overpass)

Eating Pizza with Vanessa, Natalie, and Alicia Anderson. It was so good I took the rest of the girls there later. The Brooklyn Bridge

Empire State Building at night.
Gray's Papaya home of the best hot dog ever!

Central Park

Oh the fun we had in New York.

April 2008

I got switched to a day position at work. Yeah.

I flew home April 17 to celebrate my birthday and go through the Temple for my Endowment. What a great trip and an amazing experience. After the temple my mom had friends and family over for food and fun. I love my family.
The girls Melanie, Monica, Me, Amber and Sarah
Sisters

Shortly after Returning home from Arizona. Amber and Dad came to Utah. They were performing Joseph Smith the Prophet with Rob Gardner in the Tabernacle. Sarah and Jeff DeMoss came as well along with Beth Wilcox. They all crashed in my basement. It was crowded but we had fun. Their performance was awesome. The first night President Thomas S. Monson was there with President Uchtdorf and their wives. As the Prophet walked in it was silent then someone in the crowd started singing "We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet." What an amazing experience. Melanie, Aunt Linda and Uncle Clair were able to come to the performance with us.

One day while they were in town we went to the Salt Lake Temple. This was my second time going through any temple and Sarah, Jeff, Amber, Beth and myselfs first time in a live session. Dad and Jimmy Buchanan came as well. It was a beautiful experience. Amber wispered to Sarah and I, 'think about it Grandma use to come and sit in these very rooms.' That was a neat thought, think about it everytime I go.

I also took the family on a tour of temple square, the conference center and to This is the Place Monument. We had a great trip.

This is one of many posed pictures. Sarah and I are looking for the angels. However, I like Monicas interpretation that we are the angels.

May 2008

I joined my ward for a trip to Moab. We camped and did river rafting. I love my ward and have so much fun with them. A group of us went extreme hiking. What is it check out the pictures.

July 2008

Grandpa Buchanan and Marilyn are on a mission in Wyoming at Martins Cove. Amber and Monica met up with me in Utah and we took a trek down there. Grandpa took us up to Casper Wyoming and brought us down the mormon trail into Martins Cove. He told us all the stories of the trail. One of my favorite stops was Independence Rock. I ran up the rock, if any of you think that is not a big deal you have obviously not been there, it is steep. It was neat to see all the names at the top of the pioneers that came before. It acts as a record of all those that passed by. Pretty neat. Martins Cove was neat as well. My favorite part was listening to Grandpa tell the stories of the pioneers. You could tell the stories meant a lot to him and you couldn't help but feel a deep respect for them as well. The best strory was that of Ephraim Hanks, Grandpa tells his story so well, the youth really get into his story. Wyoming, who would of thought it could be so beautiful. On the drive to Martins cove we stopped in Little America to see the gift shop where Geat Grandma Oaks worked.The next stop was in Green River Wyoming first we drove by the corner theat Grandma lived on, now there is a Dairy Queen. Then we went to the pedestrian bridge that crosses over the train tracks. Apparently, as a kid dad use to spit on the passing trains. We had to try that out. It was a great trip. Ended to soon when I dropped my sisters off at the airport.

Spitting on the passing trains. Mom, dad taught us this.

That is me at the top of Independence Rock
Devils Gate. We were reading pioneer stories one was about a woman that fell to her death at Devils Gate. Here epitaph read something like this. 'For her redemption came to late... she found her fate at Devils Gate.' Funny but sad.
Martins Cove
In July my ward hosted a Charity car wash for a guy in our stake who has cancer. We had a great turn out and raised $1000 dollars. It was so much fun. My ward is so great.

I was known as Windex Girl! In August of 2008 my ward recieved some sad news. Our dear Bishopric was being released. They have been such a great group of men our ward will miss them greatly. However, our ward does not exist any more. At the same time of the release the ward was split into four wards. It was originally made up of four stakes so now each stake has its own ward. It turned out to be a rough change for many. I was very excited about it from the day they announced it. The four wards all meet in the same building and we overlap for sunday school. In addition, we will have many combined activities. The wards are small but will grow quickly. Our goal is to find those that should be attending. I was called to be the 2nd counselor in the Relief Society. I am excited for this new opportunity to serve and meet new people.

It is now Septemberof 2008 I just finished my training in the Procedure Room. I can now work in there. The procedures we do there are typically steroid injections into the back hip foot and almost any other joint you can think of. It is fun to have more experience.

This year and 7 months has been amazing. Such an opportunity for personal growth. I have made many great friends, seen so many amazing places. I miss my family more than anything. But I would not trade any of these opportunities. The Lord has been good to me, even in my trials. I could only hope to be as blesssed in the many years to come.

How is that for a long blog.