Another First!

You know- there comes a time in a girls life when she has to experience things for the first time. It just so happened that this week two major "first" events happened. One with the fish incident of course and then secondly- today... (drum roll please) I GAVE BLOOD!

I know what you're all thinking- aren't you a little too old to have this be your first time? Well...yes I would say to you, but there is a story behind it! (As I'm sure you were all anticipating.)

When I was younger I was HORRIFIED of needles. I remember once that I asked the dentist if there was any way that he could numb my gums without the shot. The answer was of course... No. Therefore I told him that he should do it with no numbing at all. Surly the actual dentistry work wouldn't be as painful as the shot! Right?! I was quite certain about that. However with the first touch of the drill to my tooth- I quickly realized that I was wrong. I opted for the shot.

A few years later while at Ricks I saw that there was blood drive on campus. I knew that it was something that I wanted to overcome simply because I knew that it would help people. I went back and forth for a few days. One day I found myself walking over to the sign up sheet! I was really going to do it! I felt so proud of myself! As I looked at the paper I noticed something. All the time slots were taken up. With a sigh (of what I am sure was relief) I walked away. As I got home, my roommates informed me that you don't HAVE to sign up. They take walk in's. Oh well. My brave moment was over and that was that.

However, as the years have gone by- a miraculous thing as happened... The fear has left! How you ask?! Well- I shall answer you. My job!

You see- As I have pursued my career in Child Life I have been amazed that I have actually "Child Lifed" myself. What does that mean? Well, in order to help familiarize kids to the hospital and needle pokes we facilitated medical play. We take actual needles and let the kids (under supervision) go at it on the hospital dolls. Over time with a few pokes to the doll- the kids are able to process their many blood draws etc. and the goal is to help them understand it more and make it a little easier. As for myself, I have given thousands of IV's to dolls and in the process somehow I've been cured!

Proof- within the last few months I have had multiple blood tests (Which came back that I don't have celiac's! Happy Day!) And have had NO problem with the needle as they do it.

Well, I figured now that that fear was over, it was time to give blood. I was so excited as we drove to the church a few months back. Since my roommate offered to drive, I just stuck my phone in my pocket and jumped in the car. We drove the 30 minutes and entered the church. I waited in line and it was then that I realized that you have to have ID (well yeah. NOW it makes sense.) That thought didn't even cross my mind then! So since I only had my phone and despite the fact that EVERY person in the room knew my name and could back me up, I was unable to give blood. I left with my head down and feet dragging. I was bummed!

And thats where we stood- until today. FINALLY I was able to enter the room fully confident- with my ID- and ready to roll. I answered all the questions, sat in my chair and didn't even flinch! :)

I left feeling great! Finally I conquered my fear and hopefully someone will get help as well! :) It was a good day!

I'm growing up!

I used to be a picky eater. When my family would go to Chinese restaurants, I would order a hamburger. I would usually be the last one at the dinner table when Stew was served because I just didn't want to eat it! And I would do anything to get out of eating stir fry.

As the years have gone by, I have learned to love each of those things. However- Fish was a NO GO! Tuna- okay. But that was IT!

When I went on my mission, I was forced to not only eat fish, but have it served full fish and all- with the head, eyes and tail! It was quite an experience. I never fully enjoyed it, but you do what you gotta do. I have had fish since then, but never by choice...until today.

I live with major fish eaters. Especially eaters of shrimp. Each time they make it, they offer it to me and I usually say no. A few weeks ago, I agreed and it wasn't too bad. Then yesterday we made a super yummy pasta dish and my roommate added shrimp and dare I say it... I kinda liked it! Then here's the clincher... today we took my roommate out for lunch for her birthday. Of course she chose a fish place! I ordered a cobb salad ( I know...) but get this... when the waiter asked if I wanted chicken or shrimp- I said SHRIMP! I almost shocked myself! When he brought it out, I kinda stared at my plate for a minute. I couldn't believe my plate and what I had order all on my own! I was so proud of myself! I am growing up and trying new things! (I still have a ways to go however... the first one was great but because they were jumbo shrimp it kinda got fishy-er as I continued eating. Maybe next time I will be able to finish them all! :) )

Then... to add on top of it, my roommate ordered Alligator and of course you have to try that! It wasn't too bad. Granted- it was fried, and what ISN'T good fried! :) I know you're all super impressed!

Yea for Christmas!

I have very fond memories sitting in my house in Utah with all the lights off except for the ones on the Christmas tree- listening to Christmas music. There is such a peace that Chrsitmas brings. Therefore, this year- I wanted to bring that feeling to my home here in Arizona. I really got in the mood to decorate. My roommate bought a little tree and one day when I just happened to be at Target, I saw so many beautiful things to decorate it! Right then and there I decided to take it upon myself to set the mood for Christmas! So I made the tree all perdy... (Why is it that the pictures never turn out as nice as the real thing?!)

Also- this was the first year that I put out my nativity from Nicaragua. When we went back to visit after my mission, we bought these. They are carved out of the stone in the mountains of Nicaragua. I think that it is beautiful, but never really knew where to put it until we got the piano.

I love coming home to this welcoming scene! Christmas really is the MOST wonderful time of the year! :)

Unexpected

So yesterday I received a text from my boss. It read "There is only 1 patient on the floor, so PTO is an option if you want." Well- I always enjoy a day off- especially if my boss initiates it! So..without even hesitating I said yes! (Actually, I do believe that it was an "oh yeah!")

So my roommate and I headed out for a little adventure. While running one morning she saw this big rock pile/mountain and had it set in her mind that she would conquer it. So after a nice brunch we headed off the be the queens of the rock hill.

It really only took 5 minutes to climb but it was a nice view. Even though in the back of my mind I really worried that we were in rattlesnake country and that at any moment I would hear some hissing. Luckily- it stayed silent! This is the type of rock climbing that I like! :)

Here is the loverly view

It was really windy up there, but super peaceful. You can see the whole Phoneix valley!

It doesn't look like I am very high, - but I guess you just have to use your imagination! :)

It was funny because as we drove up there, we noticed that all along the side of the street there were signs that said "No parking. Fire lane". Well, we really wanted to hike it and we really were only going to be up there for 10 minutes. So we compromised and I parked here.. I parked on the inside! Hee Hee! I beat the system! :)

Happy Day off to me! :)

Most amazing day!

Today I walked into work and they said "Jill! Amy Adams is coming!" I of course asked "Who?!" Then I saw her picture and I gasped! "Gizzel!" Its my favorite actress from Enchanted! Her dad works at out hospital so since she was in town, she just stopped by to see the kids. All morning we were singing the songs in the halls, and we just couldnt stop giggling! :)

She went room to room with me and was SOOOO nice. During each room we just chatted. She was real, sincere and genuine. Also- she has got the most hilarious sense of humor. She was cracking me up. I wasn't just laughing because she was a celebrity- she was in all honesty- super funny.

The kids loved her. The all just brightened up when she went into the room. She chatted with them, made them smile and took a picture with each one. I of course wanted to break out singing and ask her a million questions, but luckily I held back!

Here is the proof!

I was very impressed with her! I still can't believe that I spent an hour with Amy Adams today! Crazy!

In the middle of the night...

So I have a pet. Okay not a real pet, but 7 little Christmas trees. See how cute?!

We wanted to get a gift for the volunteers in the hospital for Christmas. We thought these would be perfect,but we had to buy them now because they sell out quickly. Well, I offered to take them home and "take care of them" until the day after Thanksgiving! No big deal right?! Thats what I thought too!

The first few nights it got pretty chilly and I was a bit afraid that they would get too cold. I know- common sense should have told me that pine trees are used to being outside and since it doesn't get down to freezing here- they would have been fine! But still I was a tad worried. So what did I do? I brought them in at night and put them back out in the morning. - Yeah- That took a little work! After doing that a few times, my brain started working and I realized that I could just covered them at night with a sheet. If nothing else, It helped keep them from blowing over in the huge wind gusts that we were getting. It was great!

Well a few nights later I had a crazy dream. It was really windy and all the bristles on the trees blew off! I instantly woke up and could hear the wind whistling through my open door. After checking on them (all bristles accounted for!) I shut the door feel back asleep. But then I started dreaming about bugs. Bugs climbing over me. I again woke up and felt something on my shoulder. I flew out of bed- but nothing was there. I shook off the uneasy feeling I had, got back into bed and tried to fall asleep. As I was drifting off, again I felt something. Half asleep and very frustrated that my slumber was being disturbed by my "dreams", I started moving my pillows. Then there it was... an earwig! Running right at me! This time I jumped out of bed- making sure that I was awake and really seeing it. It was running so fast and I was afraid I would loose it. So I got a great idea. Or at least it was a great idea to my 3:00 AM brain... I flicked it! My thought was that I would watch it hit the ground, then have time to find something to kill it. Well, as I flicked it- I lost it. I didnt see its shiny black body ANYWHERE!!! I'm sure that if anyone had walked in at that point, they would have looked at me like I was crazy!!! I was sitting on the side of my bed STARING at the ground for about 5 minutes- hoping to see ANYTHING that was moving. But to no avail...I lost it! The slimy yucky bug is lost in my room somewhere!

or...

It never existed in the first place!

At any rate I learned that plant life probably shouldn't be moved from the outside to the inside like that- because you never know what kind of life forms will come in with it!

Eaten Alive!

Well- Today I was again reminded that when you feel like you get something down, the Lord gives you a learning experience to show you that you are nothing without Him! My lessen today came from my cute primary class. It was my first day teaching them. I think that I probably learned more than they did.

I arrived to church feeling pretty confident for my lessen. The kids are super cute...hyper-but cute none the less. We have sharing time first so I still had a bit to mentally prepare. However, as I walked towards the primary room, my confidence began to wavier. My team teacher's husband approached me and informed me that she was sick and not at church! I would be flying solo! With a big deep breath and a smile on my face I walked into the room to see my cute class waiting for me. I thought- I'm with kids all day- every day- how hard can 40 min be?!

"It's all about confidence" --"Don't let them see the fear in your eyes" ---"You got this!" were phrases that I kept repeating in my mind. Sharing time was great. I don't know why but the kids really sit very quietly in that room. As I sat back and watched them participate, I realized how many little bodies were on my row. Every other class had about 4-5 kids...Mine- 9. Yep. 9 kids that are 5-6 year of age. And I was alone! But they're angels right?! Hmm... maybe not exactly the right word.

The primary president asked me, as we were going to class, if I was alone this week. "Yep" I said with a a wink and a smile. Then she said "Kinda like going back to Nicaragua huh!" I thought about that. It's like your mission Jill! You got this!!! Well, I HAD it when they were behaving so well, but something changed once I opened the door to room 107. The reverence bug flew away and the crazy bug started showing its silly face! I kinda think that they are being so reverent in front of their parents for 2 hrs- that once its class time they just let loose! And let loose they did! Granted- for the first 15 minutes things were great! (Besides one little girl who kept sliding off the back of her chair onto the floor and smacking her bum). They were listening great, participating and being semi reverent.

But then I think that someone let in the silly bug and they were nothing but giggles! One kid would say the most random thing and they would all be in stitches! Their shoes came off their feet, hair bows out of their hair and random smells started to fill the room.

Then one of them needed a drink! Well, I didn't really feel comfortable sending one out in the hall simply because I couldn't make sure that they would only go to the drinking fountain and didn't wander around- then what happens if I get all caught up in the lesson again, forget that they left and then realize when their parents came to get them- they were still gone! So I tried to just ignore it, but then they all needed one. So we took a little field trip to get a drink. In the hall they were great (luckily) but then when they came back it was like we were at the zoo! Kids Under the tables and chairs etc... I took a deep breath (One of many that was taken!) And With a lot of prayer in my heart I called them to order. Which kinda worked....for a minute...

I wouldn't say that I had lost control of the class but it was border line! I decided they had a good chunk of the lesson done, so we would go nexr to the activity. We did a lesson on service so we made get well cards for my team teacher. (I wanted to make one that said- don't ever leave me alone again! :) But I didn't!) Oddly enough they were quite quiet during it! And they each did a fabulous job! I tried to get a little more teaching done during that quiet time...about how good she was going to feel when she saw the cards and that usually they get to take something home from primary but today they get to give something away etc.. Who knows...Maybe somethings sunk in!

You know, I learned that teaching 9 kids is VERY different from my job at the hospital. The kids I am with are sick and don't have too much energy! Plus there is usually just one of them! I usually can find good ways to teach them without needing to bribe them... I am actually quite anti-bribes in my job--but now I am rethinking things...bribes don't sound too bad for next week! :)

I did try just focusing on the ones that were paying attention and being quiet. That did work for a bit, but somehow not as long as I had hoped. Especially when the hyper ones "don't care" that some are being quiet. Because they don't want to be quiet like their classmates!

Basically I know that there are many of you out there with experiences teaching groups of kids (How teachers do that all day long- I DON'T KNOW!!! You are AMAZING! Mom Joey, Tiff etc) so any helpful tidbits would be greatly appreciated! Granted I'm sure it will be easier next week with my other teacher there, but any good tactics to help the kids listen, stay in their seats and raise their hands- I'm all ears!!!

Once their parents came and got them I took a good look at the room. Markers, crayons and stickers everywhere. Chair in lots of odd positions. Well- it was a good learning experience to say the least. I now know what NOT to do! :)
It wasn't horrible- No one got injured, we got through most of the lesson, and I made it out alive (barely)!

Lets just say that I took a nice long nap today!

Oh sandy!

I found another thing that I love about Arizona winters...that is the drive in! I don't have too much expereince with such places (unless you count the bazillion times that I watched the movie Grease. -Hence the name of this post). I was having a hard time actually remembering the last time I had been to one. After crunching a few numbers and of course using my fingers, I figured out that it was at Ricks- which would have been 8 yrs ago! (I know, I really need to get out more!)

So a bunch of us piled into a few trucks and we headed out for what I was positive would be an adventure. Luckily, the only adventure included finding the silly place. You'd think a HUGE movie screen out in the middle of no where would kinda stick out. Well turns out- it doesn't. Maybe its one of the laws of physics...you can't see whats right in front of your face.

I have to say that when Arizonians make a drive in- the MAKE a drive in. There were about 10 screens playing different movies. (Again, why we couldn't find A huge movie screen in the middle of nowhere is one thing, but the fact that we didn't see 10 of them- is just a whole different thing entirely!) I loved how if you strategically placed yourself you could see 3 movies at the same time! - Granted you could only hear the one right in front of you, but thats besides the point!

It was again reaffirmed to me that I have become a Wimp! My friend asked me why I was shivering since I grew up in Utah. I explained to him that apparently 60 degrees is now considered freezing to my body! I decided that it was time for me to invent a nose heater to defrost the icicles that I was sure were forming.

We watched the movie Eagle eye which was quite intriguing. The suspense of it really helped take my mind off the chill. The only downside was that it kinda stuck with me and I dreamed all night that I was being chased and had to have people plan my get-a-ways! :)

I learned that it is wise to take camping chairs to the drive in. Yeah, the back of the truck is comfortable for about 10 minutes and then you really begin to envy those with the chairs! Also lots of blankets and of course treats are always a must! If you haven't been to a drive in lately- I think you should go! And if you have kids... I bet they would love it! :)

That easy?!

I went to a Bereavement conference last month. It was a great way to help increase my knowledge of how to help families when infant death occurs in their families. It was very eye opening and I enjoyed every minute of it. The best part came however when I received my certificate in the mail. Check out the initials after my name...

Instead of CCLS (Certified Child Life Specialist), I am now an RN (Registered Nurse)! Isn't that fabulous?! No nursing school required! Who knew it was that easy! So now with my new credentials- I guess I can now start an IV! Any takers?!

Halloween time

Lets just say Halloween isn't really up there on my top 5 list of favorite holidays. However, I figured out a way to make it that way! If you involve the chillins (children) you are sure to have a grand ole time!

Therefore I decided to go trick or treating with my nephews and spend some time with them. Arizona does this fabulous thing where everyone just sits on their driveways, eats dinner and gives out candy to the trick or treaters as they pass- brilliant! Whoever thought up this idea wins the gold!

Here we are in our glory! C-Dog was a football player (in this picture could also be posing as a football playing model!) P-Dog was some scary man- which needed to have his face covered for the picture because maybe the flash would take his soul! And cute little J-Dog was some star wars character which I can't seem to remember. They all looked great! (The freaky guy in the back ground is my brother's brother-in-law Brad. And yes- he scared each little kid as they passed!)

I dont really know what I was, but it worked for me! Biker, Gangsta, girl with bandanna- whatever!

Jeff and Allie looked great as well! Allie had these cute bobby pins with horns on them. Too bad you cant see them in the picture! I am so glad that they live close so that we could spend time together!

My roommate and I went out after the trick or treating fun. We were pretty scary looking I think! I wouldnt want to meet us in a dark alley! She sure had those gang signs down well though! (We figured that we should take a smiling one too just so people didnt really think we were crazy!)

This was also the first Halloween that I participated in making a real pumpkin carving. Usually I just stick with the 2 eyes, nose and jagged smile, but not this year! It was serious business! You see, apparently I know someone who is pretty professional in the pumpkin world. Who knew. Seeing as though it was our first time with such a project, we were allowed to assist him with his three pumpkin creation. He started us out small, but I think we impressedd him! Maybe he'll let us do more next year!

Its hard to see but these are three pumpkins...can you guess which part I did? If you said that head. Well, then I love you forever for thinking so highly of me! :) Nope- that was his. And it was incredible!

Mine was the hand on the right side! It was surprising fun! I cant wait to try for something new next time!

My roommate's was a little less scary. She chose Cinderella and it was really cute! I think I found a new hobby! Too bad Halloween is over!!!

Halloween didn't turn out as bad as I anticipated. Thanks to family, good friends and pumpkins!!!

Ode to THE MAN

I wanted to write this blog (and my sister kinda beat me to it! But I am still going to!) :)


My dad is AMAZING. He has been a pharmacist for 35 years. Each day full of service and love. This is his last week of work- since it is now retirement time. His work threw him a huge party-even though I was so sad and couldn't be there, I was so happy for him and all the people that turned out to show him support and thank him. It really shows how much of an impact you make on people that they will make an extra trip in just to say thank you!


I had the best opportunity to work with my dad for awhile before and after my mission. Talk about a wonderful experience. In our house and at church I knew that my dad was so caring and patient. I was amazed to see that he didn't change at work. He loved to just sit and talk with people all day. Some people get tired of hearing other people complaining or could get easily frustrated when people are rude or seem a little "buggy". But not my dad. In all honestly he treated EACH person with the same amount of care and positive attitude.

There were times when I wanted to say to mean people- knock it off!!! We're busy- give us a break! However, my dad would just smile, tell them he would work on it and that was the last I'd hear of it. No grumbling, gossiping or hard feelings. Incredible! That short time I had to work with him was a fabulous learning experience for me. Priceless.



I learned that everyone deserves sincere care

I learned that while at work you give it your all

I learned that a smile goes a long way

I learned that sometimes you just need to sit and listen

I learned that even when you are overwhelmed and its busy, there is no need to get snappy or upset

I learned what it truly means to mourn with those who mourn

I learned the value of patience

I learned the importance of being consistent with who you are

I learned that laughter can be the best medicine

I learned that you can have spiritual discussions at work

I learned that my dad is the most loveable dad EVER!!!!


I love you dad! Thank you for all that you taught me and for all that you did for millions of people! You are definitely irreplaceable at the pharmacy but I know you will be able to continue to bless so many people's lives each and every day! You may be gone from your job but you are certainly not out!!! :) --I'm sure you'll be continuing to get all the calls at the house still! :)

I hope that one day I will be as Christlike as you!

2 things

So as many of you know or maybe dont know- I've been attending a family ward since our singles ward was disintegrated! (Fun huh!) Well, I was put into the younger nursery class about a month into going to the ward. After about 3 weeks, I was finally making great headway with some of the little kiddos who were having a hard time leaving their parents. Then they asked me to go to the 2-3 yr old class. Yesterday was my 3rd week there and again was finally understanding who the kids were and really working well with one little boys who was so sad when his mom left. Well, I guess with me there is going to be a 3 week change over because then they called me to teach the 7 yr old class in primary! (Which I am excited about- mostly!) At this rate, I'll be going through the YW, RS, the Stake and then what? Maybe I'll be speaking at the next General Conference perhaps?! :)

Also- through a few of my family blogs, I've been seeing them do a little tag. 4th folder, 4th picture. I was curious so I looked to see what mine was and it made me laugh- so I thought I'd join in.

So what is this you ask? Well, this would be some of my very important paperwork from my child life internship with tire tracks on it!

Yep, I was in a huge hurry that morning as I ran out to my car with my intern binder under my arm. I set in on the roof of my car in order to check something in my trunk. As I got to the hospital and went to retrieve the binder, I couldn't find it anywhere. "Surly I took it off the roof! I wouldn't be that stupid right?!" Wrong.

I called my roommate to see if she saw it. Fortunately she did. Unfortunately she happened to see it in the snowy, puddley parking lot. Some how the most important papers were basically un touched, but the rest- had the ride of their lives! Here are some other photos of what I saw when I came home. My amazing roommate had taken all the papers and laid them out to help them dry. I've never laughed so hard! Honestly Tiffy- I can never thank you enough!!! My poor binder was smashed! But it kinda looked cool! Hmm.. good memories. And good lessons learned. I no longer put things on the roof of my car even though I'm SURE that I will remember to take them off!! :)

I'm sure you've all done stuff like that! Right?!

Tender Mercies

They exist- that is for sure! Some days are just hard. And then something like this happens and makes everything better:

I was walking down the hall at work today and peeked into a 5 year old patients room. Our conversation went like this

Me: Good Morning Bud!
Him:Smiles and then says- "Jill..."
Me: Yes?
Him: I love you!

So sweet!

Zuckerman's Famous Pig

So this week we decided to go on an outing. And an outing it was! We went to the State Fair!!! (With our photo IDs in our pockets so that if something happened to us- they'd know who we were! :) )

It really is an exciting place to be with so many interesting things to see and do!

State Fairs to me are like Rodeos- it is a 'people watcher's' paradise! You can get caught up on the latest stylesof hair and clothes. While walking, our eyes were immediately pulled downward by flashes of color...

We were able to get a few close up shots. I thought about how popular I'd be in the hospital if I had these shoes! However, they may clash slightly with my scrubs! (I wonder what he was thinking while my roommate was taking these pictures! Maybe it was similar to how Ronald Mcdonald feels when he makes a public appearance?!)

After a quick glance of the Roller Derby we moved onto the most exciting part of the fair---the Wheezer concert. Now, I didn't really know too much about them, therefore I was shocked that I actually knew a few of their songs. They put on a really funny show and who knew that the main singer held a strong resemblance to Jeff Foxworthy!

I also enjoyed watching many people there as well. I wouldnt be surprised if the majority of the fans left with major headaches since their head was in a constant banging motion for the entire hour and a half! I wanted to warn them of what their future life would be like on a Neuro floor of the hospital, but they probably wouldn't have listened! However, they sure seemed to be enjoying themselves...to each their own.

By the end of the show, we were the newest fans of Wheezer! We even joined the rest of the people in doing their sign as they sang. (Hmm...Kinda sounds a little secret combination-ish. Maybe not so good!) (The second picture makes me laugh! I barely made it in on time. I love how my head is just popping out to the side! HAHA!!)

So the state fair wouldn't be a state fair without trying some crazy food. After some deep consideration of what to purchase- I decided it was worth forking out my entire life savings in order to experience some "fair food". (How can they get away with those prices?!) So what did I decide on???

To the untrained eye, this picture perhaps looks like a corn dog.

Well, unfortunately I would have to say to those of you who say it is, you're wrong!

Common sense should tell you that it is a Deep Fried Snickers Bar! Or as we nick named it "Heart attack on a stick!"

I was a little hesitantt with the first bite?!

However, I was pleasantly surprised with the taste. (It actually tasted like a dessert crepe- snickers flavored of course!)

This is the "Ohhh thats good!" Face. Thankfully my roommates helped me eat it so that the flavorful fat didn't ALL go into my body!

So yeah, my first ever state fair was fabu! I am so glad that my roommates pulled me off my bed and made me go! Maybe next year we'll try the deep fried garlic mashed potato's on a stick- or perhaps really go crazy and get the the mac and cheese-- deep fried of course! Yumm!!!

Are you proud?

So I think that I am a doctor sometimes. I have been self diagnosing my stomach issues lately. (Those of you who don't know about this- I guess now you do! My stomach has been on strike and hasn't wanted to feel well in quite some time!) I refuse to believe that I have a wheat allergy! :) Therefore-I am trying out everything else- just to prove the critics wrong! Granted, it really could just be stress- because there seems to be an overabundance of that in life! However, this past week I really thought that I had found a solution. I thought- maybe it's a milk allergy! (Which it still could be- I haven't quite discounted it!) I really had thought that I found the solution since the little lactade pill seemed to do the trick. However, there are still times that the pain is still there!

So yesterday, I did something that I have been putting off for so long. I have known in my heart of hearts that I had to do it, but what it all boiled down to was simple...I didn't want to! However, I finally bit the bullet and really...I thought that it could actually help my stomach (Don't know why I thought it would help my stomach, but it sounded logical at the time!) So I got up the courage...and I did it! I joined a gym!!! Yep- thats right. Granted, there are many other positives that come from this action as well- so we shall see how I feel. I am ready to have a happier stomach real soon! (Not to mention the grand effects it should have on the rest of my body as well! And there better be grand effects! :)

Yea! So now that it's out there for everyone to know- keep checking on me! Its going to be hard to stop my habit of collapsing on my bed after work. Usually closing my eyes and sleeping sounds more appealing than running, sweating, achy muscles at those moments! So I guess I will make as my motto as I lift my heavy body off my bed- "Do it for the stomach!"

It's all in who you ask!

So today while at work- I was explaining my latest adventure with the Arizona wild life- to my co-worker. I told her "Then out of no where I see this thing! It was like a pig, or a hog or a..." and then she cuts in "A Javelina?! You got to see a Javelina?!" Which she said with a huge smile and little kid voice. Of course my reply was "A Jave what?!" Then we googled it and sure enough that what they were. Apparently they are very common wild life here, but are not usually seen in subdivisions. They are usually only seen by hunters! Here are some pictures that were on google! (Posted for your viewing pleasure, since the one from my cell phone wasn't so great!)

Kinda odd looking creatures with scary eyes! huh!

Strange Happenings

Today was funny. I just find myself chuckling about a few of the events that happened.


Really- my day at work was great. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. Then I headed off to get my emissions tested for my car. Now as many of you know, I have had pretty embarrassing things happen at car places. My most famous Jiffy Lube experience was something that I didn't want to repeat today.

I took a deep breath and drove up. I watched very carefully as each person went before me. I figured- Just do what they do Jill and you'll be fine. It seemed simple. Roll down your window, get our of your car, wait in a little blue booth and then drive away! Got it. There was really no place for something embarrassing to happen. However, I must have forgotten who I am or else I wouldnt have had that thought!

I was sitting there, I noticed that my passenger seat had some crumbs on it. So, I started brushing it off. I turned my attention back to what was happening in front of me. A few minutes later, I felt pain in my finger. I looked down and it was bleeding!!! I had no idea why. I wondered if I had actually brushed shards of glass off the seat instead of crumbs! Of course it was right then that I got the "wave" from the emissions guy! It was my turn.


I rolled down the window as I was trying to stop the blood flow(which didnt work too well!) I had a flash back to my experience at Walmart a year ago- when the guy with the bloody hand tried to help me. I now feel bad for having judged him! (Maybe he had no idea he had cut it so badly!) As I handed the man my ticket, I sheepishly said "I'm sorry! I just cut my finger!" trying to assure him that I dont normally have blood dripping from my body. I looked around for something...anything and all I could come up with was a gum wrapper! Here's a word to the wise- gum wrappers dont stop blood! Who knew?


I kinda laughed to myself as I got out and waited in the blue booth. I thought that I had had it all under control. The blood seemed to have stopped. When he came in to get me, he told me how much it was. Since they dont take credit cards- I started writing my check. I then realized that my finger was again bleeding profusely! (You would have thought that I had hacked it with a chainsaw! I mean it was a tiny little opening! Give me a break) So- my brain started thinking "MUST STOP BLEEDING" and my ears stopped listening to the man- so I didn't hear what he said. So I had to ask again. Then the bleeding started again and I forgot! It was as if I could only think about 1 thing at a time! Yeah, sadly enough, I had to ask the poor man about 3 times. How much and to whom! I finally finished and headed to my car...I'm sure by that time,he was ready for the bloody blond to leave!



Then tonight as I waited at the gate to leave the community where I live, I noticed some activity in the bushes. Um, yeah then I saw it was. Actually, I'm still not fully sure what they were. I believe they were wild hogs roaming around. At first I thought they were boars! But thats silly- wild boars live in the jungle! Not in my neighborhood! But they were something of that sort! I stopped my car and just stared at them! Really- it was so bizarre to me. They both just stood there staring me down. I thought they were going to charge me. I looked up and saw a 10 yr ol on a bike. He too had stopped and was watching them. I'm sure he was just as curious as I! By the time I realized that I wasn't imagining them (which, I doubt I would be doing anyway! Who wants to imagines wild hogs?!) I grabbed my phone to take a picture. Of course it didnt turn out too well, but you can kinda see one of them! I guess we really do live in the boonies! This just 2 weeks after I saw a coyote inside our gated community! I called my roommate and told her- "See- I told you that you shouldn't run outside especially at night. Because if the coyote that we saw last week wont get you, now the wild boars will!"

Yeah, we were that close

You know that phrase "Its all in who you know?" Well- It's true. Thanks to some generous people in my ward, I scored some Diamond back tickets. Not just any D-back tickets mind you. Some pretty sweet ones! The couple that so graciously gave them to us are season ticket holders and since the D-backs play a bazillon games- they don't feel the need go to each one.

As we walked into the gates I had no idea what the night held! We did have to use stairs but instead of going up, up, up- we went down, down and kept going down. I thought it was possible that we were going to end up in the dug out! Check it out!




I know this is a blurry picture, but all I had was my camera phone!

What I especially loved was the fact that we were right in front of the railing which meant- no one right in front of you making you change positions each time they do and one thing all tall people love---plenty o leg room!

We were on the 21st row and let me tell you it is a whole different ball game down there.

Here are some pros and cons between the 21st row from the field vs 21st from the top wall!

Pro: Being so close makes you feel like you are right in the game. The players are actually human size vs little specks! (okay being high isnt that bad, but its crazy to see the players up close).

Con: It is a constant anxiety attack! I usually like going to baseball games because you dont have to watch the whole game. You can look around, talk and relax. But oh no honey- not where we were. There had to have been at least 20 fly balls- each one hurling at a top speed of who knows what- directly at my head! It was terrifying. Each time the bat came in contact with the ball, I felt my heart sink and my body duck! (If you think I'm exaggerating- just ask the 70 yr old man that got a zinger in his arm and had to be escorted out by the medics!)

Pro: You are actually close enough to maybe just possibly catch a t-shirt thrown by the cheer leaders.

Con: Being close to the cheer leaders means that you may be on the jumbo screen! (Thats always fun to see yourself up close and personal! )

Pro: Generally the crowd is calmer near the bottom. Yes, they drink, but it seems like just a few.

Con: You dont get to see the crazies that sit up top. I guess if your ticket is only 10 bucks, that leaves a lot more for alcohol- and as sad as it is- they somehow have a way to keep you laughin! The more the beer I guess equals more team pride!

Fun was certainly had by all. Too bad I dont think the D-backs are going to make it to the finals, because I would love to have returned to these seats- but this time ready with my face mask and glove!

Gratitude

Gratitude is something that is amazing to me. I think that many of us go through life- barley making it and then someone shows just a little bit of gratitude and it seems to give you enough stamina to go on! This happened to me today.

There are times in my job when I really wonder if I am making a difference and if I really should be doing what I am. Then 2 really special things happened.



#1- One little 3 yr old that basically lives at the hospital is often times left alone. We've had some good bonding times during this past admission. Today she woke up from her nap, saw me in the hall and just booked it toward me. She threw her arms around me and said "My Jill!"



#2 I have been working with a 9 yr old that has had pretty serious procedures within the last few days. They have been painful, but he has done AMAZING! Today when I went in to see him, I noticed some beautiful flowers in his room. Of course I had to comment on which one of his girlfriends sent it to him (I'm kinda a pest sometimes!) His mom wasn't there this time- just his dad. When I returned a few minutes later with some activities, his dad was on the phone. Speaking Spanish- I'm sure assuming that I didn't understand- He was saying "No- you talk to her. You tell her." Then he handed to phone to me and it was the mom. She proceeded to tell me that she works in a floral shop and had made them especially for me to say thank you. Honestly I was SHOCKED! Things like that don't usually happen to me. I mean look how beautiful they are- and look at that great vase:

Both very different experiences...one seemingly larger than the other, but both warmed my heart. It really made me realize how important it is for us to show our gratitude for people. I had no idea that I had really helped that little boy and his family so much.

This is what I learned from these experiences today. The family felt thankful and they DID something about it. How many times do I feel thankful for something, but keep it to myself. People need to know and feel it. And the little girl just simply made me feel thanked by what she said to me and by her actions!

It made me realize again the importance of saying thank you. It doesn't even have to be with something expensive. You never know if someone is struggling and how much you can bless and help them by using those two powerful words.

Update

So one month ago I posted about my basketball" burning of the feet" episode. And look....

it's still there! Luckily- it doesn't hurt...and I don't even know it's there...until it randomly catches my eye. (Which doesn't happen often- since when do you get random glances of the bottom of your feet?!)

To me- it looks like I took a black permanent marker and doodled on my foot! :) Any guesses as to how long you suppose this will stay?!

Observations

So I decided to get down and dirty with the house hold chores today. The fridge was in definite need of cleaning and the stove as so black underneath that it freaked me out to cook on it. (I have a hidden fear of setting off the fire alarm because of past experiences- but that is for another post!)
However in order to do said cleaning, I needed some heavy duty cleaners. In looking under the sink in the kitchen and the bathroom, I then realized that a trip to Albertsons would be needed. In pondering for a brief moment- I decided to walk. Really, its only a mile there. It would be good to get out and stretch my legs some. Plus, I was only getting cleaners- it's not like it would be too heavy to bring back. (I was proud of myself for at least having the thought!)

So on my short walk- besides loving being outside and having time to think and ponder, I observed a few things.

#1 I loved hearing the lizards scurrying around me and trying to hide as I passed. I found it funny that had they just stayed still, I would have never even know that they were there. However, as they ran, it shook the bush, rusted the leaves and moved the rocks. One in particular made me laugh out loud. ( I know, I'm a geek!) On the side of the road there were many bushes next to each other. One lizard ran from one bush to the next always staying ahead of me- and appeared to look around in panic mode to see if I was still there and then took off again. I thought it was funny, because had it just waited, I would have passed him and all -in his world- would have been fine for a moment. I wonder if the Lord often feels the same way as he watches us run around like crazy people! All we need is to just "be still" as the scriptures say and then sit back and see that things usually work themselves out!

#2 I passed a few political billboards on my way. One of them is a picture of a man with his whole family in matching clothes...all with perfect smiles,perfect hair and perfect poses. Everything was just a little too perfect! You know what would make an even better picture? If they showed what a typical family is actually like! :) I thought of the 2 yr old not being able to sit still and crying because they have to sit on dads lap and not run around. And then the 7 rd old brother poking his 5 yr old sister and making her cry. And don't forget the teenager- being a typical teen with an annoyed look on her face because she'd rather be with her friends!
That's the picture I'd like to see politicians use! It would make them seem a little more real! :)

#3 And thirdly- my last observation in my little jaunt. Even if you leave and its overcast and cool- always remember you have to come BACK. On the way home, I felt a little warm and by the time I got back I was a sweat ball! :) Thank goodness for glasses of ice water and cold showers!

Hey- with all these observations that I made in my 2 mile round trip- can you imagine how much more I could learn on longer walks! Maybe next week! :)

Labor day

What do you get when you cross-

A man in love with his jeep...

Guns...
and dirt roads?
A whole lotta fun!!!

This was our labor day outing!

First of all we went to the "Jeep playground" as Jeff called it! AKA- lots of dirt hills with lots of bump, dips, and steep hills

Most people wouldn't dare enter into such treacherous places with roads that seem made for just of dirt bikes...

but when you have a beauty like he does- there is nothing stopping you!

Even though the boys in the back seat believed that they were "GOING TO DIE!!! AHH!!!"

Favorite Jeff quote:

As we're driving down the road and we saw another road off to the right- Jeff says as he starts turning the wheel - also with a glimmer in his eye and a smile on his face "Hmmm...where does this road go?! Lets find out!" :)

One time when we were going down a pretty bumpy road and the kids were screaming about tipping over, I tried to be the calm voice of reassurance. "We're not going to tip. Your dad is driving very slowly-its when people go really fast that they have problems!" I turned and looked into the 9 yr olds face and he replied with a dramatic tone "But going slow makes the horror last longer!" Wow- horror huh. Thats pretty intense!

We ended up finding the perfect place to go shooting. It was off the road and had a nice little hill. The boys were so excited to put up targets all over the hill. And then the real fun began. After strict gun safety rules...we began the fun. Jeff is such a good dad! They all had a blast!

First off- Jeff showed them how it was done. The all watched intently to see if he would hit the targets. He didn't disappoint!

Then it was their turns!

They were so cute! Each time the coast was clear and they got the okay from "gun master Dad" they would run to see the targets and what they hit! They also loved finding the shells and showing us!

And of course- their aunt had to also show them how to get 'er done as well!

You know that the kids are ready to go when they find the only shade and plop down. I think thats a hint!

All in all it was just a fun day! Thanks for the invite!

The only downer...

Jeff took the top off of the jeep and I was loving the breeze- however, the thought of a sunburn really didn't cross my mind until we were almost home! oops!

Yeah, I realize that it looks like I am wearing shirt with white shoulders and red long sleeves... too bad it all my skin! ouch!

Oh well it was worth it every bit