Gourmet Chefs!

I really love to cook. At Ricks and BYU my roommates and I each took a night to cook. It was fabulous. I only had to cook once a week, but got a 4 course meal each night! Life was good then!

Since moving down here, things have been a bit different. My roommates and I each work such random hours or usually dont get home in time to fix a gourmet meal. So we end up throwing together a meal for one. Every once in awhile we decide to see if we still got it though. Tonight was one of those nights.

Yesterday my roommate said to me "Lets make bread tomorrow." Feeling all domestic- I agreed. We decided that we couldn't get married until we knew how to make this apparently crucial thing! (We figure that's the reason we're not married yet! I guess we have to prove that our kids wont starve :) ) And I mean, how hard can it be? I made bread once in my BYU cooking class. I felt like a pro. (Of course I didn't remember that my roommate was the "yeast queen" at the time and I am sure she helped me!)

We invited one of our friends over for dinner at 6:00. We planned to start everything at about 5. We figured the Pork Chops and potatoes shouldn't take too long. Why the length of time on the bread didn't phase me, I still do not know! At about 4:30 part of my brain clicked that in order to make bread with yeast in it- it needs time to rise. Like lots of time. Oops! Maybe they could be a good dessert! Somehow, I got put in charge of the bread. (It may have had something to do with my "cockiness" that I had done it before. First problem- the yeast. It said dissolve yeast in water. But how much water. Sarah and I both called just about everyone that we knew. No one answered. Of course they were all probably talking to family members since it is Sunday. But really, they should have been talking to us! :) Finally my sister answerd. So I ask her- how much water do you dissolve yeast in? She asks me to read the directions to her. So I begin "Dissolve 1T of yeast (then to the next line) in 1/2 C water." I felt like a fool! I didn't keep reading! It told me right there! Arg! Thanking my sister for her help in getting me to actually READ the directions we hung up. So the yeast was put to the side to"dissolve".

Next step...add milk, baking soda, sugar and shortening. Then it said to beat well. Well, I dont know if you see a problem with the whole list of ingredients, but shortening doesn't really mix all that well with the above list of things. And then adding the beaters on top of it...I had milk flying everywhere! I just sat there staring at it---what is wrong with this?! Should it really look like this?I was laughing to hard to continue. I told my roommate that we were changing jobs. She was the one that wanted the bread in the first place! So she should have to deal with the clumpy milky mixture! I would do the Pork.
She opted to start over. Then we found problem #1 I used baking powder instead of baking soda. I dont think that is what caused the mixing disaster, but had she not started over- I doubt the taste would have done much for our delicate taste buds!
Our other roommate sat on the couch and watched the whole interaction take place. "This is better than a comedy" was her comment. I agreed.

She found the same mixing issue (helping boost my self-esteem a little more). However, she decided to not use to the beaters and just add the flour- to kind of help the clumps out--and it worked!!! Amazing! But then problem #2 surfaced. Not enough flour. We both thought the other one had more. But that was not the case. We were about 2 1/2 Cups short!!! I thought our other roommate had some, but it turned out to be pancake mix! That would have been interesting had I mixed that up! "Well", we thought, "Lets just let it rise and see what happens". My favorite quote from my roommate as she was mixing/beating the dough, was "Man! This pioneer stuff isn't very easy!" I laughed a good long time about that one. But the truth of the matter is that it is very very true. I couldn't have done it. Making bread by scratch every day...killing chickens and cleaning them..etc.. I really respect them- so so much!

The Pork Chops were surprising delicious. As was the squash and potatoes. Once dinner was over and we decided that the dough for the bread was ready... problem #3 arose. Umm...we dont even own a bread pan!!! Why the 2 of us decided that we made a good pair at cooking is beyond me! Laughing, we got the muffin tins. We let them rise again and 20 min later they were in the oven. The smell was heavenly (which might not have been so, had we had left it with baking powder vs baking soda.) And believe it or not they were some of the yummiest rolls ever! I think my other roommate said that they were better than restaurant rolls! "and I'm not just saying that because you re my roommates". Was her comment.

So I guess it doesn't matter if you are 2 cups short on flour or don't have a bread pan. Take what you got, and give it a try --- You never know what youre going to get!
They were so good that I didnt even have a chance to take a picture before they were gobbled up!

The big day

I don't know if it has occurred to many people as to why the name of my blog is what it is. Those of you who know me well, unfortunately also know, all too well, that it's because it is all so TRUE. If I am involved- most of the time, things will be a little bit trickier than usual. I could write you mounds and mounds of books to prove this point. However, I believe that a simple recap of my birthday will show you all-how this is true...

Oddly enough, the beginning of the day went very smoothly.
I went into work a little early because the week before I had met a few kids on a pre-surgery tour and my birthday happened to be the day of their surgeries! It was so cute because as one of the 3 year old little boys walked into the hospital and he saw me, he ran up and handed me these... Yep...thats right. He brought me flowers! It was adorable. Granted, I'm sure he got them from the hospital grounds, but it was sweet nonetheless.

Thankfully, nothing "adventurous" happened during their surgeries! :) The kids all did great. I was so proud of them.

Then, I walked into my office and was greeted by "a little note" as my boss put it.
I'm sure it took her a long time to do it! They also made cupcakes and ordered lunch! It was great! And my co-workers were wonderful!

All the real fun, however, began when I got home. My roommates had decorated the kitchen before I went to work in the morning. It was a fun little party to walk into!

Then my wonderful roommate, who is a lot like me mind you, asked excitingly "Did you see your cake?!" To my response of "no" , she opened the fridge and then said "What happened to it?!" Quickly though, her confused state turned into laughter. She was laughing so hard that she couldn't explain to me what the joke was. After a minute she said " I forgot it was an ice cream cake!" (Remember the part that I said she was a lot like me?! :) ) Luckily the cake was in a tightly closed plastic container, because we could see it basically floating in there...Completely liquefied! We had a really good laugh about that one for awhile. My sides and cheeks were sore!(Thats the best laughter!) We quickly put it into the freezer- hoping for success for when we got back from dinner.

5 of us piled into my other roommates car and headed for our destination. While on the freeway, we noticed that traffic was starting to back up. The signs on the road mentioned a crash and that the freeway was closed. We got off quickly, but at the next light I noticed a strange steam coming from her car. Panic arose in all of us, as we quickly pulled over. She called her dad and he came as soon as he can. Unfortunately we were about 30 min from their house. However, the night was beautiful and we just enjoyed the parking lot atmosphere at Embassy Suites!

Soon, her dad saved the day- and we changed cars with him...headed for the greatly anticipated restaurant to where we were going about 30 mintues before! About 6 months ago, my roommate and I were driving somewhere when we saw a restaurant entitled "Jilly's". It was a very exciting moment for me! Never had I seen such a beautiful place. We decided that we needed to return one day. That of course was completely forgotten until a few days ago, we were trying to figure out where to go to eat for my birthday. Then it came to me---we shall go to MY RESTAURANT!!!

It was like an Iggy's sports grill type of place. Which was kinda odd. To me when I think "Jilly's" I would think like a TGIF or Chilis (not just because it rhymes mind you! :) ) So that was kinda weird, but I loved the fact that my name was EVERYWHERE!!! :) I felt like a VIP. I even asked if I got my meal for free since my name is Jill. Our waiter said he would ask, but I dont think it happened! He better watch out! Next time we're in Parliament I'll need to discuss that with the people...

When we got home we pulled out the cake to see what had happened during the time we were away. It took 3 of us to open the container since it had solidified around all the edges! One held the bottom and 2 pulled the top. It was so funny looking, but sure tasted great!

As you can see that brown "hill like " looking thing was actually the cake part since all the ice cream had melted around it. I think before the cake melted it was a little bit taller and completely white one top! :) However, that did not stop us from eating it! It was yummy yummy yummy! I love ice cream cakes. And this night I learned that I even like ice cream cakes that melted and are re-frozen! :)

The last adventure came today actually. Aaron had sent me roses yesterday as a surprise and did all in his power to MAKE SURE that they got to me at work. He even got a confirmation email that they were delivered to the hospital. So there he as sitting all cozy in his German house waiting for my happy and ecstatic email thanking him for the beautiful roses. Meanwhile, I left work without even a clue that Roses were waiting there for me. Apparently something happened and the information desk didn't know what to do with them when they were delivered. (Heaven forbid look up my name in the computer and have it delivered to my department! ) :) Luckily though, Aaron told me that he had sent me roses- So I was bound and determined to find them today! On my way into work today I passed the information desk and saw a beautiful array of Roses sitting there. I told the guy "Hi. I think those are mine". With a smirk he said "Really?!" I was like.."Um..really I do!" Surprised he got up and asked my name and sure enough they were and they were GORGEOUS. Honestly- very beautiful! It was a great day after your birthday type gift! I loved them!

So there you have it- if you are planning a evening and I'm coming along- be prepared for all you plans to be completely changed or at least twisted a bit. But- That's what makes it fun right- I can guarantee that it wont be boring! :)

All in All I had a great birthday - Thanks to EVERYONE that I am blessed to know!

I almost moved today!

Each morning I listen to this loverly talk radio station on the way to work. I think it stems from my parents listening to a similar station in Utah. I have actually really enjoyed it because I feel like it has kept me up on the latest news. I feel like I know more about politics and the stock market then EVER BEFORE! (Granted, thats not saying much... but...):)

So, Being a state wide show and really being my true source for what is happening, I trust it. Well, recently in the news, it has been talked about that Arizona is very much in debt. Therefore they are toying with the idea that Toll roads on the freeways will be a good idea. I have heard this here and there for the past few weeks. Not really thinking much about it because obviously a law like that wont pass, I went on my merry way. That is, until this morning.

At 8:30 My favorite "speak your mind" radio host comes on. He is freaking out because "Arizona lawmakers passed the Toll road law last night. Starting Wed. April 2nd, Toll roads will be in affect at freeway on ramps all along the valley!" He started playing clips from the news conference- from one of the Arizona Highways guys. Therefore, you must have exact change and if not, they will turn you around. My radio guy was so outraged and upset and all the callers were as well. Yes, it would take time to get the actual booths up, but they will have workers waiting to collect.

I myself was just in shock. How could this be?! And who in their right mind thought that this was actually a good idea. Granted there were a few things that just didnt sit well in my mind. The guy from Arizona Highways said "Commuters should plan an extra 3 hrs into their morning commute". I was like- are you serious? Then there is the 101 freeway, the 202 freeway and the 51. So they were saying that it would be $1.01, $2.02, and .$.51 as the toll price. It was just so weird! I couldnt believe that I was really hearing what I was hearing. I use these freeways on an everyday basis- many times a day. As I started adding it up in my mind- I was going to have to get another job!

The thing about it all was the way my "trusted" radio guy was reacting. He was just like "This is the most bizarre thing I have ever heard of." and "So if you happen to use the 202 you have to pay double what they pay on the 51?" I mean he was so convincing about his state of shock. He said all the right things, in the right ways that I found myself outraged when I got to work. I kept saying to myself, "This has got to be an April fools joke. But, why would a major radio station do that- on a stupid holiday?"
So as I walked into work, I called my roommate- "GUESS WHAT?!" I tell her the whole deal and then I was like- I might just have to move! Gas prices and now this! This is CRAZY! blah blah. We decide together that as much as we want it to be a joke, its probably real. Since it has been in the news for weeks---

I decided it just might be time to pack up and really move to Tahiti! :)

I forgot all about it until tonight when I got home. I checked the Internet to see just where the tolls would be and read "Popular radio station KTAR plays April fools joke about Toll roads." ! I got had!!! I totally fell for it! I cant believe it! Man- those radio people were so convincing.

I guess the scriptures were right- beware of false priests! And wolfs in lambs clothing! People really can be such good liars!

I still cant believe that I fell for it! I usually am pretty skeptical with things people tell me, but I really believed this one! I mean, I was planning my exodus from this state! :)

Okay KTAR- good one. I have to give you credit. That was a good joke! But tomorrow as you start reporting on how the stock market is doing, I have a feeling that there might be some hesitation on my part, on whether I believe you or not! :)

Poor Buddy

I sure do love my car, we've certainly become close during these past few years that we've been together. As most of you know, I always name my cars. I've had Chester Copperpot, Terrance Norman, and of course Jack. My recent car was harder to come up with just the right name however. Finally, I realized that each time I talked to my car, I called him Buddy. So it kinda stuck. In Utah, things with Buddy were fabulous. Besides the time when he got broken into and someone stole my lotion and sunglasses- its been pretty smooth sailing for him. That is until I made the decision to move to Arizona. As you can recall, I got a flat tire and in the process the hub cap flew off across the highway never to be heard from again. And since that time, I'm sure he has been so embarrassed because I still have yet to replace it. I mean- he must feel so naked! :)

However, the two of us have moved past that together. But these past weeks have been pretty rough on him! First problem. A few Sundays ago, I was peacefully driving down the freeway behind a very small pickup truck. When out of the blue a tiny, dare I say minuscule pebble, flew up from the truck and cracked my windshield! What?! How does that happen. Trying to not be annoyed since, well I was on my way to church,:) I just pushed it out of my mind. That is until I came out from church and the tiny cracked looked like this...

I know! I was just as shocked as you all are! My tiny little chip now looks like a seagull with spread wings! So so sad! I still have yet to call and get that fixed. Again I think that Buddy is very sad that I am failing in keeping him in ship shape condition.

Okay- then 2 days later I got into my car after work and noticed a black blob on my windshield directly to the left of the crack. Thinking that somehow a bird flew into the parking garage and chose my car to be his outhouse, I pushed on the water and wipers and was shocked when nothing happened except for smearing! I got out and tried to get it off. Oddly enough I used the same Safeway card that I used to scrape my windows when the frost appeared out of no where on my car a few months ago! Who knew how useful that card was going to be!

Anywho...I decided that it must have been tar from the ceiling above. But now I'm left with a cracked windshield and a nice blobsmear! I was thankful that I hadnt had my wind shied redone yet!

Then when I got home and got out of the car, I noticed that same tar on the hood of the car! What is it?! And what do I do with it?! There is a picture of it close up.

So yeah...Just when I thought my poor buddy had been through enough, Yet again this past Sunday- another incident occurred! Again, driving on the freeway, but coming HOME from church this time--And again, somehow behind a small pick up truck, I was minding my own business-singing, I'm sure, When I looked up and saw something flying out of his truck. It kind looked like the rubber from the sides of the truck got loose and came flying at Buddy- and well me!!! It looked like it was about 4 ft long and 5 inches across. Lucky it only hit the lower part of my car. But I was still a little worried. I got out when I got home and was shocked at what I saw! No- dont worry. There was no damage (at least from my "professional mechanic" point of view). But what I did see was a graveyard! The bottom of my car was covered in dead bugs!It was the worst I had ever seen it! And I had just gone through the car wash a few days earlier! EWWW!!!

Yep- Poor Poor Buddy. I really need to be a better owner huh! At least I remember to get his oil changed on time and we've never run out of gas! Those were things that my other cars had to go through, I guess these are just Buddy trials! :) hehe

So here is what I have learned- stay away from pickup trucks on the freeway- they are nothing but trouble. Secondly- look up when in a parking garage. You never know whats lurking above! and Thirdly- Apparently car washes do nothing when you drive the freeway each day!

I'm sorry Mr Buddy! Lets hope that better, less painful days are ahead! :)

Easter!

Easter was wonderful! The sun was shining and the skies were a beautiful shade of blue! We had a fun Easter egg hunt. The kids however, had to stay downstairs while the adults hid the eggs. But the question- how to keep the kids from spying?! Well, send Aunt Jill downstairs with them of course! Nothing like a big pillow fight to #1 Get out the kids energy and #2 Keep the kids occupied for a short amount of time. However, it was 9 vs 1- I held my own pretty well though. I think that I only got a few concussions and my hair was a static mess in the end! Here are some cute pictures of the fun!

That night it was time for some Easter egg dying. Well, we actually had these cute little paint kits. To me, they were much easier than actually dying them. The kids had fun too. They all did awesome. To comply with HIPPA the names are made up, but the stories are real!

J-Diddy was so proud of himself for writing his name on one. However, he had to leave the table many times because his hands were"so dirty"! I tried to explain that he should wait until he was all done and then he would only have to wash once. However, he's 5 and MUCH smarter than me- so whatever! :)

P-Diddy wasn't so lucky. One of his eggs gracefully rolled off the table and crashed to the ground. Then the other one some how miraculously broke in his hand! Both were quite funny instances. He was so sad that his precious eggs were cracked and smushed. I think he should win an Emmy for this picture. Can you not feel the heart ache?! So much for volleyball- lets get this kid into acting!

C-Diddy worked diligently on his eggs and had no problems whatsoever- except for a slight crack in one of them. I think he was impressed with his art work. I mean he even managed to draw heart on them. Remember that face- I think he could be a famous artist one day!

I even joined in the fun. I was pretty happy with how it turned out! Its been awhile since I've done the whole decorating thing, but it was fun to see what the ole creativity brain could do! :)

Even the dog got into the fun! I dont know why C-Diddy was so afraid of the picture being taken and J-Diddy had no idea we were taking it by the look on his face. P-Diddy was all smiles though. (This was BEFORE his eggs took the fall and the crunch!:)

Thanks boys! It was a great day!

I'm lovin it!

Recently I have realized that I really truly love my job and here are the top 10 reasons why (in the last couple weeks) that is:

10. Sweet nothings...
In the playroom I have a poster that says "If I could "leaf" the hospital, I'd go..." and then kids pick a paper leaf a write their wish on it. Some write "home" others "Toys R Us" etc. Last week when I walked in, I noticed one kid wrote "To play with my friend Jill". Oh how sweet!

9. Smart kids...
Kids always amaze me at how they teach me to teach other kids. I was doing medical play the other day with a school aged kid. Her doll needed an IV so we got out all the medical stuff. As we opened the needle, I explained that you pull apart the two pieces of paper and it will open it... "kinda like..." I stopped and the kid goes "STRING CHEESE!" Yep! That was a perfect explanation! Its now a part of my preparation that I use with other kids!

8. I get to play...
I walked into a teenagers room to see how he was doing. He engaged super well in conversation and we were talking about what he liked to do for fun. He mentioned PlayStation (which is one of my favorites as well). So, of course we started talking about guitar hero and he goes " Well, I brought it from home. Its over there. Do you want to play?" Umm... yeah! Was my first reaction, But I said no- I really shouldnt. However, he kinda egged me on... so whats a girl to do! I had to show him up! So we sat and played- but in the end, he totally kicked my trash! Oh well... it was worth it!

7. Anatomy lessons...
I was making a puppet with a 4 year old the other day. She started drawing the mouth and asked if we should put teeth in it. "what do you think?" I asked her. She started drawing the bottom row. I asked "should we put teeth on the top too, or just the bottom?" I really was just "making conversation" but the look on her face was priceless. It was almost as if she thought that I really didnt know about teeth. She says "On top too! Here look in my mouth (she opens wide) You see? (pointing at her teeth.)There are teeth on the top AND the bottom. Okay?!"Okay. Got it!

6.Self Esteem boost...
When I prepare children for surgery, part of my prep includes me putting on an OR hat and mask so that kids can familiarize themselves to what the DR's and nurses will look like in the OR. (One kid asked me why I put a lunch lady hat on! hehe). We talk about what they are for and so the kids can see that its the same person with or without the hat and mask. Well, I always try to make a joke of it and once it backfired on me. I put on all the gear and said to this 6 yr old girl. "Dont I look beautiful?"(Said, as I modeled it like Vanna White).Then I asked "Now, do I look better with or without it?!" And she replied "WITH!" I thought- maybe I should really try to look better when I go to work!

5. To kids, I am as funny as a stand up comedian...
I was spending time with a 2 yr old that needed a little extra TLC. She had some stickers and started putting them on my shirt. Again, trying to be funny, I put one over my mouth and attempted to talk to her. Of course it was just mumbling. By her reaction, you would have thought that I had told her the funniest joke in the world! The nurses down the hall heard her laughing! It even got me laughing that I started crying. She was laughing so hard that her face turned red! Then she took a big sigh (as if to catch her breath) and said "That funny!" And then, of course, we proceeded to do that for the next 10 minutes. Each time her laugh became more and more fake- but I will never forget that first time-- That was real as real could be! Hey! At least I know what my first line will be if I ever get into stand up!

4. Extra love...
Whenever I work with kids, one of my main focuses is to help the find out how to cope with their pain, worry, fear etc. We usually go through it before and then practice it. (I.e. take a deep breath, squeeze someones hand etc..) Well, One day I knew this 5 yr old was not so keen on taking medicine. So I went in and we talked about the "plan". She decided on her own something that I had never heard before. She told me that she wanted to sit on my lap, sip a little of the medicine, have a drink, and then kiss me on the cheek! I smiled and said- "Okay. If that works- its a deal." When the nurse came in with the meds, the little girl stayed sitting on her side of the bed. I was like "Hey! Whats our plan? How come youre sitting clear over there?!" I think she was surprised that I was actually going to do it! She ran over to me, jumped on my lap- and low and behold, it worked!!! See- at times, kids really do know what will help them best! And lucky me got a medicine kiss out of it!

3. Poop soup anyone?
I was walking down the hall, when I heard this little 2 yr old saying (and kinda singing) "poopers. poopers". I went in and noticed she was alone. I asked her if she needed her diaper changed and of course the answer was yes. I put some gloves on and undid the diaper. I will spare you the nasty details, but I really and truly thought "is this soup?" The way the diaper was, it was kindof like the bowl and it was FULL to the brim of liquid diarrhea! (Still, it makes me shutter to think about it). However, I just kept reminding myself how much I loved me job. Granted the big hug and her saying "tanks Jill" made it worth it. But- I think I can go through life without see that again!

2. Nicknames...
I have many of these in the hospital. However, each time I see this one 2 1/2 yr old, who spends a lot of time in the hospital, she gets so excited and then says "paydough?!" You see, we played with play dough awhile back and it has stuck in her mind. So now, no matter when it is, if she sees me- she yell it out. Now, her parents and some o f the nurses refer to me as "hey play dough- whats going on?!" I think she uses me for my play dough!

And last but certainly not least..

1.I am famous!
I worked with a little 5 yr old back in June when she came in with a dog bite to her face. We had a great time together. Her mom called me last week because they have to do some outpatient work (totally unrelated to the dog bite) and wanted to know if I, or the other child life specialist, would work with her daughter beforehand. "of course!" I replied, trying to fully remember who she was. Then her mom said, you know, she talks about you and Dominica ( the other child life specialist) all the time and she even named one of the scars on her face after you. One is named Jill and the other is Dominica!

See! As hard as I feel this job is at times- its moments like these that I realize that it really is a blast to work with kids! You never know what youre going to get!!! :)

The power of the mind

I find it interesting that you can be so sure of something and then have it turn around and be so different! Let me explain...

Rewind to when I moved to Mesa. From the first drip of Mesa water on my tongue I was not a fan. I decided that I would buy bottled water. But then that started adding up. So...I ended up using my roommates water pitchers that you filled up and then as it sat in the fridge, it filtered the water. Therefore, if anyone was visiting, and not wanting them to be subject to such horrible suffering, I always steered them away from the oh so evil tap water!

Now in my new house, we have had to live without the "wonderful" water pitcher filter. Lucky for us, we have the water/ice dispenser thingy in the fridge door. It has been my life savor and I have absolutely enjoyed every last sip of the delicious water that somehow magically comes out of our fridge door! (I'm still working on that one!) Even now, when people come over, I steer them clear of the tap and lead them directly to the fridge door.

Well last night, I grabbed a cup and went for the fridge for my nightly cup of water. As I pushed my cup into the fridge door, nothing happened. "Umm... wheres the water?!" I asked my roommates. We tried to figure out what was amiss with the water and we came up with nothing. "What am I supposed to do?! " I asked as my mouth felt more and more parched by the second! My roommate pointed and said "Jill- there is water over there!" And she pointed to... get this... the tap!!!

"WHAT?!" I said "That water is nasty!" She looked at me and then it all came out... "Jill... That water is the SAME water that comes out of the fridge!" and then she started laughing. "The fridge water isn't filtered?!" I asked. I had to pick my jaw up off the ground as I went to stare at the door. "Are you sure?!" and then my non-believing/skeptical side came out. "How do you know?!" I asked curiously. She said- "Well, first of all, it tastes the same! and Secondly- show me where the filter is or even where it says that it is filtered!" Wow- 2 very good points. So I ventured over to the tap and filled up my cup. As I put the glass against my lips and took a sip- I found that she was right!!! It tasted the same!

Oh the power of your mind. I had thought and convinced myself that the water tasted good from the fridge simply because it came from the fridge and not the tap! How silly is that!
I am still trying to comprehend it all- since for a year I had thought so differently-

Lesson here folks- Sometimes it REALLY is all in your mind! :)