Fish heads

Working in a playroom in a hospital has its ups and downs. Ups include- seeing the children get well and begin playing again, having a fun environment and music playing all day long (which could also go in the "down" category as well. Hearing the wheels on the bus all day long can really start getting on your nerves!)Down side- fish tank. Dont get me wrong. I love the fish. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I love how excited they get to see me in the morning. What I dont love is actually feeding them. Have you smelled fish food lately? EWW! I have to hold my breath and count to three. Not to mention when I slide the cover off the fish tank, an awful, pungent, stinky odor fills my nostrils. Lets just say, not the best way to start the morning. I do it, however, because I love how it makes the children so happy and excited.

That being said, one day I was sitting on a mat in front of the fish tank with a mom and her 2 year old son. We were pointing out the fish and talking to them as if they were in Finding Nemo. The mom pointing to something floating on the top of the water. "Whats that?!" She asked me. Looking at it, I was 100% positive that it was nothing but a piece of the fake seaweed in the water that had gotten loose and was floating on the top. I told her in a rather confident tone what I believed it to be. However, the mom was not convinced. "You know, some fish end up eating each other if they're not fed enough" she said as she got up on her knees for a closer examination. Those words did not bring happiness into my heart. Also I thought to myself--#1 please dont say that in front of your son and #2 please dont really be a dead fish.

Sure enough, she jumped back quickly and with all the confidence in the world told me that it was a dead fish that had been eaten and was still being eaten. I then examined it myself and sure enough it was a dead fish, but without the head! EWW!!! SICK SICK SICK!!! Those cannibals! It had been so disintigrated that it looked like seaweed!
I did the best I could to distract the kid so that the trauma of the hospital did not include the death of one of his fish friends. The mom then asked-"whos job is it to clean it up? Its not yours is it?!" Yes mam! It sure is. I dont know who else would do it. I got up, feeling like the song that is played on the drums right before an execution, was being played all around me. (I even think that I began singing it outload so as to have some comic relief!)I slowly slid the lid off right after a took a deep breath. However, in doing so the fish got extremely excited. To them, they were getting second breakfasts! They were jumping all around and swimming so out of control that the dead fish was moving all over the place and was basically impossible to get out. Then a brilliant idea popped into my head. (or at least at the time what I thought was a brillant idea.) I'll give them more food and then they'll be busy eating that, that they will leave us alone. Nope. Remember, when they get food they go crazy trying to scarf up each and every one of those tasty little circular bites of food- that they dont care that I am trying to scoop of their neighbor and flush it! Each time I went in with the net, a fish would run into it. Then some of them began taking little nips that the dead fish AGAIN! Goodness fishies! Give it a rest!!!

Soon after the food frenzy died down and I was able to fish it out! (hehe. PUN definitely intended!) I went to the toilet and flushed it away. As it was going down, I thought- maybe its tricking me and thinks that this will lead to ocean! Maybe he thinks that he is finally free. Then I remembered that it didnt have a head. I dont think it was a trick.

I now am super careful to feed the fish more food and more often so as to have less casualties!

Jill-isms

I once had a friend that would talk about the books that we are writing that are being recorded in heaven. These books contain our very most embarrassing moments. I know that I have thousands of them already written and many more to come. I know that one day when I get around to reading them, I will need an entire box of tissues because I will be laughing hysterically! I thought I would share a few of the moments this week that I am SURE made it into the book.

*I was talking to a girl a church about how her dog gets medicine for his arthritis. I commented on how at the pharmacy we filled prescriptions for dogs that included antidepressants and insulin. and then as a matter of fact, I said, "You know, dogs are people too!"

*I was talking to a co-worker in my office on Tuesday. I had to make some copies and wasnt sure if she would be there when I got back. We said goodbye and I left. A few minutes later, I returned and she was still there! I was so happy that I got a little confused with my words and shouted to her "I"M STILL HERE!!!" (Of course meaning to say, you're still here!)

*We were in our living room talking about funny things and I decided to smell a candle. At the moment that I was sniffing the luxurious pumpkin pie smell, someone made a comment and my friend's response was exactly what I would have said, had I not been in the process of sniffing. Excitingly, I said "I would have said that same thing had I not been sniffing the candle. I guess I can't use 2 senses at once!" (Apparently, speaking is one of the 5 senses! Who knew?)

*And lastly- this one takes the cake! Recently I went to San Diego with my family. I got super sunburned and spent many long nights uncomfortable as I couldn't lay on my back. The redness and burn has left (HALLELUJAH) however, the itching has begun. My back has itched for about 2 weeks straight now. The problem is that it is a super hard to reach place. My poor arm muscles are so sore from trying to stretch and reach the middle of my back. I can reach it, but it isnt a place where I have scratched very often. But now, its a constant every 5 minute motion and my arm is beginning to ache with even the slightest movement now! Well, this morning, they hurt so bad that as I was running out of my house to go work, I grabbed 3 Ibuprofen and guzzled them down. On my way to work, I was so tired. I could barely keep my eyes open. I thought to myself- "Why am I so tired?! I slept well last night." When I got to work I put my head on the steering wheel and actually feel asleep for about 10 min. I woke up, saw the time and freaked out because I was late! I jumped out and started fast walking. I then thought- I feel like I am drugged! because I couldnt walk straight. So I thought back to the IBU and then stopped in my tracks...It wasnt IBU it was Tylenol PM. I drugged myself!!! I took 3 Tylenol pm and then drove! No wonder I felt like I was going to pass out! I feel extremely blessed that I made it to work okay. I went into my office and saw that there wasn't anything too important happening on the floor so I made a call to my dad. He informed it would be in my system for 6-8 hrs! I started drinking a coke and put my head down for a few minutes. I wanted to crawl into one of the beds on the unit!!! I am still feeling the affects of it, so I hope this blog makes sense!
Lesson learned---Sleep aids go in their own special place!

Yea for friends!

My old roommate Katey came down to visit this weekend. Plus, my long time friend Nate has been here going to school for a little bit. So being the fun people that we are and being sunday we decided to get together and take a trip to the temple, walk around, and ofcourse---take pictures! Enjoy!


Here is my cute roommate Sarah! I know- We are gorgeous!




I love to see the temple!!!(Dont worry- I did sing it out loud!)


There was this beautiful tree with big green fruit. So of course it became a game of guess the fruit. What better way to guess it than to smell it!










(So I decided to put the strap from my camera on my head. and Yes, I know I look like a Lamanite. Perfect example that my brillant ideas are not so brillant after the thought!)


The verdict is in! We believe that they are limes!












I am thankful for great friends!!!

THANKS FOR VISITING!!!

Now all the rest of you need to come on down! Look how much fun we could have?!

Joanna Banana

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!



My dear sister takes the time on her blog to send out birthday greetings on each of our birthdays. Therefore, I thought it only right to return the favor and tell her just how much we love her!!!

Whenever I speak about Joanna to anyone, I never have anything bad to say about her. She truly is one of the greatest people that I know. There is an optimism and genuine love that comes from this girl. It's a rare thing to meet someone who can look at people and see only the good that is in them. Joanna never has bad things to say about people. She truly sees them in a Christ-like way and that is AMAZING!!!

She also has a remarkable talent with children. I would love to sit in her classroom and watch her teach. (I'm sure that that would freak her out so I have refrained) I'm sure that teaching small children is not easy, but you can see the love she has for each of them as she talks about them and tells us the funny things that happen all day!

Not just her school kids, but our nieces and nephews just love Aunt Joey!!! They love to sit by her at church, play games with her, and jump with her in leaves! Once, one of our nephews asked me, "I wish that Joey could visit us." (Too bad Utah and Arizona are so far away!) They just love you Jo and always want you around!

Joanna can make any stressful situation better. We have been on several trips together- which usually results- as you can imagine- in a BIG adventure. Once, we decided to go to Colorado. We were so proud of ourselves because up until we got to the city, it was smooth sailing. However,for some reason big cities are always under construction. And they do crazy things. Like randomly SHUTTING DOWN the freeway at night. Who does that?! Of course, I began to have an anxiety attack because we were forced to exit the freeway and get on another one that was sending us who knows where. Plus there was tons of traffic since everyone was doing the same! We were going 65 miles an hour down an unknown road worrying that we were now on our way to Canada. Thinking fast, I grabbed my phone and called my friend for new directions to her house. She asked me what street we were on, and I asked Joanna the same thing. Joanna looked at a sign and said causally "oh we're on Santa Fe drive!" and then proceeded to sing "Santa Fe" from Newsies at the top of her lungs. Here we were completely lost, panic filling the car, and she was singing! She made me laugh and the situation changed drastically!

Joanna is such a thoughtful person. Other people's needs always come before her own! Once she called me just to say Hi. It was a particularly bad day for me and she caught me in the middle of a cry session. I told her I was fine and not to worry. 10 minutes later, there was a knock on my apartment door and there she was. She dropped everything to be there for me and make sure that I was Okay. When I was about 12 I mentioned that I wanted to begin wearing makeup. The next day, there was mascara on my dresser that she had bought for me! Joanna would also randomly stop by with icecream for me just to wish me a good day! (That icecream would be very welcomed her in Arizona!)

Not just anyone will willingly lay on the side of a snow-packed road, with cars and semis driving by, to put chains on our tires so we could make it through the canyon! (I still can't believe that you didnt get run over!)

Joanna I just love you to pieces!!!

To my travel buddy, tent mate, and board game teammate--- I wish you the best birthday EVER!!!

No Freddy Krueger here!

For some reason this past Friday, when my alarm went off at 7,I decided that it really wasn't necessary. I turned it off, rolled over and peacefully fell back asleep. During my dream I think that something triggered my brain to start working again and I shot out of bed wondering what time it was. Yep. 7:45. Here's the problem. I leave at 8:15! Half hour to get ready?! It was pushing it so I ran around like a crazy woman! I knew right then and there that this Friday the 13th was out to get me! But was I ever wrong! It was one of the luckiest days that I have ever had! Let me elaborate a little.

Even though I woke up a little late, I somehow got into my car at 8:20! The drive to work was very peaceful with very little of the normal crazy Arizonian drivers all around me. I pulled into work at 8:54! Which was my normal time of arrival. "How can that be?" You may be asking yourself?! Well, I wondered the same thing. Luck.

Then to the parking garage. I started my drive up to possiby the 4th floor like usual. But right there before my eyes on the second level...A SPOT! Only one flight of stairs today! Luck.

As I began my walk in to the hospital, a light and strangely enough, cool breeze blew by right before I began the hot trek across the asphalt. Luck.

Into the hospital and toward those dreaded elevators. Lately these elevators have taken quite a long time to come when called for. (Another proof that they are ready to break down at any moment with helpless people trapped inside.) However, this day was different. I pushed the up arrow, and the door opened immediately! No waiting today! Luck.

Nothing dramatically lucky happened at work. However, by the end of the day there were only 3 children left on the unit. So I consider that lucky for those children and families who got to go home. Esp. one family that had been there for 2 weeks! Lucky day for them.

On my drive home, I was reflecting on how great the day was and pretty soon I noticed that I was lost in my thoughts, but the gas pedal was still being pushed by my foot. As I took the turn off the freeway, a little warning bell went off in my head. "There are cops on this road Jill. Remember the speed limit is only 45". I think my foot responded ever so slightly as my speed reduced to 60. (Still speeding- mind you.) Just as a tangent, I have a real problem with this stretch of road. There is NOTHING on the road. Just the dump. The terrain looks just like the freeway, so why am I forced to go 20 miles an hour slower? It really irks me- so therefore I think that I push it a little too close than I should! Anywho, back to the story- As I came over the top of a little hill, again the thought came to mind. "If I were a cop, I would hide at the bottom of this hill." So again I took my foot off the gas. However, no cops--so I thought--smooth sailing to my house. Nope. As I got closer I saw 2 not just 1, but 2 cop cars faced towards me ready to get me for speeding. There is nothing more frightening then seeing 2 black radar guns pointed out the window at you. (I take that back.I think 2 black real guns pointed out the window at you might be more frightening.)I think that I then defied science as my heart stopped beating, fell out of my body and onto the floor. After picking it up and getting it going again, I looked down and I was going 60. "Ahh!!" I screamed as I hit the break. Surely they caught me. I began saying out loud. "No! Please. I'm sorry! I wont do it again. Let me go." I guess they heard me because they stayed in place and I drove past them on my way. Still looking in my rear view waiting for them to flip around, yet they never did! Luck.

And last but not least... That night at the movie theater, the parking lot was packed. We drove around and at the last minute a person on the very front row was backing out! Luck.
Inside, we were the 2nd people in there and got the most perfect seating I have ever been in. Right behind the hand rail. Plenty of leg space, a place to put my feat, and no one in front of me! Luck.

I cant wait for the next Friday the 13th!


You can also say that "luck" can also be those little tender mercies sent from Heavenly Father to reassure us that He does care and is mindful of us, even in the smallest of situations! So thank you Heavenly Father!!!

Ouch!

Today I had to get my second MMR shot. When I started my job about a month ago, I didnt have the paper work that had that stamp of proof that I had my shots when I was younger. For some reason, my handwriting on a ripped out piece of notebook paper didnt cut it for them. So on the same day that I had to do that testing thing with the plastic container over my head, I also had to go to the lab where some blood was drawn just to see if I really was immune. Turns out- I'm not. I was shocked to say the least. Somehow one of the M's of the MMR didnt work. So this whole time, since 1994, I could have gotten then MUMPS! That could have been horrible! (and I thought the heat was bad!)

So I got my first round of vaccine right then and there and to be honest, I dont remember it.No pain, no soreness, nada. The lady told me to come back in a month. Well, once I walked out that office door, it never crossed my mind again. Until of course, I started getting daily phone calls about a week ago. Oops, but in my defense, work has been kind of crazy and I couldnt find a time to walk across the freakishly hot parking lot-- past the parking garage mind you-- to occupational health. Yes, I know, I could have gone BEFORE work, but those who know me, know thats almost laughable! :) and after work they are closed.

I decided- today was the day. I did everything I needed in the morning and mentioned to someone about where I was going and they had a novel idea...call the shuttle! Wow! Why have I never thought about that? No heat? No walking? I love inventions like this! So I called the shuttle and it came actually quite quickly. Was it a good idea? Yes. Downfalls? Only one. It takes forever! He had to drop everyone else off first. What could have been a 7 min walk, turned into a 15 min shuttle ride. Oh well, at least there was AC. The worse part was that even the driver commented on how silly it was that I didnt walk! That always feels good!

While I was in the nurses office I saw her pull out two needles. Now, I am around needles everyday and I prepare kids for needle pokes everyday, but THAT needle was going in MY arm and it looked really big and fat! So I thought to myself, "what do I tell the kids to do?" Umm- mind. blank. So nervous mode set in and I just started rambling and rambling. I have no idea what was coming out of my mouth, but it worked to take my mind off of it... up until the point of the actual stick of the needle and the only thing that filled my mind was "ah-aH-AH-OW!!! That stings!" and it did! But what came out of my mouth was- even more rambling and believe it or not, I think it was even faster! All nonsense, I'm sure, but apparently thats what my mind does in stressful situations! Good to know. My mind was also immediately filled the movie quote from Finding Nemo "Find a happy place. find a happy place". Granted, the stinging only lasted about 5 min, but MAN! I will be fine in life if I dont have to do that again! So next time needles come out around children, I'm just going to scream with them!

These are the days of my life

So, I thought it would be fun, to help you all feel connected to me,to give a little run down of what I do everyday! So here is a little snippet into my daily routine.

I leave for work about 8:20 or so (depending on the morning and how fast it flies by) and drive the 40 min to the hospital. I pull into our nice parking garage and begin my trek down usually 4 flights of stairs toward the hospital. Luckily, the side of the parking garage is shaded, so I can enjoy a brief moment outside. The best part of my day comes when I pass an open field of grass and I am greeted by cute little wild bunnies! Well, greeted isn't really the right word. They run away as soon as I come walking up, but thats not the point. I still stay hello and it makes my morning! There are about 4 of them and are about the size of my hand with cute little white puffy tails. Who knew that wild rabbits would be in Scottsdale! I sure didnt but I'm glad they are!

I then start the death walk across the black top parking lot. It is usually preceded by a deep breath and a prayer! As soon as I make it into the hospital and feel the air conditioning enter my body, I also feel my life coming back in. What a wonderful invention! I am thankful for it daily! Then up to the fourth floor on those dreaded elevators. I am still using them even after the scare they gave me, but sometimes lets face it- laziness/tiredness overcomes fear! I walk into the playroom and say hello to the fish who usually get so excited to see me. They swim like crazy all around the tank. Granted its a superficial love- because they know I'm going to feed them, but its a nice self-esteem boost first thing in the morning! :) I then pick music for the day for the playroom and head off to get report from the nurses.

Then I go visit kids for 8 hours! Each day is full of adventures with these kids and I love it!

Then at 5:30 I head off to my car which can only be described as one entering a furnace that has been turned on full force during the cold winter months. I feel like slow motion kicks in as I approach the outside and see the doors moving away from each other. The flood of heat waves come racing at me. Almost like, if you will, a tsunami hitting the mainland. Its almost takes your breath away as you leave those nice, comforting, cool doors of the hospital. Then I begin praying again for my feet to keeping moving at a fast pace to get me to my car. The walk back is about 100 times hotter then it was on the way in. Oddly enough however, my car in the parking garage, that has been there all day- mind you, is not hot! There must be some law of physics happening there that I dont fully grasp. Yes, I see that it has been in the shade and under a roof, but the walls are open! Is there some force field that keeps the heat away as soon as I scan my card and drive in? Can heat only affect things from above? I'm sure that there is a logical explination that my brothers and dad will post, but for now- I don't get it,but I'm thankful for it!
Then 40 minutes later I pull up to my abode, run to the door, unlock it as fast as I can, and stay inside!

There you have it folks- I hope that helped open your eyes into the the fun, exciting, and quite warm life that I lead!