Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
tender mercies ftw!!
Tithing can be hard to pay but oh the blessings it brings. I just need to learn to recognize the blessings. I know they're not always monetary but today I feel like this time around they are!
Exhibit A: Austin texted me saying he just got pulled over going 40 in a 25 and probably can't get out of this one. Sigh. I thought, well, at least we have graduation money. His thoughts exactly. But... a few minutes later, a glorious text: Got out of it! HOORAY! Tender mercy No. 1.
Exhibit B: My friend has wanted to buy my old drumset at home from high school (yes I used to play drums in a band. We were so cool. Playing in a shed after school and all. Hahah oh the glory days) and just messaged me saying he's sending the check for $200 this week sometime. AWESOME. I never play the set anymore and it just takes up space so holla to recycling your old goods!
So hooray for tithing and the Lord watching over us and His perfect timing. :)
Exhibit A: Austin texted me saying he just got pulled over going 40 in a 25 and probably can't get out of this one. Sigh. I thought, well, at least we have graduation money. His thoughts exactly. But... a few minutes later, a glorious text: Got out of it! HOORAY! Tender mercy No. 1.
Exhibit B: My friend has wanted to buy my old drumset at home from high school (yes I used to play drums in a band. We were so cool. Playing in a shed after school and all. Hahah oh the glory days) and just messaged me saying he's sending the check for $200 this week sometime. AWESOME. I never play the set anymore and it just takes up space so holla to recycling your old goods!
So hooray for tithing and the Lord watching over us and His perfect timing. :)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sometimes I get rather irritated at patients at work. Either they're rude or just rub me the wrong way, etc etc. And then it's hard to remember that they're in pain and might be having a bad day or whatever. I'm always nice, regardless. But I think I need to try harder to be more understanding and not just nice on the outside but nice on the inside.
Today I had a regular come in and she's this old little lady turning 75 this year and hooked up an oxygen tank and all that. Well I used to be absolutely frightened of her. She was ornery and would only let me draw from her hands and could just be sharp and well, a mean little old lady. Until the last time she came, I missed on one of her hands and she said "well now you owe me a hug."
Totally took me aback. This mean old lady wants... a hug????? And then I realized... she must be so lonely. And just want friendship. I mean, she has kids and grandkids... she can't be all that mean. She's just this way. So I was nicer to her then. And today when I saw her on the schedule, I was actually kind of happy. And definitely not scared.
So today I gave her two hugs just for good measure and we chatted the whole time and even though I missed twice she was super nice at the end and told me I was a good kid. Then the next patient told me I was a sweetheart. Gave me warm fuzzies!!
Another patient came in today and after chatting a bit I learned that she was from England and she and her mother were the only two Latter-Day Saints in their hometown! And that they moved to the States for the Church in the '40s, after WWII! How insane is that!! All this time I've been drawing blood from a real pioneer. If only I'd delved deeper into conversation with her before.
Therefore, I am going to make an effort to talk more with my patients and be kind even when they are mean or ornery because if I can make their day better maybe they won't be the same way to the next person they encounter.
And if you want to read nerdy phlebotomist talk, continue on.
The only reason (well hopefully, ha) I missed twice on that lady I mentioned is she only lets me draw from her hands and she doesn't let me put the tourniquet on very tight. Read: it's basically a bracelet because it's not doing any good that's how loose it is. But when she finally let me try her arm she had a GREAT vein. What the heck! But she said she has pain up there and that's why she only likes the hands. Sigh. Ok, lady. I'll keep a-going on your hands. Reminds me of my sister-in-law who for some reason has an aversion to getting drawn in her arms and prefers the hand. Weird to me because I think hands are way more painful! Oh well to each his/her own.
Today I had a regular come in and she's this old little lady turning 75 this year and hooked up an oxygen tank and all that. Well I used to be absolutely frightened of her. She was ornery and would only let me draw from her hands and could just be sharp and well, a mean little old lady. Until the last time she came, I missed on one of her hands and she said "well now you owe me a hug."
Totally took me aback. This mean old lady wants... a hug????? And then I realized... she must be so lonely. And just want friendship. I mean, she has kids and grandkids... she can't be all that mean. She's just this way. So I was nicer to her then. And today when I saw her on the schedule, I was actually kind of happy. And definitely not scared.
So today I gave her two hugs just for good measure and we chatted the whole time and even though I missed twice she was super nice at the end and told me I was a good kid. Then the next patient told me I was a sweetheart. Gave me warm fuzzies!!
Another patient came in today and after chatting a bit I learned that she was from England and she and her mother were the only two Latter-Day Saints in their hometown! And that they moved to the States for the Church in the '40s, after WWII! How insane is that!! All this time I've been drawing blood from a real pioneer. If only I'd delved deeper into conversation with her before.
Therefore, I am going to make an effort to talk more with my patients and be kind even when they are mean or ornery because if I can make their day better maybe they won't be the same way to the next person they encounter.
And if you want to read nerdy phlebotomist talk, continue on.
The only reason (well hopefully, ha) I missed twice on that lady I mentioned is she only lets me draw from her hands and she doesn't let me put the tourniquet on very tight. Read: it's basically a bracelet because it's not doing any good that's how loose it is. But when she finally let me try her arm she had a GREAT vein. What the heck! But she said she has pain up there and that's why she only likes the hands. Sigh. Ok, lady. I'll keep a-going on your hands. Reminds me of my sister-in-law who for some reason has an aversion to getting drawn in her arms and prefers the hand. Weird to me because I think hands are way more painful! Oh well to each his/her own.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
why you gotta be so mean
Welp I thought I'd only use the other blog but now I can't decide. Where do I post random thoughts and happenings of the day that do not involve Austin or married life? Conundrum.
Thanks to my good friend Rebecca I have a place to stay when I interview at Wake Forest! That cuts down costs so much. Yay! And they seem like super nice people. I'm trying right now to figure out plane tickets to Virginia for my third interview with Jefferson College (yay!). (They just called me on Monday. Was sooo happy) Virginia sucks because their airports are spotty and there are too many of them and I can't figure out which is the best way to go. Southwest is cheapest but only goes to Raleigh which is 3 hours away. Delta is more expensive but right in the city I need to be (Roanoke). What do I do?! Oh, and I can't wait till I'm 25 and renting a car isn't an extra $15 a day. Bleah.
Car insurance also sucks. And getting a cell phone plan. I'm just so afraid I'll get a call from a PA school and miss it if I change it now. This is not the best time to be changing names, etc, unfortunately...
I'm very irked today by my bosses who came to do my yearly evaluation (even though I won't get my raise till January... what??) and said I got a "low met" on attendance/clocking in business. What the heck! Apparently if I don't stick to my "schedule" which is 8-6, then it comes up to them as me not being in or out on time. Well I come at 8:15 because patients don't need to be drawn till then and sometimes I leave at 5:30, sometimes 6, sometimes 6:30, just depends on the day. You can't calculate these things! So I'm rather irritated that they want to "track my trends" so they can make a "more accurate schedule." That's so retarded. It doesn't even affect anything! Policies that have no point are RETARDED. GAH.
In other news, our apartment is finally looking good! I'll post pictures soon--no wait I won't. They'll be on the other blog. Ha! How confusing!!!
Signing off!
Jean Goff
haha what a funny rhyme
Thanks to my good friend Rebecca I have a place to stay when I interview at Wake Forest! That cuts down costs so much. Yay! And they seem like super nice people. I'm trying right now to figure out plane tickets to Virginia for my third interview with Jefferson College (yay!). (They just called me on Monday. Was sooo happy) Virginia sucks because their airports are spotty and there are too many of them and I can't figure out which is the best way to go. Southwest is cheapest but only goes to Raleigh which is 3 hours away. Delta is more expensive but right in the city I need to be (Roanoke). What do I do?! Oh, and I can't wait till I'm 25 and renting a car isn't an extra $15 a day. Bleah.
Car insurance also sucks. And getting a cell phone plan. I'm just so afraid I'll get a call from a PA school and miss it if I change it now. This is not the best time to be changing names, etc, unfortunately...
I'm very irked today by my bosses who came to do my yearly evaluation (even though I won't get my raise till January... what??) and said I got a "low met" on attendance/clocking in business. What the heck! Apparently if I don't stick to my "schedule" which is 8-6, then it comes up to them as me not being in or out on time. Well I come at 8:15 because patients don't need to be drawn till then and sometimes I leave at 5:30, sometimes 6, sometimes 6:30, just depends on the day. You can't calculate these things! So I'm rather irritated that they want to "track my trends" so they can make a "more accurate schedule." That's so retarded. It doesn't even affect anything! Policies that have no point are RETARDED. GAH.
In other news, our apartment is finally looking good! I'll post pictures soon--no wait I won't. They'll be on the other blog. Ha! How confusing!!!
Signing off!
Jean Goff
haha what a funny rhyme
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
domestic
Last night I made the most delicious zucchini-potato frittata. I used the cast-iron skillet that my friends got me and it was perfect. Needed some salt and pepper but it was perfectly moist and the vegetables were cooked through just right. I was pretty happy with how it turned out.
I tried to take cool pictures but only got one that turned out ok--I'll update later with it and the recipe.
I tried to take cool pictures but only got one that turned out ok--I'll update later with it and the recipe.
Monday, October 18, 2010
feeling sniffly
Hopin it's just allergies and that it will go away soon, preferably before Saturday because, you know, that's kind of an important date.
I keep going through bouts of excitement and nervousness.
Does anybody have good recipes that are quick, healthy, and made for two? It's a bit harder to find recipes online than I thought--many are so fatty or take so long or are way expensive to cook. It's hard because I get home at 6:30 and we're usually hungry then and don't want to wait another hour to eat. But I guess we'll just have to get used to it because there's really no way around that unless we eat out each night. HA! Fat chance. (Pun intended) Anyway, if you have any favorites, let me know!
I think I'm going to start a new blog in a week. You know, gotta follow that trend of having a married blog to show off your awesome married life to other people. Haha.
I'm not as sore this time around as Havasupai (we hiked the Grand Canyon this weekend! RIM TO RIM! 24 miles. Which is not as cool as the Goff men who hiked RIM TO RIM TO RIM aka 48 miles. But still pretty hardcore for me). I'll post pics and a whole post especially for that trip soon. :)
Hope you all had a splendid weekend!
I keep going through bouts of excitement and nervousness.
Does anybody have good recipes that are quick, healthy, and made for two? It's a bit harder to find recipes online than I thought--many are so fatty or take so long or are way expensive to cook. It's hard because I get home at 6:30 and we're usually hungry then and don't want to wait another hour to eat. But I guess we'll just have to get used to it because there's really no way around that unless we eat out each night. HA! Fat chance. (Pun intended) Anyway, if you have any favorites, let me know!
I think I'm going to start a new blog in a week. You know, gotta follow that trend of having a married blog to show off your awesome married life to other people. Haha.
I'm not as sore this time around as Havasupai (we hiked the Grand Canyon this weekend! RIM TO RIM! 24 miles. Which is not as cool as the Goff men who hiked RIM TO RIM TO RIM aka 48 miles. But still pretty hardcore for me). I'll post pics and a whole post especially for that trip soon. :)
Hope you all had a splendid weekend!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
there has been lots to think about and feel
I'm just going to write all the unrelated thoughts I've had in the past while.
Being married is going to be hard, I think. Ok not being married, being a wife. In the traditional sense. Yesterday was my first real day of being like that. I rushed during my lunch break to get groceries for dinner, had to surf for recipes to make, rushed home to hurry and make it before Austin got home, then we had to rush to look at some couches (of which we made a purchase!! and had a hassle getting a truck for transport but it all worked out in the end), then while Austin was studying I did the dishes, washed the couch pillow covers we just got, went shopping for his little brother's b-day gift and returned some things at Target, and dropped off a wedding invitation before heading home to clean the rest of the apartment. It was exhausting! No it wasn't exactly mind-stressing work but holy cow I just wanted to sit and relax and not be cooking or cleaning. I thought it would be so fun doing all that domestic stuff but after a day of playing house, I'm done with it. :)
I keep getting patients who are old women whose husbands have recently died. It hits me hard because it would kill me if Austin died right now. And yet these women have been married for so long and love their husbands so much more... it kills me.
We're heading to Arizona this week and I'll visit Austin's hometown Mesa for the first time! Crazy huh? I'm pretty stoked. Then we're doing the crazy run in the Grand Canyon. I'm just doing the 26 miler though. And no, you don't run the whole time, a ton of it is just hiking. But still. If the 20 miles at Havasupai killed me, I'm sure I will die this time too, haha. But it's going to be so fun!!!!!
We have acquired a couch as previously mentioned and a dining set off KSL, the most wonderful classifieds website in the world. I'm so excited, our apartment is finally looking like a home! Now for a bed and dresser... then an entertainment center... then a nightstand... well, I did purchase 2 lamps today, for only $10! A steal, right? Well, not if you somehow break one of them on the way back. Yeah, somehow the wire snapped in two and I can't find the other half, the part that plugs into the wall. BIZARRE huh?? I have no idea what happened b/c I'm pretty dang sure I didn't shut it in the door but even then, it wouldn't have snapped, it had to have been dragged by something.... I don't know. But I'm pretty bummed, I was so happy to have a matching set... but my coworker thinks I can just rewire it. Time for another home project! Oh we also have a coffee table that we are painting dark brown. Yay! So is black and brown finally an ok combination? Because that's what our dining set is. Doesn't seem fashionably-incorrect anymore. Hope it isn't!
It's weird because I feel like I shouldn't be busy what with less wedding stuff to prepare and such, but I still have absolutely jam-packed days and have to keep postponing things. You wouldn't think you could be this busy when you're not in school and just working, but boy you can be. It's hard b/c all my friends are uber busy too and it seems like we just don't have time for each other anymore. Hopefully things settle down after we get married and I can visit them more. Although they will still be uber busy so maybe it still won't happen. :(
I AM REALLY EXCITED FOR NEXT SATURDAY........!!!!!!!!! Less than two weeks! I can't believe it! I went to my last singles ward this week. Crazy huh!? I will now be in a couples or family ward for the rest of my life. Crazy crazy crazy. Can't even believe it. I am so so so excited but at the same time scared and also feel like it's just not going to happen. I can't anticipate how big a change this will be, because it is so big a change. Everything will be different. Forever. No temporary here. That is just so insane to me. I cannot comprehend it at all... hopefully it is all very good and once it happens I ease into it well. Let's cross our fingers for a good transition!! :) It'll be funny getting married over the weekend then coming right back to work on Monday. Ha!
I still need a dress for the luncheon. And a new purse. And swimsuit. But I got brown heels, finally! Mom you'll be so proud, I should send you pics they are SO cute. Kinda uncomfortable though... pain for beauty. Oh well. :)
I haven't taken pictures in so long. I want a new camera. I want to renew my love for photos.
Being married is going to be hard, I think. Ok not being married, being a wife. In the traditional sense. Yesterday was my first real day of being like that. I rushed during my lunch break to get groceries for dinner, had to surf for recipes to make, rushed home to hurry and make it before Austin got home, then we had to rush to look at some couches (of which we made a purchase!! and had a hassle getting a truck for transport but it all worked out in the end), then while Austin was studying I did the dishes, washed the couch pillow covers we just got, went shopping for his little brother's b-day gift and returned some things at Target, and dropped off a wedding invitation before heading home to clean the rest of the apartment. It was exhausting! No it wasn't exactly mind-stressing work but holy cow I just wanted to sit and relax and not be cooking or cleaning. I thought it would be so fun doing all that domestic stuff but after a day of playing house, I'm done with it. :)
I keep getting patients who are old women whose husbands have recently died. It hits me hard because it would kill me if Austin died right now. And yet these women have been married for so long and love their husbands so much more... it kills me.
We're heading to Arizona this week and I'll visit Austin's hometown Mesa for the first time! Crazy huh? I'm pretty stoked. Then we're doing the crazy run in the Grand Canyon. I'm just doing the 26 miler though. And no, you don't run the whole time, a ton of it is just hiking. But still. If the 20 miles at Havasupai killed me, I'm sure I will die this time too, haha. But it's going to be so fun!!!!!
We have acquired a couch as previously mentioned and a dining set off KSL, the most wonderful classifieds website in the world. I'm so excited, our apartment is finally looking like a home! Now for a bed and dresser... then an entertainment center... then a nightstand... well, I did purchase 2 lamps today, for only $10! A steal, right? Well, not if you somehow break one of them on the way back. Yeah, somehow the wire snapped in two and I can't find the other half, the part that plugs into the wall. BIZARRE huh?? I have no idea what happened b/c I'm pretty dang sure I didn't shut it in the door but even then, it wouldn't have snapped, it had to have been dragged by something.... I don't know. But I'm pretty bummed, I was so happy to have a matching set... but my coworker thinks I can just rewire it. Time for another home project! Oh we also have a coffee table that we are painting dark brown. Yay! So is black and brown finally an ok combination? Because that's what our dining set is. Doesn't seem fashionably-incorrect anymore. Hope it isn't!
It's weird because I feel like I shouldn't be busy what with less wedding stuff to prepare and such, but I still have absolutely jam-packed days and have to keep postponing things. You wouldn't think you could be this busy when you're not in school and just working, but boy you can be. It's hard b/c all my friends are uber busy too and it seems like we just don't have time for each other anymore. Hopefully things settle down after we get married and I can visit them more. Although they will still be uber busy so maybe it still won't happen. :(
I AM REALLY EXCITED FOR NEXT SATURDAY........!!!!!!!!! Less than two weeks! I can't believe it! I went to my last singles ward this week. Crazy huh!? I will now be in a couples or family ward for the rest of my life. Crazy crazy crazy. Can't even believe it. I am so so so excited but at the same time scared and also feel like it's just not going to happen. I can't anticipate how big a change this will be, because it is so big a change. Everything will be different. Forever. No temporary here. That is just so insane to me. I cannot comprehend it at all... hopefully it is all very good and once it happens I ease into it well. Let's cross our fingers for a good transition!! :) It'll be funny getting married over the weekend then coming right back to work on Monday. Ha!
I still need a dress for the luncheon. And a new purse. And swimsuit. But I got brown heels, finally! Mom you'll be so proud, I should send you pics they are SO cute. Kinda uncomfortable though... pain for beauty. Oh well. :)
I haven't taken pictures in so long. I want a new camera. I want to renew my love for photos.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
hm
After some life evaluation, I have decided that I'm not doing so hot.
Therefore I will be immersing myself in all things good and hoping to come out a better person.
Even though the main mantra is "Love God, Love Others" it gets complicated when you factor in temple attendance, scripture, reading, being chaste, among other things. All those things show love to God but are more difficult to do, it seems, than to "simply" love Him.
Only a bit over two weeks until the wedding and we still haven't sent out a few announcements. I feel kind of not on top of things but the first month of planning was so crazy that now I feel lazy. (Rhyme!) We just, well I just, moved into our new apartment and it's the only time in my life I will be habitating a place solo. It's been fine so far though, as long as I force myself not to think scary thoughts or wonder what those noises are at night. I wish we had furniture. You'd think having just a full-time job would leave you lots of free time but alas, it is not so. I still have not had time to even get a shower rod for the bathroom, let alone a mattress, dresser, etc. And there seems to be a million things going on all the time. I just want to relax. Oh well, two more weeks, right? Well, sorta. Because then I have two interviews I have to fly to two weeks in a row and our open house in Utah and Austin's brother's wedding. Whew! Then our honeymoon! But I should be happy, I am blessed to be marrying such a wonderful man and to have such wonderful family supporting me.
I want to be perfect! Why can't I just be perfect??
Therefore I will be immersing myself in all things good and hoping to come out a better person.
Even though the main mantra is "Love God, Love Others" it gets complicated when you factor in temple attendance, scripture, reading, being chaste, among other things. All those things show love to God but are more difficult to do, it seems, than to "simply" love Him.
Only a bit over two weeks until the wedding and we still haven't sent out a few announcements. I feel kind of not on top of things but the first month of planning was so crazy that now I feel lazy. (Rhyme!) We just, well I just, moved into our new apartment and it's the only time in my life I will be habitating a place solo. It's been fine so far though, as long as I force myself not to think scary thoughts or wonder what those noises are at night. I wish we had furniture. You'd think having just a full-time job would leave you lots of free time but alas, it is not so. I still have not had time to even get a shower rod for the bathroom, let alone a mattress, dresser, etc. And there seems to be a million things going on all the time. I just want to relax. Oh well, two more weeks, right? Well, sorta. Because then I have two interviews I have to fly to two weeks in a row and our open house in Utah and Austin's brother's wedding. Whew! Then our honeymoon! But I should be happy, I am blessed to be marrying such a wonderful man and to have such wonderful family supporting me.
I want to be perfect! Why can't I just be perfect??
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
in the sun
Whoa tons has happened. Have not updated in FOREVER.
Flowers: check.
Austin's suit: check.
Ties: check.
Cake: check.
Reception decor ideas: check.
Dress: check.
Bridals: check.
Ring: sorta check. Came wayyy too big so unfortunately we have to return. Boo.
Invitations: mostly check. Unless you live in Utah. We decided to have a Utah open house after all! But the date is still TBA so we're going to wait so we can put in a little insert. Sorry it will be so late!
Bridals were SO FUN. Becky is AWESOME and did my hair and makeup let alone photography! LOVED how she did everything. Also, we got some shots with MOOSE in the background which was scary as HECK. They were freaking charging at us, so it seemed, but really they were just romping around together, if you get my drift... but I just kept thinking about how moose are more dangerous than bears and that I was wearing a bright white wedding dress that was practically screaming COME CHARGE AT ME. We backed slowly away and were safe... but it was scary as heck and I was ticked b/c the spot we were in was awesome. Oh well. We got some good shots elsewhere. (Like the ranch! haha)
I also went shopping with Sheryl, my future mother-in-law, and she was AMAZING and got me all my temple clothes! I never have to rent! I can go whenever I want! It was so nice of her. Then we went to Dillard's to look at bedding b/c she said a ton of stuff was on clearance so we went crazy putting together some chocolate brown and taupe bedding and she got all that for us too!! Talk about amazing! I have a bed! And temple clothes! All in one day! Also, I was meandering at Seagull book while waiting for her to come to the store and won books from some promotion they were doing! It was a good day.
Lauren and I have been running together which is awesome and bad. Awesome because I'm LOVING having a running buddy but bad b/c now I've been so spoiled, I don't ever want to run solo anymore. Which means I pretty much only run once or twice a week, haha. But they're long runs (we're at 8 miles right now) so it's ok, I think. But I better start the "look good naked" workout... hahaha.
I'm pretty sure more things have been going on but I can't remember...
Flowers: check.
Austin's suit: check.
Ties: check.
Cake: check.
Reception decor ideas: check.
Dress: check.
Bridals: check.
Ring: sorta check. Came wayyy too big so unfortunately we have to return. Boo.
Invitations: mostly check. Unless you live in Utah. We decided to have a Utah open house after all! But the date is still TBA so we're going to wait so we can put in a little insert. Sorry it will be so late!
Bridals were SO FUN. Becky is AWESOME and did my hair and makeup let alone photography! LOVED how she did everything. Also, we got some shots with MOOSE in the background which was scary as HECK. They were freaking charging at us, so it seemed, but really they were just romping around together, if you get my drift... but I just kept thinking about how moose are more dangerous than bears and that I was wearing a bright white wedding dress that was practically screaming COME CHARGE AT ME. We backed slowly away and were safe... but it was scary as heck and I was ticked b/c the spot we were in was awesome. Oh well. We got some good shots elsewhere. (Like the ranch! haha)
I also went shopping with Sheryl, my future mother-in-law, and she was AMAZING and got me all my temple clothes! I never have to rent! I can go whenever I want! It was so nice of her. Then we went to Dillard's to look at bedding b/c she said a ton of stuff was on clearance so we went crazy putting together some chocolate brown and taupe bedding and she got all that for us too!! Talk about amazing! I have a bed! And temple clothes! All in one day! Also, I was meandering at Seagull book while waiting for her to come to the store and won books from some promotion they were doing! It was a good day.
Lauren and I have been running together which is awesome and bad. Awesome because I'm LOVING having a running buddy but bad b/c now I've been so spoiled, I don't ever want to run solo anymore. Which means I pretty much only run once or twice a week, haha. But they're long runs (we're at 8 miles right now) so it's ok, I think. But I better start the "look good naked" workout... hahaha.
I'm pretty sure more things have been going on but I can't remember...
Monday, September 6, 2010
Havasupai
Just went on a brutally quick but super awesomely fun trip with the Goffs'. We left at 3pm on Friday afternoon, drove to Arizona, to the Grand Canyon, got in at midnight, slept outside on tarps (the stars were AMAZING), got up at 5am and hiked 8 miles into Havasupai, this amazing canyon with tons of waterfalls and gorgeous scenery on the Indian reservation of the Grand Canyon.
It was soooooooooo fun!!! First of all, all of Austin's uncles on the Goff side are suuuper hilarious and really nice and just fun to be around. Second of all, it was gorgeous there, even though supposedly it's been washed out and made less beautiful by huge floods of recent years. Thirdly, waterfalls are SO COOL and SO FUN to play in! The cold water was perfect in the hot desert sun and I've never been behind a waterfall before! It was scary getting in, the mist sprays so heavily that you breathe in water making it feel like a drowning sensation but it was still so cool! And we went cliff jumping off this 25-30 ft waterfall which scary as HECK but so fun! I have a nasty bruise on my thigh from it but it was worth it for sure. We also went into an abandoned mine, going down all the shafts and such which was also way super fun. Chief and Logan got lost from us for a good chunk of the day, but they were still good sports about it. We climbed up a little waterfall, played on a rope swing, man it was just so fun!! One of my favorite trips this year for sure.
Ha that even includes the brutal hike back up. It felt way longer than it felt coming in that's for sure. And going up those switchbacks... I went slowly, moseying on up, but made it, haha. That felt good. We hiked over 25 miles that day. Most I've ever hiked in one day before. I am so sore I can't walk without looking really really.... odd, to say the least. I don't know how long it'll take for my legs to recuperate but it was totally worth it. I loved it!!
this is where we jumped off!! it looks so scary from top but from the bottom not so badTuesday, August 31, 2010
I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it!
Just thinking about my love at work. Here's the past year of our life in pictures!
August
This was our first "date." I invited him up to SLC to a Cervical Cancer Awareness Awards Dinner which ended up being about ten people, all women, and me and Austin. He was such a good sport. :) It only counts as a date because he bought us cheese fries afterwards. Haha.
Austin took me outdoor climbing for the first time! It was suuuuuper fun. No that is not sarcastic. It was also our birthday month!
We went Halloween dance-hopping then watched a scary movie at my apt. I was a cowgirl and he was a fat bloated constipated man. I saw him bump and grind for the first time and the last time (at least for the next 2 years).
August
This was our first "date." I invited him up to SLC to a Cervical Cancer Awareness Awards Dinner which ended up being about ten people, all women, and me and Austin. He was such a good sport. :) It only counts as a date because he bought us cheese fries afterwards. Haha.September
Austin took me outdoor climbing for the first time! It was suuuuuper fun. No that is not sarcastic. It was also our birthday month!October
We went Halloween dance-hopping then watched a scary movie at my apt. I was a cowgirl and he was a fat bloated constipated man. I saw him bump and grind for the first time and the last time (at least for the next 2 years).November
No pictures of us together! How odd. But we were definitely together every single day except when he left for AZ over Thanksgiving. But he helped me a ton with my texting awareness campaign, shown here.
No pictures of us together! How odd. But we were definitely together every single day except when he left for AZ over Thanksgiving. But he helped me a ton with my texting awareness campaign, shown here.December
Uncle Mike! Austin's bff Sam's uncle is Michael McLean, of the Forgotten Carols. He scored us tickets to the show and we got to meet him afterwards!
Uncle Mike! Austin's bff Sam's uncle is Michael McLean, of the Forgotten Carols. He scored us tickets to the show and we got to meet him afterwards!January
Ooo, a good month! Hard to pick. This is from my first overnight camping trip with him to Snow Canyon down south. My favorite climbing trip with him so far. :)
Ooo, a good month! Hard to pick. This is from my first overnight camping trip with him to Snow Canyon down south. My favorite climbing trip with him so far. :)February
He's good at being romantic when it comes down to it. One of our Valentine's Day activities was ice skating in the snowfall. Very romantic, haha.
He's good at being romantic when it comes down to it. One of our Valentine's Day activities was ice skating in the snowfall. Very romantic, haha.March
Another packed month! We flew home to Seattle to meet my parents for the first time. Tons of fun!
Another packed month! We flew home to Seattle to meet my parents for the first time. Tons of fun!April
I graduated!!!!!! Austin met my Aunt and Uncle and my parents for the second time. He also had very long hair.
May
I ran my first half-marathon! After being a good motivator through four months of training, Austin helped me through this crazy weathered race.
June
One of the coolest things about dating a Utahn native is that they know all the secrets of the place. Aka I got to do such cool things!! (Don't worry, I love him for better reasons than that!) One of these cool things is Mona, the waterhole pond place that you rope swing into! He was awesome and took me and my friends that were visiting that weekend there. So fun!!! (note: the boy in the picture is Austin's friend, not him. Or me.)
July
We headed to the Uintas, the beautiful yet mosquito-ridden land for climbing and camping and fishing. Look at him go!
August
At long last... we are engaged. A wonderful proposal from a wonderful guy, I can't wait for October 23!!
I graduated!!!!!! Austin met my Aunt and Uncle and my parents for the second time. He also had very long hair.
I ran my first half-marathon! After being a good motivator through four months of training, Austin helped me through this crazy weathered race. 
One of the coolest things about dating a Utahn native is that they know all the secrets of the place. Aka I got to do such cool things!! (Don't worry, I love him for better reasons than that!) One of these cool things is Mona, the waterhole pond place that you rope swing into! He was awesome and took me and my friends that were visiting that weekend there. So fun!!! (note: the boy in the picture is Austin's friend, not him. Or me.)
We headed to the Uintas, the beautiful yet mosquito-ridden land for climbing and camping and fishing. Look at him go!
At long last... we are engaged. A wonderful proposal from a wonderful guy, I can't wait for October 23!!
I just had the strangest experience
This old woman, over 80 years old, just came in to get her blood drawn. She is the sweetest old lady, so nice and happy regardless of her painfully arthritic hands and inability to lift her arms up on the chair to get her blood drawn. So I had her lay it on her lap and drew her from down there. The son, still old enough to be my grandpa, was so incredibly grateful to me for getting her the first time and for being so careful with her. He just emanated gratitude from his face! Now the strange part, is it almost made me tear up!
I think it is because he was so grateful which made me think 1) he really loves his mother, also evidenced by his taking her to her doctor's visit and 2) his mother must have gone through lots of painful procedures in her life. Both of which made me tear up, almost.
There are so many people in so much pain in this world! I see so many every day just through patients. Some are cranky about it but some are so kind and wonderful and happy regardless of their many problems. I hope I can be that way too!
I think it is because he was so grateful which made me think 1) he really loves his mother, also evidenced by his taking her to her doctor's visit and 2) his mother must have gone through lots of painful procedures in her life. Both of which made me tear up, almost.
There are so many people in so much pain in this world! I see so many every day just through patients. Some are cranky about it but some are so kind and wonderful and happy regardless of their many problems. I hope I can be that way too!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
the times, they are a-changin'
Holy busy busy busy. Holy change change change. Holy holy holy.
There are so many big events coming up, and therefore tons of things to do to prepare for them!
So far for the wedding I've got the venue booked, colors picked, plane tickets purchased, a guest list started, a music playlist started, photo slideshow started. What do I need done? My word. Pick a photographer, pick invitations, gift registry, doctor's visit/birth control, book the temple, HOUSING, cake, flowers, dress, bridesmaid dresses, wedding band, oh, and all the things I've started yet not finished.
Time is ticking away...
Also, I just got my first PA school interview!!! With Wake Forest in North Carolina. I just purchased my tickets right now and I'll be there Nov 14-16, right after Austin's brother's wedding. Let me tell ya, the weeks forthcoming are absolutely insane. I'm flying to Seattle in about a month, then running a half-marathon with the Goffs, then running like 15 miles in the Grand Canyon with the Goffs, then we're getting married, then Tanner's getting married, then the Wake Forest interview, then potentially a U of U interview, during which I have to take a basic anatomy, physiology, and medical knowledge test. Oh and they don't provide a study guide.
It's kind of crazy all of the things that are piling up. This is going to be the busiest fall ever. I can't wait until our honeymoon (planned for Thanksgiving break) when I can just relax and breathe. Everything will be done by then. Well, unless I get interviews with any other schools. Which would be awesome! But just expensive and stressful at the same time. But I guess all good things can't be entirely good.
I'm getting married!!! I'm flying around the country for interviews!!! Is this what growing up is like???
There are so many big events coming up, and therefore tons of things to do to prepare for them!
So far for the wedding I've got the venue booked, colors picked, plane tickets purchased, a guest list started, a music playlist started, photo slideshow started. What do I need done? My word. Pick a photographer, pick invitations, gift registry, doctor's visit/birth control, book the temple, HOUSING, cake, flowers, dress, bridesmaid dresses, wedding band, oh, and all the things I've started yet not finished.
Time is ticking away...
Also, I just got my first PA school interview!!! With Wake Forest in North Carolina. I just purchased my tickets right now and I'll be there Nov 14-16, right after Austin's brother's wedding. Let me tell ya, the weeks forthcoming are absolutely insane. I'm flying to Seattle in about a month, then running a half-marathon with the Goffs, then running like 15 miles in the Grand Canyon with the Goffs, then we're getting married, then Tanner's getting married, then the Wake Forest interview, then potentially a U of U interview, during which I have to take a basic anatomy, physiology, and medical knowledge test. Oh and they don't provide a study guide.
It's kind of crazy all of the things that are piling up. This is going to be the busiest fall ever. I can't wait until our honeymoon (planned for Thanksgiving break) when I can just relax and breathe. Everything will be done by then. Well, unless I get interviews with any other schools. Which would be awesome! But just expensive and stressful at the same time. But I guess all good things can't be entirely good.
I'm getting married!!! I'm flying around the country for interviews!!! Is this what growing up is like???
Sunday, August 22, 2010
We're engaged!!
Austin proposed to me last Thursday and we are engaged!!!!!!
We had picked out a ring the week before and he picked it up on Tuesday but said he wasn't ready and probably wouldn't propose for a few weeks so I was just DYING because I wanted to see the ring and of course be engaged so it was hard... but then, the little trickster, he takes me to his new apt to drop off a TV and we walk inside to see the kitchen table covered in pictures of us, music playing, it's set for dinner, so I start freaking out. I just kept thinking OMGOSH IT'S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW RIGHT NOW RIGHT NOW!!! And then he starts reading me the following sonnet by Pablo Neruda and featured in Patch Adams:
I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way
because I don't know any other way of loving
but this, in which there is no I nor you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep
it is your eyes that close.
So I started crying because it is just so beautiful... and he leads me over to where the ring was... and asked me to marry him. :):):)
Oh it was so wonderful. I was giddy all that day and the next, couldn't stop smiling, etc... :) It's so fun! Anyway, the date is October 23 which is coming up way fast I know, but no other dates worked out (his brother is getting married in Nov and his other brother has finals for law school in Dec). So we already took some of our engagements last night with my WONDERFUL photographer BFF Becky Leung, and this picture is one that she worked on because she couldn't wait. :) We'll get them back in a few weeks. I'm so excited!
Things are a whirlwind but I am so happy! Yayyyy everything is so great!! <3
Monday, August 16, 2010
first August post on the 16th??
It's not like I haven't had things going on, but just nothing for posting. It's been a crazy few weeks (hahahha I just typed "phew") But I guess I can write about this weekend!
Saturday was Austin's and my one year anniversary of dating. :) So after I dropped Caroline off at the airport, spending a sweaty two hours in my little non-air conditioned car, Austin picked me up and we did some shopping then made bacon wrapped jalapeno peppers for dinner. We ate while watching Pure Country, a movie starring George Strait, one of my new favorite country singers, then headed out to a surprise destination! I'm so glad it warmed up that night, because we went to a pond by his work to feed the ducks!! May sound silly to you, but it was a lovely gesture seeing as he absolutely has refused to ever feed the ducks (or the birds) with me. So I was happy as a clam of course. :) Ooo we also saw this crazy snake looking thing in the water, it was so fast! And eating the bread too, but it was so dark we couldn't see what it was... kinda creepy. I want to go back in the daytime to see what it is.
Then we did this thing that he had actually planned for Valentine's Day (exactly 6 months earlier) but we never got around to doing. He brought a jar and we wrote down three things then put them in and read them. 1. One thing you love about the other person. 2. Where you want to be in 15 years. 3. A favorite memory with the other person. (I feel okay writing this here b/c none of his friends read this so he can't get ridiculed for the romanticness) How adorable is that?! To top off the night we went to his new apartment and made brownies and had them with ice cream. All in all, a wonderful day and night!
Other news: I'm leaving Heather Cove Condos finally this week, after a lovely long year living in them. I'm moving in with my friend Jamie, her family lives in Orem and they're letting me rent out the basement bedroom (which apparently is HUGE! the size of my kitchen and living room put together. holy holy) and eat there, etc, so I'm way stoked! It's also literally 2 minutes from my work so that'll be awesome. And I think that's all to report!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
need bachelorette party ideas?
There's something cool about throwing a party solely for someone else.
Today I threw Caroline's bachelorette party, first one ever for me. I've been planning for a few months now and Jamie helped out and it really turned out to be a great success. Something I realized was how awesome it felt, to throw such a good party and have Caroline so happy. She kept saying it was absolutely perfect. And others mentioned that too. I think it felt so good because it was for someone else, not me. Sometimes when I've had parties in the past, I've gotten super cranky because people would just come and have a good time but not even notice all the hard work I put into it or try to talk to me or hang out at all. I always hated it. But this time all the focus was on Caroline and the point was for HER to have a good party so everything was for her. And I loved it so much more!! It was more fun and just felt good to focus on someone else. I don't know if I'm making any sense here but it was a realization for me so I thought I'd write about it.
Here are pictures from the party--if you're scarred from the shadyness, I apologize... :)
I had to make a trip out to Dirty Jo Punster's for these candies...
Lovely penis cookies complete with coconut hair...
Each guest had to put on a tattoo--do you like ours?
The beautiful bride-to-be with tattoos and a lovely sign
Today I threw Caroline's bachelorette party, first one ever for me. I've been planning for a few months now and Jamie helped out and it really turned out to be a great success. Something I realized was how awesome it felt, to throw such a good party and have Caroline so happy. She kept saying it was absolutely perfect. And others mentioned that too. I think it felt so good because it was for someone else, not me. Sometimes when I've had parties in the past, I've gotten super cranky because people would just come and have a good time but not even notice all the hard work I put into it or try to talk to me or hang out at all. I always hated it. But this time all the focus was on Caroline and the point was for HER to have a good party so everything was for her. And I loved it so much more!! It was more fun and just felt good to focus on someone else. I don't know if I'm making any sense here but it was a realization for me so I thought I'd write about it.
Here are pictures from the party--if you're scarred from the shadyness, I apologize... :)
I had to make a trip out to Dirty Jo Punster's for these candies...
Lovely penis cookies complete with coconut hair...
Each guest had to put on a tattoo--do you like ours?
The beautiful bride-to-be with tattoos and a lovely signproducts of a lazy work day
It is 2:35pm and I have drawn blood from 2 patients.
To utilize my time effectively I have been producing an assortment of arts and crafts. Exhibit A-C: birthday cards. What do you think?
Exhibit D: A "Scripture Calling Card." A girl in my ward is getting baptized this Saturday and I wanted to get her something to help her in this whole gospel goodness. This is something similar to what I received in Young Women's at one point in time, something I used and really loved. It has all sorts of emotions that warrant scripture help, and you can stick it in your scriptures for convenient use.
I'm planning on doing the other side in Korean.
Here are the scriptures if you fancy looking some up for yourself:
When you feel discouraged, "call" John 16:33--D&C 11:12-14
When you feel angry, "call" Proverbs 15:1 & Proverbs 16:32
When you are going through trials, "call" Isaiah 40:29-31--Alma 36:3--Philippians 4:13
When you feel abandoned, "call" D&C 101:16--Romans 8:35-39
When you feel scared, "call" 1 Nephi 4:1-3--Psalms 27:1--D&C 6:33-37--John 14:18, 27
When you feel selfish, "call" Mosiah 2:17-18
When you feel impatient, "call" Mosiah 3:19--Alma 26:27-28
When you feel like you're losing faith, "call" 1 Nephi 1:20--Ether 12:6--Moroni 7:19, 40-48
When you need to repent, "call" Alma 36: 17-21
When you need perspective, "call" D&C 30: 1-2
When you need charity, "call" Isaiah 41:6--1 Corinthians 13
When you feel tempted, "call" 1 Corinthians 10:13
Well, nothing more to report other than a slightly depressing phone call. Only 3 hours of work left.
To utilize my time effectively I have been producing an assortment of arts and crafts. Exhibit A-C: birthday cards. What do you think?
Exhibit D: A "Scripture Calling Card." A girl in my ward is getting baptized this Saturday and I wanted to get her something to help her in this whole gospel goodness. This is something similar to what I received in Young Women's at one point in time, something I used and really loved. It has all sorts of emotions that warrant scripture help, and you can stick it in your scriptures for convenient use.
I'm planning on doing the other side in Korean.Here are the scriptures if you fancy looking some up for yourself:
When you feel discouraged, "call" John 16:33--D&C 11:12-14
When you feel angry, "call" Proverbs 15:1 & Proverbs 16:32
When you are going through trials, "call" Isaiah 40:29-31--Alma 36:3--Philippians 4:13
When you feel abandoned, "call" D&C 101:16--Romans 8:35-39
When you feel scared, "call" 1 Nephi 4:1-3--Psalms 27:1--D&C 6:33-37--John 14:18, 27
When you feel selfish, "call" Mosiah 2:17-18
When you feel impatient, "call" Mosiah 3:19--Alma 26:27-28
When you feel like you're losing faith, "call" 1 Nephi 1:20--Ether 12:6--Moroni 7:19, 40-48
When you need to repent, "call" Alma 36: 17-21
When you need perspective, "call" D&C 30: 1-2
When you need charity, "call" Isaiah 41:6--1 Corinthians 13
When you feel tempted, "call" 1 Corinthians 10:13
Well, nothing more to report other than a slightly depressing phone call. Only 3 hours of work left.
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