I was called to be a primary worker at church today. I will be a teacher for the 4-5 year old class and I couldn't be more excited. I have talked to my team teacher, Heidi, a couple of times and she is just one of the sweetest women I have had the pleasure of meeting...ever! I am so excited!
Last Sunday, JD was called to be the assistant ward clerk over finance. He was so excited to FINALLY have a calling in our ward after living here for nearly 8 months. I am so glad he is going to have an opportunity to get to know more men in the ward. He is so willing to help and serve where needed. Oh how I adore this man!
Last night as we were getting ready to run out the door to see "Charlie St Cloud" at the cheap theater. (AWESOME movie by the way) our home teacher and his wife stopped by with a plate of cookies. As we were getting into the care we were discussing inviting them over for dinner. We hadn't made it to the stop sign by our house before JD's phone rang and they invited us to dinner today.
Ryan and Lindsay have a cute little boy who was such a sweetheart the whole time we were there. They had him right after we moved into the ward. We found out that Lindsay grew up in Idaho Falls and they met on a LDS dating site too. Ryan is also a big football fan, so JD has a buddy to watch football with. We asked them to come over to watch the Bears game tomorrow night for FHE- it counts right?!?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
And So It Begins...
JD and I have been married for 18 months now. I have shared before that we decided before we were married that we weren't going to postpone having children because we were both over 30 and we both want kids so why wait. Well here we are 18 months later and still no baby. I am so grateful that the idea of getting pregnant and starting our family hasn't taken over my/our life. It would be a lie to say that I haven't shed more than a few tears in the last 18 months but overall I have been patient- which is not a virtue that I normally have- in this "trial".
I haven't quite figured out if my trials are just not that difficult to bear because I am so weak or if I have just been blessed to find the blessing in my trials. I like to think that I am just able to find those "hidden" blessings. For instance, while it is has been a struggle for us to become pregnant and we are obviously going to need help to make it happen, I can't express enough gratitude for the time that JD and I have had to just be married and enjoy each other and figure out what things are important to us and how we want to raise a family.
It has also been an interesting experience that I have come in contact with several women that are having the same struggles. It somehow makes it easier because I know we aren't the only ones struggling especially when you see people around you that are able to get pregnant with no issues (or so it seems from the outside looking in) and complain the whole time about how inconvenient it is to have kids or be pregnant or both. I have had to bite my tongue several times and just smile through the internal turmoil several times but it is short lived...usually.
Anyway, one woman I met when I was working at Massage Envy. I always let my clients determine if they talked during their massage. After all they are paying for that time so they should be allowed that at the very least, right? Fortunately this one client in particular decided to talk, which led to me asking questions...and the flood gates opened, for which I am so grateful. She told me about her experience with infertility and how she and her husband had tried for 8 years to have a baby and had just had their little boy 3 months before I met her. She told me of different doctors that she had gone to in those years and the funny things she and her husband had started saying to people when questioned about starting a family. My favorite was them telling a friend of her mother's that they decided not to have kids but get a boat instead because that would be more fun. We both had a good laugh about that. Sometimes it is just easier to laugh about it all.
Well that is where it began. She told me about Dr. H. She said that she had done 5 IUI treatments with another doctor and after going to Dr. H and only one treatment she was pregnant. Maybe it was just her time to be blessed with a wee one but she said that he and his staff were just different. She said you could tell that they had compassion and were knowledgeable.
Soooo... on October 4 we are going to meet Dr. H for our first consult. I'm excited and I'm nervous. I'm excited for the possibility of getting some answers and moving forward and (fingers crossed) adding a wee babe to our home. I am nervous because of the what ifs. What if... we really can't have children for some reason. What if...we can have children and through these procedures we end up with a multiples-greater than two or three! ( I guess then it would be count your blessings name them one by...more than one??...lol What if...I'm not a good mom, what if we really aren't ready for parenthood like we think we are, what if, what if, what if.
Until next time...
I haven't quite figured out if my trials are just not that difficult to bear because I am so weak or if I have just been blessed to find the blessing in my trials. I like to think that I am just able to find those "hidden" blessings. For instance, while it is has been a struggle for us to become pregnant and we are obviously going to need help to make it happen, I can't express enough gratitude for the time that JD and I have had to just be married and enjoy each other and figure out what things are important to us and how we want to raise a family.
It has also been an interesting experience that I have come in contact with several women that are having the same struggles. It somehow makes it easier because I know we aren't the only ones struggling especially when you see people around you that are able to get pregnant with no issues (or so it seems from the outside looking in) and complain the whole time about how inconvenient it is to have kids or be pregnant or both. I have had to bite my tongue several times and just smile through the internal turmoil several times but it is short lived...usually.
Anyway, one woman I met when I was working at Massage Envy. I always let my clients determine if they talked during their massage. After all they are paying for that time so they should be allowed that at the very least, right? Fortunately this one client in particular decided to talk, which led to me asking questions...and the flood gates opened, for which I am so grateful. She told me about her experience with infertility and how she and her husband had tried for 8 years to have a baby and had just had their little boy 3 months before I met her. She told me of different doctors that she had gone to in those years and the funny things she and her husband had started saying to people when questioned about starting a family. My favorite was them telling a friend of her mother's that they decided not to have kids but get a boat instead because that would be more fun. We both had a good laugh about that. Sometimes it is just easier to laugh about it all.
Well that is where it began. She told me about Dr. H. She said that she had done 5 IUI treatments with another doctor and after going to Dr. H and only one treatment she was pregnant. Maybe it was just her time to be blessed with a wee one but she said that he and his staff were just different. She said you could tell that they had compassion and were knowledgeable.
Soooo... on October 4 we are going to meet Dr. H for our first consult. I'm excited and I'm nervous. I'm excited for the possibility of getting some answers and moving forward and (fingers crossed) adding a wee babe to our home. I am nervous because of the what ifs. What if... we really can't have children for some reason. What if...we can have children and through these procedures we end up with a multiples-greater than two or three! ( I guess then it would be count your blessings name them one by...more than one??...lol What if...I'm not a good mom, what if we really aren't ready for parenthood like we think we are, what if, what if, what if.
Until next time...
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Gratitude
Every Sunday I check my Intermountain email for several reasons...I like to take a look before I go to work the next day and there is an employee newsletter they call "Stories" It has helpful tips to be less stressed at work, activities that are going on within the region that I work, sometimes there are recipes, feel good stories...you get the idea. With this letter there is almost always a link on the webpage from Dr. Sorensen who is the CEO of Intermountain Healthcare and an option for employees to share an idea or thought.
I love that employee opinions are important to Intermountain...what a great company. However that is not really what this post is about. It is about one of the ideas that I read online yesterday from a fellow employee. She said that to keep stress at a minimum in her life she takes the time each day to right in a gratitude journal...Oprah recommended it years ago...and I didn't do it. I read another blog recently where the writer spent 40 days writing about what she was grateful for...I didn't follow in her footsteps. This time I'm going to give it a go.
There is no promise it will be written in my blog everyday but I promise for at least a month to write down what I am grateful for everyday. My gratitude starts today!
Yesterday I had the opportunity to work on the oncology unit at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. I am truly grateful for the opportunity. To be perfectly honest I grumbled when I called the staffer in the morning and found out where I was going. I then pushed the murmuring me to the side and pulled on my scrubs and headed to work. My first rounds I was in my second patients room and he was just as cheerful and happy and GRATEFUL as anyone I have ever met. It rocked me to my core that this man who is fighting for his life could be so happy and full of gratitude. We talked about tennis and he showed me a video of Fedderer (is that how you spell it?) at the US Open last year and an amazing shot that he made. This patient fed my soul and in turn I hope that I was able to share that with the other 5 patients and all the staff that I worked with.
I shed tears as I was talking to one of the nurses and she expressed her appreciation for me being there. I was embarrassed and explained that I had grumbled when I was assigned on this unit and how amazed I am that she can work there everyday. It is absolutely not that the patients are terrible. In fact, I think some of the worst patients I have had that are in the hospital for a couple of days that act like there life is just terrible should have to see what these patients go through. They LIVE in the hospital for no less than 10 days the first time they are there. When they come back for treatments later it may be a "little" as a week that they are there. Through it all they are grateful for the care they receive. What a great lesson for me.
I hope you can find something in your day to be grateful for.
Until next time...
I love that employee opinions are important to Intermountain...what a great company. However that is not really what this post is about. It is about one of the ideas that I read online yesterday from a fellow employee. She said that to keep stress at a minimum in her life she takes the time each day to right in a gratitude journal...Oprah recommended it years ago...and I didn't do it. I read another blog recently where the writer spent 40 days writing about what she was grateful for...I didn't follow in her footsteps. This time I'm going to give it a go.
There is no promise it will be written in my blog everyday but I promise for at least a month to write down what I am grateful for everyday. My gratitude starts today!
Yesterday I had the opportunity to work on the oncology unit at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. I am truly grateful for the opportunity. To be perfectly honest I grumbled when I called the staffer in the morning and found out where I was going. I then pushed the murmuring me to the side and pulled on my scrubs and headed to work. My first rounds I was in my second patients room and he was just as cheerful and happy and GRATEFUL as anyone I have ever met. It rocked me to my core that this man who is fighting for his life could be so happy and full of gratitude. We talked about tennis and he showed me a video of Fedderer (is that how you spell it?) at the US Open last year and an amazing shot that he made. This patient fed my soul and in turn I hope that I was able to share that with the other 5 patients and all the staff that I worked with.
I shed tears as I was talking to one of the nurses and she expressed her appreciation for me being there. I was embarrassed and explained that I had grumbled when I was assigned on this unit and how amazed I am that she can work there everyday. It is absolutely not that the patients are terrible. In fact, I think some of the worst patients I have had that are in the hospital for a couple of days that act like there life is just terrible should have to see what these patients go through. They LIVE in the hospital for no less than 10 days the first time they are there. When they come back for treatments later it may be a "little" as a week that they are there. Through it all they are grateful for the care they receive. What a great lesson for me.
I hope you can find something in your day to be grateful for.
Until next time...
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Today I learned...
I had a work meeting this morning before classes and I just can't seem to get this thought out of my mind...you reap what you sow. This meeting was a training class for the PCA's (PCA= Patient Care Assistant aka CNA) on the Float Pool that I work on for Intermountain Healthcare.
Have I mentioned that I L-O-V-E my job...I learn so much everyday and meet interesting people and co-workers each shift because I have the opportunity to work at 5 different hospitals in the Salt Lake valley, not to mention that I get to pick my schedule...you can't beat that!
Anyway back to the meeting this morning... we were talking about the standards that are expected of us when we work at different locations because while the care is (or at least should be) consistent each unit has a little bit different protocol for some things. I have learned as I have gone to work that sometimes it is more the people you work with rather than the policies of a unit that dictate how things are done...which is what makes me think of reaping what you sow.
One of the PCA's in this meeting this morning would NOT quiet down about how the nurses at a certain hospital just don't help and they are lazy and they treat this person like a runner even when they are swamped with their own work to do. It was interesting to hear this woman and her opinions and of course, once one person starts other people had to tell their sad story of how they have been "misused and abused" by nurses on certain units at different hospitals. Anyway, it occured to me if you focus on those kinds of things that is all you see but if you focus on the good things in the people you work with- that is what you will see.
If I was to find something that I didn't care for much with my job it would be that people pass on their opinions about patients and staff you will be working with during the shift change report. I HATE it when that happens. I learned a couple of weeks ago to just let it go because people are going to have their opinions but they don't have to be mine.
I had a patient that I was told was terrible to deal with and mean. My first rounds I waited until the very last to go into that room and was very apprehensive because of what I had been told. I tried to be nice and cheerful but I know he could feel my nervousness. I decided after that that I was going to ignore what the previous PCA had told me and not treat him any differently than I did any other patients and that changed everything. Maybe it was my imagination but... his attitude toward me changed when I changed my attitude towards him- crazy how that works! It was a good lesson and I am glad that I learned it earlyin my nursing career and I hope that as I progress I will be able to pass that on to others.
I have heard it all before from other people about like attracting like and reaping what you sow but this morning it never rang so true to my heart and mind. I love learning moments like that!
Until next time...
Have I mentioned that I L-O-V-E my job...I learn so much everyday and meet interesting people and co-workers each shift because I have the opportunity to work at 5 different hospitals in the Salt Lake valley, not to mention that I get to pick my schedule...you can't beat that!
Anyway back to the meeting this morning... we were talking about the standards that are expected of us when we work at different locations because while the care is (or at least should be) consistent each unit has a little bit different protocol for some things. I have learned as I have gone to work that sometimes it is more the people you work with rather than the policies of a unit that dictate how things are done...which is what makes me think of reaping what you sow.
One of the PCA's in this meeting this morning would NOT quiet down about how the nurses at a certain hospital just don't help and they are lazy and they treat this person like a runner even when they are swamped with their own work to do. It was interesting to hear this woman and her opinions and of course, once one person starts other people had to tell their sad story of how they have been "misused and abused" by nurses on certain units at different hospitals. Anyway, it occured to me if you focus on those kinds of things that is all you see but if you focus on the good things in the people you work with- that is what you will see.
If I was to find something that I didn't care for much with my job it would be that people pass on their opinions about patients and staff you will be working with during the shift change report. I HATE it when that happens. I learned a couple of weeks ago to just let it go because people are going to have their opinions but they don't have to be mine.
I had a patient that I was told was terrible to deal with and mean. My first rounds I waited until the very last to go into that room and was very apprehensive because of what I had been told. I tried to be nice and cheerful but I know he could feel my nervousness. I decided after that that I was going to ignore what the previous PCA had told me and not treat him any differently than I did any other patients and that changed everything. Maybe it was my imagination but... his attitude toward me changed when I changed my attitude towards him- crazy how that works! It was a good lesson and I am glad that I learned it earlyin my nursing career and I hope that as I progress I will be able to pass that on to others.
I have heard it all before from other people about like attracting like and reaping what you sow but this morning it never rang so true to my heart and mind. I love learning moments like that!
Until next time...
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Grouchy!
Do you ever have one of those days where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and no matter what you do nothing can change your mood? I'm having one of those today. I have continuously snapped at J.D. all day long... poor guy! I know I must be as fun as a porcupine to be around when my mood is like this. I know that's true because it has finally been enough and lets me know.
I'm still trying to figure out what is bothering me so bad that I just can't seem to shake this attitude. The only thing I can think is that I'm wishing this time in my (our) life away. I'm trying to be patient and understanding about our challenges and obstacles and dreaming of pitter pattering feet in our home but I have a bad day occasionally and last night it really hit me...sure I'll blame it on that.
IF I was to find a silver lining to a day like this...I get A LOT done because it usually means opening and closing doors and drawers and if I'm good and mad I can slam them.
Do I sound like I'm 5 and having a darn good temper tantrum...I feel like it when I act this way and it's enough already.
Here's to hoping that tomorrow is a better day and my husband can have his nice wife back.
I'm still trying to figure out what is bothering me so bad that I just can't seem to shake this attitude. The only thing I can think is that I'm wishing this time in my (our) life away. I'm trying to be patient and understanding about our challenges and obstacles and dreaming of pitter pattering feet in our home but I have a bad day occasionally and last night it really hit me...sure I'll blame it on that.
IF I was to find a silver lining to a day like this...I get A LOT done because it usually means opening and closing doors and drawers and if I'm good and mad I can slam them.
Do I sound like I'm 5 and having a darn good temper tantrum...I feel like it when I act this way and it's enough already.
Here's to hoping that tomorrow is a better day and my husband can have his nice wife back.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
What's up with us...
I can't believe that is already over half way through August and I will be starting school again next week. We have had a fun summer and spent time in both Southern Utah and Idaho with our families. The summer has gone by fast even though I spent most of the summer trying to get a job with Intermountain Healthcare. Since I was hired a month ago, I am a CNA in the Float Pool which means I work anywhere from LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City to Riverton Hospital- time has gone even faster. I am so grateful for my job and I am really enjoying it. I have met a lot of interesting people- both that I work with and take care of.
J.D. started his job as a faculty member at Broadview University in Orem. He is teaching a computer class this semester teaching a group of 17 students with varying experience using a computer. He is really enjoying it and he got some great feedback from his boss last week when she came in and sat in on his class. I'm so proud of him. There is a chance that he will be able to pick up another class next semester- if he does it is likely both with be programming type classes. He filled in for a friend of his that teaches at Broadview a couple of weeks again and loved what he was teaching.
He continues to enjoy his job at DHI in Provo. He has made many good friends there and he continues to be challenged- which he loves. I feel bad that I have no clue and can't understand the stuff that he does and he is so good at "dumbing it down" enough that I can understand what he is talking about. He is such a hard worker and I appreciate him and his patience with me so much everyday. I have been reminded in so many ways during this summer just how blessed I am to have this wonderful man to share my life with!
Life is busy! Life is great!
Until next time...
J.D. started his job as a faculty member at Broadview University in Orem. He is teaching a computer class this semester teaching a group of 17 students with varying experience using a computer. He is really enjoying it and he got some great feedback from his boss last week when she came in and sat in on his class. I'm so proud of him. There is a chance that he will be able to pick up another class next semester- if he does it is likely both with be programming type classes. He filled in for a friend of his that teaches at Broadview a couple of weeks again and loved what he was teaching.
He continues to enjoy his job at DHI in Provo. He has made many good friends there and he continues to be challenged- which he loves. I feel bad that I have no clue and can't understand the stuff that he does and he is so good at "dumbing it down" enough that I can understand what he is talking about. He is such a hard worker and I appreciate him and his patience with me so much everyday. I have been reminded in so many ways during this summer just how blessed I am to have this wonderful man to share my life with!
Life is busy! Life is great!
Until next time...
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
How to know your husband loves you...
I discovered this morning, once again, just how much my J.D. loves me. The poor guys woke up at 5:30 with a pounding migraine. I've had a migraine before-more than once in fact- and they are AWFUL! but I digress...
When my sweet J.D. gets a migraine it is the grandaddy of migraines. He can hardly move, has to have a pillow over his face to block out all light and have an ice pack over his eyes to help with the pain if at all possible. He laid there in pain for over 90 minutes until something woke me. It is NOT normal for him to still be in bed at 7 :00 AM. I asked what was wrong and he said he woke up with a headache at 5:30 and had been laying there since then. Poor guy!
He needed the ice pack from the freezer but didn't want to wake me up to get it for him...because I needed to sleep....while he was right next to me in pain and not able to move. He was suffering while I was sleeping soundly.
I just told a friend that I waited and waited and waited for J.D. and he was worth every minute of waiting...now you know why...
I love this man!
He is my hero!
When my sweet J.D. gets a migraine it is the grandaddy of migraines. He can hardly move, has to have a pillow over his face to block out all light and have an ice pack over his eyes to help with the pain if at all possible. He laid there in pain for over 90 minutes until something woke me. It is NOT normal for him to still be in bed at 7 :00 AM. I asked what was wrong and he said he woke up with a headache at 5:30 and had been laying there since then. Poor guy!
He needed the ice pack from the freezer but didn't want to wake me up to get it for him...because I needed to sleep....while he was right next to me in pain and not able to move. He was suffering while I was sleeping soundly.
I just told a friend that I waited and waited and waited for J.D. and he was worth every minute of waiting...now you know why...
I love this man!
He is my hero!
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