A Slap in the Face

I am again working at the hospital. Note to reader: I am always at the hosp. whenever I write anything, so therefore note the context. There are times when I fall in love with the patients, and others that I have a hard time finding any compassion for. This is one of those times.

I guess I should explain myself. When they are here due to poor choices from their past, it is one thing. But to yell and degrade someone that is helping them out, is quite another. So I found myself thinking, "You have done this to yourself! You are the one you should yell at, and humiliate, not me or the nurse!" And then it came to me, the slap in the face when the impression of, "It could be you in 30 years or so. I made myself unhealthy and obese. It was my choice, my actions, and in the future I am going to have to pay for it. Now is the time to change whatever I can to make sure my health is better in the future." So therefore, I need to remember to eat healthy ;0) Exercise daily! And take a time out for myself to relieve my stress! And hopefully I will not be in a similar circumstance. Again, note to reader that they do not have an obese problem! I just had a revelation that we both had a chance to change and I still do!

The only problem is, am I going to stick to it? That is the true change.....

Exciting!

K-so I am getting excited! I have picked new templates for both of my blogs, I have found free pictures from the net of places on my trip. So I have been able to add some things to my scrapbook blog...How much more fun can one person handle! This blogging thing can get addictive!
So I was writing to my aunt Cindy on facebook, explaining to her what I do at the hospital. And I decided to copy a part of it here. It helps to paint my feelings well. "It really is fun, and I love the patient care. At times it gets really stressful, but over all, a job that has touched my heart. Some of the most spiritual experiences in my life are taking care of the patients, and seeing all of their facades fall as they rely on me to help them out during what could very well be their lowest moment in their lives. And then when they pass on to the other side, a hollowed moment. I am truly blessed to have a job that brings things into perspective for me and help me remember what is important."
My Bishop has helped me to understand the love of Christ through actions of service. Through different experiences that I have had, whether being the giver or receiver of these acts, I have felt closer to my Savior than at any other moment in my life, except in the Temple. I think that when we see others through the eyes of Christ, we see their worth, and remember that they too are daughter/sons of God....at times I find that difficult to see. But when it happens, it is truly humbling.
I remember the night that I received my mission call to California Roseville Mission. I felt that the air had been knocked out of me. I was severly disappointed. I wanted to go foreign. I wanted to speak a different language, and none of my wishes had come true. As I knelt in prayer that night, pleading with my Heavenly Father for a change of heart, I had an experience that I will never forget...I sang "I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea; I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I’ll be what you want me to be." (Hymns, no. 270). I had a distinct impression that told me, "the people in California need you as much as any one across the ocean. They are my children, and I love them". I felt so humbled, and ungrateful at that moment. I asked for forgiveness. From then on I decided to study the area out so that I knew as much as I could about it. I am grateful for that experience, and I truly saw so many people from different cultures, languages, and religions. We taught Muslims, Paegans, Sieks, various Christian faiths, Messianic Jews, and Budhist. In fact, in one discussion Sis. Zielke and I taught an Egyptian Paegan, Catholic, and Athiest! What a diverse and fun mission!

My Hair...

So I was impulsive and added blonde highlights to my auburn hair. So funny! But the real reason I chose to do so was to test the strength of my hair and elasticity. It passed, so I am excited to say in a while I will be back to my summer do of blonde. The only sad part is that I don't think that I have any pics of my dark hair. I absolutely love red! Ya, I know, I am always changing. However, I never realize it until I go to work at the hospital and a nurse always comments on each time he sees me, I am different. But what can I say? I love changing!?!? The only scary part is worrying about it falling out...I do exactly what I would never want to do on someone else, extreme changes with extreme damage possiblities, somewhat hippocritical.

I just bought "History of Joseph Smith by His Mother". I am so excited about studying him in Relief Society for the next two years. I have heard of this book, but have never really wanted to read it. But this year I am feeling the urge and am anticipating all of the amazing information in entails. Who else would have known him better than the woman who taught him about prayer? The woman who felt his pain double-fold, as only a parent can, when he was mocked and tormented? Who else than a mother, a fellow disciple, a friend. SO I might insert a thought now and again from it.

Through different experiences in the past few weeks, I am extremely grateful for the gospel! I am continually learning about the miracle of the Atonement, the love and mercy of God, the humility and example of Christ, the hope behind the plan of salvation through temple work, and the blessing of having the scriptures and a living prophet. May I always remember these truths, and show my gratitude by service and obedience.

Consistency!

Life is always the same for me! Which can be a good thing, but boring for you! I have discovered two favorite music artists: Ingrid Michaelson, her song "The Way That I Am" just makes me smile! and then Colbie Caillat, I love all of her songs, they are so much fun, especially "Bubbley". The movie "No Reservations" is another fav. I highly recommend seeing it! First of all it is PG, a clean romance with a bit of comedy. The guy in it is a graduate from BYU, an interesting little side note, besides he is cute. And the little girl is the same one in "Raising Helen" which I absolutely love! And Catherine Zeta Jones is always a great actress. SO, if you are in a mood for a clean flick, this is a winner!

I have received a new calling in my ward. (I belong to the BYU 229th ward! Yes, you read that correctly, triple digits. What ever happened to creative names?....) I am a Visting Teacher Supervisor, which is really good for my schedule. Plus it helps to remind me to see my girls! When I allow myself to enjoy Visiting Teaching, I learn so much from them. Because I go to church myself, I am slow to make friends. Therefore I am excited to get to know faces and names.

I was able to babysit Stephanie and Jeff's kids. That was a lot of fun! I try to encourage them play games instead of watching TV. They always get excited to choose their favorite game. I let them pick one game each. This time we played Zooreka, Don't Eat Pete, and Candyland. The kids are a lot of fun, and I am grateful that they live so close. The picture above is a picture I have from one of their emails on my mission. The girls were born in May, and then I came home in December 2003.

My manager at the salon decided to take the weekend off. Therefore she let me know that I was covering her as manager. Thanks for ASKING! Anyways, a little bit of drama and frustration, things went fine, and as far as I am aware it is still standing! So call it success! We were really busy, which I love. The busier I am, the more I make!

That is all to report for this week, nothing too interesting....Sorry!

A tribute to Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

I remember Pres. Ezra Taft Benson when I was a little girl in Primary. I remember watching a video with him and a group of children gathered at his feet. He talked about his love for us, and of the Book of Mormon. I got a picture of him when I was baptized, and I hung it on my wall. I will never forget his love for the Book of Mormon.
And then I remember the loss when he died. As a young women's group, when we would do baptisms for the dead in Logan, we would stop by Whitney, ID and visit his grave. Pres. Howard W. Hunter took his place. I don't remember a lot about him. But the thing that often penetrates my mind was temple recommends. Get a current temple recommend, regardless if you live close to the temple or not. Be worthy, and if you are not worthy, then come back. He always plead for all to come back.
Now, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley who I have actually been blessed to be in the same room four times, has passed away. I will never forget his optimism with people. Always looking for the best, hoping for the best, and believing that all would work out, just go to work. What amazing energy for the gospel. And his love for his wife, Marjorie, brings me the knowledge that once again, they are together! What a reunion it must have been, and the reassurance that he had to know he had lived his life to the fullest, in honor to his Father. So, I loved this tribute, and wish to place it here so that I can watch it, and remember.....

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7433508959787481703&pr=goog-sl

....and remember that just like before, and forever, we will always have a prophet to lead and guide and love. I already have a love for Pres. Thomas S. Monson. I remember loving his talks in conference when I was a child. I understood them, and loved the way he recited poems. So I am excited for the future, and for the many things that he has to teach me.

Why the quote over head?

I am sure that many of you wonder why I would put that quote above. SO here is the answer. I have loved this quote for a long time, especially since I have went back East on the Mormon American Travel Studies with Ricks College the summer of 2000. In fact, I hope to get those pictures on cd and post them on my scrapbook blog. Someday.....Anyways! I choose this quote because one day on the trip, we took a walk down the road the British took from Boston to Concord. It was beautiful and raining! And as I was walking, I thought a lot about our forefathers, and how they took the "road less traveled by" and people doubted them. But look what amazing things have happened because they did! And Joseph Smith, who was mocked and riticuled because he took another route, he saw the beauty and vision that was available by the Gospel. And what a difference that road made to him and to all of us! Think about it, where would we be? And because I took the road less traveled by, I am the person that I am. I have hit a few potholes and bends, but maybe that is what has molded me. Maybe that is what makes all of the difference in my life. So, to all of you, may you take the road less traveled by, and see all of the things that the journey has to offer you. And may that be what makes all the difference!

Life is too short...

So I was talking with a friend of mine that was just diagnosed with breast cancer. She has already had it surgically removed. She is going to undergo chemo therapy. She is in her early 40's and so young and healthy. Just talking with her made me realize that life is too short and that we have to live it to the fullest possible. I know this sounds cliche, but I guess the fact that the last time I saw her, not even a month ago, she was doing great. And within a few weeks her life has changed. What am I trying to say? Just that I am so grateful for my family, friends, jobs, experiences, and mostly my knowledge about the plan of salvation. And that, even though most people, including myself, tend to mock "New Year's Resolutions" I am going to list a few resolutions for myself:

1-Contact each family member once a week. Luckily for me, that is only three phone calls. But there are times that I will go weeks without even talking with my brother and sister. And a lot can, and has, happened in that short period of time.

2-Do something physical each day. Whether it is a walk, hike, something... I find this really hard because of my work schedule. But then I think of my life before I was so busy, and I was still lazy. So there is no excuse!

3-Each Fast Sunday, truly think of and pray for something that I, or someone I love, needs. A lot of the time I am just going without food, and making this opportunity pass me by. The times that I have put effort into this principle, I have been blessed. Not necessarily that what I have asked for has happened. Maybe more that they haven't happened. Just the reassurance that He cares and the spiritual "hug" is enough to help strengthen me.

4-Read a book that contains teachings from the scriptures. I am currently reading "The Infinite Atonement" recommended by a coworker. The author's name has left me, but I have found it to help make the principle into something that I can understand and grasp more fully. It has pointed out a few more attributes about the Savior that I had glimpsed past. Truly mind boggiling! And most of the time, I don't completely understand, but will someday.

5-Read a classical novel. Sorry, but I have to keep my life in balance, and I love reading the classics. I figure that Pres. Hinckley thought it was important to study Shakespeare, then it is important for me to study good books too. But I tend to stick to Jane Austin's or other ones that I have already read, so I am going to venture out and try new books.

6-One day, go on a cruise, or fly to Europe, or who knows, actually do BOTH! Seriously, I have always wanted to travel, but I never do. So I am putting away my tips, as much as I can without getting into trouble, and am going to go on a trip in a year or two. I am so excited!