I like to think I'm a good mix of my mom and my dad. I feel like I got my dad's logic and reasoning and I got my mom's compassion and people skills. Part of my dad's logic includes my love of to-do lists. I love to write everything down and I love, love, love to cross things off the list. When I was in school my to-do lists were very comprehensive. I even included time frames. It really helped me organize my time and help me be more productive. I have a white board in my office at work. It has a weekly calendar at the top that I change every Monday (or Tuesday...or Wednesday...) and the rest is one big to-do list. I feel like there are a ton of things on my "to-do" list (for my life, not for work), but I haven't actually written them down. Because I didn't write them down, I've missed the pure joy of being able to cross them off the list. Instead I will write my accomplishments here:
Recently I have done the following:
1. Took my car to the shop - the brakes have been dumb for a while now. They're still not totally fixed, but they're definitely better.
2. I made decisions about my house (countertops, flooring, cabinets, etc.) and turned them all in to the design guy.
3. I got all the paper work to the bank for my home loan.
4. I cleaned my room - vacuumed and everything.
5. Start a running routine.
These are the things that are still on my to-do list:
1. Get my hair cut...and soon!
2. Make a list of all the things I need to buy before I move into my new house.
3. Send in my appeal to the stupid insurance company - they're refusing to pay for my MRI because the policy doesn't cover "hearing loss."
4. Register for the St. George Marathon
5. Take my car back to the shop to get it fixed - hopefully for the last time.
I've been super blessed to see how things keep falling into place for me. I can only hope they continue to do so!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I hate GLUTEN!
I do not feel good. We took one of my co-workers to her favorite restaurant for her birthday lunch. The owner lady assured me the massaman curry was gluten free...right...about that...I think NOT!! A few hours later and I was ready for a gluten binge. I ate an olive garden bread stick, honey nut cheerios, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat bread, outback brown bread, and some oreo shake. My tummy is not happy. And now I'm going to sleep it off.
I have grown tired of the rain and snow. I know it's good and we really need it here in our desert land, but it really is ruining my life! It's not good youth sports which is what my job is all about. No matter what we just can't please everyone. Some are upset that games are canceled because it's "too cold for their children to be outside." By all means - feel free to keep your child at home. It's not required for them to be there. Other people are upset. "Why are the game canceled - it stopped raining 10 minutes ago. The kids will be fine." Oh well. The weather is also putting a damper on the running situation. The ogden half marathon is getting closer and closer and I feel like I'm running less and less. It's seriously been weeks! I really need to get out there. I need the fresh air. I need the pavement. I need my ipod. I need my adrenalin. I need the sun!!
I have grown tired of the rain and snow. I know it's good and we really need it here in our desert land, but it really is ruining my life! It's not good youth sports which is what my job is all about. No matter what we just can't please everyone. Some are upset that games are canceled because it's "too cold for their children to be outside." By all means - feel free to keep your child at home. It's not required for them to be there. Other people are upset. "Why are the game canceled - it stopped raining 10 minutes ago. The kids will be fine." Oh well. The weather is also putting a damper on the running situation. The ogden half marathon is getting closer and closer and I feel like I'm running less and less. It's seriously been weeks! I really need to get out there. I need the fresh air. I need the pavement. I need my ipod. I need my adrenalin. I need the sun!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
DISNEYLAND!!
I just got back from a 5-day adventure to California with Jared and his family. They were kind enough to let me enjoy their family vacation. We left on Wednesday and drove all day to California. On Thursday we played all day at the happiest place on earth. We stood in lots of line, rode super fun rides, laughed, cried, and even ate gluten free pizza! Yes, Disneyland even caters to the gluten-intolerant. Who would have thought?
When we planned out trip we had originally planned to spend Friday at Disneyland as well. It seemed those plans were ruined when the weather decided not to cooperate. The report said rain all day on Friday. Rain+Disneyland=not so much fun. We decided to change our plans, hang out at the hotel on Friday, do Disneyland again on Saturday, leave in the afternoon and spend Saturday night in St. George. We slept in on Friday - so long we nearly missed the hotel breakfast! As we were getting ready Jared looked out the window and found no rain!! It was overcast but not raining. We had a little council and decided to chance the weather. We decided it would be better to risk getting a little wet and have shorter lines. Warm Saturday on Spring Break+Sun=not so much fun! It turned out to be the best scenario. The lines were a lot shorter on Friday! We did everything we wanted to do and then some!
Since we already had the hotel reserved for Saturday night we decided to just drive half way on Saturday. We played in St. George on Saturday night and then drove home today. It was great! I love vacations, I love Disneyland, and I love my family! Sometimes it's hard to come back to real life.
And back to real life I have come. I have two important things on my mind:
1. The house. I really need to make some decision and get things rolling with my house. They can't finish until I decide. And the longer it takes, the lower my chances are of getting the grant from Utah! I need that! Also, I need to do all the technical things to get my home loan - take in my pay stubs, my bank statement, sign the papers, etc. I kind of left the lenders hanging on my decision. I'll get it all set tomorrow. Also, I met with the selections guy and I was supposed to pay him my earnest money, but I totally forgot...and then I left out of town. So I need to get them a check ASAP!! Hopefully I can get that taken care of tomorrow too!
2. Insurance. I hate insurance right now. They just don't get it. I am having trouble with a claim I have for the MRI when my hearing first went away. The doctors basically freaked out and sent me to get an MRI that same day to make sure I didn't have a brain tumor. Because they didn't find anything, the insurance is saying they won't cover it because they don't cover hearing loss. I can't get them to understand that they while hearing loss was my chief complaint, that's not what the doctors were looking for. Dumb! I had the bill from the MRI place waiting for me when I got home from vacation. That kind of puts a damper on things. I will call to appeal the claim some time tomorrow.
As if tomorrow wasn't already full enough - I have to go the Jazz game. I know - horrible right? Normally I would be thrilled to go. They are having a dinner and a presentation for all the Jr. Jazz programs and then we all get to go to the game. I just wish I didn't have so many other things I need to do tomorrow so I could really enjoy it!
When we planned out trip we had originally planned to spend Friday at Disneyland as well. It seemed those plans were ruined when the weather decided not to cooperate. The report said rain all day on Friday. Rain+Disneyland=not so much fun. We decided to change our plans, hang out at the hotel on Friday, do Disneyland again on Saturday, leave in the afternoon and spend Saturday night in St. George. We slept in on Friday - so long we nearly missed the hotel breakfast! As we were getting ready Jared looked out the window and found no rain!! It was overcast but not raining. We had a little council and decided to chance the weather. We decided it would be better to risk getting a little wet and have shorter lines. Warm Saturday on Spring Break+Sun=not so much fun! It turned out to be the best scenario. The lines were a lot shorter on Friday! We did everything we wanted to do and then some!
Since we already had the hotel reserved for Saturday night we decided to just drive half way on Saturday. We played in St. George on Saturday night and then drove home today. It was great! I love vacations, I love Disneyland, and I love my family! Sometimes it's hard to come back to real life.
And back to real life I have come. I have two important things on my mind:
1. The house. I really need to make some decision and get things rolling with my house. They can't finish until I decide. And the longer it takes, the lower my chances are of getting the grant from Utah! I need that! Also, I need to do all the technical things to get my home loan - take in my pay stubs, my bank statement, sign the papers, etc. I kind of left the lenders hanging on my decision. I'll get it all set tomorrow. Also, I met with the selections guy and I was supposed to pay him my earnest money, but I totally forgot...and then I left out of town. So I need to get them a check ASAP!! Hopefully I can get that taken care of tomorrow too!
2. Insurance. I hate insurance right now. They just don't get it. I am having trouble with a claim I have for the MRI when my hearing first went away. The doctors basically freaked out and sent me to get an MRI that same day to make sure I didn't have a brain tumor. Because they didn't find anything, the insurance is saying they won't cover it because they don't cover hearing loss. I can't get them to understand that they while hearing loss was my chief complaint, that's not what the doctors were looking for. Dumb! I had the bill from the MRI place waiting for me when I got home from vacation. That kind of puts a damper on things. I will call to appeal the claim some time tomorrow.
As if tomorrow wasn't already full enough - I have to go the Jazz game. I know - horrible right? Normally I would be thrilled to go. They are having a dinner and a presentation for all the Jr. Jazz programs and then we all get to go to the game. I just wish I didn't have so many other things I need to do tomorrow so I could really enjoy it!
Monday, April 6, 2009
A loan and a bed!
It's official. I qualified for my home loan today. There is nothing standing in between me and my new home! It was actually rather exciting for me to speak to a few different lenders and have them tell me that I've been approved! I love being approved! Plus, they gave me a few different options - one of which being to do a minimal down payment. Since interest rates are so low, I can get away with a lot less than I anticipated. I love that idea because it leaves me with more of a cushion to buy important things like a fridge and bed.
That was another significant step I took on my home-buying journey. Tonight, I bought a bed. I wish I could say it was the first time I've bought a bed. Truth is - I bought a bed once before. It was a twin bed (well, a mattress anyway) and I bought it at the DI. I slept on that DI mattress for a year. Now that I think about it, I'm surprised I didn't end up with lice. Sick! This time I didn't buy it at DI. I bought it at Sears where they were having a 50% off sale! And, the bed I got was on clearance on top of that! I'm excited. I wish there was enough room for me to have it here at Jared's house. I'll probably just wait until I can get it into my new house instead. I guess I'll have to find some sheets to go on it. Lucky for me I already have a super cute bedspread and a bed frame. I love hand-me-downs!
That was another significant step I took on my home-buying journey. Tonight, I bought a bed. I wish I could say it was the first time I've bought a bed. Truth is - I bought a bed once before. It was a twin bed (well, a mattress anyway) and I bought it at the DI. I slept on that DI mattress for a year. Now that I think about it, I'm surprised I didn't end up with lice. Sick! This time I didn't buy it at DI. I bought it at Sears where they were having a 50% off sale! And, the bed I got was on clearance on top of that! I'm excited. I wish there was enough room for me to have it here at Jared's house. I'll probably just wait until I can get it into my new house instead. I guess I'll have to find some sheets to go on it. Lucky for me I already have a super cute bedspread and a bed frame. I love hand-me-downs!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Conference
I got have a new experience today. I have lived in Utah my whole life (minus the 4.5 years I spent in Idaho). I have never actually been to conference...before today. Well, I guess to be totally fair, I have been one other time. My roommates were from Washington and their parents sent them tickets from their stake. They had an extra ticket so they invited me to come. I was super excited and I met them in Salt Lake to see conference - in real life - for the first time! We filed into the conference center. I was a little surprised by the lack of people sitting up front. I figured they would come in later, but - they never did. It ended up being the session of conference that they rededicated the tabernacle. I was pretty bummed. Last night we got tickets to conference for doing the sidewalk singing thing. The tickets were for the afternoon session. I had really, really enjoyed conference at home for the Saturday sessions and the Sunday morning session. I actually did not want to go down to the conference center to use the ticket I got. Natalie got pretty upset when I told her I wanted to stay home. I went so she wouldn't be mad. I was just worried that things would happen that would prevent me from enjoying the last session as much as I enjoyed the others. Everything worked out all right and we made it on time and I did enjoy the last session. But, I don't know that I would go down to the conference center again. I felt like I was more distracted at the conference center than I was at home. I missed being able to spend that time with my family. And I really missed the between sessions nap!!
I am so incredibly grateful for the time we get to live in. I am so glad that we have the technology to be able to watch conference from the comforts of our own home. It is simply amazing!
I am so incredibly grateful for the time we get to live in. I am so glad that we have the technology to be able to watch conference from the comforts of our own home. It is simply amazing!
I love conference!
The older I get, the more I truly appreciate and LOVE conference! I have always watched it - for as long as I can remember. But, I know I didn't really get anything out of it when I was little. All that has changed. I have taken the advice/challenge to be praying about something when conference comes around - to really ponder and have a question that I would I like an answer to. I am always amazed at the answers I get. This time around, I had two things on my mind.
1. My house. I know I said I bought a house, but really I didn't actually buy it yet. I signed a contract, but I have 3 more days to back out and walk away. I have felt really good about the whole process and I know I'm on the right track. But, I just wanted one more little reassurance that it was okay that I was going that far into debt for a house. Bam - first session, first talk, prayer answered. I was definitely reassured that a house is a reasonable thing to go into debt for. I was also taught that I need to provide for myself (and my family - if I had one). Living with Jared is wonderful and it's an awesome place for me to be, but I need to make steps to be providing for myself. And who knows what other doors will open as a result. I also took note that I do not need to have everything in my house - especially not right away (I actually learned that from Wendee as we were chatting before the conference even started!). I definitely do not need to go out of control to get all the biggest and best things for my new house. As time goes on, my home will grow and eventually get to the place I want it to be.
2. My ear. I went to the doctor on Thursday. It wasn't good news. He said my hearing hasn't changed at all since the last time I went so there's no sense trying to treat it any longer - it's not going to get better. I was devastated - to say the least. I was told in a blessing that if I followed the instructions I was given, I would get my hearing back. I have held tight to that promise since I received it. I've been discouraged, but I've never let it last long - I would rather believe in my Heavenly Father. To have the doctor basically tell me to give up was more than I could handle. I was in tears before I was even out of the office. I cried. I got mad. I told my Heavenly Father, "This isn't fair! This isn't what you said!" This very thing was talked about in conference, by more than one person. We were counseled to see our trials as opportunities to grow. I was counseled not to complain. I was counseled to endure to the end. I know with all my heart that my Heavenly Father is very aware of me and my circumstances. I know that He cannot lie and He always keeps His promises. I know that some day I will hear in both ears again. But until then, I will continue to do my best to see it as an opportunity to grow and learn.
I love conference. I love the knowledge I have that we really do have a living prophet on the earth today. I love that we can gather as a church every six months to be united and learn what the Lord would have us learn. I love the wonderful opportunity it is to ask and have our prayers answered!
1. My house. I know I said I bought a house, but really I didn't actually buy it yet. I signed a contract, but I have 3 more days to back out and walk away. I have felt really good about the whole process and I know I'm on the right track. But, I just wanted one more little reassurance that it was okay that I was going that far into debt for a house. Bam - first session, first talk, prayer answered. I was definitely reassured that a house is a reasonable thing to go into debt for. I was also taught that I need to provide for myself (and my family - if I had one). Living with Jared is wonderful and it's an awesome place for me to be, but I need to make steps to be providing for myself. And who knows what other doors will open as a result. I also took note that I do not need to have everything in my house - especially not right away (I actually learned that from Wendee as we were chatting before the conference even started!). I definitely do not need to go out of control to get all the biggest and best things for my new house. As time goes on, my home will grow and eventually get to the place I want it to be.
2. My ear. I went to the doctor on Thursday. It wasn't good news. He said my hearing hasn't changed at all since the last time I went so there's no sense trying to treat it any longer - it's not going to get better. I was devastated - to say the least. I was told in a blessing that if I followed the instructions I was given, I would get my hearing back. I have held tight to that promise since I received it. I've been discouraged, but I've never let it last long - I would rather believe in my Heavenly Father. To have the doctor basically tell me to give up was more than I could handle. I was in tears before I was even out of the office. I cried. I got mad. I told my Heavenly Father, "This isn't fair! This isn't what you said!" This very thing was talked about in conference, by more than one person. We were counseled to see our trials as opportunities to grow. I was counseled not to complain. I was counseled to endure to the end. I know with all my heart that my Heavenly Father is very aware of me and my circumstances. I know that He cannot lie and He always keeps His promises. I know that some day I will hear in both ears again. But until then, I will continue to do my best to see it as an opportunity to grow and learn.
I love conference. I love the knowledge I have that we really do have a living prophet on the earth today. I love that we can gather as a church every six months to be united and learn what the Lord would have us learn. I love the wonderful opportunity it is to ask and have our prayers answered!
Friday, April 3, 2009
The list begins...
The following is a list of things I need to buy/acquire...hopefully in the next six weeks!
1. Bed
2. Fridge
3. Couch
4. Table and chairs
5. Washer and dryer
6. Decorations
7. Cleaning stuff
8. Food
9. TV
10. Decorations
11. Everything else I haven't thought of yet
I am excited to have a home and make it mine. I'm also just a little bit intimidated by just how much stuff I don't have! Hopefully I will be able to find some sweet deals on KSL so I won't have to break the bank!
1. Bed
2. Fridge
3. Couch
4. Table and chairs
5. Washer and dryer
6. Decorations
7. Cleaning stuff
8. Food
9. TV
10. Decorations
11. Everything else I haven't thought of yet
I am excited to have a home and make it mine. I'm also just a little bit intimidated by just how much stuff I don't have! Hopefully I will be able to find some sweet deals on KSL so I won't have to break the bank!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
I bought a house!!!
That's right! I bought a house! I took my family to see the townhouse I really liked tonight. When I got there the salesperson said they only had one townhome left and there were three other people there to look at it tonight. My whole family really liked it. I decided that since I really liked it and there was a chance it wouldn't stick around for long, I would just sign papers tonight. So I did! The one I bought is not finished yet. It's still about 6 weeks out. But, that means I can pick all the stuff that goes in - appliances, cabinets, countertops, floors, etc. I'm excited!! I have definitely been blessed and guided. I thought I would be super anxious, but since we finished everything tonight I have been surprisingly calm. I think I made a pretty sweet decision. I really need to go shopping! I don't have any furniture to put in that house!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Busy, busy
It has been a busy week! We started our spring soccer season...kind of. The snow has put a bit of a damper on our schedule. We've only been able to play a few games so far. The games we have played have gone well. I hope we get to have spring soon so we can play even more! T-ball and coach pitch are supposed to start next week. This week was busy getting everything ready for them. Baseball starts the next week. Crazy!!
I've also been busy with my new calling as the Enrichment Counselor in the Relief Society presidency. It's been hard because I don't exactly know what to do. I guess I know what to do, I just don't know where to start! I've been to a lot of meetings but I still feel kind of lost. I'm sure it will get better soon!
I have an appointment with the ear, nose, and throat doctor again tomorrow. I still cannot hear in my left ear. But, life goes on. Tomorrow they will test my hearing again to see if it's gotten any better. I have full intentions of being brave tomorrow. I've told myself that if the doctors say they don't know what's going on and I will just have to live with it, I should tell them that I don't plan to just live with it. And if they can't figure out what's going on, I'd like to take my files so I can go to a different doctor who will figure it out! I'm pretty sure I'm not that bold. But if they do say there's nothing they can do, I will at least get a second opinion.
I have been wrestling with the house decision for a few days. I got an email from Jack today and it made my decision a lot easier. He said there are a handful of offers on the house already and most likely it will sell for 15,000 or 20,000 over the asking price - which is out of my budget. I am taking my dad to see it tomorrow. I told him about it in an email and I expected him to be against it because it's a townhouse and not a real house. But, when he emailed me back he said he would love to come see it and that it sounds exciting. I wasn't expecting that, but I'll take it! I hope I like it as much tomorrow as I did on Saturday. It is just crazy that I could actually be buying a home!!
I've also been busy with my new calling as the Enrichment Counselor in the Relief Society presidency. It's been hard because I don't exactly know what to do. I guess I know what to do, I just don't know where to start! I've been to a lot of meetings but I still feel kind of lost. I'm sure it will get better soon!
I have an appointment with the ear, nose, and throat doctor again tomorrow. I still cannot hear in my left ear. But, life goes on. Tomorrow they will test my hearing again to see if it's gotten any better. I have full intentions of being brave tomorrow. I've told myself that if the doctors say they don't know what's going on and I will just have to live with it, I should tell them that I don't plan to just live with it. And if they can't figure out what's going on, I'd like to take my files so I can go to a different doctor who will figure it out! I'm pretty sure I'm not that bold. But if they do say there's nothing they can do, I will at least get a second opinion.
I have been wrestling with the house decision for a few days. I got an email from Jack today and it made my decision a lot easier. He said there are a handful of offers on the house already and most likely it will sell for 15,000 or 20,000 over the asking price - which is out of my budget. I am taking my dad to see it tomorrow. I told him about it in an email and I expected him to be against it because it's a townhouse and not a real house. But, when he emailed me back he said he would love to come see it and that it sounds exciting. I wasn't expecting that, but I'll take it! I hope I like it as much tomorrow as I did on Saturday. It is just crazy that I could actually be buying a home!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)