Antibiotics are my friend!

I finally feel better! And not a day too soon! I might have gone crazy if I had to have a fever another day! The antibiotics seem to be doing their job. Three more days and hopefully I'll be as good as new. My dad is feeling better as well. The doctors at the hospital agreed to let him come today as long he didn't a spike a fever yesterday. His fever didn't spike so he got to come home. Hooray for feeling better!

This morning I went to my house to check out the progress. I had been stopping by on my way home from work to peek in the sliding door in the back. But, on Saturdays the sales people are there so I can get the key to go inside. It looks fabulous! The cabinets are in, the vinyl and tile are in, the banister is in, the molding is in, the tub is in, and the shelving in the closets are in. My visit today and all the progress made me pretty excited. I'm super happy with the choices I made - at least so far anyway!

One of the many joys of my calling as an enrichment counselor for the Relief Society is that I get to teach every 3 months. June will the third month - my turn. The president told me a couple weeks ago that it would be my opportunity to teach in June. I want it to be good. I've toying around with a couple ideas, but today there was inspiration. I had a spare minute and nothing to do. I am sick of watching TV/movies, I'm not currently reading a book, and facebook and grown old so I turned to the piano. I don't play very well, but I do enjoy it. As I played I thought about playing while other people are listening. I got nervous just thinking about. I can't play in front of people. I thought about it and I thought - who says I can't play in front of people. It wouldn't be magnificent, but I could play in front of people. I started to think (or someone started to whisper) about all the millions of things we can do or become that never happen because someone tells us we can't. You can't do this, or I can't do that. So many ideas started pouring into my head. I am actually kind of excited to develop all those ideas a little more. I'm sure it will be a great lesson. #1 - because the idea came from somewhere outside my own brain, and #2 - if nothing else, it's something I need to hear!

I went on a blind date tonight. It was enjoyable. We went to dinner at Pepperbelly's where the conversation was never boring or strained. And then we went to a movie, which was a little more intense than I prefer, but I would still consider it a good movie. It was a good time with a good guy. Perhaps we'll do it again.

PNEUMONIA?? Seriously?

So what could possibly put an otherwise healthy 23-year-old out of commission for 6 days? Pneumonia. That's right. I've had pneumonia for 6 days and I haven't even died yet! I saw the doctor again today. He did a chest x-ray, which revealed all the nastiness in my lungs. Sick! Fortunately for me that means I get antibiotics and hopefully I'll start to feel better soon! I took the first dose earlier today and I thought I was doing good. I didn't have a fever all day...until now. Stupid 99.7! And I'm still cold which means it's still on it's way up. And I'm currently feeling nauseous. Apparently I don't handle prescriptions very well - they make me throw up. Hooray for me!

I'm working up the courage to call a boy I feel the need to warm him that I may have to cancel our date tomorrow night. He is a friend of a friend. He tried to ask me out a few months ago, but we couldn't get our schedules to connect. He called me again on Wednesday. I thought for sure I would be better by Saturday night. But, now I'm not so sure. I like to think that I'll feel tons better tomorrow after two doses of the wonderful antibiotic. But what if I don't? I don't want him to think I'm making up a story about having pneumonia to get out of a date with him. I wouldn't! I'm actually really excited - which is why I'm tempted not to call at all. I'll just feel better tomorrow. But, maybe I should warn him...just in case.

My dad is apparently feeling a little better. I have not been to see him. I'm sure I would get yelled at for "bringing my germs" - which actually are probably my dad's germs anyway seeing how we both have pneumonia. Anyway, I talked to my mom today. She said my dad informed the hospital that he will be going home tomorrow. I'm sure doctors love it when their super sick patients tell them that they (the super sick patients) know what is best for themselves. I'm sure that goes over really well. We'll see what happens with my papa. He's pretty stubborn, but hopefully they don't let him go before it's safe.

Still sick

4 days later...I still have a fever. It spikes at night. I'm pretty miserable for the first part of the day. I feel better in the afternoon/evening. And then it starts all over again. It's not my favorite. I'm a little stressed about missing so much work. I went to the doctor today. I went to the clinic where Sharon works. She was able to get me super quick this morning. They tested for the flu - it's not the flu. I had a fever of 99.5 when I got there. It was 100.5 when I left and it was 102.4 when I got home. Not fun!

My dad is still pretty sick. They found out he has bacterial pneumonia. They're treating him for that. His cancer counts are also super high - higher than they were before he did the transplants a few months ago. No bueno. They're trying to get his pneumonia taken care of - get his fevers to go away. And then they'll decide what they're going to do about the cancer. They're talking chemotherapy. My brother described it as "heading into a cannon war with a BB gun." Hopefully they'll find something that work. It's going to be a tough road for my dad for a while. But, he's tough.

Praying for Papa

What a day. I didn't sleep well last night. I had a fever of 101-102 all night. I stayed home from work today. As long as I could keep Tylenol or ibuprofen in me, I could keep the fever down to 99 or 100. I was lazy all day. I slept and watched movies. I'm feeling better now, but I'm not sure if it's the medicine, or if I really am getting better. I guess we'll see.

My mom called me today. She wanted to let me know that she was taking my dad to the hospital. He was sick yesterday and I guess it only went downhill from there. He has a fever of 104. He's not super responsive. My mom told me that the doctors got him to wake up a a bit. They asked him if he knew where he was. He answered, "on a mission." They asked if he knew what year it was. He answered, "Usually." They took blood to run some tests and they have him on broad spectrum antibiotics. Hopefully they'll do their job and he'll get better soon. I wish I wasn't sick so that I could go and be at the hospital with him and my mom. I know there's nothing I could do there, but I'm sure it would help my mom to not be alone. I'll just do what I can and pray here I guess.

Swine Flu

I'm sick. Fever, headache, cough that hurts my chest. Perhaps it's the swine flu....

The "Jetta Chicken" Disaster!

I feel like someone is out to get me this week. I just can't win! I came home a little bit early tonight to make "Jetta chicken" for my family. "Jetta chicken" is actually sweet and sour chicken, but I'm always the one that makes it so we call it "Jetta chicken." I got home and went right to work. I started on the chicken. First, we cut the chicken into bite size pieces. Then we coat it - first in flour (gluten free of course) and then in egg, and then in corn starch. Then we usually fry it in oil. But, today Wendee and I decided to try baking it to see if it would work. I baked the chicken and took it out of the oven. I popped one whole piece of chicken into my mouth. SICK! It tasted super nasty. I decided it was a bad idea to bake then and started to fry them - hoping it would make them taste better. I got one out of the pan of oil. SICK again! What in the world? Wendee tried to help me figure out what happened. I told her, "I coated it in flour, and then egg, and then baking soda....oh CRAP!" I used baking soda instead of corn starch! Dumb, dumb, DUMB!! Shouldn't be too big of a deal right? Just grill some chicken real quick, use the sauce and it will work. Too bad I used up all the chicken...well, all but three little pieces. Wendee salvaged dinner while I took a minute to myself in my room. I maybe cried just a little bit. As if this week hasn't been hard enough! I know everyone makes dumb mistakes like that. But I was so looking forward to Jetta chicken! I guess I'll have to try again some other time.

On a better note. I love my job. I got to go hiking for work today. That's right, I got paid to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Love it.

And, there is tile in my kitchen and dining room! I'm excited to stop by (probably tomorrow) and check it out! Wendee's neighbor was getting rid of their kitchen table so I got it for free! It's not the cutest table ever, but it will work, and it was free! I'll probably see if I can do something to make it a little more fashionable - buy seat covers, maybe paint it or something. We'll see. Now I'm on the lookout for living room furniture. I don't really want to spend much. I'm hoping to find someone who has a coach they want to get rid of, or maybe I can find something on KSL or craigslist. I just don't know if I have anywhere to store it for the next couple weeks!

Better

Today was better...better than yesterday. I only put in 8 hours at work today. And I only cried a little - The Biggest Loser gets me every time! I love what a difference sleep can make! I'm still super bummed about everything I was bummed about last night, but I'm not going to cry all night like I did last night.

Tonight when I listened to the family scripture study I had a little perspective change. We were talking about how important it is to be "yoked" with the Savior. Wendee had Jared and Jakey stand in the middle of the room. She compared Jared to the Savior and Jakey to each of us. She had them hold hands and we talked about how much of a difference it makes to be tethered to someone like the Savior. For Jakey, holding Jared's hand means so many things - he can go faster, farther, higher. If he were to trip, Jared would help him up. If her were to come across an obstacle too big for him, Jared would help. If something big and scary came along, Jared could save him. The Savior can do all that for us and more! I know I already knew all that, but the visual image of Jared and Jakey holding hands really hit me. I love it.

Super bummed!

Today has been a hard day. I had terrible dreams last night! I didn't sleep well, which made the rest of the day even harder. Monday mornings are never my favorite. We have staff meeting at 8:30 every Monday morning.

I worked 11 and a half hours at work today. I put in my normal work day, and then I had to stay late because we had "family night at the skate park." We kick all the hooligan kids out of the skate park and let the little kids in with their parents. It's a good opportunity for the little kids, but the hooligan skater kids have a really hard time with it. We spend a good portion of our time there telling the older kids they can't come in. It's not my favorite.

I talked to the construction manager about my house today. He told me they got things started and they would probably be able to finish all the major stuff before the end of the month. That should be great news. But, not today. Today I'm tired, which means everything is hard. Instead of being super excited, I got kind of bummed. I am sad to leave my family. I'm nervous to be on my own.

Today was the day they posted the results for the St. George Marathon lottery. We didn't get in. Super bummed.

I came home tired, starving, cranky, and let-down. I got to fix the hungry part quickly because Wendee made me a yummy dinner. The rest just went down-hill from there. After we did scriptures, prayer and thankful fors, Wendee gave me some more bad news. She and Jared are doing this personal training thing at a gym here in Kaysville. We thought that the three of us would be able to do it at a "family rate." But, she found out today that that is not the case. Unfortunately for me that means it's no longer an option. I just don't have that kind of money.

After that news, I lost it. I came down to the basement and cried. I'm still crying. I'm just bummed!

My Mom

Today is mother's day. My mom is one of my favorite people in this world. Her heart speaks to my heart and vice verse. She is simply amazing. These are some of my favorite things about my mom:

1. Her laugh. Anyone who has met her has heard it and I don't know anyone who doesn't love it! It's loud, it contagious, and I love it!
2. She plays the piano from her soul. One of my favorite things in the whole world is to lay on the couch and close my eyes while she plays the piano. I usually end up asleep, which oddly enough she views as the ultimate compliment.
3. She is tough. She's been through a lot and continues to endure her trials.
4. She's human. She has her moments when she gets a little upset or a little sad, but who doesn't? She even swore at girl's camp once!
5. She has always been super supportive. Whatever it is I want to do, she is always excited about it. I remember driving up to Idaho for the first time with her. All she talk about was how excited she was for me. I'm sure she was a little sad to see me go, but she let me know that.
6. She sews really well. I have a few of the cutest skirts in the world. Every time I wear them, someone always asks, "Where did you get that?" My response, "My mommy made it." Then they always get kind of sad because they know there's no hope for them to get a skirt equally as cute!
7. Her example. I've learned a lot from my mom. I've seen her respond to many circumstances and no matter what the situation, there is always something to be learned from her.
8. Her testimony. I know she knows the church is true. She always accepts callings to serve in the church. She even does her visiting teaching every month - I'm pretty sure it's usually the first week of the month too!
9. She is protective. I remember one time growing up when someone said some things that were unkind that were directed at me. I have never seen my mom so mad! She does not like anyone to be mean to her kids!
10. Her hugs. My mom is always willing to give a hug. There aren't many places I feel as safe, or as warm, or as loved as I do when I am in my mom's arms!

I love my mom. I hope she knows that and never forgets it! I am excited for the opportunity I will have to be a mother myself. Maybe one day my kids will write the things they love about me on Mother's Day!

Listened

The Spirit spoke and I listened today. I had been planning to go on a trip to Colorado over Memorial Day weekend. A friend and I were going up there to visit another friend. I never felt quite right about it. After I got the update on my house yesterday and realized that there is a good possibility I will not be receiving the $6,000 grant from Utah, I decided now is not the time to be spending a couple hundred dollars to go on vacation. I sent my two friends and email this morning tell them that I would have to opt out - at least until I see how things pan out with my house. I felt so much better about everything when I decided not to go! Within minutes both my friends had emailed me back and said that that was just fine. One of them even said that before she got my email, she was going to opt out of the trip as well. I guess it really wasn't supposed to happen.

Four months ago I lost the hearing in my left ear. It still has not returned. I really wish it would! Three months ago my insurance company denied my claim and refused to pay for the MRI. Apparently my plan doesn't cover "hearing loss." Annoying! I don't actually have a few thousand dollars sitting around to pay for an MRI - especially not after buying a house! I am in the process of submitting an appeal. Let's be honest - whatever happened to my ear, it wasn't your typical "hearing loss!" Today I got the last thing I needed to be able to send the appeal in. My doctor wrote me a letter explaining the medical necesity for the MRI. I am going to send in the appeal tomorrow. I'm excited to have it out of the way and I'm already anxious for their decision. I will be thoroughly upset if they deny it again.

A Mini-Weekend

You know there must be something wrong when you desperately need a weekend and it's only Tuesday. That's how I was feeling yesterday - overwhelmed and exhausted. I decided I would make today a mini-weekend. I slept in (well, I woke up at 7:30 instead of 6:05...), I took my time getting ready, and I didn't make it to work until 10:00. I left work a little earlier than usual today too. And even though I only got 6 and a half hours today, I'm still going to end up with 6 or 7 hours of overtime!

I have this bad habit...apparently I have a few of those. When I get to know someone, I get more sarcastic. Eventually I find myself being "mean." Usually when it gets to this point, I'm good enough friends with the other person that they know I'm not actually being mean. I've gotten to this point with Jill at work. I love Jill. She is my sanity and I will be very sad when she leaves me - hopefully not too soon! Over the past few days I've noticed that I haven't been very nice to Jill. I decided today that even though she probably knows it's not my intention to be mean, she still deserves more. I made a conscious effort to be a little more positive and little less sarcastic. It was great! I'll have to make that a conscious effort more often. I'm sure eventually it won't even have to be a conscious effort!

I'm a little bummed about my house. I finally got a hold of the construction manager (after both Jack and I leaving messages with the sales lady and hearing nothing back!). He said we're still probably 4-6 weeks out. I'm discouraged - they said it would be 4-6 weeks 5 weeks ago! I'm going to take Aaron's advice and be annoying about it from now on. I am going to ask for a timeline and I'm going to make them be accountable. Aaron said they'll get the work done faster if I don't just sit back and be nice about it. If I be just less than mean, they'll work faster to get me out of their hair. I think he may be on to something. We'll see! The $6,000 grant from Utah is becoming less and less of a possibility. I don't like that!

Habits

It's strange to me how hard it is to break a bad habit and how easy it is to break a good habit. I have been terrible at keeping a daily record of the way the Lord has blessed my life. I was doing so well - every night for a very long time. Then, one day I skipped...and then the next day I skipped...before I knew it it was months later! The moral of the story - don't skip a day and I'll be fine!

Today was a super full day. I went to a meeting at 9:30, I went to the Centerville single's ward at 11:00, I went to my ward at 1:00, I went to visit someone in our ward after church, I went to a family birthday party at 5:30, and I went to Oma and Opa's house after that. Whew, it makes me tired just to think about all I got in today! And here's my report - the Centerville ward was not my favorite. I'm not a huge fan of single's ward in general, but I just wasn't impressed. I've grown to love my ward now and I think I might just keep going there. I haven't decided yet for sure, we'll see. The young man we went to visit after church is really sick. His kidneys have failed. It was a neat experience to be able to visit him - I don't even know him. But, he's fighting so hard and setting such an amazing example. I am grateful for him and I really hope he starts to feel better soon! The family birthday party was great! It was the first time my whole family has been to my parent's house in a really long time! We had dinner and cake and ice cream! It was a little loud. Our family is pretty big to fit in my parent's living room! But, I just love it when everyone is together. I feel like that's how it's supposed to be! Families are supposed to be together...forever! And now the long day is over...oh how I love my beddie!

Hopefully I will be able to sleep a little easier than last night. Last night I watched a dumb movie that was super intense and a little too scary for me. I had to turn on "A Cinderella Story" to be able to sleep. It's amazing to me how much that movie has affected me. Usually I'm really good at blocking the parts in movies that really bother me. Not this one. I said a little prayer this morning to ask for help to be able to forget. The answer I got was not what I asked for, but it was comforting enough. I started to relate the movie to something more uplifting. In the movie a father does everything he possibly can to find his daughter, save her from the terrible people who have a hold of her, and bring her home. In part of the movie, he makes someone else "buy" her. I started to think about how Heavenly Father is like the father in that movie. He will do everything he possibly can to find me, save me from the bad things in this world, and bring me safely home. He loves me so much He sent His son to pay the ultimate price to save me. It was a neat insight. I still wish I just hadn't seen the movie in the first place...but I can't take that back. I definitely will not watch it again!

I'm hoping that this week things will start to calm down a little bit. Work should be a little calmer, I don't have any big plans...I'm kind of excited for a down week.