It's official... I really am leaving

I have been so preoccupied with school and work that I have not had time to notice the time going by. Yesterday I had a reality check. My boss asked me if I had received my schedule for next semester. We started talking about my church and what not when she asked what classes I was taking. I let her know that I could not register until November 16th and she replied that that is today!

That means that first: I have to register and second: there is only one month left in the semester! That is crazy. I feel like summer just ended not winter is here. I have so much to do and so little time. On a side note I got my first B in Chemistry! I have struggled this entire semester with Intro to Organic and Biochemistry. If this is how difficult the intro is, how difficult will the real deal be? Maybe I have to rethink my major. I got my "progress" report for the class and I have a 82% that is like a B- I feel like a failure; however, there is a another test and the final left so let's just hope that I can do better and pull out a solid B.

I finally registered for classes and I am excited for them. Here is my schedule for BYU-Idaho:

General Psychology (online class with Sister Amy Morris)

Human Resource Management with Brother D. Joshua Holt

American Foundations with Brother Ryan S. Johnson

Missionary Prep with Brother David Christensen

Science Foundation (online class with Sister Lynn S. Durtschi

Computer Basics (online class with Brother Raymond Dean Allen)

and Medical Law and Ethics with Brother Dan C. Dummar)

All together I am taking a full load (16 credits). By the way, I think it is funny that they call their professors Brother and Sister and not Professor. The classes that I have to take in order to start the program are Anatomy and EMT Basics; however, I cannot start them until after I get back from my mission. But the classes that I am taking next semester I have to take as graduation requirements. I am going to enjoy taking these classes, I am ready to get started.

Speaking of mission, everything is falling into place. Last Sunday I had my meeting with President Chirolla and he sent everything to President Lantz (the Stake President) I am hoping that I will get my call by next month because I leave December 31st and it would be nice to open it surrounded by people that I know.

The Dental Experience from Hockey Sticks! and a Little Bit of Life

A couple of weeks ago I had a dental exam. The dental hygienist was amazing and she told me that since I do not numb well, they would "put me under" when I get my two fillings. Well, today the doctor told me that they do not "put people under" for fillings. It took them 15 times (5 tries with three pokes each) and I was finally numb for the first fillings. While doing the procedure, the doctor told me that I had a "psychotic" tongue so each time she moved the hygienist had to move my tongue out of the way (she did this forcefully). The doctor then called in two more hygienist to "help" but the only thing they did was hurt me (for instance, one of the hygienist stabbed my tongue, tooth, and gums with the "mirror" numerous times, she even complained that she could not see and yet she "sucked" my jaw until I could barely breathe)! Of course, by the time it came to my second filling I was no longer numb. Well they were too busy talking to each other to notice that I was "SCREAMING" that I was no longer numb. Finally the doctor heard me and they poked me six more times until I was numb again. Needless to say, I am glad that it's over. Now everything is done and soon I will have my meetings so that I can go on a mission.

School and work have me so busy that I barely have time to rest. Last weekend I was able to have a breather. I helped Hallie with her Mom to Mom Sale. I was even able to spend a little bit of time with the kids. They are so adorable and they just brighten up my day. I cannot wait for the time where I get to work with little ones. However, school is another thing. Chemistry is going to be the death of me. The Coroner will write: "Death by Intro to Organic Chemistry." It is a tough class. Maybe I will be a therapist instead of a P.A. then I will not have to take any more chemistry classes. I have an A in both Marriage and the Family and Astronomy 1. I love my job at the college. My coworkers are so nice.

I have a cell phone now! It only took 2 years to replace my old one. If you want my number let me know. It is a MetroPCS phone, not the best service in the world, but better than no phone at all I suppose.

Sunday during Fast and Testimony Meeting I realized that I do not have long before I head off to BYU-Idaho. I am both excited and nervous about the whole thing. I hope, no I know, that it is going to be a wonderful experience. I am going to spend two nights in Utah staying with my Stake Relief Society President's family. Then I head off to Idaho for classes. I will leave for my mission sometime after April 6th, when Winter Semester is over. I cannot wait to see what Heavenly Father has planed for me.

School, Work, Family, and... A Mission!

These past few weeks has been nonstop work, school, and studying with a sprinkle of a fall cold. It has been stressful to say the least. I have had 2 exams and 2 Astronomy and Chemistry quizzes. Let's just say I do not get Organic Chemistry one bit. I do not care about carbons and lipids- I just want to be a Pediatric Physician's Assistant! That makes since right?

I spent last weekend with my family. Friday and the better part of Saturday I stayed with my sisters. We had a Comedy (i.e. Madea) and Action movie night and game day with yummy different foods that I have been craving- my sister's spicy Nachos are amazing! Saturday morning we had a game day, complete with Monopoly, Spades, and Trouble. Then I spent Saturday night and Sunday morning at my parents house. We likewise had a movie night (my dad's favorite movies: Avatar (He is like 63 and he LOVES it), Godzilla (the funny one), Planet of the Apes, and Major Payne. It was nice being with them.

This past week I have been busy at work and studying for my Chemistry exam. I have also been getting to know my coworkers and hanging out with them. Saturday one of my coworkers (though he does not work in my department I spend a lot of time in his building) invited me to Red Robin's for dinner with his friends. People are so friendly and laid-back. Hopefully I can relax this week though- I have been a bit sleep deprived.

Oh and about the mission thing. I just submitted my papers today! I cannot wait to have my interviews and start thinking about where they are going to send me.

Health Science and Technology

I am officially working at Macomb Community College. I work at the Health Science and Technology building as a Clerical Assistant. It is such a fun place to work! I am learning about children, pets, and food! Today the Associate Dean, Larry, brought over these amazing low-fat cookies that a coworker made for him. They were so delicious.

All of my coworkers are so nice and very helpful. Health Science and Technology's motto is: "You learn by doing" and I can totally see that. My first day at the building they had me do a fun walk-through. The first one was with them (Jennifer and Barbara, my supervisors, and Chris, another new employee). The second walk-through included me touching and trying to memorize everything in the office. I learned how to work the copier, printer, and fax machine. Then I answered the telephone (which was basically me asking them to hold while I found someone who could assist them). I also walked around campus and met other workers that I would work with closely (Mary the Copy Center Manager, Kim, my real boss who works in the Health and Human Services Department, Kim's other employees and Lois from the Learning Center. I can tell that I am going to really enjoy this job.

I have met so many interesting people at the college. It has been a fun experience being at this campus.

Music Therapy

Words cannot describe the feelings that I have felt this past 2 weeks. Let's just say I needed a musical pick-me-up. And I got it with these songs and videos.

Worldly:

Michael Buble Ft. Blake Shelton- Home (live)

Hot Chelle Rae- Tonight, Tonight

David Archuleta- Crush

Dixie Chicks- Not Ready to Make Nice

Garth Brooks- Friends in Low Places and Dance

Javier Colon- Fix You

Keith Urban- Be Here Album and Where the Black Top Ends

Madonna Ft. Justin Timberlake- 4 Minutes

Taio Cruz- Dynamite

Inspirational:

Jessie Clark Funk- Everything Speaks His Name Album

Jenny Philips- Every Breath Album

David Archuleta- Christmas from the Heart Album

David Boye- Be Still My Soul

Josh Groban- Noel Album

Mark Geslison and Geoff Groberg- The Field is White Album

Michael McLean- Ninety and Nine

The songs and albums have been tremendous help to me. I am grateful for so many people who are willing to bless me with their talents.

A great week

This week has been really good to me. I am very grateful for all of the great things that have happened. I have tried to focus on the positive that has gone on.

Last Monday, to celebrate my birthday, Hallie took me out to Olga's for dinner and C.J. Barrymore's for some fun activities. It has been a long time since I had so much fun. We laughed and I learned more about her. I also faced a ton of my fears (drowning, going over a bridge, fast softballs, walking across a sewer hole, etc). There was so much to do! We had bumper boats, soft balls, and the Grand Prix. Okay I am obsessed with being a kid. I love just feeling like I can be and do anything! I did not have that opportunity when I was younger, so it makes sense to me to do fun stuff like that. Did you know that up until my 16th birthday I went to the state fair? And for my 18th birthday I went to Chuck E. Cheese's.

On Tuesday (my birthday) I had lunch with Sister Cooper (the Stake Relief Society President). She was so amazing. After that I went to my classes. I got home at around 10:30pm.

Wednesday I did part one of my physical. It took forever! But most of it was finished. My doctor is hilarious. The hold time he made references about my imaginary boyfriend. I also had a great conversation with the receptionist, her nephew served a mission! I also remembered that I had an astronomy observation due the next day. I tried to go out and look at the constellations and see two planets and the moon rise/set, unfortunately being a procrastinator failed because it was too cloudy to see anything more than four stars.

Thursday I had class again again got home at around 10:30pm.

Friday I babysat for the Nugents. Their daughters are so adorable and easy to care for. My parents told me to come over for dinner. They gave me a (not so surprise) birthday party! My sisters, nieces, and nephews were there and I was so glad to be around little people again. It was great, until my nephew decided to drop my camera! I have not used it since I was at SVU and the one time I bring it out, it gets broken! It does not turn off very well. Then my dad car was side swiped and it would not close, now that he got it to close, it does not open!

Saturday I worked all day. It was fun though! For the first time ever, I was able to verify fifty and hundred dollar bills. It was awesome. I also got to hang out with my friend Brenda! She is so funny. After that Hallie, Mike, and the kids picked me up and we watched the BYU Cougars play Ole Miss. I was not worried, I knew that BYU would win. I am good luck!

That's my awesome week.