Surgery

Well since I've been sick all semester (and still managed to get A's even though I wasn't there half the time), I came home and went to the doctor's. I had a HIDA scan. Which basically they injected me with stuff and for 1 hr I laid very still why the machine took pics of my gallbladder filling up. Then 30mins they watched how it would empty and test it like I had just eaten a heavy meal. I read all these things that said it was going to be painful because it causes a gallbladder attack. And those are so painful and make me cry sometimes. But it didn't hurt, thankfully.

So they got my results back and they said they needed to proceed with the operation. So Christmas Eve I spent it in the hospital. I was super nervous, but my Dad gave me a blessing. I get super nausea and I don't do well getting put to sleep. My aunt came in on her day off to play nurse and help me through everything. It was so nice of her. Oh the day before I had to drink some Mag citrate. Nasty. I chugged it. It tastes like salt and then it helps clean you out. SO nasty! I don't ever recommend it. 

I got a sedative to calm me down and made me feel happy and relax. They put stockings on my legs to help prevent blood clots and a machine that massages my legs. Then I went into the OR and they put a mask over me and before I knew it I was getting tapped on the head to wake up. Everything went well. I was very alert and awake after, I just saw like double of everything. It was amazing. I've been sick for so long I forgot what it felt like to feel normal and healthy.  I thought I could get up and dance except for the stitches. I have three cuts on my stomach. The belly button cut hurts the most. I had just barely gotten over a bad cold and cough so I was still hacking when I woke up. Plus they put a tube down my throat. So when I woke up I had to cough and have a breathing treatment. It felt good to cough so much and get everything out. Plus they gave me steroids and nausea medicine. I felt awesome. 

They gave me pics of my gallbladder which didn't have sludge balls ( like silly Utah doctors said I had), I had gallstones. There is no such thing as sludge balls. Then I had these chlosteriosis on my gallbladder. My doctor said it really needed to come out. They also showed me my appendix, ovaries, and uterus which are all very healthy. 

Nasty looking right??!

I stayed in that recovery section for like 30-45 mins. I listened to everyone else and the funny things they said. Then I got moved to a room where my parents could come in and see me. I got a diet coke (which tasted so good after not having to drink anything and had such a sore throat. Then I tried crackers which made me sick. I was so hungry though. And I kept falling asleep in the middle of everything. Funny. 

I've been on drugs which gave me an allergic reaction and I am waiting for some different medicine. Otherwise, I've been eating real food again and kind of loopy and super sore. I have been trying to take it easy and relax. But I like I said, I go home Sunday and don't have much time to do everything like recover and see people. And I can't lift anything over 40 pounds for 6 weeks, like my niece and suitcases. Interesting for sure. Merry Christmas to me. No gallbladder anymore! 

xoxo

Christmas Time

I came home for Christmas. It has been so wonderful. Unfortunately, I have to go back in a few days. Lame. I need more time. I haven't had enough time to see everyone or do everything. 

Here's some pics from the lights around Salt Lake and Tempe Square. Pretty! I love Christmas lights! 

And it's been snowing:

(my view from school in one of my classrooms)

Since it snowed, I of course had to make snow cream! YUM

These are on my flight home to GA:

Chick Fil A has my favorite soup out again. Tortilla. Oh so good.

And Merry Christmas to myself, I bought a soda stream and it's so wonderful. Now I can have sparkling grapefruit water. Sweetness! 

xoxo

What's been happening?

So I know months have gone by. MONTHS! I wanted to get pictures, then school started, then work, etc. This got put on the back burner, which isn't a happy place to be! Soooo what's been happening?

My apartment:

I didn't get a picture of my bedroom, strange. But it's cute too. Anyways, my apartment is absolutely adorable, and has become quite homey. Living by myself has been the best decision ever! I love it. I also like to have visitors...so come visit ;)

My craft projects:

I made my own coasters out of tile and paris napkins. Cuteness right?

I also bought glass jars from DI and stained them. Also love. They are pretty in the window.

Church:

The first time I went to my new ward, I totally thought it was a Catholic church. It's very historic and has some interesting aritecture designs. It's a decent ward. Just doesn't have enough singles and people my age. It is a family ward, so I what do you expect?     

Work:

New $100 bill. Pretty huh? Ha. Most people say it looks like it was designed with Microsoft Word.

I also dressed up for Halloween. Cleopatra:

Doing my makeup was super fun! 

Niece/Nephews:

Zarahemla is going to be a big sister to a baby boy!! He's due in March. I am thrilled to be an aunt again. 

These cute boys live close to me and I love when I get the opportunity to spend some time with them. We went trick or treating together. They were adorable.

Sickness:

I've also been sick for like a month now. I've gone to the doctor on several occasions for tests to figure out what exactly is going on. So because of this random illness I have missed all of my classes numerous times and I'm starting to think the teachers don't believe me anymore. So prayers we can figure it all out soon. And if I have to surgery, hopefully we can find a temporary relief until I can go home in December. 

Other Happenings: 

I bought a Macbook. Totally worth it. I really love it. It takes some adjusting but I am learning, very slowly. 

I met Mitt and Ann Romney at Deseret Book. They signed their new family cookbook for me.

I also tried making Ann's cookies...apparently these cookies are for an army. So many cookies. 

xoxo

Last night!

It's officially my last night in my apartment in the Seasons! And I get to spend it with just me left in the apartment. Aha...such a good feeling. I just spent the last hour cleaning and Dad and I moved all my stuff over earlier today. Super excited about moving. I feel like this is a huge change for me. Definitely a good and much needed change. Now comes the fun part- shopping for furniture, and things I need, then organizing my new place and decorating! 

Also, I finished my last two exams tonight and did well. I should end up with all A's this semester. Moving out back to Utah was a great decision. I'm feeling like I am exactly where I need to be. 

These are exciting blessed times my friends. 

Xoxo 

Hello world

" As is a tale, so is life,not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters"~ J.K. Rowling 

I am feeling truly blessed and overwhelmed. It's always interesting how things end up coming together and falling into place. Thankfully Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for me! 

I found an apartment. Just me. 

I. Am. So. Thrilled....so incredibly thrilled. 

This will be my official first place and I can't believe it. I looked forever, along with my awesome mom, to find something. It was all too expensive or went fast. Finally, finally my mom found this adorable basement apartment. It's perfect. A little on the smaller side, but for just me, it's perfection. The kitchen I love! It's all been recently renovated. Plus, the family above me are just darling and I think it will be great. I can't wait to start decorating and making it my own. I've been a little Pinterest crazy lately looking for ideas. I hope it turns out cute! Naturally, I'll post pictures. I move in this week. My dad is so wonderful and flying out to help me - move, pack, clean, take me shopping, put things together, etc. He is so great. I'm so grateful for such incredible parents who help me. The Best!! 

School semester ends this week. Three exams left. Then Done. And with all A's might I add. I'm very proud of myself. Then one month break until fall semester starts. 

Other exciting news is I got a new job that is right downtown. Very very very grateful for this opportunity. I hate leaving my current job and giving notice but you go with what you feel is right. I think it will be awesome. Andddd no hour long bus ride to and from work. YAY! - motion sickness is horrible. 

So many big things happening. I am excited, nervous, and don't really know what all I'm feeling. For sure grateful to Heavenly Father for looking out for me and having a plan specifically catered to me. 

Xoxo 

Good uplifting story

Soooo, I read this on fb. It was a good cute story. Uplifting. And after my day, it's perfect. 

 The Fern and the Bamboo

One day I decided to quit…I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality…. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

“God”, I said. “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”

His answer surprised me.

“Look around”, He said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes”, I replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

“In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

“In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The same in year four.

“Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.

“Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you.

“Don’t compare yourself to others.” He said. “The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.

“Your time will come”, God said to me. “You will rise high.”

“How high should I rise?” I asked.

“How high will the bamboo rise?” He asked in return.

“As high as it can?” I questioned.

“Yes.” He said, “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will never give up on you.

Never never never give up. 

–Author Unknown

xoxo 

You want to know what is awesome?

GROUP PROJECTS!

Not.................

I have a project in my psychology class due this Tuesday. Mind you, we have known about it for about a month or so now. Well here it is Sunday night and guess what? I haven't heard from my group members. Except one tonight (who hasn't been to class in months), he wants to get together tomorrow and choose a project. Hello...I'm done! I have the project completed. Thanks for all the help! Except they haven't helped at all. Two of my group members are engaged and don't care about school anymore. Another, I don't know what is going on with her, and the last one like I already said hasn't been to class in forever. I'm sure they think I'll gladly slap their name on and they can get credit. Yeah, you got another thing coming! 

Two things will happen. One, the other members will have some project ready for Tuesday (we could combine!..HA) or two, they will want to take credit for what I have done. No worries, the teacher has been emailed and now aware of the situation. 

But seriously when I hear group projects I always roll my eyes and scream inside. I always get the group who does nothing. Awesome guys, some of us really are here to learn and are in fact paying for an education. Thanks for caring.

Rant over.

Ps. I need a place to live in like a month. I'm moving out and needing a new awesome place. Preferably one I won't have to move out of anytime soon. Also, something by myself will be better. No more roommates! It's time to be on my own. Studio anyone? Let me know if you hear something.

xoxo

New Reads!

Picked up some new books recently, because I have so much time to read them. It's pretty exciting! I Love Love LOVE new books. Except, I have a million I haven't even read yet. The list continues to grow (including a nook full of books waiting for me). I just don't have nearly enough time to read as I would like. Oh well. I have a whole lifetime to read. Right?

Yay books!!! 

xoxo

I'm still alive

Seriously, it's been over a month. 

Where have I been?! 

Well let me just fill you in! 

I moved to Utah. 

I'm going to LDSBC. 

I got a job at a bank. 

I've been insanely busy. 

The end. 

Ha. That's the short version. Now for details. I love my apartment complex. I feel super safe. Which is a good feeling. The inside reminds you of a hotel room. There is a hot tub, theater room, and gym. It's like a block from my school. Such a blessing! I just wish it wasn't so expensive living here. Ha. It's good for now. But come fall I may need something cheaper. 

I have awesome roommates. Britnee and Sierra. We all get along pretty well, also a blessing. I hardly see them though because I'm always gone. But they are awesome.

I really really enjoy LDSBC. It just feels right. I can't explain it. The teachers mostly have a real job and then teach at LDSBC for fun. So they actually care. Plus they genuinely want to help you succeed and work with you. It's fabulous. I wish I had time to explore what they have to offer but I stay busy.

My classes keep me very busy. But I've been able to learn so much and I am doing well. It is different going to school now then a couple of years ago. I just have a different perspective and want to be here. I enjoyed school before but now I just have a different feeling about it all. I don't feel forced to do things. I want to learn. I like my classes.  Plus I'm paying for it. Ha

I'm now a business transfer student and will have a degree in accounting by the time I finish, which I hope is by fall 2014 maybe sooner. That way I will have a good solid useable degree and then I can continue pursuing my English: book editor degree. Yay!

Living downtown Salt Lake is incredible. I love being able to walk everywhere. I love discovering the city and finding fun new places. I love how everything is pretty close. I love how beautiful it is at night with the lights. I love all the happenings downtown. I love that I'm only a couple blocks away from Temple Square. I just don't visit it nearly enough. The Salt Lake Temple is literally right there. I see it everyday and it just brings so much peace and hope into my life. I need to go to it though. Find the time! Also, my school is like a block or two away from me. The best thing ever!

I was only out of work for two weeks before I got another job. Seriously major major blessing. I had a couple of interviews. And not even two hours after one they offered me a job. I love it. It's definitely different from going to one of the top banks in the nation to a small community bank with only 7 branched. Tiny! But it's a good thing. Everything is done manually pretty much so it's taken a little getting use to but less room for mistakes. I am learning a lot. And my coworkers are wonderful! We all are different and bring something to the table. I really like everyone. And no drama! I really feel like I have the opportunity to grow here. It's wonderful.

Sooo that's pretty much my life. For now. Ha.

Xoxo

packing.

Packing is a nightmare!

There is too much stuff I want to take and I just don't have the space.

Also, I realized I have a shoe problem. Flip flips, tennis shoes, can't forget my flats!, oh what about my boots?

Then there is my jacket problem. I love having sweatshirts and jackets. But do
You really need like 4 or 5? It will be summer soon.

Psh someone pack for me.

Xoxo

Best thing ever!

http://elitedaily.com/elite/2013/nbc-confirms-friends-returning-comeback-season/

Friends coming back for a reunion season?! Oh happy joy joy joy!!!

Xoxo

Thoughts. Here and there.

Hey kiddies. I fly out to Utah on the 26th! 

I'm beyond excited but kinda freakin out. 

Mom's flying with me to help get me settled. 

Excited to see my nephews. 

Living in Salt Lake City.

 Different area that I don't know well. 

Close to temple square. 

My favorite spot is the Christus Statue. 

I can be a member of the Slc library. Huge. Love. 

I'm living across from school. 

Excited to go back to school. 

Finally getting a degree.  

Not taking a car out there. 

Walking everywhere. Get healthy. 

My roommate Is awesome (met via fb). 

Good times ahead. 

I need a job. 

I really need to start pack. 

Last week of work. 

I'm going to miss my family. 

Miss watching my niece grow up. 

Next chapter in life. 

So. Many. Thoughts. 

Xoxo

Story time.

Let me tell you a little story.

Once upon a time there was a girl who worked at a bank. This girl was an honest person who worked hard and always followed the rules. She really enjoyed her job and the company she worked for. She made good friends and wanted to make a career, one day, working for this bank. A nasty new manager came in who was very disrespectful and plain out rude to the girl. The mean manager transferred the girl to another branch where she wouldn't have to deal with her. So she got transferred to another branch. She thought this move would actually be better for her anyways. She was way way wrong. That's when everything went downhill. Don't get too close to anyone. Don't trust anyone because they will only take advantage. She couldn't trust the coworkers because they were always starting drama and saying mean things behind her back. They seemed nice on the outside and to her face but always had something bad to say about someone else or even worse, her. Harsh untrue rumors about others. This girl worked in the drive thru and mainly kept to herself, that's the way she liked it, but everyone always wanted to start something. Everyone would come to her to complain and act buddy-buddy with her, but they were only being fake and two-faced. Soon work became worse for the girl. She dreaded going and not knowing who she could talk to because they always twisted their words. She just wanted to help the clients and do her job to the best of her ability. But how do you pick up the slack for others stupid mistakes? How can you make things right? How can she make things better for everyone? More questions with no clear answer. Her coworkers would be dishonest to clients and take advantage of them. That just wasn't right. But who could she talk to? The manager wasn't someone you could go to because everyone would find out. No confidentiality. No manager, employee relationship. The line was blurred too easily for others. A couple of times they held group meetings to talk things out but that did absolutely nothing. She wanted to go to HR about harassment, but the girl tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. She tried to be nice and friendly and understand them. That didn't work. As time went on, things started getting much worse. Nothing went the way it was suppose to. Money started disappearing from the bank and it was sometimes blamed on the honest girl. But how could she prove it when there was no cameras in the back to protect her good honest name? That is the question of the day. She was pushed too far and she put in her two weeks notice. But that wasn't the end. Another shortage--- how could that be? She had been so cautious. Rotten luck kid.

Lesson learned you can never trust anyone. Even your coworkers. If something seems fishy, trust your gut. You're probably right. Something isn't quite adding up here. Get out. And get out quick.

And now that said girl has to be the one to take the blame. This could actually damage her reputation and good name. But even if she knows she didn't do anything wrong how can one see that? How can one prove that? Only the good Lord and her know the truth that it wasn't her fault. But life goes on. And all she can do is get through it, move past it, and hold on to those lessons learned.

Life's tough. Get a helmet.

Xoxo

Pretty pictures

Thanks National Geographic!

Xoxo