I have been reading a book lately that is changing my way of handling certain situations in life. Supposedly it is a good thing - I am thawing memories that need to be thawed... But at the same time it hurts! Reminding me of the saying, "The Truth hurts!!"
So I had to give myself a mental break at work today... Didn't have time to take a lunch so I figured I was safe.
So, I was interested in seeing how many people had the same name that I do. I went to: names.whitepages.com. Typed in my name and clicked search!
Not too much of a surprise, but there isn't another person with the same first and last name as myself. I LOVE having a unique name. Even if it means that I am occasionally called Paci, Traci, Staci, Kaci, Taxi, Tassie and my personal favorite Tacky.
Thanks Mom and Dad for the awesome name! It ROCKS! :)
Somedays I have a really hard time keeping my patience!!
I had to stay late at work on Monday to finish up a few things before a seminar that I was attending. I literally ran to the bathroom while waiting for one of the computers to start up and as usual locked the bathroom door!
Not even five seconds after the door was closed someone was trying the knob to get in. I politely told them I was in the bathroom and would be out shortly... They kept trying the knob (I work in a retirement facility so I thought they didn't hear me!). All of the sudden they are yelling my name!! This is what they said:
"Taci, TACI!! Do you have a "DRAFT" stamp?"
I guess I didn't realize that whether or not I had a certain stamp was a life or death situation! Ugh. I am now going to start using the bathrooms on the furthest part of the building!
It’s official, I got the promotion! I will be moving my desk down to the Business Office and receiving the new title of Accounting Specialist. I will be in charge of the Medicaid/Medicare billing and reimbursement for the company as well as other duties. I am really, REALLY excited for this opportunity…. Just thought that I would share the good news!
I have felt like my life is an organized mess... Until watching the television documentary on Hoarding! This one lady had a food hoarding habit that made me dry heave while watching! I don't want to be a hoarder!
Therefore this weekend my goals are going to be:
Organize life. Clean Room. Throw out crap I have held onto for no other reason than it brings back memories. - Seriously, when I die does it really mean anything to anyone else... NO! Purchase photo albums, place pictures in albums and not boxes. Clean out my closet. Give my self a mental check on hoarding habits. Throw out the pumpkin from last year's Halloween - just kidding, it's from Thanksgiving! Scrub room with Clorox.
If you ever need to evaluate your living habits - watch "Hoarders"...
~ There is a huge leak that happens the day before. ~ It's 6:45 AM and you've already been at work for an hour. ~ There's a cute dress with your name on it! :) ~ Items are removed and added to the Silent Auction the day of. ~ You are beginning to have a receding hair line, and you're a girl (due to pulling out your hair)! ~ You are popping anxiety meds like candy! ~ You are blogging because you are too stressed to focus.
Alright, I realized I have to get back to work..... I just can't believe it is Gala time already and I don't feel prepared! Wish me luck, cross your fingers, and say a lot of prayers - we all need it tonight! :)
I am on the MOVE to end Alzheimer's! This is the third walk for me since moving to DC and this year it means all the more because of a dear friend who recently passed away with this disease.
She was an inspiration and great example of love and charity! This year, I dedicate my walk to her!
If you would like to donate click this link DONATE! Help me make my goal of $500.00 this year!
Fall - I see it, I smell it, I feel it in the air! It is coming!!! I am really growing to love this part of the year. I guess it helps because I have some really cute sweaters that I am getting really excited to wear!
Here is a picture of what I have to look forward to...
Back in May one of my best friends, Calley, and my sister, Cami, were married. I know, I know - I am a little behind!
I was able to attend both weddings in Utah and was grateful for the chance to go home for a little while. Calley and Cami were beautiful brides and married wonderful men!
Here are some pictures of their weddings and I think they made beautiful brides!
I have four fortune cookie fortunes that I read daily to help get me through the day!
- You are busy but you are happy! Don't know if I really believe that one some days. Ha ha!
- Get your mind set - confidence will lead you on!
- Your ability to find the silly in the serious will take you far! All I have to do is remember one certain intervention with one certain sister and I believe this to be true... Don't stare at her in the eyes!!!
- Listen to the wisdom of the old. I believe this with all my heart! I love listening to the stories of the older generations. I am lucky to work where I can visit and listen to those on a more regular basis!
Things at work can be crazy. Some days I love my job and some days I don't! I am currently in the process of learning some new billing procedures and so far loving it!! Things are going well for me right now, I just need to learn to update the blog more often! I do have quite a few pictures that I want to post of my new place and other random adventures! I will post those on a more regular basis... :)
Due to a storm this last Sunday, I have been out of power at my house until Wednesday morning. For some this might seem like a small thing – but to me it was HUGE!
I had to adjust to no air conditioning, no charging of the cell phone, no Internet, candlelight showers and not opening the fridge/freezer for fear of letting the cold air escape.
I didn’t realize that I had turned on my light in my bedroom until this morning when it turned on and I jumped out of bed disoriented and thinking I was being attacked! Good thing I was the only person home at this time! I did brave opening the freezer this morning to assess the damage and sad to say it is probably all going to have to be thrown out...
Overall, this morning I was a very grateful individual!!! I was thankful for lights in the bathroom (putting make-up on in the dark is not pretty), air-conditioning, music to help me get ready and overall electricity that really makes my life that much easier!
There are little things that East Coast people have that I really enjoy... Such as a nice relaxing dinner in a restaurant. I hate when I go to some restaurants for a fun dinner and I feel like I am being rushed to eat and get out! Out here, we pretty much have to ask for the check when we are ready to go - - LOVE IT!
Also, they have house warming parties. I know that those went on in Utah as well, but they didn't seem to be very popular. Out here, when you move into a new place and are settled, there is a party to celebrate. I love it!
I am looking forward to moving to the new house and also hoping to have a party to celebrate! I am also looking forward to having a very, very full house in about 21 days... Can't wait!! :)
I will miss having little Alesa walk into my room and play with my long necklaces hanging from the mirror. She is adorable! I love that she will now say "pretty"! My next step is to teach her to say "stiletto"... Ha ha!
No, I am not talking about plucking ducks. I am talking about plucking my eyebrows! OUCH!!!!!
I got a pair of cute pink tweezers to see if that would make the experience more enjoyable... HA! Not at all - now my eyebrow matched my tweezers! It was an extremely painful 10 seconds before I decided to forget plucking and continue to go to my favorite nail salon and have them waxed!
I won't say that I hate the fact that we have to go through all this pain to make ourselves more presentable, because I love it!
What more can I say then.... "I Enjoy Being A Girl!"
P.S. If you don't know that is my signature song - then how in the world did you find this blog because we must not be friends!
Today is Erin and Drew's anniversary and I gave them a couple of ideas for places to go for a romantic dinner... I am so excited!
I love finding fun restaurants for people and helping them get all dressed up for the special event. It's like finding the perfect shoes for the perfect outfit! Ah... I love it!
I am wearing my brown heels today and residents continue to comment on the height. Today I had a resident ask me to take one off because she wanted to see how tall I was without the shoes. I just laugh when I see their expressions. Somedays I really like my job!
Also helps that it is full moon time and that makes everyone a little crazy... he he! :)
With Memorial Day on Monday and working with retired military officers, I am reminded of so many things that I sometimes take for granted.
I have a home, car, job, freedom, religion and life.
My cousin is leaving for another tour of duty in the Middle East this summer and he has constantly been on my mind. So, I am dedicating this post to him.
Cody and I are close in age which meant that we would play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or soldiers together. Great childhood memories! Now we are both grown and living life in completely different areas. And although we no longer play soldiers, Cody has turned the game into his life.
He has been to the Middle East understanding and willingly laying his life on the line for me, my family, my friends and my country. And he will again.
To Cody - Thank You! Thank you for fighting in a war that I am not physically fighting in. Know that you will have my support 100% in everything you do. You are constantly in my prayers and thoughts. I love you! :)
To those that have fought before - may you rest in peace. I hope as you look down on America you will see many grateful Americans that will always remember what your ultimate sacrifice was for.
I am confessing that I am a little bit of a nerd. I know - SURPRISE!!!
Lately I have been watching a few series by Joss Whedon and LOVE them. I am currently watching Angel which stars Booth from Bones. I also watched a scary movie about zombies, which although scary was excellent!
I decided sometimes it is alright getting in touch with your inner nerd. Try it sometime and you might be surprised at what you enjoy! :)
So, my youngest brother and his wife had a baby this morning! Every time a new little one joins our massive family, I am super-duper excited!!
This being my... 18th? 19th? 20th?? niece to join (I was serious about my massive family!), I thought that the feeling of having a new addition would get old. It NEVER does!
I am dying at the fact that I am not there to cuddle little baby Merkley. I now understand what my siblings must have felt when little Alesa was born. One word which perfectly describes my pain is: AGONY!!
So, my dear new niece... Expect a lot of cuddles, cute outfits and maybe a tear or two when we first meet. And to Cassie, Happy "First" Mother's Day! Love you! Aunt Taci
I love to cook. I didn't realize just how much until recently! I love to make delicious dinners and amazing desserts. I love watching people eat the food that I prepared to see whether or not I should use that same recipe again.
I realized recently that I have been using the same old recipes over and over! Therefore, my goal this year is to try a different recipe each week. Luckily, now that I live with Drew and Erin I have people I can practice on!!! :)
I was talking with friends one night about our mothers and the conversation of what we ate as children came up. I would have to say that my mother was quite the cook! She's made sweet and sour chicken with homemade eggrolls! We had yummy breads and treats waiting for us when we got home. I still have cravings for her homemade hot pockets! If you had one of those - - you were a very, very good friend of ours. Normally, I wouldn't invite my friends over that night. No, not even joking!! :)
My friend Lindy also taught me the amazing ability to make a meal in small amounts of time. She can whip out a salad, main dish and dessert so fast my head would spin! I still can't make my blackened chicken the way she does! So, since I have had two great examples of cooks in my life - and too many more to name - I am hoping that some of their ability has rubbed off onto me!
So, here is to a year of cooking and trying new recipes! This week I made BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. I know that it is an easy recipe, but it was a new one for me! Also, I am going to make a vegetarian soup and tofu for Friday's dinner.
One of my Best Friends, Calley McKee (soon to be Thompson) came for a visit after she attended a conference downtown. We had a lot of fun catching up, talking about wedding plans, running around and taking walks.
Calley let me try out the foam curlers in her hair to see if I could make her super straight hair curly! It was a ton of fun and I think I did a pretty good job.
We were trying to find something to do on Calley's last full day in the city and we realized she'd never been to Gettysburg! So, we grabbed the GPS and started out in the early afternoon.
I have been to Gettysburg a few times and always learn something new and interesting. I have always had an interest in a war that could split families and friends.
Here are some fun pictures from that day! Thanks Calley for coming to visit! :)
I finished a program that I was in and was starting work again, therefore, cause for celebration! Erin and Drew picked up a delicious cake and surprised me after dinner!
It was a fun night and showed just how much my family cares about me! :) The cake was AMAZING! It was an icecream cake with these little crunchy chocolate bits... Jealous!? Thought so! I am now craving one of these cakes... Hmm...
Yes! I have never been excited more for my dad's birthday than I was this year! Way to go Dad! You now get all these awesome discounts just for hitting the magic number - 60!!!
I'll never forget you running to save me when I was wearing a jacket that was too big while changing water. First, you thought I was just waving - but then you saw I was in trouble and rescued me while laughing... No worries, I was 1/2 inch close to having my insides ripped open.
I'll never forget the summer you, Logan and I went to build mini-pivots and worked from sunrise to sunset. I loved that I was able to be the little tomboy and help you with some of the more exciting things. Well, except when it came to skinning the pig... **shudder**
I'll never forget the hours you spent playing the piano or the organ just so I could sing-a-long with you. I love your amazing musical abilities and wish that I could be just as talented as you are! I love you Dad and I hope this birthday tops all the ones you've had before!!! :)
Here it was the 31st of March and the sun was shining bright (no snow, unlike my fam in UTAH). Erin, April, Alesa and I drove to the beach and spent the day in the sun! Ah... the glorious, Vitamin D, tanning my skin, ball of fire!
The wind was also perfect to fly some kites and I had two that I purchased last year still in my car. Overall it was a great day of laughter, junk food (Hot Tamales), sun bathing, snoozing, eating at Jetty's, good way to spend a Wednesday!
I will never forget the oil paintings my brother Matthew did while he was in highschool, one of The Little Mermaid and another of our brother Justin and a girl dancing. I thought that they were fantastic!!
Lately, I have had a lot of time on my hands and decided to take a look at starting a new hobby. I have always wanted to try oil painting but had a fear of being a failure. My friend, Bob, had started up watercoloring and was doing really well - so I decided I could "try" to oil paint.
Turns out that I am really enjoying myself and have found painting to be quite relaxing. I have included the first paintings I have worked on and if you make fun of them - please don't leave a comment! :)
The unfinished girl is something I still trying to figure out. I am testing different ways on how to do eyes or a mouth, or really a face. But I just formed an idea in my head and will see how that works out.
The Tulips were based on the tulips I received a couple of weeks ago. They were beautiful and I wanted to capture the love and beauty in something so simple.
The Space painting was just a random one I designed. I had created a blue background and all I could visualize were stars and the moon, so that is what is on this one.
I love art, I love the freedom I feel while I paint! Oils are a very forgiving tool to work with and that has helped. I look forward to create more pieces, one day they will start to look better - but for now I am still proud because I did them.
Last shot is a picture of me with my new glasses and new hair color. I went dark because I wanted to cover some old highlights! And I think it looks great - I had a wonderful colorist by the name of Andrew Wheeler.... I told him I would recommend him to all my friends! :)
Ever had time periods in your life where you aren't able to sleep all the way through the night? That has been my life for the last month or so!
I crave for those mornings when I wake up and see the sun shining and feel completely rested.
Big thanks to my mother and sister who decided a little trip to Maryland was exactly what Erin and I needed. Mother made wonderful cinnamon rolls, cookies and other goodies! Erin for letting all of us (four additional people) cram into every nook and cranny - good times, which could also be why I haven't slept well. :)
Overall, things are much better! Thanks to my great family!!! :)
Til the next time!!
Taci
P.S. Thanks to Dad for my special gift. I Love You, even if you don't send gifts!!
I have been playing and singing in the Dementia unit at work and there is something that always amazes me. I learned about this in college from one of my professors, but didn't really believe him until now.
When I am playing and singing some of the traditional songs, the residents can sing them word for word. And then two seconds later won't even remember their own name! Music helps the right brain and the left brain work together - which makes it harder for somethings to be forgotten.
I remember in highschool and college putting things I needed to remember to a song. There are songs for our A, B, C's and the States. We can go our entire life and most likely will not forget those as they are deeply ingrained in our brain.
I had a teacher in Jr. High that would play Jazz music during tests and quizzes as it helped students relax and "let the brain ooze the right juices."
I believe that music is a very powerful tool. We see that in movies - we wouldn't know there was a scary part coming if it wasn't for the music. We see that in commercials - we all know the T-Mobile chime. We see it in the stores - music now has a warning label if it is considered violent. We see it in our everyday lives - there is always a song that fits the mood we are currently in.
Alright - I am headed to bed! Planning my trip to Utah! So excited...
In talking with a friend, we were discussing the various ways we relieve the stress we encounter in our everyday lives. I already knew the answer (I find that one quite easy). Music.
Whether I am playing, singing, listening, watching or thinking about it music is not only a huge stress reliever, it is a HUGE part of my life. I remember being a little girl and taking voice lessons and warming up to: "Ma, Me, Mi, Mo, Mu" and one of the first songs I sang was, "Sing, for the Lord is Listening!"
My family has always been musical, we have all been involved in some form of music in during our lifetime. The biggest inspiration was my brother Justin, I will never forget his performances and the excitement I felt when he was up on stage singing. To me, he was a star! My dream to be in a show choir like Stagelight started with Justin and then grew bigger as I watched Matt and Kari also enjoy participating in Stagelight.
My love of music is deep and when I thought that it was over, I felt broken. But, I still have one good ear that I don't think shows any sign in loss of hearing! It has only made my appreciation for still being able to hear something so precious to me deepen.
I am learning the guitar right now, something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I feel like I am doing alright, although I have some sore fingers!
I feel blessed that I can hear harmony in my head while singing, that it is such a natural thing for me to hear. I am grateful to be in a family that has allowed my love for music to grow and parents that paid LOTS of money so I could learn piano, singing and dance. I am especially grateful now when stress is in my life that I have been taught ways to let it out...
WARNING!! - This is going to be a venting entry to my blog!!
UGH! In my apartment complex we do not have reserved spots. That being said, my friend came over for a visit and parked her car in one of the normal spots that was open and plowed! Apparently, someone thought that it was unfair for her to be parking there and took a stool to her trunk. The reason I know it was a stool was because it was sitting on her trunk when she got to her car.
What right does a person have in vandalizing anothers possessions? What the crap!? I was so angry when she told me that - I went downstairs to get the stool and it has since disappeared. If I see it out in the parking lot tomorrow, I am taking it to the guardhouse and they will see an ugly side of me. I called them already tonight and explained what happened - they said that she will have to call her insurance company and file a claim.
If they could look at my blood right now they would see it boiling with rage. It is stuff like that which make me want to go and take my shovel and bash it into several cars!
Just today as I was shoveling out the parking spot where my car had been parked for the last week or so, I had three cars try to pull in. I looked at them with my shovel and shook my head no. Seriously!? Do you think that I just spent 45 minutes scraping away snow and ice so someone else could park there?? I was standing in the spot! This was before I even went to move my car back! Ugh - frustrating day!
I hate snow - I hate snow more that I am in a place where they don't know how to drive, plow, be polite, be cautious and think in the snow.
When all the world is white... Do you sled down a hill? Do you make snow angels? Do you create a snow masterpiece???? Is that what you do? So do I!!
I am currently in the process of living in DC's biggest snow storm since 1922... And I am loving every minute of it!
Friday the snow started at approximately 10 AM and stopped Saturday around 5 PM. I am living in a Winter Wonderland!! :)
I went along with my friend Bob to go and pick up the AWD vehicle we would be using in case staff needed to be picked up for work. I volunteered to be a driver - when it was mentioned in the meeting that I was one of the drivers, the room literally fell silent! I wanted to scream - I AM FROM UTAH!!! THIS IS NOTHING!!! But, I held my tongue and they finally said that I would be a good navigator for the driver.... Men!!! Ugh!
I arrived home at 8 PM on Friday and ran upstairs, dragging my roommates out of their rooms and off the floor because we were going to enjoy this snow! After waiting 30 minutes for Molly (who claimed to be born ready for snow) we made our way downstairs! My excited wasn't contained!! I was giddy like a little school girl! :)
We threw a few snowballs around and I showed Molly my incredible strength by pushing her down into the snow! He he he! Then I found out the saddest news! Neither Molly or Andrea had ever rolled/built a snowman! WHAT!? I couldn’t believe it! So, to work we went! I had already planned on building a snowman and so I grabbed an extra scarf and hat (I had 30 extra minutes while waiting for Molly!)
I showed the two of them how to properly roll a bottom and we stuck the snowman by the road so everyone could enjoy our masterpiece! I quickly put the two of them working on the middle section, while I rolled the head. It took all three of us to lift the middle section onto the bottom part, but we did it!! I lifted the head to the top (because I’m strong like that) and we put the finishing touches on Rita, our snow-woman! We used pecans for the eyes and mouth. Andrea and I found the perfect sticks for the arms. We were lucky while rolling the bottom, a little pine cone popped up and I could tell it was asking if it could be her nose.
Once that project was completed (with many compliments by passers-by) we decided it was time to make snow angels. Andrea, being from sunny California, never made snow angels and so Molly showed her the steps and coaxed her through her first one! It was excellent! It was finally time to call it a night and we went upstairs where I promptly fell asleep on the couch…
Saturday morning dawned bright and early with sounds of a saw “gently” coaxing us out of slumber… Ha! With the snow being so heavy, it caused one of the trees on the property to fall down.
Andrea went to work making her deliciously perfect cinnamon rolls! I believe this is going to be a tradition with us… They are divine!!
That afternoon, I offered to make lunch for a couple of co-workers who had to go do some driving and also removing trees that had fallen at work. They arrived and after lunch Brian treated us to some tunes on the guitar… He even put up with my trying to harmonize to some of my favorites that he plays!
I am grateful to be living where I do because we still have power, heat, food and Internet! Just across the street there is no power! In fact, there have been notices sent out because quite a few members in my ward are without power as well. Yikes!
I hope you enjoy these photos from my fun-filled snow days here in DC!
Hello, my name is Taci, and I am addicted to shoes.
I don't know when my love of shoes came to be but I LOVE shoes! When asked what the first thing is I notice about people, I always admit it is their shoes. I think you can tell a lot about a person by seeing the types of shoes they are wearing.
Shoes can really show a person's personality! Don't agree?? How many times have you been shoe shopping and have seen a pair of shoes and said - "Those are shoes this person would wear!" Yep - shoes speak volumes about a person!
Today (church was cancelled due to snow) I decided to see exactly how many shoes I own and time to get rid of a few. One of my New Year's resolutions was to only buy shoes if I got rid of some... So, I opened my closet door and pulled everything out!
I sorted and counted and was astonished by the number! After throwing away five pairs of shoes - I have a total of 44 pairs remaining. I put a couple of the pairs back into the discard pile after seeing the total... I have a really hard time getting rid of shoes. Therefore, I finally said goodbye to the slippers given to me back in 2001 and a few others that I had worn through the soles.
I feel like I accomplished something today! Here is a shot of my closet with the shoes that made it through this round - - all 44 of them! :)
This next blog is dedicated to my grandparents - on both sides.
My dad's parents passed away right after we moved to Tridell, but there are many memories I had spending time with my Merkley Grandparents. One thing I will never forget is my Grandma Merkley's love of Spam, sardines and pig's feet. She only made me eat Spam when she cooked it for breakfast - thank heavens! I don't know what I would have done with sardines and pig's feet, I would feel sick just watching my mother purchase it at the store! :)
My Grandpa Merkley was always such a kind and quiet man to me. I remember his moustache and helping him check on the garden or feed his chickens. I also remember him playing his harmonica when I was a child and I have loved the sound of one ever since.
I found out through a reunion about 2-3 years ago that my grandmother was a prankster and also a beautiful singer. My love for my grandparents, but most importantly my grandmother grew for me when I found that out! I remember when they made a tape of just the two of them singing the "Thank you" song and other simple children's songs... I would listen to it for hours just because I loved hearing them sing.
I was always told that I looked like my dad's mother and when we moved to Tridell, I was often called "Little Esther." I didn't think that I looked anything like my grandmother until I went to college... I was at my cousin LoriAnn's house and there she had a picture of our Grandmother Esther Merkley around my same age and I immediately got goosebumps! I was staring at a picture of me - the only difference was the style of hair... I love to see that picture because each time I am surprised over how much I really do look like her. I am proud to be called "Little Esther!"
My mother's parents live in Sunset, right next to the train tracks. I grew up with them always making sure we had plenty of coloring books and crayons while visiting. I loved to visit and play the piano, I felt so accomplished when I was able to play a simplified hymn and grandma came and told me that I played beautifully. With my grandmother being a twin and having the two of them so close - I feel like I have been given two Grandma Harvey's. I remember at one of the birthday celebrations, I was really young and went up to my Grandma and asked her a question. When she leaned down to me and told me that she was Aunt Veon - I remember being really confused and she just said that it was okay and pointed Grandma out - it was really embarrassing that I couldn't even tell my own Grandmother apart! :)
I loved sitting outside in their backyard and having Grandpa Harvey name off the airplanes flying overhead - he was always right! I always love going to their house, even now, there is always some sort of food to eat and I always feel so much love. I always have to go and check to see if I have grown at all since my last visit - nope. I will then go and see all the birthday's they have placed on their huge calendar! I feel so special to see my name in September - I just love it! Also, how can I forget the beautiful quilt my grandmother made for my 16th Birthday - purple and perfect!!
I am extremely fortunate to have grandparent's who did an excellent job in raising their children, my parents! I think it is hilarious when I see my mother or father do something that I remember my grandparents doing.
To my grandparents - I thank you! I love you! I hope to be the kind of grandparents you have been to me!
Well, I have been out of commission for a while now!
I have been sick for the last little bit - 100.4 fever finally left after 24 hours - still trying to get over the sore throat! I was afraid that my brain was cooking itself, but VERY grateful to see that no damage has been done... I think? If this post doesn't make sense to anyone then I guess I better call up the doc!
I have been given a lot of down time, something last week I wished for! I feel like I found Aladdin's lamp, rubbed it, Genie granted my wish - but I forgot to add "and not due to illness" at the end.
I went to the Lab and was informed it wasn't strep - dang! I just wanted something, aka drugs, to make me feel all better... So, this little ugly virus is still working it's way through my system.
My boss called and told me that she felt I needed to be told that I shouldn't come to work until next week, because I am such a dedicated worker. Wow! I didn't realize I actually needed someone to tell me to stay home, but it really relieved some stress. Thankfully, I have had a great person at the office to cover while I have been out. I really owe him big time, because like me, he was covering two jobs BUT on top of that his own position at night (LONG HOURS)!
I have been doing some research online about sore throats because mine is STILL really hurting. And then I found something that got me a little worried. Apparently, a bad tooth can cause some major health issues. I don't think that I have bad teeth - at least not from my perspective - but I haven't been to a dentist in about six or so years. Therefore, what IF this is from dental issues? I was so worried that I ALMOST looked up my dentist's name and thought about making an appointment. Well, I still need to work on that fear... which is a whole blog itself!
Alright - I've written and worried enough for now! Wish me luck because I am scheduled to speak in my ward on Sunday... Eek!
Ah... I am starting with a clean slate! I LOVE the New Year. I love reflecting back and seeing the things I learned and reviewing the things I need to continue to work on.
I had a couple of friends over on New Year's Eve and while playing Phase 10 - which I completely lost, beginner's luck! – One friend asked what our greatest accomplishments were over the year. So, this was my reply:
1) Doing the Silent Auction at our Gala. I worked really hard on that and to see it actually set-up and not just pictured in my mind was excellent!
2) Alesa June's birth. I know that I annoyed Drew and my excitement was barely containable, but to have another sister deliver a baby (no, I wasn't in the room.. Thank heaven!) was very touching and amazing. Erin and I have grown close since I have moved out here and to see her become a mother was special to me.
3) Friends. I have made some pretty amazing friends this past year! I have grown comfortable and confident with whom I’m becoming and friends have had much to do with that growing process.
My friends shared their three things and I will only share a couple... One said that he was grateful for a wonderful boss and job. The other shared his gratitude of finding his religion and starting the process to become a member. So, we rang in the New Year with love and gratitude for the journey life has taken us on thus far. Here is to a wonderful and exciting 2010 - may it be even better and filled with joy throughout!
