Hello friend...

It has been almost two months since I have been able to work out!!! At the beginning of December I came down with a cold, than I had ear surgery with limitations that included 'no strenuous exercise' for about a month, and I am just now recovering from another cold.

Last night I began to think how much I REALLY missed exercising, and feeling so fabulous after getting a good work out. There's something having sweat all over you, and you can hardly move or breath that makes you realize that all will be alright in the world. Working out for me in the past had become a coping mechanism for dealing with the stresses in life, and defeating the winter blues.

When I came home from work tonight, my cousin, Holly invited me to go along with her to work out. I was so excited to FINALLY feel well enough to go to the gym!!! We worked out on one of my favorite machines...Satan's Machine (aka... Stair Master). My cousin, Molly, gave it this nickname, as you tend to get the best workout... it shows no mercy. This nickname has just stuck for us.

It feels good knowing that I have been able to overcome some life's hurdles over the past couple of months, and to be able to get back into my 'somewhat' familiar routine... hopefully I'll remember this when I am dealing with the soreness of todays workout tomorrow.

The Power of Color

Here is a picture of my sister, Jen and I at my sister, Lindsay's wedding two years ago. Back then, other people couldn't see that we were sisters right away....
Here is a picture that was taken of my sister, Jen and I this past Christmas. In case you haven't noticed, I dyed my hair brown... I'm going more towards my natural hair color. It was interesting for me last Sunday as I had the opportunity to go to her church. People were able to tell that we were sisters right away. It's amazing how by just changing the color of your hair allows you to look like your other family members. I love to hear this as my sisters are really cute!

You know you live in Utah....

My friend, Ale, just sent this to me. I know that several of you who read this live, or have lived in Utah before. You may just be able to relate to a few of them.

FORGET REDNECKS; THIS IS WHAT JEFF FOXWORTHY HAD TO SAY ABOUT UTAHNS!

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September to May, you live in Utah.

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Utah.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in Utah

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Utah.

If 'vacation' means going anywhere south of Salt Lake City for the weekend, you live in Utah.

If you measure distance in hours, you live in Utah.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Utah.

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the same day, you live in Utah.

If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both unlocked, you live in Utah.

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Utah.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you live in Utah

If the speed limit on the highway is 75 mph -- you're going 80, and everyone is still passing you, you live in Utah.

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you live in Utah.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Utah.

If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly' you live in Utah.

If you actually understand these jokes and tell your friends about them, you live in Utah

You Are What You Eat?

On the radio this morning, they talked about how researchers have come out with a way to figure out your personality based on what Girl Scout Cookie you prefer. This interested me. I started to do some research on the internet. I remembered when I used to LOVE Girl Scout Cookies, that I liked the thin mint. But as I was reading the other cookie descriptions, I realized that thin mints were the only cookies I have ever had. So I don't know how accurate this would be for me, since I've never tried any of the other ones. But here is the Girl Scout Cookie personality descriptions. Which one are you?

Trefoils: You thrive under pressure. Shortbread lovers are self-confident, organized go-getters who are energized by stress; the no-frills crunch of Trefoils appeal to your assertive nature. Loyal, True-blue, Honest

Thin Mints: You’re easygoing. Those who favor bold flavors like mint are easygoing types. You’re the one at home who doesn’t feel the need to make waves, and the one your co-workers find the most agreeable. Popular, Strong, Confident

Samoas: You’re brainy. Fond of this comparatively “complex” cookie with its many textures and flavors? You’re smart and focused. And since you set high standards for yourself, people are impressed by whatever you do! Brainy, Complex, Mysterious

Do-Si-Dos: You’re a kid at heart. Can’t stop at just one of these wholesome oatmeal-and-peanut-butter combos? You’re a little old-fashioned, with a big appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. Your home is a place where others always feel welcome. Easy-going, Trustworthy, Friendly

Tagalongs: You have artistic flair. No matter what project your tackling, your creative streak always shines through. And you don’t like to be distracted---lovers of this cookie can seem shy, but often, you’re just deep in thought! Artistic, Creative, Dramatic

All Abouts: Considerate, Polite, Caring

For Good

This week, I assisted with a Memorial service at work for a dear patient who passed away unexpectedly over the holidays. It's been hard to not see them around the past couple of weeks, especially as they were involved in a lot of my groups during the past two years that I have been working at the hospital.

During the service, the song "For Good" from the Broadway musical 'Wicked' was played as a way to describe how we have felt about them. They had taught everyone they met how to live, especially when going through trials. This patient was always willing to be a friend to everyone, forgave easily and tried to make the best out of their present circumstance. I am so grateful to have known them, and to have able to have their life example teach me and make a better person. (side note: I have a new admiration for Donny Osmond, and am now listening to his music more because of it. He helped in making this person have a great Christmas this year.)

Since the memorial service I have been thinking about the song, and also how everyone I have come in contact with in my life, have taught me in many ways, either good or bad. But their influence has helped me become the person I am today. It's amazing the power we have with one another. I know that there have been some days when I may be struggling and just having someone I don't know at the store smile at me and say "hello" has helped me to move on, and realize that life is not as bad as I once thought. I created an "animated" slide show to say thank you. I am sorry that I was only able to include just a handful of people who have been a part of my life. But I want to say thank you to all who have helped me become the person I am today.

3 weeks!

It's been 3 weeks since my surgery. I can now lift at least 2 gallons of milk! (yea!)

This is one whopper of a story!

My red hots sister sent me a present...

I felt like an exploding starburst. She has already been my life saver by giving me mounds of support already. How could this pop rocks sister of mine give me any more almond joy in life?

The krackel of the tissue paper was too much to resist looking into the nutrageous gift bag that was decorated with stripes and not dots.

My butterfingers had a tricky time locating the gift at first. But before I turned my precious present into reese pieces, I had beheld the watchamacalit gift.


When I saw the whooper gift before me, I felt similar to cry babies. It looked like my sister had sent me chocolate soy ice cream! Was my sister expecting a pay day soon? She knew that I couldn't eat chocolate. This shock tart of a gift didn't last long though, as I soon realized that the smarties sister I have, had not sent me ice cream, but...
















a SOY CANDLE! It looks like something you would find on fifth avenue. So I was the real goobers in this incident. What twix of a sister, would send her sister something she couldn't eat? If I could give my sister one hundred grand to thank her for thinking of her junior mint of a sister I would. Instead she will have to receive this snicker type of thank you blog. Thanks for providing me with the good and plenty laughs and oompas of hot chocolate smells for the rest of this winter season.

Unexpected Miracles

The past couple of weeks have been full of many miracles and blessings for me. It’s amazing how much the Lord will allow you to go through struggles and trials to a point that you are not sure if you will be able to get through it. But as you go through them, sometimes you can see the Lord helping you in every way possible, to help you get through it, but still allow you to learn and grow through the experience.

I had ear surgery on December 19th. This was my LAST ear surgery (Woo hoo!). I have previously had 9 surgeries on my ear. This was the lucky 10th. This surgery was to provide me the opportunity to hear once again. So I am dedicating this blog to my Heavenly Father, where none of these miracles I experienced could have happened without him.

The AMAZING December blessing list of 2007!
1. Before my surgery I had to overcoming a cold really quickly or else my surgery would have been canceled. This was only accomplished through prayer. I have never gotten over a cold that fast before.
2. I had enough vacation time from work to be able to take off the time needed for recovery.
3. My fun and cute cousin made me a great Christmas gift of fruit jewelry. (She explained that this was so that I would have something to eat after surgery, or the dr.’s had something to eat if they were hungry during surgery).
4. I was able to get all my Christmas shopping completed before surgery date.
5. My mom was able to fly up to the beautiful state of Utah and help me with my surgery. She provided the much needed laughs, emotional support, healthy food, and physical assistance (there is much more, but just know that I have a truly special mom).
6. My mom completed her Christmas preparations before coming up to Utah.
7. My dad was able to spare my mom to leave his assistance with his company at a busy time. I’m sure she was missed often during that time.
8. That my surgery was not scheduled till night. This gave my mom and I more time to shop ☺ or explore some fun stores in the area.
9. That my mom and I found the coolest toy stuffed animal duck puppet that just makes you laugh as it creates different songs. This was needed at times during the recovery process.
10. My Grandpa and Grandma Walker were more than willing to open up their home to my mom and I after the surgery for a couple of days. This allowed me not to endure the long drive back to my home. I generally get really carsick after ear surgery.
11. Although the weatherman predicted that it was going to be a heavy snowstorm on the day of surgery, it did not snow at all until after surgery.
12. There is a way to drive to the University of Utah hospital without so many hills (although the adventure is gone driving these hills with my stick shift car in the snow, the anxiety was also gone).
13. Wild Oats had my FAVORITE soup available the day before my surgery for my LAST MEAL. They have the best Split Pea Soup with lemon and mint.
14. My grandpa was able to drive us to and from the hospital so that my mom was able to help me out more.
15. New, and warm PJ’s.
16. A fun “thinking of you, and hope you recover well” gift in a really cool bag, from my sister. She loves me so much that she was able to locate my favorite Kleenex’s (which appears to be nonexistent here) – menthol
16.23. My sister dedicated one of her blogs on me. Some of the pictures she posted of me and her made me laugh, and remember those fun times.
17. The loaning of the 6th Harry Potter book from my sister (I am almost caught up!)
18. A fun e-mail card from another family, who was able to locate the coolest Hoops and Yoyo card that I had never seen before. (Hoops and Yoyo forever!)
19. The heated blankets at the hospital. These are the best invention ever.
20. I had a really good anesthesiologist during surgery. It was because of them that I was able to recover from it so quickly.
21. A wonderful ear surgeon, Dr. Clough Shelton, who was willing to develop the needed skills many, many years ago to do this surgery so well.
22. Fun nurses during post – op. They helped make the time go by quicker.
23. I own a heating blanket!
24. Hummus and Butternut Squash soup (not together, but both of these are something I am really into right now)
25. Good movies to watch to help make the time go by faster and take your mind off of current discomfort.
26. The surgery went so well, that I did not need another skin graft as they thought might occur and this was the first surgery where the back of my head was not shaved! Yea!
27. Wheelchairs at airports. They are great and help you get through security checks a lot faster.
28. Orbit “Sweet Mint” gum. It’s what helped me get through the airplane ride to Arizona.
29. The opportunity to see the most beautiful sunset from the airplane. You can get a great view from up there.
30. Pre Boarding at Southwest Airlines.
31. A fun wheelchair attendant at Phoenix Airport who took me on the “scenic” route to baggage claim. I was shown some cool ways to work the elevators there.
32. That my dad and brother, Trevor, were willing to assist with luggage as I currently can’t lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk.
33. That my sister, Jessica, watched her parent’s dog, Shaggy, over Christmas break. This was a tender mercy as I wasn’t sure how it would be with this being our first Christmas without our dog Finney. It was comforting to hear him bark and nice to have him cuddle as we watched movies.
34. Receiving a 2008 calendar, with family birthdays already marked ☺
35. Fun Christmas Eve family traditions of eating Mexican food, singing songs, acting out the Nativity and bearing our testimonies regarding our Savior and our feelings towards our family.
36. That Lois and her daughter Belinda were able to come and spend Christmas Eve with us. It was a nice addition.
37. That I have a COOL family. and they are all really cute!
38. My newest niece was a great actress as she played the role of baby Jesus well in our family rendition of the Nativity.
39. The ability to sleep in Christmas morning.
39.789. To receive emergency preparation supplies, and the ability to access free music with itunes thanks to the itunes giftcard.
40. A fun, yet very relaxing Christmas celebration of vegging out, watching movies and playing games.
41. Sisters who like to window shop, and who walk slowly as I was still trying to build my strength back up.
42. Target’s great price on Amy’s Split Pea Soup.
43. Finding a great, warm sweater that I did not think I would need in Arizona.
44. That our whole family (except for my brother in law who had to leave due to his sister’s death), were able to be together after 6 years in one place to have a family picture taken.
45. A brother who can make anyone laugh.
46. Digital cameras.
47. A fun night out with friends.
48. Meeting a fun guy and making a new friend.
49. Being in Arizona at the same time the Jim Henson Muppet exhibit was going on.
50. Knowing that Toni and Guy are from Europe.
51. Learning the importance of remembering the Lord and all the tender mercies he gives us daily.
52. Fun family dinners
53. Given the opportunity to have my hearing be even worse so that I would be able to laugh at the funny things I think others are saying.
54. Singing around the piano.
55. Curb side check in at the airport.
56. Beautiful, white snow in Utah, and the roads were clear as I drove home.
57. My grandpa being willing to help me with my luggage (since I still couldn't lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk).
58. A great cousin who unloaded my car for me when I finally got home.
59. Knowing that despite challenges that come in our lives, the Lord is very mindful of us and will help us in every way possible.
60. Being able to recognize just a handful of blessings that were bestowed upon me during the month of December 2007.

The newest addition to my home...

I would like everyone to welcome the newest clock in my home. My cousin, whom I live with, has clocks all over her home and I have somehow adopted this taste into my own place. I love to look at clocks, and this past year buy them. So far this clock will make number 6 in my home. They only hard part is when day light savings time comes. Luckily it only comes twice a year.

New Year's Eve Celebration

What do you do on New Year's Eve, after returning home from being gone for a couple of weeks, and the weather is really, really cold? ... You get together with your cousins and have a High School Musical party!

Tonight we watched High School Musical 1 and 2 as a way to celebrate the new year. It was a lot of fun. I am familiar with all the songs, but had never seen the movies all the way through. I am not a converted High School Musical fan. During the night we decided to take pictures for fun. My cute cousin Holly, and I were trying to get a good "smiling" pictures. But Riley appeared to not be in the mood to have a typical picture.