remember me...?

So, it's been a while...

I've been busy. But is that a good enough excuse? Everyone is busy.

I'm on the brink of finishing my third semester of nursing school. They're gonna let me be a nurse next summer if I pass my NCLEX exam (insert vomit and feelings of inadequacy).

I've had an ulcer since the end of July that I can't seem to shake. I know what you're thinking - it's not a stress ulcer (a myth by the way, but stress makes them worse). It's caused by a bacteria in the stomach called H. Pylori. But to be honest, the stress I've accumulated knowing that it's not going away is probably contributing to it. So how about that? It's not caused by stress, but knowing that it's there is stressing me - making it worse. Life.

I am an FHE group leader. During my calling interview some weeks back, I was thinking in my head 'anything but FHE'. As soon as the Second Counselor said, "Oh, you'll like this. It's a 'fun' calling." I knew I was in for it. I said aloud, "Don't tell me it's FHE." A visible shudder crossed my face. He laughed and said I'd be okay. He was right. It's been fine.

I'm in a rock climbing class. And I love it. After my pass at the Quarry expires on December 18th, I will be getting a family pass. It really is a great passtime to get some exercise and relieve some stress. I have accumulated my own shoes and harness so far.

Pretty much all boring stuff, I know. But I just keep plugging along until Christmas break. Then I'll have time to do things that I want to do again. Like read. Read real books and not feel guilty that it's not a textbook.

Keep on keepin' on.

Walk On The Ocean

At work I like to listen to a little thing called Pandora. Today, as I was listening to my "Counting Crows" station, a song entitled "Walk On The Ocean" by Toad the Wet Sprocket started to play. I was suddenly taken back four years in time...Pictured above is Amy Goffin Robison and myself at Anini Beach in Kauai. It was our last day on the Island, and we spent it with Debs Jacobberger scouring the beach for tiny Anini shells. As we drove from the north shore of the island back to the west shore where we resided, "Walk On The Ocean" started to play in the car. Read the lyrics closely and imagine yourself leaving an island paradise; not knowing when you'd be able to return:

"We spotted the ocean at the head of the trail
Where are we going, so far away
And somebody told me that this is the place
Where everything's better, everything's safe

Walk on the ocean
Step on the stones
Flesh becomes water
Wood becomes bone

Half an hour later, we packed up our things
We said we'd send letters, and all of those little things
And they knew we were lying, but they smiled just the same
It seemed they already forgotten we came

Now we're back at the homestead
Where the air makes you choke
And people don't know you
And trust is a joke
We don't even have pictures
Just memories to hold
That grow sweeter each season
As we slowly grow old"

When the song started, we came around this bend in the road and the ocean was in full view. The car got quiet as we listened to the lyrics. When I finally looked around to the car's occupants (Amy and Debs), tears were streaming down their faces - just like me. There were so many lines in the song that seemed hold some meaning at that moment.

After we were done crying, we started laughing - laughing because it was completely ridiculous that this song sent all of us into spontaneous sobs. It was all pretty embarrassing.

So now when I hear this song, I feel a small tinge of sadness. And then I remember how silly it all was. Listen to this song for yourself. You won't regret it.

dos anos

Anyone remember this kid? Today marks his two-year mission anniversary. But due to some mission zoning changes, he was asked to stay on another month. He is set to come home on July 23rd.

More pictures and updates to come when he actually graces us with his presence next month.

faux paws

How could I not pass this story on? Oscar lost his back two legs in a farming accident, and what was the obvious solution? Well, make him some new ones of course.

Read the article for yourself at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=169&sid=11313947.

Oh, the wonders of science.

the alchemist

I have been meaning to take some time and read this book. It wasn't until last night that I finally got around to it. I started and finished in one night (granted it's only like 170 pages).

"The Alchemist is subtitled 'A Fable About Following Your Dreams.' Fables are cautionary tales that have a point to make. The universal point this story makes is that everyone has a special destiny, and yet not everyone resolves to attain it because it takes hard work. Reaching one's destiny requires leaving behind familiar surroundings. It also demands persistence, the ability to change when appropriate and the willingness to respond to omens that point the way."

My conclusion: loved it. It is packed full with nuggets of wisdom.

Here are some of my favorite excerpts:

"When someone sees the same people every day, as had happened with him at the seminary, they wind up becoming a part of that person's life. And then they want the person to change. If someone isn't what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own."

"People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them."

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself."

"Most people see the world as a threatening place, and, because they do, the world turns out, indeed, to be a threatening place."

Get your hands on a copy of this and read it. You won't regret it.

death-bed repentence

The night before I go in for a dental cleaning, I tend to have a certain bit of remorse, or as I like to call it death-bed repentence.

I start thinking things like I really should have flossed more during the last six months or did I really have to eat so much sugar?

A certain amount of anxiety starts to build within me as I think about all my past dental transgressons.

I really hate going to the dentist. It probably stems from a mixture of pain and money. Both of which I don't want to dispurse.

I arrived at Barry Family Dental at 8 am sharp this morning. As the dental assistant walked me back to the dreaded chair, she attempted to make small chit-chat, as they always do. She asked how I was doing. I replied, "Well, I wish I was having a filling so I could have some of that gas." She laughed at me and said, "Oh we can totally give you some of that anyway."

I stared at her in disbelief. Really? You would dispense nitrous oxide to me for a simple cleaning? A million thoughts raced thru my head (am I a baby for getting the gas for a cleaning? would my insurance find this legit? am I in heaven?) in a matter of the 1 second it took for me to say yes, I would love that.

Turned out to be a delightful morning. For the most part.

Dr. Dave informed me that everything looked good except for this one tiny tooth. Years ago (when they still did silver fillings) I had my #5 tooth worked on for a cavity. Underneath it's silver filling, is a bit of a problem that needs to be worked on. A build-up, crown and $400 later, the tooth should be in good shape (well, what will be left of it, of course).

Oh, the pleasures of the dentist's office.

ain't no thang

Since my last post was ages ago (sorry, but not that sorry), I will give you all a quick recap of my last few months. I hope to put this all behind me and start fresh.


So this night was a really long time ago, but it was definitely a highlight. One night I was driving home from work and I heard an announcement on the radio for an upcoming Utah Jazz contest. All you had to do was either text or email an entry, and you could win movie tickets to Avatar in 3D with Ronnie Price, Ronnie Brewer, and Paul Millsap. So naturally I texted in my entry (when I got home of course - don't drive and text my friends.) A week or so later I got a phone call from a suspicious number. It was some lady from the Utah Jazz saying that I had won the contest. I was at work when I got the call - so needless to say I kinda made a big scene in the office. There were some 5000 or so entries, and only 50 winners, so I was feeling lucky. Anyway, as you can see I went with BF Tito. The event was at the Jordan Commons. We showed up and they took this professional photo of us all and then sent us on our way for some free hotdogs, popcorn, and drinks. Afterward we were ushered to the huge 3D theatre. I always told myself I would never pay to see Avatar; it just didn't appeal to me. It was a very visually stunning film, but the storyline was nothing to write home about. But if I did see it, I'm glad it was for free with the Utah Jazz.

I had my clinical rounds this semester at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. I had some good experiences and learned quite a bit. One point of interest was when I learned how to use leeches (you heard me right) for medicinal purposes. When someone is at risk of losing a smaller body part like a finger or ear because of poor blood circulation, leeches are used to get the blood flowing thru the tissues again. I got to personally pick a leech out of a jar (like shown above) and place it. It was awesome.

My mom turned 50 on February 18th! It's kind of weird because it felt like yesterday when we were having her 40th birthday. Anyway, the night before the big day, we stole her keys to Canyon View and broke into the school. We filled her office with 50 black balloons and placed these classy posters on her door. She got to school the next day with not only that surprise, but we also had her office wear that brown t-shirt shown above without her knowing (we later gave her a copy for herself). So we pretty much got her good! You may also notice the quilt she is sitting on. I made her this birthday quilt. She shed a tear; a real honest to goodness tear. Happy Birthday Mom!

Hannah celebrated her 1st birthday on March 20th. I can't believe it's been a year since her birth - which I incidentally missed because I was in Washington DC with Tara and we didn't expect Hannah for eight more weeks. Although she was two months early, she had a very good and healthy first year.

I received my first boot on my car while watching LOST at Kristine's house. I thought I was in a visitor spot, but my mistake - I was one spot over. It was an empty parking lot, but that didn't matter to the stupid provo jerk. I may have called him an inappropriate name to his face in my flight of anger. I have since repented.

Let's be honest, I haven't ran a mile since my Triathlon last May. So what possessed me to just up and run a 5k a few Saturdays ago is beyond me. But it was actually a good run! I was determined to run the whole way without walking, and I did. Sometimes the body just feels good! I ran it with Krista and Ally. Thanks for getting my bum in gear Krista!

Instead of attending the Festival of Colors this year, I went to the Elite Eight game at the ESA with my bro, Brandon. It was the Kansas St v Butler game. It was awesome! (Aside from the fact that my brother left my ticket at home (oops) and I had to go thru all these hoops with Ticket Services to get myself thru the door.) I totally joined the Butler Bandwagon. I was really rooting for them to go all the way.

I recently celebrated a birthday. I am now 23ish. My birthday, if it's on the weekend, will always fall on General Conference. So since my birthday was on Saturday, my day went like this: Woke up and watched GC. Went to lunch with Heather, Lindsey, and the Katie's at Olive Garden in Sandy. Then I came back and, you guessed it, watched the afternoon session of GC. Afterward I went out to dinner with Meg, Lara, Kristine, and Tara to Texas Roadhouse. My day was full of spiritual and physical feasting. Shown above is a picture of a sweet tent my bro Jordan got me. It made up for 23 years of missed presents. I also got a new pair of black Chaco's from the parents. Good day!

Last Saturday was a nice spring day (finally). I went with Brandon, his wife Stacey, and Hannah to the spring practice for BYU. It was cool to see a few of the new guys, and just sit out in the warmth. Hannah got these star glasses the day before at a birthday party. It was hilarious because she loves wearing them. Wish I had a pair big enough for this head...

Well there you have it. I'll try and be better.

welcome twenty-ten

Admittedly, it's been too long. But I have reached the point that too much time has passed to write about anything like Christmas parties or Christmas gifts (but who really cares about reading about anyone else's Christmas anyway? We all had one didn't we??) Mine was a good one, however.

I suppose I'll tell you what I've been up to anyway for the last month or so because most of you are dying to know...

For starters, I've given up sugar. I came to the realization lately that I am a sugar addict. I like to too much, and have decided to do without it for a while. For how long, I don't know. I'm thinking for spring semester. I'll keep you all posted about my progress - but I will tell you it hasn't affected me like I thought it would. I figured by day 2 I would be curled up in a ball somewhere sucking my thumb until someone inserted an IV with glucose. But I'm doing okay and have learned about myself that I don't need sugar. I just really, really love it.

I've started my second semester of nursing school. That's right folks, they passed me last semester. I'm just as surprised as you are. But now on to the next. I started classes on Wednesday and was feeling fine after school. But the panic and anxiety set in about 10% the way through my Common Disorders class yesterday. My professor handed out a pre-test containing scenarios of what I would do as a nurse in such situations. Needless to say I had one of those "what the heck are you doing here Tawny?" moments. I'm feeling better today, but still recovering. I have a feeling second semester's going to be a killer.

I read the book by Glenn Beck called A Christmas Sweater. Now, I'm not really a cryer. To this day, I really have ever cried during the movies Simon Birch and Charly. But as I read this book (all in one night, have you) I found myself sobbing repeatedly. I'm serious. I'm not quite sure what was going on with me, but I would contain myself - and then read something else that would make me lose it. Read this book. It's a story about forgiveness and hope. I love Glenn. My brother gave me his newest book Arguing with Idiots for Christmas. Look forward to hearing more about it from me.

We talked to Chad on Christmas Eve. And yes, he still sounds like Pedro. But he did inform us that he should be home on July 2 or 3. It's weird that I'll see him this year.

And lastly, I won a sweet contest recently. Look for an upcoming post about it.