Another First!

You know- there comes a time in a girls life when she has to experience things for the first time. It just so happened that this week two major "first" events happened. One with the fish incident of course and then secondly- today... (drum roll please) I GAVE BLOOD!

I know what you're all thinking- aren't you a little too old to have this be your first time? Well...yes I would say to you, but there is a story behind it! (As I'm sure you were all anticipating.)

When I was younger I was HORRIFIED of needles. I remember once that I asked the dentist if there was any way that he could numb my gums without the shot. The answer was of course... No. Therefore I told him that he should do it with no numbing at all. Surly the actual dentistry work wouldn't be as painful as the shot! Right?! I was quite certain about that. However with the first touch of the drill to my tooth- I quickly realized that I was wrong. I opted for the shot.

A few years later while at Ricks I saw that there was blood drive on campus. I knew that it was something that I wanted to overcome simply because I knew that it would help people. I went back and forth for a few days. One day I found myself walking over to the sign up sheet! I was really going to do it! I felt so proud of myself! As I looked at the paper I noticed something. All the time slots were taken up. With a sigh (of what I am sure was relief) I walked away. As I got home, my roommates informed me that you don't HAVE to sign up. They take walk in's. Oh well. My brave moment was over and that was that.

However, as the years have gone by- a miraculous thing as happened... The fear has left! How you ask?! Well- I shall answer you. My job!

You see- As I have pursued my career in Child Life I have been amazed that I have actually "Child Lifed" myself. What does that mean? Well, in order to help familiarize kids to the hospital and needle pokes we facilitated medical play. We take actual needles and let the kids (under supervision) go at it on the hospital dolls. Over time with a few pokes to the doll- the kids are able to process their many blood draws etc. and the goal is to help them understand it more and make it a little easier. As for myself, I have given thousands of IV's to dolls and in the process somehow I've been cured!

Proof- within the last few months I have had multiple blood tests (Which came back that I don't have celiac's! Happy Day!) And have had NO problem with the needle as they do it.

Well, I figured now that that fear was over, it was time to give blood. I was so excited as we drove to the church a few months back. Since my roommate offered to drive, I just stuck my phone in my pocket and jumped in the car. We drove the 30 minutes and entered the church. I waited in line and it was then that I realized that you have to have ID (well yeah. NOW it makes sense.) That thought didn't even cross my mind then! So since I only had my phone and despite the fact that EVERY person in the room knew my name and could back me up, I was unable to give blood. I left with my head down and feet dragging. I was bummed!

And thats where we stood- until today. FINALLY I was able to enter the room fully confident- with my ID- and ready to roll. I answered all the questions, sat in my chair and didn't even flinch! :)

I left feeling great! Finally I conquered my fear and hopefully someone will get help as well! :) It was a good day!

I'm growing up!

I used to be a picky eater. When my family would go to Chinese restaurants, I would order a hamburger. I would usually be the last one at the dinner table when Stew was served because I just didn't want to eat it! And I would do anything to get out of eating stir fry.

As the years have gone by, I have learned to love each of those things. However- Fish was a NO GO! Tuna- okay. But that was IT!

When I went on my mission, I was forced to not only eat fish, but have it served full fish and all- with the head, eyes and tail! It was quite an experience. I never fully enjoyed it, but you do what you gotta do. I have had fish since then, but never by choice...until today.

I live with major fish eaters. Especially eaters of shrimp. Each time they make it, they offer it to me and I usually say no. A few weeks ago, I agreed and it wasn't too bad. Then yesterday we made a super yummy pasta dish and my roommate added shrimp and dare I say it... I kinda liked it! Then here's the clincher... today we took my roommate out for lunch for her birthday. Of course she chose a fish place! I ordered a cobb salad ( I know...) but get this... when the waiter asked if I wanted chicken or shrimp- I said SHRIMP! I almost shocked myself! When he brought it out, I kinda stared at my plate for a minute. I couldn't believe my plate and what I had order all on my own! I was so proud of myself! I am growing up and trying new things! (I still have a ways to go however... the first one was great but because they were jumbo shrimp it kinda got fishy-er as I continued eating. Maybe next time I will be able to finish them all! :) )

Then... to add on top of it, my roommate ordered Alligator and of course you have to try that! It wasn't too bad. Granted- it was fried, and what ISN'T good fried! :) I know you're all super impressed!

Yea for Christmas!

I have very fond memories sitting in my house in Utah with all the lights off except for the ones on the Christmas tree- listening to Christmas music. There is such a peace that Chrsitmas brings. Therefore, this year- I wanted to bring that feeling to my home here in Arizona. I really got in the mood to decorate. My roommate bought a little tree and one day when I just happened to be at Target, I saw so many beautiful things to decorate it! Right then and there I decided to take it upon myself to set the mood for Christmas! So I made the tree all perdy... (Why is it that the pictures never turn out as nice as the real thing?!)

Also- this was the first year that I put out my nativity from Nicaragua. When we went back to visit after my mission, we bought these. They are carved out of the stone in the mountains of Nicaragua. I think that it is beautiful, but never really knew where to put it until we got the piano.

I love coming home to this welcoming scene! Christmas really is the MOST wonderful time of the year! :)

Unexpected

So yesterday I received a text from my boss. It read "There is only 1 patient on the floor, so PTO is an option if you want." Well- I always enjoy a day off- especially if my boss initiates it! So..without even hesitating I said yes! (Actually, I do believe that it was an "oh yeah!")

So my roommate and I headed out for a little adventure. While running one morning she saw this big rock pile/mountain and had it set in her mind that she would conquer it. So after a nice brunch we headed off the be the queens of the rock hill.

It really only took 5 minutes to climb but it was a nice view. Even though in the back of my mind I really worried that we were in rattlesnake country and that at any moment I would hear some hissing. Luckily- it stayed silent! This is the type of rock climbing that I like! :)

Here is the loverly view

It was really windy up there, but super peaceful. You can see the whole Phoneix valley!

It doesn't look like I am very high, - but I guess you just have to use your imagination! :)

It was funny because as we drove up there, we noticed that all along the side of the street there were signs that said "No parking. Fire lane". Well, we really wanted to hike it and we really were only going to be up there for 10 minutes. So we compromised and I parked here.. I parked on the inside! Hee Hee! I beat the system! :)

Happy Day off to me! :)