Is this real life?

But really though.

I'm really asking.

Because this all seems to good to be true.

Did I really meet the man of my dreams?

And totally fall in love with him?

And he actually loves me back?

So much so that he asked me to be his for FOREVER?!

So far, all signs point to yes!

I haven't woken up from this wonderful dream like I keep expecting to!

I'm starting to get bruises from pinching myself so much.

Oh, and if you want to know more about our lovely love story, I've already typed it up here.

I don't think I could be any more excited for January :)

Sick

Normally, I really love my work schedule.
I only work three days a week, twelve hour shifts.
It's quite fantastic.
I love only working three days a week.
It is slightly exhausting....
But it gives me much more play time.
And time to spend with Austin.
However...
Today I hate it.
Twelve hours is far too long when you're sick.
And yet, not sick enough to call in sick.
I mean, I don't know...maybe some people would.
I've always had a hard time justifying calling in sick.
I think I've called in sick a total of 2 or 3 times in my life.

Mostly because I just don't get sick.
But today I feel kind of awful.
I just want to go home.
Okay.
I'm done whining now.
You may carry on about your day.
However, should any of you feel the urge to bring me some soup or a good fuzzy blanket...I encourage you to give in to that urge.

At Least My Mom Thinks I'm Special

I just filled out an application to audition for a dance company.
I sort of jumped around from question to question.
But I got it all done.
Except one question.
"Do you have any special skills you think you can add?"
So far, I've left that question blank for a good 3 hours.
I mean really....what kind of things come to mind when you hear that question?

Nun-chuck Skills...

Ninja Skills...

Contortionist Skills...

I suddenly feel very...un-special. 

This application might take me a while.

Let's talk about emotions for a minute...

Here's a taste of how I've been feeling recently...

Anxious

Happy

Overwhelmed

Excited

Apprehensive

And these are just the very basics.

I usually shove my emotions under the carpet.

But I've been changing my ways.

And I literally have no idea how to handle all this.

But that's okay.

I'll figure it out.

Tips?

Advice?

I'll take anything.

It's kind of amazing to feel things!

And it can actually be helpful.

I think I like it.

Who knew?

Here's Your Sign...

Whenever I see these signs:

I never read them as "Caution: Automatic Door".

I read them as "Automatic Caution Door"

So I always expect them to shout out warnings to me. Automatically.

Instead, all they do is open.

How disappointing.

Patience

I know I don't often post about spiritual matters, but this is something I feel very strongly about. I just read the most incredible talk by Neal A Maxwell. It took me almost 2 weeks to finish it (I always got interrupted), but I'm so glad I did. Each time I started reading it again, I felt the Spirit so strongly. I have gained so many personal revelations and insights by reading this talk.

One of my favorite sections:

"Patience is, therefore, clearly not fatalistic, shoulder-shrugging resignation. It is the acceptance of a divine rhythm to life; it is obedience prolonged. Patience stoutly resists pulling up the daisies to see how the roots are doing. Patience is never condescending or exclusive—it is never glad when others are left out. Patience never preens itself; it prefers keeping the window of the soul open."

I wish I could explain the emotions I experienced while reading this talk. All I can say is that usually talks about patience tend to (ironically) make me feel impatient. I used to think along the lines of, "Okay, I get it, I understand that patience is important. Now can I have my blessings?" But now I feel like I finally understand. Patience isn't supposed to be a torturous virtue. It is supposed to help us gain all we can from this life. If I can master patience, I will be able to experience so much more while I'm here.

I'm sure everyone can benefit from reading this talk.
Even if it's a little bit here and there.
I highly recommend it.

Hermits

Jane and I both tend to be just a tad anti-social at times.
Especially once we're in the comfort of our own apartment.
This became especially evident one night when we were home.
There was a knock at the door.

Okay...maybe this is a little dramatic.

Sage started barking incessantly while we ran for cover.
My first thought was that I needed to go put clothes on.
(Don't judge...it was way too hot to wear anything more than a tank and spanks...)
But then we realized that neither of us were expecting company...
So in whispered tones we decided I would tiptoe to the door and peek through the peephole.
It was some man I didn't recognize.
So we let Sage keep barking and then hid in my room until the unexpected "guest" left.
We thought about answering the door at one point...
But by then we had waited long enough that it would have been slightly embarrassing.
It was at this point that we realized how awkward and anti-social we are.
Oops.
We're getting better.

Perks of Being a Registrar: Part II

- Those moments when patients drop a bag of their feces on your desk and expect you to do something with it. No sir. Please get your excrement off my desk.

- Sometimes you get to assist very attractive men.

- The cleaning ladies that always try to have conversations with me when they empty my trash...but I can barely understand them. And I feel like they don't understand what I'm saying. So we both just end up saying things and laughing at each other like we know what's going on.

- It's the best when the techs have my back. For example: one day I had a patient be flat out mean to me in when one of the MRI techs was talking to him. I just let it roll off my back, because you know, whatever. But then the tech called me after he was back in his department and said, "Megan, I just want you to know that I'm going to poke him with the biggest needle I have for you." How sweet.

- There's a restroom right next to my waiting room. I can't tell you how many times people stop and use the restroom and then proceed to hand me their check-in sheet of stickers. I can only hope that they all wash their hands...and that the ones that are wet are only wet from water...

- Awesome examples of "high fashion". I just checked in a lady with purple socks, purple shorts, a purple shirt, purple purse, and very purple hair. Like, Crayola purple. I thoroughly enjoyed the various shades of purple.

- I've discovered that I have access to Buzz Feed at work. Sooo that happens.

- I also have access to watch shows on Food Network, one of the very few video pages not blocked by HCA. I've become quite fond of Chopped and Iron Chef America.

- When people ask you a question that you don't even kind of have an answer to, and they just stare at you like "Why don't you have all the answers? Are you an idiot?" I'm sorry, but I got my degree in dance, not in answering random questions at a hospital.

- When the techs talk to me about procedures and diagnoses like I know what they're talking about....people, I barely know what you do back there! Again...my degree is in dance. Not medicine.

- Tender moments like when a patient's grandson runs into the waiting room and gives him the biggest hug, sobbing, and not letting go, while the patient assures the boy that he's fine.

- That super awkward (yet hilarious) moment when I walk in on someone in the restroom and all they do is scream...

- When patients in the waiting room are one-upping each other. "Well, be grateful your CT oral contrast tastes much better than the drink I had to have for this other procedure!" "At least you didn't have to fast for 12 hours!"

- When I'm on the phone and patients try to have a conversation with me. Listen...I'm not having a casual conversation with my mom right now. I'm talking to a nurse about a patient. Just wait your turn.

- The adorable student technicians who very awkwardly try to make conversation with me.

- When a patient is upset that the department is running 5 minutes behind schedule. Oh boy.

- Those times when I'm the awkward one and I spit my mint out at a patient mid-sentence.

- Or when I'm taking a drink of water as a patient is saying goodbye to me, and I try to drink and respond at the same time...which results in me choking and coughing like a maniac. Do you think they got "See ya, have a good night!" out of that?

- More things that patients say:

"Come on, let's go home"
"Where are my clothes?"
"You've got them on, let's go."
----------------------------------
(Talking on the phone) "She is a bad person. She is just a very bad person. And he needs to be in therapy"
----------------------------------
"Ooh, it's chilly in here."
"It feels good!"
"Well yea, you're not skinny like me." (Conversation between two patients who don't know each other)

Time....to go home!

In one hour I will be clocking out for the week and heading HOME!!!

I haven't been home since Christmas. That's wayyy too long for a girl who only lives 2.5 hours from home.

This is going to be the longest hour of my life.

World's Greatest Dad

This is where I inherit my photo-taking abilities

Not only do I have the greatest mom...
I also have the single greatest dad!
Aren't I just so darn lucky??
So let me give you some reasons as to why my dad is the greatest...

Cuddle time with Ethan

First of all...goodness does that man have a sense of humor.

One time at dinner, we were eating spaghetti.

And he's a bit of a noisy eater.

So after a particular loud sluurrrp, he looked up and said...

"Man, I suck!"

The best part is how much he cracks himself up.

There's also his classics, like when we drive past a cemetary...

"People are just dying to get in there!"

Or how all of his fortune cookies say the same thing...

"You will suffer a long and painful death."

He's all about clever and cheesy jokes.

Which I have definitely inherited from him.

I'm already getting people booing at my awful jokes and puns.

It couldn't make me happier to think that I might be like my dad :)

Clammin'

Second of all....can we just talk about the musical genius that he is?
He writes music.
He sings.
He plays just about every instrument known to man.
He even builds instruments (guitars, marimbas....).
All of his students just love "Mr. T".
Who wouldn't?
Confession time.
My dad used to ask me to come sing with him when I lived at home.
And I always said no...
I feel bad for that.
I was just so nervous that I would sound bad!
I didn't want to disappoint him...
But now I just want to sing all the time.
Your efforts were not in vain, Dad.
I'll sing with you anytime :)

My favorite thing...playing guitar around the campfire :)

Third of all...he has incredible work ethic.

He is probably the hardest worker I know!

Once he decides to do something, it's going to get done.

You can count on that.

He will work all day to get something finished.

He's the kind of dad who takes advantage of you saying "I'm bored."

I learned pretty quick to avoid that phrase.

I used to absolutely hate it whenever he would give me a chore.

I felt like he was demanding so much from me.

But then I came to realize that he appreciated when I did as he asked.

And that is a good feeling.

He is just the best example of a hard worker.

Seriously.

What a good-lookin' dad I have!

Fourth of all...he is an excellent cook.
Especially Chinese cuisine.
Stir fry.
Fried rice.
Potstickers.
Sushi.
Among many others.
I don't think I would appreciate any of that near as much...
If it weren't for the top-notch skills my dad has.
And he is so good at growing his garden.
I hear he grows a mean tomato.
I think that's a big reason why I'm teaching myself to like tomatoes.
He makes them look soooo yummy.....
And that's probably why his BLTs are so bomb.
And I also gained my love for spicy food from him.
And kimchi.
Thanks Dad :)

Fifth of all...what a testimony.

The only way I can describe it is that it's solid as a rock.

So sleepy....

He has built such a strong foundation of true gospel living.

I wish I appreciated our early morning family scripture study when I was younger.

I was mostly upset about having to get up early.

In fact...I had a system worked out.

I would lay there (facing away from my dad) with my scriptures open.

I would look ahead to see which verses I would be reading.

Then I looked at the last sentence from the last verse ahead of me.

That way, I'd wake up enough to read my portion without skipping a beat.

I thought I was so clever.

But even if I wasn't so good at paying attention, it still made a difference.

I think back on those mornings fondly.

Just how awake and ready for scripture study my dad was...

It's hard to describe....but it just makes me feel warm.

I guess you'd probably call that the Spirit, eh?

Thank you for setting such a good example for me, Dad.

And for being a worthy priesthood holder.

That has been such a blessing in our lives.

Sixth of all....somehow, my dad is a morning person...

What an example of true love :)

I always thought he was nuts.
In the summer and on weekends, he hated us sleeping in.
If it were his choice, we'd all be up and working at 7:00 am.
"That is sleeping in!"
I dreaded the sound of his electric razor...
Usually that meant he was walking down the hall to wake me up.
But as I've gotten older, I've come to understand a little more.
Mornings are just so calm and peaceful....
I'm not there yet (and I've never admitted this out loud...), but I think I could become a morning person.
Whoa.
I hope so though...my dad is always so cheery in the mornings, and I love it :)

Seventh of all....he is such a loving father.

I know he is always teasing us.....

Bulls eye!

But then when you give him a hug goodbye, you can just feel his love for you.

Or when you acheive something you've worked so hard at...

He just looks so proud and, again, you can just feel his love.

One of my favorite things was when he came to my Extravadance shows.

After every performance he would tell me "Good job, Meggie."

With a big ol' smile on his face.

And every once in awhile he would mention something like:

"Isn't it so cool to just go after what you're passionate about?"

I just feel like that gives me a special connection with my dad.

I love it so much.

I am just so humbled that I got to be raised by you. 

I have learned so much through the things you have taught me, both by words and example.

I look up to you so much.

Happy Father's Day!
I love you, Dad!

Staring into the distance....

Check out that 'stache!

I don't know how they deal with all of us....

What a good grandpa :)

Comforting Melissa and her sliced hand

Playing with his new smart phone (probably the farting app...)

Chilling down at the river

World's Greatest Mom

Little LeeAnn :)

My mom is the greatest!
Seriously...there is no question.
And I will tell you why.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

First of all...my mom is funny!
She can be one sassy lady.
Sometimes she calls me out on certain things on Facebook.
And also, sometimes she says things like "Naveh means beautiful in...Jesus words..."
And she's such a good sport when we tease her for such things :)

My parents are adorable :)

Second of all...heavens, can that woman cook!
If you know my mom at all, you know how famous her bread is.
Everyone dies for her bread.
It's like candy.
I don't think she's ever made a meal I didn't like.
Except tomato cheese bread.
But I blame those pesky tomatoes.
Her ham lasagna is my favorite.

Running the beach in Oregon

Third of all...she owns up to her mistakes.
Like that one time she tried to put layers in my hair.
And my hair ended up above my ears....
I don't think she's cut my hair since.

                           

Always such a good cook...

She gets it.          



Fourth of all...she's a really good flirt.
Sometimes she gets worried that I don't know how to flirt.
(I think she's concerned that I repel men...)
One time we were at Olive Garden.
Our waiter was very attractive.
She kept chatting it up with him whenever he came by.
Then she asked why I wasn't flirting with him.......
And left my number for him with the tip.
Yea, I never heard from him.
My mom is better at flirting than I am.

Superwoman :)

Fifth of all...she is so supportive.
She put me in dance when I was 3 years old.
I don't think she realized how big of a deal that would end up being.
She has been there for every performance.
Celebrated every milestone with me.
Endured my whining about aches and pains.
She has always supported my decisions.
I couldn't have accomplished what I have without her support.

Sisters!

Sixth of all...she is so giving.
She is always so incredibly busy helping other people.
She is the best example of selflessness.
Always thinking of ways to make life easier for other people.
Not thinking of herself.

Digging for clams

She goes out of her way to help others.
If I can be just a fraction like her....



Seventh of all...she is a spiritual giant.
She may be short...but her testimony is huge.
I always complain about my problems to her.
And her advice is always sound.
I have leaned on her testimony many times.
She has helped me strengthen my own.
And I know that she has helped many many others do the same.

Grandma time!

I love you so much, Mom! I am so grateful to have been blessed to have you as my mother. You have been the best example to me in so many ways! Thanks for putting up with me :)

Happy "25th" Birthday :)

Sharing her cooking skills with the grandkids

Girl's weekend! (I know you're going to hate me for posting this...)

This makes me happy :)

Mmm....

The best mom becoming the best grandma :)

Hot

I am one of those people who would much rather be hot than cold.
There's no use arguing with me on the whole "but you can always put on more clothes" debate.
That doesn't make a difference to me.

This is me in the winter...minus the
 crying face, and with lots of blankets.



It doesn't matter how many clothes I layer on...once I'm cold, I'm cold.

It's gonna take more than a few layers of clothes to get me warmed up.

The only time I have an exception to this preference is at night.

At night I can pile on blankets like there's no tomorrow.

And cuddle up into a ball so tight you could slam dunk me.
Okay...dumb comparison. But you get the idea.
I absolutely cannot sleep when I'm hot.
It just doesn't happen.
And it generally

 hasn't been a huge issue in my life.

Summers in Idaho are perfect...nice and hot during the day, and cool and breezy at night.

So usually as long as I sleep with my window open, it's just...perfect.

Well....that is not the case here in Salt Lake.

I have had several restless nights due to the heat.



This is me now. Dying.



Already.

And it's only the beginning of June.

I'm very concerned.

I sleep with the window wide open.

And my fan on high.

No blankets.

Only in my skivves (TMI? Sorry).

And I'm still sweating.

Last night was the last straw.

I'm exhausted.



And this is how ecstatic I will be once I get
air conditioning.



I'm now shopping on KSL and Craigslist for window air conditioners.

However, if anyone knows anyone getting rid of one, let me know!
I'm hoping to get one today.

I get off work at 7:00.

I will get a good night's sleep tonight.





UPDATE: I did get an awesome air conditioner that night! And when I had asked the lady selling it, she said it was super easy to install.....ha. I ended up just setting it on my sewing table next to the open window. It does work great...I just need to find someone to install it for me. The position for that "someone" is up for grabs.

UPDATED UPDATE (06/20/13): Last night I officially had my lovely AC installed. It was a lot more involved than I thought it would be...but it's working perfectly! I slept so good last night....life is looking mucho better :)

Now That's What I Call Motivation

I went for a run today.
It was perfect weather to go running in a light jacket and leggings.
Although I do feel slightly self-conscious about wearing just leggings anywhere outside of the dance world, I did it anyway.
At the end of my run, I was waiting at the stoplight to get to my apartment.
As was a number of vehicles.
One of which occupied a male truck driver.
Who felt the need to roll his window down and yell, "You've got some nice legs!"
Well.
I guess I oughta go running more often.

The Difference Between Girls and Boys

I recently went on a trip to Washington for a friend's wedding.    
 - congrats again, Cristian and Cortney! -
I'm no stranger to road trips for the sake of a friend getting married.
However, I usually share these adventures with my friends of the female type.
This trip was different.
This time I went with 3 of my guy friends.
It was still a blast.
But definitely different.
I said I was going to write up a list of the differences and similarities between traveling with guys vs. girls.
Well I am a woman of my word.
Enjoy.

- The Car Ride -

Girls: Sing loudly to a wide range of music--from Celine Dion to Backstreet Boys to Broadway musicals.

Guys: Drive. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.

Girls: Stop to use the restroom every 2 hours.

Guys: Power through until the gas tank is empty.

- The Conversation -

Girls: Boys, hopes and dreams, frustrations, goals, periods, funny stories, sad stories, stories about animals...

Guys: New music they've discovered, places to eat, funny stories.

- The Photographs -
Girls: Take all kinds of ridiculous pictures....singing in the car, sleeping in the car, pictures of us with anything we deem slightly interesting, pictures of us making ridiculous faces when we're bored....
Guys: A good handful of the highlights from the trip.




- Getting Ready -
Girls: Fighting for mirror space, scheduling who will shower when, setting off breakers from all the blow-dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Usually running behind.
Guys: Take longer to get ready than I expected. Therefore also tend to run behind.


- The Food -
Girls: Junk food. Fast food. Whatever is cheap and tasty.
Guys: More health conscious than I expected! Although still had their fair share of junk/fast food.





- The Entertainment Factor -
Girls: We are all freaking hilarious.
Guys: We are all freaking hilarious.




- The Dance Moves -
Girls: Awesome (and totally ridiculous) when we dance together. Try to avoid catching the eye of strange men.
Guys: So fun to dance with! Much better than avoiding "slow songs". Although not quite as awesome at the ridiculous dance moves.



- The Mugging Situation -
Girls: Get robbed at gunpoint.
Guys: So far, so good.




All in all, I had a good time! I would do it again :)

Yes, I know Sarah and Hannah will hate me for posting these....but I just couldn't resist :)