Wow, What A Joke!

Remember when I used to say that all the time?? Well it totally applies here! The schedule this weekend was relatively the same. Just a lot longer and crazier. Here is the abreviated version.

Left Edmond at 8:30am. Stopped in Salina, KS (4 hrs into trip, halfway) for lunch @ Subway. Arrived in Omaha at 5:00 pm. Checked in to Hotel, got settled. Went to practice at University of Nebraska at Omaha (which is kind of a creepy school at night, no lights and it is in a forest...) then came home and waited for the guys to shower before dinner. Went to Perkins around 7:30pm. Perkins is awesome!! I haven't been since MN/MI but it was bomb and I was SUPER hungery by the time we ate so it was even better. Went back, got ready for bed and fell asleep.

Wake up call at 5:15am. Then started the longest day EVER!! There were 30 schools (12 Division 1) at this tournament. 730 something wrestlers. 15 mats. 2 gyms. Kill me!! It actually wasn't that bad because we only brought 11 guys and there were 2 of us (I have a student helper) to cover all their matches so it worked fairly well. We were seperated a fair amount of the morning but then around lunchtime, we started covering everything together because some of our guys started getting eliminated.

What made everything even MORE fun was when I woke up, I started being really itchy all over my neck and realized that I had broken out in hives all over my neck and shoulders. I still don't know exactly why but I assume it was the hotel soap or something. Anyways, I took some benadryl because I had to stop itching. However, this made me SUPER tired. Around 1pm, we had a lull for a half hour and I completely fell asleep. It was awesome. I took the medicine around 6am... Fast forward to 10pm. That is when we finally finished all our matches (our best kid took 2nd in the amateur division) and loaded on the best. I popped another benadryl, ate some pizza and passed on that bus (Yeah, you read that right. I freakin slept the whole way home!!!) We stopped in Salina again on the way home to re-fuel and use the bathroom. I did so and then fell right back to sleep. We got back to Edmond at 6am. And yes, I did go back to sleep when I got home.

More of this story: take benadryl to sleep on buses. Also, don't use hotel soap. Yeah, that's pretty much it. Thank goodness for Thanksgiving so I get a week break from that bus! Then it's right back into it!

It's all in the life of an athletic trainer!

One Down...

So I survived the first road tournament! We only had one casualty also so I consider that successful.

We left Friday around 11:30am and pulled into the hotel around 7:30pm due to some construction and traffic. We got some time to get settled, which I used to do some rehab/treatments and then we met back up at 8:30 to drive up to the school for an hour long practice (where the guys worked out to drop weight) This time was spent doing some more rehab and hoping my injured guys did not hurt themselves before the tournament even started! Note: I am a worrier, wrestling and I are not necessarily a match made in heaven...

After practice we grabbed some Arby's (Ew) and went back to the hotel. I did another round of treatments and then crawled into bed around 11:30pm. I had not slept on the bus, despite my best efforts and being drugged (I am getting over an upper respiratory infection) so I immediately fell asleep.

Wake up was at 6:15am. The bus left for the school at 7:00, Weigh-ins and skin checks were at 8:00, wrestling started at 10:00. I was so tired and I wanted to cry. I entertained myself part of the time with a movie and then I called my Dad...I was mostly just bored. But then wrestling started and I did get a break until we left at 8:00. I luckily did get a chance to eat lunch this week though. Last week I wasn't so lucky.

We stopped at Wendy's after we packed up and iced up and then we started the drive home! I got back to my apartment at 2:00am this morning! I am still super tired because I can not sleep on that stupid bus to save my life but I am determined to find a way! I also plan on investing in a potable DVD player so I can entertain myself!

As far as wrestling goes, I am beginning to understand the sport and it's fun to cheer for all my guys! We will see how the rest of the season goes but for now it's not so bad. For now, my biggest problem is covering multiple matches at one time. We had ten mats going at once yesterday. But, I am superwoman so it's no big deal.

Just a day in the life of an athletic trainer. :o)

And They're Off!

Well it has begun. Wrestling season has officially started. We had our intra-squad dual on Wednesday night and it was pretty entertaining and went off without a hitch.

Tomorrow we have a tournament in OKC all day and then next weekend I will be traveling to the thrilling state of Missouri for a big tournament there. YIPEE! (note: that last statement was said with heaps of sarcasm)

We are currently wrestling at about 3/4 capacity. This week my second wrestler of the season is having surgery (torn labrum). I also found out yesterday that I was right, one of my boys does have compartment syndrome. It feels great to be validated but not at the expense of one of my athletes... Just saying.

Well there will be plenty more to tell everyone after next weekend when I get back from my first road trip. Can't wait. (more sarcasm) Now I have to go cover a basketball game for Simon. You SO owe me!

Just another day in the life of an athletic trainer! :o)

Injuries For Everyone!

Wrestling season officially begins on Wednesday with our annual inter-squad dual. It's called the bronze and blue. How original huh? Anyways, OU will always be coming up to hold their red and white that night as well in our gym also. I can't weight...(corny wrestling pun intended)

The fact that the season is so soon may be contributing to whatever is going on in my stomach( see my other blog) because it seems like half my team is hurt right now. Here is a little run down for ya:
- Two diagnosed labrum tears in the shoulder and a third that I am fairly certain of
- Possible compartment syndrome
- A subluxed shoulder that may have torn part of the pec in the process
- Two kids in boots - one for a high ankle sprain that wont heal and one for REALLY bad shin splints/ bruised muscle
- One kid who separated cartilage in his ribs
- One kid who just had his meniscus repaired

That's about all the big stuff I can think of but you get my point. Aren't I lucky?
Just another day in the life of an athletic trainer.

Get Your Mind Right!

Ok, in case anyone does not know, I work with the wrestling team at UCO. And although it is a totally knew experience, it is also kinda fun. I really like being in charge of my own sport and it is interesting learning a new one. There are challenges and there is definitely a steep learning curve.

Anyways, as everyone knows, wrestlers are kind of a rare breed. However, I have to hand it to them, they are some tough guys. They are a lot like rugby players: crazy and they play with no fear. These guys twist into the most unnatural positions during practice and put so much strain on their bodies. They are perpetually injured and yet, they push through. They have to. They are expected to.

And that is where the problem lies. At least for me.

I disagree with that philosophy. If there is a kid who has a torn labrum and is going to need surgery to fix it, what good does it do him to just fight through the pain, wrestle mediocre at best and waste a spot on the mat when he could have surgery, take a year off and come back healthy next year? Anyone? Anyone?? Yeah, I thought so...

Just another day in the life of an athletic trainer. :o)

New Blog!!

I decided that I wanted to split this blog into two. I know, I am kinda weird like that. So this blog is going to be dedicated to my work and the awesome things that happen to me. Wrestling season has started. Well sort of. The official competitive season begins in three weeks but they are practicing right now and cool things are already happening. More on that later.

My other blog is located at http://worldofangela.blogspot.com/ and that will continue to document all the awesome things that happen in my personal life. Basically, you should probably just read both. Just saying...

Boys...

...can't live without them!!!

(I would say that you can't live with them but I am living proof you can. I lived with 4 brothers and if I can do it, anyone can! But this is off topic.)

What is a girl to do when she finds that guy who likes the same things she does, laughs at all the same jokes, honors his priesthood, is sweet, smart, adorable and tall? Um...where do I sign, right??

Not that simple. At least, it is not proving to be. But can someone please explain why?? I am failing to see why there is not an instant spark? I mean, I definitely feel it. Why isn't this the being of the classic fairy tale romance? The stuff legends are made of? Is it me? I am wrong for him? Is it wrong timing? What???

I don't know the answers to any of these questions. Until I do, I guess I will just sigh and wonder.

ARGH!

That pretty much sums up my mood right now. I am frustrated. I can't put it any other way than that. Why, you ask? Because. Boys. Are. Dumb. (Ok, it's my blog and I can make ridiculous blanket statements if I want to...) Also, warning there will probably be whining in this and many blogs to come. Just saying. If you don't like it, don't read my blog. :)

So first of all, boys are probably the least observant people on the planet. Seriously, they don't see anything. I had a conversation with some people on Sunday about this. It's very frustrating when you are flirting and you feel like you are dropping HUGE hints but he doesn't get them. Any of them. Nope, none. You guys are KILLING me here on this one. Seriously!

Problem two, why is it that when you feel like you are flirting and a relationship could be brewing, he starts bringing up other girls and starts hitting on other people right in front of you. You know why? Because you got SCREWED!!! You were labeled with the awful "friend" card. I hate that card. I get labeled with it every time.

Those are two really frustrating things that have been bothering me lately. I will not go into more detail other than to say that my life repeats itself a lot and these two things are usually involved. I dislike it (hence the anger).

On the other hand, when you happen to stumble across a guy who does not immediately place you in the friend category and who catches on to your hints, well... :)

The Awesome Power Of Prayer

I was just thinking how amazing prayer really is. I know that when we pray, we are heard and answers are provided. Prayer is an awesome blessing bestowed upon by a loving Heavenly Father.

I have come to realize the awesome power of prayer so much more since living here in OK. I am on my own now and I have learned to rely on my Savior so much more. I pray a lot more too. Even the little things that I ask for, He hears me and answers me.

Today we are having a family prayer for my cousin. He is having a hard time and he needs our prayers. We live all over the country right now but because our prayers are united, they are powerful.

So...did you think to pray? :)

Ow. I Hurt.

I decided that since I had a free Saturday (I know, weird right?!) I would go play soccer with a bunch of kids from church. So I did. I drove to the OU health sciences campus in OKC, got lost for about 15 minutes then finally stumbled upon the soccer field. There were tons of people there which made it a lot of fun. I played for about an hour and a half and then I had no more energy so I left.

I am really bad. To be fair, its been seven years since I played organized soccer. I have played pick up games since then, of course but nothing structured or regular. I am REALLY out of shape now and I have lost my soccer legs. Some of it came back quickly, like riding a bike. Some of it may be gone forever...

I started off playing midfield and was sucking wind hardcore so I moved back really quickly to defense. I did pretty well there for most of the game. I did get beat a couple times and I have a sprained ankle to prove it (thank you wet grass). However, I also had some pretty sweat plays too. I even took a shot (it was not very good and obviously didn't go in but was a shot nonetheless)!

When I got home, I immediately went to my swimming pool and cooled down. Awesome. Now I am lounging on my bed because my body feels like jello. It is a great feeling though. Hope I get to play again soon! :)

Blah Blah Blah

And no, I don't mean Ke$ha.

Buckle up folks, there is about to be some serious whinning going on up in here.

Yeah, I know that its been a while since I have updated. Mostly because I have like no time. I still love you guys. I just, you know, love sleeping more. I am SO busy. And I kinda love it. I really do. I love getting up at a reasonable hour (like not before 7...) and strolling into work at 9. I work with athletes all day long. Rehab, treatments, practice, insurance, paperwork. I am a legit real life athletic trainer. And I LOVE it! :) Seriously, there are parts of my day when I just have a big smile on my face because I am so happy.

And then there is the drama. Oh man there is drama. And it stresses me out. It just wipes that smile straight off my face. Those days I come home and cry and wonder what I got myself into. But then I remember the good parts and it makes it all better.

And there is always the best part of my day. Around the same time everyday, I see someone who never fails to brighten up my day. Hey, it's the little things right? I guess I will never change...

I really miss my family and I especially miss my grandma. I still can't believe she is gone. But I will be in Florida with my family before I know it and that is what is keeping me going each day. And school is just a thing a do once a week. It's just an afterthought. Athletic training is really what its all about.

Anyways, love you all and I really am still alive, just barely. :)

A Teacher, A Friend, A Grandma

When I got home from work last night, it was just like any other night since I got here. My main goal was to get food into my mouth as quickly as possible before I starved to death and then to relax and get more unpacked. However, as I was just finishing up cooking my dinner, I got a text message that changed the course of my night drastically. My brother Jason told me that my grandmother had just passed away.

I immediately felt a washing of relief. She had been in so much pain for so long and we had all been praying for this. Then I began to cry. All I wanted to do was be there with my family to go through this. All I wanted was to be with my mom during this hard time for her. And I wanted to say goodbye one more time. I knew when I left it would be the last time I saw her alive. But I am stuck in Oklahoma.

I don't know what is going to happen but I do know that my grandmother was an amazing person who taught me many things, who pushed me to be better and who always believed in me. She was always there for me when I needed her and I love her deeply. I know she is watching over me know and I know I will see her again.

Just Me

So this is my first post from my new city! It has taken me awhile because I don't have internet until I move into my new apartment but it's whatever. I have to go to either the public library or UCO's library in order to use the stinkin internet.

It is sad but I have realized just how much I actually use it. I will just consider this a blessing and call it a much needed de-tox. :)

Anyways, so Dad, Jason and I had oh SO much fun driving down here. We got here a week ago Saturday and by then I was so sick of the car I wanted to scream! We then proceeded to do so many mindless errands around town for me that I thought my brain was turning to mush. I am VERY grateful that they were here though. We ran into some interesting school issues and I really appreciate Dad being here to help me sort them out. Jason helped me, or maybe I should say forced, to learn the streets and how to fing my way around. Since they have left I have only gotten lost twice and I was able to find my way where I was going both times thanks to his good teaching.

They left Thursday afternoon and then the real fun began. I went to library and stockpiled on books, movies and then to grocery store to get food and holed up in my apartment for the weekend. I have watched so many movies in the past few days that I kinda want to break my new tv! (It's a pretty 26" that doubles as a moniter for my desktop...) I did venture out of my apartment friday to go on a walk around my neighborhood.

Saturday afternoon I wanted to go walk around Lake Hefner and take pictures/ swim, etc. So I put on my swimsuit and hopped in the car. After walking the trail around the lake for about 2.5 miles in 90% humidity, I realized that I wasn't gonna make it all the way around so I turned around and started to make my way back to my car. I didn't make it very far when I started to get really sick. I had to sit down and drink a whole a lot of water before I could drag my sorry butt back to the car. I got home and laid under my fan the rest of the day. Pretty sure I had some heat exhaustion going on...Yeah, I am really smart.

I started work today. That was exciting! Just ACI training and then just orientation stuff around the training room but it was still fun. I got to meet the other two GAs. Rachel and Simon. They seem really cool and I think these next two years are gonna be really fun.

Well, my time is up on this computer. More soon! I miss you, Utah! :o)

"We Gotta Start Makin Changes..."

That's just the way it is. Things will never be the same.

Thank you Tupac for those immortal words.

Yes, I stand on the brink on a HUGE change and I know that things will never be the same but I am looking forward to moving on. A week ago today, I was just sitting in my apartment enjoying my week off sports camps and then I got a phone call from the University of Central Oklahoma offering me the graduate assistant position. I immediately applied to school and after much thought and praying, I have decided to accept. I am leaving two weeks from Friday. (!!!!)

You may be thinking, I thought she had written them off?? That is because I had. I didn't think I would ever hear from them because I had tried unsuccessfully several times to get in touch with them. Then all of a sudden they call and the job is mine. I know that all of these events for the past several months, starting with my interview at the Denver convention, are not accidents but were meant to happen. And I am so grateful they did and that they lead me to this point. I am so happy and at peace with all of this and I know this is because it is right.

It's A Wonderful Life

Since my return from my awesome trip to Oklahoma life has been a little crazy, hence no new posts. Here is my life as of now:

I started working sports camps which has been a lot of fun, and a ton of new experiences. I have spine boarded two kids a week apart. Kind of intense but a great learning curve. I am seeing a lot and it's fun to be back with little kids. I love them and can't wait until I can work at a high school.

Oh yeah. About the job situation. So after I got back, OU let me know that they had hired someone else. A bummer but I feel very at peace. I know that I am being led to the right job and that wasn't it. As much as I would have liked. I am hoping to find it soon. I still haven't heard back from UCO. I applied for another high school job this past week. Keep praying for me! :)

My family is still hanging in there. Jenny is doing better all the time. Jason and his girlfriend Amanda moved out to Utah last week and it is fun having him around again. Grandma and Grandpa are in a daily struggle. It's a fight to see who can hold on the longest. You gotta love my stubborn family.

I will be 22 in 9 days. But who is counting right? Um...ME!!!

The Saga Continues

Ok here is the continuation of my trip.

Tuesday afternoon Jason and I went driving around Oklahoma City and Edmond. We saw apartment complexes and scouted out areas to live. Then we drove to where we used to live in Edmond and saw the high school and where all the boys used to work (the site of the infamous car accident). Then we headed out to the OKC temple. It's a really small temple but really pretty. I, of course, took lots of pictures so check facebook this weekend for those. Tuesday night Jason and his girlfriend Amanda, Megan and I all went to this amazing mexican place called Ted's (also known as Cafe Escondido). It was delicious!

Today was an awesome day of site seeing for me while Megan and Jason were working. I drove Megan to work so I could have the car for the day. Yup, that's right. I drove from Norman to OKC and back 1 1/2 times without getting lost. Be impressed people! Anyways, I went and toured around the OU campus just for kicks. The campus is HUGE and SUPER beautiful. The thing that killed me was that every sports team has its own facility. Tennis teams = tennis building. Gymnastics team = gymnastics building. Ridiculous!

Megan and I went to a great little Bar and Grill in downtown OKC for lunch. Then I was off on my own again. I went to visit the Murrah Bombing Memorial. It was a sight to see. The museum was incredible. I was teary-eyed the entire time and it was hard to go back to being 7 years old but I remember it well. Lots of awesome pictures.

Next I wondered around downtown waiting for Megan to get off work. I saw some really cool looking building which I took pictures of. Duh. Then I drove to Bricktown. Super cool area of downtown that has a ballpark and cool shops.

Megan and I went to watch the Prince of Persia which was a good mix of intense action that had me literally jumping out of my seat and the very corny which had me laughing out loud. Then we went to dinner at an awesome BBQ place that just happened to be attached to a gas station and we ate on picnic tables. Gotta love the south! :)

Tomorrow is my interview and then I fly home. I am sad but I have packed as much fun into this trip as I possibly could so I am happy about that. Can't wait to see what happens!

OKLAHOMA!!

So I feel like I am home. Weird? Maybe a little. I am a really long ways from Utah but this feels so much like home. I keep driving past places and I don't have deja vu but I just remember them from a really long time ago. It's really cool. I am glad to be back.

I got to eat a sundae from Braums yesterday! :) YUM!! And I went shopping at Penn Square mall. We drove past our old Stake Center where my Dad was Bishop and the place where he used to work. I even got to go shopping at DOTS which is one of my favorite stores (don't ask me why, it's not even that great...)!! Then we capped off the night with a BBQ. What an awesome first day here.

Today was my first job interview. I love UCO. It's a D2 school but I feel good about it. The campus is pretty and the sports area is really nice, especially for that size of a school. I would love to work and go to school there. Everyone I met was really friendly and welcoming. I guess we will see in a few weeks if I will be a Bronco come Fall.

Thursday is my interview with OU! I am nervous. Wish me luck! More updates later. Right now I am starving...Love!

Duck Hunting

Remember the really awesome Nintendo game about duck hunting, complete with a gun? That game was fantastic. Anyways, I feel like that game has become my life. I am now the "duck" hunting and they are very elusive. The duck I am referring to is a job.

As of the 28 of this month, I will no longer be an employee of the MTC. I handed in my three week notice yesterday. I have enjoyed my time there but feel like its time to move on. Plus I received a job working BYU's sports camps for the summer. I am really excited for this because I worked them two summers ago and loved it. But it's just for the summer. Boo!

So, what am I going to do come fall? I have officially applied to 4 graduate schools as graduate assistants for the sports teams. The official application to school will come later. Anyways, I also have applied to two high school positions. I have always wanted to work in the high school setting and if I can't achieve that right now, fresh out of college then I will go back and get more education so I will be more qualified and more experienced in two years when I try again.

Pretty solid logic, huh? Yeah, I thought so. The awesome news is that one of the schools wants to come out and visit the school for a second interview. They really like me and I really like them. So cross your fingers. :)

The even more elusive duck to hunt is dating in Provo. I won't even get in to that right now. Just allow me to say that I don't understand guys and I don't think they understand anything. That was not meant to be a jab, just the truth. I dare you to prove me wrong.

Weddings? I love weddings!

I have decided that my posts are just a dumping ground of nonsense thoughts that don't really ever connect but that really probably won't change so I'm sorry.

This last week was CRAZY!! I moved out of my apartment FINALLY!!!! I liked my roommates but I getting stir crazy in that place for some reason. I just needed out. I need something new to help spice up my life. Three years was more than enough. Anyways, I moved home for a week until my new contract starts.

Thursday night we had a big joint family BBQ for Jeff and Brittney's wedding and then blessed little Ryan. It was a big day. Earlier that day I had moved most of my stuff so I was super tired. After the blessing, we split up and the girls went up to SLC to a karaoke bar for Brittney's family Bachelorette party. It was super funny and everybody was good sports about it. The four brothers just went over to Greg's place and played Starcraft for several hours. They would...I am confident we had more fun but whatever.

Friday morning, after getting about four hours of sleep, I got up and went to my graduation. It was good to finally close the last door on my undergraduate degree. Hurray for being an alumni of BYU! We then had family lunch at our house that afternoon, I went back to provo to clean out my apartment and then went to Greg's Graduation ceremony (He got an MBA from BYU!) Then I came home, ate dinner about 9 and then crashed.

Saturday was the big wedding day. From start to finish it went off pretty well without a hitch and they looked like they were on the moon! I am SO happy to have another sister in the family and I love Brittney so good job to Jeff for picking a good one.

(This is a long post...My bad!) One thing that kind of stuck in my mind yesterday was how I think I might be a bridezilla when it's finally my turn. This was my fourth family wedding so I am no stranger to helping my brothers/ mom plan a wedding. Also, I have had several friends get married so I guess I have seen things done differently and I just keep thinking how I want to do it. My mom always jokes that all that is missing for me is the groom. Thanks mom. Like I need the reminder. Anyways, there were a few blow ups yesterday sadly they always seem to involve me and at one point Jeff said to me "You will understand when it's your turn, actually you probably won't because it's you." Ouch. Yup, it's true that I am opinionated and I want things to go my way. Is that so bad? I guess I will just wait until it IS my turn and then you can bet they will go my way or else. HAHA! I promise I will be nice. At least I hope I will be.

Weddings. There is nothing like a wedding to help you remember that you are single. It's cool though, because I know he's out there somewhere and he's going to amazing when I finally find him. He will have to be to counteract all this nonsense that I have to put up with in the meantime. And the law does state there is opposition in all things right?

My So Called Life

Many of you have been asking what my plans are and well, I would even like to know the answer to that. Here is a general run down of how things are looking, at least for right now.

I am moving out of my apartment this week and into a new one. Where? Not sure. I found a really cute one that I like yesterday but we will see. I need a fresh start and moving is going to be a good change.

While I was in Denver at the RMATA convention (for those of you who don't speak athletic trainer that means Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainer's Association)I interviewed for a graduate assistantship at the University of New Mexico. I know, I know. I never wanted to go back to school, nor did I ever want to move to Albuquerque. However, in talking with them, I discovered that this would be a really great opportunity for me and I changed my mind. :o) I am a girl after all... So after a lot of soul searching and praying,I accepted. And then they told me that I was too late and someone else had already taken the position.

So back to step one. I still think I want to go to grad school. So I have kept looking for other schools. I sent in an official application on Friday. Yay! I also am still talking with my high school about becoming their athletic trainer. So stay tuned. Who knows what will happen in my crazy life. I am just praying that something happens.

Some Food For Thought

Several things are on my mind today after the awesome weekend so while they are random and not connected, they are nevertheless each interesting. Here goes nothing.

Spring is finally here! The weather is like an obnoxious yo-yo which is usually a good indicator that spring has come after many long and miserable weeks of snow. It will keep snowing, don't get me wrong, but now we get a few days of 60 degree sunshine sprinkled in too. Case in point: a white Easter? What??? Wrong holiday, weather...

I am trying to spend as much time as I can with Greg and Jenny and the little ones while I can before they leave. We went to the park last week before the weather turned to crap. Then we all spent the majority of the weekend at my parent's house. It has been so much fun having them so close for as long as its been. I will miss them lots when they move.



With Lindsey and Ryan both vying for my attention, it was difficult to pay attention to general conference but I did my best. We did play dough, colored, legos and annoyed my cats. It was good times.

Before Conference started on Saturday morning, I made a list of questions I needed answers to. It is sort of a tradition of mine for conference. Anyways, even with as little of conference as I was able to focus on, every single one of my questions was talked about. I have such a strong testimony that our prayers are heard and answered. I am grateful for Conference and the opportunity that I had to watch it. I look forward to watching it/ reading it again in the coming weeks so I can get a little more out of it.

The past two weeks or so has been a continued trial in my life. The Lord is really pushing me right now to do and be better. Some days are better than others. As I watch my grandma continue to slip, it gets harder because I know the end can't be far away. I miss my sister and hope she is growing daily.

Well that is about all that my little brain can hold. It you could follow all of that, congratulations.

One More Before The End of The Month!

March is quickly on its way out and April will be here tomorrow. Crazy! Where did all the time go?? It really feels like yesterday that I stopped going to classes but it's been three months...Wow!

Anyways, I know everyone probably thinks I have died but it's not true, I have just been busy. Very, very busy.

You know the feeling where it feels like someone took the top off your world, turned it upside down and then put it back on? That's about how I feel right now. I'm a little shaken but still moving forward because I don't like the other options. lol.

A lot has happened the past few weeks and frankly, I am ready for March to end. Bring on a new month. Hopefully this one will be kinder to me. I need General Conference and then at the end, there is graduation and the wedding. Let's put off May though because I don't want Greg and Jenny to move away. I am going to miss them like crazy, as well as their adorable little kids!

Change. It's a funny little thing. I don't like it but I have been told that I need to start liking it so that is my new project for awhile. In the meantime, I will keep eating my double fudge brownie ice cream and wishing things could always stay the same.

Excitements And Disappointments

This week I helped out with the kids while Jen got some much needed rest and Greg had to go back to school. Lindsay is absolutely adorable but kind of struggling with the whole adjustment. Going from having mommy and daddy all to yourself to having to share them with this little person that sleeps and cries is a big deal for an almost two-year old. Poor thing. But we had some good times. Her favorite phrase now is "Ang...Nice!" She says this whenever she wants me to do something for her that I already said no to. It is her baby talk for "Ang, be nice!" I love that little girl.

And then there is little Ryan. Holding him is like holding a little piece of heaven. He is so small and he always looks so peaceful. He likes to sleep on my chest. We are cuddle buddies. Is it sad that the only action I get is from my week and a half old nephew?? Yes...Well anyways, he smiled at me in his sleep the other day. They say its just a reflex but he knew exactly what was going on. He just loves his "Aunt Ang". :)

Wednesday night was the big football banquet. SO much fun. I loved seeing all the guys again but it was sad because I knew that was probably the last time I would see most of them. I took a friend from my ward, his name is Brent. The fire alarm went off in the middle of dinner. That was pretty funny. Saw Jan again too. That is always fun. Do I have regrets? Nope. I am pretty content with how football season finished. Sad, huh? Football season is now 100% over. Sigh. Now on to bigger and better things. Here is a picture of Brent and I.

Now, the disappointment was in reference to BYU choking in the MWC tournament against who else? UNLV. I really hate those guys. I hate even more the fact that we can't play somewhere neutral to give everyone a fair chance. Call me crazy, whine-y, whatever, but you all know I am right.

So my life as of right now? Pretty great! Do I have a job for fall? Nope. Do I have a boyfriend? Ha! Thanks for asking. Do I care? Not really. I am just happy being me for now. And I fully intend to be the best me there can be! :o)

Baby Ryan's Arrival!!

Yup, it's true - I am an aunt x2! :) Baby Ryan Gregory Lee was born Wednesday morning about 10:00. He is absolutely adorable and he already fits right into our incredibly crazy family.

The family went out to dinner on Saturday to celebrate Grandma Vickers' 76th Birthday. We, of course, went to Red Lobster because Grandma loves seafood. I, however, cannot stand it. I ate a Caesar salad. Anyways, it was fun to all go out together as one big huge family. There were of course people missing but those who were in town went and it was fun. Grandma was warranted a day pass from the Hospital because she is still in therapy at UVRMC. She is one strong lady and I love her lots.

It was interesting to see Grandma hold Ryan for the first time. I didn't think that day would come. It was very special to see this precious little baby that has just come from our Heavenly Father being held by a sweet, fragile lady who is getting ready to return to Him. I can't even describe the emotions.

I have been riding an intense emotional roller coaster the past few months and I don't really see any signs of it stopping so I can get off either. I just pray that for all the loop-de-loops and drop offs, there are equal amounts of steep inclines to look forward to. Mostly I just keep praying. And I know they are heard.

Letting Go

Lately I have been trying to run my own life. I guess I thought that along with graduating and certifying I should be in charge of myself. That was going fine for awhile but recently it has stopped working so well. I am trying to find a job for the fall, figure where I am supposed to live and just generally what I am supposed to do with my life and doing it all on my own is not the smartest idea I ever had.

Today it all came to a head and it felt like I ran head first into a brick wall.

The Lord said in the scriptures that he would have a humble people and if they wouldn't humble themselves that He would compel them to be humble. Well, today I was compelled. It felt great too. No, seriously it felt amazing to knew that my Heavenly Father cares so much for me and that He is right there, just waiting for me to ask for His help. He loves me so much and just wants me to be happy. I have always known this but I just needed a reminder.

So once I realized that I could no longer keep pretending that I knew what was best for me, I threw my hands up and let go. Sometimes all it takes is a good cry and a long talk with someone who sees the bigger picture and you feel so much better.

My problems are not magically solved, nor do I see an easy resolution to them but I have a much brighter outlook on life now and I know that things will all work out. I just need to learn when to turn off my flashlight and take that first blind step before I can turn on the big light in the room. I know, cheesy metaphor but it works, ok?

Also, laugh more. There isn't enough laughter in the world and it really is the best medicine. :o)

At The Beginning

Just like the song goes, "No one told me I was going to find you. Unexpected what you did to my heart..."

Throughout my short lifetime there have been many ups and downs in the dating department. But those experiences have thought me important lessons about myself and the world around me. Dating and looking for love is messy. It's hard. But I hear it's worth it.

I have spent some time with Jeff and Brittney this week because she had surgery on Tuesday so I have been going over to check on her and keep her company. They are knee deep in wedding plans and they are SO happy! I want what they have. I know its out there somewhere, just waiting for me.

I also spent time with Jenny and Lindsay this week. I am a family girl, what can I say? Seeing Jen be such a cute, very pregnant mommy and take care of Lindsay makes me want that too! When am I gonna get to have kids?? Yes, whinning has returned. Sorry. It still rears its ugly head every now and again...

Anyways, I am at the beginning of my life. The brink of my adulthood if you will. I will be 22 in a few short months which is crazy! It seems like last year I was turning 14 and going to stake dances. Where did my teenage years go? But regardless, my life lies in front of me and now is when I decide who I am, what I will be (check as of Monday - ATC!) and where I am going. Hopefully I choose well!

And The Winner Is...

...ME!!! I PASSED!!!! You are reading the blog of Angela Lee, ATC. That's Right!

It's All Good In The Hood

Posts back to back two days in a row?? Yes, I am feeling well. (The sinus infection is clearing up quite nicely!)I just wanted to share a little something from work today.

Today I got to clean up a broken nose complete with a cut requiring stitches! So that brings the total of injuries I have seen to a torn ACL, meniscus, dislocated shoulder, broken nose, broken wrist, broken patella, about a million sprained ankles and two sprained thumbs. Oh and a whole bunch of nose bleeds. Yeah, my job is AWESOME!!! :)

Just one of those days when life is all good and everything looks brighter. I hope this doesn't mean something bad is about to happen...Anyways, keep your fingers crossed that I find out about my test today!

Control

There are times in life when I realize more and more just how out of control I am of my own life. I mean, sure there are things that I have total power over like whether or not I will go to the gym tomorrow and what tv shows I want to watch on any given day but on a grander scale, I am pretty much powerless when it comes to my life. For instance, as much as I want to I can't make my grandmother better. I can't heal her. I went to school for three and half years to get a piece of paper that says I am competent in medicine and yet, I can do nothing to fix her. I just have to sit back and watch her slide further and further away. I wish I could push her one way or the other. I hate watching her be in this limbo. She is miserable and it is awful for all of the rest of us. I know there is a lesson here for me to learn but my heart hurts too much to look for it.

And then there is boy. Boy do I wish I could have control over him. All I want is a chance but again I have no control. I have been burned too many times for me to put myself out there again so this time, he has to work for it and he won't. What does this tell me? I don't know. Again a lesson for me to find but this time I just don't want to see it. I want to be happy and have fun and laugh. Where is the man who will love me and give me that life? I am so past playing games.

And lastly, control over the job hunt. I have learned the last two weeks that there are more important things going on in my life right now than my stupid test. That is why things kept happening right before I took. Family means everything to me and I would do anything for them. I know now why I graduated early. I have grown up so much lately and it has been an interesting experience. Life is definitely not the same as it was a few months ago. In a few short months I could be living in a different state on my own with a totally new job. Scary. However, again I have no control. It is in the Lord's hands. Wherever He calls, I will go. But I know that whatever happens with any of these things is meant to be so I try not to worry about it. Try being the key word because I would be lying if I said I didn't worry. I know I will be fine as long as I have faith. And I do. :o)

Updates

Why hello again! I know I keep taking these long breaks but I am busy and I forget to update you. I will try to do better. Anyways, this is my updating blog to catch everyone up on my life currently so it will come hard and fast so try to stay with me.

First, no I have not heard anything about my test yet. I am hoping and praying I get results soon. I am very anxious to know how I did. Keep your fingers, eyes and toes crossed for me! :o)

Next, I would like to take this opportunity to point out that I was correct. Brittney has an unhappy triad (ACL, MCL and meniscus) which I had a feeling about. I definitely knew it wasn't a subluxed patella but what do I know? Apparently, a lot more than the stupid Insta-care doctor. I feel really bad for her but it feels good to be vindicated. And at least on here I can say I told you so without feeling bad...

My family is struggling with health right now. First Brittney and now my Grandma is back in the hospital. They think she has myocarditis which is inflammation of the heart, due to a bacterial infection. Not pleasant. She hates the hospital because she is in it so much and because everytime she goes, she gets a little worse.

I am also sick right now. I think it is just an upper respiratory infection or something but all I really want to be able to do is breath. I am up this late, even though I have to get up at 5:30 tomorrow because I can't sleep (largely because of the whole non-breathing thing!) I hate being sick!!!

And finally, there is a guy that I could like but he is too busy asking out all the wrong girls and getting rejected to realize that I am right here, waiting. Boys are not observant at all. But guess what? I am whining again! You know what that means?? I have moved on! I didn't think it would happen so quickly but here I am. Yay me!

How was that for an update? More soon!

....Er, Now What?

So the test is over. Thank goodness!! I feel good about it, but it was the kind of test where you never really know how you do until you get your scores. We'll see in a few weeks!

Anyways, now that I am not studying every spare minute, what do I do to occupy my time?? I mean, I am still coming up to my parents house everyday (I am here right now!) but I can only spend so long up here helping out. I think I need a hobby. Any ideas?

On a random side note, I watched Dear John on Saturday with Lizzy after my test and although it was fantastic (come on, it has Channing in it...) the ending was crappy!! I was left unfulfilled. Next time, I would like to see a lot more resolution and a lot less cliffhanger. I hate those kind of movies. All in all, I would totally go see it again, and fully intend to with Stacy!

So I guess to answer my own question, I am going to catch up with friends who I literally have not seen in a month or more, spend time catching up on sleep and just kick back and finally enjoy being graduated. Results may not be in yet but for right now, ignorance is definitely bliss!

One More Week, One Week More...

Yep. Eight more days.

Work was AWESOME today! I got to treat a dislocated shoulder and an MCL tear. Work would be absolutely perfect if it started about two hours later. Just saying.

So last weekend was absolutely crazy! I got a frantic call from my little sister about 9:30 Saturday morning asking if I can take her to see my sister in law in the hospital...??? Considering I was very unaware that she was in the hospital, this kind of freaked me out. I quickly drove up to my house and spent the next two days babysitting my niece while my sister in law was having contractions (7 weeks early) and passing kidney stones...YUCK! Needless to say, it was very eventful and no studying got done. It also meant no house hunting trip for them this week. Oh well.

I have been job searching like a crazy fool the past few days and found a few promising options. It makes me nervous to think about moving away from my little bubble but at the same time, I need a fresh start. I need independence. I am just worried about my family. Will they be ok if I abandon them?? Sometimes I wish I could rewind and be a freshman again when i was living in the dorms and didn't have a care in the world. But then I remember how much I like having a car and a nice apartment and the dream fades... :o)

Dear you, will you please STOP doing things to annoy me??? It is beginning to piss me off. You know who you are. Thank you. That is all.

Deep Breath

Two more weeks until the BIG test! Yikes!!!

So since I last blogged, my brother Jeff proposed to his awesome girlfriend Brittney! The date is April 24th! So excited for them and also super looking forward to when it can be my turn. I want to be that happy.

Today I got my diploma in the mail so it's official now: I am a college graduate! :o) YAY! Now I really have to grow up and move on. Boo!

Yesterday my grandma went into the hospital again. My thoughts and prayers are with her. I hope she can pull through yet another time. I know she is tired and wants to be with her sisters on the other side.

My cousin Laura is in town this week visiting for a few days. It has been super fun to see her again. We always have good times.

Well that is about all that is going on in my life right now. So much it makes my head spin. Next week I am babysitting Lindsey while Greg and Jenny go house hunting in Florida. And I am supposed to study when?? Oh well... :o) Still love work!

Gratitude

Gratitude is a funny thing. When we are being proud and total hypocrites, we are humbled and shown that we are not in charge. I was given a slice of that pie today. Because I have been thinking about it and because I have been so blessed, here is a list of the things that I am thankful for.

1) The Gospel - I know it's true and some days that is all that gets me through.
2) My family - They may be crazy and we have our moments but I love them.
3) Great friends - We laugh and sometimes cry but again, I love them.
4) My degree - It was a bumpy road but I did it and for that, I am most definitely thankful.
5) My niece and nephew - Ok so he is still developing but he still counts! I don't have kids of my own yet so they are the closest I've got, plus Lindsey is adorable!
6) My job - Money makes the world go round, also I LOVE what I do.
7) My health - While those around me are struggling, I am grateful that I have good health.
8) A warm bed - I love to sleep and I am almost always cold so put the two together and you have a match made in heaven.
9) The silver bullet - I am very grateful for transportation. Me enchanto mi carro!
10) Sports - Without them I wouldn't have a job (see Blog title...)
11) The Radio - This is what entertains me in the car and I like to see loudly and off key. I apologize if you have had to endure this.
12) My cats - I have four and they can be annoying but mostly they are cuddly and cute.

Don't forget to be grateful! :o)

Why?

So I am unofficially, for now anyways, changing this blog's name to the Ms. Whine's a-lot's blog. Welcome! Today's topic: Why? Let's Begin.

Why do I get the feeling that I am trying more than you? Why do I feel like you aren't trying at all? Why is this so hard? Mostly, I feel because you won't talk to me. So yet another why, why can't we talk? Why, why, why...

I am still here. I didn't leave. Let me know when you come back from wherever you have gone to, if you ever do.

According to my New Year's Resolution, the past two blogs go against number two, however, I really don't care right now. I would really just like to have a resolution of some other things and being less of a girl is lower on the list. But I am doing really well on the other two, thanks for asking! :o) Also, my new job is still going great. I LOVE it!

Warning: Whining Ahead!

You have been warned, proceed with caution.

So the first week of work went great! I absolutely love my new job. I get along well with my co-workers and I think I am pretty good at what I do so, all in all, I am really happy with everything.

This week was really hard for me. It was a big adjustment to working, not only working but working so early in the morning! :) When I get home, I am so tired that all I want to do is sleep but it's the middle of the day and I have so much to do! Finally, today I sat down and made a schedule for myself of how everything is gonna go from here on out and hopefully that will work better.

I can't really concentrate on things either, like studying, because my mind wanders. Mostly I remember something and it hurts because that part of my life is over. I don't really know what to do with myself. I am really mad one minute and then really sad the next. I wish I could take back what happened but I can't and that hurts too. When I said I was fine, I lied. When I said that I was over it, I lied. I would like to be but I am not there yet. And I am pretty sure you aren't either. That is why this isn't working.

I miss you a lot.

Pray for my family, we need it! Thanks for listening to the whine session. It's over now, you may go.

My New Life

So today was the first day of my grown up life. I started my new job which was awesome. I didn't go to class even though everyone else was in class, which was really weird and kinda boring. Instead, I came home and took a nap, deep cleaned and organized my room, studied for the BOC and then went out to dinner with a friend. All in all, it was a great day.

Tomorrow I plan on going shopping and to the gym. Oh yeah, and maybe studying some more.

I signed up for the test today. D- day is Feb 6 at 8:30 am. So soon but so far away!!! Yikes!

Well, I have a lot to do between now and then. Guess I should get busy...