So... earlier this year I was diagnosed with asthma... finally. Except, I wasn't so sure, and still I'm not so sure that I do, in fact, have asthma. In my opinion, my lungs just struggled to recover fully from the pneumonia from last summer.
I had a pretty bad cold this past week... and so far, my lungs have been fine. So I'm hoping that the recovery from this cold will help my lungs to recover from the last remainders of the pneumonia. Stranger things have happened...
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Work & Play
I've determined that getting back into a normal school routine might be pretty hard. This summer hasn't been as packed as the past few summers. Yes, I did get married. So I was really busy up until then. But since we got married, and because work on campus is always slow in the summer, and since I'm no longer working my 2nd job, I have had a lot of time to play. And by play, I mean be lazy at home... since none of my friends want to be my friend anymore because I'm married. Yeah, it stinks.
However, since I am no longer working my 2nd job, and going up to gma's house isn't going to be as easy (we might not be able to make it up every week), I've been on the hunt for another job. I have been eye-balling other on-campus jobs for a long time now, but have never had the extra time to consider applying. On top of that, up until a few months ago, I really loved my job. Well, I still really love my current on-campus job, but now that everything has merged, I feel like everything is unsettled. I'm not worried about losing my job. Not at all. My concern is the hours. Cory has pretty stable hours working in marketing and can add to them with the HM job. Now I only have my HM job with no certainty in hours. And we need to pay rent somehow...
While job-hunting on the BYU student employment site, I came across a listing for a dean's office receptionist. This could be really perfect for me. I've been a receptionist before... about 6 or 7 years ago. I really enjoyed that too. So I scurried into the Student Employment office to take the office skills tests. Okay, so my scores weren't fabulous. But they were higher than the job requirements. During the school year when I'm writing papers all the time, I can type just over 100wpm. When I'm not writing papers all the time, it's about 75wpm. I scored 60 wpm on the OST. Ouch. But they only asked for 50. So I'm satisfied.
Anyway, I applied with a so-so cover letter, because honestly, cover letters are not my forte, and a pretty sharp resume. And I got an email saying that if I told them about my software experience it would distinguish me from other candidates. I responded, and was asked for an interview Monday morning. Hooray!
The job is a solid 15 hours a week. And the hours fit perfectly into my schedule. On campus, you can only work up to 20 hours a week, allowing more students employment opportunities, and allowing students to have time for school work. With a guaranteed 15 hours per week, I could still work a couple nights in the HFAC for my 20 hours a week. With both Cory and me working roughly 20 hours a week, we could probably be secure in paying our bills and keeping food in the apartment. It would certainly be a huge blessing. Plus, if anything else happened at work, or if this merger turns out to be disastrous, I could just quit without being/feeling destitute.
So Monday morning it is. I have nothing to wear, of course, but I am determined to have the best interview of my life. Wish me luck!
However, since I am no longer working my 2nd job, and going up to gma's house isn't going to be as easy (we might not be able to make it up every week), I've been on the hunt for another job. I have been eye-balling other on-campus jobs for a long time now, but have never had the extra time to consider applying. On top of that, up until a few months ago, I really loved my job. Well, I still really love my current on-campus job, but now that everything has merged, I feel like everything is unsettled. I'm not worried about losing my job. Not at all. My concern is the hours. Cory has pretty stable hours working in marketing and can add to them with the HM job. Now I only have my HM job with no certainty in hours. And we need to pay rent somehow...
While job-hunting on the BYU student employment site, I came across a listing for a dean's office receptionist. This could be really perfect for me. I've been a receptionist before... about 6 or 7 years ago. I really enjoyed that too. So I scurried into the Student Employment office to take the office skills tests. Okay, so my scores weren't fabulous. But they were higher than the job requirements. During the school year when I'm writing papers all the time, I can type just over 100wpm. When I'm not writing papers all the time, it's about 75wpm. I scored 60 wpm on the OST. Ouch. But they only asked for 50. So I'm satisfied.
Anyway, I applied with a so-so cover letter, because honestly, cover letters are not my forte, and a pretty sharp resume. And I got an email saying that if I told them about my software experience it would distinguish me from other candidates. I responded, and was asked for an interview Monday morning. Hooray!
The job is a solid 15 hours a week. And the hours fit perfectly into my schedule. On campus, you can only work up to 20 hours a week, allowing more students employment opportunities, and allowing students to have time for school work. With a guaranteed 15 hours per week, I could still work a couple nights in the HFAC for my 20 hours a week. With both Cory and me working roughly 20 hours a week, we could probably be secure in paying our bills and keeping food in the apartment. It would certainly be a huge blessing. Plus, if anything else happened at work, or if this merger turns out to be disastrous, I could just quit without being/feeling destitute.
So Monday morning it is. I have nothing to wear, of course, but I am determined to have the best interview of my life. Wish me luck!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Hindsight
It's 20/20, right?
Well, I am grateful for hindsight.
Very frequently hindsight has shown me the "wisdom of Him who knoweth all things."
This week I have seen a couple times why certain things did or didn't work out. Recent things.
I am so grateful for the little moments when I can see why my Heavenly Father does what he does. And that He knows exactly what's going on. Always.
Well, I am grateful for hindsight.
Very frequently hindsight has shown me the "wisdom of Him who knoweth all things."
This week I have seen a couple times why certain things did or didn't work out. Recent things.
I am so grateful for the little moments when I can see why my Heavenly Father does what he does. And that He knows exactly what's going on. Always.
Monday, August 22, 2011
We Are Family
So, we all know I don't have a picture perfect family. Who does? And it's okay. We still love each other. And that's what matter.
I do know families who don't talk to each other. Families who have gone beyond repair... or so it seems. And families who can't be in the same room with one another.
I am grateful my family isn't like that. Even though we have our moments of miscommunication, we're still love one another and still want to visit with each other.
My brother has not had the best time in life. Yes, he has made some poor decisions, but so have all of us. He is realizing now that if he wants his life to change for the better, he has to be the one to do something about it. He has to be the one to do something differently. And he has been. And I am so proud of him for the steps he is making.
I look forward to the day when he truly feels like his life has come together. When he has his whole family together. When he finds true and lasting love and happiness.
I pray for my brother daily. I love him so much and want the best for him. I hope he knows he really can have the best, and as he works toward that goal, he will truly deserve it.
Love ya big bro!
I do know families who don't talk to each other. Families who have gone beyond repair... or so it seems. And families who can't be in the same room with one another.
I am grateful my family isn't like that. Even though we have our moments of miscommunication, we're still love one another and still want to visit with each other.
My brother has not had the best time in life. Yes, he has made some poor decisions, but so have all of us. He is realizing now that if he wants his life to change for the better, he has to be the one to do something about it. He has to be the one to do something differently. And he has been. And I am so proud of him for the steps he is making.
I look forward to the day when he truly feels like his life has come together. When he has his whole family together. When he finds true and lasting love and happiness.
I pray for my brother daily. I love him so much and want the best for him. I hope he knows he really can have the best, and as he works toward that goal, he will truly deserve it.
Love ya big bro!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
I Love to See the Temple
I am so excited! Kayla, my very best friend from Oregon - practically a sister - called me today to tell me she is going to the temple to receive her endowment very soon.
Kayla has an interesting story and her life has not been an easy one thus far. In my eyes, it feels like her life is finally starting to come together, and she's doing everything it takes to keep it together. Including going to the temple.
I am so proud of her and right now we're just waiting to hear when she is going so we can look at plane tickets to Oregon. The ideal would be around Thanksgiving when we would be trying to get up to Washington anyway. It would just be the perfect incentive for us to really get up to Washington. Either way, I am going to try my very best to get up to Oregon for Kayla. She made it all the way out to my wedding, she's a sister to me, I feel like I should get out there.
On a completely different note, Cory and I have been enjoying our Sunbeam class. It's amazing how much energy these kids have, and really, how far small amounts of discipline can go. We have one boy who is always trying to get out of primary. He'll scream, kick, and cry bathroom every 5 minutes. Not to mention throwing everything in sight on the floor. Today, because the kids filled up the "We've Been Good" jar, they have earned a treat for next week. So this boy, when his dad came to get him, told his dad he didn't want to leave class. We all were shocked! We also had a fun time with him sticking his hand down his pants... oh boy.
It was funny because we saw his family after church and I told his mom how much we really enjoy having her son in our class. We really do. He's a sweet boy. He struggles in primary, but he really is a good kid. When you can get his attention, he is so smart and knows exactly what's going on. It made me sad when his mom's response made it sound like I was lying, like I was just trying to say something nice because I couldn't find anything really nice to say about her son. So sad. And so disappointing for me. I feel like he has such potential.
Well, school starts in 2 weeks. We're not entirely looking forward to it. We're really excited to finish next year. I think my family is planning to come out for graduation. Cory and I will walk together in August, but I have one class that WILL NOT fit into my schedule this year. Therefore I have to wait one more year until grad school. Well, at least it gives us an extra year to prepare for grad school.
That's about it for now.
Kayla has an interesting story and her life has not been an easy one thus far. In my eyes, it feels like her life is finally starting to come together, and she's doing everything it takes to keep it together. Including going to the temple.
I am so proud of her and right now we're just waiting to hear when she is going so we can look at plane tickets to Oregon. The ideal would be around Thanksgiving when we would be trying to get up to Washington anyway. It would just be the perfect incentive for us to really get up to Washington. Either way, I am going to try my very best to get up to Oregon for Kayla. She made it all the way out to my wedding, she's a sister to me, I feel like I should get out there.
On a completely different note, Cory and I have been enjoying our Sunbeam class. It's amazing how much energy these kids have, and really, how far small amounts of discipline can go. We have one boy who is always trying to get out of primary. He'll scream, kick, and cry bathroom every 5 minutes. Not to mention throwing everything in sight on the floor. Today, because the kids filled up the "We've Been Good" jar, they have earned a treat for next week. So this boy, when his dad came to get him, told his dad he didn't want to leave class. We all were shocked! We also had a fun time with him sticking his hand down his pants... oh boy.
It was funny because we saw his family after church and I told his mom how much we really enjoy having her son in our class. We really do. He's a sweet boy. He struggles in primary, but he really is a good kid. When you can get his attention, he is so smart and knows exactly what's going on. It made me sad when his mom's response made it sound like I was lying, like I was just trying to say something nice because I couldn't find anything really nice to say about her son. So sad. And so disappointing for me. I feel like he has such potential.
Well, school starts in 2 weeks. We're not entirely looking forward to it. We're really excited to finish next year. I think my family is planning to come out for graduation. Cory and I will walk together in August, but I have one class that WILL NOT fit into my schedule this year. Therefore I have to wait one more year until grad school. Well, at least it gives us an extra year to prepare for grad school.
That's about it for now.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Mr. President
Obama speaks on the national credit downgrade today. He says the problem is not a lack of international confidence in our credit. He says that our problems are solvable. The chit-chats about some other things before telling us that the solution is tax reform and health care reform. His tax reforms include having those who can afford it pay their fair share.
I would like to ask what happens when you ask the wealthy to pay more taxes (even though they are already paying more than 85% of the nation's revenue... that's less than 10% of the population now)? Tax the rich and the poor lose jobs. That's how I see it. Where do the jobs for the lower and middle classes come from? The wealthy who create them, right? Tax the rich more so they are paying "their fair share" and they don't have as much money to spend. Therefore, fewer jobs, more insecurity, and I'm sure we have a less stable economy to look forward to. Not to mention awful health care reforms.
As an interesting note, the DJIA (DOW) dropped between 25 and 30 points from the time the president began speaking to when he finished (less than 15 minutes). The Dow is currently down a total of 400 points - give or take 2 or 3. I think the people of this country have lost trust in the government's ability to manage the country.
40 minutes after his speech - DJIA down 550 points.
And the DJIA closes today at -634.77 (-5.55%), $10,809.85...
Yes, we need reform. But the reform we need is to stop government spending, not raising the debt ceiling.
Just my opinion.
I would like to ask what happens when you ask the wealthy to pay more taxes (even though they are already paying more than 85% of the nation's revenue... that's less than 10% of the population now)? Tax the rich and the poor lose jobs. That's how I see it. Where do the jobs for the lower and middle classes come from? The wealthy who create them, right? Tax the rich more so they are paying "their fair share" and they don't have as much money to spend. Therefore, fewer jobs, more insecurity, and I'm sure we have a less stable economy to look forward to. Not to mention awful health care reforms.
As an interesting note, the DJIA (DOW) dropped between 25 and 30 points from the time the president began speaking to when he finished (less than 15 minutes). The Dow is currently down a total of 400 points - give or take 2 or 3. I think the people of this country have lost trust in the government's ability to manage the country.
40 minutes after his speech - DJIA down 550 points.
And the DJIA closes today at -634.77 (-5.55%), $10,809.85...
Yes, we need reform. But the reform we need is to stop government spending, not raising the debt ceiling.
Just my opinion.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Lesson Learned
Things I've learned today:
1. You should not procrastinate math.
2. You cannot cheat or skip through the things you think you already know in math.
3. Finishing a math class in 2 weeks is not fun.
4. I'm not a huge fan of math, but I really like it when I understand it.
5. Learning the same things twice makes it much easier the second time around.
6. I have a wicked cool husband. (I didn't just learn that today though.)
1. You should not procrastinate math.
2. You cannot cheat or skip through the things you think you already know in math.
3. Finishing a math class in 2 weeks is not fun.
4. I'm not a huge fan of math, but I really like it when I understand it.
5. Learning the same things twice makes it much easier the second time around.
6. I have a wicked cool husband. (I didn't just learn that today though.)
SunBEAM!
Cory and I have been in our new ward for a little less than a month. (PS, it's our 1-month anniversary today - which only newlyweds and teenagers celebrate, I know, and not even them sometimes.) Our first week, we met some really great people and even made friends with a family that lives in our building. I can only tell you that this is a miracle since, from the day I moved in more than 2 months ago, I have never seen people interact with each other at this building. And by never, I mean never. Those we have seen, or by chance made eye-contact with, have quickly passed by, often without a word. There is this one guy who lives next door to us who, when we see him and are on the verge of speaking kind, friendly words, lowers his eyes and bids us a good night. THAT'S ALL! I don't get it. But on the plus side, 80% of our neighbors attend the married student ward, while we attend the family ward, so we never see them anyway. And now we have our friends that have 2 of the cutest kids and are super nice. So we don't care.
Anywho... Our first week we met the bishop, a few people in the ward, and we just happy to be going to church together. Week 2, we get called to sub the CTR6s (which fell through because they accidentally booked 2 couples to teach), and called to meet with a member of the bishopric. When we got to our appointment the following Sunday, we were called to teach the Sunbeams! We were sustained that very day. The 1st counselor called me Kyla. Which, I promptly corrected... to my husband.
The following Sunday, we were sustained AGAIN, and once again, the ward will know me as Kyla. Ugh. Really, Kayla is NOT that hard to figure out as far as pronunciation goes. Just call us Bro. & Sis. Scott. If you can't pronounce my first name, the Church makes it REALLY easy to get around it. And we have a SUPER easy last name.
We also got to start teaching on Sunday #3.
What's really funny about teaching Sunbeams is that the primary president sat down with us beforehand and gave us the down-low on our kids. The girls are pleasant but the boys have problems. That was the gist of it. She was telling us over and over again about one boy who likes to hit... etc, and looks like he's on the verge of baptism. Well, our first week teaching, the one boy she seemed really concerned about wasn't even there. However, our other boys were and one of them was ALL OVER THE PLACE! Climbing on the chairs, tearing (no really, tearing) things off the chalkboard, and playing with the flag in the corner... all in primary. In the class, he wasn't too much different, except the constant cry for the restroom. Might I also note that there are 2 couples called to assist in our classroom when needed. We were 4 adults to 3 kids. After church the primary president comes up to us to tell us that this boy was quite manageable today. And this wasn't even the kid she was warning us about!!!
This past Sunday, week 2, amazingly, was about a million times better! I say amazingly because we had all 6 of our kids, including the one who "likes to get physical" (hitting, kicking, etc). I'm not sure what it was, but while the boys (and girls) had their moments of difficulty, all in all, it really was exponentially better. And these two boys that are considered "trouble" are just so sweet sometimes. Both of them took turns sitting on my lap, and the whole time they were there, they were 90% calm. Mind you they weren't on my lap the whole time. But still. It was such a blessing to see their calm, sweet sides. We were also only 3 adults to 6 kids (7 during primary but one left early because his mom was having a baby). They were concerned about the two boys sitting next to each other, but it wasn't really bad. These kids just need to know that they are safe and loved... especially when mom and dad aren't there to tell them.
Primary and Sunday school are the one place these kids are left without their parents that isn't in their own home. No wonder they get nervous or act out. This doesn't normally happen for kids until they're about ready to start school.
Can I also say that I think it is ridiculous to have jr. primary first? They are supposed to sit in Sacrament meeting for just over an hour quietly. Hard. Then they go to primary where they are expected, again, to be reverent. Granted, they interact and get to be off their chairs for about 3 minutes, but still... even harder. THEN they go to Sunday school where they are taught in smaller groups, but they're contained so we can play a little more, stay out of our chairs, color, etc. When they've been sitting for more than 2 hours, it's no wonder they are ready to jump out the window (which there have now been 2 attempts in our classroom, 1 almost successful). I understand that the reverence is a huge factor in it all. And they would probably be harder to contain and manage in primary if it were after Sunday school. But when you're 3, you really do not have any desire to sit still for more than a minute and pay attention to anything. And there's not a whole lot that we teachers can do about it...
What makes primary really hard for the Sunbeams is that they're brand new to primary. They don't know any of the songs/games/etc. So singing is not fun to them. Scriptures are not fun to them. It's all foreign territory... at least en masse it is.
I should also say that giving a newlywed couple a calling in the Sunbeams, logically, is not the best idea. If you want a couple to not have kids for a long, long time, put them in Sunbeams. Fortunately, Cory and I know callings are from Heavenly Father and we are supposed to learn and grow from this experience. So we're trying to do just that. Without being afraid of children. And, unless by some serious fluke in biology, we will not end up with 6 or 7 children all at once. Hallelujah!
All in all, while I have dreaded the thought of teaching Sunbeams... I do love these children very much. I know their Heavenly Father loves them. And I pray that they can get everything they can out of us. I know we will learn from them. I hope we are in a place such that the Lord can use us as instruments in teaching His children His love for them. After all, what could be more important than knowing who you are and that you are loved?
Anywho... Our first week we met the bishop, a few people in the ward, and we just happy to be going to church together. Week 2, we get called to sub the CTR6s (which fell through because they accidentally booked 2 couples to teach), and called to meet with a member of the bishopric. When we got to our appointment the following Sunday, we were called to teach the Sunbeams! We were sustained that very day. The 1st counselor called me Kyla. Which, I promptly corrected... to my husband.
The following Sunday, we were sustained AGAIN, and once again, the ward will know me as Kyla. Ugh. Really, Kayla is NOT that hard to figure out as far as pronunciation goes. Just call us Bro. & Sis. Scott. If you can't pronounce my first name, the Church makes it REALLY easy to get around it. And we have a SUPER easy last name.
We also got to start teaching on Sunday #3.
What's really funny about teaching Sunbeams is that the primary president sat down with us beforehand and gave us the down-low on our kids. The girls are pleasant but the boys have problems. That was the gist of it. She was telling us over and over again about one boy who likes to hit... etc, and looks like he's on the verge of baptism. Well, our first week teaching, the one boy she seemed really concerned about wasn't even there. However, our other boys were and one of them was ALL OVER THE PLACE! Climbing on the chairs, tearing (no really, tearing) things off the chalkboard, and playing with the flag in the corner... all in primary. In the class, he wasn't too much different, except the constant cry for the restroom. Might I also note that there are 2 couples called to assist in our classroom when needed. We were 4 adults to 3 kids. After church the primary president comes up to us to tell us that this boy was quite manageable today. And this wasn't even the kid she was warning us about!!!
This past Sunday, week 2, amazingly, was about a million times better! I say amazingly because we had all 6 of our kids, including the one who "likes to get physical" (hitting, kicking, etc). I'm not sure what it was, but while the boys (and girls) had their moments of difficulty, all in all, it really was exponentially better. And these two boys that are considered "trouble" are just so sweet sometimes. Both of them took turns sitting on my lap, and the whole time they were there, they were 90% calm. Mind you they weren't on my lap the whole time. But still. It was such a blessing to see their calm, sweet sides. We were also only 3 adults to 6 kids (7 during primary but one left early because his mom was having a baby). They were concerned about the two boys sitting next to each other, but it wasn't really bad. These kids just need to know that they are safe and loved... especially when mom and dad aren't there to tell them.
Primary and Sunday school are the one place these kids are left without their parents that isn't in their own home. No wonder they get nervous or act out. This doesn't normally happen for kids until they're about ready to start school.
Can I also say that I think it is ridiculous to have jr. primary first? They are supposed to sit in Sacrament meeting for just over an hour quietly. Hard. Then they go to primary where they are expected, again, to be reverent. Granted, they interact and get to be off their chairs for about 3 minutes, but still... even harder. THEN they go to Sunday school where they are taught in smaller groups, but they're contained so we can play a little more, stay out of our chairs, color, etc. When they've been sitting for more than 2 hours, it's no wonder they are ready to jump out the window (which there have now been 2 attempts in our classroom, 1 almost successful). I understand that the reverence is a huge factor in it all. And they would probably be harder to contain and manage in primary if it were after Sunday school. But when you're 3, you really do not have any desire to sit still for more than a minute and pay attention to anything. And there's not a whole lot that we teachers can do about it...
What makes primary really hard for the Sunbeams is that they're brand new to primary. They don't know any of the songs/games/etc. So singing is not fun to them. Scriptures are not fun to them. It's all foreign territory... at least en masse it is.
I should also say that giving a newlywed couple a calling in the Sunbeams, logically, is not the best idea. If you want a couple to not have kids for a long, long time, put them in Sunbeams. Fortunately, Cory and I know callings are from Heavenly Father and we are supposed to learn and grow from this experience. So we're trying to do just that. Without being afraid of children. And, unless by some serious fluke in biology, we will not end up with 6 or 7 children all at once. Hallelujah!
All in all, while I have dreaded the thought of teaching Sunbeams... I do love these children very much. I know their Heavenly Father loves them. And I pray that they can get everything they can out of us. I know we will learn from them. I hope we are in a place such that the Lord can use us as instruments in teaching His children His love for them. After all, what could be more important than knowing who you are and that you are loved?
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