Names I go by

Sister 

Aunt

Cousin

Daughter 

Dog Mom 

Quilter 

Creator 

Employee 

Boss

Cook 

Gardener 

Student 

Niece

Neighbor

Friend

Ministering sister

The things of which I am skilled...or however English works

Every few years, I go through and read the early posts from this blog. 

I can't believe how funny I am.

Some things I learned from this last read through. 

-I have always lived for the adventure

-I am a talented person

-I have a zest for life.

-I try...really, really hard. 

-I frequently write posts about how hard it is to move to a new place and have to make new friends. 

-My hobbies have stayed the same for many years. 

-With age, I am getting better at those hobbies. 

TTFN

Ta Ta For Now!

I don't have time for things like that!

Sometimes you have realizations that you need to stop doing something in order to doing something else.

Yesterday I had this exact realization. I wasn't looking for it, nor did I desire it.

The thought that prompted my change went a little something like this.

"I don't have time to read/progress/sew. After work, I just need to relax."

Let's clarify what relax meant. It meant watching 5 hours of Real Housewives/Instagram Stories/The Office/Any other TV show that really lead to nothing!

How embarrassing! I always feel some sort of responsibility for using my time appropriately, but still being able to destress and maintain a level of happiness!

Does anyone else feel this way? Priorities...who needs them

9.19.17

I don't know if it is because there are one million and one outlets to express yourself on social media, or if I am just very undedicated, but I have had this blog for many moons, and rarely blog!

Some updates:

I moved to Beautiful Buena Vista, VA. (Said: Beeeuna  Vistah). I was told they say it differently because back in the day (war), it was the easiest way to see if they were friend or foe...or something like that. 

Saturday Times and Seasons

I don't know why, but I always impress myself when I accomplish a task. I could be the simple act of making my bed every day, or doing a week long fitness challenge! I love having something to look forward to, and this past week I felt back in control of my life. I hit the gym every day this week and put in some serious steps. I just figured out how snap and Instagram stories work, so I literally watch 45 mins of stories as I was at the gym yesterday. Super thankful to #planetfitness for their $10 a month gym membership. You get free wifi and everything you need to get in a good workout! Lately, I have just been doing walking on a treadmill with an incline...and for now, that is good! I will work in some weights starting next week!

Being on Weight Watchers has given me the excuse to eat what I want, when I want it. I made this delicious pizza last night and ate half of it...because I was allowed to! Isn't that marvelous! That means I have another half in the fridge...just waiting for me:)



Last night I also attended a Religious Freedom Conference. This was hosted by Dallin H. Oaks from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There were attendees from all over the valley coming from different religious backgrounds. There is a new tool that we can use to defend our religious freedoms. It is religiousfreedom.lds.org. 

I love what Elder Christofferson says about "Respectfully standing up for your Beliefs." He said, " How do we find the balance between standing up for our beliefs and respecting the rights of others to believe differently." He answered the question by saying, "Seek to understand them, be civil as we talk to them, and yet be courageous enough to defend our views." What he said next is so important to me! He said, " To do so, we must seek the spirit in all we do. As you go about, be kind and patient. Seek strength in the scriptures and in your covenants to be like the Savior." This is our call to action. There is no need to be violent. 

Magaret D. Nadauld says the following:
Women of God can never be like women of the world. 
The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. 
There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined.
 We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. 
We have enough greed; we need more goodness. 
We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. 
We have enough popularity; we need more purity.
(The Joy of Womanhood October 2000)

I think this is completely important and completely relevant. As I was sitting in the religious freedom conference, I got the impression, "I need to rise up, as a woman of God. I need to step up into my role as a woman of faith. Share what I believe in a feminine and kind manner." 

I love the gospel. It is central to my life. I am grateful for caring and wise leaders that spend time on things that matter most to me. 

Friday Food with Friends

When I moved to Arizona, I had very few friends. I would frequently be at home on a Friday night with nothing to do. So, I started meeting people and invited them to dinner with me on Friday night. Usually about once a month. At first there was no rhyme or reason. But now, there are Facebook events and lots of people show. We average about 20-25 attendees every month. The word gets spread and all are invited. It has been a fun way to get to know new people and eat at some fun restaurants!

We went to Organ Stop Pizza tonight! It is a local hit! There is a big Wurlitzer Organ that plays fun music. I ordered a large salad and some garlic bread. The salad was incredible...but the bread not so much. Sad to waste some points on that. But the highlight of the evening was the organ!

Also, I have been in a work week challenge with my Fitbit Friends...Lets just say, I've killed it this week! When you reach all your goals, the top portion of your screen does this spinny green thing! I love it and I work hard to get that every day. But today is really cool because I got the 1. Steps. 2. Miles. 3. Calories. 4. Active Minutes. 5. 5 of 5 Active Days. and 6. 14 of 14 hours with 250+ steps! FOR THE WIN!!!

Trying to do it for real this time.

So, I signed up for weight watchers on Tuesday. This is not the first time I have signed up for weight watchers. I had some success on it about 10 years ago...literally! I can't believe it has been 10 years already.

Anyway, Weight Watchers has changed their program dramatically and it is everything I have wanted any "lifestyle plan" to be. As Oprah says, "I LOVE BREAD"

And in all reality, I can work that into my life, through weight watchers. They have a wonderful app that I can access all day to update my points used, talk with someone about questions or support, and there is even a social media portion. It is all through the app and does not connect to Facebook or any other social media, so you can post anything! 

Also, the restructure lets you eat fruit for zero points, and most veggies for the same amount. The point system basically rewards you for making smart choices. For example, I can eat a pudding cup for 6 points or I can eat a chicken salad from El Pollo Loco for 6 points. Which will be more filling? Duh...Pudding cup....

Just Kidding!

Also, the Weight Watchers App links to my Fitbit information...which you already know...I love soo much! 

I love feeling in control of my eating and my activity and weight watchers is helping me make those changes!

Killin' it with Kindness

Sometimes I smash my goals...sometimes I kill 'em with...kindness. 

I got a Fitbit for Christmas (thanks mom and dad) and with the new way it is set up, you can do challenges against your friends. 

Well, I am a competitive person. 

So, I frequently have challenges with people that have no idea that I will work twice as hard as normal to beat their step goals. 

They have no idea how much of my day is spent thinking about how I will find the time to get all the steps in. 

Could I do this while on a treadmill at the gym? 

If yes, go to the gym and complete the task on the treadmill. 

If no, skip task and head to the gym and watch TV on the treadmill. 

By know ye this, I will kill the competition...but I will do it with dignity and kindness!

It's the small things really.

Sometimes, you need a snapchat filter that you fall in love with and 

always use that forever and always. 

Also, My hair is blonde...and I kinda like it!

Here is a poem about my life. 

Sometimes, I feel like I don't know what I am doing. 

Then I get reminders that I am good, smart and talented. 

It's the small things really. 

Today at work, I got a summary email for my teaching evaluations. 

I got extremely high marks. 

I brushed it off,

but when I was struggling the most, it was a gentle reminder that I was good. 

I am talented. 

I am smart.

I am skilled. 

I am kind. 

I am good. 

The one time I thought I could be in the medical field

So, Hi.
I don't like the dentist.
I haven't gone to the doctor in over a year.
I try to never watch anything with needles.

But sometimes, when you need a job...you try to be interested in all of these things...Except to an extreme.

So, I had an interview at an oral surgeons office a week and a half ago. I thought the interview went pretty well. I was interviewing for the back office oral surgery assistant position. The interviewer was describing the position and saying things like, you get to assist in the surgeries, you will be trained. You have a lot of responsibilities. ETC....and I thought to myself, Awesome. I love to learn, I love responsibility, and I love helping others....


She did not mention the fluids.
Bodies moving while under anesthesia.
The sounds of teeth cracking and being way drilled.
And so many other things.

Mind you, I have had cavities, braces, cleanings, and even had my wisdom teeth removed.
I love watching Dr. Pimple Popper, which is basically all things medical.

BUT.

LET ME REEMPHASIS....BUT!

THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING IN THE CHAIR AND HAVING THIS DONE TO YOU AND BEING THE ONE WATCHING IT...WITHOUT A SCREEN.

So, Let me just lay the day out for you.

So I get a call around 8:45 this morning. Its the interviewer.

Interviewer: "Hey Mikayla. Sorry I did not get back to you last week. We were at our office in the middle of nowhere. We didn't get back until like 9:30 pm.
Me: No problem! How can I help you?
Interviewer: "Well, one of our working interviewers dropped out today, so we were wondering if you would like to come in today and do a working interview."
Me: "Sure, I happen to have a very open schedule." (Comes with the territory of not having a job...and playing the waiting game) " I just need to shower. I just got finished with a work out." (LiAr, You are a LIAR)
Interviewer: "Thanks! That is great that you are so flexible (Oh yeah, no problem. Comes with the territory of not having a job) Also, do you by chance have scrubs?"
Me: Um...No...Fresh out. But I can get some. (I really need a job!)
Interviewer: "Great!"
Me: "Okay, I think I can be there around 10:30...does that work?"
Interviewer: " That sounds great."


So, I get off the phone and immediately call my mom...because that is what you do.

Me: "Mom, I got the second interview!"
Mom: Oh, that is exciting.
Me: Yeah it is for today in an hour and a half
Mom: Oh that is soon.
Me: Where do you buy scrubs? I think I am going to like this job...I get to wear scrubs!
Mom: I have no idea.
Me: I think I have seen them at Walmart. Maybe I will check there.


So, I rush to Wal-Mart...Buy some scrubs and then head home to shower from my very vigorous workout...of getting out of bed and thinking about working out...

Fast Forward an hour. I am jamming to my favorites from "In the Heights" and thinking to myself, "I am really going to miss teaching music. I think I really do love it...but sometimes you need to close different chapters of your life.

Walk into the office on a pretty big high! Tell the front office staff that I am there for a working interview and they bring me back to the interviewer...who promptly turns me over to the back office staff. "You'll be following A. today." "Lets put your purse in the break room. Oh, and I forgot to mention, we would like to take you out to lunch today so the rest of the team leads can get to know you." I say, "Okay" and we are on our way.

So, I follow A. around as we prep the different rooms for surgery. She is getting an IV bag ready and reassuring me that if I feel faint throughout the day just to hug the wall or take a seat on the floor. "Don't worry", she says, "We have all done it!" It is not a sign of whether or not you will be good at this job.

At this office, they do surgeries in the morning and consults in the afternoon. So, by the time I got there, there were only three more surgeries for me to see.

Surgery number 1:

There are three people in the room, not including the patient. One holding the patients head, one holding the suction, and the doctor.


Let me just state this.
I was not prepared.

All the dentist visits, braces visits, and even getting my own wisdom teeth out could not have prepared me for the next 15 mins.

I walked in, and the girl holding the patients head said, "You can come closer"...and lets be real. My body could physically not come any closer. From the needle in her arm for the IV, to the cracking sounds of a tooth literally being forced out of someones mouth...I was a sweaty mess.

I began to sweat and my breathing sped up. I was just trying to be as calm as possible...but then my legs started to go weak. So I go down...luckily under my own control and I just sit there squatting for a while. But...I keep looking and checking it out. Because, I am supposed to be interested in this...NOT ABSOLUTELY GROSSED OUT. I am doing everything in my power to keep my cookies in check. DO NOT COME BACK...I DON'T WANT TO RETASTE EVERYTHING I ATE FOR BREAKFAST....THERE IS JUST NO WAY I CAN DO THIS...OH GOOD...THERE ARE 4 CHUNKS OF TEETH ON THE TABLE. SURELY WE MUST BE FINISHED SOON.

More suction, more weird conversation about everything under the sun...this is so normal for them.

And finally, alright, we are done! A. comes back to pick me up from the last horror story. I follow them into the next room where the patient has been prepped and is ready to start this whole thing over again.

ENTER THE DOCTOR...(OH SHOOT...WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN....I HAVEN'T RECOVERED FROM THE LAST ONE.) Now when they said this was a fast paced job, I didn't realize that I wouldn't have time for my breath to be caught...I was doing everything possible to keep from passing out. But, luckily, there was a new team with the next patient...So, when the whole thing started again..SWEATY PALMS, FAST BREATHING, WEAK LEGS...concern came over a whole other group of people. I was saying some serious prayers here. "Please, if I need this job bad enough, please help me to control my gag reflexes."

This was a more difficult one...so the pulling and the pushing and the muscling and the drilling took longer and there were smaller chunks of teeth...1...2...3...4...and lots of bits...Okay, I made it through.

Me: "Hey A., that was so interesting"
A.: "Yeah, that is what we do all day..."
A.: "How ya feeling...
Me: Pretty good. I just started to get so hot....I needed to bend over.
A.: "Yeah...We do a lot of standing...sometimes it is hard.


HEY A....YOU ARE MISSING THE POINT....I AM ON THE VERGE OF PASSING OUT.

Me: "Anyway, that is such an interesting job..."
A.: "Yeah I love it. I am always on my toes with what will come in next."

The patient wakes up and is moved to the recovery room. She is conversing with the first horror story in incoherent babbles mixed with gauze. A.asks me to keep an eye on her while she runs to get a drink. "Okay", I say....I giggle along with the girls and the mother. All while thinking, "What the HELL am I doing here."

I check the charts, and all of A's surgeries are done for the day. She comes back into the room and says, "You can go into room 4 where another surgery is going on." So, I go into room 4 where another surgery is going on.

Luckily I had enough time to catch my breathing...and my sweating...so I was so much more ready for this one. Nice and simple...only 4 chunks of tooth...and I was standing the whole time.

I thought to myself, "I guess I could get used to this if I need to."

A. came and found me again. She said, "I hear we are going to lunch today. Lets grab your stuff and get going."

So, A., the interviewer and I all hop into the interviewers car and drive to BJ's for lunch... We make small talk, eat our food (or in my case, as much as I could eat), and then I hop in the car with M. and we go to another office for the afternoon.

I shadow J. who is walking me through consults for the rest of the afternoon. She seems to like her job and the afternoon basically feels like a meet and greet for the rest of the day. By the end of the day, I had emailed the recruiter for a school that had been talking to me and been researching about other teaching jobs. The interviewer picked me up at the end of the day and we made small talk driving 10 miles to my car. I just kept thinking to myself, " I made it through the day."

Please, if at all possible, do not make me work in this medical environment. I believe I will die. Nothing with needles. Nothing with fluids. Nothing with sounds. I would still like to be naive enough to have to call someone when this things are seen or heard. I beg of you, please, oh please, let me go back to teaching!

When you move, you have to make friends...and sometimes you are too chicken to actually get out of your car!

So...Remember that one time that one of my friends invited me to an Olympics opening ceremonies party.

Remember how it was at a house that I had never been to before and I only knew one person. And the one person decided to not go. And I really didn't know anyone else. Because I really just moved here.

But I made these Olympic Rice Krispies in hopes of making friends. I thought, "If I can't baffle them with my personality, I might as well wow them with my rice krispy creations."

So, I get to the house at 6:30, which is when it said the party started.

I don't see my friends car, so I decide to drive around for another 30 mins and see if it is there around 7:00.

No such luck.

At which point I texted my friend.

Me; You coming to the olympic party?
Friend: I don't know. I might make an appearance in like 1 hour from now.. but I'm not sure.

So...I now have a pan full of olympic rice krispies. And I am not about to knock on the door of a house full of strangers and say, "Hi, Im new...but one of the people who is not here invited me to come over to your house and crash your party...but I brought Olympic Rice Krispies!"

Luckily one of my STG friends is living in town until this coming Saturday. She offered for me to come and watch the opening ceremonies with her and her husband. So I quickly text her.

Me: Are you still okay if I come over and watch the opening ceremonies at your house? My plans fell through. I can bring Olympic Rice Crispies

Other Friend: Yeah come on over.

Me: Okay I will be there in 5 mins.

Other friend: That was fast.

Me: Yeah...Im literally right outside your window:) (Okay not really. Only because I didn't have her address)

It was a fun night and good to catch up with an old friend before they leave this Arizona place!