Oh, hello neglected blog.

I have not updated this blog in a very, very long time.

I have definitely wanted to but haven't for so many reasons! My computer has been on the fritz, I have been working and going to school, and my job saps so much of my brain that some (most) days the last thing I feel like doing is writing.

However, whether or not anyone reads this thing, it is good for me to keep track of all the happenings in my life so I can write about it later in more detail. So, I am really going to try to keep on top of it again.

Things have honestly going so well for me these days and I just finally feel so settled and happy. I think  one of the biggest reasons for that is because I finally know what direction I want my life to take. I seriously love, love, LOVE my major and am enjoying my classes and my time here....

I think growing up in Utah County and knowing how big of school it is, I just really had no desire to go to BYU and even turned down the offer as a Freshman. And to be honest,  I probably would not have liked it as a freshman and know that my time at Dixie was perfect for me. However, I can say that BYU is perfect for me now. I feel a huge amount of gratitude to attend this school and so happy to see how my life has been guided.

My Public Health degree (emphasis in Health Promotion, minor in International Development) is going to allow me to do all of the things I really want to do and could possibly have a job doing things like....

Working with Alzheimer's and Dementia through the Alzheimer's Association.

Teaching ways to take care of our bodies in schools and orphanages in 3rd world countries.

Helping kids understand what procedures they will have with medical missions.

Or even doing fundraising for non-profit groups. 

I feel like this is what I was born to do and what I have wanted to do the whole time! I love the medical field, but really was not enjoying my classes at all. It is not that I could't do them, it is just that I had to work SO hard to do something I really hated...like biology, math, chemistry. Instead with Public Health, I still get to focus on medicine but it is just geared more to what kind of program can I come up with to help fight AIDS. Or how to get people to go and get screened for cancer. Or an anti-tobacco campaign. I just love it so much and it comes so easily. Go figure...you can actually enjoy your classes (except for taking them during the summer. I don't really enjoy that.). I never knew. I hope to do an internship in Uganda next summer and graduate by Fall. 

I have struggled a lot with watching so many people my age be done with school so quickly, get married, have kids...and I just kind of have felt behind. I put this timetable and deadline on myself for so many things and it has just taken me longer to do everything because of my health, the mission, and changing my major so many times. However, I just finally am OK with that! Who cares? Because of my experiences I have learned a ton, my compassion for those I work with has grown substantially, and I am where I am supposed to be when I am supposed to be here. 

Work continues to be the same....but not. Every day brings a new adventure in the Alzheimer's Unit and my love for those people just keeps growing so much. Sometimes I am afraid I am going to squeeze them or smooch them to death! When one passes I miss them so much and but believe I just have one more sweet little guardian angel up there taking care of me. And trust me, too many miracles have happened to save my life and protect me too many times for me to discount all those darlings up there that have filled my heart with memories, increased love, compassion, patience and understanding.

Like this one that I miss a lot! Swiss Miss was one my favorites....ever.

And finally, I am really excited and sad at the same time that I am moving out at the end of August. I seriously love, LOVE living at home. But I guess I should try and be more social and meet more people (and find myself a brown man...). So I am. And gratefully I have found an incredible place at an awesome price. 

New carpet, paint, couches...the works. My own room and bathroom. I am just so excited! And I get to live with this little snitch:

How do I know she is a great roommate? Because we were freshman/sophomore roommates at Dixie! I could not be more excited to be roomies again.

Well, that's all for now. Life is pretty great at the moment and I will try to keep it that way!

Happy Wednesday.

What I think of KONY 2012 Campaign...

I have had a lot of people ask me for my opinion on Kony 2012 because of my involvement in NGO's...so I just decided it would be easier to write about it!

I am not an expert on it by any means, but have had some great experiences that have taught me to be skeptical and really research before giving means and time to a non-profit.

In one sentence I would say the campaign for Invisible Children has some pro's...but also has a lot of con's.

Pro's:

The movie they have created was moving and has been incredible to watch how social media can really raise awareness. Sometimes in America we are extremely naive to the problems that exist in the world because we don't know. Hence, a movie about the LRA and the reality of the children involved is great and it made people care and want to do more. I have a huge soft spot for Africa...anyone who knows me knows that. I have personally met children in orphanages and throughout Kenya who have experienced horror that is unthinkable. I have a lot of respect for these guys who started Invisible Children and have created a voice for those who don't have one. I have no doubt in my mind that their intentions are good and that they have great and caring hearts.

However...

Please, please, please do your research and decide for yourself before you hand over your money to an organization. 

Obviously they could never adequately convey the complexity of this problem in 30 short minutes. But it over-simplified how we can fix the problem. If you haven't really looked into the campaign it is basically raising awareness, making Joseph Kony famous and putting pressure on the U.S. Government to bring him to justice through military troops, as well as giving more power to the Ugandan Government. The problem with this solution is that it is not that easy. You can't just go in and get this guy without there being a lot of consequences. Here is a great quote by Grant Oyston that sums up why:

"Military intervention may or may not be the right idea, but people supporting KONY 2012 probably don’t realize they’re supporting the Ugandan military who are themselves raping and looting away. If people know this and still support Invisible Children because they feel it’s the best solution based on their knowledge and research, I have no issue with that. But I don’t think most people are in that position, and that’s a problem."

Like was mentioned, people don't understand that the Ugandan Government like many 3rd world and African Governments are just as corrupt. In fact, in Kenya I remember seeing huge billboards that only say, "We are NOT a corrupt Government". Chances are, if you have to put that on a billboard you probably are. Additionally, the LRA has really become less of a problem than it used to be...but by making Joseph Kony "famous" in this case may fuel the fire and give him more power. In fact, he hasn't been in Uganda for 6 years. This really complicates the problem because he has small forces all over East Africa making it really hard to target him.

I also really liked this point from a Ugandan,  Musa Okwonga. You can read his article HERE

"The thing is that Joseph Kony has been doing this for a very, very, very long time.  He emerged about a quarter of a century, which is about the same time that Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni came to power.  As a result the fates of these two leaders must, I think, be viewed together.  Yet, though President Museveni must be integral to any solution to this problem, I didn’t hear him mentioned once in the 30-minute video.  I thought that this was a crucial omission. Invisible Children asked viewers to seek the engagement of American policymakers and celebrities, but – and this is a major red flag – it didn’t introduce them to the many Northern Ugandans already doing fantastic work both in their local communities and in the diaspora.

It didn’t ask its viewers to seek diplomatic pressure on President Museveni’s administration....About ten minutes into the video, the narrator asks his young son who “the bad guy” in Uganda is; when his young son hesitates, he informs him that Joseph Kony is the bad guy.  In a sense, he let Kony off lightly: he is a monster.  But what the narrator also failed to do was mention to his son that when a bad guy like Kony is running riot for years on end, raping and slashing and seizing and shooting, then there is most likely another host of bad guys out there letting him get on with it.  He probably should have told him that, too."

Lastly, the way the money being spent in this organization seems off to me. They did make claims that they are very transparent with how the money is spent that you donate, that they comply with all of the Non-profit regulations, as well as put out this chart of where their money went:

However, "last year, the organization spent $8,676,614. Only 32% went to direct services, with much of the rest going to staff salaries, travel and transport, and film production. This is far from ideal, and Charity Navigator rates their accountability 2/4 stars because they haven’t had their finances externally audited." You can find information on that HERE and also see a PDF of their last audit.


Mostly, I just really hope people will err on the side of caution and understand all of the sides of the coin before being sucked in. Also, after this whole thing is over I hope that people will truly remember what is going on and not forget after they push "like" on facebook or tweet this viral video. Buying TOMS and talking about on social media is just simply not enough. Understanding the issues and getting involved in charities that promote sustainability and education, I believe are better answers to the issues facing the world.

One last thing...who has heard of Darfur?? Most people I talk to never have. It is a horrible genocide much like the Holocaust. You should look into it also. This is another really great cause that should also raise awareness....go to savedarfur.org.

Here are some great articles and a video by CNN that explains the issues of KONY 2012 very well.



Articles HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Blogging??

Wow. I don't even know what blogging is anymore. I have not been on here in a really, really long time. I was reading through everyone's blogs trying to catch up on your life like a crazy person forever today. I was even sick for a whole week and was honestly feeling too terrible and too miserable to even look through them...so I did today. For too long.

Lately, I always blog like this. Put it off, and then throw in all this random stuff that has been going on in my life. Honestly, I have been really bad since my mission at writing down my life in a journal and my blog helps me remember what went on when so I can at least try and catch up.

So here it goes....

I guess first things first, I have to talk about work...it has been mostly all I have been doing lately. It is wonderful, but seriously has been taking up all of me. All I do is think about old people...and how to keep them entertained. And loved. And not grumpy. And at least somewhat enjoying this difficult time of life.

When I was gone last week I was dreaming about them every night. Shouldn't I be dreaming about brown men?? Or vacationing in Hawaii?? That's what I thought.

So here are so great stories I have been meaning to post.

1. I have some kids from Juvenile Detention that like to come in each week and do BINGO with them. They are totally sweet and really great with the elderly. Well, one day I decided to take a few of them over to the Alzheimer's Unit so they could come and get some biographies and stories about their lives. I walk them in and one girl was wearing a pretty low shirt and this is what happened:

Me: Hi Grandma! I brought some friends to meet you. Can you tell them about life on the farm?

Resident: Well, Yes! Come in and sit down. Welcome, welcome. First things first, (pointing to the girl), you're tits are hanging out.

Me: Grandma! Be nice.

(Girl, blushing....like crazy).

Resident: I am being nice!

Parole officer: Well, at least I didn't have to tell her.

Haha.


2. I walk in one morning and one of my favorite residents is sitting on the couch. I wave excitedly to her and give her a big "good morning!" greeting. She yells back:

"Oh my word! Good gracious almighty it's ma-daughter in law! Get over here!"

Pretty sure I am not. It's ok...you just go with it.


3. I was running around trying to hurry and get things done. My back was turned and I hear this voice from the couch...

Resident: "Tafta. Tafta! Tafta?? TAFTA!!"

Me: **turn around confused** "Are you talking to me??"


Resident: "Well that's your name isn't it?"

No....but I also don't tell her that.



4. I had the residents in a circle doing some reminiscing. This is such an amazing activity for people with Dementia. I throw the ball to them and ask them questions about their past and I have had some great experiences with this. It was around Valentine's day and so I wanted to ask them about some of their traditions that they did with their family.

This is how it went:

Me: "So what was your most romantic tradition that you did with your husband on Valentine's day?? (I realize now this was a bad question...since there is no filter I truly could have gotten MANY interesting answers.)

Resident:"Ohhhhh feeding the cows and the pigs and the chickens..."

Me: "Wow! How romantic!"

Resident: "Oh ya, nothing is more romantic then watching my husband work!"

So funny.

Enough about my job.


I got to go to St. George and see all my best girl friends from Dixie. So great. I feel so happy that I had such amazing years at Dixie and that we have stayed so close through missions and marriage and moving. We are missing some here and there, but for the most part we were all together and it was amazing.

I also know I have for surely turned into an old lady because I used to stay up so late every night playing and having so much fun. That weekend nearly killed me staying up.



Next, I found out I got in to BYU!

I am pretty excited to finish my Bachelor's here. I also can't believe how many schools will have gone to when all is said and done. I can definitely say I have been led every step of the way!


And finally, my sweet brother is here from out of town. It has been so good to see him and we have laughed...a lot. For those of you who no him he is doing incredible and I am sad to see him go back.

Also, look at his awesome hair. We did it in a fro tonight and were laughing so hard. And yes, it is totally real.

I want him to put on leopard pants and start singing, "I'm Sexy and I Know It". Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle wiggle, wiggle. Yes.

All and all life has been pretty good.

And I will be better at blogging...for my sake at least.

Happy Monday!

Things I am really just loving.

Like I said earlier, lately, life has been pretty good. It is really nice to have things just be better, and feel better, and go better in general. I feel so blessed for that!

Anyway, I am really loving a few things right now...

 1. Schlack.

Ever heard of it ladies?? If not...it  is INCREDIBLE. A manicure/fingernail polish that lasts about 3 weeks. No chipping. Looks amazing.

2.  The Gym

I love that I can work out again! It really has been probably a year and a half, at least, since I have been able to work out. I had to wait a while before I could do cardio after my surgery and it feels so good to just be moving again.

3. Baptisms.

One of my friends from South Korea was baptized last week. It was one best I have ever seen and she was glowing! I could not hold back the tears because I loved it so much. It made me miss the mission like crazy!

4. Teavana.

Do you like herbal tea?? Because seriously this place is insane. I am loving their amazing teas...and the store is lovely.

Moroccan Mint...yum.

 

5. Living at home. 

I like moving out and being on my own, but living at home rocks. It's also easy on the wallet. And I kinda like these nut cases...

6. Not being school.

I never knew how awesome having no school could be. So awesome,  in fact, that (don't be mad) I seriously changed my major again. This time I promise it is the LAST time. When I realized I could have a master's in Public Health by the time I have a Bachelor's or possibly even an RN in nursing, I quickly changed my mind. So here is the official major (and is it not perfect for me?? I have never felt better): Public Health with an emphasis in International Development and minoring in Gerontology. Seriously everything I love rolled into one...plus still working in health...and not wasting all of my hard work in science classes. Also, I can have my degree in 3 semesters. Please and thank you.

7. My job!

I love, love, LOVE my new job. Honestly, how cute are these kids?? The only problem is how attached I get to these darling people. If you have a loved one who needs extra care in an assisted living center, Bel Aire in American Fork is really incredible. Also, if you need volunteer hours...you would love it! Just let me know.

8. My Facebook contest at work.

Can you help me win?? It only takes two seconds! I just need to get the most votes on Facebook proving I am the biggest fan of my old folks home so I can win a romantic weekend get away...haha. But seriously.

Don't worry, I want to give it to my parents...so I really want to win! Vote for me HERE.

9. Ash is coming home!

This little Sister Missionary is coming home in less than a month! I can't wait for my Vegas weekend to reunite with my bestest best friends.

10. Politics.

I am really getting in to this year's presidential election. Ya, ya, Mitt is a Mormon...but that is not why I am interested. I just really, really can't wait to see Obama out of that dang white house. Can we hurry any faster?

That is all. Have a happster day!

Old age is contagious.

Goodness, I haven't been on here in forever.

Life has been really good to me lately. I have been pretty busy finishing up the semester and starting my new job as the Activities Director over the Alzheimer's unit at my job....oh also the holidays. I almost forgot they have come and gone!

But I am seriously LOVING my job.

It is crazy. Absolute madness...and each day brings a new and different kind of challenge and they definitely keep me on my toes. I have really learned a lot of different skills including patience, which I am so happy about. This disease is so cruel and I don't know how I would deal with it if it is was my own family member. However, I feel so privileged to be able to spend so much time with these wonderful people who teach me new things every day. All I can say is because their long-term memory is pretty well in tact they give amazing advice, have great stories, and very interesting and incredible backgrounds.

It has been kind of a weird transition from being a CNA to just doing straight activities because I am used to doing all of the personal care for them. Now, although a lot less physical, it is a lot more mentally taxing.

...that is why I say old age is contagious. I am so tired all the time! I have been going to bed some nights at 9:30. And I am totally happy with that.

Mainly, dementia and Alzheimer's is all about staying busy, busy, busy! And simple busy.  That is what makes you so worn out...staying so busy. Whether it is having them help you with laundry...unfolding it and folding it again, sorting forks and spoons, or doing art therapy...staying busy is the key.

I am excited because we are going to be doing a great tea party with giant hats and big jewelry and a sweethearts dance sonn! How fun. I love the old folks.

Also lately I randomly met all of these ESL students at this party! We have been good friends ever since and I have been meeting people from all over the world...mostly from South Korea. I love getting all this culture in my life. I also love the missionary work I get to do, even though I am not necessarily in the mission field :).

 

 

Well, I hope everyone had a good Christmas and a great New Year's day. I have been so healthy and then I got hit these last couple days with a sinus infection and have been down flat in bed. I forgot how sucky it is to be sick...which is awesome, because it means I have gone that long without feeling like that.

Being sick = TV.

So updates?

Good news...OPRAH is back. Whoa, I love her. This makes me way happy.

Also, dumb Bachelor is starting tomorrow. You know I'll be watching no matter how stupid I think it is. How fun is it to make fun of all the crazies??

And Grey's Anatomy has literally been killing me. Of course they leave like 6 weeks in between one of the most intense episodes of all time.

Last but not least, the New Year's countdown was pretty good. Enough pelvic thrusting to last me an entire lifetime...but other than that it was good. Lady Gaga...it is crazy to think that I was freaked about how un-freaky she was. I was waiting for a crazy stunt and outfit and all she gave us was this black globe of an outfit that looked just really uncomfortable. That's why she took it off,  I guess.

Ok, and this one...but still not that weird. Comparatively that is.

And to just leave you with a little clip to make you feel better about your house if it is not spotless after the holidays.You will be absolutely amazed! I almost couldn't handle watching this...not just because it was absolutely disgusting and horrific, but because of how incredibly ridiculous this lady is. If she played the "victim" card one more time, I would have died. So gross.



Happy New Year!

Remember that one time?

Remember that one time when I for reals had no life??

...Well, ok, that has happened on multiple occasions mostly for health reasons. But this time because school was so incredibly ridiculous.

Or when I complained 800 billion times more than normal in a single semester?

Or cried my head off after my finals were done....not just because of the sure difficulty of it. Or the fact that I worked so hard to only get in there and feel completely confident on MAYBE 5 of the questions he asked (luckily, pretty sure everyone felt that way) for lecture. But just because I had been so anxiety ridden over this week for 3 plus months, that after all was said and done I just was so emotional. Dumb, I know, but it is that big let down after all the stress.

Or when I got an iPhone 4S and I talk to Siri like she's my mom? Also, it changed my life. It's true, I know it is a "thing", but it is a pretty awesome "thing". And I love it so much. 

Or when I got myself into a lot of awkward dating situations?

Or what about getting an awesome promotion as Alzheimer's Activity Director at my work? Ha! So excited.

Or what about realizing I would normally be coming home from my mission at this time? How weird is that?

Or when I didn't update my blog for a month?

Or being the biggest grumpy head of all during this Christmas season?

Or the best of all, that I am FINISHED with my swear word finals! 

So much has happened. I feel like a semester in young adult life equals 5 years in normal life. So many changes, so many ups and downs, so many crazy situations.

And honestly...if I had the time or motivation I would write down all of the freaky situations that I was in over the last month. They are honestly so funny, and I just feel like I am a magnet for just the weirdest things. So great. I am glad crazy things happen....it wouldn't be fun if they didn't.


Here are some pictures of the last month or so. Sorry if you are on my facebook...you've probably already seen them.

Hope you have a happy finals week everyone. If you can even use the word "happy" and "finals" in the same sentence. Finals really cramp my style.

Now for picture over-haul.

Had a great birthday! Thanks for all the birthday love. It was a great day. 

Got to spend a day and go to the SLC temple with these great gals (and Cam's hubby) over Thanksgiving (yes, that was a while ago). I had never been through Salt Lake and I loved it! SO good to see my long lost sister as well. Don't we look so Asian-ly similar?? Good thing she is Asian and I am not...even though most people would argue I am. 

Life on the activities end of things. Just setting up decorations with my best crazy in the whole world! I asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she said, "My two front teeth back of course!" Haha, I was dying laughing. I don't want her to get them though...her one toothed grin is much too good to make me feel better about life. 

 

Old companion reunion from the mish. Always good to reminisce and remember how wonderful the mission was. 

 

I'm pretty sure I'm a cadaver...

because I am so DEAD tired.

And is anyone having a good semester? Because I am pretty sure I haven't found anyone yet. And I talked to about 6 people on the brink of a nervous breakdown this week. What is going on?? However, that may be because most of the people I talk to are also turning into cadavers as well because we are in the lab so much. And we hate life a little right now.

And THAT may be because the average on one of the tests this week was so incredibly bad that our crazy professor wouldn't even tell us what it was....but when I was looking through I'm pretty sure the highest was a 65% and average was around 20% ( and someone should  REALLY tell him when he has TWO questions with options A-J and there is no right answer in any of those options...there is probably a problem with the test).  When you have 200 people in a class all freaking out all at the same time....all of the time, it can get a little intense.

Because this semester is so stressful (and it TRULY was never meant to be...I thought 7 credits would be so easy) I find myself super grumpy and I get agitated over the littlest things. Like for example:

1. This kid who probably sniffled 465 times in the half hour while I was taking my test in the testing center. Blow your nose, I can't concentrate.
2. That seriously, every single road I have to drive on all the time is being worked on.
3. Dealing with dumb doctors who don't listen.
4. When I blow out my tires on the freeway because there is a huge block of wood (a railroad tie) in the middle of the road. I don't know how I didn't die.
5. When I do blow out my tires and the nice highway patrolman change them, my car falls of the jack.
6. Having 3-4 tests a week...in one class.
7. Finding out I have to work my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve...and possibly final's week.
8. Having really bad insomnia.
9. A full moon AND time change in the Alzheimer's unit....it has been more nuts than you can imagine.
10. People who argue, just to argue. And compare your life to theirs. Why are you comparing? Drives me nuts. 

Oh my gosh, I feel so much better.

Good things are happening in my life too...I am not grumpy ALL of the time.

1. I am officially going back to Dixie...and I seriously am SO excited.
2. Although that class is insane, I am doing pretty good....I have no idea how.
3. I am feeling soooo much better. And nothing is like getting your health back.
4. It is almost the break.
5. I have a weekend off!
6. I at least LIKE my job...even if I work a ton.
7. I am more than half way done with this ridiculous class.
8. I can finally apply for the nursing program :)
9. I didn't die on the freeway.
10. I have THE most incredible friends and family.

Also here are some things that make me happy:

If you haven't seen these girls...whoa. They are SERIOUSLY hilarious. Kids with English accents are so much cooler. Also, I would love if she gave me just a quarter of her energy...I wouldn't feel like a cadaver anymore, I am sure.



Here is the follow up... so funny.




Also, I am not a huge Twilight fan, but I might be if Ellen was in the movie.



Happy weekend everyone!