Birthday Celebrations Part 1

Wednesday was my birthday. The celebrations started Tuesday when I picked up my flute from the shop. Such a good birthday present. Tuesday night, I was invited to Hagmoth's house after school, and I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped inside the door to find a plate of cupcakes and a beautiful card waiting for me on the table. The birthday serenade from Hagmoth and her husband is something I encourage everyone to experience in their lifetime. Thanks!

Wednesday morning arrived, along with me accidentally sleeping in a little later than I intended. I got a shock of the morning when Hungry gave me a birthday hug with her cold, wet hair. If that doesn't wake a person up, I don't know what will! It was fun to eat breakfast with Hungry and get ready for the day. I even got to start my birthday service early by dropping her off at school on my way north.

Speaking of birthday service, I began a birthday tradition last year that I hope to continue for the rest of my life. On my birthday, I do some kind of service. It is my gift to myself and to my Heavenly Father. Last year, I went on exchanges with the Sister Missionaries. For this year, I discovered a service I have wanted to do for a while was available at my school on my birthday! I was so excited about it!! I decided to give blood for the first time as my birthday service.


I will admit that I was a little nervous to give blood for my first time, but the experience was wonderful. I answered some questions, had my finger pricked, sat down in a chair, watched my arm be covered in iodine and then felt the small stick of the needle. Other than the sting from the iodine, giving blood wasn't bad at all! I will definitely make it a regular occurrence in my life. I even go to drink one of my favorite kinds of juices after I was done. Here is a picture of me with my bandage of honor!


This concludes Part 1 of the celebrations. Please stay tuned for our next episode.

A New School Year; A New Major

I have a confession to make: I haven't posted on here in quite a long time. Ah, such is life.

I started school at LDS Business College in Salt Lake City last week. I absolutely love it! There is no other school like LDSBC on earth! Sorry to break it to you, but even BYU doesn't compare. (I'm sure I just ruffled a few feathers with that one!) I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed this first week. Every Tuesday, we have a devotional. The president of the college spoke to us this week. President Richard's talk was outstanding. He had so much power in what he taught us. If I had been sitting on a chair (I was on the floor due to not finding a seat), I would have been on the edge of it. I literally had all my attention and focus on what he was saying by the end of his message.

It has been quite a "culture shock" to go from studying music terms to medical terms. Both subjects start with the letter M, but that is where the similarity stops. If I had been told eight months ago that I would be studying to be a Medical Assistant, I probably would have laughed in your face. I'm discovering how much I like the medical field; it's something I feel I can grow with and into. In my Medical Laboratory Procedures class, we are starting to learn lab tests that are done primarily in a medical office. It's kind of weird to think that I will know how to take blood by the end of this semester.

In class next week, I get to practice taking a clean catch mid-stream urine sample! How exciting is that? I'm sure every one of you are wanting to be in my place next week when it is my turn to 1) give a sample, and 2) test another student's sample! I'm looking really forward to next week and all the knowledge I will gain this school year. Why am I looking forward to testing some one's urine? Primarily because I get to wear fancy new navy blue scrubs to class! (Pictures will follow.) That's the honest truth! I am also excited because I will have done it. There won't be a first time for that lab test again.

So, here's to learning all about OSHA and CLIA this year and how to be a lawful and ethical practitioner!

My Father Should Be Proud

Well, I finally did it. I finally started Indexing on FamilySearch.org. I've grown up with family history and genealogy. Because of that, I've always tried to avoid the subject. However, I learned that my new stake has a goal for each of its members to index one batch a week. So, I decided I couldn't avoid it any longer. (Plus, I'm living with a Family History major. That doesn't help either!)

Surprisingly enough, I'm finding it quite relaxing. I had to find another way to relax since I no longer live with a piano. Indexing is something I can do with my time that is productive and doesn't require a lot of effort on my part. I've already completed two batches of 50 names each and plan on finishing a third tomorrow. It's definitely something to help me wind down after my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) class.

There you have it. I guess something spectacular has happened after all!