We've almost officially moved out of Wymount. All of our belongings are in a storage unit, we're sleeping in a basement in Sandy, and tomorrow we're going to clean and leave our keys in our old wymount cinder-prison. So, here we are, basically homeless for six months! We won't have a place of our own until January when we come back from Bulgaria. Of course, we'll have apartments in Bulgaria, but that's hardly home :). In all of this transition, I've become quite anxious. For about a week before we moved out I couldn't sleep at night. I would have crazy dreams about leaving our apartment, going to Bulgaria, and more recently--getting shots! I've been in this very sleepy, anxious state for two weeks, and I must say it's really uncomfortable.
I knew that moving into Tony's family's basement would take some adjusting. It's only my second night here and I'm doing well, but I'm still not sleeping and I keep myself up running different thoughts through my head. Last night I even took some Benadryl to help myself chill out and catch some Z's. I feel like I've handled these emotions fairly well but today I completely broke down. I went for a jog this afternoon, which I thought would help with my anxiety, came home, showered, and as I was straightening my hair I just broke down into tears. I guess I just didn't know how to handle all of this "stuff" that's being thrown at me. Don't get me wrong, I like it here with Tony's family--they're great! I'm also VERY excited about Bulgaria. I've just been so stressed/anxious for so long that I suppose I just couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't help the tears. I wasn't sad and I wasn't hurt, I really think I just had this major buildup of crazy emotions and it was kind of nice to let it out. I think I'm going to convince Tony to go out on a date this weekend. Just the two of us. No moving, no cleaning, no worrying--just fun! Something like that sounds like it would hit the spot for me right now.
Sorry if this post sounded like an invite to a pity party. That wasn't my intention at all. This is just a place for me to kind of vent.
I do want to, in contrast to the above, record one of the best days I've had for a very long time. It all started with a simple сердечни поздрави from our good friend Krassy. That probably doesn't mean a lot to you, but it does to me. It's "heartfelt greetings". From my little Bulgarian grammar book correspondences that I read, I've gotten the impression that only the dearest of friends say that to each other (not the case, it's just that I only know Boiko and Patricia from my books, haha). So, for Krassy to say this to me made my day, truly it did. Then I had a big day ahead of me. I skipped on over to Dr. Magarell's office to get my course contract signed. This was the final step in getting everything set up for my international study. That went splendidly. I went to the ISP office, where, as you know, they only employ the brightest and friendliest employees *insert sarcasm*, and they met my every need! For the first time, everyone was saying "yes" to me. Unfortunately, so did the immunizations department at the Health Center...so now I have to get two shots tomorrow, ick!
Anyway, I just thought I should write that down so that when I get mad things aren't going my way, I can look back and remember the day that everyone said "yes". :)
7/25/08
7/23/08
Ends Lead to New Beginnings
Today was my last day at the House of Hope. I really thought that I would be extremely excited about my last day, but I was actually pretty darn sad. So, I'm going to do a little reminiscing and write a short little history of my time at House of Hope.
First off, let me define what the House of Hope is for those of you who have never heard of it. House of Hope is a residential treatment facility for mothers and their children. Basically, the mothers are there for drug/alcohol rehab and have just been given the right to have their children with them again after DCFS taking them away. The women are attempting to gain custody of their children back while trying to rid themselves of an addiction. While the women are in therapy, the children come down with us and we provide them with the TEC (Therapeutic Environment for Children) experience.
October 2008--I was working at Sears, hating the fact that I was getting paid $7 an hour. I began looking around for other options and came across the position for Child Development Specialist at house of hope. Being a new MFHD major, I applied and got the job! I learned shortly thereafter that this job was not going to be easy. It's a very stressful job with a lot of emotions involved. I fell in love with the kids there and I loved my job! My position at House of Hope only got harder and harder, as kids that I became very attached to left, as well-loved employees left, as new employees CAME, and as bosses left. I was constantly emotionally tired after work from helping the kids and dealing with certain co-workers, but always had a rewarding feeling each and everyday.
As much as I may have complained to Tony, my mom, or anyone else about this job, it has probably been the most educational position I have ever held. From October to January I worked with the toddler-aged children who ranged in age from 2 to 4 or 5. I loved working with these children, teaching them ABC's experiencing new and exciting things with them, playing with them, etc. I learned so much about how fragile a child's emotions are. I learned how absorbant their brains are. I learned how to better take care of a child in need anywhere from boo boo's that need band-aids to talking about how sad their mommy makes them. I believe that being with these innocent minds and innocent hearts made me a better person--a more understanding person. I loved these kids. If I could, I would've taken all of them home with me!
In January, I got transferred to the "infant room". I was completely horrified and very upset. What about my kids in the big kids group? I didn't want to leave them, especially for babies that I had no clue how to take care of. I've been in the infant room since and I am so grateful that I had the chance to spend time there. I've learned so much about BABIES. I've gained so much patience. These little babies have the unseen power to soften your heart, no matter what life throws at you. They also have the ability to stress you out to the max! Nonetheless, I love them. I will miss them. I've seen so many little babies take their first steps. I've taught them how to say new words. They will have a special place in my heart.
I know that helping children is what I'm supposed to be doing. I am so excited for Bulgaria, and the chance I'll have to do these same things in a different place. I love helping children! I'll truly miss the House of Hope, but because of it, so many new doors will be opened for me. It was truly the best job I've ever had.
First off, let me define what the House of Hope is for those of you who have never heard of it. House of Hope is a residential treatment facility for mothers and their children. Basically, the mothers are there for drug/alcohol rehab and have just been given the right to have their children with them again after DCFS taking them away. The women are attempting to gain custody of their children back while trying to rid themselves of an addiction. While the women are in therapy, the children come down with us and we provide them with the TEC (Therapeutic Environment for Children) experience.
October 2008--I was working at Sears, hating the fact that I was getting paid $7 an hour. I began looking around for other options and came across the position for Child Development Specialist at house of hope. Being a new MFHD major, I applied and got the job! I learned shortly thereafter that this job was not going to be easy. It's a very stressful job with a lot of emotions involved. I fell in love with the kids there and I loved my job! My position at House of Hope only got harder and harder, as kids that I became very attached to left, as well-loved employees left, as new employees CAME, and as bosses left. I was constantly emotionally tired after work from helping the kids and dealing with certain co-workers, but always had a rewarding feeling each and everyday.
As much as I may have complained to Tony, my mom, or anyone else about this job, it has probably been the most educational position I have ever held. From October to January I worked with the toddler-aged children who ranged in age from 2 to 4 or 5. I loved working with these children, teaching them ABC's experiencing new and exciting things with them, playing with them, etc. I learned so much about how fragile a child's emotions are. I learned how absorbant their brains are. I learned how to better take care of a child in need anywhere from boo boo's that need band-aids to talking about how sad their mommy makes them. I believe that being with these innocent minds and innocent hearts made me a better person--a more understanding person. I loved these kids. If I could, I would've taken all of them home with me!
In January, I got transferred to the "infant room". I was completely horrified and very upset. What about my kids in the big kids group? I didn't want to leave them, especially for babies that I had no clue how to take care of. I've been in the infant room since and I am so grateful that I had the chance to spend time there. I've learned so much about BABIES. I've gained so much patience. These little babies have the unseen power to soften your heart, no matter what life throws at you. They also have the ability to stress you out to the max! Nonetheless, I love them. I will miss them. I've seen so many little babies take their first steps. I've taught them how to say new words. They will have a special place in my heart.
I know that helping children is what I'm supposed to be doing. I am so excited for Bulgaria, and the chance I'll have to do these same things in a different place. I love helping children! I'll truly miss the House of Hope, but because of it, so many new doors will be opened for me. It was truly the best job I've ever had.
7/20/08
Българска Сватба!
This is Tony, here. (Yeah, this is like my second post. Ever)
Last night we attended a half-Bulgarian wedding. I say 'half' in a generous gesture to the American side, which was merely an outer shell--a vessel, perhaps--for the crazy Bulgarian fiesta that was to take place.
One of the Bulgarian teachers at the MTC, Yoanna, married some American guy from BYU, and what ensued was what I can only describe as a "Big Fat Greek Wedding" experience, replete with dizzying dance circles, loud exclamations of "Всички Българи да дойдат тука за снимка!" ("All Bulgarians come over here for a picture!"), and all of the pop-folk Bulgarian music a Western ear could handle.
The event began innocently enough. We entered the beatiful (and ever-so-American) backyard of the husband's family, located on the North end of Provo, which included towering, 30-foot trees, a small creek that ran through the backyard, and a picturesque home that could one day serve as an idyllic bed and breakfast setting. American guests were quietly coming and going and offering their congratulations to the bride and groom.
It was not long, however, until more and more Bulgarians began to congregate, that I realized this party was going to take a turn for the Bulgar. Most of the Americans had dissipated at what I'm sure was the scheduled end of the reception, but that was only the beginning for the Balkan crowd. One Bulgarian friend of ours informed us that "in Bulgaria, our invitations only have a start time for the reception, but no end."
I would say more, but I think I'll let the videos do the talking. Good times in a quasi-Bulgarian environment.
Last night we attended a half-Bulgarian wedding. I say 'half' in a generous gesture to the American side, which was merely an outer shell--a vessel, perhaps--for the crazy Bulgarian fiesta that was to take place.
One of the Bulgarian teachers at the MTC, Yoanna, married some American guy from BYU, and what ensued was what I can only describe as a "Big Fat Greek Wedding" experience, replete with dizzying dance circles, loud exclamations of "Всички Българи да дойдат тука за снимка!" ("All Bulgarians come over here for a picture!"), and all of the pop-folk Bulgarian music a Western ear could handle.
The event began innocently enough. We entered the beatiful (and ever-so-American) backyard of the husband's family, located on the North end of Provo, which included towering, 30-foot trees, a small creek that ran through the backyard, and a picturesque home that could one day serve as an idyllic bed and breakfast setting. American guests were quietly coming and going and offering their congratulations to the bride and groom.
It was not long, however, until more and more Bulgarians began to congregate, that I realized this party was going to take a turn for the Bulgar. Most of the Americans had dissipated at what I'm sure was the scheduled end of the reception, but that was only the beginning for the Balkan crowd. One Bulgarian friend of ours informed us that "in Bulgaria, our invitations only have a start time for the reception, but no end."
I would say more, but I think I'll let the videos do the talking. Good times in a quasi-Bulgarian environment.
The ABC's of Me
Sorry I've been on a kick with these little fill out thingys. They're irresistable!
The ABC's of Me-
A. Attached or Single? Attached~married
B. Best Friend? Tony
C. Cake or Pie? Ooohh, Pie
D. Day of choice? Friday for sure.
E. Essential item? Chi Straightener. I don't know what I would do if I lost it!!
F. Favorite color? Yellow
G. Greatest Accomplishment? Getting married in the temple
H. Hometown? Whiteland, Indiana!
I. Indulgences? Oh I have all kinds. If we're talking food it would be ice cream, of course. If we're talking other things, I really like buying makeup :)
J. January or July? July!!!
K. Kids? none yet
L. Life is incomplete without? My T-dawg
M. Marriage date? August 18, 2006
N. Number of siblings? 2
O. Oranges or Apples? Oranges
P. Phobias or fears? I have several....right now I'm thinking of my fear of hot oil. Because of this, Tony makes all of the bacon in our family :)
Q. Quotes? "Just remember what's in your heart and in your mind and you'll never have to worry about your feet." -Dr. Suess
R. Reason to smile? I'm going to Bulgaria to help cute little orphan kids
S. Season? Fall, most definately
T. Tag three friends? any three friends that feel so inclined :)
U. Unknown fact about me? I have never been out of the country...EVER
V. Very favorite store? Either NY&Co. or Eddie Bauer, depends on the day
W. Worst habit? Not doing dishes after we eat
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? X-ray...the time I had an ultrasound of my heart it was not only embarassing, but VERY painful!
Y. Your favorite food? Carbs, unfortunately :)
Z. Zodiac? Libra
The ABC's of Me-
A. Attached or Single? Attached~married
B. Best Friend? Tony
C. Cake or Pie? Ooohh, Pie
D. Day of choice? Friday for sure.
E. Essential item? Chi Straightener. I don't know what I would do if I lost it!!
F. Favorite color? Yellow
G. Greatest Accomplishment? Getting married in the temple
H. Hometown? Whiteland, Indiana!
I. Indulgences? Oh I have all kinds. If we're talking food it would be ice cream, of course. If we're talking other things, I really like buying makeup :)
J. January or July? July!!!
K. Kids? none yet
L. Life is incomplete without? My T-dawg
M. Marriage date? August 18, 2006
N. Number of siblings? 2
O. Oranges or Apples? Oranges
P. Phobias or fears? I have several....right now I'm thinking of my fear of hot oil. Because of this, Tony makes all of the bacon in our family :)
Q. Quotes? "Just remember what's in your heart and in your mind and you'll never have to worry about your feet." -Dr. Suess
R. Reason to smile? I'm going to Bulgaria to help cute little orphan kids
S. Season? Fall, most definately
T. Tag three friends? any three friends that feel so inclined :)
U. Unknown fact about me? I have never been out of the country...EVER
V. Very favorite store? Either NY&Co. or Eddie Bauer, depends on the day
W. Worst habit? Not doing dishes after we eat
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? X-ray...the time I had an ultrasound of my heart it was not only embarassing, but VERY painful!
Y. Your favorite food? Carbs, unfortunately :)
Z. Zodiac? Libra
7/17/08
Ураa!!
Great news! With all of this stressful visa stuff (not being able to get one) we've tweaked some things and we can go to BG without a visa! Our stay will be shorter, but only by a week. Luckily Dr. Magarell was kind enough to throw me a bone and let me do a 13-week internship instead of 14.
We're still leaving September 9th, but now we're returning to the good ol' US on December 8th inestead of Christmas Eve. It's perfect! It gives us lots of time to settle down and find a place to live, not to mention I can turn in my internship homework stuff without a big fuss!
A HUGE burden has been lifted, and we feel so great!
We're still leaving September 9th, but now we're returning to the good ol' US on December 8th inestead of Christmas Eve. It's perfect! It gives us lots of time to settle down and find a place to live, not to mention I can turn in my internship homework stuff without a big fuss!
A HUGE burden has been lifted, and we feel so great!
7/15/08
Back from Vacation
We just got back today from the Anderson family reunion/summer trip. Our trip began on Thursday morning. Tony and I rode with Tony's family (yes, all of them!) to Ashton, Idaho where Tony's extended family had reserved a mansion of a cabin for us to have a family reunion in. On the way, we stopped at Yellowstone Bear world to look at some of the things they had. This was probably my favorite part of the trip! It ended up being really fun.
Two bears playing in the water!
All in all, it was a fun trip, but I am SO glad to be back home!
This was our billy goat friend at the petting zoo part of the Bear World
Silly bear pictures with Tony's sisters
This deer was licking my hand...a lot. It really grossed me out!
This guy was hilarious. A big, fat, potbelly pig!
Tony was a little scared :)
Baby Bears! Soooo cute!
Baby bear bum
Two bears playing in the water!
They also had a little kid amusement park. We got our $70 worth :).
After all of that we finally got to our cabin. Unfortunately, our camera died and I didn't get any pictures of it. It was an OK, kinda weird experience, but still fun.
Saturday morning we left and headed to Jackson Hole for some white water fun! Check out this picture of our white water adventure. Tony and I are in the right back of the raft. http://snakeriver.elevationimaging.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=577619&item=577625&ps=1&start=5&template=fullsize
That was another favorite part of this trip. It was pretty intense rafting compared to what I've been on before, and it totally rocked. Tony and I are still craving something a little more adventurous, though.
Sunday we went on a 5 mile hike up to Hidden Falls by Jenny Lake. It was really beautiful up there. Here are some pics from that:
7/8/08
New Fitness Goal
I feel that I work better with my workouts if I have a goal I can work towards. This summer I've been trying to lose some extra weight and I've been doing alright, but not as good as I had planned. I had heard numerous times that running is probably the easiest way to shed pounds and Tony had recently written an article in his magazine about marathon runners so I decided to research. I've learned a lot about running and found a program for non-runners to pre-train for a 5K. I started yesterday and I must say I'm kind of nervous. Not because the program is difficult (for the first week you just walk briskly for 30 minutes, haha) but because I'm afraid that I won't stick with it! I'm so excited about thinking about running a 5K and working my way up possibly to a marathon and I really want to get there.
This program I found on runnersplanet.com is perfect for me. It starts you off just walking for 30 minutes for the first couple of weeks with only a little jogging mixed in here and there. By the end of the program I should be able to run 3-4 miles easily. For someone who hates running, I'm pretty excited about that!
One interesting obstacle I've discovered with this running program is my feet. I have very flat feet. Walking around a pool or 7 Peaks, everyone else's foot prints show the ball and heel of their foot, while mine is this huge blob looking thing. I researched flat feet and ended up buying some shoe inserts for arch stability. It turns out that when people with flat feet run, their feet roll inwards towards where the arch is supposed to be, while most people run on the balls of their feet. This causes shin splints, cramps, etc. So, like I said, I bought little sport inserts. I tried them out last night and my feet are killing me!! It felt like I had rocks in my shoes! These are going to take some getting used to.
Now that I've posted my running goal for all to see, it will be somewhat embarassing if I drop out now! Hopefully I'll stick with this and not get discouraged. Any suggestions?
This program I found on runnersplanet.com is perfect for me. It starts you off just walking for 30 minutes for the first couple of weeks with only a little jogging mixed in here and there. By the end of the program I should be able to run 3-4 miles easily. For someone who hates running, I'm pretty excited about that!
One interesting obstacle I've discovered with this running program is my feet. I have very flat feet. Walking around a pool or 7 Peaks, everyone else's foot prints show the ball and heel of their foot, while mine is this huge blob looking thing. I researched flat feet and ended up buying some shoe inserts for arch stability. It turns out that when people with flat feet run, their feet roll inwards towards where the arch is supposed to be, while most people run on the balls of their feet. This causes shin splints, cramps, etc. So, like I said, I bought little sport inserts. I tried them out last night and my feet are killing me!! It felt like I had rocks in my shoes! These are going to take some getting used to.
Now that I've posted my running goal for all to see, it will be somewhat embarassing if I drop out now! Hopefully I'll stick with this and not get discouraged. Any suggestions?
7/3/08
Fun Stuff
So, I stole this from Melanie..I wasn't tagged or anything. But I've decided that I shall tag all those who read this blog! haha! Now you all have to fill it out!
10 years ago:
Hmmm...I don't have too many 11 years old memories...let me think. I was probably enjoying my summer vacation. I know I broke my arm the summer before 5th grade, is that when you're 11??
On my to do list today:
Apply Aloe Vera to my sunburnt legs
Buy sports shoe inserts for my flat feet
Go to the TRC
Make Dinner
3 quirky habits I have:
1. When I cook dinner, I stand on the sides of my feet. My dad used to always laugh at me but I can't help it.
2. I don't know if this is quirky, but Tony thinks it is: When I finish in the shower, I dry off IN the shower, I refuse to get out. It's too darn cold if you do it that way!
3. I won't go to sleep at night unless our bedroom door is closed. Don't ask me to explain, it doesn't make sense, haha.
3 things you might not know about me:
1. I have a secret aspiration of becoming a Gold medal Olympic swimmer. Mind you, I hate water, and I'm not training for this. I just think it would be cool.
2. My guilty pleasure is Bulgarian Chalga music.
3. I want to run a marathon one day. This is not like the Olympic swimmer thing, I'm actually trying to get in good running shape.
4 shows I enjoy:
American Idol
The news
Everybody Loves Raymond
The Office
4 books I enjoy:
I'm currently trying to finish the 3,000 pages I have to read for my internship...so THOSE books....
4 jobs I have had:
Dairy Queen
Custodian on campus
Sears Jewelry
House of Hope
5 places I have lived:
1.Greenwood, Indiana
2. Columbus, Indiana
3. Whiteland, Indiana
4. Provo, Utah
5. Sandy, Utah
5 favorite foods:
1. Ice cream
2. Shopska Salata
3. Baked Potatoes
4. Grapes
5. Bread, I love bread!!!
5 movies I have watched more than once:
1. While You Were Sleeping
2. The Sandlot
3. Ghostbusters 2
4. Moulin Rouge
5. Heavyweights
4 things I look forward to in the coming year (so from now until next July):
1. България!! (Bulgaria!) :) Learning the language, helping the orphans, visiting Paris on the way home, ahh!
2. Moving into a nicer place
3. Being one school year away from graduating
4. Visiting family in Indiana
10 years ago:
Hmmm...I don't have too many 11 years old memories...let me think. I was probably enjoying my summer vacation. I know I broke my arm the summer before 5th grade, is that when you're 11??
On my to do list today:
Apply Aloe Vera to my sunburnt legs
Buy sports shoe inserts for my flat feet
Go to the TRC
Make Dinner
3 quirky habits I have:
1. When I cook dinner, I stand on the sides of my feet. My dad used to always laugh at me but I can't help it.
2. I don't know if this is quirky, but Tony thinks it is: When I finish in the shower, I dry off IN the shower, I refuse to get out. It's too darn cold if you do it that way!
3. I won't go to sleep at night unless our bedroom door is closed. Don't ask me to explain, it doesn't make sense, haha.
3 things you might not know about me:
1. I have a secret aspiration of becoming a Gold medal Olympic swimmer. Mind you, I hate water, and I'm not training for this. I just think it would be cool.
2. My guilty pleasure is Bulgarian Chalga music.
3. I want to run a marathon one day. This is not like the Olympic swimmer thing, I'm actually trying to get in good running shape.
4 shows I enjoy:
American Idol
The news
Everybody Loves Raymond
The Office
4 books I enjoy:
I'm currently trying to finish the 3,000 pages I have to read for my internship...so THOSE books....
4 jobs I have had:
Dairy Queen
Custodian on campus
Sears Jewelry
House of Hope
5 places I have lived:
1.Greenwood, Indiana
2. Columbus, Indiana
3. Whiteland, Indiana
4. Provo, Utah
5. Sandy, Utah
5 favorite foods:
1. Ice cream
2. Shopska Salata
3. Baked Potatoes
4. Grapes
5. Bread, I love bread!!!
5 movies I have watched more than once:
1. While You Were Sleeping
2. The Sandlot
3. Ghostbusters 2
4. Moulin Rouge
5. Heavyweights
4 things I look forward to in the coming year (so from now until next July):
1. България!! (Bulgaria!) :) Learning the language, helping the orphans, visiting Paris on the way home, ahh!
2. Moving into a nicer place
3. Being one school year away from graduating
4. Visiting family in Indiana
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