October 2, 1969

Remembering my parents Anniversary!

I am grateful for eternal families!

life with nothing to do

gets really boring, very quickly.  I'm back from my roadtrips.  And you'd think since I have nothing to do, I'd update my blog or something.  Nope.  I spend countless hours checking my FB and my friends latest status updates.  I sleep in.  I read WAY TOO much.  I spend money that I don't have.  I procrastinate all my 'to do's.'  I analyze everything about 100 times over.  I watch some pretty great movies.  And some not so great movies.  I drown my neighbors out with my piano playing.  I blog stalk.  I contemplate doing some cleaning.  But then I don't.  I sign my life away with paperwork daily. I make treats.  Then indulge myself in them.  Mmmm.

A few things I am doing, besides doing nothing, are playing tennis (at least trying), learning how to hit golf bowls (awkward), visit old friends, taking an underwater basket weaving class, tried unsuccessfully to wakeboard, applied for my passport (I know it's way overdue), unofficially accepted a job offer (hence; signing my life away, however, my start date keeps being postponed...frustrating), attended a friends wedding, and got pulled over for speeding* to another friends baby shower (which I did not make). 

 

Life is always full of surprises!  Sometimes good, sometimes not so good.  I don't always understand.  But continue with faith, trust, and hope.  Such is the meaning of life.

*Don't worry:  I did not get a speeding ticket for the first time.  Just a few warnings.

Now that school is over…

I'm very carefree!  The everyday stress of "so much to accomplish" is gone, my tension knots are starting to resolve, and I'm bored!  

It has been a long time since I have had NOTHING to do.  I can only practice the piano for so long, sleep so many hours, and enjoy numerous Wii tournaments, yet there are still hundreds of minutes throughout the day to fill my life with some sort of excitement.

So... I went on a roadtrip! 

It started with a drive to just outside of Page, AZ where we camped out.  The next morning we hiked Wire Pass.

 

Me climbing down the sketchy rocks.

 

And trying to shimmy up the narrow walls.

 

With lots and lots of bonding with my good friend Wendy.

My caravan adventure ended there.  My journey took me farther north to my mother's house.  Where there was lots of sleeping, eating good food, biking, and enjoying the simple things of life.

 

One evening we headed to the Sutherland Cemetery so I could see my dad's headstone.

 

Great selection, Mom!

My adventures continued north to Lyman, WY.  My best friend, Amanda, and her husband, Trent, live out in the beautiful country of WY.  I have been in need of  some "Amanda time" since she doesn't live down the road from me anymore.  

We did some horseback riding...

 

 

My bummy was sore for a few days, but it was GREAT fun.

After a few days of fun with them and Charlie, their dog, my travels took me West to the Ogden valley.  I popped in to see quite a few friends: Simonsen's, Forsberg's, Starley's, Loe's, Fowler's, Wray's, and Lindsey & Jamie.  

 

Enjoying The Pie with Sorority Sisters - Lindsey Smith and Jamie Matteccui Vasquez

 

Starley girls - Katelynn and Sarah

 

Holding Mason Loe for the first time! Deanna and Brian Loe's baby boy. 

 

Meeting Will Fowler, Cynthia and Jeff's boy!

 

While catching up with Heidi and Adam Wray.  

 

Unfortunately, my travels did not make it to Logan.  I hope the Muirs will forgive me.  

I was then off for adventures in Orem...

 

My afternoon with Henry and Lily was filled with silly moments, lots of laughter, and plenty of sunshine.

 

That night we went to Oscar's school carnival where he and Lily won a bottle of soda pop and had their faces painted.

 

The road was calling me South... so off to Richfield I went!  Most of my time was spent with Ella and Luke since Abbie and Kenzie had already started school.  However, it was still a great time with Jonene, her parents, Mom, the kids, and a few sporadic moments with Spencer (he was on-call in the ER).

 

Ella playing Bubble Breaker

 

Jonene and Luke

 

Kenzie "helping" grandma make the peach crisp.  By helping, I mean enjoying the freshly cut sliced peaches.  

Abbie was packing her sleeping gear for her school campout the next day.  I hope it was lots of fun!!

 

 

Life would be great if I had a million dollars so that I could continue to be carefree and roam wherever.  Someday.

As I headed back towards the AZ heat, I enjoyed a fun book on tape and I saw some pretty great scenery.  

 

Real life will begin soon!

Sarah Scoville, MS, PA-C

All the studying paid off.  I officially passed my board exam!!  I have been so anxious all week about it.  I was mentally preparing myself to move back to Delta (not that I don't love you mom, but it's Delta) where, if needed, I would study until I could retake boards.  Now I can stay put in Mesa!!!!  Yes, such a good feeling.   I can actually enjoy my free-time.

Thanks for all the prayers, thoughts, and support during this challenging time.  I can't express how much I appreciate your love!  I couldn't have done it without all of you.

 

While I've been waiting for my results... 

 

I went on a date with Max.  We saw the movie G-force.  Max was interested until almost the end of the show.  Then he started entertaining himself, and couldn't stop the giggles.  Good thing there were only two other people there.

 

After the movie, we stopped by Discover Park on the drive home.  We had a great time walking around the pond, running up and down the rolling hills, and climbing on the decorative rocks.

 

 

I also played tennis at Freestone Park with friends Kristen and Scotty.  It was great fun, even though, I'm SO out of shape.  I was winded after each play.  Sad.  We are determined to play once a week.

 

I laid out by the pool.  I wanted to get a little color, and I sure got pink.  I was only out there for maybe an hour.  The water was actually pretty nice.  I was afraid it was going to be so hot that it wouldn't be refreshing.   

 

I have been playing the piano like crazy.  It is a great de-stressor and helps my mind think of other things.  Having all this free-time has been interesting.  I have forgotten how to live without studying or feeling guilty for not studying.  It is something I am sure going to enjoy & get used to quickly.  The Wii has been a daily favorite as well.  

 

Today I think I will buy me a new outfit.  I deserve it, right???

 

Other events...

 

Scotty's birthday.  We studied part of the day.  Then we ordered pizza and played Wii.  Wii tennis is my favorite.

 

 

Deanna Stradling had her baby shower!  Yay for babies, and reasons to get together with friends.

 

Ashley and I entertaining ourselves at the baby shower.

test day

is finally over!

The last two years I've been preparing for this exam, the PANCE.  The last three weeks I've been reviewing questions, and more questions.  There were occasional breaks to play wii, eat, sleep, play the piano, and anything else I could do to distract myself.  It gets tedious reviewing material over and over again.  I had some great study partners that motivated me to keep going, most days.  My anxiety about the test (and the fact that it affects the rest of my future) has skyrocketed.  I have utilized the pharmaceutical companies goods with much appreciation.  

I hate standardized exams.  And this was the worst yet.  I arrived at 7:30 am.  This was a rigorous 6+ hour 360 question exam.  And very strict protocol.  To get in and out of the testing room you have to show ID and scan your fingerprint.  I had two 15 min breaks to use the restroom, drink some water, and eat some trailmix.  I had a small locker to store all my items.  Nothing is allowed in the testing room except your locker key and ID.  Intense.  Then I had to focus on taking six 60 question exams, one hour each.  I used every last minute.  Probably 25% of the questions I knew right away, 25% I think I knew, 25% I could narrow it down to two answers, and 25% I was purely guessing. Half of the questions, I don't even remember which answer I decided on.  Doesn't sound like such great odds.  Walking away from the testing center I felt complete dread.  The real torture is waiting to receive my results.  Not everyone passes.  

I finished at 2:40 pm. I was dehydrated, famished, and completely exhausted.  What to do while waiting???  I've never been so bored as I was yesterday.  I'm done studying, so how do you fill your time.  I tried to enjoy a sweet pork salad from Cafe Rio, but the questions kept running thru my mind.  Yes, I took time looking up things I wasn't sure about.  Not surprising, most of those questions I missed.  I couldn't even take a nap...which is NEVER the case.  I played the Wii, read some of my friends biography, played on the computer, played the piano, talked to my roommates... yet, I still had TOO much time to THINK about the exam.  I stayed up way too late.  And here it is way too early in the morning for me to be awake.  All I can do is wait, and think, and wait some more.

life in the country

On Monday Max, Ian, and myself experienced first hand what a cowboy does!  

 

Ian going for a horsey ride!

 

Max and Ian getting to know the dog, Chickee!

 

Chilling with Fancy and Sam.

 

Enjoying a ride on the tractor with Ty's dad.

 

Slushies are the best on hot summer days!

 

Becoming friends with the calves.

Life is simple and great in the country!

Birthday 2009

After my family left town it was time to hit the books.  I studied almost every day this week.  On my birthday, I studied with Jim, a classmate, from 8-4.  It was very productive.  I'm was very proud of myself.

Trying to be studious!

Once I was tired of studying, I went to get ready for dinner at Daryl's.  Just before I headed out the door, I got the best birthday phone call from Dr. Smith with a job offer.  If that all works out... Looks like I'm staying in Arizona!  

Daryl made yellowtail fish which he had caught, rice, and caesar salad, with Ben & Jerry's chocolate brownie fudge ice-cream for dessert. Delicious!  We watched "Lars and the Real Girl" which is an interesting and different film festival flick.  Great night.

Friday I celebrated by only studying a couple hours, playing with Max and Ian, and bowling/arcades with friends that night. 

   

Max   /   Ian

 

Sarah, Scott, Jenna, and Derik

   

Rachel & Zac   /   Jaimi & Sarah 

   

Sarah & Jen (roommate)  /  Steve & Natalie

 

Check out my form.  I'm practically a pro bowler!  I should join a league.

Saturday I actually studied in the morning.  That evening I celebrated for graduation and my birthday with my QC roommates at Jenny's house.  We missed having Trisha with us!  

Daina, Kari (and baby Smith), Sarah, Jenny, and Abigail 

 

Daina made some cherry chocolate cupcakes!

I sure enjoyed myself!

Looking forward to another year of life, gaining wisdom, and enjoying new adventures!