Good to be up and running again!

I've been without my blog these past few days, and I didn't realized how attached I was until I was unable to access it.  My brother was updating a few things for our family blogging, which is much appreciated.  I always email or call him with any questions or concerns I have about the blog or computer stuff.  It's great knowing that someone else is willing and able to help me out.

My trip to UT was good.  I loved seeing the family and spending some time with my parents.  Here's cute picture from Henry's Blessing Day and Oscar's Birthday of some of the grandkids with Dad.  That was a very special day.  I loved seeing everyone over the break.

I have enjoyed being back in the sunshine, though.  I played hooky one day last week and started my break a little early.  We had a couple days off to attend the state PA conference in Sedona if we wished.  I opted to stay in Mesa and have a little Sarah time.  I spent a much needed girl night with my old roommates.  We ate the usually but tasty cheese crisps, gossiped about the love and latest heartbreaks, laughed about old memories, and talked about some exciting upcoming events (but I can't divulge those details just yet).  Over the week, I went to the park with Gidget, another park with Max, the Easter pageant with Rachel and friends, a Hawaiian festival in Phoenix with Daina and friends, a lunch speaker/seminar on "Body, Mind, Spirit," a spring training game with a bunch of classmates, dinner and a movie with Amanda and Amber, and one short night studying.

This was my first experience of spring training.  We saw the Cubs play the Padres.  It was tied 2-2 until the end of the ninth inning.  Go Cubs!  That was a great day tailgating, playing washers, enjoying a kosher dog, answering trivia questions, and relaxing on the grass!

I loved listening to the speaker.  Dr. H reminded me of how crucial my role as a provider can be and how beneficial my compassion to healthcare can be for my patients.  Those small moments of encouragement change my perspective long enough to penetrate my heart, touch my soul, and give the added assurance that I can make a difference.

I definitely took more Sarah time than was initially planned, but it was productive and much enjoyed moments of school-free/stress-free time. However, as the day began early this morning, I realized just how much I am going to have to rely on those cherished memories of freedom over the next intense ten weeks of school.  My professors keep saying that the program is going to get easier, but they're really lying to us.  Each quarter we have harder classes and more classes.  I hope I find way to keep my attention during our 9-10 hour days, and then a balance between these classes, studying afterwards for those long lectures, and then of course the normal events of life (laundry, budgeting, groceries, dating, sleeping, family, etc.).  With all this stress, how am I ever going to get rid of these tension knots and knee/back pain?  Speaking of which, I better get on the go with the start of this weeks "to do" list, and maybe that will relieve some of the anxiety and anticipation of this upcoming quarter.

Snow Goose Festival

Since I'm home visiting my family for my school break, my sister, Amie, and her husband, Mat, and I decided that we should check out the famous Snow Goose Festival.  Neither Amie or I had ever been out to see this big event, even though we grew up right by it.  We research about it and got all excited to see this big festival.  We went to Leo's and got a shake beforehand (which was crazy of us because it's FREEZING here!).  Then we drove the 10 miles or so out to the Res (Sherwood Shores way) and passed a few cars on the way.  Some cars were parked down by the Res, looking at some birds, but there weren't very many of them.  We kept driving down the dirt road, and low and behold there is a BIG RED GATE.  What was that doing there?  And when did they put it up?  Obviously, it has been a while since I've been out to the Res and especially that way.  So we turned around and drove back around to the main entrance of the Res and out in the fields were about a hundred birds.  We parked, walked into the Res picnic area (yes, we climbed through the locked gate), and briskly traveled to the other side of the parking lot.  The Res was bare except the white caps rushes quickly past us.  It was an unexpectedly cold, cloudy, and windy winter day, and my sweater was not keeping me warm.  We made it to the fence and saw about a hundred or so birds in the fields.  Not quite what we were hoping for.  We jetted back to the car with disappointment in the air, but nonetheless, an experience to remember.  The picture below is what we were hoping to see!  Maybe another year!

 

The Latest Update...

 

Dad and I

 My parents on their wedding day, October 2, 1969! Married for time and all eternity!

The grandkids at my dad's parents house, Medicine Hat, AB, Canada

Grandkids with Grandpa Scoville

Jackie and Sarah

My Scoville Grandparents: Annetta and Ellsworth

Part of my family

Dad and I in Sedona, AZ 2006 Thanksgiving!

 I thought I'd share a few of my family memories.  I'm so grateful that families can be together forever!  I love my family.

Another quarter of school is winding down.  Only three more finals and one more full day of studying left!  I'm getting so excited to be done, and enjoy some time with my family.  Rachel and I are driving up Wed afternoon and will be there for about 9 days.  Hopefully the whole family will be able to come visit, but understand if we don't all make it.

I love having Gidget around because it's so nice to take her for walks.  It's great for me to get some fresh air and exercise, even just a short one.  She's very good at understanding my tone and what to do while we are one the walk.  It's so fun.

The last week has been SUPER stressful with finals coming and tweaking my neck, on top of everything else, and then today my check engine light went off.  When it rains, it pours!  At least everything will eventually subside, hopefully before my classes begin again.

I did have a nice weekend.  I went on a super fun date Friday night with Steve...dinner and then the Dueling Piano Bar, with Tasha and Blake. I loved singing along with all the songs I knew & the pianist was AMAZING!  Saturday my friend Heidi's boyfriend, Patrick, was baptized.  That was a very special day with them.  I'm glad I was able to go feel of the Spirit and strengthen my testimony of missionary work.  Between all that was studying.  Then yesterday was stake conference and our boundaries are being revamped.  Basically, they are dissolving many of the university wards over the coming months and transferring our records to the stake wards.  Since I'm not an ASU student and don't live in Tempe, I will be going to a new ward at the beginning of August.  A new adventure.  Last evening Rachel & I went out at JP and MA's house.  Amanda and the Dukie's came over and we BBQ'd.  It was so fun to see everyone.  I have missed the Scoville's but glad they had a nice trip to UT and CA.  Max and Ian are as adorable as ever.  I'm getting SO EXCITED to go home!

Just for fun!

I read my friends blog that had completed this fun set of questions…so thought I’d share a little about me!

How many people do you live with?
Only one

Girls or boys?
Another girl

Who is the messiest?
Me...I have little piles of clutter

Which roommate is 25?
Neither…I’m 26, Natasha is 28

Who leaves their clothes on the bathroom floor?
Umm, we don’t share a bathroom…so neither, I guess!

Do you have any house pets?
Yes, Gidget, a poodle-maltese puppy!  So fun...

Which roommate drives the nicest car?
Natasha

Which roommate takes the longest to get ready?
Me…I tend to rummage around forever while getting ready!  

Are any of you’re roommates anorexic?
Definitely not!  We both love foods...  Sometimes I wish I didn't love food so much!

Who cleans the most often?
Tasha…I’m not around as often

Who’s clothes are always in the washing machine?
Probably mine…I do loads when I have time

Any neat freaks?
Both of us like things neat and clean…we each have our structured little rooms/desk areas!

Does your house smell like spring’s flowers or grandma’s potpourri?
Spicy Cinnamon…thanks to Bath and Body Works Flowers

How many TV’s do you have in your house?

One…

 
Who watches it the most?
???  Neither of us really have time, but we both enjoy a show here and there…  So I guess it depends on how busy things are!  During exam time, I hardly watch tv.

Are you and your roommates ‘”going green”?
I guess you could say I’m in favor of “going green” but don’t always follow the environmentally friendly ideas!  

Who gets the assigned parking space?
We both park in the garage!  That is wonderful.

Who always uses all the hot water?
We get ready at different times, and don’t really have to use too much hot water…since it’s like freaking hot in AZ, most of the year!!!!

Who uses the most hair product?
Probably me…I like my hair fluffed and that just doesn’t happen naturally…so I use a few things to help it out

Who is the tallest?
Tasha

Who is the thinnest?
Tasha for sure…she’s super skinny!

What are the three most annoying things in your house?
Annoying? Hmm…maybe the pink walls?  I’m not a huge fan of pink, but thankfully they are pretty neutral pinks!  My dying plants.  I don’t know how I kill them all!  Gidgets yapping at who knows what and at whatever time of the day.

The three best?
My bed…I love to sleep whenever I can.  The piano...that's a great de-stressor.  I love everything else about the house, really. 

Which roommate has the best style?
I do, of course!  I’m so conscientious about how I look…haha!
.
Who’s the most responsible?
Tasha

Who has the longest hair?
Me

Who has the shortest?
Who else…Tasha

Who pays the bills?
We share

Who’s the healthiest?
We’re both concerned with health!  Tasha probably eats out more than I do, but I don’t always get my essential foods every day.  But we both try to be aware of what we eat.  I mean, Tasha is a dietitian, and I'm going to be a PA.  Health is definitely on our minds.

Who’s the strongest?
I’m definitely the weakest…I can’t even do 25 girly push-ups without whining.

Who works the most? Tasha…I just go to school

 
Who has the busiest schedule? Me…I’m in class all day and constantly studying outside of class

Who is the smartest?
…mmm…  I'm pretty dang smart, but it takes a lot of work!  Tasha is naturally smart.

Do any of your parents pay your bills for you?
I wish!  Student loans are all I’ve got these days…and they are running low!

Who are you around most often?
Kristen…we sit next to each other almost every day at school, hang out outside of school, talk about anything and everything

And then?
My other classmates...

Who comes over most often?
Different guys…gotta keep things interesting

Do any of your roommates annoy you (be honest!)?
No

Do you share a room?
Not yet!

Do any of them have boyfriends/girlfriends?
We’re both working on finding bfs!

Do they act like they’re married (or are they)?
No

Are you and your roommates inseparable on the weekends?
I see Tasha more during the week nights!  We have pretty different schedules, friends, etc.

How do you split up the chores?
I’m sure Tasha would like to split up the chores.  I’m a slacker these days.  I keep my side of the house pretty clean, but could work on the rest.

Can you share clothes with your roommates?
We could but don’t.  We have different styles for the most part.

How long have you lived together?
Since last May, so almost ten months.  Wow.  Time sure flies by!

Thoughts…

The circle of life…the plan of happiness…death…eternity…what does it really encompass and why is its understanding so crucial? I think I am a logical thinker. I need structure in my life…so I can understand why things work they way they do, how to solve problems, and find a sense of peace. I think that is one reason why I love medicine. I am learning how to piece a puzzle together to solve an issue, or know what road to take when presented with certain triggers. It is amazing how a life altering experience can open your eyes to what you value, why you cherish it, and how you are going to realign your life to these principles that matter most to you. These past couple weeks have hard weeks! Cancer is something I learn about every day, in every class, almost every hour…if only in a passing comment. It was just something I learned about: the physiology behind it, the duration/symptoms, metastasis, and prognosis. These were all concepts that floated out there. How to really deal with it? That was another whole ball game. Now I am on the side lines. Watching/hearing about my dads experience is much more difficult that I could have ever imagined. I can’t do anything to stop the progression of the disease or help with the anxiety and fear of the unknown. My first reaction to the news was as a healthcare provider: What exactly does that mean? It’s spread? Where to? How long have the symptoms been occurring? What tests were done? What options did the doctor give? What are the stats? As the reality of the situation sunk in, my heart ached. This can’t be happening to my dad. The thought of death seems so gloomy and sad. I hate not having control. What to do now? How do I help? This news has brought my family together, more than ever. We have always been a pretty close family. We have enjoyed many trips together, dinners and games, chatting it up, hiking, reading stories, or all just napping on the floor! It has made me stop and really think about a few things. As I have talked with my family and my dad, it is amazing how much my dad has picked each of us up. We all have our fears and worries and here we are calling dad to reassure us. At least, I know I have been! As I listen to my dad counsel, strength, and hope in the gospel, my heart is softened. This is a challenge for my family to face right now. As I study and ponder, my understanding is geared towards a bigger picture and my heart is comforted. I am truly blessed. There are days when I don’t recognize it or accept it, but I know I am. Not only have I been raised and taught by wonderful parents, but I have the gospel! Listening to others experiences and understanding what is important to me has given me more comfort to what the future will hold. I am constantly thinking about that quote by President Hinckley about: “can’t change the past, or control the future, thus, learn to enjoy the present.” This trial has given me the opportunity to reflect on my beliefs, learn to enjoy the present moment, and move forward with faith. My insight and determination to follow true gospel principles have been strengthened by the support, love, and friendship shown me. The plan of salvation is all about eternity and family. This life is just a small portion of what is!

I love my nephew!

Henry Rodger Scoville - look at all of his hair, I love it!

I love daisies!

As you can tell from my blog background, I love daisies.  I love any wildflower, but there is something about daisies!  The simplicity, the colors, the shape.  The other day I came home from school and found a teddy bear with an arrangement of flowers: roses, carnations, daisies!  It was a wonderful surprise and much appreciated act of kindness from great friends.  Thanks for thinking of me and my family, Starley's!  Congratulations on the baby!  I hope you picked the right name :)  Sarah, that is!

 I have been overwhelmed these past couple of weeks by the many thoughtful calls, cards, emails and gifts.  It has really made me stop and be grateful for the blessings in my life.  I think about the past few years, where my life has led, and how many lives have touched mine.  I know the Lord will continue to bless my life.  I'm wishing I was at home with my family right now, but so glad there are friends surrounding me here.

On Friday I went to the Mesa Temple's Visitors Center and saw the exhibit on Christ's life by Mark Mabry.  I loved the picture of The Resurrection.  It was full of hope and remembrance of eternal life.  It was amazing to watch how they created the different pieces and the preparation (spiritually and mentally) it took to express Christ's love and mission.  As each day moves us forward, my thoughts are centered around Christ and the hope, love, and comfort we can receive.

I'm dogsitting for the Rhey's this weekend.  That's always fun for me.  I get to have a country weekend getaway while they go out of twon.  I enjoy the quiet, the dogs, and the time study and reflect.  I have definitely enjoyed the chocolates & movie room...probably more than I should have! 

Life is about the present!  Enjoy it while it's here!