Abby's Archives

New blog for my pics

2010-09-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

I'm still pretty small time with taking pictures but I took the advise of my friend Mackenzie and made a another blog for my photography-it's still mickey mouse if you ask me but is a work in progress.

My other blog is: abbyluciennephotography.blogspot.com

original I know:).

Photography hobby

2010-08-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

I graduated with my bachelors in April and to celebrate I bought myself a new Canon T1I digital camera and a Mac Book Pro. I've been having some fun doing pictures and thought I'd post a few of my favorites.

John Mayer - Heart of Life (Acoustic)

2010-04-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

This is my current song of choice-it's simple and sweet.

Western Carib

2010-04-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

In March those in my family who could, got away on a cruise-it was good times. I liked the ship and having my room cleaned several times a day. However, the stops I decided are more of tourist traps so it's not my ideal way to see the sites..

February Flames

2010-04-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hockey in Canada is serious business! I went up to Calgary for a game and bought a Flames tee-shirt that I thought would show I was a fan-wrong. I've never seen more legit jersey's in one place-those things are expensive and everyone had one. It was fun to hear the Canadian anthem and get my brother's commentary on the game-he is seriously funny as all get out and knows like everything about hockey. My niece and sister-in-law joined us as well to make the game even more memorable. I've now been to a NHL, MLB, NBA, MLS game. I guess now all I need is to go to NASCAR-just kidding, that's not a sport.

I call this video 'hot N ready.' This was in Calgary and I was so impressed I took video.

Guatemala-Jungle Medic Missions

2010-02-02T11:13:00.001-08:00

I just got back from a week of fun filled service in Guatemala with a group of 11 volunteers from Utah. We had a great time getting to know the culture by visiting three villages providing general medical care. The highlight for me would be cliff jumping off a hot waterfall and visiting the Tikal Mayan ruins. The low light was getting a rash that covered my whole body and felt like I had rolled in fiberglass. All part of the experience though. Here's some pics:Where we stayed.

90 Days of Summer

2009-10-01T04:13:00.000-07:00

So long sweet summer-so long shorts and sandals, so long sun kissed tan and swim suites, so long boating, so long BBQ's, so long watermelon-heavy sigh. Well it's official, fall is here-it even snowed tonight. I do enjoy the crisp air and changing colors but am a little heavy hearted to let go of my warm summer days. Here's my summer bucket list to catch you up since I didn't post (I seriously made this list early summer and carried it with me in my purse).
Summer To Do's
The one's I did:
baseball game (Bee's game and Padre's game)
soccer game (Real SL )
boating (w/ friends and fam)
make a boating CD
road trip (canada, cali and Jackson Hole)
camping (Jackson Hole)
watch a classic movie ( an Albert Hitchcock @ The Gallivan Center)
outdoor concert (acoustic concert at Josh Camerons and Kalai)
eat out of a garden (Ben's garden)
lay out by the pool/pool party with friends
wear a cowboy hat (Jackson Hole)
run in the sprinklers (running at Hillcrest)
go to the fair (had fried cheese cake and a big-ol turkey leg-yum!)
do a race (Share a Smile triathlon)
water park (raging waters)
Barns and Noble reading time
the beach (Coronodo and Huntington)
make Jam (my mom made peach jam, not me, but it counts since I've been enjoying it)
drive-in (I actually didn't go but did watch an outdoor movie in my friends back yard which is better since there's no smoking unlike the drive in)
amusement park (Six Flags)
The one's I didn't do:
picnic with freinds
rent a library book
Lagoon (I could probably still hit up Fightmares)
play a board game
play kick the can
watch an aubrey hepburn movie
brunch
farmers market

As you can see it was a great summer.
So, I'm really starting to get into a more vintage style. I got a red beach cruiser in July (Ronda) that is so stinking cute with a white flower basket and a bell! For my birthday my friend Ben went with me vintage clothes shopping in Salt Lake and I found two sweet dresses (i'll post pics). I also fell in love with the movie 500 Days of Summer and saw it mulipule times. I love the vintage style, the way it's filmed, the plot, the acting, the humor etc. Also a little tid bit, is I discovered how cool it is to go to the Broadway Theater and see independent films.
Fall brings excitement for the seasons and holidays ahead-my siblings are all going to be together this year for Christmas in Utah-it's our first ever with my oldest brother Jason here.
I've got some big plans in the works for the coming months so stay tuned:).

Fathers Day

2009-06-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Finding a gift for fathers day is so much harder than mothers day if you ask me. At least if your dad is like mine and has expensive hobbies (i.e. dirt bikes, boating etc) and enough ties and clothes. This year we thought a service project would really be a good way to show our dad we love him. Our cabin in Eden has needed some TLC since we bought it just over a year ago-had it not rained we would have gotten more done but here's what we worked on.

Liz was such a good baby!

P.s. I love my dad and all the hard work he puts into his job and making our family more enjoyable. In the 19 years we have lived in Utah my dad has worked at a bakery that required him to wake up at about 2:30 am with his days off being Wednesday and Sunday-the amazing part is that he has never taken a sick day. My dad is the best example of hard work that i know of-he rarely stops and when he does it to do something constructive like play with the grand kids.

Pics from Ecuador and So Cal

2009-06-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

So Cal

Padres game

Six Flags

Ecuador

I haven't posted my pics from Ecuador and don't have the energy to write about my trip southern California-but it was totally fun!

My Adventures

2009-04-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

My trip to Canada was totally great. My brother Jason who lives up there is the funniest person I know-his personality is so entertaining, so it was great to see him. My new niece Brynn is a cutie-she did what any newborn does-sleeps and eats. I got to know my niece Hayley better spending quality time playing Guess Who and coloring in the Dora coloring book I bated her affection with. I also did Yoga and spent one day with one of my best cousins, Kristen. I had to hit up my favorite stores-Lulu Lemon, Aldo, The SilverStone, Roots and a few others and pretty much went on a total shopping spree with my mom and sister-in-law Shona..

SacTown-four days after I got back from Cananda I headed to Cali to see my big bro Clarkey and his adorable family. Again, more quality time with the kids as I do love being an auntie-we made cookies, decorated easter eggs, painted nails, went to the outlets and the mall etc. Sabrina and Clarke had a closet organizer from IKEA I helped wedge in-girl power, right Sabrina! We went out for dinner and then saw Taken, which I had wanted to see for quite a while and thought it was really good. Anway, good times there as well-pictures to come.

Now for my current adventure in Quito, Ecuador. I was home for another four days-or you can say nights since I've been working nights lately and then flew down to Ecuador on a read eye flight. I had so much stress prior to leaving as I was exhasted from work in many ways and had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that my Ecuatorian friends from Charity Anywhere wanted me to teach some respiraotry therapy techniques with some anatomy and physiology, but I didn't know who my audience would be, what type of technology I'd have at my disposal or how in depth to go. I was feeling uneasy flying out and really felt blessed when I sat by two gentleman from Australia who were so engaging and nice to talk to-one was visiting with his family to ski and gave me his info if I ever wanted to visit. The other worked at BYU and we had really good discussions about our lives and I was amazed at how open he was with me for just meeting. Anyway, it's pretty fun to fly alone and to just see who you meet. When I landed in Quito about 16 hours after I left, I was hasseled at customs because I brought a bunch of medical supplies for Charity Anywhere-I just acted like a dumb American who didn't know better and they let me go. When I got out of the gate I didn't see anyone there to pick me up-I paniced a little inside as I didn't have their phone numbers and had already been hasseled and was a little on edge. I had to wait a bit but was told by some people who spoke english the traffic was pretty bad and my dear friends finally came and got me. Things are so different from the last time I came almost 5 years ago, but one thing still remains the same-don't count on things to go as planned. I schelude the trip so that I would be here for a four day service expidition in Otavalo which was canceled but not explained to me before I came. My pseudo parents went to Argentina for 6 out of the 10 days I'm here missing the whole workshop-which is why I came. They did hired me a driver to take me around and I've been kicking it with their kids-who I like but it does change the dynamics a bit.
The respiratory work shop ended up being a two day affair with about 70 medical students and several more doctors. I felt like I got in way over my head since I couldn't speak spanish and was told to teach them anatomy and physiology-which they already knew probably better then me. I haven't felt so overwhelmed since high school elections-or maybe my first board exams. The first day we covered respiratory anatomy/physiology, pathophysiology and chest xrays which didn't go so well because the sound was bad and my translator, Juan, having to translate for me and medical terms at the same time kind of mixed things up. The second day was so much better-Anita, Juan's sister as well as a med student, translated and did a great job. I taught CPR, the heimlich, nebulizers and chest physical therapy. The medical students were young and seemed to be very forgiving and all wanted pictures with me following the workshop. It was such a relief to have that over with-I seriously don't know how much good I did but did my best with what I had to work with I think.
Wednesday after the seminar I went with Juan to Mindo-a two hour drive to see waterfalls. Juan got instructions but we quickly got lost as the trail was not well marked. We went about three quarters of a mile then found a man clearing the trail in the middle of no where and paid him $3 to get us back on the track. He took us to where the mountian became steap and directed us to what ended up being a barbed wire fenced path. We hopped the barbed wire and went down the mountian for a bit before we decided to turn back feeling like it wasn't the right way. It was a good time to reflect and enjoy the beautiful terrain though I was sad I never saw the falls.

Yesterday I went to a public childrens hospital to see what it's like here-not the best environment; pretty shabby to say the least. They let me walk right in which was awesome I found they had one kid on a ventilator in their ICU-which was cool to see. My mom sent me with a bunch of toys and I had a fun time giving them to the kids there. Later that day I worked a little in the medical center for the charity getting vitals and then visited my old stomping grounds where I lived 5 years ago-central historical. So many memorise were relived and I finally had my frozen mango yogart pop-it was soo good. I have three more days left and will be going to Otavalo, church and then home. It's been good to be here and a growing experience. Much has changed in me and the foundation since my first visit-both have grown and matured and have much more to do in the world. For anyone who has not returned to the people they served on their missions-I encourage you to do so. There are so many things that I haven't forgotten but just didn't think about that was brought to my memory. I'm so thankful for the life I have in the US and for the government and all the social programs. Be grateful. (pics to come when I get home)

0451 am

2009-03-24T03:51:00.000-07:00

It's late or early-however you want to look at it. I'm working a night shift and am in between assessments and am board. Tonight I am what we call the Floor Whore because I'm out taking care of needy nurses and or patients instead of in the Intensive Care Units. Being that's it's late/early in the morning, I feel the need to say that I am a respiratory therapist-not a doctor, nurse or a rad tech...sometimes people forget that. Earlier tonight I had someone call me to get an after hour xray-that's like asking jiffylube to do auto body work on your car. I know how it is to be new but still expect some level of understanding of who does what. Anyway, i'll climb off my soap box.
Anyway, so I'm taking the idea of working hard and playing hard to a new level. I'm working nights for the next five or so weeks and then on my days off I'm getting out of dodge. I'm heading up to Calgary on friday to see my new niece (expect pictures) and family with my mom then I'll come home, work for four days and fly out to Sacramento to see my brother Clarke for a five days. Following my return, I work four days and fly Ecuador for 10 days to do some service and volunteer my skills, THEN...i'll be in town for about a week and a half and go on my Mexican Cruise with my friends. I think when it's all done, i'll be so happy to stay in one place for a bit...and broke;).
A couple of notes of interest that I haven't wrote about. Back in September I joined my work indoor co-ed soccer team. If you've known me since high school or before, you know that I never played soccer. I got hit in the face when forced to play in elementry school and from that point on, made the decision that soccer wasn't my thing. Well, at 24 years old I changed my mind and really really have fun with it. I totally suck at handling the ball, so I try to play as little offense as possible. But defense, even in basketball and waterpolo, has always been where I contrubuted. I'm not afraid to get rough and get into peoples way. I find satisfaction in stripping the ball and make that my goal everytime soemone brings the ball down. Sometimes I get burned and have to floor it to get back in position...but other times-oh ya! My teammates ranges from 19-51 in age-we just go out to have fun but are also pretty competative. I mostly just listen to what they yell at me to do:). We play neer my brother Taylor's home on Wednesday nights, so I usually try and hang out with them before my game. Secondly, if any of you know me currently, you should know how much I enjoy turbo kickboxing. Moving from Provo to Sandy left me at a disadvantage because they don't have turbo at the Golds gyms in Sandy. Thus, I have tried to go down south once a week to get my fix. Last weekend I certified to be an instructor to try and illiminate the drive and bring something I'm quite passionate about up north. So ya, once I'm back from my trips I hope to get hired and start up a class.
Lastly, if any of this doesn't make sence, has grammerical errors or is otherwise useless-please be aware that it's now 5:41 am.
I tried spell check and didn't have one mistake-that's never happened before...so i'm kind of worried.

2009-03-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Marilyn Monroe

My Valentines

2009-02-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

Friday the 13th put my sister-in-law Katie, into labor to deliver my 7 lb 3 oz niece-Elizabeth (I haven't heard if they decided on Reese or Rochelle) Caldwell. She's so beautiful and sweet just like babies are. Lizzie is the first of three nieces and or nephew to come into the Caldwell clan this year. Shona and Jason in Canada are expecting a girl next month and Mike and Leah are due at the end of August. I have a feeling my kids will have no cousins their age by the time I get around to having some but at least I'll have babysitters:). I never posted a picture of my nephew Wyatt, who was born in August-so here's the two newest victims of my love and affection.

I'd say I had a great Valentines day since I got to meet my niece and then have a lovely night with Jake. After the hospital, we went and saw New In Town with Rene Zelwigger-It's way cute! Then Jake and I went hot tubing at his ritzy gym and he made me a candle lite dinner. He also got me roses, a box of chocolates and a shirt and sweater from American Eagle. I got him a miniature replica toy of his Motorcycle (2006 Honda CRF 450), a DC shirt and cologne.
I have to admit that I don't think my life can get too much better-maybe if I was in my own house but then again I probably wouldn't be able to afford to play so much...Not only am I going on my Mexican cruise, but I'm planning on going back to Ecuador late April and up to Canada in the end of March. This is the first time in my life I've have the resources and time to go places and since I get 5 weeks of PTO a year-I'm using it! Charity Anywhere asked me to come back to teach respiratory procedures like resuscitation, nebulizers etc. There's also a four day expedition to the city of Otavalo to provide medical and dental work. I'm heading up to Calgary when my niece is born to see her and my family with my mom.
Anyway, it's an exciting time of life for me right now. I feel like one of my greatest blessings is my Job at Primary's. I work three 12 hour shifts a week and enjoy having the rest of my time to pursue other interests and hobbies. I like that everyday I work provides a new challenge. My field is constantly changing and there is so much to learn that I don't think I'll ever get bored with it. It's nice to be out of school and to focus on work and then have the rest of my time to enjoy life instead of doing homework. Anyway, that's that-thanks for reading.

Hair Cut, YoGa, and Mexico

2009-01-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

So My 2009 has been fantastic thus far, but just like Obama, I felt time for a change. I chopped my hair off a few weeks ago. It's hard to have a style with thin-fine hair cuz there's just not much to work with. My hair dresser and I agreed on an A-line and it's super easy to do and just like I wanted-a change.

Last week I signed up for a month of Bikram yoga-it's so amazing. Some people refere to it as 'hot yoga' because they heat the room to over a 100 degrees and I seriously sweat my brains out for 90 minutes. It's very cleansing and I feel great following.

Heidi and I booked a Cruise to the Mexican Riviera-totally stoked! We got a few other friends going so it will be a fiesta in Me-he-co! I'm so excited. It's a seven day cruise and was only $414.53 per person leaving out of LA; which also means a road trip:)
. Anyway, gotta jet-peace out.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a few days away-I'm mostly ready. My family is spending our first Christmas up at the Cabin in Eden. I have to work a grave Christmas Eve and will head up Christmas morning when I get off-hopefully my nieces can wait for me. My bro Clarke is coming from California with my nephews and oldest niece Lilly-yay! My latest news, speaking of work, is that I passed my board exams so I am officially a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) instead of certified RT-yay, no more tests! I have nine more credits for my bachelors and I think I'm going to take some credits, if not all, next semester and then be done! At work I've finished my floors and Neonatal ICU areas and am orienting to the Pediatric ICU. Going from NICU to PICU is like going from middle school to high school. There's so much to know and the pace is a lot more intense than what I'm used to with the babies. Mostly I follow different co-workers while they try and teach me the ropes for a few weeks until they throw me into the fire. Working at Primary's has been a challenge-but I like a challenge. I work with awesome people and really enjoy what I do.
So, I went skiing yesterday for the first time in like 18 years. I didn't do too bad but the weather was pretty brutal-8 degrees and super windy!

Paris,La Rochelle, Geneva, Torino,& Monaco

2008-09-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

Being that I have jet leg and cannot sleep I thought I'd at least be productive with my time and update my blog. I got back yesterday from a twelve day vacation in Europe with the fam. We spent a few days in Paris, La Rochelle (a city my brother, Taylor, served his mission in on the western coast), Geneva Switzerland, Torino Italy, and the french Riviera. In total we drove 2200 miles in about ten days; I think at least one mile was in reverse as we were prone to take a wrong turn here or there. Here's some pics. I spent my birthday in Paris-not a bad way to celebrate-let me tell ya.
Me and Mona La Rochelle Vinyard in Geneva'C' is for Caldwell-this was in Switzerland as wellI thought I'd do a little shopping while I was in Italy Monaco-topless beaches!! Not cute!

Nauvoo/Wisconsin

2008-08-17T17:23:00.001-07:00

My girl friend Alanna got married last week. I flew to Wisconsin and then we drove to Nauvoo and then back for the reception. It was a really great trip and a good excuse to go out and see some of the church sites. The Nauvoo temple has a special presence that is unlike any other I've been to. I love how the temple sits on a hill looking over the green lush of the Mississippi River. Here's some pics.I think the people in Wisconsin watched a little too much blossom-they say Whoa instead of stop...weird.

Holy Freak'n Primary Children's

2008-07-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official, I'm starting at Primary Children's Medical Center on July 21st-CRAZY! Here's the story-this semester while doing a clinical in the Pediatric ICU, I was following the head honcho guy-Troy. He's a big jokester and we hit it off right away. During the day he took a 'potty break' and came back like twenty minutes later. When he returned I asked him if he responded to the code (usually that refers to a code blue-which means someone is arresting and needs CPR). He asked me, 'what code?' My reply was, 'I heard there was a code brown in the men's bathroom.' He laughed and then started talking to me about working at Primary's saying they needed people like me there...f.y.i-sixty percent of the time, dirty jokes work every time when trying to schmooze a potential employer. I really hadn't thought about it too much because it seemed out of reach due to my lack of critical care experience. Well, three days later I came back and Troy had talked to the head of the department and opened a resident position for me-how do I say no to that? Working with sick kids is going to be difficult-I'm not even going to lie. These kids are the sickest around and are technically and emotionally going to be challenging for me. The residency program gives me six months to get comfortable in the Neonatal, Pediatric Units and on the floors helping kids who are there for cystic fibrosis and other respiratory issues. After my six months, I can stay or transfer to another IHC hospital. I really wanted to take some time off in August to just play for a while after the last 15 months of intense school-but this is okay too I guess. At least I can probably get tuition reimbursement for fall (9 upper division credits left until I graduate with my BS) and they're letting me go to France for two weeks and to my friends wedding, so it's all just going to work out.

I really feel like my coarse is being steered for me. Sometimes when we are given callings or things happen in our lives, we are stretched further than our own capacities-this is one of those times when the lord has laid my path and wants me to proceed forward; there is no other way for me to explain how or why they offered me this position and it's truly humbling.

I usually don't like to make my posts too long, but I also need to recognize the closing of another chapter in my life. For over the past two years I have been in Provo working for my uncle Brad's company-SecurityMetrics. My last day was on Friday. What a great opportunity it was to work with my uncles, cousins and the great people who were really the only people I saw consistently while I was jumping from hospital to hospital. My uncle Brad is one of the most generous/humble men I've ever met. He was constantly looking out for his employees and making sure we were taken care of. We had our company party last Friday where he gave everyone who worked there $100 because he can. Anyway, I was really excited too because I had my Ipod stollen last week due me carting around my study materials everywhere I go-it was hidden in my book and someone took it while I was away-rude! Anyway, my uncle raffled prizes and I won an 8 gig Ipod-the universe took it away and gave it back but better-Karma my friends...Karma!

Jackson Hole, WY

2008-06-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

My friend Jeff planned a trip river rafting the Snake River last week. I couldn't go the whole time, but was able to leave after class Friday and met the group for dutch oven peach cobbler and camp fire bonding. Saturday was awesome! There were two boats and 17 people who ran the river twice. The water was quite high and FREAKING COLD!! Luckily the sun was out with a little wind our second time down. I've only been river rafting one other time when I was little and hope to go many more times. The friends I was with were so funny! We told every joke we knew and shared lots of stories that had us rolling. This trip was so refreshing and much needed after how busy I've been. I missed a clinical so I could trade shifts at work so I didn't have to work Saturday-so I'm a little behind, but it was SOOO worth it! Here are some pics and videos of all the fun. Jared's turkeysMy tan linesI'm in heaven-that's why I'm so white!Dan in the 1990's wet suite and Jared showing off his assets;).

Motorcycle Momma

2008-06-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, as far as life goes-it's still really crazy. I'm just trying to hold on for dear life until July is over. I usually am working or at clinical 60 to 70 hours a week and that doesn't count school work and class. Here are some pics from the last little while for anyone who's sick of my looking at my last post Party in Provo-this guy cleared the house but landed himself in the hospital-ha ha, I could have told him that.

Me amigos watching our friend Ben race his dirt bike at the Rocky Mountain Race Way.

Time flies when you're busier than heck

2008-05-13T13:48:00.001-07:00

My girlfriend Alanna flew one of her other bridesmaids out from Wisconsin to take her engagements and asked if she had any friends she could use for portfolio pictures. I think she's amazing and was totally down-here's the link if you care to see more www.kaylarichards.zenfolio.com.
Now for an update: I'm pretty sure I should join some sort of circus because I've become quite the juggler of sorts. Really, I'm juggling two jobs, school, and a social life while trying to maintain some sanity. Last week I worked 70 hours-56 at Health South doing respiratory and 14 at SecurityMetrics. Luckily, it was my week off of school so I didn't have to worry about that. I had plans to go camping with some friends Friday night after work but found out they needed me to work a 12 hour shift Saturday. Not one to be deterred from having fun, I went anyway until 4:00 am and then drove home and slept for 45 minutes and then was at work by 6:00. The good thing was Saturday was all over time so I got paid double time.

My final semester in my program got underway this week. I will be up at Primary Children's and in the Provo Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with all the high risk and/or premature babies. I'm excited and apprehensive at the same time because it's very rewarding when things are going well, but it will not be easy if the opposite is true.

Quoteable Quotes

2008-04-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

I heard this quote at my conference last week and found it online this morning at work and thought I'd post it for all ya'll on this lovely Monday morning. The second one was on the same site and I liked it too-enjoy!

“A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself. He makes his failure certain by himself being the first person to be convinced of it.”

“There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state to another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of life.”
Alexandre Dumas quotes

Snap, Crackel, Pop

2008-04-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, well...I'm still alive surprising myself enough. Life is honestly kind of crazy right now for me with all that I have going on. Today was supposed to be my first day off after two weeks of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off...only, I got into a car accident-so that put a little damper on my day-ugg. I'm fine and they're fine, but it is frustrating; but, that's life. Anyway, I did want to write an update.
Sports-Okay, so I'm totally into the playoffs since the Jazz are so unstable at times, it totally excites me. If you don't keep up-the series is 2-1 for the Jazz against the Rockets and they play in Utah tonight. My families NHL team, the Calgary Flames, lost game 7 to the Sharks earlier in the week so, it's all on the Jazz to bring home the title.
Taxes-This is the last year my dad will be claiming me on his taxes. Since I don't get as much back because of that, nor the $600 government incentive, my dad told me he would pay my ticket to France in September. Thus, all these months I've gone without going anywhere because of school seem worth the pay off of spending my birthday in France-SSSaweeeeeeeT! I'm also going to be going to Nauvoo in the beginning of August for my girl friend Alanna's wedding.

Park City RT Conference-Thursday and Friday were spent up in PC listening to a bunch of talks on respiratory therapy and having great fun with my classmates. There was an evening activity called 'The Sputum Bowl.' Now, I realize the things I find interesting are pretty dorky and or sick to most of you, but even I had to keep some dignity and draw the line-it reminded me of the math geeks on Mean Girls. We went to the outlets instead and then spent the night in our sweet suite;) watching the Jazz and doing the hula (seriously).

They were really enjoying the lectures-lol Brady, Hesse, Me, Scott, Jen I was saying something very important when Beth took this.

Girls night-following the conference, I went and spent the night getting in touch with my inner child doing side walk chalk with my girl friends. We also did our nails while eating chinease food and watching August Rush (I fell asleep even though I love that movie:( ).
Well, life is hectic-but honestly really good; a scratched bumper here or there, but I'm really enjoying where I'm at. I spread myself pretty thin, but I really enjoy everything I am doing with school and work as well as all the people in my life (if you're reading this, it probably includes you); they're my fresh air!

Pimped out profile

2008-04-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

Oh my heck, I finally figured out how to get a background-yay. I have lots to update but haven't had the time. I will post this weekend-it's on my to do list:).
Instructions and backgrounds can be found on, cutestblogontheblock.blogspot.com, if you want to get a new template for your blog. Peace out-it's FRIDAY!!!

The Zoo and Eden

2008-04-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

My dear brother Clarkes presence in Utah made for a fun filled family weekend. Friday we went to the zoo with all the cousins-which was cold but fun. I had to run up to Ogden for class and then back to SLC for Rodizio Grill. Everyone makes such a big deal about their food, but not being a big meat or buffet person myself, I didn't think it was worth the $25 for the full of meat feeling after-but that's just me. The rest of the time was spent up at our cabin in Eden hang'n out. It was the typical Caldwell family affair. We played games that had us laughing until we cried, my brother plugged the toilet (as usual) and was the brunt of many a joke, we road motor bikes, played basketball, and ate M&M's. Also, we have a family tradition that if you fall asleep while everyone is awake-you become the object of entertainment in that you get your nails painted. My Dad fell pray to such an event after a VERY long day of work and cleaning out the garage-he was a good sport.

Lilly and Abby
My boy Owen!
Skunk monkey behind us-the name is fitting.Hattie and Auntie Babee White alligator-the girls loved it!
Silly Silly (said with a lisp)

This is the funniest video of my nieces; I may be a mean auntie, but I laugh every time I watch it.
Listen for the crack of their skulls-poor things!

Health South-a.k.a. my new sugar daddy.

2008-04-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I started another job on Monday at Health South in Sandy doing respiratory therapy; I think it's going to work out pretty sweet (even though it's a commute from Provo). Monday was lame because I had seven hours of sitting in orientation learning about how diversity isn't an old wooden ship used during the civil war, as I had previously thought-LAME! On the bright side, I got paid well to absorb all the crap they had to say in order to keep me from becoming a future liability. Today, I actually got to work-which basically consisted of me checking oxygen saturation's and documenting it with a few breathing treatments. Everything is done on paper-which is seriously old school. It makes me laugh that I get paid over double what I currently make, to check oxygen sats. I'm only working per diem, so it won't be consistent, but it's nice to finally reap the rewards of working hard in school. I still want to get a job at a hospital when I graduate so I can use more of the skills I have learned-blood gasses, intubation, ventilators, infants etc., but for the time being-it's perfect. Next week is going to be insane. I'll be at HS for 36 hours, SecurityMetrics (my other job) at least 8 hours, clinical at IHC 12 hours and school on Friday from 7:00 to 2 (luckily my 3:30-5:30 class is canceled). That's 56 hours of work plus school. Also, I'm missing class this Friday because my brother is coming into town, so I have to make up a pretty big test. Can I just say Oi!' I don't think all my weeks will be as crazy-at least I hope not. I will say though, the more you have to do-the more you get done. It makes sense but seriously, you budget your time better when you don't have a lot of it. Anyways, this weekend should bring pictures of the cutest kids around-stay tuned.

Lost in Thoughts and Hoping For Dreams

2008-04-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

This frequently used quote has been coming to mind today since personally, I could use a little inspirational boost to keep me going. It makes me remember my potential and worth. One of the hardest things I think in life, is that you can only control your actions, your thoughts, your behaviors etc. I look at my life as an adventure that I am the captain of. The winds may not always work in my favor and paddling upstream can be difficult, but I get to choose where I'm going. I feel at times frustrated when people in my life make choices that hurt me and I have to rely on faith and myself to understand and move ahead. Lifes lessons sometimes suck (alliteration), but someone smart once said, they can either be a stepping stone or a stumbling block-it just depends on your point of view. I'm trying see the stepping stones in the smogusborg of emotions and events I've delt/dealing with. Some are as plain as day and I think some are going to take more time and maturity on my behalf, but it's a challenge I welcome.
Have a nice day.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”-Nelson Mandela

Scuba Duba Doo

2008-03-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

I took a scuba lesson yesterday from Teds Scuba in Springville. It costs $10 for about 3 hours of
instruction and play when you have 6 or more people-it's super fun! I love playing in the water and would like to get certified...only it seems to be an expensive form of recreation-someday when I'm a rich therapist:).

Stoned

2008-03-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

This is my niece Averie-I swear I didn't give her any narcotics! This picture is so hilarious, I had to share it. That is all.

Best Friends are the Bestest

2008-03-06T21:51:00.001-08:00

If you know me, then you know Heidi D. Bostrom. She's totally my best friend. Girls need someone they can vent to, someone who will tell them if they have something big and green in their teeth, someone who will sing Moulin Rouge and/or Carry Underwoods Before He Cheats at the top of their lungs with you. Ya, that's Heidi. Now that I'm in my twenty third year of life, I value my friendships greatly due to the ever increasing number of those who get married and feel the need to go off to greener pastures. When Heidi or I decide to tie the knot-that will suck...at least there's always game night and chick flicks. We wouldn't be able to get matching undies anymore though-lol.

Cherishing Our Little Ones

2008-02-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

One of the coolest things I've experienced thus far during my clinical rotations, is to witness babies being brought into the world. I felt like today was my lucky day when we were called in to assist in a meconium delivery. Upon entrance into the room moments prior to delivery, I noticed what seemed to be the father sitting on the couch far away from the action. I figured he may be a wee bit squeamish with the blood and guts. We asked how he was doing and he nonchalauntly said-oh, I'm fine. During the entire birthing process the dad stayed on the opposite side of the room. He didn't help his wife push or come see the baby once out and he gave no words of encouragement or admiration. The mothers sister was there and came to take pictures with her camera phone and oohed and awed over the little one. It was so odd to me that the father seemed to not care in the least bit. I thought that maybe they were going through a divorce or maybe the parents were not legally tied at all and he was just there to sign the adoption papers. Later, I went to the cafe for an english muffin and found the 'dad' and sister getting food as well. I told them they needed to celebrate and then one of the cafe workers asked about their new baby and if it was his first-he said no, it was their fourth. WHAT A CRAP HEAD OF A HUSBAND! And who knows what type of a father. In honor of the little blessings in my life, I am also including photos of my cute nieces and nephew-they bring so much joy and are so much fun; I can't imagine being so apathetic towards such a beautiful gift.

A first

2008-02-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I have a myspace page, a facebook profile and heck...why not a blog as well? I don't really feel like my life is all that interesting but look at it more of a online journal. I enjoy looking at my friends blogs and figure if anyone gets bored enough, they can look at my profile (currently I'm bored at work).
p.s. if you know me, then you know I can't spell and have poor grammar so if something is wrong on my page and it bothers you-let me know and I'll fix it, otherwise, it is what it is:).