Tis the Season

Today is just the beginning of my full time week here at iTOK. 8 hours. In 1 day. Doing the same thing. Mostly hanging up on answering machines. Occasionally giving Comcast customers orientations which they don't even want to begin with. Some people are fun and interesting to talk to, others are... well... not. Of course, it is the week of Christmas and those that are home (which are few and far between) are preparing for guests and don't have the time or interest to talk to me. Which is fine, its not like I blame them... I probably wouldn't want to talk to me either.
Before coming into work today, I decided to grab a book. Uncle Tom's Cabin. Never read it before it, but its a classic so I figured I probably should, especially since I own it. Why I own it, I'm not really sure. I know my Mom bought it for me along with another book or two a while back, but I can't remember why. Oh well. I hope its good.
My apartment is very decorated, and I love it. For pictures, see my facebook. Or text me, I have pictures on my phone too - but unfortunately, those aren't very good quality. I've got a super cute table setting - all items I bought for way cheap, of course. And my Mommy sent me tons of decorations and goody ingredients. So that has helped to bring the Christmas spirit despite the fact that we'll be away from family for the actual holiday.
Also, Wes and I have decided to carry out one of my most favorite traditions I did with my family as a kid - the Elves. We leave our shoes in the bathroom every night for a week before Christmas and the "elves" come and give us little goodies! Its way fun - and Wesley really seems to be enjoying it.
And, last night we had a mini-Christmas with Wes's family since they'll be leaving soon for Boise. We had a nice dinner, sang Christmas carols, and opened our family present. Instead of all of the siblings buying gifts for each other, we all pitched in to buy a Wii. So we played for a few hours last night - it was tons of fun. :)
Oh! And I'm making a wonderful dinner for Christmas! Ali gave me all of the recipes and I'm very excited to make my very own Christmas dinner in my very own place! We're saving most of our presents to open up on Christmas day as well. And hopefully, we'll be able to make it to Temple Square to see the lights; I've never seen them before and I'm excited!
My company Christmas party was awesome too - We went to Tuccanos - a Brazillian buffet place where they cut the meet off at your plate. WONDERFUL. Anyway, tons of gifts were given away - I just got a gift card to Chilis, which will make its contribution to our Christmas date (our present to each other) so it worked out quite nicely.
All in all, I'm feeling pretty good-and very grateful for my many blessings. I love the holiday season, and even though its hard to be positive sometimes, missing my family and all - I know I am blessed.

Jobs, Internships, School, Etc.

I got the internship! I'll be working at a center called Kids On The Move, and working with children ages 0-3 with developmental disorders, and their families. They said there are lots of positions they would like me to help with, and my school schedule works perfectly (I'm taking night classes). I explained to them my situation with the possibility of losing my job and the recommendation of my supervisor in a different position - for a full time position. I told them that I really wanted the internship, but I need a job as well (the internship only pays $100/ month, but that's not bad for an internship). They said they understood, that they really wanted me, and that they would hold off and offering anyone else the position until they found out that I couldn't do it. I emailed my supervisor the next day and asked if I would have a job if I didn't get the customer service position... He told me not to worry and that we would work it out. He said there's several other people he would be willing to lose before letting me go. Then later, I went and talked to the customer service guy and did a little training. I don't think I would hate the job, and I'd get to work by Laney... But, I told them about the internship and he wasn't sure if they needed someone full time or not, so they're supposed to get back to me on that.
I think it'll be better for me to work here anyway since I already know what's going on, and it's more flexible and allows me to do homework when I need to, etc.
OH! AND I get to work full time + over Christmas break. Which probably doesn't sound very exciting for most people (and truth be told, its probably going to be two of the most boring weeks of my life) but I'm really happy about it! We need the money desperately...

Job possibilities

I mentioned in my last post that I would be looking for another job. Today, my supervisor informed me that he has recommended me for a customer service position (for iTOK, not for Comcast) in the next building. A few minutes later, 2 of the supervisors from the [more solidly] iTOK department walked on over and ran me through a quick little interview. My supervisor said that I struck him as somebody that would be able to handle angry customers well and not be easily offended by things they said - since I would be dealing with those looking to cancel. I don't know for sure if I'd particularly want a job like this, though it could give me good experience, more hours, it pays well so more money, benefits, I wouldn't have to job hunt, etc. Its something I am considering although its not exactly something I've been dreaming about.
I don't know. I guess we'll see. I really hope I don't burn myself out...

Thanksgiving til now.

Thanksgiving had to have been the most amazing thing that has happened to me in the last few months. It was beautiful. The break, the family, the food.. Ah, the memories. :)
I didn't have any school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday... And no work on those days either. I was originally supposed to work on Wednesday, but apparently, very few people want to get installed with Comcast during Thanksgiving break, so... there was nobody to call. That night we went over to Wes's parents house, played games and brought his little sister, Charlee how to sleep at our house.
I woke up early the next morning to make some side dishes for the big meal. Then we had a Ruggles' brunch at a restaurant across the street from our apartment (planned by those who don't know where we lived). When we showed up with our skateboards, everyone got a good kick out of it.
Right after that, we went to Wes's parents house where we had an amazing dinner and a fun little "murder mystery" with Wes's Uncle John and his family. The story was a little odd, to say that least but... it was pretty fun.
That night we went over to my Aunt Teresa's for pie and to visit them and my Uncle Ray and his family. We watched a movie with the other cousins, and it was also really fun!
We stayed at his parent's house that night and woke up at 4 AM to go find a Wii system and games for his family's big present. Instead of buying gifts for each other, we're all pitching in toward a Wii. So we split up Friday morning to divide and conquer. We got everything we wanted. Later that day we went to our second Thanksgiving dinner at Keri's place in Provo. That was amazing too, of course. Unfortunately Wes had to leave early and go to work, so I just got a ride home with Brian.
Since then we've found out that we will not be able to go anywhere for Christmas. Not Oklahoma, not Texas, not Idaho, not anywhere but here. It was hard to accept at first, I miss my family and I don't know when I'll be able to see them again. But then again, Wes and I need to stay and work. Besides, people tip better around Christmas... so hopefully that'll help. :) We'll be able to have our first married Christmas with just each other. I decided that I am going to decorate like crazy and make a big and wonderful dinner. I bought some super cute Christmas place mats on Black Friday for 60% off. I think I'm going to buy some $1/yard material for the table cloth and some dollar general for some pretty and cheap plates and stuff. Only problem is... I have no idea what to make! Any suggestions?! I need all I can get.
Anyhow, Wes is loving his job (most days), he loves the interaction he gets to have with so many people. I am currently looking for a new job... They're doing cut backs here and even though my boss said he wants to keep me, it doesn't mean that he can... And we can't afford me losing my job now. Not to mention, I'm getting pretty tired of it. Its quite redundant.
That's about it for now. Seems like all of my posts end up crazy long, so I apologize to those who read them.

I'm feeling pretty good today. Wes woke up not feeling well and I had to wake up and get ready for school alone... at 6:00. Motivation was lacking, but I did it. I made it to school for 2 of my 3 classes... Then I came home. Did some homework. Spent some time with Wes, took him to work and had lunch with his mom and sister... while he waited on us. He did really good... I thought. Its hard for him because serving is so much different than any of the other jobs he's ever had. But he's good with people, he has GREAT customer service. I know he'll do great.
I spent the next 3 hours (roughly) running errands with my mother-in-law. I don't think we've ever spent so much time alone together... I've done things with the family when Wes isn't around, but never really with just his Mom. It was fun. We laughed a lot. And got a lot done. ...I'm so glad I get along so well with my in-laws.
I'm excited for next week! Not only is it a short school week; but I don't have work on Thursday or Friday either! (I try not to think about the fact that I'll be making up those hours on Tuesday and Wednesday.) Besides, THANKSGIVING! And FAMILY! We're having Thanksgiving with Wes's family this year which I'm excited to learn about some of their traditions and things. In fact, I was with his Mom when she bought the charcoal turkey roaster (We were going to buy a fryer, but since Wes's uncle is allergic to the stuff you inject, we decided roasting might taste better; besides, it was cheaper). We're doing a murder mystery game too! I got the invitation today at lunch.
AND my aunt and uncle from my Mom's side are going to be in town (well, in county). As well as 2 aunts, 2 uncles, and a Papa - For a second Thanksgiving on Friday.
Anyhow, I'm excited. And that's all I really had to say about it. :)

Sick at work.

Yes, it is true. I am quite sick. But still at work. But what choice do we have at this point? None. I doubt I'll make my entire shift. In fact, I already haven't. I was sure to allow myself to sleep in (I need all the rest I can get, of course) and I came in as soon as I was awake and ready. The plan is to stay as long as I can handle it. I've been here for a little more than an hour now, and I'm feeling ok. I thought I was going to die last night. In fact, I was hoping my head would explode and release some of the pressure. It hurt so bad I was crying. And that didn't help anything, of course. Ugh. I hate being sick. This better not be the flu. I got the flu shot and everything! I know, I know... Those don't always work. But it sure would be nice if they did.

2nd interview

The interview went great! It was an intense one with role playing and questions about problem solving. I've never been to an interview like that before. Now that I think of it, I've been to very few actual interviews.
Anyway, they told me that I am in the top 3 candidates, so that makes me feel pretty good about it. I sure hope I get it...

Jobs and Internships

Just a few things to update on...
Wesley got the job at Wingers! He starts next week. I'm still working as much as possible though because we aren't sure how many hours he'll get or how long it will take for him to get in the system, etc. Luckily it hasn't been affected my school work too badly because of the lacking number of people to call so I'm able to do my homework here. (Yes, yes... I'm getting paid to do my homework, blog, and make a phone call or two each hour. Not bad.)
I also had an interview for an internship today for a Family Support and Treatment Center. I'm pretty excited about it. It seemed to go well... I even get a second interview on Thursday! That means I made it pass the "preliminaries!" The foundation is a non profit organization that works with preventing child abuse as well as with the victims and their families. Its seems like it could be good... I sure hope it works out!
But as for now, I need to get back to making a few more calls and doing more homework...

Update.

Its been quite some time since I've done a post, and work is, well... boring, to say the least. I work at a call center and we don't have anyone to call. (Pathetic, I agree.) Those who don't NEED the money don't come in so its even extra barren. Unfortunately this idea doesn't quite work for us right now. Wesley recently lost his job and is in search of a new one. He had an interview at a restaurant (Wingers, for those of you who have heard of it) as a server. It seems pretty promising but we won't hear back until Monday. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.
We're both going to school right now at UVU and are as busy as ever. I do homework ALL the time, I never really get a break. In fact, I have my notebook right here in front of me (while at work) so that I can study. One of my classes is killing me; the rest are pretty ok though. Wes is enjoying his program. It can be frustrating (for both of us) though when things don't go quite right or when something unexpected happens to the vehicle, which seems to have been happening a lot lately...
It has actually been quite nice having Wes home for more than an hour at a time. As it was with his old job, he was going to school from 7-noon and work from 1-9. Hopefully his next job will be a little bit more lenient. And hopefully he'll be able to get off for a few days around Christmas so that we can actually spend it with my family (crosses fingers).
The weather was actually quite beautiful for about a month or so... But now... Now its snowing. And its cold. And I'm just not ready for it! Give me another month at least! Geeze.
Oh! I get my patriarchal blessing on Saturday and I couldn't be more exciting! Wesley's grandparents are coming down from Boise and since his Grandpa is a patriarch and I am officially a member of the family... He gets to give it to me. :)

Pictures of the Wind Caves

Its been a while.

...BUT, this is honestly the first time that I have had an opportunity to post.

Let's see... We are back in Utah, safe and sound. We went and visited my family for a couple days before we took off, which was a blast. The drive only took us 2 days this time... We were kinda in a hurry. We got back on Wednesday night, spent Thursday registering for school, getting our car fixed, relaxing and repacking.

We left on Friday for a backpacking trip outside of Idaho Falls, ID at Darby Canyon. We spent another 6 hours in the car and started our 2 mile hike up the canyon to where we were camping that night. I did pretty well at the beginning (I thought); I paced my self well... Slow and steady, right? Wrong. A storm came in and we had to race to camp. Of course Wes and Nathan (one of our friends from Idaho Falls that just got back from his mission a few months ago) literally ran up, found a spot and set up... coming back to the rest of us to help us carry our packs. It was kinda scary to me because a group of Young Women had hiked up there a few years back when a big storm came through and a handfull of them died from getting struck by lightning... There's a monument for them and everything. Luckily we were able to find a nice place and set up our tents and such without too much of a problem. We had a nice spiritual conversation (for lack of a better word) that night and I decided what I want to do for the rest of my life: Be a substance abuse counselor. I'm so excited that I finally know! And I can't wait to start taking the more specialized classes!

That night when I was trying to sleep, I learned a whole new meaning of the term: Restless Leg Syndrom. I already knew that I had it; most of my immediate family does. My legs will ache and yearn to move sometimes when I'm trying to sleep, especially when I've had a busy day... But that night was nothing like what I had known. I had only been asleep for a few minutes when I woke up in excrutiating pain. And I mean EXCRUCIATING. I could not keep my legs in one position for more than a couple seconds before they began to hurt and I had to move them. This wasn't like any hurt though... It was every muscle, every bone, every tendon, every blood cell, skin cell, everything! I woke Wes up after a little while to ask if it was a normal occurence after a big hike (he's done a lot of hiking). It wasn't. I started to cry, so he went to ask his Dad. His Dad has restless leg too so he gave some pain killer to Wes to give to me and I slept the rest of the night.

The next morning we hiked a little ways up to this huge cave known as the Wind Caves. In order to get into the cave, we had to cross this waterfall a million feet in the air (or so it seemed to me) on loose rocks... I seriously thought I was going to die. I soaked my feet competely in the water because I didn't trust many of the rocks that were protruding out of the water. We comando crawled through spaces where we had to take our day packs off (smaller than regular backpacks) in order to fit. We walked along 4 inch cliffs, clinging to the wall so we wouldn't fall to our deaths in a 30 foot pit. We had to climb up and slide over a random glacier in the middle. It was freezing... My hands, feet and legs were completely soaked. I had a claustrophobic break. My arms and legs were bruised from all the crawling. I ALMOST DIED! A thousand times! But I loved it! It was so much fun! I can't wait to go again! There was too much water from the snow run off to be able to see the entire cave. There was a part that Wes repelled down, but was unable to go anywhere after that. I saw more waterfalls than I've seen in my enire life. But apparently we didn't get to see the most beautiful one. I think we're going again later in the summer, hopefully it'll be a little easier for me.

The hike down was wonderful. Charlee is a little fireball. She pretty much ran down the canyon... Wes stayed with her. I walked by myself for much of the way, taking pictures and enjoying the peaceful beauty. I will post pictures later.

That night was the 4th of July. We went to a bbq at Nathan's house then watched the fireworks in Idaho Falls which was an absolutely amazing show. Probably the best I've ever seen. We stayed in a hotel with the rest of the family, and went to their old ward the next day. They went back, but we spent the rest of the day and Monday in Rexburg with friends. So much fun! I have so many more friends there in Idaho, but school for us is here... And I'm sure that I'll make more friends the longer we're here.

We got home Monday night. Spent Tuesday and Wednesday doing homework and looking for jobs. And left on Thursday for a family reunion in McCall, Idaho. Another 8 hour drive. But this post is already ridiculously long, so I'll write about that later.

P.S. I have a job! But it doesn't start until August, and its only temporary for now. For the book rush at the UVU bookstore. I could potentially work there after that, but there isn't any certainty. Its nice to know that I WILL have a job, but we really need money now, so... the search continues.

Waiting, always waiting...

Yesterday Wes's boss, Dan, texted him and told him that they needed to talk. Luckily, Dan lives in the office that I work in so Wes brought me to work, came in with me and talked to Dan.
Well... The salesmen in our office aren't selling nearly as much as they should be (a fact, we are very well aware of) and as it turns out, Corporate is making Dan let go of two more techs on top of the 4 that have already left. One of the two volunteered to go home because his 1 install a day ($60-$80) just wasn't enough to provide for his wife and brand new baby, especially with rent as expensive as it is. So now Dan has to pick 1 guy to send home. He doesn't want to lose anyone, but it isn't really up to him anymore. Right now its between Wes and Ryan... The only two people who didn't pass the tests for their Fire Alarm lisence.
Dan said the only way that he would send us home is if he knew we had jobs lined up. Wes is an amazingly good technician; it's his first year and he's keeping up with many of the 2nd and 3rd year guys. But since Wes's family is there, Dan feels like we would have something to go home to, whereas Ryan really wouldn't... Which I completely understand. We would be ok if we had to go home. His parents already said we could stay with them until we found jobs and got an apartment, etc. so we're considering just biting the bullet and going. The suspense of not knowing is driving us both crazy, and the stress is really getting to Wes's health (stomach ulcer, TMJ).
Besides, rent here is ridiculous, Wes has to eat out every single day, and We spend close to $100 in gas every single week. We aren't making as much as we thought we would, and we definitely aren't saving as much. Of course we're better off here than we were in UT, but that'll give us a better start for going back.
Platinum would give us travel money back and since we would be getting laid-off instead of being fired, Dan said that he would get us our back end checks/bonuses.
We're also going to try and trade in our car for something American made (cheaper to maintain), with lower payments and lower insurance rates. Hopefully a truck of some kind that handles well in the snow and is capable of pulling moderate loads. (Not to mention the extra space we'd have to get all of our stuff home.)
Our marriage definitely hasn't been an easy one. We've been tossed around from place to place and I really am ready to head back to Utah, start school and begin living a more stable life. Maybe that really is what we need to do...

I stepped on a scale yesterday and I really shouldn't have..

Luckily, I don't think I look like I've gained as much as I have... But I can't deny it. I have. It's not the numbers that get to me though... Its the never ending feeling if "Blah". I'm excited for fall semester. Utah is a beautiful place and fall is the perfect time to be outside and do fun things. I'll be going to school full time and working too; being busy will help for sure.
I want to go the gym (we have one at your complex less than a minute walk from our apartment), but I want to go with Wes. We were going to start this week, but my poor baby got a tummy ulcer. :( But he promised that once he's better we'll go for sure. Apparently he's been wanting to go too.
Speaking of Wes's ulcer. He still won't go to the doctor because he doesn't want to spend the money, which I honestly do understand. I'm just worried that it'll get worse. But he talked to his parents (both of which have had at least one stomach ulcer) and they ordered him some remedy online and are having it shipped to us. I feel better about it now that something is being done about it. And we're both learning a lot about what kinds of foods are acidic, which may or may not come in handy again later in life.
I was able to go with him yesterday to work. He was in a lot of pain the day before and I wanted nothing more than to be with him. I don't think yesterday was as bad for him, he was a lot more careful about what he ate. Though, I think I might have had something to do with that. lol. I love that boy to death, I can't wait for him to get better.

My first taste of wifelihood.

I'm sure that I made up that word. But it only makes sense. I can't say "motherhood" because I'm not a mother, just a wife.
Wes and I tried to go to sleep last night around 11. I knew he wasn't feeling well, but I figured some sleep would do him good and he'd feel better in the morning. Well, he tossed and turned and mumbled random things for about an hour until he jolted upright and went to the restroom. I sat there for a few minutes wide awake when I asked him if I could get him anything. He asked for a bagel sandwhich. So I made him one and I sat on the couch with him while he ate it. It worried me how delirious he seemed. He kept repeating himself over and over... Then the fact that he had a sandwhich in front of him surprised him at least two or three times.
When we went back to bed, he started telling me about this pain in his stomach and how he's had it for 3-4 weeks now. Then he went on describing all these other symptoms that he'd been having... So I, of course, googled it.
I'm pretty sure that he has a stomach ulcer. Most of the symptoms and a lot of the causes make sense. I had him drink a lot of water, but that didn't seem to help. At 1:00, he still wasn't asleep so I made a Wal-Mart run for some meds... except I didn't know what to buy. I felt incompetent. I'd never had to do this before. I'd just tell my Mommy what was wrong and she would give me what I needed. It probably took me at least a half hour of reading every box in the Stomach/Heart/Acid area for me to decide what to get. I came home with 3 options: PepcidAC, GasX, and Tylenol (the only pain killer we had was Ibuprofin and I already know that's bad for your stomach). I gave him the options and he chose GasX. Pepcid AC is mostly for heartburn and he didn't trust the pain killer. He said it didn't take the pain away, but it helped him sleep.
We woke up this morning and his pain had lessened a little, but it would go in surges. I tried to convince him to stay home from work today and go to the doctor, but he wouldn't. We don't have insurance right now and he's afraid of how much the bills will be. Better safe than sorry, if you ask me. I did some more research online today so hopefully that'll help convince him.

Day-to-Day

I'm sitting at work with next to nothing to do. Just another day in my life. At least the calls are coming today, even if they aren't very steady... It's a thousand times better when they don't come at all. Up until about 5 minutes ago, all 3 of us OA's were in here (far more than necessary at this point, but much more enjoyable) and Amy wasn't even on the clock. Being here, with people and internet access definitely outweighs being at home alone without our husbands.
In the last couple weeks, we've discovered that I can go out installing with Wes on the days that I work mornings (usually 2 consecutive days a week). The day after those two days are always the worst... And that day just happens to be today. Luckily we got to spend an hour or two together this morning before he had to head out, but I have a feeling that I'll be asleep by the time he gets home tonight.
Its amazing how much difference 2 days can make in our attitudes. Plus, I love learning how to work on a team with him. And, all of our customers think its the cutest thing that we get to work together. So do I. :)
I've missed Texas, but somehow I don't really remember it being so hot during the summers. It's days like these that make me miss Idaho like you wouldn't believe. I have yet to experience the summers in Utah, but I imagine they're beautiful.
I know its beautiful in the fall, which is exciting since I'll be living there and attending school at UVU. I can't wait! I'm having trouble waiting to start the apartment and job search. I have such a hard time not knowing what's going to happen. Wes spends a lot of words trying to tell me that there's plenty of time and that everything is going to be ok, that we'll find an apartment and jobs... But I'm a worrier. What can I say?