Pure Coffee

The other day I went to the Coffee Bean to get myself a treat.  I asked what they had with no coffee in it.  He suggested the blended drinks, and told me I could just pick a flavor.  I chose chocolate hazelnut.  As I walked out the door with my drink, something wasn't right.  Is that coffee?  I can't tell.  To me, coffee and chocolate taste very similar.  I took a few more sips and decided I had better go back in and ask.  I asked the one who prepared it, and she said it did have coffee in it.  I said that I had wanted a no coffee drink and that's what I had asked for.  She looked at me like I was stupid and said, "You never said pure."  What?  How was I supposed to know their magic words?  To me, no coffee means no coffee.

REI was pleasure today.

I worked at REI again today.  There were about 8 people in line.  Since it is the Saturday of our Anniversary Sale, we were very busy.  A very disgruntled customer came up my coworker and said, "Do I really have to wait in this line?  I have a problem with my stuff."  She replied that he did, and he stormed off.  People, I work at Customer Service.  Everyone has some sort of issue going on.  When it was his turn, I was the one to help him.  Heaven help me!  He approached the desk and said, "I hate this store.  You sold me the wrong items!"  He then THREW his stuff at me!  No exaggeration.  My manager was helping a customer right next to me, and said, "You will not throw things at my employees!"  He would have escorted him out, but we can't prevent him from making a return.  Andy also told him that he can take his future business elsewhere.  I processed the return, and the whole time he was telling me how much he hated us and the store, and how he was never going to shop here again.  I was trying to be as patient as I could.  What makes it my fault that he bought the "wrong" items?  I wasn't there.  I can't believe he threw his stuff at me!

A few minutes later, he showed up with more stuff to buy.  I had to walk away.  I was not going to help him again, and thank goodness we were like quadruple covered.  I needed a breather. 

I was told later what happened.  Well, he didn't throw his stuff this time.  He wanted to use a member's only coupon.  Ann told him he couldn't, since he wasn't a member.  He stormed away in a huff, leaving his stuff on the counter.  Ann put it in the restock bin.  A couple minutes later, he showed a third time, saying he wanted to buy the stuff anyway.  I hope I never see him again.  Where was Andy for this?

Mili, a Softgoods Specialist, was cleaning out a dressing room and started to put the clothes away.  She kept smelling something putrid, and looked down to see poop smeared on the socks she was holding.  Who does that?!

I am safe at home now, away from all the crazies who visit REI.

It was just one of those kind of days... (5/28/2010)

I woke up nauseous for the (I don't know how many) days in a row.  And a wee bit anxious.  I still haven't figured out how I am getting to Utah in a couple of weeks.  The shuttle's schedule is very inconvenient for allowing me to spend maximum time with my family.  I am trying to find another option.  Medical appoinments are too expensive.  And I feel like I am blowing up like a balloon.  I sure that mean that the time of month is coming soon. 

I was having issues printing something.  I didn't get to eat breakfast and I was late to work.  By the time I got to the huddle, I was in tears.  Surprise, surprise.  It was embarrassing.  I was trying to wipe away the tears before anyone noticed.  I am so glad that no commented.  That would have opened the flood gates. 

A couple hours into my shift, I got an interesting return situation.  A couple of guys had just got back from camping in Zion and had some returns.  When I say some, I mean a lot of returns.  Our policy is "100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed," no questions asked.  We say if you are not satisfied, bring it back.  This was not a satisfaction issue.  The camping trip was over, and they wanted their money back.  These guys returned $850 worth of used gear.  They abused our policy!  and there was nothing I could do about it, except for notify a manager and flag their account.  They won't be shopping at REI anymore.  Ann, the one who used to hate me, had steam coming out of her ears.  She told me that she was glad that I was the one who handled those customers.  She was about ready to tell them what fer and then poke their eyes out with a dull pencil.  She did intervene to tell them that we do have a rental department. Some people!  It was hard for me not to take this personally.  Jerks!

The rest of my day went better.  My dad surprised me by bringing me lunch to work, and we went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner.  Dad's treat.

Lifestyle and Depression

I think that since now I am not on my SSRI's anymore, it is more important that I be good to my body.  According to a Celexa half-life chart I made in boredom the other day, I have less than 0.039 mg left in my body.  I definitely feel more emotions.  I was reading some articles in a magazine from my grandparent's house, and there were like 4 articles on what one can do to decrease or eliminate depression symptoms.  I have known all this stuff before, but I didn't pay much attention to it until now. 

So, I am going to start exercising again.  (I have been really lazy lately.  It's hard to want to get out there when it's 95 degrees out.)  We all know that exercising releases endorphins into the body.  I need that with my recent cut in serotonin.  I thought that this quote was very interesting:

"For people being treated for depression with antidepressants, a 2007 study done by Dr. James Blumenthal, a professor of medical psychology at Duke University, found that patients that exercised regularly had a comparable reduction in depression symptoms (about 60-65%) as patients who were treated with antidepressants or combined antidepressants and exercise."

Besides my sweet tooth, I eat pretty well.  An article suggested that people who are prone to depression  should not deprive themselves of carbs.  I had no idea that carbs increase serotonin levels in the brain.  That is not to say that I should go on a carb-binge.  Omega-3 fatty acids and folate also help to stave of depression symptoms.  Where's my banana?!

Note:  I have not been feeling depressed since I went off my SSRI.  However, I feel I need to make some lifestyle change nevertheless.

Update

As I was driving home from work today, I got a call from Britta.  No itinerary yet, BUT she sent me my Visa application to start filling out.  She said that that way, as soon as I get my flight info, I can send the application off right away. 

This morning I realized, I am leaving in a month!  I can't believe it!  I cried today because I was so excited!  My new favorite hobby has been to get teary eyed for every emotion.  Let's make a party of it.

I just can't believe it!  I am actually moving to Taiwan!

Busy Friday

The Anniversary Sale for REI started today.  I have never had such a fast/tiring day at REI.  It was a whirlwind.  The place was packed.

We had a YSA (Young Single Adult) Regional Dance tonight.  Even though it was an hour away, Tiffany and I went.  We got there 45 minutes late, and there was hardly anyone there and no music.  After sitting around for 30 minutes, we decided to leave and grab a bite to eat.  The party had started by the time we got back.  I have decided that I am not one for large crowds, loud noise, and hot cultural halls.  I met a lot of new people, or I should say guys (from the speed-dating segment).  There are a lot of crazies in the world.  Ode to Singles Wards.  My ward made t-shirts for the softball tournament tomorrow.  It considers us "66% Less Creepy Than Your Average Singles Ward."  It couldn't be more true. 

On the way home, we stopped by U-Swirl.  A perfect ending to a pretty good day.  I can't even tell that my parents are out of town again. 

Favorite quotes of the evening:
A few girls were standing together talking and Melissa comes up. "Uh, this isn't lesbian-dating..."  She was obviously disgusted with our non-guy-mingling group.
"Can I have a meatball sandwich on flat bread?"  How does that work?  Subway boy was confused too.
"I want to get Reese's and Peach Mango Tart ice cream." Sick.

I loved laughing to tears.  I was super giggly tonight.

Why am I still up?  Goodnight.

This is my 50th post! - Taiwan Update

Britta called me yesterday.  On my application I put that I wanted to fly out of Salt Lake City and on my contract I put Las Vegas.  I was supposed to have my flight scheduled by now, but the inconsistencies that I created caused a bit of confusion.  I am really eager to know when I am leaving.  She predicted that I would know at the beginning of next week. 

Training has been officially scheduled for June 10th and 11th.  Woot!  This is all becoming so real.  It's exciting. 

Grateful

I feel very grateful today.  I saw that my dad taped a Dr. Phil episode about anorexia/bulimia, and I decided to watch it tonight.  So, I am sitting here bawling my eyes out.  I am surprised by how emotional I am getting over this.  I remember so clearly the trap that I was in.  How I felt that there was no hope for me.  I understand that fear in her eyes. 

I feel so happy that I don't live like that anymore.  I am so grateful to the people who helped provide a way for me to receive treatment.  I feel grateful for all of my supportive friends and family.  I feel so grateful that I could go to Center for Change.  I feel grateful that it was not a refeeding center.  It was a place to treat the whole person, not just the body.  I feel grateful to my treatment team who wouldn't put up with my silly games.  I feel grateful for people who believe that you can fully recover from an eating disorder.  I have been out of the Center for almost two years, and I am going strong.

Why don't you just take all of my money?

This morning, I was trying to figure out what my insurance vision benefits are.  Um, almost non-existant.  To me it didn't seem to matter whether I have insurance or not.  Either way, my path to getting contacts/glasses is going to be an expensive one.  There were a ton of different copays just to get glasses and that doesn't count the glasses themselves.  Ah!  It was getting really frustrating.  I really don't want to have to pay close to $400 dollars.  So, I am basically going to do the bare minimum.  No new glasses for me.  The old one's will have to do.  I can only figure out how to cut the figure in half.  Sigh.

Can I say that I am not impressed with Las Vegas professional's phone etiquette.  I called three different offices today and they were all rude.  What the heck face?  Maybe I am just sensitive.  I decided to schedule an appointment with the Eye Doctor I saw in Rexburg.

Celexa

Hi, my name is Meg and I use Celexa (an SSRI).  I have been clean for one week now.  So far, so good.

Daddy be happy

The past week or so, things have been different with dad regarding Taiwan.  I think he has finally accepted that I am going and he can't do anything about it.  He has stopped trying to talk me out of it, and telling me that he knows best. 

We haven't had many conversations about it lately, but the ones we have had have been neutral, if not slightly positive.  He is not excited about me going by any means, but he can ask questions without getting upset. 

It feels so good.

Mormon Messages: My New Life

My New Life
This is a video about Stephanie Neilson. I follow her blog and she has been very inspiring. With all that she has been through, she still has a positive outlook on life. She remembers what is most important.

Han is Hilarious!

"If I was cool, I would be able to play them all."
Check out that monkey-arm action. Impressive, if I do say so myself.

Bless you Walmart!

Day one in Florida, Han and I got groceries for the week at Walmart.  On day two we found ourselves at Walmart for very different reason: biker shorts and Desitin.  Yes, you read right, diaper rash cream.  Because that's what I had, except not from a diaper.  I don't wear those. 

Hannah and I went to Disney and walked all day long.  I chose to wear brand new shoes.  Three blisters on one foot and four on the other, and I can now call them "el sandals del diablo."  But that was the least of my worries.  My thighs rub when I walk.  It's a fact of life, and I can accept that.  For some reason, that day my thighs rubbed until they bled.  I wasn't prepared for what came next.  I am not sure how it happened, but I developed a two inch wide rash on my underwear line.  It burned!!!!!!!  I can now empathize with babies. 

Bless you Walmart!  Thank you for having tools to ease my suffering.  Hannah thought the situation was hilarious.  The Desitin and the biker shorts did the trick.  When we went to Disney on day five, I was a much happier camper.

Day 5

This day we went to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.  Thank you Kari!  I loved Animal Kingdom!!!!!!!!!!!!  We went on the Safari twice.  Me like!

Can you tell I like giraffes?

The tree of life.

A Bug's Life

This one scares me.

Praying for Forgiveness.  I'm sorry I was possessed by the Mad Hatter.

Aaarrrr!

Splash Mountain. The entire time we were in line, we spoke in Southern/Western accents.  The poor little girl in front of us was confused by it. 

Conversation:

"Will we get wet on this ride?" (Meg)

"Was it too wet for you on the Bug's Life Ride?"

"No..."

"Then you will be fine. :)"

I wasn't fine!!!!!!!!  I did this for you, Han.

Hannah calls this "The Barbarian"

 

and this "The Dainty One"

What can I say? Estoy Hambre!

                                                

Day 4

After a long and interesting day at church, we went pool hopping at Disney's Old Key West Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort.  The water slides were the shiz.

She is ...

Crop me out of this pic.

We rode Tram and explored the Grand Floridian Resort.  It was classy.

At the Polynesian Resort

Florida Sunset.  Since I got home on Tuesday (to Nevada), I have been mourning the green and lush of Florida.

My favorite pic of the trip.

Day 3

On Saturday, we went to St. Petersburg, I mean, Clearwater Beach.  Supposedly, it is supposed to take an hour and a half to get there.  It took us four.  Hannah was getting frustrated, but I was as happy as a bee.  I kept thinking how lucky I was to spend so much quality time with Han.

I thought this was a neat picture.

You may need a magnifying glass for this one.

"Tips for the alien"

Day 2

John got us into Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

This is us waiting for John.

My very first Kitchen Sink (Eight Scoops of Ice Cream served with all the Toppings in the house and a whole can of Whipped Cream)!  Oh Boy!

Can you tell I am tired?  I don't have enough brain power to elaborate.  At a later time.

Florida Adventures with Hannah! Day 1

After spending all day traveling, Hannah and I went to Cirque du Soleil-La Nouba.  Her friend got us light booth seats and gave us a backstage tour following the show. 

We were brought here to wait before being led to our seats.  Hannah promptly buckled-up.

The show was fanstastic.  Thank you Hannah!  Thank you Ryan!

After the show we walked around Downtown Disney.

I told him...

He looked at me like I had told a joke.  I said that I was serious.  He turned and walked away. 

We will see what lies ahead tomorrow.

I read the contract, and I have a few questions for Britta.  As soon as those are cleared up, it will be settled.

I told my managers today (REI).  They are excited for me; everyone is, except him.  It makes me sad. 

The Plan

Also subject to change.

I applied to teach in Taiwan for a six month period, but if I like it, I intend to stay an entire year.

I want to go to grad school in the fall 2011.  I decided on Social Work at BYU.  Hopefully they will take me.  I think that deep down, I know what I want.  It's when I process ideas with certain people that I get confused.

So, Taiwan is June 2010 to June/July 2011.
Grad School starts August/September.

It would be nice to vacation for two months in between taiwan and grad school, but knowing myself, that may be dangerous for my budget.  It would also be nice to get a job during that time.  But, no one hires someone that short a time, or at least I thought.

I came up with a brilliant solution.  As a teenager, I never had the opportunity to attend EFY.  I think you know where I am going with this.  I could apply to be an EFY counselor!  I don't know if they allow this, or if this is possible, but ideally I would do about 4 weeks of this.

So there you have it.  Pretty exciting, eh!

My Decision

(Subject to change, because let's be honest, I do that sometimes.)

I have decided that I am going to go to Taiwan.  I am really excited about it.  I got accepted into the program about two weeks ago, but I didn't want to plan on anything because I wasn't sure what to do about it.  I feel really comfortable with my decision.  

I realized the other day that I make decisions easier when I don't rely on certain people to help me know what to do.  Every time I do this, I end up more confused than I was before.  Other people are very supportive in whatever I choose to do, and provide a stress-free environment for me to process my thoughts.  Thank you Rachel, Perry, Hannah, Amber, and mom.

In my research, I came across this blog .  In this post, there is a video of what the school looks like, and also the apartment I would be living in (third video).  It really put my mind at ease being able to see it.

I am expected to receive my contract this week sometime.  As soon as I sign that, everything is final, I'm going.  Then I apply for a working visa, attend training in mid-late June, and leave for my adventure in the last few days in June.

In the mean-time, I am going to visit family and friends.  Hannah is this week.  I am so excited to her!!!!!!!!!  I love my Hannah!

The beginning of June, I plan on visiting Rachel/Perry/Baby Grant and Amber/Jason/Trey.