I'm EmPLOYed!

Oh, hi! Sooo. Listen. I'm on Spring Break, and things are going really great. I have NOT failed at my journal entry goal, rather... I've been EMPLOYED. Guys, I know. It's super weird, but I like money. We talked about this job before, but since I'm on Spring Break, this was my first week actually workin' it.

However, before I jump right into this, let's keep the journal dream alive, shall we? Here are some updates from life in general:

-Puppy has a HOME. :) I miss his sassy behavior and adorable personality, but we had a good few days together and he is now living with my sister Tori's best friend. She has a darling husband, another big doggy-friend, and most importantly, a beautiful daughter for puppy to grow up with. I am HAPPY. :)

-I not only watched and looooved conference, I got to attend the Saturday morning session with Cody. He's a good one. Even though I had to pinch him occasionally to stay awake. (He had a really late night driving home, poor kid.) And he discovered that while I have wimpy arms, I have pinchers of FURY!

Hahahaha, all right. Let's side track for a moment and just say that I love when people pronounce words differently. It used to make me do my automatic-eye-roll (seriously, I have little to no control over it.) but now I just think it's hilarious. Like when people talk about crabs or insects and say "pinSSsseersSS" about pinchers, or. Or. When people say "poo-berty" instead of puberty. Come on. Now you're just ASKING for fifth graders to giggle inappropriately. (Yes. I did get asked to leave sex ed in eighth grade for related reasons to this pronunciation issue... THERE ARE JUST SOME WORDS, okay?)

Anyway... Conference was amazing. And being there in person is something I wish I could language, but I can't. I wanted to sing loud, I wanted to catch every word. And when I looked down at all those men, at President Monson, I just felt an overwhelming confirmation. I know that I personally can't deny what I know. And I know that man is good. And he is a prophet of God. And I love him. Annnnd, whether you are a member of the church or not, or where you're at in your life, I think everyone in the whole world can benefit from the messages in conference. So! Don't be afraid to check it out, it'll make your day, I promise. And also, if you have any questions, I would love to answer them. Just wherever you're at with stuff. :) The memory of the Saturday morning session is something special to me that I think I will always remember and treasure.

It means more than I can express. And now on to employment, eh? Yes. It's true. I began working at a daycare center this week. It's minimum wage and you know what? It's fine. It really is. :) I had an interview with another place I'd really like to work in the summer, probably coupled with a CNA job in the afternoon that one on some days (I reaally need that money for college... Eh.) But for some extra money starting now with my spare time in these last two months of school - oh, heaven HELP me to make it! - It's definitely an all right gig.

The kids are what really make it worth it. Here are some lovely quotes from my week, from my new friends. I have to keep confidentiality REAL strict at this particular place, so I'll just use the generic term "darling child."

Quotes From Work:

(After being asked to hold a stuffed seal toy by darling child running off to play)
"Hey, love, why is this stuffed animal wet..?" - me.
"HE'S BEEN IN TH'OCEAN, TEACHER!" -darling child.

"What are those red things. In your eyes?" -darling child.
"Are they lines?" - me.
"Yeah. Real ones." -darling child.
"It probably means my eyes are tired." -me.
"It'll probably never go away." -darling child.
(She's probably right, here.)

"Um. Do you speak Spanish??!" -darling child.
"No, I don't. I wish!" - me.
"Yeah! But you sound like you could though, right?!" -darling child.

"Doo, doo, doop, I will go UP YOUR SHIRT if it will make you happy!!" -darling child. (It should be noted that he was talking about his little stuffed crab hiding under my scrubs since they looked like they had "sea-flowers"? on them. But it should also be noted that he said this in the most hilarious distorted "crab-voice" you ever heard. I could NOT stop laughing. Let's hope he doesn't make a habit of that sentence...HaaaaHAhaha)

"Teacher, I LOVE YOU!" -darling children. (Yes, multiple! :D)

"Hey. Hey. HEY! I gotta SCRATCH all up my lip. Kiss it better." -darling child. (Smoooth, boy.)

"I'm. I'M. I'm.... (whisper) pissed." (smiles to her tiny cute self and nods.)

There were lots more, but I don't remember now. :) But yes. I am employed. There are happy moments, and all in all, I really like my day. Since I'm not 18 yet, I can't be alone in a room with , so I'm sort of a floater. They send me to all the different age groups to play until someone else needs me. Sometimes they send me back to the kitchen to do breakfast and lunch dishes for 120 kids plus 4 babies while the cook breaks. It takes me hours and houuurs to wash, double wash, and then sanitize every pot, pan, sippy-cup, spoon, plate, etc. And you know what? I don't feel bored or unhappy or anything. I kind of LOVE being employed, people. It's nice to have something to do all day, it's lovely to be around children all day. I just like it.

This particular place isn't my ideal long-term or anything for the summer, but if it came to that, I'd be fine. I feel so legitimate! And money is nice, no? Yes. Yes, it is.

There are so many happy moments working with kids, too. Like how quickly they forgive, and how easily they create. How many things get fixed if you offer to hold them for a minute. How SIMPLE everything is. I got to go around and read a book to each little 2 or 3 year old on their mat and tuck them in. I got to hold the most beautiful little 2 year old and sing her songs until she fell asleep, because all she wanted was her mom or me. It just made me happy. I guess as much policing I do around work, the biggest thing is how much learning I am doing. I am really happy at work. :) It made me think of a talk from conference that I particularly loved. If you want to watch it, click HERE.

And here's the thing, guys. As much as I love working, I'm also pretty thrilled that she gave me today and Friday off. Today I had off because I had some follow-up vaccines. Bless CNA class. Thanks to my bony shoulders, I am now so bruised I appear to be DEAD, and also, thanks to a new razor and my hurry to get out of the shower.... I look like I love to sword fight with my legs. Listen. Vaccines and hygiene are just overrated, okay? Just don't do it.

Nowww! I get to spend tomorrow with my darling parents driving to Provo. I don't know that I'd call that particular aspect of the day darling, but we dooo get to turn in the part of my lease that has to be done in person. I know. WEIRD. We're even treating ourselves to a sketchy hotel so I can take a dip. And GOOD NEWS, my friends. Here's a happy note. I've worked out on an elliptical for over half an hour as well as strength training EVERY night this week. And I don't even get tired or sore until after I'm done? I don't know what the deal is, but I do know that I feel happier and healthier and muuuuch more willing to put on a swimsuit than usual. (I'm still hesitant. But. I mean. More willing!) As for the rest of our day's adventures? There will be pictures. Don't you fret. :) P.S. Does anyone else think this weather is a little dreary for APRIL SEVENTH?! Sigh.