April Momentum

I lost blogging momentum.  Obviously.  It's funny--I really have to be in the right mindset to blog.  If I'm depressed I can't blog because I don't feel like writing.   If life is chaotic I can't blog because there's simply no time.  I sympathize with Goldilocks who insists on just right.

A couple of hard things happened in April that deflated me a bit.  Despite giving it my best shot, I didn't get accepted into the University of Utah's nursing program.  In some ways it's not all that surprising since their program is notoriously difficult to get into.  At the same time, it was pretty disappointing because I'd jumped through so many hoops for the U.  My grades were top-notch, I'd ramped up the service, and I felt like my previous life experiences brought a unique global perspective.  

In the end, I've decided to move on and pursue my nursing degree elsewhere.  I don't know why the U rejected my application, but I felt like I put my best self forward.  While I'm sure their program is excellent, I'm unwilling to put my plans on hold in the hopes that they change their mind about me.  Rather, my plan is to bring excellence (and flexibility) to plan B.

Since it took the U of U ten weeks to make their final decisions, I had to scramble quickly to get my application materials ready for Salt Lake Community College.  Fortunately I'd planned ahead and already obtained the requisite CNA license.  Still, I had to hurry and take the ATI TEAS exam.  The test is kind of like an ACT/SAT, but with a content-specific science section that covers anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry. After a few days of cramming, I decided I was ready.  Taking the proctored test online from home was horrific.  It took ninety minutes to solve all the technical issues and get into the exam.  Even worse was the proctor.  I kept getting scolded for covering my mouth, looking out the window, having two pencils instead of one, etc.  It was awful.

Still, I passed.  And heck, since this is my blog and I can brag if I want to, I passed with flying colors.  SLCC requires a minimum overall score of 59%--I switched that around and scored a 95%.  I think my injured pride needed that little boost.

I won't know if I've been accepted into SLCC's program until the beginning of June, but I'm hopeful that it will work out.  While also competitive, their program puts far more weight on students grades and test scores, so that should work in my favor.

SLCC's program terminates in an RN instead of a BSN, but there are lots of online RN to BSN options that I can pursue later.  My hope is that by then I will be working for an employer who will help pay tuition.  It's also possible that some employers may consider my Bachelor of Arts to be sufficient--I guess we'll see.  In my mind, SLCC has two major advantages over the U of U.  First, the program is more affordable.  Secondly, the SLCC nursing program breaks for summer semester, meaning that I can have summer with my kids.  This time with my family is priceless.  

When submitting my application to the University of Utah, I remember saying a very specific prayer that things would work out in whatever way would be best for our family.  While the U's rejection still smarts a bit, I really do believe that this new trajectory may be an answer to prayer.

So yeah, that was bummer #1, but with a silver lining.  

Bummer #2 was simply crappy without the positive spin.  Someone stole my purse from out of our minivan while it was parked right in front of our house.  Jason and I were planning a quick work trip to Southern Utah together.  We foolishly left the door to the minivan open as we made trips in an out of the house to load our gear.  I'd figured out my purse was missing and was searching frantically for it when all of a sudden the credit card fraud alerts started popping up on my phone.  The malevolent thief lost no time at all hitting up Walmart, gas stations, Smiths, the vape shop, etc. Talk about an awful feeling.

I lost a lot.  My wallet, driver's license, credit cards, debit cards, library cards, insurance cards, gift cards, vaccination cards, gym pass, air pods, checkbook, etc., etc.   Perhaps the very worst was the loss of my keys.  The thief now had access to both our van and our home.  Everything was compromised.

Excited as I had been to hike Kolob Arch with my husband, I immediately cancelled my trip.  It didn't feel right to leave the kids alone after all that had happened.  That night Jason went out and bought new locks for our home, getting them installed before finally departing for St. George.  Even though it meant he wouldn't arrive until nearly 2 am, he made sure we were protected.   Once Jason was on the road, we didn't have to worry about the minivan getting stolen since it would be with him in St. George.  After he got back, we parked it a quarter mile away until we could get the van into the dealership to have the remaining key fob re-programmed.   It's possible that the thief could still use the old key to get into the van, but s/he won't be able to start it.  So now we just have to be extra careful to not leave any valuables inside.

I learned some hard lessons.  Obviously I've learned to lock the car, even when stepping away for a short while.  From now on, I also will carry less in my purse.  Far fewer cards (I think I had five credit cards in there, plus a debit card and a Target Redcard).   I won't carry gift cards with me unless I plan on spending them soon.  Never a checkbook. It was a huge hassle having to close down our checking and then reestablish all our direct deposit, automatic bill pay, utilities, insurance, etc.

I said there was no silver lining in this whole experience, but that's really not true.  We were fortunate in a variety of ways.  First of all, my phone was not in my purse.  This would have made the loss immensely more challenging.  Secondly, the credit card companies have been quite easy to work with; I won't be held liable for any of the fraudulent charges.  Third, since I'd given Brooklyn a credit card for gas, I still had one uncompromised credit line that I could use until the replacement cards arrived.  Perhaps most importantly, we were fortunate that more things weren't stolen.  Both Jason and I had our backpacks in the minivan at the time as well, containing two laptops and in iPad.  My phone was also in the car door.  It didn't feel like it in the moment, but we really were blessed.  

Oh, one more tender mercy!  We were fortunate to discover the loss of my purse when and where we did.  We'd actually already left for St. George and were about to get on the interstate when Jason started to feel uneasy about leaving town since a neighbor was nearing the end of her life on hospice.  Recognizing his concern, I encouraged Jason to turn around so he could drop by for a bishop's visit before leaving town.  It was during their visit that I discovered my missing purse.  Had we not turned around, we could easily have been in Spanish Fork by the time the fraud alerts started coming in.  I imagine we still would turned around since the thief had a house key, but it would have pushed everything back that much later.

So yeah. While I'm still miffed about the theft (especially ruining the mini-vacation about my husband), I am likewise mindful of our many blessings.   While it's unfortunate this happened, I need to remember the many instances in my life when things could have been stolen but were not.  I  believe the vast majority of people are honest and good.  Over the decades, I have had my purse found and returned to me more times than I can count (including at church two weeks ago.)  Once Callie and I went hiking at Zion National Park, only to discover upon returning to the car that the finicky van door had popped open.  For an entire day her laptop was sitting there in plain sight along a busy street and nobody took it!  It was obvious someone had been in the car trying to shut the door for us without success.  Like I said, most people in this world are good.

So on that note of happy and good, here is a random conglomeration of April happenings.

April Fools

Being a super busy day, my April Fools faux food consisted of a pretty simple mashed potato/ice cream sundae with a "cherry" on top.  Not that impressive, but the kids still appreciated the nod to tradition.

The best April Fools joke came courtesy of Talia who livened up our fridge.  Even the oranges had googly eyes!

Salad dressing never looked so cute.

Speaking of Talia, this girl ran the SLRC half marathon!  Without training.  While sick.   So the no-training and sick part were unintentional.  It was a very last minute decision to register using a free race promo code Talia earned by volunteering at a different race.  Talia signed up Wednesday and caught a nasty respiratory bug immediately after (no, not Covid.)  Ever committed, she decided to push through anyway.  It was kind of a solitary deal--I was working so Jason dropped Talia off at the race and picked her up after she had finished.  I wouldn't have any pictures at all were it not for this one I snagged off the SLRC race website.  I'm sorry we didn't celebrate more with you, Reddi-Wip, but well-done!

As for Annika, in April she transformed into Jane Goodall for the third grade Living Wax Museum.  Jane Goodall seems the perfect role model for our nature-loving gal.  Do you like her toilet paper roll binoculars?

The night before her presentation, someone from Girl Scouts gifted her a Jane Goodall tattoo.  I would have suggested she tattoo her arm, but she insisted that it be her cheek.

Each student had a "play" button on their shirt.  If you pushed it, they would pop into character and tell you all about themselves.  

Next to Annika is Katherine Johnson from Hidden Figures.

Annie's friend Jack, dressed as Paul Revere.  He even had a stick horse!

Aven as Lozen, followed by Edith as Annie Oakley.

Last but not least, Nora as Frida Kahlo.

On the cultural front, our neighbor Waltar invited Eli and Annika to see a theater production of the Sword and the Stone.  They loved it!

Talia and I went to hear Hilary Hahn perform Ginastera at Abravanel Hall.  Hilary's virtuosity and community involvement is so inspiring.

While not exactly cultural, here are all the Wheeler kids playing with Orbeez.  Lots and lots of orbeez.

Moving on to church, here it is.  I love our old building.  And the old people in it.  (Wait, did I just say that?  Shame on me.  For the record, I count myself in that number.)

On the younger side, here are some photos from some youth activities.  Here's Magnus bowling at the U.

And here's Amy Jo at a stake activity all about Ghana.

Last but not least, some photographs of the new church office tower in Salt Lake, taken during a stake center open house.  Not a bad space to hold Relief Society!

Spring is for sports!  April brought a few great storms that made for excellent spring skiing.

April also brought frisbee and baseball.  I wish I had more pictures of both!  This season Eli is playing with Coach Charles for the Tigers as part of the Avenues Majors.  Being part of a younger team, he's had so many opportunities to pitch, hit, and field, playing everything from first base to the outfield.  This athletic kid has one great arm!  It's been fun to see the team grow over the years, progressing all the way from T-ball to stealing bases.  I love how the team's commitment, as well as how kindly they treat each other.

As for Ultimate, I deeply regret not being at more of the Brooklyn and Talia's games.  With Brooklyn driving, they are so independent, getting themselves wherever they need to go.  All I can say is that they have gotten so good with a disc.  It's really delightful watching them throw.  They love it so much!  Our house is constantly filled with chatter about "cuts" and "D's."  It's taken years, but I'm starting to get a  "handle" on all the frisbee terms. 

Last but not least, Spring is for flowers.   With all of the construction, Spring at temple square is not what it once was, but we still were able to find some lovely blossoms.

While out for a run one morning, I discovered that the blossoms at the Capitol were in full bloom.

It's a magical feeling having the whole place to yourself.  It's as if all this beauty were created just for you.

When we went back the following Sunday, the place was buzzing with people trying to get their perfect Instagram shot.  Still fun, but a very different vibe.

So, we joined in the photographing fun.

And there it is!  The blog is back in motion.