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Art Class, etc.

I've always wanted to take a college art class but never took the opportunity. I was finally able to find one this semester that fit into my schedule. Since I'm not an art major, the only drawing class I can take at Weber State is 'Art for Non-majors' if you can believe that.

I like to doodle, and have drawn some pretty fun things in the past, but for the past few weeks I've felt like a bit of a failure. I guess I've been going through the tear-you-down to build-you-up process...drawing BLOCKS of all things. It's supposed to be easy, but the technique we're using is new to me so I've really been struggling.

This week, however, I had a breakthrough. I finally got it. I did so well on my model that my teacher told me it was beautiful!!! I can't take all the credit. I had a really good model. We've moved up from those stinking blocks and I got to draw Kermit the Frog. Well, the back of his head anyways, but STILL!!!

...As for my other classes, well I'm going to be a pretty busy girl this semester! I have two 12-page research papers in one class, a major project in another, and a HUGE technical writing project in my fourth class.

So I'm glad that I get to draw those tough blocks every once-in-awhile. They're nothing compared to the rest of the work I get to do!

Speaking of which, I should get back to my homework...

Did I ever tell you about JUAN?

I was talking to a friend about dating the other day. I don't go out much, but when I do, I usually come away with a great story to tell. Talking to her triggered a wave of nostalgia, so I thought I would share. Here are some of my more MEMORABLE blind date stories...

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While I was in high school I was set up on a blind date by my aunt. The guy was born on the exact same day as me. He was short, with blond curly hair and blue eyes. (like me) We were both 18, but I had to drive because he wasn't an eagle scout so he didn't have his license. We went bowling, where I bowled an 8. He wanted to leave before we finished, but I insisted on finishing, and did so with four more gutter balls. We went miniature golfing afterward, though, and I kicked his butt.

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I went on another blind date in high school with a guy from Layton. He was flaky in making plans, and finally called one night just after I got home from work (after 8 PM) and wanted to double, so bring a friend for his friend.... I don't know if that friend remembers how LAME the evening was. We ended up meeting in Corinne at 10 PM. Here's a classic Mindy moment for you - my friend and I went to get into their car, which was a two-door sports car. I went to climb in the back with her so the guys could sit up front. My date asked what I was doing and I told him I was used to the back seat.....that got some snickers from the three of them ;)

We went to Subway in Brigham because it was the only thing besides McDonalds that was open. The boys proceeded to tell us how boring Brigham was, and 'next time we'll go to Layton.'

We left Subway and headed back out to Corinne. As we drove along, my date leaned over and asked me if there was somewhere to go watch the submarine races. (code for making out someplace, I later found out) I told him we should probably just go home.

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When I lived in Logan, another dear aunt set me up with a guy from her work. It was a VERY last-minute date. In fact, she called me at work and told me to try and get off early so he could pick me up at five. We would be going to the Savior of the World production in Salt Lake City.

I rushed home and got changed. Put on a pretty dress and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, just after 5:30, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and introduced myself, and he just looked at me for a second before he said, 'let's go.' We were supposed to be in our seats by 6:30. But first he needed to go to the bank for some money. Then we were speeding out of town and through Sardine Canyon. He was a pretty reckless driver, and shouted in Italian at people as we passed them. (He went to Italy on his mission.) When we got to I-15 we went even faster. We were swerving in and out of traffic, shouting more Italian. At one point, we were coming up fast on a semi and the truck next to us was going as fast as we were. He told me not to be scared and gunned it through a gap smaller than our car!!! Needless to say, I was a nervous wreck by the time we reached Salt Lake.

We got stuck in traffic around Temple Square. (There was a Mo-Tab concert with Walter Cronkite that night.) As we got closer to the conference center he realized we were in the wrong lane, so he tried to cut off an SUV with a little old couple. The woman in the SUV was shaking her head and saying something to him, so what did he do? Let's just say it wasn't mature, and I was embarrassed.

We parked at about 6:45 - 15 minutes late for our show. He grabbed my wrist and we started running towards our entrance. We ran through the Mo-Tab crowd and down a flight of stairs, which I nimbly fell down the last four or five steps. When he realized he didn't have my wrist anymore he looked back and saw me getting up. There was no, 'are you okay?' He actually reminded me that 'we're late, get up!'

Since we were late, they gave our seats to two little old ladies on standby. They didn't let us in until the first act was over. When they let us in, we were directed to seats in the back of the theater but he wouldn't have it. He took my wrist again and led me to our seats with the little old ladies in, and informed them that they needed to move because we were there now. I was mortified. So were they. He left to go to the bathroom and I found them and apologized PROFUSELY, explaining that it was a blind date and I didn't even know him. They were very understanding and sympathetic.

When the show was over we went to dinner. I don't remember where we went, but I remember it was expensive, and he told me I would have to pay for my own dinner because he didn't have enough for both of us. FINE WITH ME - By this time, I was considering paying a taxi to take me home.

Our drive home was quiet. I tried to get him to talk, but all I got was monosyllabic answers, so I gave up. When we got to my apartment, I thanked him and he just looked at me. He drove off as soon as the door was closed. What a gentleman!!!

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Wow, that was a LONG story. I only have time for one more, and I've saved the best for last. Let me tell you about Juan...

Where do I begin? I was working full-time at a workers' comp clinic in Utah County. We had a patient in the trauma room getting stitches. His girlfriend was in the waiting room, where I was working the front desk. He was our last patient, and the clinic was officially closed, so the girlfriend and I chatted while she waited for him to be finished.

As we talked, she decided that she had to set me up with her 'best friend, Juan.' I have had many many patients talk about setting me up with people, but nothing ever happened (because they didn't ask for, nor did I give, my information. That would have been weird and probably against the rules). Anyway, she began to tell me all about Juan - he's such a nice guy, mid-30's, never been married but can't figure out why, yada yada yada, would I be willing to go on a date with him? Sure (yeah, right) but we would have to double with her and the patient. She was SO excited. Shortly after, the boyfriend got finished and I discharged him, and they left.

End of story, right? Not even! That was on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Friday morning, first phone-call of the day:

Me: WorkMed, this is Mindy. Can I help you?
Caller: Well hello, Mindy. This is Juan. How can I help you? (Imagine a Rico Suave voice)
My mind raced - Juan, Juan, Juan - I don't remember any patients named Juan...
Me: Juan, I'm sorry, I don't remember who you are - did we see you this week? Do you need an appointment?
Juan: No Mindy. I'm Juan, (girl from the other day)'s friend. She gave me your number. I want to take you on a date. So my question is, what can I do for you?

....ummmm....

Juan again: Do you have plans tonight? What time do you get off work?
Me, dumbfounded: Oh, I can't go tonight. What about tomorrow. I told (the other gal) that we would have to double with them because I don't really know any of you...
Juan: Oh, okay. What time should I pick you up?

And plans were made for our date.

He came to pick me up Saturday afternoon. We were going to dinner and a movie in Salt Lake. He was alone when he picked me up, so I assumed that we would be either picking up the other two or meeting them at the theater.

I met him in front of my apartment complex (my own apartment was in the rear, but he didn't need to know that). He opened my door and I was knocked over by the overwhelming scent of his cologne. The first thing I saw when I got in the car was a big, sparkly crucifix and prayer beads hanging from the rear-view mirror.

A little about Juan - he was definitely a gentleman. Polite and somewhat soft-spoken. He was as Catholic as I am Mormon. He went to mass every week and taught a youth group during the week. He was born and raised in Peru, I think, but his parents were refugees from Lebanon. So he did not look Latin, but middle-eastern. And he was the hairiest man I've ever met. We actually found out through the evening that we had a LOT in common. We even ordered drinks the same way - Dr. Pepper, no ice. Why no ice? Because it makes it watery. Weird! But I'm getting way ahead of myself.

Let's go back to him picking me up. He saw me looking at the cross and asked if I was Mormon. "Yes, I am." "Hmmm. Would you marry me, even though I'm Catholic?" WHAAATTTT??? We were FIVE BLOCKS from my apartment at that point. But my calm response was more along the lines of explaining my desire to marry someone of my own faith. He smiled at me and said, "well, we'll see." I smiled and wondered when we would be picking up our friends. It wouldn't be anytime soon. As we headed to the freeway he explained to me that all of his previous girlfriends had been Mormon and wanted to be married in the temple, and since he didn't want to be a Mormon, they had broken up with him. We had a little chat about that and I tried to change the subject because marriage talk on a blind date was awkward for me.

We got on the freeway and were driving along, when out of the blue he told me, "You know, our children could go to your church and I would still go to mass. I wouldn't have a problem with that..." WOW.... I think I stuttered something but my mind was reeling. I changed the subject again, and we started talking about so many things we had in common.

We arrived at Jordan Commons, where we would go to a movie and then to the Mayan for dinner. I asked him where we were meeting the others, and he acted like he had no idea they were coming. "I told you we would have to double with them." "Oh. I didn't realize that was what you meant." I decided it was okay. No big deal. I'm a big girl. This will be fine.

The movie we were going to see had already started, so we went to dinner, but there was an hour wait at the restaurant, so we went back to the theater and just sat outside and talked. The more we talked, the more we realized we had in common. We talked about different experiences. He asked me why I wasn't married. How do I answer that one? Well, I haven't met the right guy, and I was a pretty awkward date in college -


Maybe I should explain that part really quick. I didn't date much in high school. I had only really seen dating on TV, so I thought that at the end of every date, the guy would expect a kiss. I didn't want to kiss a bunch of people, so I shook hands at the end of every date. I only found out later that a handshake was like telling my date I wasn't interested in dating them again. And WHAT A SHAME!!!! I went on some fantastic dates with some pretty amazing young men in college. What a dope I was!!!


When I told him I thought that every guy expected a kiss, he was shocked that they would expect such a thing from me! How dare they!?!? I had to explain that I was mistaken, and none of them had tried to kiss me.

The theater opened up, although our movie wasn't to start for another half an hour, but we went in anyway, and found a seat. That was when Juan decided to propose. He pointed out that we had so much in common that we should just get married. I laughed it off, but he was serious. Let's get married tonight. WHAAAT??? Tomorrow night. This weekend? Next weekend? We are so alike! Religion doesn't matter as long as we are married in the eyes of the Lord. We can get married with a judge or a priest or a bishop. It doesn't matter... Juan, we don't even know each other - maybe next year... You would have thought I had slapped him with that suggestion. Next year? But that's so far away! But we don't KNOW each other! We know that we have so much in common! Why should we wait? Lucky for me, the theater was filling up and the previews were starting. He went out to the bathroom and I had a chance to regroup. By the time he came back, the movie was starting and we didn't have to talk for the next 90 minutes.

He didn't mention our marriage again until we were seated at dinner. He talked about how he didn't understand why Mormon girls are so stubborn about marriage. I tried to explain temple marriage to him - the promises that are made, the blessings, eternity. I told him that to ask someone to give up those things was no small sacrifice. How would it be fair to either partner to ask them to give up something they cherished as much as the two of us cherished our respective religions. He asked if I would at least be willing to go out with him again, maybe even date, to see if it would work. I thought about it for a bit and actually consented at the time. I couldn't not give him a chance.

After dinner he seemed to take the long way home. Instead of getting back on the freeway, I think we ended up on State Street, which was under construction so we drove 10 mph all the way to Draper. We were quiet for the first few blocks, but I decided to ask him more about our supposed double-date. I reminded him about our phone conversation and my specific request that we double with the other couple. He, again, acted as if he didn't know what I was talking about (and maybe he didn't) but I began to suspect he was being dishonest.

He turned on his radio, asked me what kind of music I liked, and turned on a CD of love songs. He sang softly as we drove, and I sat and thought about my night. It had turned out so different than I had expected. Juan seemed like a nice guy, but did he lie to me? And why was he so desperate to marry me, a stranger, that the proposed so many times throughout the night? Did I make a mistake in telling him I would go out with him again? I just wanted to go home.

We finally got there, close to midnight. He came and opened my door for me and I have him a hug and he gave me a great big sloppy kiss on the cheek. He wanted to walk me to my door, but I didn't want him to know which apartment was mine so I acted like my phone was ringing and 'oh, it's my mom. I'll talk to you later.' I left him at his car and rushed around the building before he could respond.


The next morning I taught the lesson in Relief Society. Of all things, it was about Temple Marriage. My date with Juan only strengthened my feelings about the Temple. I decided that I would be leading him on if I went out with him again, so I called and broke it to him gently. I felt bad, but I still think it was for the best. I'm sure by now he has a happy, beautiful little Catholic family out there somewhere.

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I have a theory about my experiences. I think that since I don't date much, when I do, the Lord blesses me with an unforgettable night to make up for the dates I don't go on. And I'm glad. I stay entertained, and I get my fill. I know that someday it'll change and there will be a normal, wonderful man who will come along and sweep me off my feet. And I can't wait to meet him :)

"Excuse me, can you give me a ride?"

I was stopped in the hospital parking lot by a woman asking for a ride downtown. Now I know what you're thinking because I've already had a talking-to, but you know me. She was in cotton shorts with no pockets and a t-shirt - I don't think she could have hidden a weapon in what she was wearing. So I tactfully said, "Sure, I'll give you a ride. I can trust you, right?" I didn't think about eating my foot until later. Thank heavens she laughed as she said that I could.

So we got in the car and started driving. I asked her where we were going. She gave me directions as we drove. We were getting further and further from the hospital so I asked her, "How were you going to get home?" "Oh, I don't have a home. I'm staying at the shelter." And she proceeded to tell me her story of drugs, losing custody of her son, cleaning up and working at the dog food company to try and get her son back.....pretty sad story. As we got closer to the shelter there were more and more rough-looking people hanging out on corners and sitting on the grass along the sides of the road. I dropped her off at the door, wished her luck and watched her walk inside. Then I was out of there!!! It was definitely a scary part of town.

When I got back, I told my Grandpa what had happened. And he told me that just last week, here in Ogden, a woman asked a man for a ride and then took his truck at gunpoint..................

I guess I need to be more careful, huh?

Weber State

A few weeks ago I moved home and started school at Weber State. I'm going to apply for two different programs in January - one at Weber and one at the U. Hopefully one of them wants me, but I'm not going to mention which one I want to get into most.

Weber's a pretty nice school. I am currently retaking physiology because my B wasn't good enough for Weber, and a better grade wouldn't hurt my application to the U. I have to say, I'm surprised at how much LESS information we are accountable for at WSU. It should be a pretty easy A. I'm taking a psychology class, which is pretty interesting. AND I had to take a Physics class before I could apply for the program at the U. What an intimidating class it's turned out to be! My professor is fantastic, and everything makes sense in class. But when I go home and begin my homework the hairy physics monster crawls out from under my bed and scares me for hours on end!!!

Speaking of the devil, I have to get started on that physics homework or I'm going to regret it tomorrow.

I'll tell you a funny story next time :)

A bit about me

The funny thing about my starting a blog is that I think so much about what I should write, that I never really post anything. (I started THIS note in 2008. It's now 2010!!!) So now I'm jumping into it with both feet. Let me tell you what I've been up to in a nutshell. I'll fill in more details later...

I am currently in Utah County. I moved here in April of 2007 when I was offered a job with Intermountain Healthcare. I had the opportunity to help open a new WorkMed clinic in Springville (a few minutes south of Provo).

In January 2010 I left my full-time position so I could go back to school (again) full-time at UVU. I've decided I want to be a radiology technologist when I grow up. Sometimes I wish I had known that a few years ago, but then, I would not have the adventures and experiences that have come my way down here.

I lived in Provo for awhile. The first ward I lived in was fantastic. I met a lot of great people (you know who you are ;) and did a lot of fun and crazy things. I was pretty happy and I loved my job. But people moved on and so did I. I ended up in South Provo for awhile, but that ended when my company cut me down to part-time. (Stinking economy anyway!!!) Lucky for me, I have an awesome family. I moved in with my aunt and uncle, and have lived here for almost a year now.

I currently work for WorkMed on an 'as needed' basis, and I watch my sister's kids.

I also have a really awesome job working on-call for a company that sends me all over the place to work in clinics preparing soldiers to be deployed. I can't tell you how much I love that job. I only get sent out every six weeks or so, but I thoroughly enjoy it. I have to say, I never thought I was army material, but I've always wanted to do my part to serve the country. This is my opportunity. I have met so many AWESOME people. Did I mention that I love it?

Those of you who know me well know that my life takes some quirky twists and turns - which is why, with all the fun, happy, comfortable things I have going on in life right now, I will be moving home at the end of the summer. I will start classes at Weber State in the fall. It'll be interesting to see what happens next.