Thursday, December 18, 2008

One Semester Down

Well, I made it through the semester! I took 13 credits and got one A- and 5 A's!
I'm so glad for the help and insight from my co-workers and my friends at school. It's so great to be able to pull from so many resources. We all have such individual backgrounds!

These are the classes I took:

Physiology & Clinical Pathophysiology (3)

Neuroscience in OT + Lab (3+1)

Kinesiology in OT + Lab (3 + 1)

Developmental Influences on Living (2)


Monday, November 10, 2008

Semester 1 Update


This semester is going well so far. I feel like I am learning a lot. It is definitely a different experience learning while working and having so much experience already in the field. In OTA school we learned so much, but didn't really have any opportunity to apply it until our level II fieldwork at the end of the program. I feel like every time I come home from school, I'm already a better therapist from the things I've learned.
OT school is challenging my skills as a therapist and helping me learn the whys of what we do.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Feast Upon the Word!

Well, General Conference just ended, which is always a sad time. I just want to continue the feast! I'm eager for the talks to be available on Thursday. Jack and I are planning to watch and discuss one talk each week for Family Home Evening. Some highlights were Pres. Monson's message to enjoy the journey and Pres. Eyring's message on unity, avoiding conflicts and resolving conflicts. Also, enjoyed the story about the little deaf girl who told a boy without legs that they were special and that when Christ comes they will both be healed. Very touching.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Electric Violin


What a great weekend. It was Jack's birthday on Friday. We had a great day.
After spending the day on Saturday organizing and cleaning the house, Jack was in our Stake's Fall Arts Festival that evening. He displayed his home made electric violin. After people were cleaning up, a small crowd (a dozen people or so) gathered around to see and asked Jack to play. We had a good time. Jack also sang a Beach Boys Medley with his former cohorts (brothers from this year's spring Joseph play). It was a fun evening. Today in church several people commented on Jack's great violin.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Sleep talker. Sleep walker?

I've heard that sometimes it takes getting used to sleeping next to someone, etc. after getting married. After Jocelyn got married, her husband told us about one night when he woke up without any covers. Jocelyn had them all, so he tried to take some back. Jocelyn grabbed the covers from him saying, "That's mine, you jerk!" Needless to say, I did expect that Jack and I would have an adjustment period.

When I get ready for bed, I brush my teeth, put on my pajamas, pray, etc. Then I go to bed. When I wake up in the morning, I head to the bathroom and hop in the shower to get ready for the day. Of course, before getting in the shower I take off my pajamas (I wouldn't want them to get all wet.) I would assume this routine to be pretty much the same for most people and up 'til now it seems to have been so for Jack.

(This story is about Jack and it's probably not what you're thinking if you're thinking that he took a shower with his pajamas on.) Last night I woke up to roll over in the middle of the night and cuddled up to Jack to discover that he was undressed. So, I asked, "Why are you naked?" (He always sleeps in pajamas, you know.) He answered, "Sometimes I'm naked." And that was that. So, when the alarm went off in the morning, Jack woke up and said, "Why am I undressed?" I laughed and told him about the conversation we'd had during the night. Jack laughed and said, "I must have been asleep!" He didn't remember any of it, despite how he lost his clothes. ...At least there was no name calling. ; )

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

I Have a Good Husband! : )




Jack is so great! He's stopped and picked flowers to bring home for me several times already. It's very sweet.

In the first picture you can see the nice toaster oven that Tina gave us.

In the second picture you can see Jack's reflexion sitting at the dining room table.

In the third picture you can see the beautiful vase that my parents gave us and the nice candles from my friend, Mary.

Well. it is time to start homeworking, so I won't point out any more details from the pictures. I will say that I am very happy and loving married life, as busy as we may be.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Grad School Begins!

Well, it was a bit of a whirlwind, but I made it through. The hardest part was to sit still in class without falling asleep! I'm really excited about everything we're learning and am able to apply it right away with my patients. I met several new friends. Went to lunch and hung out with Stacey (hotel mate), Stacy, Tim, Jessica, and more.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

We're Married!!!





What a beautiful day we had. It's hard to believe that it's all over. Everyone did such a great job getting things to come together so nicely. The temple ceremony was beautiful and very meaningful. I felt like that would have been enough to make for a great day. Jack and I went to lunch with our parents at Tom Ham's Light House. It was so nice and relaxing. The reception was beautiful. A lot of work went into it and we just had such a great time with so many family and friends. (So many had a trip to make to be there with us.) We opened gifts yesterday morning at my mom and dad's and were so overwhelmed at everyone's generosity. We truly feel loved. Thanks to all.

Honeymoon


We had such a nice honeymoon. We got to spend a day in Mexico, go kayaking in the ocean, explore the caves at La Jolla Shores, eat yummy sushi and fondue, and finish it off with a morning at the San Diego Temple. We relaxed and had a good time. Jack even taught me how to play chess. : )

For more pix see our web album.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Fiddle Fest




What a fun weekend! Jack and I went up to join Grandpa Slim, Aunt Deanne, and Uncle Clyde at a Fiddle Fest Camp. It was actually the Arizona Old Time Fiddlers Association. G'pa Slim and Jack played quite a few on their guitars and we had a fiddler, a mandolin player, and even an acordian player join in. The grand daughter of the mandolinist was learning fiddle. She was cute. After breaking camp on Sunday morning, we followed Slim home to Camp Verde and I got to meet his wife, Angie, and see his beautiful jewelry (Slim hand crafts jewelry in his own shop out back of the house). Slim made us a yummy breakfast of bisquits and gravy. Yum,yum.

Friday, August 1, 2008

River Walk


































This a yard that I love! It is one that Jack and I frequently pass on our neighborhood walks. What I love is the "lake" of grass and the winding "river" of rocks. It's even more breathtaking in real life. It just makes me want to sit outside with a good book.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Summer of Siblings

What fun get togethers! It's been great to see everyone. From hiking and paddle boating to movies and eating out. It'll be fun to be together again in a few weeks for the wedding.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Independence and Sobrinos








What a great weekend!!!





Jack and I flew in to Colorado to spend Independence Day weekend with his family.

We had so much fun with nieces and nephews and barbeque and fireworks!!!

Monday, June 30, 2008

Bridal Plans and Parties : )



What a great weekend! Jack and I went to San Diego. We got our marriage license, met with our flower lady, and checked off several other planning details. My grandma and mom organized a luncheon on Friday with several friends from church. It was fun to get together and visit. On Saturday, Carla Kopotic threw a great bridal shower for me. Jocelyn organized Jack Trivia where all the answers had something to do with "Jack". She also had a game "You don't know Jack!" It was clever and cute. I had to see if I knew the answers to questions that Jack had been asked, for example; "What's Jack's favorite shirt that Tamara wears?" and "What's Jack's favorite T.V. show?" It turned out a lot of fun and it was great to see everyone!!! Thanks to everyone who helped!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

The Engagment Story


Jack and I had been talking about marriage in the language of "If we were to get married....". The development of our relationship has been very gradual and so it was with deciding to get married. One Monday evening, at the end of March, Jack and I were talking about our goals and progress and Jack told me that he had decided that he wants to marry me and that we should look at the end of the summer between school sessions. I had known for a couple of months that I wanted to spend my life with Jack, so it was great to know that he was on the same page and to get to start talking about plans.

Over the next few weeks we decided on August 16th and Jack had started ring shopping. He brought me with him to a few places so that he could get an idea of what looked good and what we liked. He told me that he had special ordered a ring, but there was some hang up at the manufacturer and he didn't know when it would come in. Soon after that, one evening at the end of April on a Tuesday night (when I wasn't expecting anything) he proposed. It was right after getting back to my apartment from doing some errands and was very simple. I had barely set down my things and before I knew it, there he was on his knee, ring in hand, asking me to marry him. He said he was still waiting for the ring he ordered, but he just didn't want to wait any longer, so he had gone to the store and picked out an interim ring. It was beautiful and simple with one round solitaire and a very nice setting.

Yesterday, I went to the wedding of a friend's from work. It was beautiful. Jack met me and took me out to the desert to look at the stars. As we got out of the car we were looking at the sky and, at the same time in different parts of the sky, we both saw a meteor. It was romantic. We got our star charts and a blanket out of the car and laid down to see what we could find. After identifying several constellations, I just lay there in Jack's arms thinking what a perfect date this was since one of our first dates was to go watch the Perseid meteor showers. He was such a gentleman and it was after that date when I knew that I wanted to pursue a relationship with him. As I was lost in thought, Jack turned to me and said something about tonight being a good night to look at the stars and me being starry-eyed and he wanted to give me more stars in my eyes by giving me this, as he handed me a ring. I had to turn on the flashlight to really see it and wow, if I thought the other ring was beautiful, I don't know how to describe this one. He asked me again if I'd marry him and of course, I said "Yes!" It was starting to get cold so we were getting packed up to go and Jack took me in his arms and danced with me while he sang, "Are there stars out tonight? I don't know if it's cloudy or bright. I only have eyes for you..." It was very romantic.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Where in the World is Tamara San Diego?

I've been asked to fill everyone in on what's been going on with me the last couple of years, so I'll give a short synopsis of how I've spent my time and where I've been. I graduated from school as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2001 from Harcum College just outside of Philadelphia. I spent the next two years as a missionary in the spanish speaking congregations south of D.C. After returning from my missionary work in Virginia I lived in San Diego and worked for a couple of years at Alvarado's San Diego Rehab Insititute (still my favorite setting!) I spent another year in San Diego doing per diem and part time work at nursing homes while I took prereq's for grad school. In August of 2006 I started working as a travel therapist and spent 6 months on contract in Fresno, CA and then another 6 months on contract in Phoenix, AZ. Of course, by the time my contract was up here, I had already met Jack and decided it was time to hold still for a little bit.

Friday, June 6, 2008

About Jack


Well, several people have asked me who is this guy that I'm marrying. So, I thought I'd fill you all in. : )

I met Jack toward the beginning of last year just after moving from California to Phoenix at the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant. It was a church activity and I went to try and meet people and make new friends. Little did I know how life changing it would be. : ) Jack and I ended up sitting near each other and chatting. We started dating soon after that.

I always wanted to be with someone who loves the gospel, is tall, and speaks Spanish and I get all three with Jack. Jack also speaks ASL and has studied German and Japanese (It'll be handy to have him around while traveling.) Also, Jack loves music. He sings and plays guitar, violin, mandolin, and more. Jack is studying computer engineering at Arizona State University and is in the Air Force Reserves doing Ground Radio. He really loves the Air Force and is looking forward to commissioning as an officer upon graduation. As much as I love to move, I think it'll be great to be married to a military man.

I think he's great! : D

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Grad School


Something that I haven't mentioned much on my blog is that I am excited to be going back to school in the Fall! I'll be doing a two year Occupational Therapy Masters Program. The school is Belmont University in Nashville, TN. It is designed for the working OT assistant, to build on their previous schooling. The majority of the work is online through blackboard and self study. I will fly out to Nashville to attend school every third weekend. The class size is 30 and there were over 200 applicants, so I feel very lucky to have been accepted! I am very excited to be continuing my education and with such a convenient program. (Of course, it will be a lot of work, but well worth it!)

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

We're Engaged!!!




Well, it certainly has been awhile since I've made time to update my blog. The biggest news is that Jack I are planning to get married August 16 this summer in San Diego. We've been engaged for a month and we're having fun making plans and getting everything set.

We just got back from a trip back east. Jack had his annual two week tour with the Air Force Reserves. I spent a few days with my Aunt Carmela in Philadelphia while Jack was in New Jersey doing training. Jack had a three day weekend so he got to join me in Philly where we spent time with my aunt and got together with some of my friends from when I went to school out there. Sunday we went down to Virginia where I served my mission and got to go to Sacrament meeting in the two wards that I had served in. After church we drove up to Jack's Aunt Libby's and stayed with her family just outside of D.C. It was a great trip.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Hanging out at Nicole's

Last night we went over to Nicole's house. She's a friend from work. There were quite a few of us there. It's always fun to get together outside of work. I put in my two weeks notice on Friday. I'm planning to just work per diem. That way when I'm in school I'll be able to take as much time as I need for my studies and arrange my work schedule according to what works best for me. For now, I plan to stay per diem at LifeCare, where I've been working and also to continue on per diem (instead of full time) at HealthSouth. I'm looking forward to the freedom.

Renaissance Faire


Andrea was able to come out to Phoenix during her Spring Break. She helped me finish my apartment move and start organizing and decorating the new apartment. We went to the Tempe Art Festival and to the Phoenix Renaissance Faire while she was here. This picture was at the Faire. We found some fun hair things and shared a huge turkey drumstick. We had a good time. I was sad when her trip came to an end and she had to get back to Las Vegas.

Easter Pageant

On March 22, 2008, the Saturday before Easter, our ward went to see the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant about the life of Christ. Jack and I met a year ago at the Easter Pageant. He was distracted by some other girl at the time, so he couldn't realize right away how great I'd be for him. Luckily, it was only a few weeks later when he asked me out. ; )

My New Apartment



On March 22nd I moved into my new apartment. Jack and several guys from the ward came to help out. This is a view from the front door. My backyard looks onto the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. It's so relaxing on a Sunday morning to sit in the living room with the windows open. The cats love to look out the windows and watch the birds flying around and the rabbits hopping along down below.
Here's a link to Jack's entry and more pix of my apartment. http://jackturner53.blogspot.com/2008/04/tamaras-views.html

Monday, March 24, 2008

Hello World!


I love my boyfriend so much! He loves me enough to create a blog for me just the way I wanted it. His name is Jack. We've been dating for a quite some time and he's been anxious for me to join the blogging world.

We're reading Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb together. It's a fantasy adventure in the Farseer Series. Jack is really good at reading. Sometimes I take a turn, but I like it best when Jack reads to me. When I'm a bit sleepy I forget to listen to the story and I just get lost in his voice. It's so dreamy. >Sigh<

I wish every girl could be so lucky as to have a tall, dark, and handsome guy like him. He even likes to play with my happy cats. I could go on and on about Jack, but this blog is supposed to be about me, so I'll wrench myself away onto other topics. ..... ummmm... well, maybe tomorrow. Right now I can only think about Jack. ; )

(This entry was written by Jack and edited after the fact by Tamara)