Day 3 of my Aha and Ha ha Moments: Gifts

Aha:  "Gift of Gab" 
My boss called me yesterday to schedule my annual review (due at the beginning of March) for this morning (short notice, but I didn't dare risk having another 4 months without my review).  I was to come prepared with goals and comments about my performance over the last 12+ months.  This caused my heart to beat a little faster than normal.  How was I going to speak eloquently about something I had less than one business day to think about??  I asked one of my coworkers for some ideas and she, thankfully, obliged.  I thought and prayed about it yesterday and again today at work as to what I could talk about.  The time quickly came for my meeting.  As I sat down with my supervisor, I felt quite calm and as prepared as I could possibly be.  My meeting lasted about 45 minutes and we literally just visited (nothing work-related whatsoever) for the first 25 minutes and then she briefly went over my review (all improvements from my first 6 months).  She was very complimentary!  She asked if I had anything I wanted to add.  What?  I thought I had to have all my strengths/weaknesses, goals/ambitions, and deep reflective insights ready for this meeting?  All she asked for was if I have anything I want to add?  So, I kinda chuckled and said, "I wasn't sure what you expected from me, so I kinda prepared "the usual" review stuff."  She seemed very impressed and was grateful I had prepared myself so well!  Woohoo!  I had worried about nothing and ended up only impressing her further. :)

Haha:  "Giver of Gifts"
I drink a lot of water during the day and as a result, I tend to frequent the nearest restroom.  During one of my announcements that I would be going to the restroom my coworker responded, "Ok, but be sure to bring me something back!"  I told her she was gross and proceeded to leave.  However, after finishing my "business transaction" and while washing my hands, I looked into the mirror and was struck with the perfect gift idea for my needy coworker.  I dried my hands, pulled off a large section of toilet paper and pulled the lever on the "Free Maxi Pad" dispenser (one of the many "benefits" for working at the college, however, for someone who rarely has a period, this isn't something I use very often :).  Anyway, I wrapped up the little box in the toilet paper and tied it with what T.P. I had left.  I brought it to her and set it on her desk.  She looked at it for half a second before recognizing exactly what it is.  We all had a great laugh!

I'm sorry...what?!

Day 2 of noticing the Lord's hand in my life and the funny things from my day...

Aha:  I returned to work today from a week's vacation and needless to say I was swamped.  When it was time to sort the faxes I was greeted by an absolute mess.  (Thank you Wisconsin humidity!!)

This isn't the first time I've seen this so I combat it with a sense of humor and go about my now more-than-normal detailed sorting.  Whilst sorting I came across some faxes that did not belong to any one of our physicians so I gathered them up and called the sender to inform them of this error.  While talking with the sender it happened to come up that although the documents should be shredded to be safe, they had worked with one of our docs in the past.  I noted this and thought I should save the faxes until I could just double check with that physician that they weren't, by chance, meant to go to her.  Long story short--I continue to plunge through my very busy morning only to have it interrupted by a very angry physician looking for the very faxes I had so thoughtfully held aside.  I held them up triumphantly and declared I had saved them from a sure-shredding for her, just in case.  She proceeds to tell me I've created a big mess because I didn't come find her the second they came across the machine (how was I to do this if I didn't know who they belonged to??)  Anyway, she leaves but comes back a few minutes later to tell me I've missed the first eight pages.  I told her that because of the above disaster, I had to take extra time to go through each sheet that came through and I gave her exactly what we got.  She continued her unusual form of gratitude for my thoughtfulness by questioning my ability to read faxes and put them in the right order off the machine.  I began to feel a bit frustrated that she was turning my kindness into an opportunity to yell at me in front of my coworkers.  This is where the "aha" came into play.  At that moment, I felt a total clarity of mind and emotion and said, "I'm sorry, but I don't understand why you are upset with me.  These faxes were saved for you as a favor."  She continued to complain and I responded, "Your name was not on the fax so I contacted the sender who only happened to mention your name in a different part of the conversation.  As a favor, I set these forms aside for you just in case.  I also did not know these were a priority and I have been very busy taking care of other time-sensitive issues this morning.  Would you like me to call the sender to see where the first eight pages went?"  She was still angry, so I said, "I'm happy to help in this situation, but I don't understand what you want me to do."  I could tell she was running out of steam because I wasn't giving in to her bullying.  She said that wasn't good enough and huffed off like a three-year-old and I returned to my work.  A moment later, my coworker's phone rang.  Dr. Cranky (name has been changed to spare the insolent) asked her to call the sender and locate the missing pages.  Lo and behold...they did not send them because they were being sent by another sender entirely.  Turns out not only can I read and distribute faxes properly, but I can defend myself and my capabilities as an administrative assistant to a huffety-puffety doctor with an aggressive attitude to boot!  Go me and thank the Lord for a quick mind and a peaceful demeanor in the face of adversity!!

Ha ha:  I listen to talk radio in the morning while I get ready for work.  It is always filled with news and information, but today I was greeted with an unexpected but especially welcome little nuggety-treat.  The story was on coconut water and how prices are becoming burdensome to vendors who use it in their drink mixes.  Seemingly innocent story right?  Well, as talk shows usually do, they consulted with a nutrition/food economist specialist named...Harry Balzer.  Say it out loud my friends if you must.  Not only was his name Harry Balzer, but they kept shortening the topic of coconuts to just "nuts".  Harry Balzer, a specialist on nuts.  Clinton and I promptly began laughing, as any sane person with a sense of humor would do and continued to do so throughout the entire 5-minute segment!  I believe Clinton summed the story up best as he declared, "Harry Balzer really knows his nuts."

We're Funny and Spiritual!

So, I've desperately been wanting to blog, but have found myself wanting when it came to what the heck I should write about.  During a talk on recording our memories a blogging bulb turned on...I could write about the blessings I notice in my life each day.  I became very excited about this and felt some hope at being able to again contribute to the blogging world.  Then I realized I had even more to give...we are hilarious!  Why couldn't I write a blog post each day which contains something spiritual and something outright funny from our day?  Genius!  "I shall do it!", I proclaimed.  I will record our "aha" and "ha ha" moments.

So, first things first--Aha.  I have been praying a lot lately for understanding and encouragement regarding this adoption process.  I have asked the Lord to know if there is anything else I could/should be doing to ensure I have done all I can to help this work along.  I wanted to know if there was anything else I could do.  I haven't been feeling like an answer came until I listened to one of the speakers at church today.  She was talking about living our lives in such a way that we can hear and follow the spirit when it prompts us to do something.  She said that it is our responsibility to remember that the Lord is in control and that if we are doing our part, He will always bless us and will do so at the right time and in the right way for us.  His way is always better than our way and we need to trust Him.  I totally knew this already, but I needed to hear it again.  I've heard it many times and said it to others many times in my life, but it was so refreshing to hear those words again today.  They were meant for me but they can apply to any one of us in every situation of our lives.

Ha ha--I have a few to list, which I will do over the next few days, but here is a brief one from this afternoon.  Clinton and I had both fallen asleep in the living room this afternoon, I on the couch and he on the floor.  Anyway, when I woke up I was looking at him and admiring his cute sleeping self.  He woke and asked me why I was staring.
Me:  You're cute.
He:  (Shakes his head)
Me:  What, I can't think you're cute?
He:  Nope.
Me:  Why not?
He:  I'm trouble.  I'll break your heart.

That kid cracks me up!  I don't know how or where he comes up with some of this stuff, but he makes me laugh everyday!

Hoping to Adopt

Hello World!

We wanted to forward on our adoption profile!  If you didn’t know already, we are hoping to adopt and our profile was just made public yesterday!!  (I’m excited can you tell??!!)

If you feel comfortable, we would forever be grateful if you can forward this link to anyone and everyone that you know.  We know that our opportunity to make contact with a couple of amazing birth parents will be greatly increased if we can really get ourselves out there.  If you’d like to help, please send this link to EVERYONE!!

https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/26001939/ourMessage.jsf 

This is a very exciting time for us and we really appreciate all the help we can get!

Thanks so much!
The Logans

Clinton's 30th Birthday Eulogy (see previous post)

This was written and performed by one of Clinton's friends (Dustin Porter) at his surprise party last week. 
**Please note:  Clinton is still alive and doing well.  This is a eulogy for his youth not his life!

"I think that it’s fair to say we will all miss the young version of Clinton that we’ve come to know and love. But what will remember most about him…
-Being sexy. Yes, I thought of this at first as well, but getting past his physical attractiveness I thought about how I’ll miss studying with him for ~10 hours and later walking away from the school having ~3 hours of work done.

-And those ear plugs that won’t be causing him anymore infections after repeated falls on the floor.

-I’ll miss learning all about what our brothers to the north have to offer.

-Getting emails of YouTube videos and not having to look at the name of the person who is sending them to me.

-I’ll miss knowing a twenty something year-old man who thinks that dressing down is khakis and a sweater.

-And that same well-dressed man knowing every line to every Simpson’s episode ever made.

In closing I would like to share a line from one of Clinton’s favorite artist’s songs, Rihanna. “You can stand under my arm forever.” (Clinton thought those were the lyrics instead of the actual ones "Under my Umbrella")

I’m not going to cry not even one tear because I know that young version of Clinton is in a place where he fits in… Hogwarts."

Thanks Dustin!!!

It was a BIG week last week

The Logans have been busy.

During this past week Clinton:

• Survived/Completed finals from his 2nd year of medical school (Pathology and Pharmacology)
• Turned 30-years-old and experienced his first surprise party
• Became a dual citizen of the United States and
• Finished his first (out of five) week of studying for boards. Only four more to go! ;)
  

During this past week Danielle:

• Finally got to see her husband (for more than a few minutes) for the first time in four weeks
• Earned the last of the money she's been saving to purchase a year's supply of food storage
• Threw her husband a "Funeral-themed" surprise birthday party and
  
• Completed and submitted the last of the paperwork for our adoption profile!

It has been crazy busy here! We have really been blessed with opportunities for learning and growing. The Lord has truly been mindful of our needs and has made a way for them to be met.

It has been interesting to look back and see the miracles.

• I have been blessed with good health and a great job to support Clinton while he's in school so he can focus on his studies. I have also recently been blessed with lots of work outside my regular job. For some reason (although, I know the reason) I have had many new/old clients come to me for hair services and out of the blue, I've acquired two voice students. The extra income has come as a direct blessing for my desire to purchase our year's supply of food storage. Even though food prices have increased at the Store House, I am still going to be able to purchase everything we need! Amazing!

• We were also able to pay for the last portion of Clinton's immigration to the US. The timing of his interview and oath was way to perfect to be coincidental. He never had to miss an exam, important lecture or critical study time to make his immigration appointments. They just "happened" to be scheduled during his breaks. Now his immigration is complete and there will be no set-backs or hindrances when we reach his choices for residency programs or when we adopt. He can work freely and I'll be able to stay home and focus on being a mom.

He wanted one last picture with his Green Card

Waiving the flag

Clinton happened to find the one other Canadian in the room!

This judge looked so much like Condalisa Rice.
Here he is with his Certificate of Naturalization...it's official!

• We have made it through the "tough years" of medical school. Clinton has been absolutely amazing! He has worked so hard to reach his goals of becoming a physician and being able to provide a great life for his family. It is difficult watching him stress so much at times, but I am so proud of him! I am ecstatic that he now gets to "practice" being a doctor for the next couple years. He'll still have exams along the way, but at least he won't be in lecture-mode any longer. Now, I just need to be supportive while he studies for boards. June 18th, June 18th, June 18th. Once that's over, we'll be enjoying a week together with no work or other responsibilities to think about. I can't wait!

We also got to celebrate Clinton's 30th birthday this last week. It feels so weird to say that! Anyway, my friend helped me come up with the idea to throw a funeral-themed party to mourn the loss of his youth.

Here's Peter waiting for the Birthday Boy to arrive

While I took Clinton out to dinner, four of our friends came over and decorated our living room/dining room with black decorations. They hung a "Happy 30th Birthday" banner I made that has gravestones with "YOUTH" written on them and a women crying next to them. Everyone was dressed in black and one of his best friends offered a eulogy of his youth. It was so much fun! He was TOTALLY surprised! In fact, he didn't even notice the decorations until AFTER everyone shouted "surprise!".

Here's his cake. I'm not sure why they put green vines on it, but oh well! I think he got the gist! We walked in and instead of noticing the cake and drinks on our table, he noticed a McDonald's cup that had been left in our kitchen by one of our friends. He turned to me (still not noticing the party) and said, pointing at the cup, "What the? Did you go to McDonald's just now?" Ha ha! Only then did he decide to walk out into the living room (still not noticing the decorations) to be surprised by our friends. It was great! Happy 30th Honey Bunny and here's to many, many more!

Anyway, it was a crazy week, but it was the week of so many milestones. Our adoption profile will be going up before Friday (I can't believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) and I'll let you know the specifics on that ASAP.

Whew! Just recapping all of this past week makes me tired! I think I'm going to go take a nap, or just go to bed since it's nearing my bedtime anyway!

A Few Fun Videos

Clinton and I were able to take a trip to Chicago last Spring. When we arrived it was 65 degrees and sunny. Within a couple hours of being there, however, the temperature dropped about 40 degrees and the wind and snow really picked up. We woke up the next morning to this....

Also, I forgot that there is a bit of video from when we took Clinton's parents up to Mt. Hood for a little trip. As we were riding the chair lift, we noticed a couple monks walking up the mountain. I just thought it was something worth videotaping!

This next clip is mainly for my sister Daya, but for anyone who enjoys a good thunder and lightening storm-enjoy! Be sure to watch at 1:24 minutes into it. There's a cameo of Peter.


This video is only a very few minutes long, but I should note that this storm, with this intensity, went on for 3 hours!!!! I used to be absolutely terrified of thunder, but now, I'd like to say I can enjoy it...as long as it is not right over my house. That kind of storm still scares the crap outta me!

Okay, this one is a compilation of our events at Niagra Falls. I'm not very good at editing videos, so I apologize for the non-smooth transitions. Also, it's almost 8 minutes long, so feel free to skip ahead. Basically, when we got to Niagra we were AMAZED by two things: 1. How beautiful and majestic the falls were. 2. How dumpy and dirty the town was. At any rate, we had a great time and were were there for the 4th of July celebration and fireworks! Plus, it was just so much fun to be on a trip with each other!



I have some videos that I'll be posting of our Petey Pup, but they'll take me a little bit of time to put together, so perhaps that'll be my posting for next week.

Hope you enjoyed our memories!