Nostalgia

Today, my old roommate and good friend Natalie Graham got married.  She looked beautiful and it was a beautiful ceremony and reception.

One of the nice things was seeing all my old friends from Turnberry.  It has been awhile since we were last together.  As we sat together and reminisced about old times we talked about funny quotes, funny situations, what we are all up to now, how we should get together more and all the great memories we have.  It kind of made me sad because I realized how fun that time in my life was and how may great people I hung out with.  It made me miss all of them. 

As I got to think about it more I realize that life moves on.  People move, they get married, start school, change jobs, have children, get busy with church, have life changing events, and grow as people.  If we all stayed where we were we cannot progress.  Life moves on.  It is sad because you can never go back to those times where you had the best moments and the most fun.  I think the time with those friends were some of my best.

My other thought is wow I have great memories with amazing people who have touched my life.  I can't wait to see what other great times are ahead and what other memories I will make with old and new friends.  I don't want to focus on the past but look to the future.

Here are some Turnberry friend pictures.

Tiffany Finley, Todd Kohler, Me, Heidi Shepherd, Natalie Williams (Graham), Brook Smith (Bodell), Melissa McOmie, Brett Valdez, Dyana Valdez (Martin), and Nettie Martin

The Girls
Brooke Preece, Me, Melissa McOmie, Natalie Williams (Graham), Brooke Smith (Bodell), Kaleigh Udy, Heidi Shepherd, and Tiffany Finley

Top 10 Things I Learned From My First Emergency Room Visit

10.  I cry when I really don't feel good.
            It wasn't until I started crying from my side hurting that I knew I was in trouble.

9.  I have no modesty.
            I always knew I didn't care what people saw but now I know that if I am in pain I really don't care.

8.  It is hard to find a vein to put in an IV.
            I ended up getting poked 3 times in order to find a vein to put in the IV.  This does not include all the time it took to find the veins to even poke.  Look at the pictures of my hands below.

7.  People in Utah County are really nice.
            Everyone at the hospital took great care of me.  They explained everything clearly and wanted to make sure I felt better.

6.  My body is not normal.
            Okay I am not normal in general but all my tests were just off.

5.  I worry about things.
            I am sitting in pain in the hospital and I am worried about how I didn't make it to my cousin's boys football games and work.

4.  I have a great reaction to drugs.
            Most of this knowledge comes from when I got my wisdom teeth out but I do get very happy on drugs.

3.  My parents are wonderful.
           I knew this already but just have to say how amazing they are.  My dad took me to the hospital and helped me get over all the needle pokes.  My mom when I got home put me to bed.   Then they both took care of me the next few days

2.   I know how many fingers it takes to make myself throw up.
           When I first got sick I just wanted to throw up so I stuck 2 fingers down my throat.

1. I know my drug of choice.
            During my stay they gave me some drugs which the nurse compared to heroine.  Then when I was getting another test done they had to give me morphine.  I like heroine.  It makes me happy and euphoric.

 Left Hand - Bruises after 3 days

Right Hand - Bruises after 4 days

Attitude is Everything!

One of the things I have been thinking this week is about attitude.  It affects everything.  Your attitude is how you deal with trials and how you respond to all situations.  This week I have had a couple of conversations about this and how I am perceived. 

So this is how I normally deal with situations.  There were times when I was going to school full time and working full time and I felt like I couldn't survive.  I had breakdowns and cried.  Many times I thought I wouldn't make it through.  Guess what I did.  Now I know that what doesn't kill you only makes you realize what you can get through and what your strength is.  Another quote my old boss used to say "they can't take away your birthday." So anytime something crappy happens I think it is not going to kill me and I will always have my birthday.

Another thing that I always think is I don't want to be the bitter, negative, nothing goes my way person because I can't stand those people.  I want to be positive and look for the best in everything (not that I always do).  So look at your attitude and look for the positive because you can always get through it.

My dream about the Jonas Brothers and how it affected work.

There are times in my life when I realize that I am a blond and do really stupid things.  So here is the story of how I made myself look really stupid at work.

So last week I was talking to my co-worker Kendra and was telling her about this new fascination with the Jonas Brothers.  I was saying how I felt that they were like my brothers friends who made me laugh.  She made the comment that it sounded like I thought I knew them.  This kind of startled me and I realized that I am not like the twelve year olds who would cry if they saw them and live and breath the Jonas Brothers.  I have already done this with N'sync.  Oh boy was I fan.

So this weekend I was thinking why did I have this sudden facination with the Jonas Brothers.  Well, guess who had a Jo Bro dream?  ME!  In the dream I have a vague memory of hanging out with Nick, Joe, and Kevin.  I also remember them being fun and thinking they were way funny.  So this is why I had the attachement to them last week.

Now for the funny part.  Today, Kendra was talking about how her little sister this weekend thought that Joe Jonas phone number was posted on the internet and that they should call him.  I died laughing.  So I told Kendra I had something to tell her over IM.  So I went back to my computer and then proceeded to tell her the story of my dream.  Well, needless to say I wasn't IMing Kendra, I was IMing my boss.  How funny is it that today I admitted to my boss that I had a dream about the Jonas Brothers.  Luckily, she thought it was funny.  So the lesson to learn here is don't dream about the Jonas Brothers and to make sure you email, IM, or text the right person.

I was going to try and add music but don't know how.

Its the Time of Year for.....

the flu and flu shots.

So normally I take the approach of not getting a flu shot.  This is for many reason.  Some of my reasons are everyone else gets one so I don't have to, I need to lose weight so being sick is fine, I am a wimp and hate shots, and do I really want to put the flu in me and maybe have side effects.  This year is different.  At work they have a program where we get a discount on insurance if we do certain things and getting a flu shot was one of them.  So here is the story of my first ever flu shot.

Oh great.  I just got the email saying flu shots are today.  Okay.  When is the last possible moment I can go and get it done.  Well maybe I should just go now and get it over with.  I hate this.  I don't want this dumb ass shot.  I can do this.  Maybe someone will go with me.

"Hey Kendra, I am really wimpy and would you come with me to get my flu shot?" I say as nicely as possible.

"You need me to come hold your hand?" Kendra says while laughing at me, "I am not getting one but I guess I can come with you."

We make the long trek down the elevator one floor.  The lobby is set up with tables and the scary medical people are lined up waiting to inflict the worst pain ever.  There is a medical smell that fills my nose and I know I am in trouble.  I restlessly fill out the necessary forms while Kendra kindly cracks jokes and makes a little fun of me.

Now it is my turn.

I sit down and the first thing out of the medical personnel's mouth is "you look nervous." Oh really?  Why would I be nervous?  It is just a little shot full of the flu virus and lets be honest I don't do well with anything medical.  Just ask my Aunt Julie. 

She then proceeds to ask me the questions on the list. 

"So you have never had a flu shot before?"

"No, I rather be sick then get this shot."

She and Kendra laugh.

"It will only be a little prick."

Yeah right I think.  A gigantic needle is going to pierce my arm.

"Afterwards you can have sucker, " she states.

"I will go and get you one." Kendra volunteers.  She is being very supportive even though I am pretty sure she would rather be on the floor laughing her head off at me.  I know if it wasn't me getting the shot that is what I would be doing.

"Look away."

Where would I look.  At the gigantic needle being punched through my skin as you insert the flu virus and H1N1 into my body.

"Okay, all done." I look over and she is wiping blood that has gushed from the wound.  "You are a bleeder."  Oh great just what I don't need to know.  Then the bombshell drops. "You will need to stick around the lobby for at least the next 10 minutes.  Since this is your first flu shot we need to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction."  What the hell?  I thought this was just a flu shot not a you may die because you are allergic experience.  Luckily by then I have a sucker and it makes me feel somewhat better. 

Needless to say I didn't have an allergic reaction but I will say that I have not been 100% since then.  I think this is to be expected since they injected the flu into me.  So there is the story of my first and hopefully last flu shot.

The Famous Touchdown Run of Ike Ditzenberger

People are amazing.  Here is a video of Snohomish Panthers who were losing a home football game to the Lake Stevens Vikings.  They decided to put in  Ike Ditzenberger, who has Down Syndrome.  Yes even High School boys can think beyond themselves.  The question is can we?  What little things can we do that can change a person's life?

I am in a conundrum

So I loved season 1 of Glee.  It was inspiring, had great music, and made me laugh.  Season 2 has made me want to turn off my TV.  I haven't laughed, thought that sex was way too much, I haven't felt moved, the story is boring and I feel crossed a line with religion.  I have come to the conclusion about myself that I feel very sensitive about religious material and think the grilled cheese crossed a line.  It just rubbed my the wrong way.  I will admit the I felt for Kurt.  When he sang "I Want to Hold Your Hand" you saw into what he was feeling.  Also, when Sue asked for her sister to pray for her I saw a glimmer of what the show used to be about.  Even as I am writing this I feel an eternal struggle and think to myself it wasn't so bad.  Finn and his sandwich that was kind of funny but is it really?  So do I turn off Glee or do I hope that the greatness of season 1 comes back?

My 112.......

So today starts the 112 goals to complete by 2012.  I will have 15 months to complete.  If anyone wants to participate in any of the activities let me know.  So here is the list.

1. Lose 100 lbs.
2. Visit the Golden Spike National Historic Site
3. Got to the temple every day for 1 week
4. Choose a place to become a volunteer
5. Read the Book of Mormon
6. Go on vacation alone
7. Go to London, Ireland, or Paris
8. Run a half marathon
9. Go to all the temples in Utah
10. Attend Education Week at BYU
11. Take the boys to a baseball game
12. Blog once a week
13. Read the whole Ensign each month
14. Learn to water ski
15. Take a river rafting trip
16. Take the GMAT
17. Apply for Grad School
18. Learn how to change a car's oil
19. Take a karate class
20. Take a self defense class
21. Make an apple pie from scratch
22. Buy a black pencil skirt, a button up blouse, high heels, and a short trench coat
23. Buy food storage
24. Get pictures from family and friends
25. Organize pictures
26. Keep plants alive on porch
27. Sew a dress
28. Get colored extensions
29. Learn how to do family history
30. Write a book
31. Build end tables
32. Learn to knit
33. Learn the dance moves to a music video or musical
34. Host a fancy dinner party
35. Create recipe for an almond pastry
36. Sing in church 
37. Take a siblings trip
38. Learn to play one song on the guitar
39. Start a fire without matches or flint
40. Paint a picture
41. Learn a ballroom dance
42. Tile my bathrooms and laundry room
43. Cook a lobster
44. Drive a boat
45. Roller skate on a boardwalk
46. Attend a political meeting
47. Make a new bedspread, pillows, and dust ruffle
48. Make a purse
49. Spend a day in the canyon
50. Learn how to throw a spiral
51. Memorize the Articles of Faith again
52. Spend an evening on the porch with homemade lemonade
53. Visit Holly in California
54. Participate in Habitat for Humanity
55. Get Hypnotized
56. Do an art project
57. Go on a hike
58. Design a skirt and make it
59. Got on a date
60. Spend a day on the beach
61. Learn Spanish
62. Attend a play in Oakley, ID
63. Buy a red dress
64. Float in the Great Salt Lake
65. Go camping at Red Fish Lake
66. Create an address book
67. Send out Christmas cards
68. Increase flexibility - splits?
69. Let Syd and Meg do a makeover
70. Go to a Yankees game
71. Celebrate my 30th birthday
72. Host a mystery dinner
73. Go snowmobiling
74. Swim 100 meters without stopping
75. Learn to flip on the walls while swimming laps
76. Milk a cow
77. Get a new phone and learn how to use all the features
78. Attend a Renaissance Festival
79. Get a henna tattoo
80. Watch all of Battlestar Galactica
81. Know the words and dance to "Oops I did it Again"
82. Discover my favorite poem
83. Learn how to make croissants
84. Learn how to canoe
85. Try speed dating
86. Dance in the rain
87. Attend a luau
88. Take surf lessons
89. Swim at donut falls
90. Make a music video
91. Paint a gnome
92. Don't eat french fries
93. Make my own vase
94. Complete top 10 hot guys list for blog
95. Catch a lightening bug
96. Finish my quilt
97. Learn the parables of Christ
98. Apply for the Amazing Race
99. Learn how to drive stick shift
100. Sit on the porch and watch the snow fall
101. Learn to shot a gun
102. Be an extra
103. Spend time in a secluded cabin on a lake
104. See Antelope Island
105. Dine at Sundance
106. Go to an outdoor play
107. Join a softball team
108. Go mountain biking
109. Swim with dolphins
110. Go to the Aquarium
111. Dress like a pioneer and got to This is the Place Monument
112. Become active

So there we go.  Items to fill my boring life and hopefully this will lead to finding myself.

112 Things to do before 2012

So when I was living with Anna Cook she made a list of goals and things she wanted to accomplish before 2011.  I thought it was a great idea and it has been stuck in my head since then.  So yesterday I was thinking I need to accomplish this but didn't know what timeline it should be in.  At first I decided when I turn 30 (Syd and Meg I am only 29 contrary to what you think) but that is only 7 months away so I decided by 2012 would be a good time frame.  The list is not fully complete because figuring out what you want to accomplish is harder than I though.  Also, I know as I progress during my time items will have to change as I change.  I am excited to start October 1st.  So I hope to have my list up by the 1st and any ideas would be helpful.

Jonah and Me

Today, was fast and testimony meeting and it was one of God's tender mercies First, was a testimony that hit home.  He talked about how sometimes we are so in the moment we loose sight of what is really important.  I know that I do this all the time.  I loose track of what I should be doing for what is in the moment.  Then as I was sitting there I had another thought, "I need to be who I want to be."  Then my thoughts went to I need to live up to my Patriarchal blessing.

In Sunday School the lesson was on Jonah.  The song we sang was hymn #270 I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go. What really jumped out to me on this was the last line in the third verse before the chorus "I'll be what you want me to be."  Then we proceed to learn about Jonah and how he was swallowed by the whale.  One of the versus that stood out during the lesson was Jonah 2:5.  "The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head." I believe the reason the scripture jumped out to me is that feeling of despair when you look away from God.  I got the sense when I read this that no one wants to have that kind of pain where is was overwhelming and reaches to the soul.

So here are my thoughts about what I have learned today.  I was being told what I need to do.  I feel that today my prayers were answered.  I need to be who he wants me to be and the best guide I have is my patriarchal blessing and I need to follow it.  I also need to continue to pray and search for who he wants me to be.  Like Jonah I need to follow the promptings of the spirit and now try and hide away.  I need to not let things of the moment take away from what is important.

Is there a reason....

people don't leave comments on my blog?  It must be that boring or I am an idiot and have my setting set weird.

It was the settings.  Thanks Nicole for telling me.

Green Thumb

So one of the things I tried at the beginning of the summer was potting plants for my porch.  See my results.

So Beautiful

This lush green plant could win prizes

So I have been able to keep a plant alive for a time.  I have had this orchid for about 3 years.  It hasn't bloomed since I first got it.  Right now you can see a lot of new growth.

Have to do something new.....

So I have been analyzing my life and have figured out that I need to change how I am living.  Currently, I am feeling very lost and that life is passing me by and I am letting it.  The two things I have realized is that I am lost and have no passion for anything.

To start with being lost I find that I don't know myself anymore.  I remember a time when I enjoyed being with myself and enjoyed my own thoughts.  My senior year of high school one teacher wrote a little thing about each member of our class.  I remember she said that I was my own best friend and knew the importance of loving myself.  I have lost that.  I think it is because over the course of time I have let school, work, and other things get in the way of remembering who I am.

The other reason I think I am lost is that I have let my spiritual side go.  I have not been diligent in church attendance, prayer, scripture study, and attending the temple.  It has been an on and off process.  It is not that I don't want to go to church and follow the commandments I just get complacent.  It is not that I don't believe.

Next, is passion in life.  I have none.  When I mentioned this to my family they mentioned my love of baseball.  I am sad to announce I have not watched a Yankees game this season and I don't really follow.  The only reason I know what is kind of going on is my boss who is a Red Sox fan and my brother.

I don't enjoy doing anything anymore.  Nothing really sounds exciting or fun to do anymore.  I usually spend my time watching TV or even reading.  Even this is done to pass the time.

Reading this I bet it sounds like my life is awful but there is a silver lining.  I have decided to go on a quest to find myself and find passion for life.    What brought this about was seeing Eat Pray Love and reading an email a friend received from her sister.  First the movie was boring but I realized that I didn't want my life to pass and me to be a robot who just passes the time.  I wanted to live and find excitement.  I wanted to say I tried things and found not only who I am but a passion for life.  In my friends email her sister states that growing is not always an easy process and you can't give up.  I feel like I have given up.  I don't want to give up.  I want to grow and be the person I want to be.  My favorite thing she said is "don’t wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect."  I need to do this and find happiness in the moment.  I need to not let the moments pass.

So hear is my plan.  I am going to make a list and try new things out.  I have no idea what this will bring.  I will fail at many things, find I am okay at others, and just find joy.  I also am not going to wait around for others to do things.  If I want to go to Bear Lake I am going to go.  If I want to go to a baseball game I am going to go.  I am really excited about what life might bring.

Statistics I was Emailed I Find Interesting

So my friend Kendra at work emailed me these statistics.  I had a good laugh and related.

I would add church to this list.  My dad is the best at that.

I have always thought the 10 Items or less was a suggestion.

The worst is when it goes off at night.  You are annoyed and want to kill the person with the car.  I have never thought there might be a car being stolen.

Always my solution.  Another solution is kicking the dang thing across the room.

I have learned a lot from CSI, NCIS, and Criminal Minds.  Come to think of it I watch a lot of crime dramas and the graph represents them all.

So true.  This is why I hate FACEBOOK!

Yup Moms always tells you the truth along with sisters.  The best is when you don't even ask.

What a cool use of a laser pen.  Wish I had a cat.  Okay not that much.

Does anyone know the last time NASA did something cool or communicated with aliens?

Thanks Graph Jam for your great realistic graphs.

Hope you all enjoy.

Busy Bee

So I realized today that I have not blogged in over a month.  I have had a lot going on in the last month.

First, I went to Mesquite with Kaleigh over the 24th of July.  There was another person who went with us but he was such a downer he shall not be names.  It was so nice to relax by the pool and have not plans.  Sometimes you just need a refreshment on life.  Our whole plan was to go to the pool and eat food.  We accomplished both.

2 days after I got back from Mesquite it was time for our Jensen Family Reunion.  I would not call it a reunion for the basic fact that I see these people at least once a month.  We just moved locations.  It was so much fun to play with the little boys and Savannah.  My favorite memory was when we went down to the river and I put Briggs in.  The was so excited and could not wait to play.  The thought that comes to my mind is there anything that I get that excited by.  I don't think so.  He is my favorite.  I love him to death.

The other thing I loved was Mesa Falls.  It is the most spectacular waterfall.  About 4 years ago I saw it during the winter and was amazed.  In the summer it is just as amazing. 

I love being in the outdoors.  It is so relaxing and when you look around you just feel the love of our Heavenly Father.  I believe when you are in the outdoors and relaxing like we did you feel the spirit and are closer to our Father in Heaven.

We also had parties to say goodbye to Megan again.  A BBQ, Sunday dinner, and her final meal out with the family at Texas Roadhouse.  I think our family loves a good party.

The final thing I have to talk about if Fillo sheets.  I made a crust out of this for our pie contest and I could have just eaten the crust.  Of course what is not to like about crispy pastry dough covered in butter.  I can't wait to figure out other recipes I can use this with.

Do I feel Robbed?

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around and shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail journey...delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust ,cinders, and jolts- interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is the thank the Lord for letting us have the ride." (President Gordon B. Hinkley. December 1994)

As I was going through some previous emails I can across this quote and it got me to thinking about how I view my life.  Do I run around looking for the absolute bliss in life or do I enjoy the ride?  Like most people I want to be a person who says that I enjoy the ride and I am not looking for something to make me blissfully happy but that is not always the case.  I have my moments of what if or if I change this then I will be perfect but I realize that is not always the case. I need to find happieness in the delays, sidetracks, tough beef, in just being a person, and in the times of beauty.  I need to thank the Lord for the good and the normal and not think if I am missing or being robbed of something.

Best TV Shows

So I have been watching some TV shows on DVD and have decided that I should blog about my 5 favorite TV shows.  These are not in order of my favorite because that would be too hard.

Favorite Shows

Veronica Mars

Friday Night Lights

Alias

Psych

Glee

Veronica Mars is a show that left before its time.  I recommend this show for the great story line, humor, and it isn't like anything else you have seen on TV.  The show sucks you in and you can't wait to see what mysteries Veronica cracks as a PI, how she deals with people, and what great quip she will throw at people.  Also, the relationship she has with Logan Echolls is so much fun to watch.  I recommend this show to everyone and to campaign for the Veronica Mars Movie.

Friday Night Lights is of of those shows that gets no love.  If it wasn't for DirecTV then this show would not still be with us.  I watched all of the episodes aired in about one weekend.  The acting, the story, and the characters make you fall in love with this show.  The marriage between Coach and Tami Taylor is a dream relationship.  One to search for.  Also, it has given me 2 new loves - Zach Gilford and Taylor Kitsch.  In season 4 there the episode "The Son" that I would have to say is one of the most amazing episodes of any show I have seen. 

Alias is on my list because who  doesn't like to watch a kick butt female.  Sydney Bristow is amazing and this show sucks you in.  It has been awhile since I last watched this show but it is still one of my favorites.  Watching Bristow and Vaughn take down the bad guys is awesome.  Also, it introduced us to Bradley Cooper.  Enough said.

Psych = fake psychic detective.  Writing that just makes me laugh.  Shawn and Gus interactions with each other is priceless.  One of my favorite lines is when Shawn asks if he is wearing John Stockton shorts.  It is lines like that which draw you in.  It is a show to watch to make yourself laugh.

Glee please see my previous blog on why I love this show.  I have missed it this summer and can't wait for its return.  Okay so what I really can't wait for is the return of Sue and Brittney.  They have the best lines ever.

Love these shows and it makes me want to stay in and watch TV. Oh some honorable mentions for TV shows for me are The Good Wife (just getting into the show), House (ornery Man), The Vampire Diaries (Ian Somerhalder yum), Castle (Nathan Fillion is awesome), Firefly (Nathan Fillion), Gilmore Girls (the relationship between mother and daughter priceless), Modern Family (If I had a top 6 this would be up there), and White Collar (love Matt Bomer).

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You

I have decided that I need to create my Top 10 hottest guys list with bios.  I have been bored lately and this will give me something to do.  So keep checking back to see who will make the list.  Let me know if there are any you might want added.

Just want to say good luck.

Holly,

Good luck on your new adventure in California.  I am going to miss you tons!  Thanks for being a great friend and for always being there.

Lauren

Hello Park City ... Goodbye Holly

What a great weekend.  What could be better then spending a night up in Park City with people you love being around. 

The weekend started with me taking off Friday.  I needed to pick up the keys to the condo by 5 so it just made sense to make a day of it.  One thing to note is that it is World Cup time and I was able to watch the USA play Slovinia.  Great game.  Love watching soccer.  After the game I went up there and just spent the afternoon in the condo alone.  It was nice to watch a little more soccer and Veronica Mars (one of the best TV shows ever).

That night I had to go to Sara Nygren's (Hess) wedding reception.  Then it was back up to Park City for the PARTY!

So let the fun begin.  It started with Holly, Kaleigh, Amanda, Leslie, and me sitting around talking.  Great fun.  I love those girls.  It is great to have such wonderful friends.  The people started showing up.  Kaleigh did an amazing job of getting people to come and making the odds even better.  So basically there were more BOYS than girls.  FINALLY.

So the first funny thing that happened was watching Tyler try to get the smoke detector that was beeping off the huge wall in the master bedroom.  It was just funny to watch.  Then one of my favorite parts of the night happened.  I was up on the top floor and you can see down into the living room.  I called Amanda and she looked up and I flashed her (note it was a clean flash as in you saw my garments and bra) and her reaction was priceless.  She yelped and then looked over to see if Jeff Burgess had seen anything.  It was the funniest thing I had seen in a long time.

So one of my goals was that I was not going to hide away in the kitchen like I normally do at parties but was going to have fun and just let go.  So basically great times.  One thing that made me happy is when we were making margaritas, pina coladas, and daiquiris Eric and I were making mixtures of things and saying it was mixed with hopes and dreams.  Very random but it was funny. 

Next hot tube.  Holly and I ended up in the hot tube with Shane, Eric, and Morgan.  It was so fun.  At this point it was getting late and my inappropriate filter along with everyone else's was getting low.  So innuendos were flying left and right.  Shane said last night that Eric was trying to make us think like that on purpose but it ended up us laughing the whole time.  Then I don't know how to describe the game Eric was playing.  It was where we would put our ears under the water and he would stand over us and turn on the jets.  It sounded like a jet plane.  Lets just say that it was hilarious.  I can't go into what he was saying because my mom might read this but very inappropriate and hilarious. 

We all got out and I am not going to go into any detail but for my reminder I am just going to say the door was unlocked.

By then everyone started to leave and it ended up being Holly, Kaleigh, Jon Grover, and myself left.  We just spent the night talking until about 4 am.  It is nice to have people you can joke around with but can have serious conversations with and talk about important things.

The night was a blast and I hope Holly had a great time.  I wish I had taken some pictures but I was just so busy having fun.

Saturday morning we took it easy and then spent a little time in Park City.  I won't lie and say I was happy and cheerful.  I only got about 4 hours of sleep so I was ornery.  Then we went to Anna and Max's Open House.  It was so good to see them.  I miss them a ton.

It was a great weekend full of friends and fun.

Just realized

I like making bulleted or number points on my blog.

Life brings you ..... boring

I just saw that I have not posted anything for the month of May on my blog.  Even now I am at a loss as to what to write.  I feel it is because my life is pretty level and boring.  So here are some highlights of what has happened in May.

• It was my 29th birthday.  Contrary to what my sisters think I am not 30 or even in my 30s.
• My family has the cutest babies ever.  Krew is so fun.  Cal is so crazy. Savannah is so sweet.
• I got a tattoo of a butterfly on my butt.
• I got new patio furniture for my birthday.  So cute!
• I bought a new kitchen table.
• I have started using essential oils.  I love lavender.  It is so wonderful.  I recommend using them.
• Wow can't even think of a good lie to spice up my life here.
• Threw my neck out and now visit the chiropractor.
• Finally got sparkle toes.
• Wish Glee was on every night.
• Invented something
• Ate lots of food.  Okay, I do this every day, week, month but it is what my life is.
• Just realized that I need to find a new hobby instead of food.
• Went to Laser Tag and my name was Ace Thunder.
• It snowed today.
• I have a new roommate Natalie.  Semi new because I live with her before I moved.
• Figured out I have Casey James hair.
• In love with my Roomba named Little Guy
• Little Guy is the only love in my life.
• Looking forward to Memorial Day.
• Wish I was a pirate.
• Wish I was eating a cookie right now.
• Wish I was eating a cookie with a lovely beverage right now.
• Trying to make up more lies to spice up my life but those are even boring.
• One lie I thought of .... Fell on my sidewalk.  No, I have not done this yet but only a matter of time.
• The best part of my day is waiting for my co-worker Kendra to tell me the drama in her life.
• On pins and needles in anticipation of my ward party on Thursday.  It is to welcome the graduating Seniors to our ward.  Seniors as in high school.  Kill me.
• Wish I was in Italy.
• Wish I was eating food in Italy.
• I dress like a slob and so my mom bought me new clothes this past weekend.
• Went to the temple and slept through a lot of it.  I feel really guilty.
• I relate to Liz Lemon on 30 Rock. At least she is dating Matt Damon.
• Went and saw Letters to Juliet and realized it was the best movie I had ever seen.  I have now watched it 3 times.

So very random and very weird.  Guess that is an insight into my life that is very boring.  Don't get me wrong I am very thankful that life is pretty even.  I can spice it up with things like picking a name for laser tag or getting tattoos.

Dear Glee,

I wanted to write you this letter to express how great I think your show is.  It proves me with such great joy.  It combines music, hilarity, and a great story. But tonight's episode "Home" went to a whole new dimension by adding the touching moments of life.  It made me tear up in places.  Okay, so I cried, well shed tear we will call it when Finn and his mom were talking about his father and then when in front of the whole school Mercedes addresses her insecurities.  It was beautiful, which is also the name of the song she sang. I related to her because what she said I feel/have felt before.  Also, the part where Quinn talks to Mercedes in the nurse's office.  It was great to see Quinn address body issues and put a great perspective on it.  I also felt for Kurt as he delt with his father and Finn building a relationship.  You had to feel for him as you saw the pain of not relating to his father like Finn does.  So Glee keep produce the best show on TV.

In my letter I also want to write about my love for Mr. Schuster, Finn, and Puck.  Oh my.  Their dancing and singing makes me smile and giddy.  Finn is tall and ideal, Puck when he sang Sweet Caroline I melted, and Mr. Schuster dances wow.  I love them all but I am still trying to figure out who I love the most.  This picture says it all on their hotness.

Love,
Me

Love of My Life

So I just have to blog about the real love of my life....the New York Yankees. 

New York Yankees let me count the ways I love you:

1. 27 World Championships
2. Derek Jeter is amazing and has these plays that can't be described.
3. Marion Rivera - Mo - Best closer EVER!
4. Paul O'Neil was my favorite til he retired.  I just knew that when he was up to bat and we needed something to happen he would come through.
5. The greats are Yankees.  Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Thurman Munson, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson and I could go on and on.
6. C.C. Sabathia is on fire this season.
7. Mark Texiera - enough said.
8. Robinson Cano - his bat this season is looking really good.  Also, his defense has improved.
9. Jorge Posada - Just a class act.
10. Andy Pettite - Great pitcher.  He is great in closing out series and pitching in big games.
11. A.J. Burnett - Great in the 1-2-3 punch of Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettite. 

12. No other team has won a World Series with only a 3 man rotation.
13. The history of the team. 
14. The rivalry with the Red Sox.  It makes the game that much better. 
15. Up and coming pitchers.  Hughes, Chamerlain, and Robertson are all looking good.  Can't wait to see what the future brings.
16. The feel of watching a baseball game in the summer.  I know this has nothing to do with the Yankees but still a reason why I love them.
17. The Steinbrenner family.  Most would consider this a weakness.  I don't.  They spend to get a winning team.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
18. My dad instilled the love of the Yankees.  I hope to pass it down from generation to generation.  Well, if I ever get married.
19. Most everyone hates the Yankees.  Got to love it.
20. They make me feel happy. 

So I could go on and on with stats but I think 20 reasons is good. 

Life Updates....

So much has been going on that I have not been able to blog because I have been so busy.  Let me start with what is new........Ummmm......huh........well, how about.....okay........oh yeah........maybe.......Fine NOTHING.

My life is pretty constant.  I have done some fun things but nothing really big.  I went to Keys on Main on Saturday.  Kind of fun.  I see why people drink in that atmosphere.  They have to drink to get up the nerve to embarass themselves in front of strangers.  It is the only reason I can think of.  I love to people watch so it was interesting. 

Wow, I was trying to remember what I did on Friday and could not think of it.  I think I am losing my mind because I went to the Bees Opening Day of baseball.  Really how could I forget.

I need to spice up my life a little.  Any suggestions?  A stripper pole? Talking to the cat next door? Religiously following pop culture like my sister?

Celebration of a Great Year

So today I am going to do a year in review as a Celebration.  Why is April 7th the day for a year review is because it was one year ago today that I was layed off from Children's Miracle Network and I have to count my blessing.

So here is my year in review to Celebrate.

• At the end of April I finally graduated with my B.S. in accounting.  10 years (yes, it took me that long) from when I graduated high school.  I am so glad I am finally done.  Now I need to look into a Master's program.  I did not walk but later on in the summer Mom put on a Mock Walk because all her girls graduated.  It was great because all the family was there and Steve was the guest speaker.  He flipped off the audience so it was an event. 
• May 1st Mom, Dad, Sydney, Megan, and I flew to Rome, Italy for 10 days.  This is why I did not walk for graduation.  This was such a great trip.  There are so many amazing things in Italy.  The Colosseum, the ruins, the history, the gelato, and just walking down the street.  It will be a trip I always remember.  I also said a few stupid things that are now part of the family sayings "I will slap you in my face" and I think there are a few more I don't remember.  I loved the food.  The pizza is amazing.  It was so worth the trip.
• The twins Elsie and Hazel arrived at the end of May.  They are darlings.
• The summer of 2009.  I didn't work and got to relax and have fun while looking for a job.  I spent many days at the pool getting a tan.  I don't think I have ever been that dark before.  I have never been able to have a summer like that so it was really nice.  Side note: I had a feeling I was going to lose my job since about December 2008 so I was financially ready and money wasn't a huge problem.
• August 3rd I started my new job at MonaVie as a Cash Analyst.  It has been a great job and I have liked working here.  It is so different then CMN.  I have so much less stress and it has made me that much more happier.
• Cal arrived mid September.  He is so funny and cute.
• November 4th Taylor returns from his mission in Argentina.  It has been great to have him back.  He has changed so much yet he is still the same Taylor. 
• Thanksgiving we went to California as a returning home trip for Taylor.  It was so nice to leave the cold and go to someplace warmer.  One of the best thing was we spent Thanksgiving at Knott's Berry Farm.  So much fun.  I am getting old in that some of the rides were too much and I could only go on them once.  One really freaked me out because I felt like I was falling.  For dinner we went over to the hotel and they had a huge buffet.  One other funny thing is we went on the rapids ride and I ended up being the only one covered in water.  I looked like a drowned rat.  A great way to have Thanksgiving.  We also went to Disneyland California.  For the first time ever we ended up stuck on a ride.  I am just glad it was when we were about to start versus being in the middle where we would have been high up and I would have freaked having to get out and walk down.  The best ride there is the Toy Story ride/game.  So much fun.
• Christmas there really wasn't too much going on except that we played with the babies.  Also, Nick, Taylor, and Greg made us a South American feast.  The food is way heavy but very delightful.
• Another great thing that happened is President Monson came and spoke to our Sacrament.  How great is was to be in the presence of the Prophet of the Lord.  He is great.  He makes jokes and tells stories that are so pertinent to us.  The meeting went over by about an hour but I could have sat and listened to him forever.  A man truly insprired by God.  The main thing I got from listening to him is do what you are supposed to do. 
• Another great blessing in baby Krew arrivng.  He is like a little cub bear.  He is so cuddly and soft.
• So in January I started thinking that I should buy a place.  The market was down and there have been some great deals.  I kind of started the process but February I went out looking with Cathy Johnson.  I finally found the place that was meant to be.  It is a cute brand new condo in Daybreak.  The process went really fast.  I made the offer on Feb. 27th and closed on March 30th.  I was able to pick out my floor, cabinet, and the granite in the kitchen.  I moved in on April 2nd.
• Finally, another baby girl arrived in Savannah Jana (not really her middle name).  Have not seen her yet but can't wait.

So I have had many great things happen to me this year.  I thank my Heavenly Father for guiding me and helping me when at the beginning of this year I wasn' sure what it would bring.  I put my faith in him.  It is only through him that I can accomplish great things.   Heavenly Father has lead me and guided me when  I had no idea where I was going.  I never felt like he had forgotten me and I felt his love daily. 

So to celebrate this day I had Cafe Rio for dinner and watched the Yankees beat the Red Sox.  I don't know of a better night than this.

Moving Day!

I moved into my new condo today.  It is beautiful.  It was everything I hoped for.  Now I just need to get everything put away.  My family put away a lot of the stuff.  My kitchen is ready to go and my bed is set up and my furniture is all in place.  Now I just need to get my wireless intenet set up and Direct TV is coming tomorrow.  I hope they will be here in time so I can listen to conference but I doubt it. 

Now comes the fun part of buying new items.  I need bar stools, a kitchen table, and accessories.  Mom and Megan said they would help tomorrow.  I also need food since I have none. 

My first night in my own place.  How great it is.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Its Mine.......

It is official.  I am now a property owner (I did not say home owner because it is a condo). 

The process is sign a lot of papers and pray for the best!

Now for the next few fun things

• Moving - Okay not really fun.
• Buying things to decorate - Glad Megan flew home so she could participate
• Enjoying living alone.

Well the new adventure is off and running.

Almost There!

I close on my condo in 30 minutes.  I am now getting really nervous.  It will be a life changing moment.

NCAA Tournament

I LOVE MARCH MADDNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is nothing greater than seeing a bracket, filling out a bracket, and then watching the games to see who makes it to the finals.

Today, BYU finally won in the first round of the tournament.  They beat Florida in 2 OTs.  Crazy game and I loved watching at work.  Liz Boyer, Kendra Black and I were going to watch the final 4 minutes.  It turned into 2 overtimes.  I am hoping BYU can get past Kansas St. because then they come back to Utah and the Energy Solutions Arena. 

There have already been 2 upsets by one point.  It kills part of my bracket because I had both going farther. 

I love March Maddness and the unpredicability.

Update from HA HA post

Some knowledge has come to my attention in the form of Jason Eldridge is getting married.  So this says to me even though the 3ps were followed it was not a date and we were just friends.

The Freaks from Craig's List

Finding a person to replace me so I don't have to pay rent and a mortgage has lead to some interesing types calling.  Okay so only 2 so far but that is enough.

Candidate 1

• Female
• 36 years old
• On social security
• Has 2 children ages 17 and 15 who stay every other weekend.  If I remember correctly one male and one female
• Has no car
• Goes to college part time
• Has 2 gerbals (this is where Anna said no)
• Smokes outside

I said she could not move in because Turnberry does not allow animals of any kind.  This is true.

Candidate 2

• Believed to be a SHE-MAN

Enough said.  There is a debate on whether or not she/he had an adams apple.  Time will not tell because she is not moving in.

Oh the struggles of dealing with weird people. 

One Door Closing and Another Opening

I wanted to express what I am feeling as I am getting ready to move at the end of this month.  I am very excited but terrified at the same time.  I have lived at Turnberry for almost 4 years and it is scary to leave behind the ward I know as well as all my friends around there.  I am setting out on this adventure alone.  I wish that I was married and was going the road with someone but I know it is the right decision for me.  There is a posibility that Natalie, Kaleigh,  or Paige might move in but it will be later down the road.  Part of me would love to live by myself for awhile.

One of the hardest parts was in church on Sunday when I bore my testimony.  I didn't realize how much I have grown and how the ward has helped me see who I truly am.  It is amazing how people affect your life.  You don't know until you have to leave a comfortable situation.  I am really grateful for their influence and love.  I am really going to miss the Bishopric.  They are amazing men who never gave up on me when I was less active. 

I do believe that I will remain friends with many who I am leaving behind it just will not be as easy as when I lived there.  I will have to make an effort. 

Finally, here I come Daybreak.  I am ready to meet new people and learn and grown as I am put in new situations.  It is scary but I can do it and my condo will be home.

I Bought a CONDO!

So a week ago yesterday I found my house.  It is perfect.  Here are the Specs.

Location: Daybreak
Type: Ground Floor Condo
Rooms: 3 (One can be used as a bedroom or a Den)
Baths: 2
Cost: $179,500
Close: March 30, 2010

Includes:
Fireplace
View of the Temple and Mountains
Wood Floors
Granite Counters in Kitchen
Stainless Steal Appliances
3 Tone Paint
Terrace with Views
Daybreak amenities

Since it is new construction I was able to pick everything out that I wanted.  It has been a lot of fun showing my family and seeing it as floors have gone in.  It has everything I wanted except a garage but hey I had to make a concession somewher.

The only problem I can see is having to deal with the builder.  They put in too much wood floor and I would like it changed due to the fact that it makes the living room area very small looking.  I would just like about one more foot on each side.

I am so excited that it will be mine.  I can't wait to decorate and make it mine.

Elton Joel and Billy John

Last night I tapped into the 50 year old woman in me and attended the Billy Joel and Elton John Concert.

WHAT A BLAST!

I don't know how to describe how awesome it was.  The best is when the pianos came up out of the stage and they both come out.  They opened with Your Song.  One of my favorites.  They would both take turns singing the same song.  It was like a dueling piano bar without the dueling part.  Then Elton John performed and then Billy Joel and then they came out together at the end again.  They ended with Piano Man.  It was worth the money to go.

Favorites of the night

• Benny and the Jets
• Uptown Girl
• We Didn't Start the Fire
• It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
• Yellow Brick Road
• Your Song
• Tiny Dancer

Okay lets be honest there were too many to name.  This concert was just as amazing as Celine Dion.

Note: When I was telling my family what concert I was going to I said the Elton Joel concert.  I am an idiot. 
2nd Note: Was really tired last night and on some songs I didn't know I almost fell asleep.  Once again, I am an idiot.

House Hunting

Yesterday, I start the trek of looking at houses to purchase.  Who knew it would be so hard.  So Cathy Johnson took me and my posse (Mom, Julie, Sydney, Megan, and Paige).  We looked at 13 houses.  It was a fast moving busy day. 

Here are some hightlights.

Cat Condo - I swear there were 10 cats all over the house.  The best was walking into the Master Bath and being scared because a black calico cat was in the sink.  Needless to say house not in the running.

1904 Bungalo - Love it!  I wish I could buy this place because the inside is done so cute.  The down fall is there would be so much up keep and could be a money pit.  Plus it sits on 4500 South.

Brighton House - Great size and location.  The price is higher than I want to pay but it has a fireplace as well as a family room and living room.

Milk Toast Condo - Clean and move in ready.  Great location and ward and close to where I live now.  Only 2 bedrooms but flexible price.

Rambler Condo - This feels like it was in a 55+ community but there was great potential.  Big rooms but only 2.  The kitchen needs to ge redone but ther is great potential and I could see a really cool kitchen by knocking down walls and using some of the dining/living space.

Besides the Cat Condo those are the options I have narrowed it down to.  What a hard decision because this is just one area that I am looking at. 

Wish me luck.

HA HA

So this past weekend I think what I was feeling about things comes down to a misunderstanding. Kaleigh thought I was mad and I thought she was mad. Anna is involved with Max so whatever.

So to some fun items. I went to my first hockey game on Friday. LeAnn got tickets and gave them to me. I asked Jason Eldridge if he wanted to go. He likes hockey and i thought it would be fun to hang out with him, not because I like him. I didn't tell anyone but Kaleigh saw us leave, so I got crap later that night and on Saturday. I really don't think of it as a date but supposedly there is the 3 P's of dating:

• Paired Off
• Paid for
• Planned

I guess it fits into all of those categories but I asked a friend who I knew would enjoy going to the hockey game. It was a lot of fun.

Saturday I went to dinner with Sydney and Dad. It is great to have Dad by himself. He gets quite in larger groups and lets be honest we are always a group. We can't do anything without the whole extended family. It was good because we talked about Grandma and Grandpa Beames. I love them.

Sunday, was chill. I taught Relief Society on Love and Law. I really learned a lot. It is so amazing how Heavenly Father has everything so organized and there is reasons for on why things are the way they are. Later that night Aom made a Tai dinner. It was so good. I do know that I need to stop finding things in my trunk on Sunday (aka. going to the store).

So my thought for today is life leads you on paths and you have to decide which path to take. Currently, I am wondering if I need to go back to school and if I should buy a house/condo. Two major decisions. I am going to the temple tomorrow and hope I can figure some stuff out.

First Blog

Today, I decided I need to start a record of what is going on in my life. Oh wait there is nothing.

I think this is a normal thing or maybe not.