Just Jenny

REMEMBER...

2009-07-16T16:34:00.003-06:00

If you're looking for updates on my so fantastically exciting life... you won't find them here! Remember to update your blog lists to http://itsthefirstdayofmylife.blogspot.com/.
The fun awaits you...

It starts...

2009-06-16T10:40:00.004-06:00

You asked for it,
You're getting it!
(ok, so you didn't really ask for it... but you're getting it anyway)

My new blog!!!
well, OUR new blog!

This Is The First Day of My Life

Comments welcome.
Always.
(Be sure to add this address to your blog lists
instead of my old one. It's pretty much dead now)
Enjoy :)

Coming Soon...

2009-06-11T13:02:00.007-06:00

So... I'm married!!! I am now
MRS. JENNY ALAMA
I like it.
My signature will take some practice
but I've been wanting a new one lately anyway so it's perfect timing!

The day was absolutely perfect.
Non-stop smiles.
Great company.
Beautiful decorations.
One HOT groom!
Who could ask for more?
I don't have pictures yet but I do have a couple.
(courtesy of my wonderful mother)

That's all for now.
For more pictures and words of our (Fez and I) life,
check out our new blog.
Coming Soon...

Twosies

2009-05-12T15:03:00.004-06:00

Some great things in life come in twos
(or that I like 2 of) :

* Shoes
* Socks!
* Scoops of ice cream
* Weeks until I am married
* Pieces of toast
* Earrings
(losing one doesn't work and is a sad day)
* Nostrils that work
* Twix bars
* Weeks until I am married
* Brownies and Ice Cream
* Telephone rings before answering
* Hours of napping
* Heads are better than one
(ok that was a stretch)
* Weeks until I am married!!!

Looked myself over... Check.

2009-04-16T09:07:00.003-06:00

I have always thought of myself as a good person.
Friendly
Outgoing
Caring
Funny
Passionate
etc...
I came across this video the other day
and it had me double checking myself.
(as well as bringing me to tears)
I am guilty of what everyone was probably thinking as well.
EVERYONE is beautiful.
EVERYONE has talents.
EVERYONE deserves a chance.
and EVERYONE should watch this.

THANK YOU SUSAN BOYLE.

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
Uploaded by dwarthy

Goodness. We Are So Good Looking

2009-04-15T09:49:00.004-06:00

Ok I'm just kidding with the title post but I really am happy with how our engagements turned out! I am not a fan of the posed, smile all fake-like pictures. At all. I love candid, caught in the moment, or just plain silly pictures. Our photographer was SO great though! He didn't make it awkward at all (although some of the poses were. my neck just doesn't turn that much, ok?). We were joking and laughing the whole time. He knew of a bunch of places here and there downtown so we walked around and took some shots.

I had anxiety over what we were going to wear. I mean, that is a HUGE deal! And, yes I am a girl, but I am not so keen on the whole fashion sense stuff sometimes, so I was kind of freaking out inside. We decided to just show up in something and bring a bunch of stuff to change. Our photographer looked at us and said he LOVED what we were wearing! PERFECT. That made it a lot easier. And I am very glad that we went with what we did.

So. The next step? Pick one for announcements. ONE. I feel the anxiety starting all over again. Ok, not really, but with 200 pictures there is bound to be more than one good one. Here are just a few of them. If you have Facebook you may have seen some of these already but I know you want to see them again. I am posting this for you :) Also, I may or may not be keeping some of the good ones to myself so you can see them in the announcement or at the reception. So that means you have to come! Mwahaha!... Well, you don't HAVE to, but I would love to see you there :)

Here they are!
What do you think?

Oopsie!

2009-04-06T12:04:00.009-06:00

Brian and Ann bought a new house recently

(insert cheer here).
Fez has a manly truck
(insert Tim Taylor grunt here).
Truck got stuck in the mud
(insert 'wah wah' here).

Here is how the events played out:

We found as many sticks as we could to help get out. I think I found a twig.

Brian playing in the mud

We're such good cheerleaders!

My man hard at work :)

Flying mud!

What a way to meet new neighbors!

It was a fun adventure!

Ugh.

2009-03-30T11:58:00.005-06:00

Remember when I said THANK YOU SPRING TIME???
Yeah, that was for real.
But I don't think spring time heard me.
I may have jinxed us all.
Oh. And remember how I'm supposed to get
engagement pictures taken tomorrow...
in the snow?
No no. That will not happen.

Stupid snow.

1, 2, 3, 4

2009-03-23T16:17:00.002-06:00

I'm sitting here at work, actually doing work, and I get this urge to listen to this song. So I pull it up on YouTube and all work stops. I love this video! I love this song! It reminds me of my honey and I LOVE HIM!!!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)

Who Will Be The Lucky 3?

2009-03-11T12:27:00.001-06:00

I responded to one of these a bit ago and realized that part of my response meant that I was supposed to post this too. Oops. So... here it is! The first THREE people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2- What I create will be just for you.

3- It'll be done this year.

4- You have no clue what it's going to be.It may be a story. It may be a joke book, autographed picture of myself, handmade bag, or a little invention of my own! I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows?

5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. Believe me... it may blow your mind!

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who do the same on your blog. The first 3 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did, win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

Sounds like fun, right? So, let's play!

Spring is Here

2009-03-10T13:08:00.006-06:00

You know spring has sprung when you go to the grocery store
and you instantly hear the small plea for you to come
and partake of the goodness that are these:

Now, one of the only reasons CADBURY MINI EGGS are worse
(or better depending on how you look at it)
than DOVE CARAMEL PROMISES
(see post below)
is that you can only get them during the spring time.

How cruel is that?

I have thought about stocking up so that I can indulge in its yumminess whenever I want.
But then I would do that far more often than I should.
So really Cadbury is doing us all a wonderful favor.
Thank you Cadbury.
Thank you spring time.

Today's Enemy

2009-03-09T17:08:00.004-06:00

DOVE CARAMEL PROMISES
Delicious.
Not nutritious.
"Promises" have been better.
But never ceases to satisfy.
Once ate a whole bag in 10 minutes with 3 other girls.
Loved EVERY minute of it.
Today's count: 3 (and counting...)

Just Be"CAUSE"

2009-03-05T12:26:00.008-07:00

If you don't know I work for a non-profit organization called Enterprise Mentors International. Mentors provides business training, mentoring, and microfinance services to struggling entrepeneurs in developing nations. I helped out with their gala last November (What up now???) and the success was awesome!!! I was hired full time and have loved it so much!

My co-worker and I have been working on ways to get the Mentors name out in the community more. Mentors helps so many people in need in other countries but because it is international many locals haven't heard of it. So, I'm making this post!

I have added a DONATE NOW button to the right column of my blog page that will take you directly to the PayPal site under Mentors name. I know that the economy is in such a state that there is cash coming out of your ears and you don't know what to do with it. Ok, maybe that's not true, but with only $50 someone immersed in poverty can get the training and resources necessary to become self-sufficient. Then they repay the loan and it goes to help another in need! How wonderful is that?!

For those of you on Facebook, Enteprise Mentors International has a group that would love you to be a member of! You can find updates for monthly events the Youth Outreach Committee is a part of as well as client and organization information. Also, Mentors has just created a CAUSE application. I have pledged to raise $100 before April 5 so if you are willing and able to donate please click HERE to help out!

I could go on about Mentors and how great it is (kinda biased because I do work there, but really). I am not going to post much about this because I don't want this to turn into a work blog. We have one already - MENTORS. Please check it out for updates or more info or visit our website at www.enterprise-mentors.org.

P.S. Any social media experts out there? Any advice you may have is greatly appreciated :)

It's Been One Week...

2009-03-04T12:04:00.009-07:00

...Since I got ENGAGED!!! Last Wednesday my wonderful sweetheart proposed and I said YES! There have been so many emotions the past few weeks, and that will only continue the next few months, but I am so happy! I love him so much and am excited to be married for all eternity to him.

Here are a few quick tidbits:

Save the Date - Tuesday, May 26
Fiance - Brian (Fez) Alama (Fez is his nickname and his last name is Alama. Not Alma. He is part Hawaiian. Hopefully our children get his skin)
When we met - originally met in high school but re-met end of September at a mutual friends' house party (thanks Amanda and Tricia!!!). Seen him every day since then... quite literally :)
Why I love him - this actually is for a completely separate post but basically he is the guy version of me (hopefully you see that as a good thing. I do.) He completes me if you will... awe!

The night we got engaged. Don't mind that we both look kinda funny in the picture. We really are happy :)

Close up of my gorgeous ring! He made it black and white and kept the green. It's just so PRITTY!!!

Thoughts

2009-02-25T15:06:00.005-07:00

So I'm not one for thinking too much. Kind of seems odd that I don't but I usually just... do rather than think. I do like to try and see all perspectives, although I may not agree with them, and that requires thinking. I decided to compile a list of thoughts I have been thinking about today. So... here it goes.

Work is a love/hate relationship. Love the people and the job as a whole, but not so much some of the things that come with it such as: working 8 hours a day, limited pto, thinking of work to do, having a billion things to do, etc.
I love my family! I enjoy spending time with my parents and siblings families (even though some are not here - miss you!). We always have something to laugh about or a movie/tv show to quote. Good times are a guarantee.
Speaking of quoting it sometimes is bothersome to me that I can watch a movie/tv show or listen to a song just once and pretty much have it memorized (more or less). But when it comes to remembering what I learned in Sunday School or memorizing a scripture reference I, for the life of me, can't remember it past maybe a week at the most. Arg! Something to work on...
Love... is so many things. Most can't really be put into words. I know I feel it and I know that it's there. How can I love multiple things at once on many different levels? Love is amazing. There are unnumerable people and things that I love. You are one of them :) (I'm talking about you!)
I am so blessed. Seriously. I work for a non-profit that microfinancing in third world countries and to see some of the pictures and hear of their stories I cannot complain about my life. Yes I have trials that come my way but they are what I can handle and I am grateful for the life I have.
Timing is EVERYTHING
Can't ever have enough lunch/dinner dates with great friends. I'm always up for it so let me know!
Facebook is ridiculous sometimes. Actually, my addiction to Facebook is ridiculous.
Social media is rather interesting to me lately. My co-worker and I are getting into it more for work and I am liking it. Any suggestions from all you experts out there?
I am such a good secret keeper. I don't know if it's because I am really trustworthy or because once I'm told something I forget about it (depending on what it is). If something is itching at you, you can tell me. Really. I won't tell. Unless you broke the law or something drastic. Then I might tell and be afraid of you.
I am liking this blog thing more and more I do it.

So... there it is. A little glimpse into my head this day. Of course there are a lot of other things going on in there. Some not worth speaking about, others shouldn't be out for the world to see even though only a handful actually read this, and others, well refer to the second to last bullet point. :)

Oh To Be Able To Breathe...

2009-02-23T13:54:00.003-07:00

I wonder why this invention didn't go big...

For a week now I have been sick with a cold. Ick. I could feel something was coming on so I was trying to prevent it, but I failed. Not miserably, but failed nonetheless. I had the congested/runny nose, slight cough, and just feeling blah. Nothing too major but still sick.

But what I really have missed is being able to breathe out of both my nostrils at once with clarity. (This may be a little too much information for some of you, and I apologize for that, but I promised to blog more and this is what's up right now.)

This morning I saw a glimmer of sunshine though. The left nostril (the one giving me most/all the problems) had opened a teeny space for some airflow and it was great. There is hope. I have been taking meds like a crazy (don't worry- the good kind) and drinking as much water as I can. This in turn makes me have to use the bathroom oh so often, which I hate, but that is a story for a different post at a different time. And so it continues... meds, sleep, vitamin c, and lots of agua.

"Here comes the sun (du dn du du)..."

44 and counting...

2009-02-18T10:00:00.006-07:00

I've seen a few people do this and thought, why not?

It's cool to see what I have done and what I still want to do.

This list really could go on and on (like that Titanic song) but we'll keep it at 100 for now.

So the bolded items are ones that I have done.

Enjoy...

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

(working on it. Yeah Mentors!)

7. Been to Disneyland!

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a Praying Mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

(on the bucket list)

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched an amazing lightning storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning...

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

(never!)

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Ran a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

(does the Wii count?)

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

(working on the whole Spanish thing)

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

(in the summer and winter now!)

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

(does made for tv movie that never got aired count?)

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

(LOVE this!)

64. Donated blood

65. Gone sky diving

(higher up on the bucket list)

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

(want to sooooo bad!)

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

(I've started 3 but haven't 'pieced' any of them together yet...)

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

(if stood outside the iron fence and visited guards with guns counts, than yes)

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

(maybe unknowingly?)

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Visited Italy

I really owe most of these to my parents for sacrificing so much so that I could have so many cool things to be able to bold. So THANKS PARENTS! You guys are seriously the BEST! :)

Too Funny

2009-02-17T12:46:00.003-07:00

I don't recommend trying this, and I do feel a little bad for thinking it is as hilarious as I do, but I just wanted to share it.

Scarlet Take A Tumble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIwTYL1fwJk&feature=related

Um, I Promise I'm Not Dead

2009-02-12T13:44:00.003-07:00

So lately I have not been so good at the whole blog post thing...

Obviously.

I love to check up on other's but more or less I've just been lazy.

Ugh.

I don't like being lazy so starting today I am going to be better.

A blog post a day?

Let's not get carried away.

I said better. Not perfect.

But if you have any interest in my life you can be expecting some updates.

COMING SOON...

So what if I'm quirky...

2008-12-03T15:44:00.010-07:00

I'm it! This is a quirks tag. You have to list 6 quirks about you and then tag 6 people... or however many you want really. I added a picture for each tag just for some extra fun. So here it is:

1- I love, Love, LOVE fun sock!!! Can't have enough socks right? What if they are striped, polka dotted, furry, argyle, etc, etc, etc??? The options are endless. About the only time I wear white socks is when I'm going running (which is about never) because they usually are better quality. But maybe that's another reason I hate running. A part of me is missing. If you find fun, colorful, patterny socks that have a high % in cotton and are good for physical activity, such as running, please inform me. What am I wearing today? Green and pink argyle. Sigh. :)

This is pretty much what my sock drawer looks like.

2- Anyone who knows me knows that I love cereal. It is a staple of life. It's been a favorite since I was a kid. I would take bags to dance, church, school, you name it. There have been days where that is all that I have eaten. The favorite question is a hard one because there are just so many splendidly good ones and others that just bring back memories. For today the favorite is Frosted Flakes. Just like Tony the Tiger says... They're Grrreat!

Look at all those options? One of the greatest sights of life.

3- I am a huge fan of Rock Band and Guitar Hero. The end of Spring semester 2007 I had Guitar Hero at UVU for stressbusters. It was in the halls for a few hours for 2 days where students could play it. Where was it the rest of the time? In our office where we would play it non stop instead of studying for finals. I went from playing on easy to hard in 2 days. Ridiculous you say? No way. AWESOME! This past summer at EFY we hooked up Rock Band in the gym where it was projected on the wall. Oh yeah! Great times. Oh, and if you didn't know, I am part of a Rock Band band called Jenny and the Rippers. We're pretty much amazing. We'll be having a reunion show coming up this month sometime I'm sure so if you'd like to witness the glory, please contact me.

Jenny and the Rippers base guitarist

4- I'm a fidgeter. Not like twitches or anything but part of me is always moving. Here are a few examples (some are recent and others are from my childhood, but tend to come out once in a while): 1) rub the edge of a blanket- all the way around and around and around..., 2) pick at my lips, 3) crossed legs and the one on top just bounces away, 4) clog/dance pretty much anywhere. I've always got a song or beat in my mind and it's just got to come out somewhere, 5) scratch backs or play with hair- I've been told I'm quite good so if you get the chance, I suggest you take it ;)

So this picture doesn't really go with the post too much but I thought of clogging and love it. This is me and my brothers after I got my 10 year All-America Team jacket. Good times...

5- I am not a fan of posing cutesy pictures. Love them on others, not with me. I am always making some sort of face in pictures. Once in a while you'll get a nice, old-fashioned smile out of me, but those just aren't as fun.

Um, not much else to say about that.

6- I have quite the vast knowledge of music as far as lyrics go. I can remember lyrics to soooo many songs although I couldn't tell you who sings it or what it's called. I love listening to music, learning of new artists, as well as listening to the old classics. At my new job I had a co-worker tell me that I am like a 40 yr. old in a young persons body because of the songs I knew. I don't konw what that's supposed to mean really but I'll take it.

This is Glen Hansard of the Swell Season. He was my favorite back in March and still is. He is THE man. Highly recommended.

Now I have to tag people. Uh... I tag Erin, Karlie, Shalene, and all those that feel urged to.

What up now???

2008-11-16T14:51:00.010-07:00

Go back with me about a month ago. I had NO idea what to do with my life and was just living day by day pretty much. It's amazing how fast a month can fly by and how much can change...

Before my trip to Arizona I met with the youth committee for Enterprise Mentors International to tell them about World Youth Programs and how we wanted to help Mentors. Through conversation I mentioned I didn't have a job and they noted they were looking for an Office Assistant. Perfect. I met with them the next week and started the next day. Yes! It was a temporary position to help with logistics and management for their annual gala that was coming up with the possibility of becoming permanent. Even if i weren't to stay I knew I was going to get some great experience. I was thrown into a whirlwind of registration, shematics, meetings, and trying to remember everyone's name. Goo. What a load. But I LOVED it!!! It was like I was back planning events at school and all the stress that was around me made me work even harder. Sigh. I had missed that.

The gala was November 7 and what a success the entire night turned out to be! It was held at the Grand America Hotel. The tables were decorated beautifully and the display tables for each country Mentors is currently in (Philippines, Peru, El Salvador, and Guatemala) had products from clients and their stories. Guests enjoyed a reception of sorts before the program and dinner began. Lloyd Newell, announcer of "Music and the Spoken Word", was the master of ceremonies. Former (well, kind of current) First Lady Laura Bush, Elder Marion D. Hanks, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir received various awards throughout the evening. The Choir was the featured entertainment and sounded absolutely lovely as always.

So many great things have come from the gala already. I met Elder L. Tom Perry, Elder Zwick, Sister Cook, and Sister Allred as well as numerous others. Mentors raised SO much money! Just from the night alone it was 5 times more than any year before plus all the pledges. Before the end of the year Mentors will have at least 10 times more donations come in than previous years. How wonderful!!! The best part is that all the costs for the event were covered by the Board of Directors so 100% of donations goes into helping pull families out of poverty. How could you not love that. Also... they offered me a full time position! YAY! I am so thrilled they wanted to keep me because I really, really wanted to stay. The people I work with are absolutely fantastic and the more I learn about microcredit and what Mentors is doing I could not imagine being anywhere else.

So yeah, things are really looking up now. I can't wait to see what my future with Mentors holds...

(If you are interested in learning more about Mentors please visit our website at www.enterprise-mentors.org. Also there are articles in the LDS Church News and Meridian Magazine about the November 7 gala.)

Just a few pictures from the night:

Table displays for El Salvador and Philippines

Inside Ballroom. Look at those centerpieces!

Nelda is Mentors Communication Coordinator and I absolutely love her!

Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing

My cute mom and I that night. Doesn't she look amazing?!?

Yeah, we're kind of a big deal. People know us...

Picture Tag

2008-11-15T23:41:00.005-07:00

So I've been tagged again. This time its a picture tag. You take the fourth picture folder and post the fourth picture in that folder. Then you take the sixth folder and post the sixth picture in that folder. Explain the pictures and then send the tag along.

In March I went to DC with student government for a conference. What a fantastic place! So much history and neat things to see I cannot WAIT to go back. This obviously is in front of the capitol with a little vogue touch.

November 2006 my cute cousin Jaron got married! She asked me to be a bridesmaid and I was thrilled. This is at her reception at Heritage Gardens. Don't we look smashing?!?

Ok so I tag... Bwani, Lindsey Robb, Lindsey Forrest, and really just whoever feels the need.

A Sweet Escape

2008-10-26T16:31:00.002-06:00

Ok so this Arizona trip was way too fun. I loved every minute of it. Except for coming home when I got super sick suddenly. Real lame. But it went away just as suddenly which is real great. So instead of giving a play by play of the trip I will just list a bunch of highlights.

-Having the whole back seat of the mini-van to myself. Sleeping the whole way was wonderful.
-The amazingly nice weather.
-Seeing Gavin smile and coo at me.
-Getting what looked like a ginormous egg yoke with my dinner at the world famous Cow Palace. If you haven't been there, try it out. You won't be disappointed.
-Playing Rock Band until 2 with the cousins.
-Learning to play hand and foot and not doing too badly.
-Finding out my Wii Fit age is 20.
-Hearing Trevor, Zak, and Jason talk about their missions. So interesting.
-Jen telling me I should hang around her more often because I think she's funny.
-Tucking Sam and Hailey in for bed which included kisses and singing "You are my sunshine".
-Playing with whipped cream with Zak. Smelling it for hours afterward- not so much a highlight.
-Buying way more than I should have at the mall but am going to look hot!
-Eating at Paradise cafe. A couple times.
-Eating at Cheesecake Factory (although I didn't get to eat my white chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake. Sad.)
-Having 2 great friends drive up from Tucson to come to dinner. (Thanks again Linds and Whit! Love you girls!)
-Wearing socks with flip flops cause it was FREEZING!
-Taking a bath for the first time since I was, I don't know, 6 maybe?
-Seeing the giant hole. Also known as the Grand Canyon.
-Visiting so much family that I love and miss. Who could ask for more?

I'm it!!!

2008-10-20T23:23:00.003-06:00

I've been tagged! This is my first time being tagged so I'm kind of excited. Thanks Jaron! Yes I am still in Arizona having a blast with the fam! Update of the trip will come soon. Including pictures :) But for now, on with the tag...

8 things I am passionate about:
1- My family
2- Helping others see their potential and reach it
3- Dancing
4- Church/spiritual stuff
5- Friends
6- Cereal
7- Guitar Hero ;)
8- Traveling

8 words or phrases I use often:
1- Goo
2- Crapface
3- Really...???
4- Perfect/Fantastic
5- Opa!
6- Faith not Fear
7- Can I please tell you...
8- Remember the time...

8 things I have learned from the past:
1- Parents really are smart. I owe A LOT to them
2- You're never too old for cereal and you can eat at any time
3- I should have played sports more
4- ... ok fine, I was spoiled. :)
5- Everything happens for a reason
6- Don't judge too quickly
7- I procrastinate (still learning that one)
8- You may never know the impact you have on someone else

8 places I want to go to or see:
1- Greece
2- Egypt
3- New Zealand
4- Thailand
5- Africa
6- Most of Europe really
7- Guatemala/Peru/Brazil, etc
8- China

8 things I currently need or want:
1- A finished room... NOW
2- To go skydiving
3- To travel any place in the previous 8
4- A new ipod
5- Tickets to Odyssey's Thriller
6- Better scrapbooking ability
7- My new shoes that are being shipped
8- Actually just more clothes. You can't really have enough

I guess now is the time to tag all you faithful followers of my blog! (which I could probably count on one hand but I have to tag 8). And the winners are... Mom, Jen, Bethany, Kim, Davies (so you have something to blog about), Ann, Fez, and Zak/Weezie.

Arizona... HERE WE COME!!!

2008-10-16T11:54:00.002-06:00

So about a month ago we were supposed to take a trip to Arizona for my dad's work. Well that didn't happen because he ended up getting uber sick (sadness). He is loads better now which is fabulous because we are going to Arizona today! We will be gone until next Thursday so if you want to hang out with me and you are not in the state of AZ, sorry, you're out of luck. Get back to me next Friday and we'll party it up!

There are multiple reasons I am excited for this trip. Here are a few in no particular order:

*See Jason and Jen

*See baby Gavin!!!

*Visit uncle's family in Tucson

*See cousins I haven't seen in 2 years!

*Play Rock Band, Wii, and other games for who cares how long

*Be in the warm sunshine

*Shopping

*Visit dear friend Lindsey (hopefully!)

*Who doesn't love road trips?

Brace yourself. Good times are about to take place.

Project Time

2008-10-12T13:38:00.011-06:00

Who wants a project? I do! I do! Pick me!

Ok, so it wasn't quite as enthusiastic as that but the idea of redoing the upstairs, which includes my bedroom, was pretty exciting. It has been the same since we moved in 15 years ago with the exception of Brian moving out and Tyler moving into his room and the never ending dejunking I seem to have to do. So the idea of a change? Bring it on.

My parents went shopping for new carpet a few weeks ago and found some they liked. I will no longer have pink carpet. Yes. Then my mom brought up the option to get new furniture. What? I can get a new bedroom set? Yee-haw. I don't know why this idea didn't occur to me but then it was all exciting to try and find just what I liked. My mom and I went out looking and oddly enough both ended up buying the first sets we saw. Love at first sight if you will. So the dates were set for installation and delivery. Hm, what to do between now and then... Oh yeah, take down wallpaper, move everything downstairs, and paint the walls. Oh joy...

This is me looking happy to take down wallpaper. False. It was a HUGE pain and I will never ever have wallpaper in my home.

With the wallpaper finally off next I had pack up my room and move it downstairs. To the right is a picture of what I am currently living in. It's a good thing we're leaving for Arizona next week. It's not so bad actually, except I can't remember what is in each box. By the time I figure it out I'll have new stuff to move it into. Yahoo!

So now that the bedroom is empty, minus my bed, time to paint. The taping wasn't bad at all. Cake walk. My mom and Ann are champs and painted along the trimming and corners of each room so I was ready to paint the walls. Seems pretty easy right? Goo. The color is only slightly darker than what was there before but when wet is about the same color. It was hard to tell where I'd already painted and not go out of control and get the trimming. I decided to try the ceiling and that was even worse. Its so awkward looking up, dodging dropping paint, and using muscles I didn't know I had. Luckily my dad is a sweetheart and took over for me. Thanks dad! Once that was dry I switched the tape and painted the trim and closet doors. That wasn't so bad actually except when your brush bristles separate and start to curl.

Taping around the toilet. Gross. Oh yeah, we painted the bathroom walls too.

Ann and I in a paint fight. Ok not really, but that would have been very fun.

Ask me if I like painting. No, no I don't. Except for maybe finger painting. Ask me if I'm still debating painting one or all of my walls a color because I love that look. Yes, yes I am. My furniture is a dark brown and I keep leaning towards green and blue colors. I'm still looking for the bedspread I love and am having a hard time imagining the look that's me.

Why am I going to do this to myself? I don't know. Maybe because my room is going to be smashing when it's done. Suggestions are welcome as I am still in the brainstorming stage. Updates to come soon.

FINISHED. sigh.

2008-10-02T10:00:00.003-06:00

Yay! I finished the vampire obsession series!
Verdict? Neutral. Liked some things and others were just weird.
Happy with the ending? Surely.
Will I see the movie? Probably. Even though the trailers have given me a chuckle, I didn't read the whole series just to not see the movie.
Next book? No clue. Like stated in the previous post, I'm not much of a reader. But I found that if the story is good or it gets me hooked, even though I may not like it in the moment (aka-stupid vampires), I really do enjoy a good read.
Suggestions???

Hoorah for... Vampires?

2008-09-27T22:47:00.003-06:00

So this summer i decided to read the Twilight series. I'm not much of a reader but I had heard so much about this vampire obsession that I gave in to my curiosity. Um, I might say that was a mistake, because I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into. I started reading it on the EFY family trip to Las Vegas, where a few others were reading it as well, and that was probably my first mistake. I found myself reading it through my weeks of EFY at every possible minute I could. When I found myself wishing I was either in the presence of a vampire that second or as close to Seattle as I could be, that was when I knew I'd lost it. I had succumbed to the Twilight mania.

Once EFY was over I figured I would be able to read them with no problem, get them over with, and be done. Wrong. It took me a long while to finally get into the third one but I decided I'd better just read it so I could be onto the fourth. I read it, moved onto the fourth, and am now about 2 chapters away from finishing. Yes!

My obsession obviously has dwindled but I am just so curious as to how this whole thing ends now that I am back to being hooked. Great. Good thing I'm almost done. I just had to blog about it now because I had to take a break from it for a second. (Sigh, stupid vampires) Hmmm, I wonder what happens next...

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!
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By the way, I saw this on a friends blog (thanks cambria!) and curiosity unsued once again. So I took the quiz and found out I was Esme. I like her. I can live with that.

Jump Jump

2008-09-21T21:33:00.003-06:00

I LOVE jumping pictures. So much. They are a blast to do and never get old. Here are just a few from my collection of greatness.

What now?

2008-09-10T16:03:00.008-06:00

As I meet people or see family and friends this is usually how the conversation goes:

Person: "Hi! How are you?"
Me: "I am just fabulous. How are you?"
Person: "Doing good. What are you up to these days? Didn't you graduate?"
Me: "Yes, yes I did graduate."
Person: "That is great! What now?"
Me: "...Um, that's a great question... (cricket, cricket)..."

That is the million dollar question the past while and I still haven't quite found the answer to it. But, I have made a little progress.

After a summer packed to the max of EFY goodness I knew I would need to be getting a job and quite possibly a grown up job. Yikes. So, naturally, I put it off. I worked at the SLCC College Store doing the online orders during rush which kept me very busy each day and, of course, put off the job search some more. But now that is over.

The non-profit organization I was working with put on our first event, Largest Capture the Flag Game, August 29 and it was a blast! We didn't get the turnout we would have liked to see but with local schools holding events and it being Labor Day weekend we were pleased with the amount that came. Everyone had a great time and wanted to do it again so that's the plan. October 25 we'll be playing Capture the Flag again (look for more updates). But now... that isn't over.

Me, Kelsea, and Bryce. They are the brains of the outfit.

I have recently been named Director of Marketing and Business Development for World Youth Programs. That means a LOT of my time and energy will be going into making the foundation for this organization what it needs to be to have a successful future. Talk about pressure. But, with the help from my all-knowing (well with business plans) brother Brian I am excited to put what I have learned into use and get some more experience to possibly assist me if I decide to get a Masters in the future.

Being in the boat of an unknowing future, it could really bring one down, but I'm great! I am actually enjoying myself living at home, getting to see my family more, bought a new phone (but lost ALL numbers so please give me yours!), tried out and made a college age dance team, went neon dancing, attend the UofU Institute, and joined the Activities Committee at the Institute.

And made a new blog post. :) Things are looking up!

Summer Adventures

2008-07-02T01:20:00.017-06:00

So I am horrible at this blogging thing, sorry, but I am going to do a brief update of what I've been up to the past few months (I'll try to include some pics, but dont have too many)...

EFY
This is my life 24/7 but oh how I LOVE it!!! I could not ask for better people to work with on the team and I have been blessed greatly! Each week we get a little nervous for what counselors and youth we'll be with but each week we are pleasantly surprised with the caliber that comes. There have been some tough times but with that comes great learning experiences. Working the area sessions leaves a little bit more time for a social life and we have what we call EFC (Especially for Counselors) after the kids go home. We do everything from ultimate karaoke to hide-and-go-seek/tag in the dark to quidditch. I have met some of the greatest people from this and couldn't have asked for a better summer job!

UVU!!!
Utah Valley State College became Utah Valley University on July 1! On June 30 there was a big celebration with an open house tour of the DLC (Digital Learning Center), food vendors, and a country concert with fireworks and a dance to bring in the University status. I of course had to go and it was fun to see my advisors, old council members, and lots of friends that I haven't seen forever and love. Go Green!!!
Jackson Hole
Every summer my family heads up to Jackson Hole, even for a few days, so this year was no exception. Over July 4th we went up to West Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. We went to hot springs, saw some wildlife, went to jenny lake/hidden falls, and rocked out with the Bar-J crew. Great times in the great outdoors.

World Youth Programs
On August 29, World Youth Programs will host its first event, World's Largest Capture the Flag Game. World Youth Programs is a non-profit organization that hosts events and the proceeds go to microcredit organizations. I am helping plan the event along with a committee of other members. It has been so fun! Visit www.worldyouthprograms.org for more information on the organization and how to register for the event.

More to come...hopefully :)

To be 14 again... oh wait... ha!

2008-06-14T23:31:00.015-06:00

This summer I have the great opportunity of working with Especially For Youth (EFY) for 8 weeks! I was a counselor last summer at U of U and had a blast! This summer I am a building counselor (BC - basically the counselors' counselor and organize the events throughout the week) which is just as great, if not better. I had a bit of a hard time my first week knowing that I wasn't going to have my own group of youth to teach, love, and just be silly with. But then I realized as a BC I have the opportunity of teaching, loving, and just being silly with ALL the youth and it gives me more of a challenge to really find someone, or a few, that I can make a personal difference in their lives. It has been so awesome!

Our team!
(Bethany, me, Katie, Tiffany, David, Ryan, and Christian)

The BC team I will be working with this summer is AMAZING! We had our first week in Montpelier, Idaho and as all 7 of us piled into a mini van with our stuff and the equipment for the week, I knew it was going to either make or break the summer... It was soooo fun! We instantly bonded and it has been nothing short of great since. That first week we had such a high caliber of youth and counselors that even with the bumps we faced we couldn't have asked for a better week. We were all afraid that it would be the favorite week of the summer already, haha! That's too soon to say but it really was just great. The last night we hiked to the M to get a view of the 30 lights in the town... it was memorable. Mont P for life!!!

It's a good thing we all get along or else this could have been disasterous!

The girls on the "M"

We stopped in Bear Lake to get the famous raspberry shakes and just had to take a few jumping pictures.

Our team with the session director at
Montpelier, Brother Stuart.
This is our favorite dance move... :)

We just finished our first week of 3 at the Sandy Institute. We had a few more issues to face than Montpelier, but we pulled together, worked as a team, and made it through no sweat. Originally we had 30 counselors with 23 being girls so we were in DIRE need of guys! We had a couple come to our rescue and we are ever so grateful for them! It was really neat to hear some of the stories that progressed through the week and saw that these counselors were there for a reason. I love it more and more.

Some of our crazy counselors during what we like to call
"EFC" (Especially for Counselors).
This occurs after 9:30 when the kids are home and we can be our own age again.

It is quite exhausting at times but you get this energy out of nowhere right when you need it and can make it through day by day. We start our second week at the Sandy Institute tomorrow night with a whole new group of counselors and then plow right into the next week. I can't wait!!!

Family Vacation!

2008-05-18T15:23:00.002-06:00

After the greatest concert ever (see post below) my family and I went on a road trip to Disneyland! We had such a great time for the 5 days we were there. Now, 5 days is a lot of Disneyland to take in but it actually was perfect. We were there right when it opened so we could be first in line for Finding Nemo or Fantasyland because those are the ones with long lines and no fast passes. But the rest of the day we could just hit whatever we wanted and not feel rushed. Since it is off season there is practically no one there so the longest you wait in line is maybe 30 minutes. This means you get a fast pass, stand in line to ride, then get off and use your fast pass to ride again. Love it! Brian, Ann, and Elise were with us and it was so fun to see Elise take in her first Disneyland experience. She didn't really understand too much of what was going on, but she loved the Pooh and Dumbo rides as well as introducing each of us to whoever might be our waiter or in the elevator. She is so fun!

After Disneyland we drove down to Arizona to visit Jason and Jen. Jason graduated from Law School at ASU! These three years have flown by and a lot of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and love and support from all for Jason AND Jen finally paid off. Jason is taking the bar in July and will be starting a new job with a firm dealing with medical malpractice suits and he'll be doing litigation. We are so proud of them! Love you guys!!! Also, they gave the most exciting news that a couple from Utah has picked them for adoption! In July they will be blessed with a baby boy! It has been a long, hard road with numerous obstacles but blessings are being poured upon them. I can't wait! Congratulations again!

After graduation my parents, Tyler and I drove to Tucson to visit my aunt and uncle Jan and Victor and their girls, Sam and Hailey. They just moved into a beautiful home! Sam had a dance recital that night and asked me to help with her hair and makeup. She kept asking me if I was an expert because I was doing such a good job. Ha ha! She is such a sweetheart and she did a great job performing. We had a short but wonderful visit with them and went on our way. We had a long drive home ahead. All in all, the vacation was full of memories and made me realize even more how much I love my family!

2008-05-18T13:52:00.005-06:00

Every Season is A "Swell Season"

2008-05-07T22:06:00.014-06:00

If you have not heard the musical wonder known as "The Swell Season" than I suggest you do so asap! Since being introduced to Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (a.k.a. The Swell Season) I have come just about as close to my teeny-bopper stage of obsessing over 'N Sync as I can... yes I was one of "those". I would blame Justin Davies for introducing them to me but I have only him to thank really.

For about 2 weeks I didn't listen to anything else but the Once soundtrack. If you didn't know, Glen and Marketa won the Oscar for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly" in the movie Once. I decided I must see the movie which turned out to be a wise decision and only intensified my desire to hear more. Luckily with the help of Davies I was able to and man, oh man, it gets better every time. One day he told me they were coming in concert and I about fell over partly because I was so excited for them to come and partly because my family was going to Disneyland possibly that day! I delayed buying a ticket and tried talking my parents into leaving the next morning so that I could go to the concert. This worked in my behalf because they agreed to wait until Saturday to leave and my birthday was in the mix so Davies gave me a ticket as a present (such a good friend!).

Well, the concert was last Friday, May 2, and Davies and I got there super early so that we could be as close to the front as possible. Somehow these people got to go in before us and had taken spots right at the stage. Dumb! We were a little bummed out but stayed optimistic because second row is still great! After waiting another hour the opening artist came out. He was Liam O Maonlai from Ireland and even though his music was really folk and he sang in Irish and Old English he was quite entertaining and really rather good! We then, of course, had to wait another half hour or so and during which I became a bit sleepy but then I had a peak through the side curtains and sure enough, it was Glen... that woke me up! I then realized (as if I needed a realization) that he was going to be right in front of me singing! That was the moment I decided that I was in love with Glen Hansard. I told Davies right then and come to find out, so is he! HA! He can call it just a "Man Crush" all he wants but I know what he really means...

Anyway, so finally the moment comes when Glen comes on stage. He opened by singing "Say It To Me Now" which is the first song I ever heard of his and, oh wow! Couldn't have opened the concert in a better way. I love watching him sing anyway because he gets so intense with every song as if it's the only song he has so to give it his all but to see it in person was amazing! It's kind of cheesy, but it reminded me of past dancing days when I would 'get in the zone' for each dance when performing or competing, so I can totally relate! (only half being sarcastic) The intensity of every song, even the ones from Glen's previous band The Frames, that I don't know, but soon will, were so awesome I cannot even describe it.

The people that had been standing in front of us the whole night had increasingly become intoxicated and one decided to make a new friend and invite her down to be with him. As into the concert as I was it's hard not to notice the progress these 2 were making throughout the evening and at one point just started to kiss non discretely. Awesome. Glen noticed them going at it, so he looked at me, pointed at them and gave a chuckle. I laughed, shrugged my shoulders and tried focusing on the concert again. Davies missed it all because he was checking the Jazz score from his brother and sister at the game, which is a good excuse, but won't get him eye contact with his secret love, i mean, man crush (whatever).

Song after song were sung and the enjoyment of the evening 'swell'ed by every minute. The end came all too soon but even though I was pretty much speechless I will be talking about this movie, band, and concert for some time to come.

(Now that school is out and I don't really own a camera anymore I spaced bringing one to the concert. Idiot! Luckily Davies was smart and brought one. The following are a select few, courtesy of Justin Davies.)

Liam O Maonlai

Glen Hansard

Glen's guitar. How neat is that?!

Glen and Marketa singing "Into the Mystic"... I think

Glen just singing his heart out!

Davies and I afterward showing our cheesy approval... well he is cheesy and I just approve :)

Surprises All Around

2008-04-21T23:50:00.004-06:00

If you know anything about me and my family it's that we've been in the clogging world for years! Even though Tyler is the only one still dancing (regularly... I tend to find places here and there to get some in) we can't get enough of it. Springfest competition was held at Taylorsville High School this past weekend and with Brandi hosting it and asking for our help of course we couldn't turn her down! Love her... It was great to see a bunch of old team members, teachers, and friends. I wouldn't trade anything for that time and I love going to these competitions and catching up on what everyone has been doing. When I got there to set up I was looking for Brandi when I found something that totally took me back... Jason!!! He had come to judge and didn't tell any of us! It was quite the surprise and I was so excited. When my mom saw him she just started screaming... in the auditorium... in front of everyone... it was quite funny. It was a great weekend having the whole family around, minus Jen and Sugar, but we get to see them in a few weeks for Jason's graduation! Yay!

My cousin Heather got married Saturday as well but because of the competition we were not able to attend. As of Thursday she did not have anyone to marry them and was really trying to figure something out. Grandma Bryson called Camille (my aunt) to let her know she was going to Vernal on Friday instead of Saturday and told her Heather didn't have anyone to perform the ceremony. Camille, being the kind-hearted soul she is, offered to do it. This is odd because you have to be an ordained minister to perform a wedding ceremony. Well, surprise! She is one. Apparently a while ago she had to certify for something and part of that was she had to be either a licensed massage therapist or an ordained minister. Not sure what those have in common and why she'd have to have them, but she chose to be a minister. Awesome! We were all very sad that we did not get to see the wedding but I'm sure it was just wonderful! If ever you are in need of someone performing a wedding ceremony, let me know. I've got hook ups :)

Jenny the Chipette

2008-04-09T21:03:00.014-06:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity of experiencing my first surgery. Exciting! I am not going to be a full time student any more in the next few weeks and which means no more parent's insurance for me so I had to do what pretty much every has already done when they're my age... get my wisdom teeth out. Luckily Tyler had to get his out too so we went through the whole process together. Doesn't make it fun, but surely made it better.

Friday, April 4, Ty and I head to the oral surgeon office and get there about 11:15. They decide since we're both there we might as well get us both set up to go. Tyler wanted to go first so I'm the lucky one who got to sit there with an I.V. stuck pinching my arm and the loud beeping noise while I'm trying to read a paper to analyze. Not distracting at all. And then came the drill noises from the other room. Didn't expect to hear that... This was a whole new experience for me so I was trying my best to stay calm and not freak out. I've realized when I do that I usually just clam up and don't say anything because I really wasn't saying a word to anyone which is in contrast to Tyler who before the surgery was talking everyone's ears off. Anyway, so they get done with Tyler and come into my room to get me started. I look at the clock and it's 12:20 now. The doctor comes in, puts this stuff in my I.V. and is talking to me with me not really responding because I don't talk in those situations. Within a minute I start to see things a bit hazy and think it's my contacts being weird so I go to rub my eyes and can't because, oh wait, I'm wearing my glasses! Wow, that stuff works fast. I closed my eyes to prepare myself and when I open them again it's still all hazy. Then I look at the clock and it's 1:05!!! What the heck? I was so confused... They put me in a wheelchair, wheeled me out where my brother and mom are and I feel all this stuff in my mouth and my mouth feels about the size of my face. I couldn't tell if my mouth was closed and I didn't want to be sitting there with it gaping open so I asked my mom if it was. After she laughed at me she said that it wasn't. I felt it to be sure she wasn't lying to me and she was right. Good mom. :)

The next few days consisted of the same thing: Tyler and I both laying on the couch with my mom nursing us back to health. We ate pudding, jello, smoothies, and soup. So when Sunday morning came around and we ate waffles... best day ever! I also had a few great friends come to visit even though I wasn't much fun and couldn't do a whole lot. Kelsea and Jenny brought me Jamba Juice Friday which I am sad to say didn't have much of a taste at all so I didn't get to enjoy it like I would've liked. Jerry and Richard drove from Orem to see me as well which was a pleasant surprise and nice gesture. Although, I think the main reason for their visiting was to take pictures of me and my pathetic swollen chipmunk face so they could put them on facebook for the whole world to see. They thought against it but did something rather amusing to the pictures so I thought that I would share them on my blog instead.

Even though my face started turning yellow from bruising it's already going away. I've had my share of people making the classic chipmunk face and poking my jaw to see if it still hurts (yes, it kind of still does). I'm pretty much good as new though... or at least getting there. I do have some oxycodone left over. Any takers? ;)

Hello

2008-03-16T12:13:00.003-06:00

Well, here it is, my first blog. Pretty much everyone has one so I thought I should get on board. I have never done something like this so it's going to be interesting but I'm excited to see what will come of it!

Um... that's about it for now but there will be much more to come :)