Jenny

PORTHOS

2010-08-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

I got a Beagle puppy back in mid April. He was born from a litter of about 10 on February 5, 2010

I named him Porthos. Yes, that is one of the three musketeers. Although the name came from the show Star Trek Enterprise. The Captin, Jonathan Archer, had a pure bred beagle who he named Porthos. I have always wanted a beagle, and after watching the show, I decided if I get one and it's a boy, I'll name it Porthos.... At least one dream has come true.

Here are some pictures.... He can be crazy, but he's such a smart dog......

Wasn't he so little? The little white mountain range on his bum is still there. I just hope it stays there. As he's gotten bigger the spot on his head has blended in with all the other brown, but the bum mountains have stayed, just stretched out.

This has to be one of his favorite positions to sleep in.... He's so funny.

The above three pictures were taken by the breeders. He's got the most beautiful amber eyes that match his coat perfectly. He's got all these great freckles all over....

The first day I got him. We drove from Utah to Colorado... a 5 hour trip. For 3 of the 5 hours he slept. Then John Mayer came on & the beagle came out. He loves howling. It was cute. He whines more now, but can't seem to get over that. He's howl is getting deeper now too. It's crazy how big he's getting so fast.

He was so small. I could fit him under my arm and hold him for an hour without getting tired. That harness doesn't fit him anymore. I thought it would last, but I've never owned a dog, so I have no clue what works.

Shouldn't this be a centerfold of a puppy magazine? He also as overtaken the back seat of my car.... it's all his. He also likes to stand with his front paws on my arm rest while I'm driving & watching all the happenings outside. He will lean on me and then rest his head on my shoulder. He's so cute!

My boss at work said I could bring him to work for the first while and my co-worker had her 9 month old English Bull Dog there. When Bella saw Porthos she ran right at him and totally ran him over. I thought he's get all scared, but he played with her like nothing had happened. He eventually needed a rest. He was funny. He's about Bella's size now.

This was after his first bath. He loved it, but right after this laid down and was out for the count. I've never seen him like that before 5pm.... & this was only 11am...

Pour little guy got snipped. He was so groggy for about 5 hours. He is normally so energetic, so this was shocking.

He was so cuddily. I loved it! Usually he cuddles with his face in my face and breaths on me.... He doesn't really have the best breath.....

This is a planter in the yard. He loves to jump in them all and dig them out. As of late he has taken to sleeping in them and then hanging out in them during the day. He's so funny....

I have been able to teach him to sit, laydown and go in his house (his kennel), but he is stubborn and smart. He knows when he wants to stop playing and training. As I've done research I've found that beagles have a short attention span, but once you teach them it will only take a couple more times to get it to stick. Although I have noticed that he knows what is coming and he tries to avoid it. I am wanting to get a female in the next litter, or the next one after that so that he can have a friend while I'm not there..... He gets really bored really easy.

SMILE

2010-02-13T01:26:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite songs ever is SMILE. Originally written by Charlie Chaplin for one of his movies in 1935.

I have grown to love this song ever since I was a little girl and my Grandma played it while she was going to bed and I always think of it as our song. Eddy Arnold sang the version I always listened to with my Grandma.

Then I fell into deeper love with it when I heard it in the movie My Girl 2 when Veda, Anna Chlumsky's character, finds old film footage of her mother singing the song, which also gives Veda a connection with her mom and then she sings it to her new born baby brother.

The newest version that has become my favorite is my the cast of Glee. Listen here.

Here are the lyrics:

SMILE

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your pain and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

REVIEW: Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T22:53:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day
-PG-13-
released February 12, 2010

TRAILER

On an airplane to Los Angeles, Kate Hazeltine (Julia Roberts), a captain in the U.S. Army on a one-day leave, meets Holden (Bradley Cooper) who has recently become single again. In Los Angeles, florist Reed Bennett (Ashton Kutcher) eagerly proposes to his girlfriend Morley (Jessica Alba) who accepts his offer, much to the surprise of Reed’s colleague Alphonso (George Lopez) and best friend Julia (Jennifer Garner). Julia, a primary school teacher, has recently fallen in love with Dr. Harrison Copeland (Patrick Dempsey) who might just be hiding his true agenda. Meanwhile one of Julia’s students, Edison (Bryce Robinson), is trying to send flowers to his Valentine, while his babysitter, Grace (Emma Roberts), is planning her first sexual encounter with boyfriend Alex (Carter Jenkins). Meanwhile Edison’s grandparents, Edgar (Hector Elizondo) and Estelle (Shirley MacLaine), are facing the troubles of a long marriage while Grace’s friends, Willy (Taylor Lautner) and Felicia (Taylor Swift) are experiencing the freshness of new love. Sean Jackson (Eric Dane), a closeted professional football player, is contemplating the end of his career together with his publicist Kara (Jessica Biel) and his agent Paula (Queen Latifah). Kara, a close friend of Julia’s, is organizing her annual ‘We Hate Valentine’s Day’ Party but is starting to become interested in sports reporter Kelvin Moore (Jamie Foxx) who has been sent out by his producer Susan (Kathy Bates) to cover Valentine’s Day because of a lack of sports news. Paula has recently hired a new receptionist called Liz (Anne Hathaway) who has recently started dating mailroom clerk Jason (Topher Grace). However, Liz is keeping a kinky little secret from Jason.

The above synopsis is all from the Wikipedia site about the movie. Click on the title and see more details for yourself. There are so many big names in this movie, and I thought that this breakdown was much better than anything I would come up with. It's also much shorter than I would have come up with.

Now for my thoughts on my it.
I loved it. There are so many different stories going on, and they are all connected. There are so many different couples, and they are each at different stages.
Couple #1: Long term/ living together/ should be getting married/ breaking up
Couple #2: Two who have been married for 40+ years
Couple #3: Best friends, not dating, but ready to date
Couple #4: Man who cheats on wife and does not tell his mistress he's married.
Couple #5: Young HS love with no base in reality
Couple #6: Young HS love who are trying to decide to take it to the next level. (Having sex.)
Couple #7: 2 weeks new and almost in love.
Couple #8: First crush on a teacher.
Couple #9: Mother and son.

There are also those who are single. There are many people who are so bitter about Valentine's Day. I have been one of those who would be the instigator of hating the holiday. But I have become one of the ones who just treat it like another day, and ignore it.
But watching this movie with my parents made me rethink some of my thoughts. My favorite part is Julia Roberts' character is a captain in the military traveling home to the one guy who means the most to her. She meets Bradley Cooper's character and he finds out she is going home for just a day and gives her his limo to get home to her man. You later find out that it's her son who she trying to get home to. It was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. There are so many great lessons in this movie, but the best is that any relationship, whether it be with a friend, or with a parent, or with a lover, that Valentine's Day isn't always about celebrating the romance of love, but celebrating the loving relationships that we have.

REVIEW: 500 Days of Summer

2010-02-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

500 Days of Summer
-PG-13-
released September 2, 2009

TRAILER

Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Tom. He is the protagonist in this film. Living a life that he's not totally satisfied with, he dreams of one day finding "The One" who will make everything okay. Then he meets Summer (Zooey Deschanel), who he thinks is "The One". Tom believes that love exists, but Summer does not. She makes it very clear at the start that she is not looking for anything serious. During the time of their relationship Tom wants more and Summer wants less. It's funny because eventually in the end they end up switching places.
Tom, at first seems like he's the weak one for wanting more and seeming really needy, but it's Summer who learns from Tom.

As you see on the poster, it says, "This is not a love story. This is a story about love." It's very true. Love is indeed the main focus of the film, but it's sad to see Tom's heart being broken. I never thought guys could be so down about a broken relationship like girls are. I'm somewhat relieved to find that out! Each relationship we have has an effect on our lives, whether it be good or bad, but there is an effect. In Tom's relationship with Summer, it might have ended badly for them, but they both helped each other to overcome the biggest faults in their lives and they both eventually do find love, hopefully...........

This movie had a small feel of an 80s flick with the animated bird (which only happened once in the movie), and there was a funny scene of dancing in an open quart. It was random, yet very entertaining.

I loved that in one scene, that there was a double shot of what Tom "expected" and another of the "reality" of what was happening.

It's so true that when we are in a relationship, we get blinded by being happy so we forget to watch for all of bad signs that keep happening. "Blinded by love," is visualized in this film. Love exists in the world, yet we have to focus on reality, and not focus on everything that puts our head in the clouds. It takes work to be in every relationship, and each person must put 100% into it if they want to make it work.

The soundtrack to this film is also amazing!

REVIEW: Time Traveler's Wife

2010-02-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Time Traveler's Wife
-PG-13-
released August 14, 2009
TRAILER

Eric Bana (Nero in the new Star Trek film) plays Henry, the time traveler. The concept is that he travels through time, although he has no control of when he leaves, or when he comes back. Another interesting thing is that he cannot take anything with him, except his own body, so all the clothes and jewelry are left in a pile right where he's standing.
Through out his time traveling he is always drawn to familiar places and people. Yet he will always come back to his time in his life. In the traveling he meets Clare, played by Rachel McAdams. She meets him for the first time when she is six, but he meets her for the first time when he is in his late 20s. It's an interesting story, yet is filmed to help all understand what is happening---just keep an open mind. It's a great film. Keep a box of tissues handy. It will pull at your emotions. Like any family, there is drama, but the bond of love is stronger than ever and it will tug on your heart strings and you will value your family more after watching this film.

Adapted from the best selling Novel The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger, published in 2003, this film is explosive in it's original depiction of the time space continuum. I love everything Sci-Fi, but this film has none of that feel. It is unique in it's filming and the story feels real, like it has really happened. I love that Audrey Niffenegger's vision has come off the page in a beautiful array of ingenuity.

REVIEW: Love Happens

2010-02-09T01:10:00.000-08:00

Love Happens
-PG-13-
released September 18, 2009
TRAILER

A really cute movie.

Burke, Aaron Eckhart's character is a motivational speaker who deals with those who have lost a loved one. Traveling around the country he holds workshops to help people face the deaths of loved ones. It all stems from a book he had written about how he overcame the death of his wife. He has avoided going to Seatle because that is where he and his wife lived before her death. But facing her death is not something he's done, even though his book has said he has.
Based in Seatle, WA he meets a variety of people at the hotel. One of them is a woman who delivers flowers to the hotel, Eloise, Jennifer Aniston's character. They don't click right at first, but they need each other. Eloise has her own problems. She always dates guys who are way beneath her, breaking her heart. So meeting trust worthy guys is something she has no hope for.
As they get to know each other they are forced to deal with their problems. I will let you watch the movie to see the beauty of how to overcome your trials.

One character I loved is Walter, played by John Carroll Lynch, who is a big (no tears) construction worker who has lost his son. He does not want to be at the workshop, but Burke helps him to face his loss and stop looking back. I love this side story and it made my heart smile!

Another thing I loved is that Eloise has a fetish with extraordinary words. Burke happens to find out about it and it helps them to bond. I loved this screen play. Hopefully you will too!

REVIEW: Sherlock Holmes

2010-02-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

Sherlock Holmes
-PG-13-
release December 25, 2009

Films now a days have a realer feel to them because of all the hard work that goes into the design and research of what the time was really like.

This film only enhanced the realism of the time Sherlock Holmes lived.

Of course, Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character, inspired by the creator, Arthur Conan Doyle's friend Joseph Bell.
Each story created gives more detail of the life of Sherlock Holmes. Written from Watson, Holmes devoted sidekick's perspective we learn more and more about what it is like to be Sherlock Holmes.

Only in this new vision of Sherlock Holmes do we see the life that Watson saw. Holmes is a visionary, but some times when great men like this are inspired they take food and other necessities of life for granted until they achieve what they desire. Read up on the original ideas from Doyle at this site. What I love most about this film is that Holmes is not depicted as this 'put-together' guy, who I grew up with. He has those flaws were he neglects his hygiene and refuse to go out of the house, scaring the housekeeper/landlady while working on a hand pistol (silencer). Yet he is a man and as most men's weakness comes down to loving a woman who uses him. Rachel Adams plays Irene Adler, Holmes love interest. The one person who will destroy him by weakening his mind.

The antagonist, Lord Blackwood, played by Mark Strong (Stardust), who deceives to show that he is magically powerful, transforms himself into an evil man. Fear is one of the worst possible ways to rule over someone. Strong is amazing in his ability to secure the evilness of playing a role that will strike fear into your soul.

Holmes has a sidekick, a doctor who lives with him. But in this film Watson is on the verge of getting married, forcing a wedge between Watson and Holmes. Although this wedge becomes a new link to make the chain of relationships stronger for Watson and Holmes. One new aspect I love about this depiction of the timeless story, is that Watson is portrayed as a strong sidekick who can fight. With his background in the military, Watson is opposite of Holmes. He is clean-cut and the strong link in the relationship, always taking care of Holmes' needs. What's great is that this film proves that opposites attract. Only that they work well together as a team. They depend upon each other. They are yin and yang.

Holmes, played by Robert Downey Jr., has proved that he can conquer any role he is given with outstanding ability. He immerses himself into this role with a fervor that I admire. Wow!

Watson, played by Jude Law, is also amazing. He plays a sidekick, yet stands on his own when on screen. It's like there are two protagonists instead of only one.

The strength of these two men only add to the timeless relationship that was created by Watson and Holmes in the written word. What a masterful piece of film making. As seen below, Downey and Law carry each other and yet their juxtaposition only adds to the beauty of the film.

This film will keep you on the edge of your seat with all the action, or it will have you pushing against the back of the seat with some of the action's intensity. You will enjoy this film for ages and I hope there will be another to follow... At least that's how the movie was left open to at the end of the movie!

REVIEW: Invictus

2010-02-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Invictus
-PG-13-
released December 11, 2009

Inspired by the true story of Nelson Mandella's election as president of South Africa in 1994. After being released from prison in 1990, Mandella, played by Morgan Freeman, works to bring down the apartheid. Being a black president after the apartheid has many problems. It is Mandella's leadership and inspiration which brings the country from chaos and segregation to a unified nation. He does it through the Rugby team. Like Mandella the team is predicted to never make it, not even to the World Cup. Mandella works with the captain of the Rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon's character).

Inspiring a nation takes many hearts to be turned to work together. Struggle in the face of failure can lead to an amazing victory or the worst failure. Faith is the key in this story. Faith that those hearts will turn. Faith that a nation will come together. Faith in a nation needing the change.

The title of the movie is the title of a poem that Nelson Mandella used as his personal inspiration while in prison.

INVICTUS
by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

The last two lines are the main lines used in the film. Really inspiring and wonderful!

Please watch this film! It will inspire you to keep going and never give up on what is right!

REVIEW: Leap Year

2010-02-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

Leap Year
-PG-
released January 8, 2010

On February 29 there is a tradition in Ireland that women can propose to men. So Anna, Amy Adams' character decides to follow her 4 year boyfriend to his medical conference in Dublin, Ireland to propose to him on Leap Day...
Unfortunately her plans to get to Dublin are accompanied by many set backs. In the process of getting to Ireland she meets Declan, Matthew Goode's character, who promises to help her get to Dublin.

This film reminded me a another film Matthew Goode was in called Chasing Liberty. In both films he treks across countries in Europe helping lost women to find themselves. It also reminds me of the film French Kiss.

Leap Year is clean and funny. Amy Adams is so cute in the movie. She plays a desperate woman who wants to take that next step in her relationship and risks everything to get to her boyfriend, only finding that what she really wants is someone totally different. Matthew Goode plays the type of man who we all wish would come to our rescue and save us from ourselves. The chemistry between the two actors is amazing & believable. It's heartwarming and will keep you entertained till the very end.

REVIEW: The Princess and the Frog

2010-02-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

The Princess and the Frog
-PG-
released December 11, 2009

What a classic story.

As a kid I grew up loving all the Disney animated classics. Then the studio started with The Little Mermaid in 1990 and then each year after that a new animated film followed. Each story came from our world history and the fairy tales we grew up with. But to keep them at lower ratings, the stories have been altered. The same is true in this instance. Some might say that the changes are inappropriate. Controversy was thick with this new feature. This is the first time in history where the heroin is black.

Set in New Orleans in 1912, Tiana (our heroin), voiced by Anika Noni Rose, a hard working young woman who has a dream of owning her own restaurant, in honor of her father.
Meeting Prince Naveen, voiced by Bruno Campos, Tiana is asked to kiss him after he had been turned into a frog by an evil witch doctor. Unfortunately Tiana is not a princess and the story takes an awkward turn as Tiana is also turned into a frog.

This bi-racial relationship is forgotten as they are forced to face a trial that they both need to overcome. Coming from different backgrounds, they learn to live with each other and that develops into love. With colorful animal sidekicks who talk (a Disney favorite) this film will keep you laughing till the very end. And the controversy of the racial differences should show us all how far we've come instead of looking at how hard it was. Look to the future and keep moving forward. (The theme from the movie Meet the Robinsons)

REVIEW: Avatar

2010-02-04T02:28:00.000-08:00

Avatar
-PG-13-
released December 18, 2009

This is the year for 3D movies. So many movies have been 3D. I hate wearing the glasses cause they squish my head, so I went to see this movie non-3D. It was amazing. I loved it so much that I went back a couple of days later to see it in 3D. It was just as good. The story and the vision was beautiful!!!! WOW!!! After the first 5 minutes of the movie I knew I would own it right when it came out.

I love to know how movies are made, so I went to the official website for Avatar and learned how this incredible vision came to life. James Cameron created a camera that is meant to film in 3D.
How many people make their opinions of movies before they know all the details of it. I have heard some say that they weren't all that impressed with the animation/CG elements in it. Visit the site and see how involved the actors had to be to film this film.

James Cameron, the director and the writer, dreamed of this vision before he made the motion picture, Titanic, but the technology at the time was not where he needed it to even try to make this film.

The colors in this film were wonderful. These are just a few pictures that show a glimpse of how extraordinary it truly is. This movie is the reason why I love movies. I am so glad that there are creative people in this world. Thanks to James Cameron for sharing his vision with the world...

REVIEW: Everybody's Fine

2010-02-04T01:56:00.000-08:00

Everybody's Fine
-Pg-13-
released December 4, 2009

A movie about a family who have lost their keystone (their mother) only months before. She was the confidant to all. So This movie starts out with Frank Goode, Robert De Niro's character, cleaning up his home, bringing out the grill & buying wine for his kids (which was one of the funniest scenes, where he talks to one of the grocery store employees about buying wine for his kids... watch this trailer to see it!)
The trailer makes it seem more of a comedy than what it really is. Be prepared to cry. It is an emotional movie.

I liked it a lot. It was hard to see Frank go through so much to travel to see all of his kids. I won't give away anything, but please keep an open mind to the variety of different lives in this movie.

Families are important. When you loose a family members, it should bring you closer together. Don't let it put a wedge in your family.

On a side note- it was weird to see Drew Barrymore and Sam Rockwell as brother and sister when they hooked up in Charlie's Angels.

REVIEW: Planet 51

2010-01-29T19:17:00.000-08:00

Planet 51
-PG-
released November 20, 2009

An interesting story with humans being the aliens to those who live on, what we call "Planet 51".

Click on the title to a link with a detailed explanation of the film.

I liked it, but it made the human astronaut look incompetent and that our future with first contact of an alien species will be met with someone who got the job because of his looks and nothing else. It was very disheartening.

I did enjoy the flow of the film and the personalities of the main characters.
It was interesting how the planet is based in a time that is similar to our 1950s. The fact that they have the technology to have floating cars makes me wonder, but every species evolves in different ways.

I loved their circular designs for everything on their planet. I would love a house like that. The burgers on the grill are floating. Another thing is that it rains rocks instead of rain. Interesting.

Watch it at least once with the kids and they will get a kick out of it. It would be a great teaching tool for anyone to not be so prejudice of anyone we don't understand. They may become a better friend to you than anyone of your own race/species.

REVIEW: The Blind Side

2010-01-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

The Blind Side
-PG-13-
released November 20, 2009

I loved, loved, loved this film. AMAZING!

Sandra Bullock has played many roles, even one who made me cry in The Proposal, but this has to be my all time favorite.

The saying, "A picture says a thousand words" this movie poster makes a STATEMENT. Not only is this film based on a true story, it will touch your heart in ways no other movie has.

If you only watch one movie this year, this is the one I would choose for you!

That is all I'm going to say on this! Please honor yourself by watching it!

REVIEW: New Moon

2010-01-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

New Moon
-PG-13-
released November 20, 2009

This Highly anticipated sequel to the popular Twilight film, did not let the fans down.

As most people know, these movies are based on the best selling (and extremely popular) novels by Stephanie Meyer.

They compare Vampires to Warewolves, but Stephanie looks at these fictional monsters in a different way then anyone ever has.

New Moon is one of my favorites of the series because it focuses on the werewolves. I'm very happy the film makers decided to keep Taylor Lautner as the werewolf, Jacob Black. He was in the first movie and almost did not make the second because of his physic. Luckily, he proved that he's deserved the role by becoming the part. I admire him for that.

Joining the cast are those in the royalty of the Volturi, are Michael Sheen as Aro; Jamie Campbell Bower as Caius; Christopher Heyerdahl as Marcus; Dakota Fanning as Jane; Cameron Bright as Alec; Charlie Bewley as Demetri; and Daniel Cudmore as Felix.

I loved this film and cannot wait for the remaining two to complete the visual series.

REVIEW: This Is It

2010-01-28T21:24:00.000-08:00

This Is It
-PG-
released October 28, 2009

Okay......... Michael Jackson was an amazing artist with tons of talent and imagination.

Now that I've said that, I hated this film.

I worked behind big stage productions and my least favorite part was sitting through rehearsals and all this movie was was chunks of that rehearsal. I was expecting something much, much more from the pictures and hipe from what this actually became.

I loved all the songs that were picked and the ideas for the performance were great! I would have loved to be part of the stage production and see it all take place. Kudos to all of the minds who thought it all up!!!

REVIEW: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

2010-01-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs
-PG-
released 18 September 2009

I have always loved animated movies. Since the dawn of 3D animation there have been great stories and great visual effects. This only added to the genre of 3D animation, with quirky characters (in their design to their personalities) to the story climaxes that gave it one of those must-see-again feelings.

I saw this with my 5 year-old niece. Like most children, just going to the movies is an experience in itself, but this little one kept quoting the movie after we left. She loved that the food was so big and her favorite part was the Jello House!

Like most of the animated films there are always a good moral. I'll let you watch it to see what the moral is.

The genius inventor Flint Lockwood is voiced by Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live) and the reporter Sam Sparks is voiced by Anna Faris (House Bunny).

These two make an incredible duo who find in each other the strength to follow their dreams.

If you haven't seen this movie, please see it. Sony Animation Studios accomplished a great work of art that everyone will enjoy for years to come!

Moving to Colorado....

2010-01-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Well, there is much to be said, because I am moving again.
I will leave this coming Sunday and stay with some friends in Ohio and trek across the country for the following 3 days. I'm going to try to push it to 2 long days, but who knows what will happen!!!
I'm going to move in with my parents in Colorado. Try to get a fresh start again and see where life takes me. I have changed a lot since being here in Michigan, and it has done a lot of detoxing that I needed. My sister and her family have been great and understanding with that. I hope to be my new self soon and be more comfortable with the new life I'm trying to get to!!!
Keep me in your prayers that I travel safe this next week.

REVIEW: Whip It

2009-12-24T19:49:00.000-08:00

Whip It
-PG-13-
released October 2, 2009

Directed by Drew Barrymore, this classic tale of small town girl taking a chance on life is vivacious and creative.
Bliss Cavendar, Ellen Page's (Juno) character is from Bodeen, TX. Bliss's life is filled with working at the Oink Joint and puffing up her mother's dreams of winning beauty pagents. But she is always dreaming of something more. Then on a fateful outing to a thrift store, Bliss meets some roller derby girls and a spark is lit.
At 17, not very many of us know where we want to be in 20 years. All we really worry about is what school we're going to and what we're going to do on the weekend. So as many teenagers do, Bliss and her friend Pash go the the roller derby tournament, without telling mom and dad. There Bliss finds her bliss. Roller derby is just what she needs in her dull life. Unfortunately telling her parents is out of the question so lies ensue and the repercussions are not fun.

Why do we all lie about things that make us happy? Bliss eventually had her happy ending and her family supports her, but if she had not lied, would she have had the outcome she did? If she would have told her parents upfront, then they wouldn't have let her go. So in lying about it she hurt her family, but got what she wanted. It's a hard lesson. I wish all kids could find something they love and have the full support of parents, but most kids find things that their parents would never support. Then again, if we don't make our own choices and feel the hard life lessons from them, we would never learn from them.

This film does have a great moral that many might not see right away. When you find something you love to do, don't let anything stop you from getting it!!!! Even with all the pain and heartache, it's still what you love and that makes everything worth it!

I love Ellen Page and I believe she's going to be a great upcoming actress... It would be nice to see her outside of these "charater" roles, to prove that she can stand on her own when it comes to acting.

Once again check out Wikipedia for more info on this flick.

REVIEW: District 9

2009-12-24T19:01:00.000-08:00

District 9

– R –

Released August 14, 2009

If you do not know what this movie is about, please refer to Wikipedia. The detail in this description is better then anything I could come up with in a short period of time.

Yes, this movie is rated R, and it is justly so because of the language and gore. Because of those two facts, many people would truly hate watching this movie.

I loved it! It was compelling from the start as it was filmed as a documentary.

Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, the film looks back on when the alien ship first arrived on earth in 1982. Hovering above the city for 3 months without any contact, humans decide to investigate and go up to the ship, but they find an alien race (somewhat looking like what I imagine the Buggers [Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card to look like), who have an insect quality. Although throughout the entirety of the movie they look less "alien" and more human as we follow the interaction with Wikus (the main antagonist of the aliens, played by Sharlto Copley) who reveals that they are more human then most of the humans they connect with.

District 9 is the section of land sanctioned for the aliens to live on. Each of them live in shacks and are forced to live in squalor. The racism in the film is thick, much like the way the movie was advertised with posters like this.

As stated before, the film takes on a documentary feel at the beginning where Wikus, Sharlto Copley's character, is in charge of moving all the "non-humans" to a new area called Distict 10, over 20+ years after the arrival of the alien ship. His job is to retrieve the signatures of the aliens, stating that there will be no resistance. As the documentary goes on, Wikus is given away as a traitor.

Meanwhile, one of the aliens has been collecting a liquid from their technology for over 20 years. The collected liquid is contained in a canister the size of two Red Bulls cans long. So as Wikus searches through all of the homes of the aliens, he finds this canister, disrupts it somehow and becomes infected. It takes a few hours for him to get the effects, but he begins to change into one of the aliens.

Now, I have left out a key component of the story. The aliens weapons are only operational biologically. Though very powerful, humans cannot use the technology. So when the government finds out what is happening to Wikus, he is tested and enlisted to be the main experiment.........meaning they are going to dissect him to find out how it works. Luckily Wikus escapes, only to become a fugitive and find refuge in the part of town he was trying to clean out for his country.

Wikus ends up helping one of the aliens return to his ship, because Wikus is promised to receive the antidote for his sickness. But he learns that the alien must first return to his home planet to retrieve the technology and bring reinforcements to transport is kind home.

So Wikus must wait....... for years to become human again.

Not only do I love the SciFi element, but the story is very compelling, and yet predictive in parts. There is a ton of action, yet equal drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. Beware of the vulgarity and crudeness of language, especially the term "prawn" that is used for the insect aliens.

The CG element is beautiful. I love watching movies that look real! It looked like part of our world history. I only wish I could meet an alien and see into their soulful eyes. This element alone shows that the CG element was tastefully done and there should be an award for those who did the animation.

The moral is obvious, but worthy of bringing up. Prejudice and racism happens in every country, between many races. Unless you walk a mile in another's shoes, no matter who they are (alien or not, or even someone of your own family) you have no right to judge them.
This is one of the main reasons I watch movies. All of the effects make it entertaining, but the lesson I take from it will live longer than anything else.

I really hope a sequel is made. There are so many things left unsaid, but sometimes that is the best way to end things.

My thoughts....

2009-12-24T17:51:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've written and I've been trying to think of anything that I could write about that would keep me writing......... so this is what I've come up with.
Movies.... I love them and want to work on them. I love sharing my thoughts about them, but in order to be a movie critic, I'd have to watch a butt load of movies I would never care to watch, (like the scary, but unreal ones) and that is unwanted torture that I will never put myself through, so from here on out I will be adding movie reviews to my blog posts. It might be all I write about for a while!

WARNING: I will write about everything in the movie, so spoilers are guaranteed....

I will also post about movies that I'm excited to see. And I will distinguish each by saying it is a REVIEW in the Title of the blog so you can choose to read it later if you want to watch the movie first.

I know there are not many followers of my blog, but if you are one, thanks for reading!
So here goes.
Enjoy.

Moving......

2009-08-26T23:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have decided to move.

To Michigan.

I am going to live with my sister and her family in West Bloomfield, MI before I move to Boston. It will be great to see them and get to know the girls better and I will be able to help out with the family. I am transferring to an Olive Garden in Novi, MI, which is about 12 miles away from the house. I've talked to a couple of people at the restaurant and I will be an employee there by October 1st, I hope... that's not official yet.

My official last day at the AF OG (American Fork Olive Garden) is September 16th.... a Wednesday three weeks from today, or yesterday since it's now Thursday.... I always up so late.

You are probably all asking the reason why I am moving... Well, there are a few, actually.
1.) I have put in my notice at my apartment to leave by October 1st and need to move out by then.
2.) Affording a place on my own is not a possibility right now.
3.) I can take some workshops in Ann Arbor, MI in bookbinding while I'm living with my sister's family.
4.) I will be able to get to know my neices a lot better and be able to help out with the family.
5.) Have cheeper rent.
6.) Save money for school.... & pay off some un wanted dept.
7.) It's a lot closer to the place I need to go to next year... which is BOSTON!!!

I do want, and plan to go to Boston to attend NBSS. I feel like I have got into a rut and I need to get out!!!! How long will I work at Olive Garden??? Probably for a few more years, but only to get me into a better job!!!! So this time next year, I will be living in Boston getting ready to go to school!

I will miss Utah and all it's beauty... The Mountains have been a constant love of mine and that's what I will miss the most.... But I will miss all the friends I have made while I've been here the last 10 years! Utah has become a home for me! I might come back after I've been gone for a while.

I'm not saying 'good-bye' because I will see everyone again, someday!!! I still believe in life after death....

All my love, until my next post!

Dating

2009-06-10T02:02:00.000-07:00

What can be said about this subject?

I just recently watched the movie "He's just not that into you." It, and many other recent things have brought this subject to my constant thoughts....

Why is it that when someone is single (and older than 21), (esspecially in the LDS faith)........others feel a need to point out that you are single and that you "better get a move on...," or something to that effect. Then others try to set you up with the "other-older-singles" just because the two in question are of simular age.... These "thoughtful" people do not even care to look at personalities, they just think the ages suffice! ????????? I know that matchmaking happens in the world, my grandparents were part of that and they are now separated... That's why it is so hard for me to understand what goes into peoples heads when they "set people up"!

On another note.... Why is it that some people freak out when they go on a "date"? The word is just terrifying! I, myself, am privy to this phobia. Why does it freak me out so much? Well.... I think it might be because I, along with all those others out there who are also plagued by this phobia, are afraid to get hurt and "dating" is the intial steps to the untimate let down.......... being rejected in finding love! It is the worst kindof pain.............. It also sucks when you are the one rejecting someone from finding that kindof love.... I never want to do that to someone again....I know that last bit was a bit negative, but isn't it true?

In looking at the movie I afore mentioned:

1.Some of us protect ourselves from finding love by putting up walls with our intendeds so that we don't feel that rejection, because we do not want to take the risk and fully put ourselves out there for someone else to see all of who we are and to give your whole self to someone else...

2.Some of us have this perfect ideal in our heads, even though that is not who we are meant to be with, and we keep running after that person until we get knocked on our butts (being totally rejected) because it took the smack to our face to realize that we are running after the wrong thing...... (The person we find should be our equal, standing by our sides, not walking infront or behind, but hand in hand).....

3.Some of us settled because there was not another option. Why not really fight for what you want....Look for it.... Do not settle!!! If you settle in love, then what does that say for your life overall?

4.Some of us cheat... Be faithful to your love....... Enough said....

5.Some of us find a perfect love and realize that everything we are is meant to be with that one person. They will give 100% while you do the same... Often times in this relationship compromises must be found... It will be a constant work in progress. You will not want anyone else and all the struggles will be overpowered by the beauty in the relationship. This is true love... Marriage does not instantly make things perfect. Perfection is a constant process, it must be worked on each moment of each day!!!

Currently I am single. Very single. I have not seriously dated someone since I was 25. (I'm now 29.) What is funny to me is that I'm very content with that. I do, one day, want to be married and find the kindof relationship that is in #5, but I think it will take time because waiting to find a love that's really worth having is "worth the wait"!!! But until that time comes, I will not be stupid and waste my life waiting for that person. I will make the most of my life so that that person will be proud of me and love me even more for what I've done before I've found him.........

I'd love any thoughts on the matter!

Since my last post...

2009-05-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while, but I thought it was time to tell about what's been happening in my life...

Well, to get it out first:
I did not make it into the school in Boston. I am on the waiting list for this year, and they said they would carry my application over to the next year, so I will not have to fill out everything again. It's comforting to know that I will be picked if someone drops out, but it kindof hurt when I was not one of the first chosen to go. I cried for a good hour and then said a prayer and I know that He has my back. What would I do without the Gospel?

This has made me think a bit because it was like an answer to a silent prayer that I've had in my heart. I would not know how to pay for school. This way I can work to say more money to pay for school while I'm there. Isn't that comforting?

I am still working at Olive Garden as a server and loving it. It gets stressful, but I think I need the stress because it helps me out when I'm not I get used to the easy life and that's not always a good thing.

My business is alright. I need to do more advertizing and I think it would go better, but money is tight and it's always not fun.

So I am looking for anther job to help get things on the evenness and to start saving for Boston, cause I'm still planning on going!!!! But who knows what is going to happen in the next year and a half...

Well, I hope this all finds you well and I hope you are all happy and healthy!

Pay it Forward...

2009-03-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

PAY IT FORWARD:

"The first five 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! (I can only hope.)
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It WILL be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be... it may be cards, a bookmark, something delicious, or a complete surprise to you (and me!)... who knows?
5. Most importantly you must offer the same deal on your blog - the first 5 people to comment on your blog get something made by YOU!"

Boston January 2009

2009-02-26T00:07:00.001-08:00

I went to Boston to interview at North Bennet Street School on January 19-21. I stayed with the girls in the pic above. Emily, Shanna, Meg & Casey.
I actually met the Bishop of the Singles ward and his wife (in the above picture, middle two persons) at Olive Garden in American Fork back in October of last year. It was so crazy when they told me they were from Boston. I instantly told them I was applying to NBSS and Bishop Maitland told he knew the school and then proceeded to ask me if I was single, as he looked at my hand to see if I had a ring. It creeped me out at first until he instantly told me he was the bishop in the singles ward that students at NBSS go to. I got excited. They both told me that I could stay with them when I came to interview at the school. We switched information and I then emailed him, but it didn't work. After a couple of months I tried again, but it did not work. Then during Christmas I looked up the singles ward on lds.com and found that I had been spelling the Maitland's last name wrong. My stupidity. He, he. I tried the email again and got a reply the next day. I had an appointment with NBSS and told him about it and he sent me the information of some girls in the ward who had an opening in their apartment and I emailed them. I was then able to find those girls to stay with. Bishop and Sister Maitland told me they would pick me up at the airport and take me to the apartment of the girls I was staying with. I also got an email from Shanna telling me that they invited Bishop and Sister Maitland to eat with us when I got there. It was a great meal. They made the best buffet salad bar that I've ever seen. Amazing.
This is a picture of the entrance to NBSS. It's not actually on North Bennet Street School, it's right around the corner. This was after my interview. I stayed to watch the inaguration and then talked to the students in the bookbinding department for 2 1/2 more hours. It was so much fun!
This is a bridge that they built to make a freeway above ground. The construction was absolutely beautiful!!!
Boston Temple. It was a bit of a walk from the bus stop and it was really cold. I had to walk on a freeway off ramp to get to the entrance. It was crazy. I had so much fun there. I wore jean in and had my bag from the interview with a skirt to change into. I was the only sister there and they took me on a tour before the session I was going to. The sister that took me on the tour told me that the temple was themed around the Tree of Life. Everything was so beautiful! I loved this temple. To of the workers I met travel 2 hours, both ways, from Maine, to work in the temple. Isn't that great?
I realized that I had not taken any pictures while I had been running around that I had a lady at the bus stop take a picture of me. The building in the background was cool, but I have no clue what it was. After the temple I went back to Harvard Square and got some postcards to send to my family and roommates. I went to an amazing grill to eat dinner.

I had so much fun and have a good feeling about the interview. It was so cold, but I could not stop smiling. A couple of friends have told me it's cause my face froze like that. I did get lost a few times, but it was still fun!

Long time!!!

2009-02-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything, but I've been an avid Facebooker....
I have done a lot since my last post, but I'll put more details of my excursions around the country in later post. Just to let you know. In a 3 week period of time I have been on the East Coast, right on the Atlantic and then on the West Coast, right on the Pacific.... Curious??? Bet you are! Stay tuned for more info!

Loosing a love one - Ode to Joyce

2008-12-28T22:48:00.001-08:00

The past couple of days I've been thinking about loosing loved ones on this earth. I'm surprised at how depressed and sad I become. But that does not last long when I think about the testimony I have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his plan for us. I thought about the article that President Thomas S. Monson gave in the August Ensign of this year entitled, "May We So Live" I've read it again and great comfort has again been brought to my heart. I've quoted a small part below:

"Death eventually comes to all humankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life’s journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. Death is one fact that no one can escape or deny.

"Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life’s feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness.

"The darkness of death, however, can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth.

“'I am the resurrection, and the life,' spoke the Master. 'He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

'''And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.'

"This reassurance—yes, even holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace
promised by the Savior when He assured His disciples: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'”

-Thomas S. Monson, “May We So Live,” Ensign, Aug 2008, 4–9 (Link below to read the entire article.)
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=caace97864a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

10+ years ago my best friend, my grandmother, passed away of an unknown heart condition. I still miss her and think of her everyday.
A little over a year ago my grandfather also passed away, but we knew it was coming for he had been sick for a time. I stilll want to walk over to his house when I come home to say "Hi," & give him a hug and a kiss.
A few years back one of my co-workers died at a young age, along with her mother, in a car accident coming back to school from Thanksgiving break. I have a picture of her in my room to remember her.

I remember each of the memorials like it was yesterday and the thing I remember most was not the tears, but the laughter. We celebrated who they were to each of us. We remembered all the good times and thought not of the bad.
President Monson's article continues on to talk of celebrating life. Don't let a lost loved one bring you down and let you wallow. Let it inspire you to continue to do a little better each day.

I hope we all celebrate our own lives a little bit more this holiday season and remember that we will be with our loved ones again. Christ, who was born a mortal babe, died for us and was resurrected so we can live again. We will all live on...

President Monson ended his article with this statement:
"May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we '[cheer] up the sad and [make] someone feel glad.' May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.'"

IN THE MEMORY OF
JOYCE TATE.
She was my mother in Utah.
May she rest in peace.

Boys.... (take 2)

2008-12-10T22:49:00.000-08:00

So I did something..... Fred now knows that I like him and we are no longer hanging out. My choice. He was also kind enough, after some prodding from me, to tell me that he is not interested in dating me. He just doesn't like me in a romantic way. I do miss hanging out with him, but I feel relief and now I can move on. I'm still confused by some of the things he's done, but oh, well....

Thought you'd all like to know that!

Boys....

2008-11-28T23:20:00.000-08:00

I am single. I've been single for 29 years, for crying out loud! I have wanted to get married for about 22 of those years... You'd think that I'd be able to understand a little bit of the opposite sex. Learn to read them and not freak out like I am. I'm almost 30 and yet boys get me all flustered.

I have never been so frustrated with one boy as I am now. Let's call him Fred....
I've know Fred for a little over a month now. I met him on his first Sunday in our ward while we were taking pictures for the ward directory, a few months ago. He was cute, but he didn't stand out from any of the other guys, so I forgot about him quickly. I remembered his name because I was the one making the ward directory, so I was looking at everyone's info over and over again.
So a month or so later he gave a talk in church and I noticed. It was a dang good talk. So I started watching him. (Creepy, I know.) So when I was having my birthday party, I invited him. We got to talking and found out he lives right behind us. Literally, our back yard. is 10 feet from his backyard cause we live in these town homes that are back to back. So he came to my birthday party on the 26th of October and I have had some sort of contact with him everyday since.
The thing that bothers me is that he talks about other girls around me. I have never gotten this jealous. I love being around him, but I don't want to be around him because I know he's not interested. He's becoming one of my best friends and yet he drives me nuts. I'm 4 years older than him, but oddly, I'm okay with that. He will say things that totally throw me off that make me notice him even more. I love so many things about him. We have to much in common it scares me. I'm very comfortable with him. If I don't hear from him, then I start to worry. When I do, I get so excited, I can't stop smiling. I know I need to get over it, cause he will never like someone like me, but I just love being around him. I'm only in the friend zone....
The thing is he's such a great guy. He treats me so well. Like last night, I was occupied and my roommate was changing out my laundry and I couldn't get my clothes, but I had one of my white shirts in it that needed to be hung up pronto. Fred volunteered to go get my laundry basket and take them up to my room. I did not ask him to hang up my shirt, but when I went up later it was hanging up. He is so sweet. I had a terrible week a couple of weeks ago and he just held me for a good while and didn't let go until I told him to let go, which wasn't very long (not touchy) but longer than normally with most people. And I liked it. I was sick last week and he came and gave me a blessing, and when I wasn't able to go to FHE cause I was still feeling sick, he came over just to be with me. I really like him.

I can't believe I'm blogging about this! He will never see this, BTW.

My roommate thinks I should tell him how I feel so I can start getting over it, or start dating him, if he wants. I just can't do that right now.
If you've read this whole rant, tell me what you think I should do... Advice is very welcome on the subject!!!

Your address, not mine... ;)

2008-11-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

I'm in need of an address book update. Please comment with your addresses!
Thanks and best wishes to all of you.

In answer to recent questions.

I'm applying to a bookbinding school in Boston called North Bennett Street School. It only accepts 6 people per year. The next year starts in August 2009. But I am planning on transfering out to an Olive Garden there, but I have to wait 6 months before they will let me transfer. So the soonest I can move out there is April. And I find out if I made it in by April. So everything will be decided in April. But I might wait and go there right before school starts in August and save money in Utah. It depends on the next few months.

Let me know if you'd like to know anything else.

Power Trips

2008-11-20T01:14:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I started working at Olive Garden as a server in the new restaurant that opened in American Fork. I got to be part of the opening crew. It's been fun.
Well.... as part of this new opening, they started interviewing for CT (Certified Trainer) positions. I interviewed only because I knew I would regret it. I really did not want the job cause I do not plan on staying with Olive Garden as a career. It is a good opportunity so that I can transfer to an Olive Garden in Boston, so that I can have a job when I go there.
So... they've made about 20 people CTs just this past Sunday. Some have blue cards- meaning they can help do managerial swipes for all of the lower peons that need help on their checks, combining checks and so on. When I saw the list, I was excited for most of the people that got the positions, but I cringed inside when I saw 4 of the people. I hate to say it, but this little blue card is giving these 4 a huge head. The whole part of being a CT (there is no pay raise, or more hours... just more responsibility) is that they are there to help with team work and lightening the load. These 4 people will remain nameless, but they have let this go to their heads. I have worked at this restaurant the same amount of time as they have. Now because they have a card, they think they can tell me what to do, even though I'm right and they are wrong. A simple example is soup: Sometimes when we ladel when the soup is low there is not any chunkiness left, just bits and pieces of what was there. So when it's full there's a lot of chuckiness and substance. So this new CT saw me getting bread sticks and saw my tray full of my 3 soups and saw that the Zuppa Toscana (sausage & potatoe soup) was really chunky. Mind you, this was from a full pot... She told me that I need to not dig from the bottom of the bowl so that when it starts to get low there will still be chunks in it. This was said very condisendingly... I looked at her and looked at the soup and told her to go look at the pot and see that I got it from the top, after mixing it. She huffed over and looked in and I could hear her say, "Oh..." under her breath. I was busy and needed to take my food out, so I left her there while I delivered my food.
My vent is this: If you deserve the promotion, kudos to you. But if you get it and treat people like they're idiots only two days after getting it, then you didn't deserve it to begin with. I am glad I'm not a CT, because honestly, I would probably let it go to my head and I don't want to be like that. I admit it. But 3 of the CTs do not deserve it and they need to step back and reacess who they think they are before going forward.
I have vented and I feel better.

Just so you know, I do love my job. I make crappy tips, but most of the people I work with are freaking awesome and I look forward to seeing them everyday. It will help me when I move to Boston because I will be able to have a job when I move there, which has been a worry.

I hope you all are doing fantastic and if you want to go out to eat at an Olive Garden, let me know and I'll go with to let you have my discount. ;)

summit ward talent show olympics

2008-11-17T08:40:00.001-08:00

Fun stuff!! These guys are so funny!

The Dark Knight Trailer Recut - Toy Story 2

2008-10-09T10:06:00.001-07:00

2008-10-08T23:45:00.000-07:00

The weekend before last was the General RS Broadcast. Our stake received tickets and each ward got 17... Since my roommate is the RS President, I got the hook ups.... Actually we do not have very many sisters in the ward, so I got one without any problems.
Since we couldn't take pictures during the conference, I took a couple of shots of all of us who came----about 15 minutes before it started.

Recap: I loved President Uchtdorf's talk. One of my friends has been having a hard time seeing her worth. She has only been a member of the church for a little over a year. She comes to us with many tears wanting to know if she is a good person. So when President Uchtdorf said, "Our spledid sisters focus more on what they are lacking and not on what they have accomplished...", we all looked at my friend and she was crying. Our leaders are inspired to share the lessons we need to hear the most.

Because of work, I was not able to hear any of General Conference, but we are so blessed with modern technology. I'm going to download as many talks as I can and put them on my iPod and listen to them while I'm doing stuff around the house.

Another event that happened a few weeks ago was when I went with my ward to the Sand Dunes at the Little Sahara Dessert. It was so beautiful. One of my friends brought up all of his toys, which included 2 mini dirt bikes. I have never ridden a dirt bike before, so I did not know how they worked. My friend taught me and off I went. I had not gone 20 feet before I fell to the right while going around a tree and my back tire went right out from under me and I landed on my right shoulder. This happened 10 minutes after we got to the Dunes. As you can see, I didn't fall very far, but it hurt.

My friend made a sling out of two ace bandages and I was pumping IB Profien for the next two days while we were at the Dunes. I actually had a lot of fun. I learned that I've taken advantage of having two limbs. I have since been to the doctor and found out that I did not have any broken bones, but damaged my rotator cuff. I got a real sling and let my shoulder rest for a couple of weeks.

I have since started at the new Olive Garden here in American Fork, UT as a server. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to start with my shoulder, but it just needed a lot of rest. It's still sore, but I exercise it everyday and it gets better with each day. I have been able to sleep and I love that I don't wake up in the middle of the night with pain because I rolled over on my right side. I'm a side sleeper, and I prefer my right side, so the last 5 weeks have been an interesting time getting used to my left side and my back.
I am also applying to the North Bennett Street School in Boston, MA. I hope I get in to start there next August. Wish me luck on that!

Little Sahara

2008-09-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Little Sahara
A few clips from this past weekend when our ward went to the Little Sahara Sand Dunes...
I forgot that I deleted the video from the site I was using and I didn't attach it again. I don't know why I just didn't do it before. Enjoy.

So this was the weekend of Sep. 12-13th.

2008-08-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time! Sorry! I'm not doing good at posting in here, am I?
I do not have a good excuse, but my excuse is... that I joined Facebook. I have been distracted by that. It's not a good excuse... AT ALL!

Well, I thought you'd all like to see that I can look like a girl. My roommate Alicia has her beautician's degree and she loves to do our hairs. I tried to curl my hair myself, but it looked more like I stuck my finger in a light socket. This is the end result of Alicia's expertise... It's not going to be a common thing, that's why I took a picture.

As for my life.... I started working at a place called APX Alarm. I worked in the customer support department. I stayed for 2 months, but it was nerve racking. I knew I could not do it any more when a customer started baiting me and I got off the phone and could not compose myself because I was crying. It's a good company, I just could not continue there. So I'm currently looking for work...

I'm going to be going to Michigan for a week starting this Saturday until Sep. 7th. My niece, Alyssa, is turning 4 and I promised to go see her. I'm really excited about that. It will be nice to see Lynn too. She's grown so much since they've moved to Michigan. I know she's forgotten about her Aunt Jenny, but I'm bound to get her to love me again! That is my main task in going.

My business is going okay. It's slow, but I'm trying to get more things done. So let me know if you know anyone who needs a book made. Oh,........... I have been able to make a book for a movie. My roommate, Sonja, works on movies and she's been doing a movie about Boy Scouts. Her prop manager needed a small leather bound book for two scenes... It turned out so beautifully... Sonja told me I'll be on the credits and that I'll be on IMDB for doing the book for the movie.

So far, that is the most that has really happened in my life. Hope you are all doing well.

John Mayer - Say (The Bucket List)(acoustic) on iTunes

2008-06-23T17:01:00.001-07:00

Not John Mayer, but I love this song. Enjoy.

Team Hoyt - Dick and Rick Hoyt

2008-06-08T21:46:00.001-07:00

If you haven't heard of this father and son team, please watch this. It's 10 minutes long, but it will leave you wanting to see even more. INSPIRATIONAL!

To learn more about them, visit their site.

Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan

2008-05-28T21:14:00.001-07:00

I think I would have like these guys the best out of the three groups, if they would have played. Enjoy. It takes about a minute for the vocals to start. They have a great sound though, so listen to the whole thing. And the video gets kindof crazy at the end.

Memorial Day...What did you do?

2008-05-28T20:32:00.002-07:00

What did you do on Memorial Day?
Isn't this a great picture?
I was really surprised at the consistencies of all the American Flags that had been posted in the front lawns of all my neighbors. It was a great sight to see. God bless all those who have given their lives for our freedom. And my prayers go out to all those who have lost a loved ones. Although it's comforting to know that we will see them again.

I started my day by going to the new JCW's that opened up by Thanksgiving Point. I used to work there and my old roommate is one of the managers and so I met one of my friends there to eat lunch. It's much different from the other restaurant and it's so big and clean!!!

I actually had two BBQs that I was invited to. One started at 2pm and the other was at 6:30pm. I made the wrong choice of going to JCW's to eat too. One BBQ was in Springville and the other was in American Fork.
When I got to the Springville one, I found out that we wouldn't be eating til about 4pm. I didn't know how I would last eating again just 2 hours later. (I started to feel like a missionary all over again, who had booked to many member meal appointments.) We had fun playing games on the Wii and watching others play. I guess I have a funny laugh when I play, but I can't remember how I was laughing. I had fun running down scarecrows with a cow.... :)

Then a funny thing happened. I got a call from a long lost friend who asked me to go to a Death Cab for Cutie concert at Thanksgiving point that started at 5pm. I agreed and let my other friends know that I would be late to their BBQ. They were fine. It was a casual thing.
So I met my friend at my house (I had to get shoes, blankets and a jacket cause it had been raining all day.) I was concerned about the concert because it was at the outside venue (not the waterfall) at Thanksgiving Point. The concert was suppose to start at 5pm. We didn't get in till almost 8pm. Luckily Jeremy's (my friend who invited me to the concert) co-workers had gotten there extremely early and we were closer to the front of the line when we came. It was nice to get to know everyone there, but it was interesting having to wait to get into a concert for so long.

When we finally got in, we still had to wait. There were suppose to be 2 groups opening, Tegan and Sara, and Rouge Wave. Tegan and Sara (above pic) were great. (See posted video) I really liked their sound, and they got through their set really quickly. But Rouge Wave did not play. (I posted a couple of videos so you can hear their sound for yourselves...) Death Cab went right into their set. I have to admit I was really disappointed. Really....!
Jeremy and I had parked way out by the freeway and we walked across the muddy field to get to the line, so we decided to leave early to get back to the car, but we could still hear them as we walked. And when we had almost reached the car they announced that they were going to play the last song. What a gip. I felt bad for everyone who had paid to get in. Jeremy got his tickets through work. But I did have a lot of fun going to the concert. I love people watching and there are a lot of different types of people that went to this concert.

We then proceeded to the next BBQ (it was about 10pm) and we stayed there for a couple of hours. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough room for all the food I was going to eat, but I was glad for the concert cause I had a break and was really hungry after we got out.
All-in-all it was a really full day, but fun...

Tegan and Sara - Coachella - Nineteen

2008-05-28T20:29:00.001-07:00

It was a lot colder, and they were wearing jackets, but it was a lot like this. I really like how they put this video together. The bass player is really hot too. I just really like their sound.

Top 3 laughing babies

2008-05-19T23:47:00.001-07:00

The second one is the funniest to me...
Don't the quadruplets look like 4 "mini-me's"

Baby laughing at the Wii

2008-05-19T23:34:00.001-07:00

Golf is funny to me..., Cute baby laughs though!!!

Laughing Baby

2008-05-19T23:32:00.001-07:00

The things babies think are funny...

baby laughing

2008-05-19T23:30:00.001-07:00

I cannot stop laughing at this baby. I wish I knew what language the show is in. I'm guessing that it's Spanish. Translations please...!
ENJOY!

Tagging......

2008-05-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

Just so you all know, I have never been tagged before, so this is the first that you will all see from me. (Thanks Sally Cook if you get mad at me for tagging you, but I think these kinds of things are fun.) I got one via email that I might implement soon...

These are the rules:
A) List 7 habits/quirks/facts about yourself.
B) Tag 7 people to do the same. (Since I have a short list of people who read my blog, all of those who are in my links will be added to my list...)
C) Do not tag the person who tagged you, or say that you tag 'whoever wants to do it.'

1. I love the color Orange. Not the bright colors that let everyone know there is construction going on, but the deep rusty color that you can can look at without having to blink a lot when looking at another object right after. I've like orange for a few years now. It makes me happy. I have a lot of things in the color (thanks to my Mom and a lot of my friends), but I do not wear it very much. I tend to wear dark/muted colors with an occasional red or pink shirt slipping in. Yes, Sally, I said pink... Who would have guessed? ;)

2. I love turtles. I think I've loved them all my life because I love the story about the tortes and the hare. I know it's fictional, but I loved the meaning and have been in love with the creatures ever since. I have a lot of turtle figurines/stuffed animals (from friends and family) that have formed a large collection on the entire bottom shelf of my TV stand, but I still have more to unpack. I think my favorites are sea turtles.
While I was in Korea as a missionary I was able to be part of an apartment swap with a house of Elders in our area. They had 6 Elders living in an apartment big enough for 2 missionaries, while we had an apartment big enough for 8, while there were only 4 sisters living there. Well, these Elders had an aquarium full of these small turtles that don't grow bigger than the palm of your hand. I've wanted some ever since, but the only place that they can be purchased is California. I believe they are illegal, hence-I don't own any. I'll keep hoping though... Maybe someday I'll be an owner of tiny live turtles.

3. A habit I wish I didn't have, and I'm trying to get over, but it's very hard is that I snort when I laugh. I do it pretty consistently when I really get the giggles, but it is not lady like and they come from deep within... Some of my friends snort when they laugh really hard, but I laugh all the time, sometimes it's the only thing people hear.
There are three types of reactions of people who first hear me laugh. 1) They look at me like something is wrong with me, but don't know what to say, so they say nothing at all. 2) They hear it, but do not react at all, but you can tell that they heard it cause the tension can be cut with a knife. 3) They do a double take, point their finger at me and say, "You just snorted!"
It's annoying at times. It grabs anyones attention. I wish that I didn't have that sort of laughing response, especially when I'm in the Temple (happening more and more lately...really have to work on not being part of any conversation, cause it will get me laughing). It happens during sacrament meeting sometimes and there is always someone who tells me that they were so glad to know that I was in the chapel. Fun, I know. So you can see why it's not something I want to do.
But the cutest thing is that my niece, Alyssa, knows that I snort, so when she hears one, she always associates it with me. One of my favorite voice mails was when she called me and told me, "Hey Jenny, I snorted!" and then she began to snort. (She's almost 4, and she left this message when she had barely turned 3.)

4. I'm considering this whole thing to be my food/beverage preferences, so all will be included.
If I had to choose between sugary or salty tastes, I'd always choose salty. Hands down. I love tart flavors to. Some of my favorite chips are a Dill Pickle flavored Pringles. Salt and Vinegar is good to. I love potatoes in everything and anything, but I hate fresh onions.
I love Dr. Pepper. If I could survive on nothing but that, I would. I think I'm addicted. I also love cold water and milk. Oreo cookies are scrupcious, but they have to be the regulars (not fat free, cause the fat free ones are to hard), eaten with a fork and a glass of milk. Each oreo must be stuck by a fork (into the cream) dunked fully into the milk, held for a couple of seconds and eaten in one big bite, without dripping.
I'm not big on touching food with my hands. I've had to eat meals quickly, so this preference is overlooked a lot, but if I have the choice, I would eat a hamburger and french fries with a knife and fork.

5. I keep my fingernails short. I mean really short. Sometimes I cut them so short the skin tears away from my nail. Nasty to share, I know, but I just cut them yesterday and I can feel them getting raw as I type. I'm not blaming my Mom that I do this, but she did start me on it, but it was my choice to continue it. Even after I got horrendous ingrown toenails as a teenager, I still cut them short, although I'm much more careful as to how close I cut my toenails. I still get some sore toes when I cut them to close. Sorry I'm sharing such gross insites to my life, but I'm not thinking of very much more to share. It's late and I'm getting tired, so my sanity is waying...

6. I am a pack rat. I recently moved and in the move there were 5 truck/SUV's that were loaded to the brim with all of my stuff and I still haven't moved everything over. I've been a lot better in the past couple of years, with throwing things away, but there is still a lot of stuff I should be throwing away. I still have bins from when I was in Junior High. (Why they are in Utah with me, I could not tell you.)

7. I am a movie/TV junkie. I love them. My biggest weakness has to be that I could sit and watch movies all day long. Sometimes I put them on while I work so that I can have the background noise, although half the time I end up taking lots of breaks to watch a few minutes here and there. I love the site, www.hulu.com. Free TV shows online.

So there are some of my habits/quirks/facts about myself.

Now, I would like to tag:
1. Jennifer Anderson
2. Anna Frost
3. Dave or Megan Muhlstien
4. Jordan or Crystal Muhlstien
5. Rachel Melara
6. Aaron or Catherine Paget
7. Karen Pusey

Have fun. Hope to see your posts soon....

Charlie bit my finger - again !

2008-04-30T23:04:00.001-07:00

This is the cutest video. I could not stop laughing when I first saw it. The little boy's accent is so cute. Charlie is almost as big as the boy. Enjoy.

Cheescake Factory

2008-04-30T22:20:00.001-07:00

Last night I went with a friend, Heather, and a bunch of our other friends to the Cheesecake Factory in Salt Lake City, for her (Heather's) birthday bash. It's a very popular restaurant and a couple of us went up an hour early just to wait in line. It was really busy. I didn't know how popular it was. I've only heard about it. I had no idea that they served anything other than cheesecake. Boy, was I mistaken!!! The menu is almost 20 pages long. (Lots of advertising.) There are two pages just for cheesecake, though. And I have to admit that the cheesecake was really good.

So, a funny thing happened to me while I was there.

As many of you know, I like to give servers a hard time when I go out to eat. When I'm with family, it's different, because my Dad takes care of that, so I don't feel a need to hassle them. But I usually am over polite to them to make up for the rudeness from my Dad. (He likes things the way he asks for them. There is nothing wrong with that.) Well....our server for the evening was really cute. I think his name is Corey. There were 12 people in our party, so he had a lot to do. But from the get go, I was giving him a hard time, but he was giving it right back... I was having fun. Then came the big mishap. He put my order in wrong and I didn't get any food. I didn't want any soup or salad, cause then I wouldn't enjoy my meal. We waited for a while just to get our food the first round, so you can imagine how long it took me to get my food. I had him put it in a box. I played tetris and even called a few friends. Then came the funny part. He came over to apologize (I had given him a really hard time about it... But it was all very sarcastic) and to tell me that he had gotten my cheesecake for free. It was the cheaper of the two. Oh, I forgot to tell you where I was sitting (it is key to the story). My back was to him when he came to take our order/fill drinks/ect.... So when he came to tell me this great news, I was so happy, that I took his face in both my hands and scared him and about half our group. I did it so quickly and with my positioning, it looked like I was about to kiss him, but I didn't. It was a hoot. Poor guy. I felt so bad. I still feel bad. I couldn't leave a big tip, cause they calculate the tip into it before giving the receipt, but I would have. But I left a nice note (just a note and not my number. How lame do you think I am?)(Don't answer that.) It was exciting and we were laughing so much. I needed to have a good time with everything going on in my life.
About the food. Even though I had to take my food home with me, I was able to get a few bites and it wasn't that bad. I got a buffalo chicken sandwich with fries and a caramel pecan turtle cheesecake. The chicken was kindof dry. I don't think I'll ever go there again. It was so expensive and the food wasn't really worth that much money. I did try the avocado egg rolls as an appetizer and they were really good.
Oh, and it was freezing. If you go, take a lite jacket to keep you warm.

All in all I had a good time.

My Job

2008-04-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

A few of you have been asking me what I do at my job, so I thought I'd let you see what it is that I'm making. And if you would like more details please go too the web site and check it out.The projection screens are inflatable. As you can see, this one is floating on a pool. From the size of the fence behind it, you can guess how big it is. These will definitely make your "pool" party a lot different with a screen that doesn't float on the pool.

We make a lot of different sizes. This one is specially made. (Who recognizes where this is....?)

The new place I'm moving to has a huge back yard. I'm planning on doing a movie party in the backyard. Hopefully it'll won't get to rowdy, but no promises. I believe this is the smallest size we make. Pretty cool, huh?

So.............any more questions?

American Idol...I've decided to stay in Utah...

2008-04-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

I know it's a random picture of Carly and Randy, but I really liked the one of Carly and I didn't have time to edit out Randy, so you get them both.
I was shocked that she got kicked off. I thought that she was fantastic this week. I didn't like her song choice, but she had an amazing vocal performance.
It was almost like re-living the moment Michael left the group. What a shocker!!!!

Although, I don't think anyone is happier then me to see Kristy leave. My roommate was looking online found the site that rallies all the anti-American Idolers and they choose the contestant that is the worst and they all vote for that person. It has been Kristy ever since that one long haired femmy guy was on. So it makes sense why it took so long to get her kicked off.

But now I can see what a big deal the voting is. It feels like voting for roles of the Senior class in the HS year book all over again. Sometimes the ones that deserve the great ones don't get picked because they're not the most popular.
Well, that's what I have to say about that....

I'm staying in Utah. I found a place in Lehi and will be moving there on the 1st of May. I'm excited to stay here, but in every change there is worry and fear. But I've decided to be happy and not be bothered by the bitterness of life's challenges.

I do have a full time job sewing blow-up projection screens. It's really interesting and I've been enjoying it. Originally it was going be just a part-time job, but room opened up for it to become a full-time position. My hours are really flexible, so if I get enough money saved up, I'll go back and finish school, and it will help out with being able to do the JP business on the side. I'm excited for the rest of the year and to see what other things life has to offer.

I am still going to try to do the car delivery service, cause it looks interesting and fun and my other job will allow me to do it.

Where do I go from here...

2008-04-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Last week, our landlord emailed me and said he would be raising our rent. Our contract is done in September, and the change won't happen till then, but he gave us the option of moving out before that date, without being a breach in contract.
I thought it would be easier to leave earlier, and it is, but a lot of complications have arisen because of it.
We will be moving out by May 26th. So 5 girls have to find a place to live before then.

I'm trying to decide if I should just move home to Colorado, or stay in Utah. I got two job offers that allow me to travel a lot, so paying rent would be a waste. Moving to Colorado would be the most logical of all choices.

Although there are two main reasons to stay in Utah. 1. I can still be an ordinance worker in the temple. (But I would have to stay in the Timpanogas Temple District to stay there), but I wouldn't be able to do one of the jobs I was offered, and 2. I would still be close to my Grandma.
Staying in Utah would also grant me a larger social life, but it's not like it's really been very big these last couple of months anyways.
Going to Colorado would allow so much freedom. I would be able to live in my Grandpa's old house, so I would have my own place. I would not have to pay rent, but I would probably pay some sort of utility bill. I would be able to come and go as I please and I'd be able to help out my dad with a few of the projects he's started.

So all in all it feels like my choice is made to go to Colorado.

I need to make the decision now. I'll be able to do what I need to do when I make my decision, but it is leaning more towards moving to Colorado.

My American Idol Breakdown

2008-04-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Below is only my opinions. Enjoy. Anna thanks for yours!
1. David is so original. He takes risks that pay off, but the thing that really gets me is that he plays his guitar left handed. Most people who are left handed still learn the guitar traditionally, with the right hand. He's given so much thought to his music and I have loved every single one of his performances. Even though this week didn't go as well as his previous weeks, I think the "give back" he wrote on his hand gave it that extra kick that he needed. He's a Rock Start to me already. I secretly have a crush on him....!
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2. Jason has a sound that calms me. I would definitely buy one of his CDs for the sound. He's got some mannerisms that have only started to bug, but if I close my eyes, I can drift into a magical world where life is great and peaceful. I know he won't go to the top two, but he is my 2nd most favorite.

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3. David is so cute. From the get go he has impressed me. I love his voice. Oh my goodness, he has a great voice. I fear that his youth is getting striped from him because of this competition. I wish he would have at least waited till after he graduated high school till trying out. I think he will go far. He's inspiring in every song he's sung. You can't help feeling for him even when he forgets the words. Just don't grow up to fast.

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4. What a voice. When they announced the top 12, my hopes were not high for the women in the competition. I am also scared for Carly, cause she's starting to sing in a way that is easily forgettable. I hope she steps it up a notch and pulls through to at least the top 4, but my hopes are really high for that. She's got some issues with squatting when she sings. I wonder if it really helps her to get the notes out. Who knows. It would make me have to pee like none other.....

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5. I think Michael's best performance was in Hollywood week. He's got potential, but I really don't think he's going to win this one. His accent is nice. I'm just not a big fan of his voice. His personality gives him a lot of popularity. I do hope he gets a record deal. If I like his CD, I'll buy it.

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6. Brooke is a sweetheart. I agree with Anna on the modesty factor. Although I could wish for longer skirts/dresses in some of her choices. I would choose Brooke as the winner solely on personality cause she is great. She's also so beautiful. How can you go wrong with having her as a friend. As to her singing talent. I'm not a big fan. I feel like she is so timid/scared/shy, that it's holding her back. I'm waiting for her to let go and really sing it. I love her, but I don't think she's going to win.

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7. She's beautiful and has a great voice. I don't like her at all. I think her acting experience has given her a slight "fake" quality. I wish she would give her songs more of a heartfelt quality. She's just going through the motions of what she thinks people want. I think that's in her training. Hopefully she can change her singing to become something that shows who she is. Stop putting on a show Syesha and sing like no one is watching.

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8. Can America not hear that she's off during at least one part in every song she sings? She should have been one of the first one's kicked off. How did she make it this long. Does she know how to do anything else but tap her foot and hold out her arm when she sings. She's so stiff. Loosen up and get some real voice lessons. She is very pretty and I love the tom-boy aspect about her, but this is proof that this competition is based more on popularity then singing talent. The only thing I thought she sang well was her initial tryout when she sang 'Amazing Grace'. The only song she did well.

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I know that was a bit much for me to post my opinions of American Idol two days in a row, but I was inspired by my friend Anna's comments on yesterday's diatribes. If you want a slightly different opinion on this season's top 8 contestants, please check out Anna's comments from my post yesterday.
I'll probably post again tomorrow about who got kicked off, if it isn't Kristy. She really needs to go home.
Happy days. Have a good one!

American Idol

2008-04-08T19:39:00.001-07:00

I have never (including this year) watched every episode of a season of American Idol.

Although this year I have been following the contestants more than ever.

Actually, I need to confess something. I voted tonight!!!
I know, I know, I'm crazy.... but one performance did stand out to me more than the others so I voted. It was really easy, and I don't have to worry about long distance numbers cause it is a toll free number I called.

I'm a big fan of David Cook. I hope he wins. But tonight I didn't vote for him. My favorite performance was Jason Castro's. (I don't think I spelt his last name right!)

Let me know who you like and if you've ever voted.
I'm not going to be ashamed that I have. Give me as much grief as you want... I won't feel bad.

I loved this picture and couldn't help but post it. I'm sure many people feel like tying up Simon. Although I'd like to see Paula in that chair more and more lately.

Temple

2008-03-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

I went to the Temple to do a sealing assignment for our stake at 6am. As most of you probably know, I'm not a morning person. Yet this was so easy for me to get up and go. (Actually I didn't sleep. I just laid in bed for about 30 minutes and just could not sleep. So I just did things until it was time to get ready to go to the temple.)
It was great. That's all I can say. I was impressed with one of the couples there. They held hands the entire time we were there. I was touched. They really love each other and the meaning of what we were doing became much more evident.

Since it is daylight savings now, when I got out of the temple, the sun hadn't quite come over the mountains yet and I was able to watch the sunrise. One of my two most favorite things is watching the sun rise and set. I know the pictures aren't the best, but I tried to get it while I could and all I had handy was the camera on my phone. It was really beautiful!

Joseph Smith Movie

2008-03-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

Last night for FHE, my ward trecked up to Salt Lake City to see the Joseph Smith Movie.

Since we were in different cars, so of us got there earlier than others, and some didn't even make it out of American Fork. But when we got there we all were able to find each other and make our way up to the theater.

I am a big crier so as we were walking up the stairs into the theater I saw a box of Kleenex on every corner of the railings and so I grabbed a whole box. Unbeknownst to me, everyone had been talking about getting some Kleenex to prepare for the out pooring of our fountains, when I did this. There was a big laugh and I put the box back. (After pulling out 4 for myself!)

I've seen the movie before, but I didn't remember everything. It was so great to see the life of Joseph Smith from the time he was a young boy to his death. I was overcome with emotion and those Kleenex came in handy.

I remember when I distinctly felt the truthfulness of the restoration. I was a missionary and my companion was teaching in the MTC about Joseph Smith. I have always known that he was a prophet of God and that he was the prophet of the restoration because I knew the Book of Mormon to be true and I felt that it was true, but I never really had that powerful feeling about Joseph Smith. I figured he was part of that package, so I must know all of the above.
So in the MTC my companion told us (I was in a three-some) that she didn't have a testimony of Joseph Smith. She really wanted one. How do you go about gaining a testimony of a gospel principle? Well fasting and prayer are always a good choice. But this sister did everything she could do. She bound her discussions with pictures of Joseph Smith on the cover. She would sing the hymns about him. She would pray constantly about knowing how to bear a testimony of him. She would not bear a vocal testimony until she felt like she knew it to be true, so she never taught that principle when we would teach it in the TRC, or even to each other.
Then one day, when we were walking up to the TRC (we had all the companions in one room), she asked if she could teach it. We knew what that meant, but I didn't know how much I needed it. Her testimony was simple. I gasped for air because of the power of the Spirit in the room. I even remember looking up and all of the other companionships had stopped to listen. That is when I first recognized that I knew too. Seeing this movie helped me remember that. I hope that you all will be able to see it someday. It's worth it!

My cute nieces...

2008-03-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Are they cute or what?

Laurel Photography

2008-03-19T11:21:00.001-07:00

My sister and her family moved to Michigan at the end of January and I haven't had a good chance to see them for a couple of months. It was still hard to get up to see them when they were in Ogden, but I was still able to see them. Now there isn't even the option and I've been feeling the emptiness of them being so far away. Luckily we have Skype and I've been able to talk to them through the net, with video feed. I turned it off right before Lynn reached up and grabbed the camera and tried to eat it. Wish I would have seen that!

So one of my sister's friends from HS lives close to her in Michigan and she is a photographer. Here are just a couple of great shots she took in a session she did on Monday.
Please go take a look at her site and leave comments on what you think, in her blog. I know none of you can take advantage of using her skills, but at least you can see what she does and be able to comment about her site on her blog. Please do so!! Please, please, please!

Look at how grown up Alyssa is getting. Crazy, huh? I was talking to her on the phone and she sounded like a grown up. She's getting to the point where she knows more than her Aunt Jenny. (Not hard!) She should totally be a child model!
And little Lynn is so big. Can you believe that she's tried to take some steps in the past few days?

When you go look at Laurel's site, on her blog she has posted a few more pictures of the girls and there is one of Lynn with her tongue sticking out. So cute. I just wish that I could me there to make her laugh.

Enjoy the photos. Hope to hear from you soon!

Which Cullen Family member are you?

2008-03-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

I'm Jasper.
It fits, really. Only I'm not a vampire. Nor did I live back during the mexican war and have a million personal problems. (I'm sure some could argue the latter!)
I took the quiz on Facebook, so if you'd like to know who you are, then you'll have to visit my facebook page and take it there.

The Sudoku Challenge - Puzzle 1:Easy

2008-03-15T23:26:00.001-07:00

Rules to play:
-Each row must contain the numbers 1-9.
-Each column must contain the numbers 1-9.
-Each box of 9 squares (Bold outline) must contain the numbers 1-9.
-NO box, column, or row can contain any duplicate numbers.
Got it?

I've been solving Sudoku puzzles for the past few years, but it wasn't until the last couple of weeks that I've found they have been a bit more constant in my life. Certain aspects at work caused me to play all-day.... Don't ask. But I found it a bit more addictive.

Now here is the challenge:
1. Solve
No more.

I'm going to post them at random. I have a lot of variety. We can work on them together. I hope you have fun. I hope you'll let me know how you're solving quests go.

Who are you?

2008-03-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

2008-03-10T17:26:00.001-07:00

Life is a great big surprise sometimes. And then other times life gives you exactly what you were hoping for.
As most of you know. I started a business with a couple of my friends and we just got our logo done. Isn't it great? My partner did such a great job on it. I'm so excited to get it on everything we have. It turned out even better than I had hoped! Great job to Summer for doing it! The time she spent doing it was well worth it!

Pneumonia or NO monia.................?

2008-02-25T22:29:00.000-08:00

I've been struggling with breathing the last couple of days and it felt like my chest was very congested and like I was getting sick. But I didn't have any of the normal cold symptoms, so I assumed it was pneumonia, or at least the beginning stages. I made an appointment to meet with my doctor and she was able to determine that I only have asthma. Crazy, huh? The last time I had pneumonia I was told that I have a slight case of asthma, but apparently it has gotten worse. I'm glad I do not have pneumonia, but now I have to carry an inhaler around with me all the time. The picture shows the inhaler I need to use for the next two weeks, but I'll be using the traditional L-shaped one after. Wow!!!
You win some, you loose some. A big plus.... I'm going to be able to exercise without breathing problems afterward!!!! Yeah!!

My Valentines Date 2008

2008-02-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

I went to dinner (at Olive Garden...there was a two hour wait!!!! Luckily Karen went 1 1/2 hours early to save us seats) with four of my good friends. Nate and Karen, and Mike and Amanda. Since I'm the single one, Nate and Karen have let me be their son, Tyler's, girlfriend.
Ain't he cute?!!!!
Not only did I have a date for Valentine's Day, but I was able to get some action at the same time. He held my hand (finger), cuddled with me, gave me a kiss (it was kindof juicy - mouth open in the approach), took me to his place afterward and then he got naked....... so his mom could give him a bath. He even chewed on my fingers for a good ten minutes.
I have never felt closer to a guy!!! Hmmmmmm.......... If only he would have paid for my dinner, then the date would have been the best I ever had. Oh, and the fact that he's a FEW years younger shouldn't bother me, but it kindof does. He's not old enough to walk yet. But he's my first Valentine's date, so I'm good for now!!!
All-in-all, I'm happy with life and that I have a guy who loves me for me, and my fingers!

Blog changes... my new scripture case

2008-02-13T22:06:00.000-08:00

I can't make up my mind. I've been wanting to change my blog template for a while, cause I just don't like having the same one as others out there. Sorry, to those who had the same one as me. So you might have to see future changes in times to come.

As most of you know there has been a challenge sent out to a lot of the members of the church, to read the Book of Mormon in 97 days - a tribute to President Hinckley and the age at which he died. I've been meaning to make myself a case for my little military Book of Mormon for years now, but just never did it. Now that I possess my own bookbinding company, my partner and I decided to make them. Thank you to those who sent out the challenge. It's been nice. And now I don't have to worry about my Book of Mormon getting thrashed in my bag. And all my little papers will stay in it!! Yeah.
Take a look.

Updates

2008-02-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

So this is what I was telling you about when I said that my niece will just sit there with her tongue sticking out. She doesn't wiggle it around, she just sticks it out and does her thing. Cute, huh?

Well, I should update ya on my life.

I finally got my taxes done today. It was great to see the refund that I'll be getting back.

Last week I painted my office at work and it looks amazing. I wish I would have taken a before and after shot, but I forgot. The walls are an olive green and the trim is a darker tan. It looks great. Finally matches all of the other offices and the bathroom (which I painted the week before).

In the last couple of weeks a friend of mine and I decided to go on an LDS Singles cruise to Mexico. We'll leave on May17th to drive down to LA and then cruise out on the 18th. We'll be on the cruise for a week and get back on the 24th. I'm really excited, since I haven't ever been on a cruise before. And I want to start traveling to more places, so this will be the start of accomplishing that goal.

In the past month I decided to buy a car. My cousin and her husband are selling their Saturn Vue and I will be buying it. They live in New Mexico, so I need to get all of my loan information in order before I go down to get it. So if you know of anyone who would like to buy a car for $1000, let me know. I'm selling my car.

Also, since sometime in Jan. I was called to be the Humanitarian/Emergency Preparedness goo-roo in my ward. I'm no longer in the RS. It's been a few years since I didn't have a calling in the RS. It's been different, but I'm loving my new calling. It's going to be a challenge, whereas most of the members of my ward are single. We'll see.

Since right before Christmas I've been training to be an ordinance worker at the Timpanogus Temple, and as of this past Saturday, I've passed off everything and am a full blown ordinance worker. I can't tell you how much I'm learned from this. I feel so alive. My life is even more meaningful. I see other's serving and I'm inspired to live a better life. If only I could describe the love I feel in my heart when I'm in the temple.

These past couple of weeks have been full of a lot of change in the LDS Church. I was relieved to hear that President Hinckley had passed and is now returned to live with his wife. I have to admit that I wasn't as sad as I thought I'd have been. He's probably working even harder where he is now, without physical aliments hindering his service.
And now we have a new Prophet. President Monson will guide us in ways that we will need, with his new counselors by his side. When I was younger I remember my dad looking at me and asking me, "What if President Monson is our prophet when the Savior comes." I don't know if that will happen, but I feel safe with him as our Prophet. These are great times to come.

Also, in the last couple of weeks, my sister and her family moved to Michigan. It's official. They are Michiganders(I have no idea how they spell it, but that's what they are called).
It's been lonely not having my sister close by, but I'm a big girl and I'll be okay.

Well, so far that's all I have to say about that. I hope that you all are doing well. Keep having fun and remember that a half-Korean named Jenny loves you!

Life Changes

2007-12-26T10:11:00.000-08:00

This past week, my brother-in-law got a job offer with the company that he has been interning with. The job is in Michigan and they have to be there at the end of January. He's been interviewing with the position for a few months now, so we were expecting it, but it's now REAL. I can't just got up and see the family anymore. I'm getting sad, even though I'm so happy for them.
They'll do great! Congrats to the Barbers.

Change of subject:

Some have asked about my new job. I work with Precision Concrete Cutting. I'm their new Office Manager. (My title is the Secretary, but I don't do much secretary work!!!) It's been rough in a couple of places. I work with a bunch of guys and they sometimes to think about what they are saying and just say it. Girls are a lot more sensitive. But I need to get my mind in the right set. I do love the work though. I feel like I'm really accomplishing something. I was accomplishing things at my other jobs, I just couldn't stay there. So it's been a good transition. Hopefully communication will get better and less assumption with reside.

I hope you all had a MERRY CHRISTMAS and that you're NEW YEAR will be filled with lots of Joy and Happiness and that unexpected surprises will be cherished with their passing.

May I take your order miss......

2007-12-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

Mommy, do you mind if I order? I think I'll have these yummy pancakes. What do you think?

She just picked up the menu and held it like us. Isn't she cute!!!!

I'm sorry that I just keep posting stuff about my nieces. I just got my camera fixed, so I'm making up for lost time.

Go horsey go....

2007-12-15T13:24:00.000-08:00

Remember riding on your dad's back when you were little? I loved it and my dad would do some crazy stuff. I saw William and Alyssa doing it and I had to take a picture.
But I do not remember, EVER, wanting daddy to ride on my back. Did you?
Cute that she couldn't even see that it would never work.

Lynn. My Supergirl...

2007-12-15T13:04:00.001-08:00

This is my niece Lynn. She turned 6 months on Dec. 4. She looks more like her dad then her sister Alyssa, who is a carbon copy of her mom.
Well, when I was home this past week, I had the opportunity to spend a lot more time with her then I ever have before. My camera has been broken, so I've been using my phone's camera, but now that my camera is fixed, I went camera happy. Although I got some great pictures of Lynn, I accidentally deleted them before uploading them to the computer.

I don't know how she does it, but her bib always gets rotated around so that it's on her back and it looks like she has a cape on. So I call her my Supergirl. I wish I had this picture, but it was one of the ones I erased, where she is on her belly with her arms and legs up in the air and it looks like she is flying. So, she really is Supergirl.

Isn't she so....CUTE! I had a picture of her sticking her tongue out, which she does all the time. She just sticks it out, not wiggling it or anything . Alyssa, her big sister used to stick her tongue out when she was a baby too, but her tongue would be going a million miles a minute. Must run in the family.

Alyssa...

2007-12-10T22:54:00.001-08:00

This is my niece Alyssa. She's so cute. I can't believe she smiled so real in this picture. I'm so proud of her. She is so obedient and so kind. She loves life and loves to live it to the fullest.

Here she is with her doggy in her coat. She didn't want her to get cold when we went to the store. She goes everywhere with her. She calls her "Mama Dog"

Business Website

2007-12-07T23:56:00.000-08:00

It's official. My business website is up and running. Go check it out and tell me what you think!
www.jpbooksdesigns.com
Oh, and if any of you who have a book that I made, I would love to get a testimonial from you about it. You can say anything you want. I think it would help out my webpage to have that kindof thing on it. My email is jenny.n@jpbooksdesigns.com and put "testimonial" in the subject line. Thanks. You all are great!
-Jenny

The End

2007-12-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

This blog is a tribute to my Grandpa. Arthur Lynn Nielson was born Dec. 17, 1919. He left this life while he was sleeping on Dec. 2, 2007. Husband to Margaret Alma Green Nielson, Father to Linda, Mark, Claudia and Dart. He was a great community leader (he was the Mayor of our town before I was born) and he started the business that my Dad now runs.
I grew up with my grandparents right next store. I was at their house more than I was at mine. I loved to sit with them and just be with them. Grandad was always the hard one. Grandma was the soft one. But together they complimented eachother. When Grandma died in 1998, Grandpa took it really hard, but he was still the same old guy. He softened a bit (I think the great grandchildren helped a bit) and I started to get to know him better. Coming home to visit from college led me to go visit with him and there were times when we would just talk about his life, times when he would just tell me about what I should be doing, times when we would just watch TV together and times when we would cry about life, love and all the stuff in-between. I grew to love him more in those times then ever before.
He is my Grandad and I love him. He's not hurting anymore, and I know that he's with Grandma again. I'll miss seeing him when I go visiting Colorado, but I'll be content living in the time now till we will meet again.
I love you Grandpa. God bless!

Did I make the right decision?

2007-12-01T01:35:00.001-08:00

Hey all! I can't sleep, so I thought that I'd write a blog.

I've had a few big decisions to make in the past months and it's been hard to know if I'm even making the right decision.

One: I quit my job because of sewing wrong, which led to an incredibly weird pain in my left shoulder. (We came to find out that I had been sitting wrong for the entire year and a half that I had been working there. I was sewing with my left foot; I had right knee problems; and the machines are made for people using the right foot.)
So I started looking for a new job. But nothing was working out. I was beginning to get very frustrated.

Two: My Grandpa got in a wreck a few months ago and kindof gave up on life, so he needs constant care. It's been really hard on my parents, but they were pulling through great.

These two situations led me to believe that I should move down to Colorado and help my parents out. This decision seemed right and I felt good about it. So I needed to do two things: 1) Find someone to take my place in my apartment while I was in Colorado, & 2) Pack up and move to Colorado. Seems simple, right? Well, this began my whirlwind-of-terror.

I thought the Lord was pointing me in this direction. I had been praying about it, but I hadn't received an answer about any of it. So I took action and made a decision for myself.

Nothing could prepare me for the confusion that began.

At first it seemed that everything was working out for me to move to Colorado. I found someone to take my place in my apartment in Utah. I visited Colorado for a week and helped out with my Grandpa. My Dad said that I could get a job while I was down there, cause I was needed mostly at night, and a job opened up. I even told everyone that I was moving to Colorado.

Then I came back to Utah. I felt sick in my stomach, like something was wrong. I had dinner with some of my closest friends and I wanted to cry cause something was hurting me inside. (No...it was not gas!! My heart was hurting.) I then tried to contact the girl that was going to move in and she didn't call me back for three days. On the third day she finally called and said that she was going to stay where she was and couldn't take the place. I wanted to scream. How could this be happening? I had applied to rent a Uhaul truck so that I could take my stuff down to Colorado. Everything was falling through.

I didn't move any of my stuff down to Colorado, but I did go down for Thanksgiving. There I was able to be with my family. My nieces are so great and loving and they gave me lots of laughs that I feel I hadn't had for a few weeks.
You have to know that I love my Grandpa even though he swears at me and treats me like I'm his servant sometimes, but he forgets a lot. He's so frail and week. He legs are as thin as my arms. My emotions to need to help take care of him may have over powered the reason why I made the decision.
It was a hard Thanksgiving. I struggled. I had a long, tearful, talk with my Dad. I decided to come back to Utah and try to find a job and see if that was what I needed to do. Lots of tears, and prayers have followed.

I looked online again and started applying for jobs. I got an interview the Monday after Thanksgiving for a place in Lindon and went in and felt really good about it. The position is for an Office Manager. Two days later (this past Wednesday) I got the call that I got the job. Just like that.
One thing that happened right before Thanksgiving was that I got a letter from the Timpanogos temple to come in for an interview. I have been wanting to serve in the temple for 6 years now. But I didn't tell anyone that until I talked with my Dad after Thanksgiving.

So I made a decision and it wasn't the one that the Lord wanted me to do. I'm really glad that I've had so much help these past couple of months. I know that I am blessed more than I should be. I know that I've grown from this and that there were times when I wished it would all go away, but I stuck with it and now I know what I should be doing.

It's been a low point this last month and a half. I only hope that I can listen to the Spirit better in times to come.

You all rock. Thanks for all your help.

Mentos-Coke Explosion

2007-11-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I was given a liter of Coke and one Mentos for my birthday a couple of weeks ago and was told that all I needed to do was put it in the bottle and it would explode. I've never heard of this experiment, much less seen it done, so I tried it.
The Coke bottle was opened and I dropped the Mentos inside. Guess what happened next? The spray didn't go higher than 6 inches. Sad...., I know!
We did record it, but it's to sad to see again, so I'll just let you imagine my failure. ;)
It wasn't until afterwards that everyone told me how it's suppose to be done. If you have only one bottle of Coke and one Mentos: Take the lid off and push the Mentos into the lid; Twist the lid back on and shake vigorously; Place on the pavement and let it explode. It's quite the show, from what I hear.
But you can take a look at these sites and see for yourself. Some of these people have gotten paid tons of money to do this. I'm pretty impressed, actually.

This is how it's suppose to be done.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNgl6z5Z7k4

Do you want to try this?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbv-7hnngWI

This is amazing and crazy!!! How it's done!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZYuk-IbdRI

Full show:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKoB0MHVBvM

Transporting Livestock.....

2007-11-10T15:55:00.001-08:00

Is it just me, or are goats more on the transit paths?
I went to Colorado over the last week and I saw a number of goats in the back of trucks. I was lucky to get this picture when I was getting gas.
It was funny, cause the guy that was driving the truck saw me with my phone, but he didn't know I was taking the picture. I said hi and I think he thought I was flirting. (He was an older Navaho man.) He even tried to wash my windshield. I laughed and enjoyed the goats. They seemed content to travel around in the back of the truck.
It was funny.
Goats in a truck..... Could that be the name of a new food?

2007-10-30T18:09:00.001-07:00

I went to a masquerade last Friday, October 26th. It was so much fun! Here is what the invite looked like. I couldn't get very good detail on it, but it is very professional looking. We went in and recognized no one. Everyone was in formal dress with masks on.
Here are a few shots of the girls I went with:

This is Heather Swallow. She went as a pirate. The rest of her costume was great, but I couldn't get a good detailed body shot.

This is Sonja Nelson. Great mask, huh? Her brother got it for her. It was a hit. Everyone loved it. Once again, I couldn't get a very good detailed body shot, so all you get is the mask shot of her.

And these are my roommates and I. Amy Perry is on the left, I'm in the middle, and Trisha Darrington is on the right. Aren't they beautiful? We had so much fun! My mask is like the formal ninja with a feather sticking up out of my hair. Random, but fun! I love dressing up. It was a blast.

All-in-all the night was a success. We had fun and we laughed a lot. I think the best part was getting ready. Girls just get so excited when they get to dress up. Even the tom-boy Jenny has fun getting fancy and girly.

2007-10-29T00:01:00.001-07:00

It's really hard to take a picture of my niece, Alyssa, and I, with her looking at the camera. (At least her eyes aren't closed!) Her dad was also distracting her. Isn't she cute though. I love being an aunt. I'll get a picture of her little sister, Lynn, on here soon. She's adorable too!!

2007-10-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

"My friend...when long ago I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you to push against the rock with all your strength, and that you have done. But never once did I mention unto you that I expected you to move it! At least not all by yourself. Your task was to push. And now you have come to me, your strength spent, thinking that you have failed and ready to quit. But is that really so? Look at yourself, your arms strong and muscled, your back sinewed and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your ability now far surpasses that which you used to have, yet you still haven't succeeded in moving the rock, and you come ot me with a heavy heart and your strength spent. I my friend will move the rock. Your calling was to be obedient and to push, and to exercise your faith and trust in my wisdom, and this you have done."

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I was asked to share a thought at work for our weekly devotional. This is what I shared. I thought it might be nice to share it will you all too. Have a great day!

I LOVE JIM

2007-10-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have grown to love the TV show, "The Office." I've only come to love this show in the past three weeks. A friend of mine in the ward had an Office party and I decided to go. There I fell in love with Jim.......... What a hunk!!
So my roommate, Amy, who loves the office too, found this mug at a dollar store and got it for me. I love, I love, I love!!!!!

JIM IS MY HERO!!!

2007-10-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

I am the safety lead for my team at work. We have been preparing for a fire drill for a few weeks and it happened last Tuesday. I thought I'd document how great we did by doing a mock-MTC picture by the sign.
This proves that I work there. Or at least that I've been there. ;)

2007-10-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

WARNING. RITZ CRACKERS MAY HAVE ADDED HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS.....LIKE HAIR. This picture demonstrates that magic can be done. (With the help of very fine human hair.)

2007-10-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

My roommate's nephew is so cute. She was baby sitting him last week and I found the way he eats very humorous. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (Maybe we do evolve from monkeys.... or not!!)

Baby Tyler

2007-10-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

My friends Karen and Nate Pusey had their first child on September 10, 2007. His name is Tyler John Pusey. He's so cute and I think he's gonna be a heart breaker when he grows up. I'm already hooked!

2007-09-06T18:03:00.001-07:00

The move continue and my friends decided that they would try to get the futon mattress and cuddle bug down the stairs by just pushing them down...together. It was so much fun. Amanda, Mich and Jo Jo seemed like they were having a blast.
At around noon on Saturday, I decided to take a break from moving to help Mich move a piano that she got online for free. It wasn't much of a break, because the piano was up in Wet Jordan and it had a metal frame. We had tons of fun moving it, though and successfully got it into their house, with only a tiny hole in the linoleum of the front entry way of Mich's house. :)
Although the move was fun, we did loose one of our numbers. He was squished to death, leading to his eyes bugging out of his head. Please take a moment of silence for our friend, Bubbles. He will be remembered for his love and wonderful singing voice which never failed, even when his battery was low. Bubbles, we love you!!!!!! You will be missed!!!
It was a bit chaotic, moving, but it was all worth it. Look at this view from our front porch. Beautiful, gorgeous, wish you were here.
Have a wonderful day my great friends. You are all worth it!!!! Give me a line sometime, if you want.

4th move of 2007

2007-09-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

I've moved four times this year. The first one was on the 1st of January and then on the 13th of January, then again in May and now I hope that my final move on September 1st will be the last. My good friends Amanda and Mike Bright helped me and Michlene and Jolene Johnson gave me some great help.

Each time I've moved it has been chaos and nothing was ever packed. Just thrown in the car without being put in boxes. I tried to make this move different because I wanted to be able to sort through everything when I got to my new place. It's worked well, for half of my stuff, but then I didn't have much time to pack the basement, so my roommate Sonja (in my last place that I lived) and Michlene and Jolene packed it for me. I was so grateful for there help. I was grateful for all the help from everyone who did help.
I didn't get all the pictures that I wanted to, but I was able to get some.

2007-08-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Hey all. I'm trying to do this blog thingy more and more, but it seems like I'm just not doing it right. So all of these pictures are out of order. Hopefully you enjoy them.
Last week on August 18, 2007 I got up at 5:00am to go to Eden, Ut to watch the balloons go up. It was so freaking fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would not get up for anything else, that I know of, on a Saturday.
It was so much fun to see the balloons take shape. Smokey was the greatest one to see. There was a JVC station there and I won a small portable hard drive. I was the first to win anything that day. It was fun. It's always nice to spend time with the family.

Here is a picture of me and my niece and another one of how cute my niece smiles for the camera. And one of my sister, her hubby, and my niece again.

Hopefully all of you are doing great. I know that I'm not very good at keeping in touch with you all, but I'll try to post a blog once a week, so that I can keep everyone updated. I love you all and I'm wishing you a wonderful, joyous day, week or evening. Big Mental Hugs.

My life story

2007-01-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

I'm the one holding the baby. She's not mine, but she's my niece. This picture was taken over a year and a half ago in Korea. My parents, Dart and Yong Sun Nielson are standing next to me, my sister, Lucy, and her husband, William Barber on on the left. Oh, and the little blonde one is my niece, Alyssa. Ain't she cute. We went to Korea two summers ago to visit our family. My mom is Korean, and most of her family lives there.
I love my family and don't know what I'd do without them. This is one of the best pictures that we've taken with all of us together like this. It's great.
I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada in October of 1979. But I grew up in Dolores, Colorado and don't remember ever living in Vegas. My dad grew up in the same home town, so our family is known there.
I'm the youngest, which means I'm spoiled. But it's a nice spot to be in, cause I usually get what I want. ;) j/k.
My parents pretty much raised me in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, cause my mom joined when I was two or three, so I don't remember anything else.
I graduated High School in 1998 and went strait to BYU that summer where I started my University education. I decided to serve a mission for the LDS church in 2000 and I was sent to Korea, Pusan. I lived there for about 17 months and learned to love the Korean people. I was a great blessing to learn the language and be able to speak with my mother and her family when I returned home. I had my first real conversation with my grandma in June of 2002. Cool, huh?
I'm still in school, but hope to finish in the next year, while working full time for Bee-Hive Clothing.
Well, that's my life so far...... I'll keep you updated.