22 was the most bizzare year...

Well, it happened. I turned 23. I don't know why it is that all of a sudden everyone is telling me that I'm old. Just the other day when I told people I was 22 (after I of course thought about it because I feel older) they would say, "oh you're so young!" WTF People?

OK, well honestly, I could care less what people think about my age. Really, I know I'm young.. but I do feel old, if that makes any sense.. Maybe it's the whole transistion from college to work thing that's been happening for the last 6 months..

It really has been the most bizzare year. I won't even get started on the weird crap/changes that went down. Peace out 22. Hello 23.

KISS

I don't know about all of you, but the strangest things always happen to me while at the Redbox..

I didn't have much of an agenda today so I thought I would just rent a couple of movies. I stopped at the 711 down the road from my apartment and started browsing through the selections.

Now, I don't know if I learned from my parents to not trust strangers, or if it's because I have watched one too many Law and Order Episodes, but I don't really trust strangers outside (I like talking to strangers in stores and stuff..I know, i'm weird). But I'll see a homeless man on the side of the road and I will give him money if I happen to have cash because I really do feel bad for them and I want to help..mind you, I will only roll down the window far enough to just reach my hand out with the best intentions of cautiously helping!

Back to the Redbox... So I'm browsing through the movies and a man walks out of the 711. He's grungy, scruffy and kind of looks homeless. The first thing that goes through my mind is.. "oh, he probably won't ask my for money..he JUST bought stuff in the store." (I know, you think I'm rude for judging but I was just being cautious and being aware of my surroundings.) So this man comes up to me with a huge smile on his face and reaches into his pocket. I instantly think, "oh crap, please don't be a gun." To my surprise he pulled out a light and says, "Ma'am, look what I just found in the store!! A KISS lighter." The rest of the convo went something like this:

Me: Oh wow, that's really neat.

Man: Yeah, I love Kiss. They are from my generation, back when I was in High School.

*insert pitty laugh on my end/kind of wanted to pee my pants but instead replied:

Me: They're still rockin' (who says that..)

*insert staring back at the redbox, pretending to browse through the movies.

Man: Did you know that Gene Simmons is in his 60's?

Me: No, no I didn't know that.

Man: Do you know "I wanna rock and roll all night, and party everyday? man, that's a good song!"

Me: yeah, I like that one too.

*still looking at the redbox.

Man:.. Well Ma'am, you have a good day!

The man slowly walked away with a smile on his face and his KISS lighter clenched him his fist.

I felt so rude after that. I mean, I know that you are supposed to be cautious but I really didn't know what that man was going to do, or how long he was going to talk to me and we all know that the Redbox is the slowest machine EVER so I didn't know whether I should just forget the movie and leave or wait it out..

But after he left, I just felt awful. The guy was just excited about his KISS lighter and probably just needed someone to talk to and to share his news with. Maybe he doesn't have anyone to talk to, or doesn't have family. Gah, all kinds of those things started going through my head. I mean, I did talk to him, but I could have been nicer and may not prejudged him as hard and assumed the worst. I mean, a gun? humph, I need to take a chill pill...and stop watching Law and Order.

...I kind of want a KISS lighter now.

I love the end of November!

I love the end of November because three of my favorite days fall within one week: Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the birthday.

1. It was my first Thanksgiving spent away from home. Although, I spent the night at my sisters house with her and her little family, it was quite different than what I am used to, which isn't a bad thing at all. I woke up Thanksgiving day to this:

The first thing I thought was, "OH CRAP! we better get this bird in stat!" I'm mean, I'm used to G-ma Hansen cooking the bird over night, I swear! Alright, I'm exaggerating on the time, but still.

Oh and did I mention that we bought our pies from Marie Callender's on the morning of Thanksgiving? That was a new experience but I kind of enjoyed it. There were people buying their entire Thanksgiving meal from there. We wouldn't go THAT far. Where's the fun in that? ha.

After dinner we went to the movies and saw "Mega Mind!" Cute movie. Funny, but then again, I love me some Will Ferrell.

I'm just so Thankful to have family close by. My sister is amazing and I really love my Brother-in-law James and my Niece Regan. It was a great Thanksgiving.

2. I love me some Black Friday. There is just something about the people watching that makes me so excited. Where most people are irratated and rude, I decide to be overly happy. I really just like to observe everyone and to laugh at some of the people and their stupidity. It's quite fun. Even though this year was quite cold, I still make friends with a cute little couple outside of shopko from the hours of 4:00 am -5:00 am. It was fun!

My favorite part of Black Friday is that it become legal to start the Christmas music and decor. I got home from shopping at 8:00 am and went to work on the decorating. I put up my first Christmas Tree in my own apartment! It was terribly weird putting it up by myself but I enjoyed it. I was just excited to finally use my precious decor I bought from Tai Pan over a month ago.. I even wrapped some of my presents too!

3. The birthday is next. I got this little treasure in the mail today from the P-Rents:

23..? Whoopdeedoo. Love the pretty package though! My mom is wonderful.

He is We; My Forever

I found this band back when they had nothing out on itunes.. They let people download their first album for free and to be honest, I think it was the best move for them. They just released their first album to iTunes "My Forever." I just bought the whole album because I loved there demo album so much.

Check it here on their myspace or stream the full album here. They even have a "Oh Holy Night" track on their myspace. Fab. Love her voice. Love their lyrics. They revamped a couple of old tracks and did a phenomenal job on the new tracks.

I'm convinced she has super powers.

My mom is amazing. She's hilarious, she loves Jamie and Cole and I more than anything else in the world and would do anything for us. It's not a secret that I talk to her AT LEAST three times a day. Around this time of the year (especially today) I've really been able to open my eyes to how grateful I am that she simply lets me call her...over and over again. I usually just need someone to talk to and she's ALWAYS there and just listens.

Today I called her numerous times but two of the times it was because I was frustrated with a couple of things; one of which was over minced garlic. Puh-lease. I'm ridiculous. But the thing is that she always help me to solve the problem, as if she didn't have her own things to deal with. How selfish can I be?

And if that isn't enough, when I apologize and feel awful for being frustrated and taking it out on her for no reason she will say "It's OK, I get frustrated too." ...How can one woman be so wonderful?

In exactly a week I will be 23 years old but sometimes I wonder if I will ever be the woman that my mother is.

I'm convinced she has super powers.

Hopefully it will rub off someday.

Time Out for Women Conference

This weekend was amazing. Mom, Nadine and Megan came into town to go to the "Time out for Women" conference with Jamie and I. We ended up going to the conference most of Saturday and it was well worth it. The seats were a little hard on the caboose but 4,000 women gathered together to hear from the fabulous speakers about hope, of Jesus Christ, of Women and of our role as mothers.

If you want to hear a great story, read Mariama Kallon's testimony/story. She spoke yesterday and her story of the things she has been through and where she came from is phenomenal. As she spoke I was overwhelmed with gratitude for everything I have been blessed with... I am so lucky.

After the conference we went to the Gateway Mall and well, Snow/slush and the outdoor mall do NOT mix. It was cold and wet. But we went to Happy Sumo's (I didn't get sushi but I just love that place!) and then we went to HP 7. It was a full house but thank goodness for reserved seating and for the guy who sat next to mom for being such a good sport during the snake scenes. Mom hates snakes but all in all.. she did better than I thought she would! The guy next to her, who was clearly on a date with his gf (they were holding hands before the preview started) offered to hold mom's hand when she got scared. Awkward. I think he said it with out thinking because his gf made a funny face about that one. I mean, my mom's good looking, of course she was a bit jealous.

All in all, it was a great weekend with the girls. I ate too much junk and stayed up later than usual but it was nice to have apartment guests! It will make staying home for Thanksgiving more bearable :)

Thanks girls for coming!! I LOVE YOU.

Moment of Silence

This morning I drove to work in silence in memory of what used to be... Then a rock chipped my windsheild.

Symbolic? Maybe.

Aren't we all misfits in some way?

The other night I was over at the sister's house and they were watching the old classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." I, like you, remember watching this growing up; I'm sure I loved it. I mean, look how "happy" they are:

Wrong. This movie is sad. Although I appreciate its "Christmas spirit" and the fact that everything is made out of felt (pretty awesome)but I could go on and on about how sad the story line is...I won't bore you.

I will just say that any movie where parents (Donner and Doe partner) and other adult role models (Santa) who don't believe in their children just because they are a little bit different is not OK. The other reindeer where straight up mean. No reindeer games? NONE? And listen Santa.. you can't shut Rudy down because of his light-up snoz and then USE him when you're in trouble and expect that his emotional wounds just magically mend. Why couldn't you just except him from the beginning? rude.

And I won't EVEN start with Hermes the Elf. The little dude just wanted to be a dentist.

Aren't we all misfits in some way?

Alright, I'll stop--the movie will always be a classic and the song will always make me smile but that doesn't change it.

One Month!!

I couldn't be more excited :)

We'll call it the JKB

Last night I went to McKenzie and Austin's for Craft Night with Kenz. This is what we made:

I told Kenz she'd have to trust me on this one and really, it turned out so cute. The picture doesn't do it justice. We think it's Urban.. I thought hmm, we'll call it the JKB (Jenn & Kenzie Ball) But then Kenz said that's the name of a building on the BYU campus. So we'll just stick with "THE Ball." I mean, it really is THE ball. Not only is it great for Christmas, we could put it out for Cinco de Mayo too! Yeah, it's cool.

Yes, the little felt circles take a while to cut out and you need a lot of them. BUT felt is super cheap. The biggest expense for this ornament was the Styrofoam ball. I was a little shocked at how much those little guys are. But I got a pack of 6 for about $5. add in a piece of Christmas ribbon and some pearl tipped straight pins and you've got a stinking cute hanging ornament for under $2 :)
I have four more styrofoam balls left. hmm. I better get to cutting the felt circles!

Thought Provoking Words from Danielle Staub?

Alright. I admit it. Thanks to Amazon and it's 'LOOK INSIDE' capabilities, I was able to read the intro and first chapter to Danielle Staub, of Real Housewives of New Jersey's, memoir, "The Naked Truth."

Even though I'm not a big fan of her, I kind of want to read the rest of the book just to hear about this "Naked Truth" about her past and the things that we didn't see on screen. Really, there's is lots of drama up in that group and who knows what really is true. Her whole intro of the book (and most likely the point of the entire book) is to clear her name and to let people know what she wants them to know opposed to what they may have heard on the show or in the tabloids.

I don't know what she talks about in the rest of the book and if it is really true because obviously I don't know her and I don't know her business.. but I really appreciated something she said in her intro. She said:

"There are no two sides to one's life story. If you didn't live it, it's not yours to speak of."

Danielle's words got me thinking (yes, two words that I never thought I would use in one sentence). I've always heard the saying "there are two sides to every story" and yes, two people may see a certain situation in two different ways and are most likely effected from these situations differently. However, when it comes down to it, the way that we are effected from each situation and the things that we personally go through become part of our life story.

Your story most likely isn't all happy and comes with sprinkles of lies, betrayals and heartbreaks but it is your personal story; who knows it better than yourself? ...I am the only one who can really say how I feel and am effected in certain situations and the only one who can decipher my intentions. Not you (and vise versa).

I know I'm judgmental sometimes and jump to hasty conclusions but Danielle's right... Who are we to say what people are currently going through and feeling or even what they did or did not do in their past (yes there are times where we know people are flat out lying..but who cares if it's not effecting me?) The fact is, some people will flat out spread rumors about you at one point in your life. The key is to remember that you know what is true. You know your life story and how it really goes!

Thanks Danielle. I'm going to try to be more sensitive about people's life stories. I can't promise I won't critique things (ie fashion and everyday behaviors and social awkwardness) but I really need to work on being more sensitive about others sincere feelings.

Lets try to speak truth about people and make it positive! It may be a challenge and we won't be perfect at it but as long as we try...that's a start :)

Capitol Lights.

"Here's looking at you kid." love it.

Wasn't expecting that...

Tuesday is 88 cent day at the dollar store. Normally things like the dollar store make me really uncomfortable to go to alone. Well, I'm slowly growing out of that and I actually enjoy going to the dollar store...especially on Tuesdays!--It's like using a coupon on something that is already dirt cheap but without having to actually use a coupon(yes, I admit that I have a tiny fear of using coupons. Don't ask, I don't know what it is.)

Now that it's the holidays, even the dollar store has lots of Christmas stuff out! So as I was browsing the Christmas isle, I found this box that said "package ornaments." I thought, "oh cute.. maybe they are tiny vintage looking Santas that would dress up a shiny Christmas package." Naturally, I opened the box because you really never know what you are going to get...

Exhibit A:

8 Colored Santas. Of course, I had to buy them. I mean, don't get me wrong, I seriously love everyone... but SANTA? No rosy cheeks??

...I could go on forever, but I will stop. Let's just say, it made my night. You can only hope you are one of the lucky people who gets one of these gems tied to your Christmas present.

Time change is kicking my trash.

I don't know why the time change this time around is effecting me more than the last 22 years of my life (weird, I just remembered that I'm turning 23 soon.. I sometimes forget how old I am, so I apologize if I mistakenly told you that I'm already 23...)

Anyways, I left work at 5:00 p.m. (normal hours) and it was already dark. Yes, DARK! Needless to say, I was ticked. It threw me completely off. I automatically overreacted and felt like I had worked until midnight (I round up) and thought that it was time to go home and go straight to bed--No Bueno. In fact, I went to bed so early last night that I remember waking up 3 times this morning between the time of 4 and 6 am thinking that I was sleeping in.

I decided I'm going to head to work early so I can possibly head home before 5. Maybe this will help? I mean, give a girl a break, daylight... I live alone; The LAST thing I want to be doing is going home in the dark. Thanks.

Phoenix--1901

An Early Start on Christmas

Three things I enjoy doing on Saturdays:

1.) Cleaning.

2.) Shopping.

3.) Doing something Crafty.

I didn't really have plans today so I did all of the above. I cleaned a little, did a little Christmas shopping and then made a stop at Hobby Lobby--a dangerous place during the holidays; there are so many cute things there! This is the project I did today:

As you can probably tell, I'm a little obsessed with Modge Podge. But really, if you buy a huge thing of it...it's a great investment and you will be able to do a wide variety of cute projects.

For this project, I found the plain wood tray (medium size) at Hobby Lobby in the wood craft section for 40% off (ONLY $2.39!) Then I picked out four sheets of Christmas scrapbook paper.. Making the total project about $5.00 :) Obviously you don't have to do Christmas papers, you could do any!

I know, the mints right? Well, contrary to my past blog post about holding off until Christmas...I found these york mints at the store and had to purchase them. Seriously, who can pass up the bright red and green shiny packages? They have Christmas wreaths on them!

Back to the project, I decided to put the candies on the tray to give you the whole image. I will have this one sitting on my bar but I think the cutest thing would be to put it on a coffee table in the living room... I don't have one of those, haha, but I thought it would be cute. ESPECIALLY if you put a plate of cookies and milk on the tray for Santa on Christmas Eve! ...Just a couple of ideas. I'm sure my next one will look better now that I have the process down for this modge podge project!

This one's for Damon.

I hadn't watched the Vampire Diaries until the last couple of episodes. I don't know why I decided to start watching it now...I'm not possessed by Vampires like everyone else in the world (yes, I love the Twilight Books..don't start trippin'.) However, I found myself enjoying it and getting really involved with Damon's Character.

Watching Damon tell Elena that he loves her but doesn't deserve her(even though his brother and her are in love with each other)seriously broke my heart. Maybe it hit me so hard because he's so darn attractive and he does a good job at acting. But watching him stand by and watch the girl he loves, love someone else is so sad. Sure, he's the "bad boy" but I can just tell that he really does love her because he's going to step back and let her go and do her thing with Stefan...

I've decided that I hate hate hate watching people be in love with someone who is in love with someone else. It happened with Damon, it happened with Jacob and Bella (haha). Yes, I know those are both fictional examples and that they are Vampires.. But it happens in real life all of the time.

Need Proof? Just listen to the Radio. Alright, I'll stop. Thank you Vampire Diaries for making my heart hurt a little.

To all you Damon's out there--Hang in there.

Come Again, did you just say you've never watched a Harry Potter Movie?

I love my coworker Amy; She's one of the best gals around! Today at work we were chitchatting about something or another and she mentioned, "I've never seen Harry Potter." My initial thought was "oh, you haven't seen the most recent one?" She went on to say she hasn't seen ANY of them.

Wait, Come Again? You haven't even watched "The Goblet of Fire?"


I haven't even read the books and I feel like an outcast. But I have at least watched EVERY movie. Not to mention.. we dressed up for the last one. I was embarrassed every second.


For some reason the thought of Amy never watching any of the Harry Potter movies completely blew my mind. I mean, I don't judge her for it but I just really thought that everyone has seen at least one Harry Potter movie. I was wrong. Dead wrong.

Thank you Amy.. Mind--Officially blown.

I wish I had some way to take a poll of everyone who has never watched a single Harry Potter movie. I'm sure I'd be surprised...


Here's a convo Amy and I had later on in the day via IM in reference to the noise from the offices they are building next to our desks..it made me chuckle:




Jenn: Amy..Make it stop!
*Noise stops*
Amy: Done.
Jenn: MAGIC!
Amy: Yea, I used my magic wand like Harry Potter.
Jenn: But you don't know the spells because you're a non-believer.
Jenn: Wingardium-leveosaaaa
Amy: hahaha. Bless your little heart.


Moral of the story--Don't assume anything.. even if it seems unbelievable.

My Weakness for Mint.

Driving to work this morning was was rummaging through my purse for a "lil lip balm." After dissecting my purse (girls, you know what I'm talking about)I couldn't find the chapstick I was looking for but I did pull out this long lost beauty:

I love me some mint--OK, a lot of mint; especially around this time of the year. I couldn't stop putting it on today because I'm so obsessed with its Christmasy feel. It's bad though because it's reminding me of all of the mint things that I love...which happen to be my all time favorites:

Of course it's all junk...Moral of the story is--I best be tuckin' the mint lip shine some place else, because these delicious mint thoughts and cravings are rude!

Be gone mint goodness--For now at least. I will see you during Christmas break :)

(get real--you can't have Christmas without some mint!)

Yes Please!

A few of these are must buys for me tomorrow :)