Simplicity...Embrace it :)

I took a couple days off to come home for McKenzie's wedding festivities. It's always nice to come home but I'll admit that I was dreading the trip a little bit. I didn't want to take two days off because things have been so crazy at work.

I think it's funny how I've changed so much over the past few years and have become accustomed to a certain "busy/city" life style. But really, when it comes down to it, Parma will always be home. I love the simplicity of this place and the fact that there aren't stop lights AT ALL. I met Hyrum in town for lunch today at the Bistro and we drove around for a bit and I enjoyed taking it all in. And for some reason last night when we were boating and all day today, I've noticed white butterflies flying around everywhere which has really made me think about the beauty of this town.

So, If you feel like your life is a little crazy and you just need to get away for a little while.. you should really come to Parma, Idaho. There may not be a ton to do but it is a way laid back town filled with simplicity, great people and of course good drama (you can't get away from that!)

As I was driving back to my house the song "American Honey" came on my ipod and I got a little teary eyed... Listen to it! So good.

Down with the Down.

I just purchased a new down comforter insert for my big bed. The only step left is choosing a new Duvet Cover. These are the top choices from Urban. I'm personally digging the first one... But the second one also matches the picture in my room really well (bringing out the yellow) but it's a little frilly. Jamie likes the third one but that was my last option.

Thoughts?

People make me laugh. --Quotes from the last 48 hours.

"Are you designers?"

"I feel like we're kindred spirits." --Macy's Employee

"LESBIANS!"

"You need to come see my apartment." --IKEA employee

"You're getting old... You need to find a man"

"I picture you with someone metro."

We all have talents....

We all have talents. Some people are great at singing, making cute crafts, cooking, sports and a choice few have a great eye for fashion. When I think about all of the people I love and the talents they have..it kind of makes me sick. I mean really, can a girl get some talent in painting a house even?

Yesterday was a testament to the fact that I need to work on some more talents. haha. You think I'm kidding, but I'm so not....

Yesterday I took a half day off from work, put on some grubbies, and headed over to Ogden to help Alex paint at the Estate he is restoring. First, he took me around and gave me the grand tour. I really enjoy looking through old buildings and random old crap so it was exciting for me but, on the other hand, I also really like scary movies so it wasn't surprising that I was creeping myself out quite a bit. Stepping into the basement and the creepy greenhouse I felt like I was stepping right into the basement on a Haunting in Connecticut. really. Like at any moment I was going to go around a corner and see hospital beds and tools where the creepy old tennent used to experiment on bodies. You know what I'm talking about. Yeah, not even funny. Oh and it was friday the 13th so that didn't help.

Anyways, Alex decided we were going to paint the ceilings in 3 bedrooms and the Hall. I was given a step ladder, a small bucket of divine white paint and a brush and was told to paint the trim while Alex perfectly rolled the paint onto the top of the ceiling. After the first room was completed, it was time to move on to the next room where Alex said, "Let's switch." So I was given the adult ladder and the roller. Let me tell you what, that crap isn't easy. Not only can you not see where you are painting... you have to look up, which hurts your neck and your arms KILL. I knew I was bad at it and I pointed it out to Alex a couple of times as he quickly finished the trim job in room 2. We were chatting about random stuff and I was painting (the best that I could) while I told Alex a story. Then out of no where.. Alex says sometime like, "You couldn't see me but every time you weren't looking I couldn't help but laugh at you." REALLY? He was laughing at my inability to paint the ceiling. I didn't think I was THAT bad, but he totally had a valid point.

#1-- I was all over the place.

#2-- I was freaking slllllllllowwww.

And you know what? That was a little upsetting to my ego. But, what can you do? We can't all add "Successful Ceiling Painter" to our list of talents. Whatev. I will just stick to adding "Good Friend" to my list. Because, not to brag, but I think I'm a pretty good one. Two words, MANUAL LABOR. That's a true friend!

But really, it was a lot of fun. I needed it for sure. And afterward we were starving so we ate at Olive Garden and didn't feel bad about the carbs because we had worked so hard. Gotta love it.

Roommates.

So tomorrow I'm getting a new roommate.. Well, she's moving her stuff in tomorrow night but isn't going to be sleeping over until the next week. This is her first time living away from home and well, I have a little big of a nervous stomach about it.

I've had my fair share of roommates so after graduation I went through this "I'm sick of living with girls" stage. But I got over that fast as I was bumming around by myself for 2 months (bless Alex Trost for rescuing my summer and social life). Anyways, I decided that I don't want to live alone. I'm a social person. I NEED to be with people. I was taken back to my days at BYU-Idaho and this got me thinking about my last four years of roommates and the experiences I've had with them. Some of my roommates will be my best friends forever and others.. well, we had some interesting experiences to say the least. Here's a list I came up with (listed by semester)

Savanna

Kelli

Shelley

Jessica

Mindy

Mandy

Eden

Jessica

Rachel

Crystal

Megan

Becca

Emily

Kim-ba-ly

Katelyn

Rachel

……? oopps

……?...yeah, what a semester!

Julene

Betsy

GRACE!

Val

Jenn O.

Molly

Anna

Josie

=26 @BYU –I alone.

+Jamie (sister) and Kenzi for a little over a month post college = 28 roommates

Ashtin will make number 29 which happens to be my lucky number. What does this mean? It's my first real roommate after school and probably the start of many more roommates. I'm glad that I'm not going into it blind. She's super cute and way nice so I'm excited for her to move in and for a new friend to go to church with!

Really though, think about all of the roommates you've lived with. Try to remember all of their names. HA. Each one--so unique.

The Kardashian Sisters

I've been making sure that I keep up with Klohe and Kourtney Take Miami.. mostly because I really do enjoy "keeping up" with the the Kardashians.

On the drive home yesterday my future niece, Regan and I were talking about reality TV and how I love it. She went on to say that she really can't STAND reality TV. Then I had to say "whoa whoa, jump back sister friend." She said she doesn't like reality TV yet she watches Teen Mom? HA! funny joke, right?

Anyways, we had a debate on who was the best of the Kardashian Sisters. Basically, who is our favorite. Don't get me wrong. I love Regan but she was saying that Kourtney is her favorite because she's the prettiest and not dumb like the others and said that Klohe is ugly. This is when I had to jump in. I mean, we're all entitled to our own opinion, I know that, but at least have some validity! I think Kourtney is gorgeous, for sure and especially since she's had her baby, she is looking good. But to say that she "isn't dumb like the others?" HA!

One word: Scott.

HELLLLLO!?

Well, she's doing better now with that situation for sure, I'll give her that and I do think she is great, don't get me wrong.

For me though, I would say Kim is my fave for many reasons. But again, I like them all.

I think Regan and I are on a good start to our Niece/Aunt relationship. I mean, Aunts are supposed to teach nieces things like how to braid hair, how to dress and put on make up, right?

Well I missed the last 14 years so I will just have to teach her things that really matter... Reality TV!

Jersey Shore Nickname Generator

I've always wanted a nickname. With the new season of Jersey Shore on now, my desire to have a nickname has been a little more intense. "Jwoww?" I mean, that's some good stuff. Anyways, I found this Jersey Shore Nickname Generator and mine came up as "J Pop." Yeah, I don't know how I feel about it but I do like the idea of having a nickname.

Oh and you can put your name in and push the "fist pump" button and the name will change each time. Like I pushed it again and got "The Position." REALLY?

So if you try it out, you have to stick to the first name given. NO CHEATING.

Bridal Weekend

My sister and my future niece Regan and I loaded up the car on Friday after work and headed for Parma. It was a really quick trip but we had a really fun time at Jamie's Bridal Shower. I decided that I just need to get married so I can get lots of gifts. Seriously, she got a lot of great stuff. Each present she opened I was thinking about all of the things that would look good in my new apartment...Jamie doesn't like that idea though. I guess I will just have to find someone to marry me so we can get gifts!

Then we met with the flower lady and I was able to pick out how I wanted my corsage to be done. I'm so excited for it... "Hold the spidery looking flowers and make it vintage." Done. But it was confirmed that flowers are a really expensive part of wedding plans. During this whole process I keep thinking that I just want to elope when I find Mr. Right. But that goes against everything I believe in. I mean, I'm all about event planning (that's my thing) and I love presents and attention...so eloping is out of the question.

Then some of my best girlie friends got together and took my BFF Kenzie out for a little Mormon Bachelorette party. AKA: dinner and presents. I'm so excited for her to get married in 11 days or so. I'm happy for her but the whole time I kept thinking about the fact that she is moving on and leaving me behind. The best thing though is that we will always be best friends. I love her so much and don't worry, Megan and I had fun shopping for her! bahaha. Good times.

So, it's back to Utah and it feels nice to be back to my apartment. I feel like I can really call it home. It still needs some finishing touches but it's home and that's a nice feeling.

Fortune.

My fortune cookie from dinner:

"Your future career plans look bright."

...You know what my first thought was? 1 word: Brownstone.

ha. ha. ha.

Recently...

Work has been crazy the last couple of days/weeks.. If you don't believe me.. these are the files for most (not all) of the VA programs I have scheduled for the month of September (complimentary of Amy Peterson:)).

However, today, for some reason I feel like I can breathe. The email and phone lines must be down or something because I haven't heard from anyone for a while... weird. I'm sure I've spoken too soon.

A lot hasn't been going on lately aside from work but it's been more eventful than before. The biggest news is that Alex is in Ogden now for the month of August so I have a friend in town.. which made it super nice when we tried out the new ward on Sunday in South Weber. I've decided that there are really nice/cute/normal people in this ward so it's probably a good place to go. Plus Alex was mission companions with one of the Elder's Quorem Presidents so I immediatly felt popular! It really just proves that going places with someone you know makes it that much easier to meet people :) It's also a plus that he appreciates reality TV!