Commit This to Memory

Today was a good day.

I think the average person on any given day would associate a "good day" with all of the things they were able to accomplish, with the beautiful weather outside or the people they were able to spend their day with. Well today in Layton, UT the sun was barely shining through the gray clouds. It didn't rain; it didn't snow. It was just--blah.

I briefly left my apartment for a car wash, to grab a couple of groceries and even for a quick jog as the unseen sun was dimming into a starless night.

Nope. My good day had nothing to do with the weather or my social calendar (or lack thereof). It was simply because I was able to revisit some of my favorite memories. Isn't it kind of mind blowing that we are able to do that: to recall moments from even YEARS ago?

Like hearing a song and you can remember an exact moment when that song was playing in the background. You remember exactly what you were doing, the people you were with or the feelings you felt at that exact moment…Or how certain smells trigger memories of people or moments…

The brain is so cool!

Today, I heard from three of all-time favorite guy friends :)

1 just to say "thank you"

1 who is now married just to let me know that he still cared and to give me some great news!

1 to help motivate me to be a better person

This made me miss them and immediately think about a ton of the crazy good times I’ve had with them. Little road trips, fishing, summer nights lying out on the trampoline talking about life and looking at the stars, laughing until my side hurts, planning amazing parties or just going for a drive so we can chat and talk about how we are so messed up and we just need to be better and to do better.

Each of us are in different stages of our lives and I don’t see them too often any more, which used to be hard. But today I am grateful for the realization that no one has to be left behind and that we can still be there for each other from time to time. As we are making our own new memories with new people we will always be able to recall old memories and say “This one time ____ and I….”

It’s awesome.

But I’m also realizing that as I get older (yes, I know, I’m only 23) I’m not remembering things as well as I’d like too so I’ve decided that since I didn’t keep much of a journal…shame on me…but as I recall some of these memories that I’m going to jot them down in a notebook. Like a memory note book J

First in the book: Summer nights on the Trampoline (that should be a song title or something) haha.

Take that CRAZY!

My day at work yesterday was pretty crummy. You all know that I love my job but sometimes I just want to yell, "WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME, PEOPLE? SERIOUSLY!" I finally got to the point at the end of my day where Olivia was starting to get in my way (if you don't know who I'm talking about then you aren't a faithful reader and I probably don't want you knowing about her anyways).. Moving on. So I decided that I needed to pulled myself out of the situation; I left just so I could breathe. I don't like Olivia. She's annoying.

After work I really didn't want to go to institute after that day but my brother wasn't going to have that. Of course Olivia had to come along too. She wasn't over her lame day either. Cole decided he was going to get off work early so we could go. Only, he didn't leave when he intended too which meant that we were going to be 10 minutes late. Side note--Olivia hates being late. Like, really hates it. And it bugs her when other people are late too.. Don't we set a time for things so you can be there at that time? Not 25 minutes later. If that were the case we'd set the time for 7:25. I digress.

Cole came to pick us up and Olivia's heart was beating super fast because not only were we running late but everything from her day was just piling on top of it and stressing her out. Of course I wanted to calm her down and the only thing I could do to help her was to tell her to just close her eyes and focus on her breathing. It worked. She was fine. Institute was fine. It's always fine.

We even stayed and played games after institute and went Geochaching with some new friends in the ward who are so fun!

On the topic of Geochaching: Awesome. Granted, it was a bit cold out but I totally felt like I was a treasure hunter a little. Haha. If you don't know what it is. Google it. I did learn a few things on my first Geochaching adventure.

1.) There are TONS of caches hidden all over South Weber.
2.) Just because it has a difficulty of 2 stars out of 5 doesn't mean it's easy.
3.) There should be two rules:
a.) always go to the bathroom first espcially if you are a girl
b.) Don't wear flats, especially cute ones because you will most likely have to run a bit.
4.) One person in our group said "all boys are stupid and all girls are crazy." I responded saying that I'm switzerland on the issue and that I don't think I'm crazy. One kid called me out saying "anyone who says they aren't crazy are usually crazy." well...you read my blog. He's probably right. boooo. Like I was going to admit it! But I guess the moral of the story is that we are all a little crazy.
5.) People, if I see a beehive in the winter sitting on a light post that is buzzing... I'm GOING to immediately freak and think there are bees in the hive!! The same kid, after explaining to me that we weren't going to see snakes because they hybernate in the winter and seeing my response to the beehive.. responded, "Do I have to teach you about things that don't come out in the winter?" rude. bahahaha.

6.) yea... Maybe I'm crazy and STUPID. nice.

OK, all in all, It was a really good time and everyone we went with was so fun! I forgot all about my crummy day at work and all about dumb Olivia and was myself. Take that CRAZY!

A much needed visit to Grassroots Salon :)

I love going to the salon! I seriously waited too long to get in and get my hair done this time. My roots were inches long. I kid you not, I was a scrub for sure. But I finally got in tonight and well, let's just say that I'm super BLOND and ready for the first day of spring to hit this weekend :) If you're like my mom then you probably want a glimpse of the final product so I'll place one below. I apologize in advanced for the ridiculous "pic in mirror" and all of it's ridiculousness but I just did a quick shot so get over it:

The pic doesn't do justice to how blond it is.. I've been this blond before but I'm so used to be nasty root girl with low lights that it'll take me a few days to get used to how light it is again!

It's just amazing how much a visit to the salon can lift your spirits. Not only is the salon I go to (Grassroots in Layton) the cutest ever but it's just got such a good feel to it. Here's one of the couches in the waiting area that depicts the color scheme of the salon. I love it:

My hair lady Ashley is amazing--good dramatic stories, celeb gossip, drinks while you wait and she always gives me a hand massage while my hair is processing. Seriously, amazing! I totally needed it.

Oh and she introduced me to Katy Perry's new Black Shatter nail polish by OPI. I haven't used it but it's pretty sweet for those of you who want that little edgy look every now and again. You know, Katy Perry style. I hadn't heard about it but supposedly it's pretty new. But the girl at the front desk had it on:

So you take a regular base coat color like Serena Williams' "Simply Smashing" (below). Once it's completely dry you paint a top coat of the black shatter.

It will appear that the black is completely coving your previous colored paint but as it dries

it will shatter and look something like this :)

Pretty cool I thought. It would probably be cool with a gray undercoat for a not so bold look!

ahhh.. I love the salon :)

Toys R Us didn't prepare me for this....

So the Rents were down yesterday for my cousin's wedding and it was so good to have them in town and to see some of my family. We got to the Bountiful Temple (which I had never been to before and it's gorgeous) and I found out that I was going to need to babysit my cousin's cute 3 month old baby. She's super tiny and adorable! All was well until she needed a changing... Well, she didn't like that part too much and decided she was going to cry--really loud. Now, this wasn't just an "oh that's a cute little baby cry" like the toy dolls you can get at the toy store that cry (or like my friend Mariah who can make the EXACT sound of a crying baby. omg. so funny). Nope. This wasn't like that. She was SCREAMING at the top of her lungs IN the temple! Toy's Are Us didn't prepare me for this....

I felt so bad for her and really didn't know what she wanted, obviously, and she just wouldn't stop. I tried everything. Even the nice lady in the bathroom felt so bad for me and and was trying to help (probably because she realized I was about in tears.) hahaha.

It didn't help that there was a super cute guy wearing a plum tie in the waiting room who kept staring at me and probably instantly thought.. "oh, she won't be a good mother...Next!" idk. But he kept starting at me.

Then another tween girl in the waiting room said "don't worry, God won't give you anything you can't handle. So when you're ready to be a mom he'll give you an easy baby!" RUDE little girl. What is that supposed to mean?

For the record, she really is a good baby but yesterday made me realize a lot of things about myself and being a mother. I blame doll manufacturers.

I think it's also apprpriate for me to mention that I saw some of the cutest guys at the Bountiful temple. I thought, "oh that family must just have good looking brothers or something." but there were two other weddings going on around the same time we were there and all the groomsmen were SMOKIN hot. Even mom looked over at me and I could tell she was thinking the same thing I was.

There was one group who walked in wearing suspenders and I probably drolled a little. They were sporting this look:



Ok, you're right. They weren't Zac by no means but they were looking good. I should probably just start going to the Bountiful temple and walkl around the temple grounds to "ponder" while I also scout out all the hotties. J/k that would be creepy. But let's just say: The Bountiful temple was overflowing with cuteness yeseterday.

I love you even in sweats.

Mom and Diddy (aka Dad)have only been in town for a few hours and really, I've been laughing since they got here. I just wish that someone could follow us around to record everything that they say/do so I'll never forget any of it.

Here's one:

Scene--Driving in the car on the way back from going out to dinner. Diddy and Cole in the front. Mom and Me in the back.

Mom: "I just want to get home and get in my jammies."

Dad: "WHY? You're already in sweats!"

Mom: "umm. I changed into Jeans and a black top before we went out to dinner."

Dad: "Huh...really? Sorrrrrry Sexy girl."

me: bahahahahhaha!

Mom: LOL

and...Scene.

I mean, really dad? You didn't notice that your wife did NOT wear her sweats OUT to dinner? LOL. and Sexy girl? omg.

Ahh, I love my parents. Really, there will be a better recap later since they will be here all day tomorrow but I wanted to be sure I had this one down for my record.

That is all.

If you're looking to read a post with a theme...don't read this one.

Warning: this post will be total random ramblings from the recap of my weekend with no specific theme whatsoever:

Yesterday I was able to meet up with my Best Murrried Friend McKenzie to celebrate her birthday late. We decided that we were going to see the Eagle, which, I thought I was going to see it for Channing, who did a great job by the way, but this movie I was all about Jamie Bell. CUTE!

I've realized that I have a slight problem when it comes to watching movies in the theaters. It's totally one of my favorite things to do (obviously since I went both days this weekend). I think that I've mentioned it before that for some reason I always walk out of the theatre and think that I can do all of the things that the people in the movie did. It usually happens with movies that involve fighting, super powers, break dancing or anything gangster. I walk out and I just want to kick some trash or battle someone with my wicked dance moves that in all reality I don't have. With this movie it was sword fighting. Ummmm really? Hello Jenn, reality check. I don't know what it is. It's not like I really think that I have wicked skills but for about 10 minutes I just have this intense desire to do all of the things I see in the movie. haha. Let's be honest though, we all know I'm crazy, I'm sure of it.

The best part yesterday was meeting up with Kenzie, drinking our weight in sugary drinks and just talking about life in general and the crazy things that we don't understand about it. I just love her so much and I'm glad that even though she is married that we are still the best of friends :) Oh and I just love birthday's. A day just to celebrate someone's life with gifts and fun? best holiday ever.

I got home from our day out and had to finish preparing my the talk I had to give in sacrament meeting today. Let's just say:

1.) Greek is distracting especially when you have a talk you need to prepare but I'm half way through chapter five and then onto chapter six and I can have my life back. That day will be bitter sweet. Guilty pleasure I suppose.

2.) the topic of Knowledge and Education was probably one of the strangest topics I've EVER had to speak about but I made it work.

3.) When sitting on the stage in front of the congregation preparing to speak for the first time in your ward, especially in a new single's ward, It is crucial that you limit looking out into the audience until you get up to speak. OK, I'm never afraid to speak in front of people. In fact, I enjoy the spot light a little... but looking out into the crowd before I got up, it was like I could FEEL them judging me. Paranoid much? nah. guaranteed they were. I know the inner workings of the singles ward. It may not have been bad judging but still, they were. I had more than 5 moments of awkward eye contact with the same person before I got up and I wanted to be like, "WHAT?.. you don't know me!" oohhhh single's ward. I love you and the awkward moments that you enrich our lives with!

Thanks for letting me ramble. The Parents are coming into town tomorrow night for my cousin's wedding so I get to take Tuesday off to be with them AND I finally made a hair appointment for this week so I don't have to be a scrub any more :) Here's a toast to a good week, people. Cheers!

"Grandmother...what big eyes you have..."

Tonight I went with some of the girls in my ward to see the movie "Red Riding Hood." Fast synopsis--I really enjoyed the way that the film was done, I was startled a couple of times and it really kept me guessing the whole time!

Oh and let's not forget to mention that the boyzzzzzz in this movie are NOT boring to look at. UMMM Shiloh Fernandez as Peter had it going ON during the whole movie. Sure, he reminds me of Joaquin Phoenix a little (pre-beard/rapper/crazy person of course) but much hotter!

really though... beautiful boys up in here--both of the male leads. And the love story in this movie really is tender. awwww love and unrequited love--totally pulls at the heart strings.

The critics, the people sitting in front of us and the little tween boys who stomped out of the theatre (CRAZY LOUD) didn't seem to really care for the movie but I really liked it!

Let's just say that I just really wish that we could all wear cloaks for like a day or something and not be judged for it... let's be honest--they're not trendy and if we saw someone on the street wearing one we'd be like "CREEPER!" BUT, these boys in there black hooded cloaks and what not..yowzer. It's so medieval sexy. mmm.

I say give it a try! --Watching the movie thing that is... not the cloak wearing thing :)

SURPRISE!?!?

I got home from work today to a surprise package at my door from my BFF Savanna. Well, let's just say I love gifts for no reason. Especially when it's from one of my favorite people in the whole world because they know me and what I love best.

I hurried and ripped open the FedEx package to find this glorious book:

Yes. That's right. The official Justin Bieber book: "First Step 2 Forever" omg, I love it. Seriously. I haven't been this excited since I saw the movie!! I spent the last hour flipping through the pages and reading bits about his story. Pretty sure this has already made me an even BIGGER JB fan. I'll say it again, I'm just so proud of him.

I opened the book just to take a quick glance and opened to this page first:

How appropriate since it came from of my friends for life :)

I haven't had the chance to read the whole thing yet..since I just got it 2 hours ago but I've really loved reading the large quotes as I've flipped through to look at the pics (of course that's what I did first.. he's just so cute!) I noticed that he's even got some really good advice in it too.. I mean, coming from a now 17 year old boy:
hahaha. Amen JB. Amen.

Oh and don't worry that the book came with a giant Justin poster :) Be jealous.

If you need a little JB in your day.. just watch this. Trust me:

Thanks Sav! You totally made my day! LOVE YOU. Love JB.

AHHH prayer!

Can I just say that I love prayer!?

Last night I sat at my computer for three hours (yes, THREE) trying to write a talk for sacrament on Sunday. I wasn't able to come up with anything and I was really trying. I had bits and pieces but none of it tied together and it all just felt wrong. Normally, I can jot down some stuff and in an hour I've got it down and I'm confident about it.

I was complaining and Cole said, just pray about it.

Long story short, I know what direction I need to go in for my talk about "Knowledge and Education!" ...I just have to go home and start re-writing the talk! voila. I love prayer and am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who hears and answers my prayers.

Beautiful Thursday indeed.

Utah Single.

I don't really doubt that I'm on the right path and doing what I'm supposed to be doing for me right now. But sometimes I catch my self thinking, "Wait, why do I live in Utah again?"


Like this morning I woke up to not only a crap load of snow but also to an extra 15 minutes tacked on to my commute because people think.. 'Oh, there's snow on the ground, I better CRAWL to work.' Annoying. But I digress.

The main reason for questioning my exsistance in this state: I feel like I never left BYU-Idaho. Awwwww to live in a state/town where you don't have to explain/justify to others the fact that you are single and a mormon.

People at church (guys and girls) will ask "Are you dating anyone!?" as if it's the first thing you need to know about someone. Puhlease! Sometimes I just want to quickly respond "No, I'm a lesbian." Joke, I'm totally not! But I would like to see the faces of the people at the singles ward after my response. BAM! Shock factor. That's how I do.

But really, I might as well start wearing something like this everywhere I go in this state to avoid everyone and the local hobo on the street from asking if I'm dating anyone:

Yes. I'm LDS. I'm graduated from College. I live in Utah. AND I'm Single. Get over it people :) This wouldn't be considered a plauge anywhere else for a 23 year old. Just sayin'.

Note--I'm not completely bagging on Utah. I've met some great people and for the record, I love my ward! There are just some funny things that I don't think I will ever get used too.