A different kind of Wednesday post

If you started reading my blog posts a couple of years ago and are still reading now, you've probably gotten super bored with my posts for the last.. year.  I kind of stopped caring about something that I really used to love and spend a lot of focus on.  I was reminded of that last week when I was able to go back and refer to my blog to recall a specific moment back in 2011.  I got a kick out of the smallest detail that I wouldn't have remembered if I didn't write it down.  I loved to blog.  When I wrote down things about my day or my week or about random things, I made myself really think about my opinions, what I believe, and why I am the way that I am.  I would honestly learn so much about myself.

Then.. I just kind of let it stop.

It's funny how you can be a certain way and then life just gets a little crazy and different and things change.  I used to think that I stopped blogging as much because I didn't have the time. We all know that was false.  I had the time, I just didn't want to talk about the things that were going on.  Some of the things were depressing and you can't blame me for not wanting to be that overly emotional chubby girl on Mean Girls who just,"has a lot of feelings."  

Don't get me wrong... I have a lot of feelings.   I just don't like being that annoying girl who doesn't have most things figured out and is like "look at me, my life sucks.  Give me a present."  I've decided that my problem is that I'm too hard on myself.  My life isn't that bad.  In fact, it's actually kind of great.  My problem lies in the fact that I focus on those areas where I know I could personally be doing better or improve on.  I know my potential and when I let myself get careless and lazy.. ohhhh it bugs me.  So I will just wrap it up and confess that I've been annoying, lazy and rude to myself.  My life is pretty great and I just haven't been taking care of certain things like I should have.  I understand that life can't be cupcakes and licorice all the time and I'm going to focus on being a little more patient with myself.  

I think everyone could do a little better at that.  I feel like I'm surrounded by so much negativity all the time and I really want to try to be better at that.  I'm not kidding.. I'll be the first to admit that I really do love most people but when it comes to the dumbest things that don't even matter, I'm so rude and quick to judge.  But I feel like everyone I'm around is like that.  I feel like I used to be that girl who would always be like "ohh no, she's super nice" and usually have something good to say about people.  That doesn't happen too often any more.  No wonder why we are so hard on ourselves .. because we are so hard on others.  Geez.  Now I'm admitting that I'm rude.  Maybe that's why I stopped blogging so much?

haha jk, it's a reality check. 

Goal--1.) Stop being so hard on other people and myself. 

Goal--2.) Cherish the good moments.. don't focus so much on the bad.

Going home this weekend was seriously the best thing I could have done.  Every time I go home to Parma I come back to Utah wanting to be a better person.  I'm not sure if it's because I'm around my parents all weekend who are just so great or the fact that life is just simple there and it really makes me count my blessings and remember old memories of growing up and times when I was super happy.  Whatever it is, it works every time!  

I know I'm supposed to be writing down all the funny things that people said this week but I just can't get over all the great moments in general that I had this weekend being home. All of them, I've done before but it was just nice to really take in each moment and be like, "yessss, this is what it's all about. The little things."

1-Picking veggies in the garden with grandma.

2- Moving cattle with dad

3-Watching my dad mix grain and feed the cattle

4-Staying up watching movies with my mom

5-Saying goodnight to my mom before bed knowing that she's still going to stay up for a couple of hours because she's a night owl.

6-The smell of "home" and the country in the summer time.

7- Eating dinner over at grandmas

8- Knowing that the reason Cole was sad as he sat in grandpa's chair...

9- Sitting in front of the fan trying to stay cool.  Thinking about my power bill back at my overly nice apartment.

10-Sleeping with the windows open in the dead of summer.

11- Waking up to dad making the best eggs you will every have...twice in one weekend.

12-Having a camp fire behind the house, making S'Mores with Mom, Dad and Grandma in the fire pit made from a tractor tire wheel.  (Honestly the best thing)

13-Family prayer.
14-Going to the Canyon County Fair with Cole and Dad and taking Kier to experience it all.  Mostly remembering that I showed in that fair for 10 years.  #farmlife

There are just so many things that I love about going home.  It reminds me of past friendships (great ones), childhood memories with my siblings and cousins, the great love that my parents have for their children, it doesn't let me forget that I'm a country girl at heart, it helps me remember what it's like to be simple yet great, and it helps me realize how blessed I really was back then and how extremely blessed I am right now.

Here's to learning to keep taking in those moments here in Utah, to living simply, not caring what the world thinks, making new memories, not forgetting my past but moving on to my future.. and making it all count!

oh.. and to writing crap down more often! 

I guess here are a couple of this week's quotes just because that post was so long and serious :) 

"Mason, Auntie's going to Memaw's and Papa's to see the cows tomorrow!" -Me to Mason



"Chickens? Bife" 
-Mason meaning that he knows we are going to see the chickens and grandpas KNIFE.

"Yep.  I'm going with Coleman and Kiersten!" -me
"Mason?!" -Mason trying to get me to take him
"No, I'm sorry, you have to stay with mommy." -me
"Mason?! mason. MASON?!" -Mason with the cute little way he holds up his hands and makes really serious faces while thinking that was going to work and that he would be able to come too.
Actually, if I could I would have hopped on an airplane right then and picked him up to take him to Memaw's and Papa's just to see the chickens and Knife.. Why? Because he's THAT adorable and I miss him that much.

"I didn't want to be like, 'Oh, Morgan Freeman,' and you guys be like 'no, that's Wil Smith.' That's what happens."
-Kier explaining to us why she didn't say who she thought an actor was on the old (1991) Robin Hood with Kevin Costner.
FIrst of all, if you haven't seen that movie, BOOOO to you.  And yes, it's Morgan Freeman.  I just about died.  I know it's a young-er Morgan Freeman but I thought everyone including my 2 year old nephew could point out Morgan Freeman.. especially his voice at least.  But she's right.  We know she's not the best at identifying celebs in movies and stuff so it probably shouldn't have surprised me.  Actually, I don't think it really surprised me too much.  I just loved how the next best black actor she came up with to compare to Morgan Freeman was WIL SMITH. BAHAHAHHA that's the best part, I feel. 


"I think she could suck BLOOD!"
-Grandma (being real serious) talking about her cat Trish who likes to "suck" still
You think I'm kidding but I'm not.  I can't.  Grandma said that her cat (Trish.. which Kier and I couldn't get over her name all weekend) thinks she's a house cat.  However, grandma doesn't let her in her room because Trish likes to suck on her.  At first I thought to myself "please don't tell me she mean's... nipple." But then I realized just how weird, gross and twisted that was.. First? How would a cat know where a human nipple was when it's clothed.  haha.  So I finally asked what Trish would 'suck' on and grandma said that she would just suck on anything.. her arm, belly whatever.  NIGHTMARE.  I seriously hate cats already but the thought of a cat that likes to suckle on a human and could probably "suck blood." Omg, I can not.

Wednesday.

"Rosie is a racist. She barked at a Mexican today.  She never barks at people."
-Amy about her dog
When she told me this I couldn't stop laughing. Not that I think racism is funny or a joke, because it's not.  One of the girls on Big Brother right now is straight up racist...she's rude. But a dog? Yeah, it probably isn't really racist.  hahahahaha

Actually I take it back... a racist dog is funny.

"I'm not the cashier." *insert look of disgust
-Cafe Rie brat to Kari
One of the workers at Cafe Rio was the worst.  Kari was simply asking the chica about the sizes of quesadillas and the price difference and homegirl was straight up rude.  Maybe she was having a bad day?  I don't know.  I mean, part of me wants to have sympathy because she has to fill those yummy tortillas with delicious meat, rice and beans and stuff all day long, but get real.  You have a job.  Do it and don't be rude.

Julie had to say something to the manager because this girl was seriously not nice.  We didn't really want anything out of it.. especially not that nasty coffee/flan dessert they gave us.. Ole? 

"I did the worm.  Who does that?!.. I have no regrets.  Livin' the vida loca."
-Nieko
You know it's an interesting/good day when someone does the worm, bruises their chin in the process and quotes Ricky Martin all within 24 hours. Leave it to Nieko. haha

"Jokes on you, DAVID'S BRIDAL!!"
-Kier about getting 75% off all her accessories
I told you all about the scratch coupons but I didn't tell you that Kier said this REALLY loud and in a taunting way right in front of a few workers after she realized she was about to get a smokin' deal on all of her stuff.  Like SMOKIN deal.  We were sure to take advantage of it.  Best.Thing.Ever.  Joke really was on them.  She deserved it though.  Especially after having to listen to some of the comments the greasy employees said.  They were rude...and dressed like hobos.

"Whales are my biggest fear."
-Klohe Kardashian
FINALLY someone who understands it. Without a doubt, whales are right at the top of my list of fears. Top 5 for sure.  Possibly even top three..  People just don't get it.  But it goes along with some of my other fears including: All things in the ocean, and open water in general.  So naturally whales are going to be at the top of the list.  They live in the ocean and they are HUGE.  Seriously a nightmare. 

"I guess short engagements are a thing in Utah."
-David's worker to Kier after she told her they'd been engaged for 2 months.
Really?! it's like she doesn't live in Utah or something.  She was shocked that they have a 3 month engagement.  HAHAHA.  Pretty sure that's considered long in these parts.  All that aside, even if you think it's strange, I feel like it would be good to not make dumb comments when you're trying to convince someone to buy a dress. Just a thought.  

Same goes to the greasy worker who kept saying "WOW that's so soon.  You better find one, like today..Alterations alone take 8 Weeks."  Umm.. OK. Oh don't you worry, Kier and I both gave her  snotty looks.  She was annoying.  It's like, 1.) Thank you for stating things we already know. 2.) You're not helping 3.) That's why we're there dress shopping and 4.) did you know your hair looks like Pony Boy from the Outsiders? Get steppin, Greaser.  

Ok, that was rude.  But she was rude...and not helpful.

"What can we help you with?" -Employee at David's Bridal
"I need a dress.. *Silence*... And she needs a Tux." -Kier pointing to me
"How about a romper?" -Julie
HAHAHAHA really though?!  What else would we be coming into the store for?  We're looking for a wedding dress! But really, I wish the lady would have reacted a little better about me needing a tux.  Maybe she didn't hear the joke correctly because that shiz was funny.. and she didn't even laugh.  Crap, maybe she was a lesbian?  Opps.

For the record, I have nothing against lesbians.  At all.  We just wanted to show the lady that Yes, we came to David's Bridal looking for a wedding dress.  Done and Done.

But Julie's romper comment later on? BAHAHAHA.  

Just an update

I've been called out a couple times this week about not updating my blog.  I've said it before and I'll say it again.. I'm the worst.  Things have been mucho crazy and I feel like I haven't really had anything going on.  Story of my life.  Of course that's not even 100% truthful considering the fact, I'm alive.  Alive=breathing=stuff going on.  For posterity sake (and for those who like to blog stalk me) here's the update.

The biggest thing this month is that my coworker that I was hired with when I started on June 1, 2010 at FC, left the company to follow her husband to Law School in Florida.   It's only been one week without her so far and it's just not the same.  I miss her.  It's funny how you get to be such good friends with coworkers.  I mean, it's sad but you spend so much of your awake time at work so it's a blessing when you can truly say that you love your coworkers.  I miss Amy. Since she's been gone, I've taken on a lot of work including training her replacement, Tessa.  I really like Tessa.  Sure, it's not the same but I'm making the most of it.  It will just be SUPER non-stop crazy at work for the next few weeks I feel.   I'm learning that I'm kind of awesome though.  haha.  No really,  it's amazing what we are capable of when it comes down to doing hard things.

Speaking of hard things.. I'm still not loving some of the changes coming up.  None of it really feels real yet.  I'm indifferent about it all.  I'm not going to lie, though.. Sometimes I legitimately day dream about getting a place in Idaho and moving home near my parents.  I think that's just me knowing change is coming and wanting to run away.  So I won't.  But I'm not going to be hard on myself for dreaming of that.  It sounds awesome.  But alas, it's not happening.  wahhhhh.  Remember how I just said that It's amazing what we are capable when it comes to doing hard things? Can  I take it back?

jk.

Things are going great.  Next weekend Cole and Kier and I get to go home for the weekend with M&D.  Just in time for the Canyon County Fair. Woot Woot.  Fave. But we're realizing that the summer is flying by and that the wedding is SO close..  Not like we could forget that though.  All the employees at David's bridal made SURE that we knew that the wedding was SO close as we were wedding dress shopping for Kier's dress today.  Aparently people go a few months before rather than a few weeks.  Huh.  Who knew?  But really, homegirl at David's Bridal was a mess.  It took a couple of eye rolls and comments to finally get her to go away.  Kier wasn't having it.  If she said one more thing to us I just know that Kier would have called her a name and told her to get stepping.  Funny.

But rude, poorly dressed and greasy employees aside, Kier found THE dress.  I'm not allowed to tell you what it looks like or how much it cost but I will tell you that we got a SMOKING Deal on everything.  Especially the accessories.  There were a couple of GREAT things that happened.  First of course was when she finally decided on the dress.  At David's when you find the right one you get to ring a bell and everyone claps for you.  Cheese ball but magical.  Kier took it to the next level and ran all around the store ringing the bell.  It was for sure THE dress.  We screams, clapped and video taped it for later.  That was the best part.  Mostly because that is the first time in a while that I've seen her be so happy and not stressed about wedding stuff in a long time.  It was perfect and I'm so happy for her .

The second best thing is the smoking deal on the accessories.  Want the story? Too bad, I'm telling it anyways.

They were giving away scratch cards to each bride that gave you a certain percent off of all your accessories.  Kier scratched hers and she got 25 % which was the lowest you could get.  So you know that means that almost all of them probably say 25% off.  Anyways, we left for a little while after putting a dress on hold and went to get dinner to just ponder and fill our bellies.  By the time we made it back from Cafe Rio, we realized that we lost the coupon card.  Typical.  The lady told us it was fine and that she could scratch another one.  Kier's face lit up when she got 75% off.  All.her.accessories.  This isn't a joke.  Like for real.  We quickly decided to get everything that you could possibly need and I'll just tell you she saved a crap ton of money!!! hahaha  Best thing ever.

Dress.  Deals.  Money in the bank.  Weddings.  Family..

Oh and to top off the great day, I was also able to spend the morning with Kenzie and a couple other High school friends at McKenzie's Baby shower.  I made her a quilt (my first one) and it is seriously adorable.   I'm pretty proud of it.   It's one of those things you do and you kind of want to keep it for yourself because it's THAT adorable.  not kidding.  I just can't believe that the baby girl is almost here.. GAH. I can't even wait.  Oh and she is the cutest pregnant lady ever.  So tiny.  Love it.  Love her.  Love that baby already!!

Seriously there is beauty and goodness all around.

Things are just great!  We have a lot of work to do over the next few weeks to get ready for the wedding but what an exciting time.  Even though it's a lot of work, hard times or changes around the corner it's in the midst of a lot of GREAT things.

Pray for us though.  haha

But really.

Wednesday

I was reminded that I missed last week's Wednesday post via a snap chat from Kiersten.  It's good to know that some people still enjoy reading the funny crap I write down each week!  Just because I was gone last week and didn't post doesn't mean that I didn't have a few things jotted down from the week before.  I totally did but I was too busy sweating my face off in Maryland and playing with Mason.  You guys, he is 2 years old now and funnier and cuter than ever.  I love his sass, I love the words he says, I love that he always wants his Auntie and that he knows that I'm a sucker and will do anything for him, and I love that he is super fun.  

I had a great week spending time with family and just hanging it out taking it easy.  It wasn't a beach vacation or a huge site seeing adventure, but it's always good when I get to see my sister and have a week away from work.  I just can't believe that they live so far away and that it gets so stinking hot and humid there.  I kid you not, we went into DC for a day to go to the Smithsonian Zoo and see the White house and the monuments and it was so embarrassing how much my face was sweating, and how it didn't seem to bother anyone else.  Maybe I'm a baby, but it was miserable.  But pretty and green there that's for sure!  I'm back now and back into the swing of things.  I will probably blog more about the trip later but until then, here is the Wednesday post :) 

"I love Ben Affleck.  He's def in my top 5."
-Me to Kier during the previews at the movies

"Oh me too... Except in that "Just Friends" movie." -Kier

"you know that's Ryan Reynold's, right?" -me

It's funny but Kiersten never really watched a lot of movies until she started dating Cole and realized that she was going to be part of a family who LOVES going to the movies, so I'm not shocked when she doesn't know certain celebrity things (ie: the time I found out she didn't know Ja Rule, Hanson..and now Ryan Reynolds) it's whatever.  I sure got a kick out of it though..right there in the theater.

"Did you ask her about tit?"

-Me over IM to a coworker

Clearly I meant to say "about it,"  but it came out SO WRONG.  Luckily it was to an older woman who didn't have much to comment about it and to someone I wouldn't mind joking around with.  But I just feel like saying things like TIT in the office isn't something you just do.  Leave it to me.

"Chris, will you take me to the opera?"
-Willy while at the movies

"I'll drop you off..." -Chris

I love that willy asked that (probably only half kidding. haha)  but I mostly love that Chris didn't even hesitate.  That's what made it so funny.  He's seriously so nice that you just can't help but love the kid but kinnnnd of hate him at the same time only because you hate that you will never be that nice of a person. I feel like that's a good quality to have.  Dang it, Chris.  Making us look bad.

"I'm in Trouble.. We're of of Coconut cream cake." 
-Waiter to James after telling us he had some at the restaurant

"Trouble, Trouble." -Mason mocking the waiter

The kid is OBSESSED with Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble" song.  You guys would have died if you heard this happen.  Mason was totally making fun of the waiter because he knew he was in trouble.  I can't even count how many times he made us listen to that song last week.  He loves it.  He only does a few parts but the ones he does, he does them really well.  Especially the part where she goes all high pitched and sings"OHHH, OHHHHH," before she goes into the "trouble trouble."  Mason SCREAMS it.  Even the 2 year old gets how annoying that part of the song is.  I love him even more for that. 

"Utah?! You don't hear that around here too much.  I always forget that's a state."

-Mall worker in Maryland

The guy at the mall was really nice and was interested in what Utah was like because he HATED his home state. I mostly just thought it was a little funny that he "forgets that Utah is a state." I kind of don't get that.  Like at all.  Is this what Miss South Carolina was talking about?  You know, with the Iraq and how some people don't have maps?  Maybe she was right. hmmm.

Weird.

"I'm a Maniac, Maniac!"

-Mom reenacting how she was spraying dad off with the hose this weekend after butchering chickens and dad danced around (Clearly quoting Tommy Boy)^^

First of all, I HATE that I missed Dad do this.  Like, hate it because I know that it was probably the funniest thing ever.  I also love that Jamie and I instantly asked mom if she asked dad if he "ate a lot of paint chips as a kid" because everyone knows that is a famous part of that movie. She just laughed and said no.  We ended the conversation only to have her call us 20 minutes later to tell us that she thought dad was quoting "Flash Dance" the entire time. WTH, mom?  Flash Dance.  Um, no. Dad was so ticked when she told him that because it totally ruined how funny his act was.  Boooo, mom!

 Mom's never been good at movie quotes.  Ever.  We still love her though.

"Anything that lives under water can't be pretty.  So a human wouldn't be either after being down there that long." -Amanda to Nieko and I during our discussion about the "Mermaid" (creature) special on the Discovery Channel.

"You know they aren't human, right?" -me

We really just died laughing after that.  Mermaids. Real humans. BAHAHAHA.  Actually anything in the ocean..hahaha.  If you're wondering why I'm laughing it's because of dolphins.  Always dolphins.  Don't believe me? They are weird. And perverted.

"It was a chocolate donut with white frosting and a Dorito in the middle."

-Nieko who meant to say "It was a chocolate cupcake with an Oreo in the middle."

Clearly we were talking about food late at night and we were craving all sorts of things I think.  However, that donut-dorito concoction sounds nast.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" *demon voice*

-Amanda in the most demonic voice I've ever heard come out of a little blond women ever. period

I think we were googling the images of the women who got her face eaten off by her pet chimp.  That, or it could have been the Miami Zombie on bath salts thing.. Whichever it was at the time, she saw the picture, a demon possessed her body (or something), and she scared us with this frightening response.  

We're all a little weird.

"Do you date a lot here." 

-STEPHANIE the new girl in the ward within the first minute of meeting her.

"Ha. No, not really." -me

"Well, that's a shame because I got a guy's number on the first day I got here." -STEPHANIE in the snottiest tone.

Don't worry, I instantly rolled my eyes and responded with "I've been in this ward for almost a year and trust me, there's no one I would want to date here."  Yes, I'm rude, but this girl was straight up trippin and needed to check herself.  First of all, who goes up with someone in the first minute of meeting them tries to insult them and act like they are better than you?  All I have to say about that is 1.) I was trying to fellowship you, (mean word) 2.) Congrats for being creepy and asking that guy for his number 3.) You're not as cool as you think you are and 4.) Amanda's arms aren't big.  Yes.  She legit told her that in reference to her beating up Jared. I don't care how she was meaning it but I don't know who this girl thought she was.. HA. smh.  The first day of FHE. smh....

Totally forgot today is Wednesday

How is it already the last Wednesday of the month of June? I honestly can't believe it.  I don't have a lot for this week but here you go :) Happy Wednesday!

"How many snap chats did I send you last night?"

-Nieko

If you ever send SO many in one night that you find out that you can only see the last 50 you sent because that's as far as the history goes?  You might need a snap chat intervention.  Jk .  We all love his snaps.  After giving him crap for a second he responded with "I just really enjoy sending snap chats, ok?" haha It's true.  Thank you Snap Chat for being a good time.

"No one ever listens to me...."

-Grandma Nye

Of course I was the only one listening.. that seems to happen to me a lot.  But normally when that happens is when the funniest things are said.  She continued to try to get people to listen to her by saying a bunch of really funny things.  I just laughed and everyone continued to ignore her.

"The first time I ever had a beer was two weeks ago.."

"I smoke cigarettes now..."

-Grandma Nye getting ticked off about being ignored.

I was laughing so hard mostly because that's totally something I would do/say if I was being ignored.  She is the funniest old grandma... when she isn't physically abusing me.  Really though.  I think I've mentioned before that she's hit me a couple of times in the arm.  The first time I think she was kidding but the second time, Kier told her to do it and she had mean eyes when she did it.  haha I'm only sort of kidding.  She apologized.  But she did have a mean face when she lashed out and hit me the second time.  She the best.  She even told me about how her and her friend "secretly" love Melissa McCarthy and they went to the movie theatre and saw Identity Thief. Hahaha for a second I thought she was going to ask me to go with her to see The Heat this weekend.  Oh granny.

"Kiersten's throwing salt water taffy at Jesus!" -Gentry

"Wait, that's Jesus?  I thought it was Zach Galifianakis."

-Kier's Dad

omg, I laughed so hard.  Probably shouldn't have, but it was funny.  Mostly because it's that  (and I'm probably going to be stuck by lightening for saying it) one (kind of creepy/not my favorite at all) painting of Jesus where He's smiling.  You know the one i'm talking about, admit it!  It's weird.  I mean, I love all the other pictures of Christ where he's got that half smile thing going on but this one is like "mouth wide open smile."  Not that Jesus didn't smile, I'm sure he did a lot.. but this artist just captured it funny.  

Anyways,  Zach Galifinakis.  hahaha.

Classic.

"It's ghetto.  The other day at 7:30 am I woke up to a Jerry Springer episode in my parking lot."

-Alex and I talking about his new place in Washington

First of all, I'm super proud of Alex for moving out and heading to Washington on a whim.  There aren't a lot of people who can do that and just have faith that things will work out. He found a place on his own and is just working and figuring life out.  It's great.  But I love that he's in a place that's a little ghetto.  We've all been there and really, the stories are just funny.  I basically lived a fence away from Mexico once in the heart of Layton, UT.  It happens.  

But we are so alike.  Just like he watched the fight go on from his window, Liz and I used to put our ear up to the wall with cups to hear my old neighbors fight.  It's entertainment at it's finest :)

"Bishop, we need hoes."
-Me without thinking during FHE while weeding at the Ward Garden.
Sometimes I don't think.  But this time I really didn't mean it as "bishop we need some skanks up in hurr." I really meant that we needed gardening hoes.  Of course there were stares because people in my ward are ...special.  But to make it better, Nate copied what I said and laughed and the bishop's wife was like "WHAT did you say?" ey yi yi.  Seriously.  First of all hoe isn't a swear word at anytime.  It might not be nice when used it certain ways but you get what I mean.  Second of all.. we are IN a garden.  Using the word "hoe" is appropriate.  In fact, it's kind of a necessity.  

But nope we didn't have hoes.  Instead we were squatting and pulling weeds.  Nightmare.  My legs are still sore from it.  *shakes head*.. people.

"mmm. That was a good snack." 

-Kier

"Pretty sure fries and chicken nuggets from Wendy's don't count as a snack.  That's a meal." 

-Me trying to explain to Kier what a snack/treat is.

Kier thinks everything is a treat.  It's funny.  Monday night I made the best dinner for us.  We had grilled chicken, corn on the cob and Ceasar Salad.  Well, after FHE we decided we wanted a "treat."   Cole and I we were thinking an ice cream/shaved ice kind of treat because well, you know.. something sweet and not good for us.  Nope.  Kier wanted a Fry treat.  So we went to Wendy's and totally ruined the good dinner we had by eating crap.  Not going to lie, though, the fries were good.  But I will stick by my case that all of those things combined do not count as a snack. Unless you're just having a couple of fries.  We each had out own thing of fries. 

  Now, the carmel popcorn that we made later because Kier said "oh come on it's Family Home Evening".. that would be considered a treat. Totally.  Wow. We're gross. We love it. It's whatever.

Change and Word vomit.. It just keeps coming...

I wrote a post last week that was like a zillion words long.  However, I got to the end and realized that I was just venting about things and people that I wanted to punch in the face.  I chuckled, shook my head and decided not to hit the publish button.  I do that sometimes, I get so worked up about the dumbest things and then I realize that I'm just writing it in the heat of the moment.  It's a good thing I didn't post it, though, because I was pretty much over all of it by the next day.  Life.  It's funny.

I've decided that I'm not writing as much on my blog anymore because what I REALLY need to be doing it writing in a journal.  There are many reasons.  First of all, I could really write whatever I wanted in my journal without offending anyone and well.. yeah, that's pretty much it.  And I guess because there are some things that people might want to hear because it's juicy and confirms the fact that I am a little crazy, but they really don't need to.  So I totally got on Amazon and ordered a whole box of BIC Velocity 1.6 pens which are supposed to be here tomorrow.  If you haven't tried them, do it now. They will change your life.  You can judge me but it was the best pen I ever stole.  But really, that's what that BWW waitress gets for having that nice of pens.  Moving on.  

I just realized that blog bashing people or things in the heat of the moment probably isn't a good thing.  Not that I haven't done it before.  Whatever. I will just say that if you don't want to tick me off then act like a normal human being.   Being selfish and super weird only makes people ticked off and makes them talk about you.  It's a sad truth.  I wish I was a better person and could always be like "ohh it's ok." But sometimes, it just isn't.  Be thoughtful of other people.  The end.

All in all things are pretty boring but great around here.  I had the best chill weekend that I've had in a long time.  And when I say chill, I mean that from Friday night around 8:30 till church on Sunday at 1:00.. I literally only let my house once.  It was at 8:00 am Saturday morning to make a DREADED walmart run.  You see, my rule now is that if you have to go to walmart ever (especially on a saturday) get up and get the dang thing over with because it's a nightmare.  I hate it.  But at 8:00 am you rarely have people in your way or lines at the check out.  Anyways, I cleaned and watched movies while I crafted.  It was fantastic.  I even sewed a skirt.  Now, before you call me Grandma Hansen, you should hear about how many people told me my skirt was cute at church  yesterday. Quite a few.  I was like, "HAZZAH, I'm awesome."  OK, I didn't really say that but I think it was pretty much implied by the compliments and the fact that well, I am just awesome. 

I maybe had a little more down time that I would have liked but it was kind of nice getting that realization that things have changed and are changing a lot and that it's OK to not have as many things going on. Crap happens.  Things change.  So as long as you keep yourself going and keep yourself happy, that's all that matters.  I've said it before that there's just something in the universe where every 2-3 years some kind of big change happens.  Everyone is on there own scheduled but I think it's just something that has to happen because it's a way of getting our butts moving. It's like "ok, you've been comfortable long enough, let's pull it together and get going."  I'll admit it, I've been comfortable for quite some time, so it's not a big surprise that I'm approaching some bigger changes. 

 People around me are changing, I'm changing, people move away, people get married... Heck, I used to stay up super late and hang out every night but I don't anymore, I make myself get more sleep.  Things just change.  We grow up.  We move on. That's just how life goes.  You just have to keep up with it.  And that's what I'm trying to do.. keep up.  And to go with the flow, which isn't always the easiest thing to do.  I'm not saying that I'm not sad about some of the changes that have happened/are happening because I totally get teary thinking about Cole getting married and moving more north and me moving more in the opposite direction.  It's weird.  But on the other side, I know that the changes are good and that it's something that needs to happen.  But this weekend it was like a "OK, Jenn.. Hunker down, it's coming."  Basically I'm getting emotionally prepared for it...  But the thing that really keeps me going is that I've met some great people here and even if I don't talk to them as much or see them as often, It just reminds me that these changes and moves can't be as bad as when I lived by myself in a new state and didn't know anyone just two and a half years ago. I've done a lot and learned a lot in my "Layton" adventure.  Soon, It will just be time for a new one and I'm feeling that transition start.  Here's to staying positive and for not having an emotional break down.. yet :) And for making the most out of these next few months.

In the meantime, it's going to be a busy summer starting with me leaving on Sunday for a week long trip to Maryland/DC to see Jamie's new house and to play with Mason who's 2nd birthday is today!!! I honestly can't believe how time is flying.  I remember two years ago today I was dancing at (my then BFF) Hyrum's wedding reception when I got the call that Mason was born.  Looking back now, I realize that June 24th was a HUGE day for me. I'm not going to say that Mason was born on that day for me.. but I have to believe that it was a little bit for me.  I didn't have time to think about how much things were going to change by my BFF getting married.  No one wants to admit that they are losing a huge part of their life as they know it.  I didn't lose him as a friend, but things just change and they had too.. and it's worked out for the best all around!  I was able to be just happy that day because I knew that I was going to be an aunt. What a blessing, seirously.  Mason came in the middle of the reception and I left happy and rushed to the hospital where I was able to hold him within an hour of him being born.  I'm tearing up about it right now just because things have worked out the way they are supposed too.  They always do.. I can honestly testify that when something ends, another great thing is right around the corner.  And I'm glad that my favorite boy in the world helped to teach me that!  I love you Mason.. HAPPY 2nd Birthday :) 

So things are changing and I'm only a little sad about it.  I'm just ready to see what's next. Oh and I'm not going to steal any attention from the Wedding on September 7th.. but I might need someone to check in on my for the first couple of weeks after the wedding.  We all know that Nieko's freaked me out about living by myself ever since last summer.  You know, the whole "no one would know you were dead for a couple of days."  Seriously, my nightmare. 

I just realized that this is word vomit and that is just keeps going.  So I'm not going to go back and re-read it.  If you made it through this whole thing then you deserve a prize for being thoroughly interested in my boring life ;)

Ok byyyyee.

Wednesday

"I'll cold cock her."
-Dad
I honestly don't know what we were talking about but I know it ended up in laughing and Super Star quotes.  

"Oh yeah, that's Nieko's School!"
-Mom as we passed North Ridge High School.
My mom remembers the funniest things.  I have quite a few friends who went to North Ridge High in Layton.  Last year we went there for one of Regan's Choir competitions and I remember telling her everyone who I'm friends with that graduated from there.  Clearly she just remembered Nieko.   Understandable.


"Oh, I don't care, I'll be married by then."
"Can we do that before August?" 
"I'll have to see if I can fit that in around all the wedding plans."
-Dumb things that stupid engaged people say in ward council (or anywhere)
When did it become OK to act like you're better than everyone or to assume that people (who you don't really know) care that you're getting married or what you're doing in general.  No one cares.  Bring it up once, let us congratulate you, and then let us remain silently happy for you.  We honestly don't need you to rub it in our faces every other comment.  WE DON'T CARE. To this person in my ward:
1-You and your bf make me want to vomit.
2-You don't even have a ring.
3-You guys JUST started dating.
4-Wait until I'm done with my last three lessons of Temple prep before you start coming again. My stomach and the people who have to sit next to me at church would really appreciate it.

"That was good!" -me about Superman
"Eh, I think it was a little far fetched." -Dad
To which you are all thinking "um, It's superman..of course it's far fetched."  That's what I said to my Dad after laughing for a bit.  But really..if you like Superman, I feel like you will like "man of steel."  I was super entertained.  Of course, Henry Cavill isn't bad to look at for 2 hours but still.  It was good!

"My new goal is to beat your mom."
-Kier about bowling
mom totally almost beat her.  As in, it wasn't until the very last frame that Kier finally passed her up by a few pins.  So sad for her.  hahaha jk!! I'm only saying that because for the first time I actually did really good.  I beat dad, got second place and managed to get two strikes in a row. BAM.  Of course, it's always downhill after that.  Whatever.  Family bowling is becoming a fun family activity.

"What's Nieko's real name?" -mom
"Nieko." -me
"Oh..  Is he Oriental?" -mom
".....Greek, mom. Greek. You've met him!" -me
"I don't know.  Maybe he has squinty eyes...sor-ry." -Nieko
You don't EVEN know how hard I laughed about this.  Clearly Nieko is far from oriental.  He's white and usually has manly scruff (which I secretly really love in a totally non-creepy way;) ) But I say that because I honestly can't think of an Asian right off the top of my head that has manly scruff like that.  (bahaha omg I just googled "Asian scruff" and a picture of Adam Lambert came up.  Case and point.) 

But the best part of it all, besides the pictures she's seen of him from various trips we've gone on or whatever, is that she met the kid a few months ago.  hahaha. I think she was just confused.  It's not that he looks Asian because he doesn't..like, at all.  I think she was just really intrigued by his name. Maybe? I don't know.  I finally talked to her about the names on "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and she was like "oh yeah, that makes sense now.  Oops." haha I really shouldn't make fun though.  The first time I met Nieko I asked him, "Is that really your name?" It was rude.  In my defense, though, the other kid who he was with at the time told me his name was Pedro.  I felt like I was getting punked.  Whatever.  Only later to find out that Nieko was his real name and the Pedro was in fact Willy.

good times. 

"What are you?!"
-Cole during SYTYCD about a girl that you really couldn't tell her race.
While you're thinking my family is slightly racist from the last comment I figure I would get this one over with.  Sometimes you see someone and you are just really interested to know what kind of mix they are.  Right?  Sometimes you can't tell, and it's intriguing.  The only problem is that sometimes they just have to remain a mystery because how do you ask someone that question without sounding rude?  Well, asking "What are you?" with a confused look on your face probably wouldn't do it... whatever.  Sometimes you just want to know.

"OH hey! Isn't that the Bizcut guy?"
-Amy
Amy and I had a fun trip down the 90's memory lane by pulling up all the teen heartthrobs that we loved.  We found this tumbler that had clippings from old teem magazines and she pointed out someone and instantly knew who it was.  It was the "bizcut guy"..Limp Bizcut to be exact.  hahahaha. So funny.  Do you remember him? omg.  Look of pictures of him now.  He's like 42.  Woof.


"They're white..powdery..uhh."
-Erin trying to explain "clouds" during a game of catch phrase
Powdery probably isn't the last word I would use to describe clouds but I can list 100 different words I would use to describe them off the top of my head before I resolve to using the word "powdery."  Everyone was so lost.  For the record, she's the best at playing games with but she's the WORST at describing words for Catch Phrase.

"He's so handsome.  I kind of want a picture of him in my room now too.  Do you think Stephen would mind?"
-Amy about Matthew Lawrence
I really wasn't kidding about that long break we took to look up pictures of teen heart throbs from the 90's.  It happened.  We even looked up "how they look now." And you guys, Matthew Lawrence still has it.  Cute boy.  She even made me go back to a picture of him a couple of times because she thinks he's so cute. And he is.  But if you google the Lawrence brother's now.. omg.. that poor young one, Andy.  He kind of got shafted and is a little bit of a nightmare now.  Dang it. 

But can you imagine a married woman having one of those teen posters we used to get out of magazines just hanging up in her room now? So funny. Posters are funny.  Our room used to be covered with posters of JTT, Devon Sawa, Andrew Keagan.. omg.  But I still can't judge.  If you go to my room at my parents house right now I legit have a poster of Zac Efron hanging up.  You know.. the rolling stones magazine cover one when he's lifting up his white shirt over his abs after he's been soaked with water. BAHAHAHA  That was one I couldn't part with. Actually, I'm really surprised that mom let me hang that up on her wall.  

I have a love confession.

SIKE! I really don't have a love confession. Not that I would say that via the blog anyways.  Get real.  I just wanted to pump you up for a good Wednesday blog because I have to tell you something and you're going to be really disappointed and I don't like disappointing people.  But I suppose I'm setting you up not to be disappointed twice.  Oops.  Sorry

 Well, here it is... I only wrote down one quote this week.  Just one.  I'm a little disappointed in myself.  I mean, I had three Canadians staying at my house for a full 24 hours and I only wrote down one quote.  Well, I can remember another one but it involves me finding out that someone was born without a certain...body part.  Orifice? Yeah. That one.  So I couldn't write that down, even though it was the funniest sacrament meeting I've ever been too.  Haha,  It's just been one of those weeks I guess. So I will change the pace and save you from reading a whole bunch of things from people you probably don't even know and give you the one quote I wrote down from my friend and old roommate from college, Julene.  

She said this to Kier and Cole while getting ready for their Engagements...:)

"Don't be afraid to be in love."

Excuse me while I get super cheesy for one second.  ehem. 

Really though.  Love is scary. Putting your heart on the line and giving it to someone else is scary.  I get it.  But I'm not sure why we are so afraid.  Look around at all the people who are in love. Some of them make me want to barf because I know the back stories, but others I just can't help but think "oh how cute."  Don't tell me you haven't done that with at least one couple.  (Mine are usually old people, it's whatever) But even if you've had your heart broken a hundred times (actually scratch that.  If you've had your heart broken that many times by different 'loves' then you really need to tone it down because you're kind of a whore and annoying and you might not know what "love" really is. Just saying. Moving on.) But even if you've had your heartbroken before, don't be afraid to let yourself be in love with someone new.  Love is great.  Love is exciting.  Love is hard... but I promise, it's a lot better than being alone and having any number of cats.  mmmkay :)

If you feel it's right then don't be afraid...

Also, on the other hand, don't be afraid to break a couple hearts either. It's better to be truthful and upfront then spend the rest of your life with someone who scares you or smells like Chicken Noodle Soup (I've legit met someone like that.) 

haha anyways, Happy Wednesday!

In my work world it's all about the calendar.  In fact, I always have at least 5 different monthly calendars hanging up around my desk.  With all the planning and organizing I do everyday you'd think I'd have a good grasp on what day it is and where we are in the year.  Nope.  I looked at my calendar yesterday and realized that we are almost mid month of JUNE.  I can't even believe it.  I feel like summer just started and it's going to be over before we know it.   

The crappy thing about growing up is that you really don't get to enjoy summer as much as you use to.  Yes, I highlighted my hair, busted out the shorts and have started shaving my legs {almost} every morning but those things alone make me seem old.  It's so annoying that I have to be working all day long while all the kids (college kids included) get to enjoy the warm sun.  WAH.  Ok, I'll stop complaining.  But I do love summer, I just can't believe how it's already flying by!  

I am excited that I get to go to DC/Maryland in a few weeks and that my parents are coming to town this Thursday night for a Father's day weekend visit.  Those little breaks help me keep my sanity.

You guys, things get crazy sometimes and I'm sure your life is probably even crazier than mine.  But excuse me while I talk about mine for a minute ;)

  This last weekend Cole's car wouldn't start.  Again.  To make it better, it happened on the morning when I left early for work and he had to be to his new job for a test.  Naturally.  Things are fine now, but I've realized that I've grown a lot in the last year/few months. I don't really cry as much or get as frazzled when things get a little hard and stressful and that's HUGE for me. Sure, it's because we've been through the ringer this last year with that brother of mine..So much, that we've learned that things always work out.  It might be annoying and hard getting to that point where you feel like things are "OK," but they always work out.

 I know people will say that it's not really me that's been through all the hard stuff, but those people are wrong.  With me, family is first.  Always has been, always will be.  So when family members go through something, I feel it probably more than I should.  It's my curse.  Whatever.  But poor Cole has just had crap after crap happen in the midst of a lot of good things too.  I mean, the kid is getting married to a great girl, he can't complain too much!  But it's enough to drive a person crazy and stress them out to the max.  But I want to give myself a blog applause this weekend for not overreacting (like I usually do) and for remaining cool and trying to come up with other solutions.  And to Cole as well for never giving up when things get hard.. even though I know that sometimes we both want too.  Honestly, it's in those moments where you think "Crap, what are we going to do now?" that something happens and the Lord shows us how blessed we really are.

Long story short, the POS car (that I won't curse because it's paid off and gets Cole to work for now) had a bad battery which I had just purchased not even a year ago so we were able to pick up a new one.  Yay for warranties.  And to top it all off, we figured out that the gas gage just doesn't work.  So, the poor little car just needed a new battery and some gas.  haha.  Dumb, right?  Well, we're just glad that's all it needed for now.  

I think I've learned in the last few months, more than anything else, is that the Lord gives us trials to push us and to prove what we're made of and how hard we are willing to work to get to where we want to be.  I've personally gone through some things in the last few months that have made 2013 already one of the hardest years, (spiritually/emotionally) BUT, i've learned that I'm not perfect, and that the Lord doesn't expect perfection.  He does, however, expect us to try.  So that's what Cole and I and the rest of our family have been doing.  We've just been trying to do our best and working together to support each other.

Some days super suck where you aren't sure how you're going to get to work that day because your car is crap (sorry cole) other days are just that "ugh, I'd rather be anywhere else than in temple prep with two disgusting engaged couples."  And other days, you're winning 60 bucks for guessing when your coworker's puppies are going to be born! haha I'm not even kidding, that really happened to me yesterday.

I guess what I'm saying is don't give up. No matter what kind of day it is.  On the days when your car doesn't start, realize how many good people you have in your life who are willing to drop everything to help you.  On the mediocre days, look for the good in that Temple Prep class.  Like how great the lesson was and why you are there.. even if you are surrounded with couple who make you want to vomit.  And on the great days... ugh, Jump for joy and do something nice for yourself or someone else.  Just look for the good (unlike everyone else on my Facebook feed who isn't getting married or having a baby. haha) 

Don't give up.

And especially, don't give up on people if they are trying.  I had a good talk with one of my friends last week about how sometimes people/things disappoint you but you have to just do what you can to be the better person, breathe and move on even if it hurts.  You might have days when you are really sad when you think about all that you used to have or "what could have been" but you can't dwell on those bad/sad things.  You have to remember the good and what you've learned from that life lesson because those good things are what keep you going and help you through whatever bad thing/trial/struggle you're going through.

Inhale the good.  Exhale the bad. (no but seriously, take a Jenn moment.  Lie on your back for 10 minutes, stare at the ceiling and take the deepest breaths you can! it will change your world, I promise.)

Just remember all the good things and good people you have in your life and carry on! It will get your through your hard days. I have to be reminded of this like, once a month (you know this if you've read all my blogs) but whatever, I'm human. You're human :)

In the midst of all the crap, life really is good...So don't let yourself miss out on it.

Wednesday

"Everyone has their thing...I guess."
-Jamie after I told her that I'm into magicians
You guys, I just love magic.  I was simply explaining to Jamie how much I loved the movie "Now you See Me" and how I wasn't sure if I loved it because of how much I just love magic.  One good magic trick and my mind is blown for hours.  But actually the movie was really good.  But seriously, someone take me to a real magic show, k?! You'd be my favorite person.

"Happy Lortab Birthday!" -Kier's mom
"That's the best mom." -Kier
Kier wasn't feeling too hot at all at her birthday dinner.  (We don't need to talk about why) so her Mom gave her a little somethin', Somethin' to help with the pain.  Which, we found out later that most doctors give you pain killers anyways for what she was feeling. That's besides the point.  But you should have seen how happy she was when she got a Lortab from her mom.  It was the best.  I'm just glad we share the same love for that good stuff :) #druggysisters

"You'll just have to tell people that you're new last name is "S-E-N" not "S-O-N" like Hanson" -Me to Kier (and Lindsay)
*Blank look*
"Hanson?" -kier and linds
"You know? like, the band?" -Me in shock, pulling up youtube
"..Are they brothers? -Lindsay
I've HAD it.  First JaRule, now this?! I can't take it anymore.  Haha, but really.  I mean, I was younger when we loved them but I still feel like they should at least know who they are.  I even starting singing "Mmmbob" and they didn't know.  I mean, they didn't know it at all.    Most people at least made fun of the song.  I...I just..can't.

"I get the mullet!"
-Kari and I deciding which {manly women} she got dibs on at the bar.
For Kier's 21st birthday her mom took us out for hamburgers at this bar in the middle of nowhere (Huntsville, UT) called the Shooting Star Saloon.  It was actually really fun and the hamburgers were great.  It was a bar so there were some interesting people there.  Kari and I had a lot of fun deciding with Hunk-of-burning-love we got dibs on.  We fought over the mullet because the other one was sweating so bad.  haha we were kidding, obviously.  I'm in to real men, not women who look like men.  (I don't mean to be rude, but ladies, if you want to be called a girl, dress like one. And loose the mullet.  If you like who you are and that is full on dude-like, then don't be surprised that people use those descriptive words when mentioning you.)


"I'm not falling asleep; I've got the awake sombrero on."
-Chris
Sometimes we can stay up all night long.  Other nights, we're losing it by 12:30.  It's sad really.  Chris and Amanda will say that they weren't falling asleep, but they were.  I finally made them both take turns wearing the 'awake' sombrero.  So once Chris had it on he was not letting anyone accuse him of being tired.  Actually, I must have been tired too.  Who comes up with an "awake sombrero." Whatevs.  It worked.  And really, any white person in a sombrero is automatically funny.  Just like any cat in a sombrero is funny and/or creepy.  If you weren't at the party, google it.  You'll see what I mean!

"It's kind of childish." 
-Me trying to explain to the cops what kind of party I was having at my house
Ok, you try having the cops knock on your door before midnight because someone called thinking there was a "fight" going on in our apartment.  Nope, no fight.. just a few people sitting around wearing cat shirts and playing the Ellen game.  Really.  The more I talked about the 21st birthday Feline Fiesta, the more childish it sounded.  I will admit that it was awesome because, hey, I threw the party and do a pretty good job at themed parties, but this one? I could have done without having to explain it to the cops. 

"Go ahead, show us how it works...If you get famous on Ellen, give me credit."
-Cop
At least this time when the cops came to my house they were actually nice.  I'm starting to wonder though if it's because they thought were were "special." If you saw the decorations and the cat pictures all over the wall, I would either because like "oh wow, they are weird" or "bahahahaha these (not so) kids are freakin' hilarious."  I like to think it was the latter.  Anyways, when they came we were playing Ellen's "Heads up Game."  Totally fun.  They were asking us about it and as we were explaining it and telling them that it records you, we actually got them on tape and they waved and said "Hi Ellen."  We need to send that in.  The funniest part is that it caught us talking about the cat party too.  I have a feeling she'd make fun of us.  Whatever..we're awesome. 

"I guess you can say I'm the complete package I guess."
-Nieko to me via text
If you follow Nieko or me on twitter or facebook then you would see that yesterday I started getting these little pop up notifications letting me know that Nieko's page contained "provocative content."  He just loved that.  We decided that makes you just as cool as if a celebrity were to respond to you on twitter.  For the record, I've had "Jeffrey Dahmer" retweet me and VH1 reply to me. Sooooo, I think we are equally cool.  But it isn't a competition, I suppose. haha

But really, Nieko is the complete package ;) 

"How old are you going to be on your birthday?" -Everyone to Mason who turns 2 on the 24th
"Kiersten." -Mason's response
haha, this nephew of mine is smart.  Sure, mayyyyyybe he should know that he's turning two years old on his next birthday, but we have to give him credit for knowing that Kiersten's birthday was last week and for picking up how long we celebrated her birthday. I'd say he gets it.  ;)