~Jessie~

It is finally here...

2012-02-06T20:57:00.004-07:00

Finally! The hard work and dedication I have been working towards is finally here! Tomorrow I embark on the adventure that I have been putting 70 hour work weeks into. I fly out to Florida to help with the World Launch on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) of one our amazing tools for my work. After jumping through hoops, creating demo videos, paperwork, etc, I have been approved to even be on air with my boss. So if you are bored and want to watch the World Launch of the Lucky 8 punches on HSN, head over to your local listing on Thursday 2/9/12. We will basically be on all day starting at 12:01 AM, which is a great opportunity for our company! It has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do and prepare for! Surprisingly, I haven't shed any tears :). I hope it turns out well! Wish me luck!

P.S. Does anyone want to go on vacation with me when I get back? I'm in desperate need of one!! :)

2011 in Nutshell....

2012-01-07T23:09:00.010-07:00

Thanks for the inspiration Lars! Here is 2011 in a nutshell in no particular order:

Waterskied at least once a week in the summer of course....

I got Lasik!! Woot woot!

Went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter and dressed up.....

Flew a kite at the Kite Festival in St. George with one of my best friends, Sarah Jane Webb. She also left on a mission in August.

Found out I have a little addiction to chips....hahaha

Went to the boat show!

Went ice fishing with Sarah Jane and our families! Fun times!

Went to Mexico with this awesome group!

Went to Guatemala.

Zip-lined in the jungles of Guatemala.

Found myself a little Guatemalan baby!!! So cute! Look at her beautiful brown eyes!

Had knee surgery...

Hung out with these cute kiddos!

Ran the Wasatch Back Ragnar with these amazing women!

...and my best friend Lauren Coil Perkins! LOVE HER!

Went on a houseboat with 45 other peeps down to Lake Powell. Memories were made on that trip for sure!

Went to Chicago for work for our biannual CHA conference with my friends/coworkers.

Went to my first cubs game!

Turned 24!

Sold the car I've had since I was 16!! :( I miss it!

Purchased Carmen! She is a real beauty!

Spent Christmas with these kiddos! I was Joseph and Sarah was Mary.

Went to the famous Lynn's Paradise and got the bourbon French Toast that Bobby Flay highly suggested :)

I quit the doctors office job.

I found an amazing job that I didn't think was really out there!

Made more wedding/birthday cakes.

Gained more friends and strengthened existing friendships.

Sent off another missionary (Sarah Jane Webb).

Received the hardest but most rewarding calling ever that has brought more blessings to my life than I thought imaginable!

Mommy's little piggy!

2011-12-23T21:27:00.002-07:00

I am literally watching this right now and this part of the movie, I couldn't stop laughing! ENJOY and Merry Christmas everyone!!! :)

Best Christmas EVER!!!

2011-12-15T22:09:00.006-07:00

We had an ugly sweater competition at work today! It was pretty fun to see everyone's. You can go HERE to view them all. Here is what I wore for mine....:)

Also, we had our work party tonight and it was a blast! We had an amazing dinner followed by the annual christmas present game! Andrew goes all out for this giving away prizes such as: home theater systems, 50" TV's, Kindles, Paid Vacations, Garman watches, Lagoon passes, Mac Book Pro's, Apple TVs, XBox Kinects, top of the line cooking items, etc.

Guess what I won?!? An iPad II!!! Sooooooo excited!

Have I mentioned that I love where I work and even better...the people that I work with?!

December....

2011-12-12T20:55:00.004-07:00

I seriously can't believe it's December already!

I feel like I haven't updated lately on my life.

Well I decided to turn down the Marketing position. It's a longer story...not bad...just too long to type :)

The calling is going well...busy, but great! It is beyond words to really describe the feelings I have with this kind of a calling. I have an immediate love for the sisters of the ward. They are truly examples to me and I feel blessed to even serve with them. I recently had to find a new 2nd counselor. She is great and I'm excited to use her talents and personality.

I wish I could go waterskiing...I was at Temple Square looking at the lights and when we walked past the reflection pool, it made me want to go even more...is that bad? :)

Lots of birthdays this month for friends and family! Special shout out to my best friend Lauren Coil Perkins, niece Ashlyn Keate, nephew Caden Keate (12 years old!!! WHAT?!), brother in-law Tyler Keate, and most important of all, my mother Holly!

Oh, I made another wedding cake. Check it out here: www.ilovecupsofcake.blogspot.com.

Peace!

I run...

2011-12-05T21:34:00.001-07:00

...to escape! Enough said...

Guilty...

2011-11-17T23:09:00.002-07:00

You know you've done it....pretended like your fingers are legs...walking. I still catch myself doing it....hahaha

Facebook Contest

2011-11-12T13:58:00.003-07:00

Hey! So this is my very first contest that I'm doing for our company and you should all participate! (Plus I know who chooses the projects....hint, hint!)

Go to http://www.facebook.com/WeRMemoryKeepers for more details!

I've become an oholic....

2011-11-03T22:12:00.002-06:00

A work-oholic that is! :)

Our Marketing Manger left, so I've been helping out. Basically I'm not only doing my busy job, but I'm doing some of the Marketing as well. I really enjoy it and I'm using this as a trial run to see if I want to be serious and try for it.

Do me a favor and "Like" our Facebook page (I've been put in charge of it, for now)?

http://www.facebook.com/WeRMemoryKeepers

I kind of want to make a good impression by showing them I can do this. If I can physically show them with numbers and stats, it makes the "I can do this" more realistic and believable. :)

THANKS GUYS!!!

Showered in Money!

2011-10-15T14:30:00.003-06:00

This is what happens when your boss thinks it's funny to empty all the cash from the vending machine and shower his FAVORITE assistant with it :)

I was just minding my own business when all of a sudden a load of cash was dumped all over me! He then says, "Jessie, haven't you always wanted to be showered in money?!"

We are talking like $200 dollars in ones people!

As he walked away, he mutters out, "Oh and can you count that all for me?"

hahaha....

Work=Social Life

2011-10-13T17:50:00.003-06:00

The title says it all! For the past little while I haven't really done anything with friends outside of work. I've been busy and my friends have been busy, so I've really relied on work to be my social outlook.

Today at work there were a few funny things that happened but I will spare you your time and share 2 of them with you.

STORY 1:

My boss Andrew and I were running a quick errand to Sam's Club. While in the car, he was switching radio stations but stopped on the song, "Party Rock Anthem." He stopped mid conversation and we both started dancing. We looked at each other after a few seconds and started laughing! That song really makes you want to dance! :) It was super funny because both of our first reactions was to dance to that song.

STORY 2:

My "hall-fice" (my cubicle is basically in the hall....so Andrew calls it my hall-fice) has the privilege of facing the mens restroom, so I see who enters and leaves the mens room. It didn't bother me at first, but the guys have seen how open I am with them and they decided it was okay to be open about "those" kinds of things......I know, I know....GROSS! Well some of them have been extremely self conscious and don't even come in that bathroom anymore.

Well today I was walking to the ladies room and Andrew and Steve (CFO) were walking down the hall as well. I decided I would wait because I felt awkward. Andrew asked me if I changed my mind and I told him I felt awkward with them passing the ladies room right then. I decided, "Oh what the heck, everyone uses the restroom right?"

So I ventured in the restroom and when I walked out, standing right by the door was Kevin (Shipping), Kenneth (Sales), Jake (Sales), and Steve (CFO). They were staring at me and told me I didn't wash my hands long enough....hahahahaha. It was really funny and I was really embarrassed.

Sounds like an HR violation, right? But if you only knew what goes on in that office, we would all be written up....including the President of the company. It's all fun and games! :)

Surprise At Work!

2011-10-08T16:59:00.003-06:00

The other day at work my co-worker brought this to me....

I didn't believe it at first and thought it was for some one else and they were messing with me.

But it was really for me! It was from one of my really good friends and 1st Counselor, Kristin. I'm lucky to have such an amazing presidency where we have all become really good friends!

Thanks Kristin! Love ya to death!

I loved her note,

"Hey Jessie! Just wanted to send a little treat (even you can eat this one, no sugar, haha) and wish you a great day! You are an amazing friend, than you so much!!! Love ya! Kristin

ps sorry these aren't a dozen roses from a cute boy :). )

I'm FINE.

2011-10-01T17:52:00.003-06:00

I love finding a saying that describes exactly how I feel.

Lets just say that it's been kinda crazy the past few months in the life of Jessie Gold.

I'm extremely blessed to have a great work family and a couple of friends that have really been there for me.

P.S. You know what fine means? Freaked out. Insecure. Neurotic. Emotional. :)

Via Text Message!

2011-09-16T23:02:00.004-06:00

I don't usually talk about my dating life on here...or lack thereof...but tonight was rather quite interesting that I wanted to share.

You ask, "Did she go on a date and now has a really funny story to share with us?"

No....sorry. I'm still as single as they come!

But I do have a funny story about a potential date.

Here is how the conversation went down (names have been changed to save this poor fella from the embarrassment):

John: Hey! Would you like to go on a double date tonight?

Me: Hi! I actually already have plans. If I would have known earlier. Sorry!

John: It's all good! I just found out before I text you, I'm sorry about the late notice.

Me: You can call me too! I'm not that scary to talk to in person am I? :) (Smiley face to diffuse the annoyance in my text)

Well guess what?! John decides to call! Right then and there. I should be happy, right?! Finally he got the hint that he needs to pull his big boy pants up!

But remember how I have plans? I was just getting to those "plans" when he called so I couldn't talk.

Maybe I should feel bad. But I'm 24 and this kid is probably 25+. He should know by now how to ask a girl out on a first date, right? (maybe that is why he is still single?)

Besides, like I want to tell my future kids, "Guess what! It was sooo romantic. Your dad was pansy enough to ask me out via text message on our first date!"

WOW...single life rocks....hahaha.

Someone important to introduce...

2011-08-24T18:54:00.004-06:00

I would like you all to meet Carmen Elantra...but I call her Carmen. I bought her yesterday and we had an instant bond! She comes from Westland Hyundai and she is a 2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited. She has a lot of the bells and whistles that I love too :)

Life....

2011-08-22T22:37:00.001-06:00

Does it ever slow down?

Birthday....Birthday...Birthday

2011-08-15T21:27:00.007-06:00

I love birthdays! Celebrating other people and making them feel good that they are here.

But my birthday is a different story. I'm not a huge fan of my own. I always feel a little awkward and don't really love the spotlight.

I always have a great time though, thanks to awesome friends and amazing family!

Here is a little highlight of the day/weekend :)

My family surprised me by buying me time on a trampoline. It was REALLY fun!

I look like a troll in this picture!

Doing back-flips!

My family and I went up to Park City to ride the Alpine slide! I haven't done that for so long!

Kyle and Andrea

Ang and Sam

This little boy is sooo cute! He didn't want to let go of his mustard/ketchup carrier :)

This is Sarah! She is a doll!

This is Ellie! She is seriously growing up so fast!

Costco's chocolate/chocolate cake is by far the best!

This is my friend Emilee and she is cool!

Grandma Mills always gives us $7 and a little trinket gift. She is sooo great!

Check it out!

2011-08-06T23:53:00.004-06:00

I did this cake for my friends little sister this weekend. It was a lot of fun to do! Surprisingly I love doing the detail work.

Guess what's cool?! The photographer invited me to his wedding expo that he is doing at the end of the month. He wants to market my cakes to his clients! I'm so happy right now! :)

Pioneer Holiday--Flag Rock

2011-07-27T17:49:00.010-06:00

Monday was Pioneer holiday from work but Sunday was the actual holiday commemorating the 164 years since the early Pioneers traveled to Salt Lake City. What better way to remember that day than to go on a hike. My friend Sarah and I hiked to Flag Rock in Farmington and it was not easy, but well worth it! At the top, there is a flag and the scenery is awesome! Here are a few pictures from the trip!

Before our big adventure!

I love trees and I thought this giant bush was pretty cool with the dead trees sprouting out from it.

Trail this way!

The Flag! I really like this picture!

Sarah and I really like to take jumping pictures. This one is really cool of her!

Ha..

Sarah...not quite sure what this pose is...haha

She does this the best!

See...

Ninja

Genie

We finally got one with both of us!

Sarah and I are big fans of our Chaco's even though we aren't granola :) They make your feet pretty too after a long hike!

Us in front of the flag!

Business Trips=A LOT OF FUN!

2011-07-23T16:25:00.015-06:00

This past week I had the opportunity to go on a business trip with the company to CHA. It is the biannual Craft and Hobby Association and it ran Tuesday to Thursday. It is a BIG deal in the craft/scrapbooking industry so EVERYONE is there! I got to meet people from all over the world! The Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Brazil, just to name a few. It was seriously a blast! Tons of hard work, but a lot of fun, too! It was fun to get to know my co-workers better and bond a little more with them outside the office.

Yes, the days were long, but it paid off in the end, literally!

This is Steph. She was my "bunk mate." I absolutely love her!

Laurel and Steph. I don't know what I would do without these ladies! They keep me sane at work, that's for sure!

He was so nice to carry my purse for me :)

Funny story....I saw this pimp and wanted to take a picture with him. Everyone thought I was crazy to approach him especially since we were in the slums of downtown. He kept whispering things to me, but I didn't quite understand except he kept telling me how gorgeous I was. He also told me he was a "Realtor." Hahaha...what a character! Mind you, it is 100+ degrees outside and he is wearing this pimped out suit!

Mike and I at the show.

My boss surprised us with a limo to go to our celebratory dinner. The driver was nice enough to take a picture with me :)

Typically my boss doesn't pay for alcohol or seafood (he HATES seafood). But he made an exception for me. Most expensive meal I have ever eaten, coming in at $75! He is the best boss ever!

Riding in the limo with the We R crew! Lets just say that I rarely dance crazy in the car with friends...but my co-workers were lucky enough to see it. They probably think I'm so weird now....hahaha.

Kenneth and Laurel. They are so great!

Meet Andrew...my boss/brother/friend. We have a great relationship and I couldn't be luckier to work for him.

Like I said, the days were exhausting!

We went downtown to a Cubs game! SOOO much fun! I have never been to Wrigley Field until then! This is Ernie Banks....A.K.A "Mr. Cub" himself. I climbed on this statue and I was pretty nervous I would get in trouble...haha.

The gang who went to the game! (Steve...CFO, Kenneth...sales, Laurel....sales, Steph....sales, Mike....VP, Tavnir....designer, me)

Final score! Go Cubs!

Laurel, Mike, and our Chicago style buffalo footlongs :)

At the game with my girls! Laurel and Steph!

I meet friends wherever I go. I met these guys on the subway headed downtown.

On our way downtown, about ready to get on the subway.

Nettie, one of our fabulous designers!

My friend Sean works for "My Minds Eye" so he was there, too! It was fun to see him!

Just getting set up for the show!

Laurel and I. She is freaking hilarious and we always have a blast together!

These birds were in our hotel and they were a little creepy....

Before I liked my job. I was in the limo and that is when it hit me, I LOVE my job. No one could wipe the smile off my face. I love these cool people that I get to work with. They are my work family and I'm so grateful to work at We R Memory Keepers!

Midnight Showing of Harry Potter in 3D!

2011-07-16T15:33:00.003-06:00

(They are so cool! I absolutely love their outfits!)

Thursday night we gathered as a group of friends to go see the midnight showing of Harry Potter in 3D. It is kind of sad that it is over! I think the books came out when I was 13 or so. It's been a long time coming! But we had a blast! I'm not huge into dressing up and I got crap for not, but I think the Muggle name tag was enough, I'm just glad my friend Tyler did it with me :).

This was the last time they will see each other for 18 months!

Slowing down

2011-07-04T19:17:00.001-06:00

I taught the lesson in Relief Society about living in the moment and enjoying the journey. I showed this video and thought I would share it with you because it is just that good! Enjoy!

Some pictures of the Wasatch Back!

2011-06-21T19:24:00.008-06:00

My mother.

Krista telling us she feels good!

Ang! She made a fun addition to our team this year!

One of my bestest! Lauren! Look at her focus!

Yeah...don't judge this picture but it is the only one where I am smiling....haha. I made a new friend too! His name was Allen and we talked for about 2 miles or so.

All 12 of the Hotstuff team!

I bought the Nikon D7000 and I had a lot of fun with it! :) And yes, I was driving and taking pictures....

Audra! She ran down Avon pass here.

There were a lot of funny sayings and team names. Here is one for the serious runner....hahahaha

Krista was always so chipper and happy! I loved it!

This is my mom! She is 54 and still runs 18 miles. I also thought this was a cool shot.

Don't let the van fool you! We actually ran 192 miles! And Hot Stuff has been our team name for a couple years. An asphalt company sponsors us....

Lars and I right before we started!! She kicked some serious booty! I am so grateful to have ran it with her! She and I have known each other for about 8 years, but I think we have known each other longer. She is awesome and such an inspiration! Love ya Lars!

My Wasatch Back Story:

Some of my favorites from the Wasatch Back! It was so beautiful and very fun! Being in a van with 5 other stinky girls! :) Our start time was at 5:15 AM. Since it was in Logan, we had to leave the house at 3:00. I woke up at 2:30...ugh! I didn't go to bed until 12:30 either because I couldn't sleep.

I ran my first leg at about 6:30 in the morning I think. It was about 6.7 miles. I killed (people you pass) about 26 people on that leg, which is super motivating to me. I don't do it as a competition, but I like to pick someone who is ahead of me and run to them. Next thing you know, I'm picking someone else who is ahead of me. It keeps my pace and keeps me moving forward.

Then I ran my second leg at 4 in the afternoon. It was soooo hot and I was already tired from the previous run! It was only 3 miles but it was my hardest leg because of all the pre factors going into it. It had many hills, too. I didn't pass anyone on that leg. Haha. Our van finished the second round at about 10:30 and I went straight to bed!

We got a call at about 1:30 AM saying the second van finished their legs and it was our turn. So I woke up at 2:00 AM and got ready for the next go around. I ran my last and final leg at 3:30 in the morning. It was fairly flat, with a couple hills. I felt like I was the only runner out there because a lot of the runners had thinned out. It was me, the moon, and the road. It was very cool to run in the pitch dark, having only the moon and my headlamp to guide me. It gave me a lot of time to think not having to worry about a lot of cars or other runners. I ran it pretty fast and I had about 4 kills. I felt good after and it was one of those runs where I could have kept going. It was about 3.5 miles total.

So all together I ran a little over 13 miles. I had one of the shortest legs total, but considering I only was able to run 3 times before the Wasatch Back, I think it was good! :) I love running!

And the knee held up just great! Didn't give me too many problems! It swelled back up with water, which I assumed it would. The only thing I'm worried about it an additional swelling on the very top of my knee. It bubbles kind of weird and it grosses everyone out at work....hahaha.

Wasatch Back

2011-06-16T10:44:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow I will be running 191 miles with 11 other women! I'm stoked!

I need some good running music ASAP! What do you like?

Day #3

2011-06-11T11:01:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was a lot more fun! Here is what we did:

After all the chores were done, we went swimming at the public pool for 3 hours and I got a nice little tan.
Watched a movie and ate popcorn.
Made chocolate chip cookies.
Made scotcheroos.
Made rice krispee treats for the movie.
Ordered Pizza for dinner.
Blew bubbles outside.

It was a very fun packed day!

Here are a few things I learned:

Never buy stainless steal appliances with kids around. The finger prints and my self diagnosed O.C.D do not get a long!
Plan for at least 1 hour to get kids out the door when you are going swimming. You have to put sunscreen on them, get water bottles, treats, towels, swim toys, floating devices, etc.
I am exhausted once 10:00 comes around.
When I have a house, buy X-Large washer and dryer because kids get dirty and I think I'll wash everything they wear everyday.
Invest in a small vacuum and keep it in the pantry for the "small" messes.
No pets....they are just another child but they don't understand.
Bed times are bed times for kids. STICK TO IT OR YOU PAY THE NEXT DAY!
Hopefully I can instantly have an 11 year old so they can help me with anything. Like a personal assistant :)

Well that it is it for now! I come home tomorrow night and I have to go back to work :(

Day #2

2011-06-10T16:43:00.002-06:00

It rained on and off for the most part of yesterday so there wasn't that much to do. But this is what we did do:

Watched Ice Age....
Went to Spooners (a frozen yogurt joint out here)
Watched Ice Age...
Ate pot-stickers and mozzarella sticks for dinner
Watched Ice Age....
Colored
Did I mention we watched Ice Age? We probably did that about 4 times! :)
Danced to music

Pretty uneventful day but nonetheless, it was relaxing for a change!

Day #1 of being Miss Mom

2011-06-09T13:41:00.003-06:00

I thought it would be fun to share my experiences of being Miss Mom this week while I'm tending my sisters 4 kids. They are in charge of the Youth Conference for their ward and will be gone for a total of 3 whole days.

She called me awhile back asking if I would do this, and I graciously accepted. Who wouldn't want to tend a cute bunch of kidlings?

So as for day #1 (Yesterday)

Made glow in the dark chalk and drew on the back patio (only to have the rains wash it away during the night). It has been awhile since I've used side-walk chalk and I think I enjoyed it more than the kids!
Made B.L.T's for dinner.....yum, yum, yum!
Watched Harry Potter 7 with my nephew who is 11.
Watched the storm clouds roll in.
Made guacamole dip....mainly for me because I love guacamole!
Made a giant Reese's cake that had Reese's inside the cake as well as outside the cake with a creamy peanut butter frosting. (The kids loved it and they told me that I need to open my bakery ASAP instead of working with books of scrap...hehehe)

I think my favorite part of yesterday was at 1:30 AM when my little niece woke me up because she was scared. I let her climb in bed with me and she fell fast asleep. I'm glad she did because little did she know, I was a little scared, too. There was hail the size of golf balls hitting the house!

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-30T16:13:00.003-06:00

I went waterskiing Saturday and it was awesome! Truly the love of my life! Yes, I just had surgery 3 weeks ago, but you can't take me on a boat and not expect me to ski. :)

Plus, the doctor said I couldn't run after 6 weeks...he never said I couldn't waterski :)

We went to Willard bay (a.k.a. Bug City). Can you see the swarms of bugs? Yup, those aren't no dust clouds...those are bug clouds! G-R-O-S-S!

Oh and I did another wedding cake! Check it out

HERE

Just when you think....

2011-05-24T19:36:00.003-06:00

....you've caught up on things....

Life throws you a curve ball!

Life is pretty crazy right now, so I apologize for the lame post.

Cups of Cake update!

2011-05-20T18:03:00.001-06:00

Cups of Cake

I spy a knee cap...

2011-05-14T18:53:00.002-06:00

....yup, I couldn't find it either :)

Well I got my bandages off Wednesday and it feels really good to be able to move it a little bit more! The whole time my knee was like pandora's box! I just wanted to look at it so bad but the doctor instructed me not to (supposedly this surgery makes the knee bleed A LOT!).

When the doctor came in, he looked at me and said, "have you been using your crutches?" I responded that I used them for the first day but after that no. I told him that I have had minimal pain so far and that I feel really good.

Then he gave me a high five and told me to thank the man upstairs. He said that he has never seen anyone in better shape 6 days after this kind of surgery.

He then told me that he was really worried about me because I guess when he was in there it looked really bad. Not only did he have to do a lateral ligament repair, he had to do some extra stuff. He said that he had to double check to make sure I was 23 because my knee was in the shape of a 65 year old.

Supposedly my knee cap was cracked underneath from the bone on bone impact and my cartilage was all messed up. So now my knee cap is just a little thinner.....that is, when it appears.

It's still really swollen and more sore than it has been (just from more walking and movement) but it really is good! I had knee surgery a little more than a week ago and I'm already walking up stairs (not down, yet).

Well yeah...just a little update!

And YES, it was my left knee and Dr. Johnston signed it for me :) He is a really good surgeon, even though he told me I need to find a new sport to do.... :(

I finally bought it!!!!

2011-05-09T21:42:00.007-06:00

I bought my Silhouette today! I told myself if I sold my Cricuit Machine, I would buy my Silhouette! I'm sooooo excited! I got it for a very good deal! I love overstock.com plus promo codes!

Now I can make these....

Post Surgery

2011-05-08T19:50:00.003-06:00

Hey All,

Well I'm doing pretty good post surgery! I haven't taken very many pain meds and I'm already walking! I've had a pretty positive attitude with this surgery and I think that is why I've done so well with the pain. The doctor warned me that it is a pretty painful surgery and it is one of the tougher scopes because of all the swelling and bleeding.

The doctor said it was a good thing I got this done when I did because he said it was really bad. He had to do some extra stuff like clean under the knee cap and shave some bone, but he thinks it will get me through a few more years! :)

Downside is, he doesn't think I'm going to be able to run the Wasatch Back because of how bad it was. That's really hard to grasp because I was just getting used to the idea of not running the Ogden Half and now this.

Well once I get these bandages off, I am going to try my hardest to exercise it and get it back in motion!

When people tell me I can't do something, it makes me want to do that something, that much more. Obviously I will take the Doctor's advice into consideration, but I really think I can do it still.

So we will see!

Thanks for all my friends who have come over and visited me! It truly means a lot! I had friends come watch movies with me, make cookies, take me up to Park City for the day, go to baseball games, go to BBQ's, and just came over to visit! I feel very loved!

Thanks for my mom for taking care of me too! Happy Mothers Day!

What do you do before surgery?

2011-05-03T18:53:00.002-06:00

Get pedicures with the girls! :)

I need to get these more often.....

Already bored....

2011-05-02T18:24:00.002-06:00

So I'm in need of some ideas. I'm going to be laid up this week due to knee surgery and I hate sitting around. I've been thinking of things I can do while sitting there and nothing is coming to me (What did I do during Round I of knee surgery?!?!)

Yeah, there is the usual movie/TV watching, but I can honestly only watch a few hours before I'm done.

Any ideas?

Maybe I could sit in a hammock and get tan?

I would have an awesome tan line.... :)

Introducing!!!

2011-04-26T22:31:00.003-06:00

Hey Everyone! I'm excited to announce the grand opening of an additional blog (website coming soon!).

Cups of Cake

Love it....like it...and follow it :)

I'm pretty excited about this and it has been A LONG time coming!

St. George/Kite Festival

2011-04-20T19:08:00.015-06:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go down to St. George with some friends for a little get-away! It was a lot of fun! My friend Sarah has a condo that we stayed at. We swam in the pool and laid out in the hot sun! It was about 80 degrees down there! Some of us also went to the Kite Festival. That was super neat! There were hundreds of kites everywhere! We got our super super high! Sunday we went to church and then after rode Vespas. I really want a scooter now! They are so fun!

P.S. Sorry about the cuss word in the song...

Mexico/Guatemala!!

2011-04-14T19:46:00.015-06:00

Finally! Just so you know, I had to upload these in 3's and it was quite annoying. So you better enjoy them! They aren't in order....just trying to make it fun for you :)

Just a little preface. I went on this trip with 4 girls from my ward, my Bishop, and his friend. All together there were 36 people on the tour. Our tour guides were Jack Marshall and Nacho. We went down to Mexico City first where we spent 4 1/2 days and traveled to all the sites. Mexico is pretty neat! Although, it smells like Taco's one minute and then it will smell like sewage! Gross! Mexico city is huge! It's a 60 mile diameter. There are also 60,000 LDS people in Mexico! That is awesome!

Then we flew to Guatemala for 4 1/2 days and saw the sites there. It was really cool and we did a lot of site seeing but also a lot of adventurous there too! I absolutely loved Guatemala! I would go back there in a heart beat!

Well enjoy the pictures! There are a lot of them and they took me forever to upload! :)

Me eating some yummy fruit that I can't pronounce the name of. It was a mixture between a squash/kiwi/pumpkin. It had an interesting texture but was mostly sweet. Nacho (Our Mexican tour guide) bought it off the street in Antigua for us to try.

This is also in Antigua. What I'm pointing at is a volcano. They are seriously all over the place! It's pretty cool to see the smoke spew out of them.

Guatemala Temple with our group! We didn't have time to go inside (next time). Across the street is the MTC and we also went there and had a little tour. It was pretty cool. We walked in on a class that was in session. They took a break to sing us "Called To Serve." It was really neat!

Nacho, Julio and I comparing tans. Pretty sure I'm tanner than both of them! Ok....just red :(

We went zip lining in the jungle of Guatemala....just saying that sounds cool! It was awesome though! And pretty cheap compared to others! It was 7 stations and the coolest feeling in the whole world! Above is some of the tour group that was there.

Pretty much the coolest thing (right up there with the zip line, of course) I've ever done! Swimming in a waterfall! It was so surreal! I absolutely loved it! It made me want to waterski :)

Just a big head :) Emilee, Me, Sarah, and Taya by the big head :)

Jumping pictures....we did this a lot! This is the Sun pyramid in Teotihuacan and below you can see just how tall it is. It is the second largest pyramid in the world with 239 LARGE steps! It was a work out for my glutes, that's for sure! There are 3 large pyramids and 12 smaller ones surrounding it (Symbolism maybe????)

The group :)

What did I tell you? Jumping pictures are fun! This is in front of Mexico's version of the statue of Liberty.

I tried to learn Spanish. :) Let's just say that in the mornings, I spoke it perfectly when we would get our wake up calls! Everyone loved my spanish! Especially Nacho! Siete's all around! (If you can't tell...I'm being very sarcastic....except the morning Spanish part....hahaha)

Lake Atitlan....or The Waters of Mormon!

The cutest little Guatemalan baby you'll ever see! This is Diana and she is seriously so cute! See that blanket she is wrapped in? Her mother let me try holding her with that blanket tied around me! It was crazy how they just fling that baby on their back and go about their daily lives! I felt like Diana was going to fall off and it made me nervous! But it was pretty cool!

Guatemalan Temple again!

Here you can see just how huge the pyramids we were seeing! They are seriously all over the place down there! And it is said that only 2% of them have been excavated! So 98% are still under "hills" and what not! Crazy!

Oh just a GIANT tarantula! Good thing I looked down when I was walking!

This is Nacho and Jack Marshall! Our amazing tour guides! They helped bring the Book of Mormon to life for me!

A Ceiba tree! These things are GINORMOUS! Seriously the biggest trees I've ever seen! They look big spiders at the top, too. Pretty neat!

Just a cute little Guatemalan girl on the streets.

We made friends with the local authorities. Not because we had to might I add!

This is Earl. He'd join us every morning for breakfast and we would feed him our left overs. Sometimes his friends would come, too. PARTY!

The trunk of the Ceiba tree! You can see now, just how huge they really are!

The River Sidon! We took boats down the river where we saw a couple Crocodiles laying out on the beach! The side that our group is on is Mexico. The other side of land is Guatemala. Does this count for being in two places at once?

In one of the MANY museums we visited. This statue in particular was my favorite because it is the Water God! We became instant friends!

This is a canvas drawing that dates back A LONG time ago! If you see closely, you can see the tree of life, the Jaradites coming off their ships, etc. It's actually pretty cool!

I have a thing for trees.

Just illustrating how tall the steps could be

And sometimes how narrow. It's really fun when there is a mixture of stairs :)

Back to zip lining again! I was pretty excited about it, if you couldn't tell! :)

Now this is what I picture when I read about the temples and pyramids in the Book of Mormon. This was pretty neat!

This was on top of Pyramid number 4. Don't worry, Nacho saved us! :) On the top of this, it over looks the tops of a couple other pyramids. Its actually where they filmed a section of the first Star Wars.

In the jungle!

Breath taking, right? This is supposedly where King Noah dwelt. He had quite the view if you ask me! This is in Palenque.

Another view from a different pyramid! I think I hiked just about every pyramid I could! I didn't want to miss out on ANY view! :)

I have a fear of dogs. When I heard this "thing" growling, I may or may not have freaked out. And it was a flipping person! But it was in the jungle...so you can see why I freaked out., right?

Either the same head or a different one. They are all over the place :)

Another view of the Sun pyramid.

Welcome to Mexico (I should have put this picture at the top....sorry!)

In one of the Museums. This is the Aztec calendar.

Frustrated....

2011-04-12T18:08:00.001-06:00

I don't know why blogger is having such a hard time uploading these pictures....

I'm getting frustrated!!

Mexico/Guatemala!

2011-04-05T18:35:00.002-06:00

Just a teaser for my Mexico/Guatemala pictures that are coming soon!

Sorry...I'm still waiting on some pictures!

It's cool when....

2011-03-29T19:15:00.003-06:00

...you go to the temple and see your grandpa greeting everyone who is going into the baptistry. Then he see's you and gets a huge smile while saying, "Welcome home miss Jessie."

P.S. Central America pictures coming soon! Stay tuned...

Good News!

2011-03-03T11:29:00.002-07:00

I've got some good news!

Remember that scrapbooking company I applied for right after I quit my job?

Well I just got called back yesterday where they offered me the position of Administrative Assistant at We R Memory Keepers!

I'm SUPER excited and SUPER nervous!

I start Monday and work for 2 weeks then leave to Mexico/Guatemala for a week!

Life is good....enjoy it!

Did I mention....

2011-02-28T11:21:00.004-07:00

....that I'm going to Mexico and Guatemala in 18 days!?!?! I'm SO excited! I will be gone for a week and a couple days. It's a Book of Mormon tour where we will see the "supposed" lands where the Book of Mormon took place. I'm stoked!

Here is a few things we will be seeing....

Mexico City: The great ruins Teotihucans of
Ruins of Palenque: considered by many as the best in Central America
Travel by boat on the Mayan Nile: considered by many to be the River Sidon
Ruins of Yaxchilan: possible candidate for the city of Zarahemla
Ruins of Tikal: probably the most impressive ruins in Central America
Ruins of Kaminaljuyu: prime candidate for the city of Nephi
Guatemala City: the once vast city of Nephi is perhaps the city that is buried beneath this capital.
Lake Atitlan: prime candidate for the "Waters of Mormon"

Lists, Sticky Notes, Etc...

2011-02-23T12:13:00.004-07:00

If you know me, you know that I love sticky notes, journals, lists, To Do's, PRO/CON lists, etc....

My friend Sarah introduced me to the perfect website to purchase such things!

http://www.knockknock.biz/

Add A LOT of those to my wish list now! :)

Wish list....

2011-02-22T13:37:00.007-07:00

Why is it when I don't have a job, I find myself wanting EVERYTHING?!? Here are a few on my wish list....

Silhouette Machine

Nikon D-90

I may or may not have a little bit of an addiction. I'm justifying it with saying that I don't play with money. Thanks to Mardigras at USU, I found a new game....hahaha...don't judge me! So yes...I want Poker Chips!

A new car...this is the ONE that I've been looking at. I really want an Acura or an Infiniti but I decided that all cars are the same...they get you from Point A to Point B. So that is why I decided on the cheaper route.

Jack's CD

Ingrid's CD

Toms

Laser Hair removal....I don't have a picture for this because there were only gross pictures of men's half hairy/half lasered backs. (Is lasered even a word?)

Well that is about it for now....

........................................................................................................................................

The job hunt is going alright I guess. I leave for a week and a few days in March to Mexico/Guatemala so I don't have a whole lot of motivation to go find a job when I'm just going to have to ask for the time off.

But I'm still staying busy, surprisingly!

I went HERE the other day! I've never been to this one and it was really pretty!

I've been flying by the seat of my pants lately....

2011-02-17T14:59:00.006-07:00

....because I'm only 23 and I can.

Guess what? I quit my job last Friday! I've been meaning to post this awhile back, but I've been so busy LIVING my life to the fullest!

Why did I quit my job? It's a long story, but lets must say, it was time. I was definitely not happy there and the management made sure I was not happy. Although there were a couple girls there that made going to work easier, it wasn't enough. Last Monday was my breaking point. I was holding back tears all day. On the way home, I bawled. I didn't have to work Tuesday because one of the doctors was out of town, but when Wednesday came, I was bawling to work. When my brother found this out, he gave me the "quitting pep talk."

He told me that I deserved better and that I shouldn't be crying when I go to work. He thought he was happy at his previous employment, but now he is working for L3 and he now knows what true happiness is when you are working. That's what I want.

Happiness is a choice....yes, I know this. But it is important to find a job that on days you aren't happy you have a happy job to lean on.

I have gained a whole new appreciation of faith and I have been quite surprised with myself and how I'm dealing with all of this. Usually I would freak out and never just quit a job without having a back up.

I know that without a doubt I will find "THE" job I can be happy at. I have jobs that I would love to do, but they are just the waiting game in order to apply for them.

Good news though! I had an interview just Monday. Semi-bad news, they filled the position. BUT they liked me enough that they are trying to see if they can create another position for me. So I'm waiting to hear back on that. I'll keep you posted!

I'm happy. I'm happy with myself. I'm happy that I'm doing what I want...for once. Instead of wishing I was doing something....I'm doing it. Every night before I go to bed, I write down a list of goals I WANT to accomplish the next day. Hence the title, flying by the seat of my pants. So far I've gone to the gym more, read more, gone to the Draper temple (never been to that one), visited my grandpa, gone to Relief Society activities, applied to jobs (of course), got my tires rotated, cleaned my room/bathroom/mini-house, etc.

I'm extremely blessed to have so much support through this from my family and friends! It's amazing how happy I am when I'm going through, what others may feel is a pretty big trial.

I had a friend tell me that I haven't been the same for the past couple months. He then followed up with, "But now you're back!"

It will work out, because it always does. Sometimes you have to make the first move before Heavenly Father will step in and take care of the rest.

So if you hear of anything or anyone hiring....let me know! :)

..............................................................................................................................................................................

On a side note, my nephews birthday was Sunday but we celebrated it on Friday. He asked if I would make his cake back in December. Of course I couldn't resist. He wanted a batman cake and that is exactly what he got. You should have seen the kids face when I brought it out!

When I came home Friday morning, after quitting my job, I said to Britton, "Guess what?!"

He responded, "What?" I replied, "I just quit my job!" He gave me this confused look and then asked, "Why the heck did you do that?!" Hahaha....love him (he is only 8 by the way). I told him it was for adult reasons.

When I brought the cake out and cut him a slice, as he was chewing, he said, "Jessie, it's a good thing you quit your job because now you should be a baker!" Thanks Britton, I may just think about that! :)

I can...

2011-02-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

...SEE! :)

That is all...

LASIK!

2011-01-29T15:55:00.005-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoH0VHrOM9A

Above is not my LASIK procedure but another one that I found on youtube that was similar to mine. I watched this video before the procedure and I probably shouldn't have...haha, but I still went through with the it. Just remember that I could see absolutely EVERYTHING! Especially when he brushed my eye with the little sponge thingy.

They gave me a valium....don't ask questions!

Immediately after the procedure, they were taping my attractive bug eyes on my face that did more bugging then helping!

Kinda a hard picture to see because of the blinds but this is the machine that made me see again.

Overall, I've been recovering just great! The way home was a little more miserable/uncomfortable than I thought it was going to be. The sun was really bright yesterday, which didn't make matters any better. And when you cry because of the sun, it hurts even more.

Salt in the wound....OUCH!

I have a great mom who hung out with me all morning and even made me some lunch! Beth and Kris came over later and watched movies/TV shows with me. I really enjoyed the company because I was bored out of my mind from watching TV all day (they don't want you to do anything else, but do that). Beth even took me to go get take-out Chinese!

Thanks guys! :)

It's amazing that I can see! I keep thinking that I have my contacts in. And then it dawns on me, "I don't have anything on my eyeball helping me see!" It's pretty awesome!

I woke up at 4:30 last night and I could see my alarm clark like it was nothing! I can get used to this! :)

P.S. Goodbye girl pictured below!

Trip up to Logan!

2011-01-27T19:07:00.002-07:00

My friend Kris and I went up to Logan last night to visit our other friend Travis who is going to school up at Utah State! They are seriously my best friends and I love it! I talk about all my boy drama and they give me the boy side, which is awesome! :) As weird as it sounds, I've been feeling weird lately, and they always put me on track! I'm grateful for amazing friends!

This Indian restaurant is my absolute favorite! I seriously have an addiction to Indian food! This Indian restaurant is attached to a gas station and is totally ghetto....haha. Nothing beats an adventure.

Afterwards, Travis told us that we needed to try the Aggie ice cream parlor. It was yum, yum, yum! They even have an awesome mirror that you can stare at yourself while you eat your ice cream. A-W-K-W-A-R-D! Haha

I'm getting my LASIK done tomorrow and they had to dilate my eyes. The boys thought I was high...haha. They were dilated ALL day and it was so ANNOYING!

Talk about HUGE! :)

4th Grade Comes Back!

2011-01-15T10:13:00.004-07:00

This is me in 4th grade. I'm kinda embarrassed to show you this picture...haha. You can all laugh now because I know you were all holding it in!

Anyhow....I'm getting LASIK at the end of the month and I couldn't be more excited about it....except that I have to wear my glasses again.

So I feel like this girl pictured above, minus the braces.

And it only goes down hill from here because after surgery I can't wear make-up.

I'm half excited to have an excuse not to get ready for the day and half not because not very many people have seen me without makeup...not even my family.

I've always been a: get up, get ready, ALWAYS type of girl. So yeah....I guess one month compared to 80 years of good vision won't kill me!

Hope you are all LUCKY enough to see me in the next month! :)

P.S. As you can see, the font is extra big for those of you who can't see...like me....

Highlights from 2010

2011-01-01T15:56:00.009-07:00

Just a few highlights from 2010....which was a blast! I lived life to its fullest and took advantage of what this great life hast to offer! Thanks for everyone who helped make it a great year!

Volunteered with the Winter Special Olympics and had a blast!

Had an amazing internship!

Graduated with my Bachelor degree!

Went caving up in Ogden! Scary but way cool and new for me.

Went to Nauvoo with my ward but even better, I went to Adam-ondi-Amen. I've always wanted to go there and now I have. Above is my bishopric.

I went to a lot of BBQ's this year, but they are always fun! This one in particular because they had cotton candy! YUM!

Ran Ragnar with my mom, friends, and cousins.

At the finish line...we had some really good times!

Annual Flaming Gorge trip! This time my whole family was able to make it out and it was a lot of fun!

Waterskiing....my true love!

Midnight canoe trips.

I jumped out of a plane at 12,000 feet!

Spent time with my family.

Participated in a Buddy walk/run for the cutest little boy in the world pictured below.

Waterskiing...again, I really love this. And look at that beautiful water!

Brother Kyle met the love of his life and they were sealed for Time & Eternity.

Made these.

Carved these with friends.

Dressed up like trolls for Halloween.

Went to the Zoo lights! They are pretty cool and I would recommend going next year if you didn't make it this year!

Dressed up again...but this time in the 1920's.

Spent Christmas with these cool kiddos! Miss them already!

2010 was a great/challenging year but I learned a lot. It's true, when you get older, you get wiser!

Bring on 2011!

1920's

2010-12-20T19:08:00.006-07:00

My friend had a 1920's Christmas party in SLC the other night. It was a lot of fun! I don't usually enjoy dressing up, but I had fun with this costume and I think it would have been fun to grow up during those times....only to wear the outfits of course!

Karaoke---CHECK!

2010-12-10T15:48:00.002-07:00

I have a confession....I have a bucket list!

Who doesn't?

Well on that bucket list was to sing Karoke....

And....

I did!

Last night! It was a blast!

I sang, "Earl Had to Die" by Dixie Chicks

When the announcer called my name he said, "We have the first man hater on the floor for the night!"

HA HA HA

But not only did I sing "Earl Had to Die" but I sang some other songs with my friends. It was a really fun night and I'm glad that Sarah forced me to come! :)

Like the title says, Karaoke---CHECK!

Busy!

2010-12-06T17:47:00.003-07:00

I put EVERY THIING in my phone! My phone is my planner, my to do list, my everything. I don't know what I would do without it!

As you will notice, the above picture is the month of December on my phone. The dots mean I have something going on......so I probably won't be very good at blogging until the month of December is over!

Luckily I got my Christmas shopping done so when I'm not busy running around, I can enjoy the Christmas season! It is truly my favorite time of the year!

This is also a picture of the message I got from ESPN about the win of the mighty Utes on my phone! Go Utes! What a lucky game! I thought I was going to have a heart attack!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Running Mantra

2010-11-29T15:53:00.001-07:00

My mom is getting the runners in our family running I.D.'s for Christmas. On them, they let you put a mantra that you live by. It starts off by saying, "I run because..."

I have decision problems (no news to most of you) and I'm asking for your input as to how I should finish that sentence.

Suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

My B.F.F.

2010-11-22T23:07:00.003-07:00

Meet my B.F.F. (You can get to know her more HERE.) We went to dinner tonight and it was just the pick-me-up I needed. It was a tough weekend and it was exactly what I needed to get me back to the good ol' Jessie.

We talked about life both past, present, and future.

She came over and saw my furniture....just because.

She is just that awesome!

I have to apologize to her though because whenever we get together, I feel like I complain a lot and vent.

And then again, I have to thank her because she gives me hope for the future. She gives me perspective on life. And she helps me to pull myself together and realize that things aren't really that bad.

So thanks Lauren! I love you and I'm so grateful for you in my life.

Decisions

2010-11-18T17:01:00.003-07:00

Lately I feel like I've been having to make a lot of decisions. Decisions that I don't know where to even start to make a "Pro/Con" list.

Q: What is next?

Q: Where do I go from here?

Q: Should I go back to school?

Q: Should I move out of state?

Q: Should I buy a new car now or wait?

Q: Should I just date this boy or should I wait for something better?

Q: Etc...etc...etc...

My WHOLE life I've always stayed busy. I rarely stop for myself to catch up. I'm a "stress ball" according to my friends. :) I'm always looking to the, "What's next in life" tidbits. I make decisions quickly because I feel like they are going to make me progress, but when I'm done, I've realized that I didn't as much as I thought.

I also make decisions, convince myself and others they are right, only to find out that 3 weeks after the decision, I have no DESIRE what so ever to do it anymore.

I've been caught up in school for 22 years of my life that I don't know the feeling not being in school. I need to learn to be happy without the "sense" of progression, because that is where I will truly progress.

Typical girl that can't make decisions? You have found her right HERE!

So I've decided to live my life.

Live it the way I want, not worrying if I'll regret it later.

If it makes me smile/laugh/happy, then it was a great decision!

This life is too short to have regrets...

As a wise professor once told me, "Life in the moment"

So with that being said and following the motto for my blog....FIND joy in your journey!!!

~The End~

100th post!

2010-11-07T19:56:00.003-07:00

Crazy that this is my 100th post!

I have nothing that exciting for a 100th post for you, but for me....I bought something.

Something big.

Something that will last me years.

Something that only a self-diagnosed OCD girl would love.

Ready?

Furniture?!

I figured when I move out, I'll have nothing to put it a house. So while I'm living at my parents and will have free storage, I might as well start collecting some stuff. I was pretty excited about this purchase. I bought a couch, a rug, an ottoman, 2 end tables, 2 lamps, and pillows.

Oh and a bunch of other things because my parents decided to give me the basement as my little "apartment." Who knew picking out glasses and silverware were so much fun?! :)

October!

2010-10-31T20:04:00.008-06:00

This month I had a blast! And this is why...

Dressed up like a troll for Halloween with some friends

Went to In-and-Out with friends!

Went to Frightmares!

Made this ^

A group of us got together and ate some Taco soup. My friend Sam passed out the candy last night only to find out that we didn't have much since my parents were out of town (my mom didn't buy any...haha) so we had to improvise. Notice the applesauce and Fiber one bars. :)

Went to the temple with my friend Sarah. On the way home we stopped at Heartland paper company to see her line of work. She is a graphic designer for a scrapbook paper and it was fun to watch her excitement to see what she had been working on, actually in stores. She is so talented!

Went to the Ingrid Michaelson concert in the Venue with these cute girls! (Mary, Beth, Lindsey, and Me)

In the Venue

Carved pumpkins with these cool peeps!

My pumpkin

Hiked Adams canyon for the first time with my sister, mom, brother, Tyson, Ashlyn, and Ellie.

In the waterfall...it was F.R.E.E.Z.I.N.G!

Went to Park City with my family. I love this picture of 2 out of the 3 of my sisters!

Brother Jed! He bought me a carmel apple! He is so nice!

Chilled with the nieces and nephews (picture is missing 2 nephews)

Got family pictures....what a day! :)

Surprised my brother with this

Made this for my Sister in-law (A.K.A. made my very FIRST wedding cake)

Witnessed this :)

Skied one last time on this.

Also not pictured that was done this month was:

Harry Potter

Corn Maze

Trick-or-Treat food drive

Health tests....

Halloween Party at Heathers

The Wedding--

2010-10-21T23:03:00.003-06:00

Congratulations Kyle and Andrea! I couldn't be happier for you two!

After a couple break-downs, I was able to make my very first wedding cake. It was hard, tiring, and overwhelming at times, but I can officially cross it off my bucket list now.

You all know me...I'm a perfectionist...so I worried about the small things. Goodness, I need to learn to get over that!

Only one layer of the wedding cake is real cake. Andrea wanted Chocolate and Kyle wanted Yellow. Kyle was smart and let her have her way. But I couldn't let Kyle be disappointed, so I made him a surprise yellow grooms cake.

Would I do it again? Most definitely! I learned A LOT!

Today...

2010-10-07T22:34:00.003-06:00

...Today was a good day! Oh heck, who am I kidding! Today was a GREAT day! Things are coming together for this wedding and it makes me happy. I feel happy.

I have a good feeling about this....

Piece of Cake

2010-09-25T15:05:00.002-06:00

I took another cake class and this was my final cake. I didn't have time to finish the whole thing with flowers so I added the bow that we made the first week of class. I think it turned out cute! I need to practice more with dying the fondant. It's tricky to get it the exact color you want! But I love decorating! It lets me use my creativity!

Skydiving 9/11/2010

2010-09-13T18:31:00.013-06:00

The sky was spotless of clouds...why not jump into it?

So my mom and I decided just that!

We got some cool people to come along for the ride....

(Ryan, Ashton, Mom, Me, & Shannon)

We signed our lives away...

To awesome instructors...

(Farris and me by the plane)

We allowed them to be strapped to our backs....

We ALL allowed them to be strapped to our backs...

To jump out of a small plane...

Can't say I didn't like it....because I LOVED it!

Dropping....

Free...

Flying....

Falling...

Disoriented...

Amazing...

Cool...

....Free Falling....

*Bliss*...

Landing.... :(

So sad that it is over, but looking forward to the next time!

It was the coolest feeling in the whole entire world! Falling from 12,000 ft in the air. I felt like I was flying.

It was absolutely beautiful. Incredible mountains, lakes, and land that Utah has to offer.

I'm just trying to see one piece of it at a time, whether it be above ground, or under it ;)

Also, just fulfilling my childhood dreams of becoming the disney princesses of course:

Ariel=Check!

Jasmine=Check!

HELP!

2010-09-09T19:35:00.003-06:00

Well, the wedding is fast approaching and I still haven't found a dress!

Desired but not necessary:

3/4 sleeves, just in case it's a little chilly.
Colors=Fall, thus I want something brown, sage, etc. Not black, because I have 2 black dresses already.
Something new for the boring, old me.
Slenderizing of course!

Any suggestions?!

Wednesday Night Boating!

2010-08-26T18:26:00.007-06:00

Beware...there are a lot of pictures!

Wednesday night a small group of us went boating. My friend Kris bought a boat this summer and after many late nights fixing and repairing, it is finally ready to go!

I pulled it in our yukon. I like to drive fast when I tow things.

Just kiddin! The speedometer is broken! :)

The whole gang! Kris and 3 girls...haha

Beth, Me, and JoyAnne

Even though Willard smells, it sure is pretty when the sun is going down!

JoyAnne loves her picture taken!

I thought this was a cool shot

Kris showing off his skills

JoyAnne showing off her skills now

And some more

The boat driver

JoyAnne

HA...the flag makes me look good

Beth has never tried skiing or boarding and we decided that we needed to change that. After 5 tries she got up! It was pretty sweet! Go Beth!

She's up!

Doing what I absolutely love...hands down!

I thought this was a pretty cool picture because you can see the water droplets and then me in the background. Props to Beth for taking the picture!

B.L.I.S.S!

I'm excited...and don't know how to pose in pictures! ha

The tower of boards. Mine and Kris'...A.K.A. Kyle's board.

The sun was in their eyes but I thought it was a cute picture nonetheless. Beth and JoyAnne chillin in the back of the boat.

Kinda a good one...ha

UGH SUN!

It was a FUN day and exactly what I need when I come home from work! Hanging with friends, boating, and my ski :)

feeling a little materialistic lately...

2010-08-22T17:09:00.004-06:00

I feel that I have been materialistic lately! I have been in LOVE with not only my new waterski,

but my new 27" mac desktop.....

I got my mac a couple months ago....

And I LOVE it.....

It's huge!

It takes up my whole desk...and my time :)

I think there is warning about becoming too materialistic and how to not let "them" be the only "things" that make you happy....

But they do :)

I just can't help it.....

It can do SO MANY things! Making videos, editing pictures, iTunes, movies, photobooth, email, dashboard, garage band, etc, etc, etc.

I learn something new EVERYDAY!

P.S. I will never go back to a PC!!

The week of Birth

2010-08-17T19:28:00.005-06:00

This past week I turned the BIG 2-3! I feel so old! I really don't want to hear you people who are older complain that you are older. Let me complain for one year! :)

But really...23 is old for me. I never really imagined this age at this time of life. If that makes sense.

It was a great week though! It was like a full week of celebration!

Monday: One of my friends called me to go shooting up Farmington Canyon.

Tuesday: CHERRY HILL! I had the day off and I wanted to do something fun. So my friend Beth and Jenessa packed a lunch and headed to the hill of cherries! It was fun! Just relaxing in the hot sun!

My good friends Lindsay and John Griffin made me a birthday dinner that night! They are so awesome and I love that I can chill with them!

Wednesday: Went waterskiing with some friends! I love the water so much! It was pretty choppy but I didn't care. Just being on the water cheers up my day! (P.S. Kris cries when I ski, as you can see)

Thursday: I worked :( The actual day of birth. A girl at my work was so sweet to remember my birthday! She ordered me a cupcake cake in the shape of a foot! Believe it or not, but those are all cupcakes! Pretty cool! Dr. Anderson took those pictures on his iPhone which explains why they are kinda blurry.

My mom and I went to Red Lobster though for dinner when I got home from work. You know I'm getting old when I ask for a sewing machine...hahaha.

Later Thursday night my friends and I watched the meteor shower up Farmington Canyon. It was amazing! I love the night sky!

Friday: Had a girls night with my friends! We got pizza and watched a movie.

Saturday: Partied.

Sunday: Had the WHOLE fam over for dinner. It was my other friends birthday as well so came over to share joint attention.

It was a great week! Thanks to the many texts and phone calls on that day! I think I have the coolest friends ever!

P.S. i am in LOVE!

....with my waterski :)

Fondant

2010-08-04T22:15:00.005-06:00

Dear fellow bloggers,

I decorated a cake with fondant tonight.

it. was. hard.

I'm just too much of a perfectionist and it didn't look the way I wanted it to. Any tips or suggestions when covering a square cake in fondant on how to get the edges crisp and clean?

I need lots of practice if i'm going to put together a wedding cake in October....

Sincerely, N.E.R.V.O.U.S

Annual Flaming Gorge Trip 2010

2010-07-31T15:53:00.006-06:00

Flaming Gorge is my FAVORITE place in the whole world! It is so pretty and I absolutely love the night sky! You will never see so many stars until you go there!

Flaming Gorge is the only place I know that has pure, glass water at anytime of the day! This year we had our WHOLE family there!

We also went with the Johnson and McSwain family.

We didn't have the best of luck this year. Two boats broke down, which meant not as much skiing and wake boarding as I would have liked. But don't worry, I still managed to ski 3 days in a row behind a Master Craft at 3:00 in the afternoon.

Waterskiing=L.O.V.E.

Tyler, Gavin, and Britton. This was on the way to camp and Britton didn't want his picture taken. haha

Sam. The most content little boy you will ever meet!

Sarah. We went tubing together and we went right through a wave. She didn't like that so much, but when she got back in the boat, she was just fine.

Sarah and Aunt Kim.

Tubing wars!

Sarah and me on the tube.

Ashlyn and Sarah. They are so dang cute!

Some of the boys floating around on a canoe. Cade and Britton are in the back.

This boy has the biggest imagination. He can pretty much entertain himself and it is the funniest thing to watch!

Cade spear fishing with Tyler.

Cousins. One is giving the peace sign while the other is attempting. So it looks like #1 and #2. haha

Tyler about to go spear fishing. No words describe this picture but hilarious!

Ellie is super brave! I won't even pick up a craw fish!

Cade and Ash on the way to camp. It was raining pretty bad on the way and they were good sports to bare the rain!

Jed and me.

Mom and me.

Sarah and me on the dock.

Besides the broken down boats, rain, snakes, and stitches (Ang cut her knee while waterskiing) it was a blast! I had so much fun with my family! I miss them so much already and can't wait to see them again!

P.S. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new waterski!

Introducing...

2010-07-21T19:24:00.002-06:00

About a week ago, my brother Kyle got engaged to the perfect girl for him! Welcome to the fam Andrea! She is awesome and I truly love her like a sister! We get along great and we are always laughing when we are together!

Let me tell you something. The 3 boys below: Kyle, Jake, and Dave. I was afraid they would always be bachelors. Dave got married last month, Jake is getting married tomorrow, and Kyle is getting married in October. Amazing how these things happen, right?

Thanks Dave for starting the trend. I'm glad to see you guys aren't bachelors anymore and that you have found amazing girls that 'fit' with you! I couldn't be happier for you 3 boys!

Andrea and I playing NERTS at Kris' cabin

This is Jake and his sister Kenzie

And guess who Andrea asked to make their wedding cake????

ME! I'm pumped!

Girl Talk in the Home Depot!

2010-07-15T23:08:00.006-06:00

Tonight my friend and I went to Home Depot to check some things out for a project that I will be doing in October. I brought up something that has been on my mind for a LONG time and we ended up having girl talk on aisle 12 by the Styrofoam for about an hour.

When people would ask if we needed help or would walk past we would pretend like we were deciding on the thickness of the Styrofoam that we needed or talking the construction lingo.

Smooth....

We were 2 girls on aisle 12 for an hour. Why would the home depot guys keep asking if we needed help?!

As far as the topic....more to come.....or maybe not. We will see.

Undecided!

2010-07-14T22:47:00.001-06:00

I cannot decide on a blog layout that I like....

This will have to do...or maybe it should just go back to the white....

I'm so boring!

Grateful

2010-07-13T16:09:00.005-06:00

Some of you may know, that when something is really bothering me, I tend to tune people out and do my own thing for awhile. I know it doesn't sound healthy to some of you, but sometimes it's good for me to really ponder and figure things out for myself.

During this time, I talked to some close friends and discovered that it isn't the end of the world. There are a lot of people in this world who have it worse! A lot worse! A different friend told me to worry about the "unspeakable" when and if it actually becomes the case.

So for now I will not quit on life or things that I believe to be true.

I don't have a hole in my heart. That in and of itself is something that I should be grateful for.

Enjoy the moment and your life! Isn't that one of the reasons we were sent here in the first place?!

Thanks for your prayers! I have definitely felt them more than ever and I truly believe that the reason I'm doing so well with things right now is because of all of you!

Answers=NONE

2010-07-09T17:23:00.005-06:00

As some of you can see, I deleted my previous post about the doctors appointment Wednesday because it didn't go according to MY plan. I was excited to hear what the doctor had to say about how he could fix the hole in my heart and how everything would go away.

Well...he came in and told me that he thinks I don't have a hole in my heart anymore.

JK?!

Why would a staff of specialists tell me I have a hole in my heart and then come back and say JK!?

You would think this was a good thing right? Normal? <--I hate that word now days!! But when you have done months of test after test. Doctor after doctor. Needle after needle. You just want an answer and a quick fix. I felt relief when they finally had a lead and a solution.

But....

My heart felt heavy. I kept back the tears as best I could. I think if I would have started crying, it would have been one of those ugly cries, ya know?!! My voice shook and quivered when I asked him questions.

No one said a WORD on the way home....silence....quiet....pondering.

So...what is next?

NOTHING!

The possibility that was discussed with earlier doctors came up again. I can't even say that word out loud (or type it). It makes me cry just thinking of it. Only time will tell with that disease. I could be feeling the symptoms years before lesions on my brian start showing up.

Until then....I am supposed to take a seizure medicine for 6 months that is so crazy, it goes on my driving record. Not really excited for that.

Nor any of this. I'm discouraged and I've gone back to pretending that everything is 'ok' when inside I feel that at any moment, I might just explode. Don't worry, I've done plenty of that! Plenty of drives to my 'thinking spot.' Taking half days off to chill with my Madre. And lots of pondering as to what I'm supposed to learn from all this.

Just grateful for my friends that are taking me to ice cream, sending me e-mails, taking me away to watch movies, and sending me comforting church videos. Just getting my mind off things. I truly appreciate it guys, especially your prayers.

Birthdays!

2010-07-03T16:12:00.002-06:00

See the girl in the middle? That is my friend Beth and it's her birthday today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH!!!

I gathered all of our friends (or most of them, I should say) and we went to Olive Garden for her birthday dinner!

Friends are awesome!

Good News!

2010-06-25T17:42:00.002-06:00

Who ever knew that I would feel this relieved! The doctors have a lead as to what's going on! I'm so grateful! Not knowing what is going on with your body and having doctor after doctor tell you that you are fine, then just passing you off to the next specialist gets old....and VERY discouraging! Especially after months! I can't tell you how many nights I just cried myself to sleep having only ONE person who could truly understand how I was feeling.

I went to a cardiologist yesterday in Murry where they performed a cranial doppler exam. They gave me this "beautiful" crown that had ultrasound hookups on my main arteries by my ears. They then gave me an IV (my favorite yet again) and shot bubbles into my blood to see if the bubbles were going straight to my brain or being purified in my lungs. The blood is first supposed to go down into the lungs to be purified and if there is a hole in the heart, it goes straight to the brain without being purified. Well they saw more bubbles than they would have liked going straight to my brain, but not a clear indicator that it was a hole. So while I was there, they gave me an echocardiogram. AMAZING all the technology we have now days! I watched an ultrasound of all 4 chambers of my heart beating and watched the blood flow from one side to the other. Fascinating stuff! They then inserted more bubbles and they saw the bubbles going straight across from one chamber to the other (the bubbles are supposed to go down to the lungs to get purified). It wasn't a ton of bubbles so they still aren't for sure if it is a hole. So now they think it could be a small hole or some pockets in my heart that are collecting things it shouldn't. I go back to talk to the doctor in a couple weeks to see what we need to do.

It's something! I feel relieved that they care enough to talk about possibilities and options with me! I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I feel happier than I have during this whole ordeal. This has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through. Spiritually, emotionally, and physically. At first the doctors were thinking that it was MS and I am so relieved to hear that it has been ruled out. You have no idea how that disease sounded and made me feel. I cried every time someone asked if doctors were considering that a possibility or every time I pulled it up to research.

I appreciate your prayers and kind words. Your phone calls, text messages, and being there has helped more than you'll ever know.

P.S. It was hard to pretend that everything was okay....but now it really is.

Remember this???

2010-06-11T15:59:00.002-06:00

Check it out....

http://vimeo.com/11765523

Good times!

P.S. The password is: Kepler

Still Alive!

2010-06-07T12:52:00.003-06:00

...Literally! :)

Still no news as to whats going on with my body but the good news is, I haven't had any episodes for awhile! I meet with the neurologist Thursday morning and I'm praying for answers! I appreciate all the phone calls, text messages, comments, and what not after my last post! I have amazing friends and family! You guys are great! I still feel a little weak and some days feel like I'm in a dream (you know the feeling, right?) but other than that, I'm enjoying life! I'm not letting things stop me from living day to day and in fact, I'm living it more than I ever have. Enjoying each laugh, appreciating everyone around me, and just being more happy. Trials teach ya something, and this one has definitely taught me a thing or two! I will keep ya'll posted but until then, enjoy your journey!

Feeling comfort

2010-05-28T12:51:00.002-06:00

Well I don't really know how to title this post, but I thought I would let those who don't know that I've been having some health issues. This isn't me to publicly post my problems on a blog, but I need to clear up some rumors and I'd rather you hear this from me than from another source. I know, I know, reading a blog is kind of impersonal, but it is a great way to get the word out there in one clean shot!

Last Friday night I had the opportunity to go to a cabin with 3 of my girl friends. That is where the first episode occurred. Without going into too much detail, these episodes consist of fainting and blacking out for no apparent reason. I'm extremely tired right before they hit and right after they hit. I had another episode Saturday night when I got home from a friends BBQ. I'm extremely lucky that it didn't happen when I was driving home. I had another one when I was in church. Some of my friends took me home and my parents decided to take me to the E.R. after another mini one. Long story short, I've had about 10 episodes, but I'm getting better at feeling when they are going to hit and in a way control them. I've been to doctors everyday this week since Sunday except Tuesday. They have been running tests, and tests, and tests! MRI's, EEG's, EKG's, blood work consisting of mono tests, anemia, sodium, etc, and CT scans. Next week I go in for another heart test where I have to carry some recorder all day that is hooked up to me.

Throughout the whole ordeal, I've felt extremely tired and weak. I am very scared of the possibilities that doctors have thrown out there, but it isn't for sure. I really hope it is just some fluke thing.

Today I have felt better than I have all week. I feel like I can process things and think more clearly. I have definitely felt the prayers of many of you. The savior comforts me every time I walk into a new doctors office and every night before I go to bed. I'm scared. But things happen for a reason and I know that my Savior has a plan for me. Everything will be okay and I don't want you all to worry. I thought I would just clear some of the air.

Thanks to my friends and family for everything. For driving me everywhere (I can't drive). For taking me to doctors appointments. For putting me on the prayer list at the temple. For texting me everyday. For entertaining me. For staying up all night with me when I had to do the sleep deprivation test. For inviting me places. For everything. It hasn't gone unnoticed and I truly appreciate it!

P.S. Needles+Me=best friends lately....haha :)

Nauvoo

2010-05-23T12:18:00.004-06:00

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Nauvoo on a bus with 115 other YSAs. It was a blast and something I will always remember! Along the way we visited Far West, Winter Quarters, Kanesville, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Liberty Jail, Carthage Jail, and then finally Nauvoo. I love Nauvoo! It is so fun! I've been there before, but never to the other places. There is such a strong spirit there. It was a great trip and it definitely strengthened my testimony of the pioneers.

Trials=Blessings

2010-05-04T12:48:00.002-06:00

This past semester of school has been one of the toughest!

a) because I had some pretty time demanding classes
b) because of an internship that required my time outside of school
c) because of homework
d) because I wasn't able to work
e) All the above!

If you know me, you know that I like to stay busy (which I was), but when you are crazy busy and not making any money from it, it is a little discouraging. As graduation approached, I causally looked for jobs here and there. I had a huge exam that I spent most of my spare time studying for. But when I would look for jobs, there was NOTHING! Many prayers and fasting were dedicated to finding a job. Even if it was a job, while I look for THE job.

Just to recap (I don't know if I mentioned it on the blog) I have been having problems with my Achilles tendon since January (remember that awesome run I went on where I conquered some fears?), well that is when I did it. I have been pushing through the pain and continued running. Well it finally got to me and I was scheduled to run the Ogden half-marathon this month, so I made an appointment with Dr. Ryan Anderson (Podiatrist). Why him? Because I heard he was the best and I didn't want a doctor just sticking me in a boot. Well I canceled the appointment because I thought I could keep pushing through it.

Well a couple weeks before graduation, I felt that I really needed to make an appointment again because I wanted to run Ragnar this June. (I ended up selling the half-marathon ticket because of the pain and also because I'm going to Nauvoo) So I called in and the soonest they could get me in was April 27th.

Tuesday comes: I go in and talk to Dr. Anderson about the problem. He seemed really nice and cool! He is a runner so we definitely had things to talk about. This is how THE conversation started.

HIM: Well what are you doing now?
ME: Well, I graduated last week, so now I'm just on the job hunt.
HIM: What did you graduate in?
ME: Health Promotion.
HIM: Is that kind of like marketing for health?
ME: Exactly!
(I figured he would know because he is a doctor)
HIM: When you come for the procedure Friday, why don't you bring me your resume? I need someone to be in charge of Public Relations for my practice and I really want to get a practice in SLC, too.
ME: (in shock and disbelieve) Ok?

As I was setting up Fridays appointment, Kendra (Office Manager) said, can you get me your resume today? Again, I muttered something like, "sure."

I e-mailed her my resume that afternoon, without thinking that much about it.

Friday came and I went in for my procedure. Dr. Anderson began again to talk to me about the position. "Was this an interview?" I thought to myself. He then said, "So what do you think? Want to work for me?"

How could I not?!

a) It's a job!
b) It's in a doctors office (I like the setting of a doctors office)
c) it's right on the path of what I want to do
d) the staff is awesome
e) I will finally get paid after 2 VERY long semesters!!
f) All the above!

I walked out of the office and said to myself, "did that really just happen? Did I just get a job?" It was such a relief to get a job! I hate job hunting and I was feeling very discouraged! I was going to stop looking for jobs and start looking for older men with lots of money! :)

Like the title says, Trials=Blessings. Endure. Patience. Faith.

I have been taught those simple characteristics this past year. It's just crazy to see how everything worked out! I mean, who knew if I would have kept the previous appointment, if they would have had the job open?! So the positive of my Achilles Tendinitis* is that I got a job out of it.

I like working there and Dr. Anderson is awesome! They are training me now so I will basically be doing MA stuff, PR stuff, and Office Manager stuff. :)

*Achilles Tendinitis--mini tears in the Achilles tendon (the tears in my Achilles were vertical, so I don't need surgery, YET, or hopefully never! But if I do, I know a guy.)

P.S. I'm already gaining funny experiences, so stay tuned! :)

---Graduation---

2010-04-26T15:57:00.005-06:00

Graduation was Friday! It was a LONG day, but well worth it!
I feel too young to graduate to be honest and I have no IDEA what is next, but I do KNOW that everything will work out and that there is a plan!

Kyle is such an awesome brother! He and are are super close and he was there to share my special moment! Thanks Ky!

Lindsay Griffin and I! We are childhood friends and we got to graduate high school together and now college! She majored in Family Studies! Congrats Zub!

My parents! They are awesome...enough said! (I think my dad was pretending he had a college degree too...but it's just my cap)

My dad! I just love him! He is my hero and such an example to me of hard work! Thanks for coming out to my graduation Dad, even in the busy season!

Grandma Mills! She is the best! She comes to everything and I truly love her!

Grandpa Gold and Kathy also came!

Me and Shanae. She is awesome and truly one of my best friends! I don't know what I would do without her! We worked on basically everything together throughout the years! She is so awesome that she spoke and graduation and knocked every ones socks off, she did such a great job!

The whole gang!

Me and my professor/friend, Mike. He is just awesome! We are good friends and I honestly don't know what I would have done without him.

My friend Mia! We served in the Relief Society together! Congrats Mia!!!

Kristy! A.K.A. another big sister! We interned together at Hill A.F.B. and did our program together! I love her and her family like they were my own!

Carson!

Kelsi! We were the only single ladies in our program until about a month ago when she tied the knot!

Commencement! President Monson spoke! He did a very good job! As you can see, the whole first presidency was there to support him! It was pretty neat!

Emilee! She came all the way out to watch me graduate! (Just kiddin, her brothers graduated, too)

Even though it was a LONG day, it was very well worth it! I worked harder than I ever have in school this past semester and to watch it all pay off was a moment that I will always hold on to! I have always loved learning, but lets be honest, I never really thought I would finish school when I first started. Once I discovered my passion for Health, I knew I wanted to finish and to gain even more education. I love what I do and I can't wait to get out there and apply everything I've learned.

Many thanks to my friends and family! Mom, because you handled my moods of frustration and stress. Dad, because you did the same. Both of you because you guys supported me and kept reminding me that it would be worth it! Kim, for all the frustrated phone calls I had about teachers or homework! Thanks for also letting me come out so many times to escape "the world." You were even on the phone with Kyle while I walked across the stage to get my diploma, because you couldn't make it. That meant a lot! Kyle, because you encouraged me. You freaking bought me a waterski that I say 'goodnight' to every night! You came to my graduation and you didn't even go to yours! You all played a combined effort to get me to where I am! For that, thank-you! And thank-you for coming out to my graduation! It meant more than you will ever know! I love you very much!

To my friends! You know who you are! I truly appreciate your friendship and your examples. You guys even handled my moods of frustration and stress. You took me out to sushi and encouraged me through tests. You made me congratulation cakes and took me to Zuppa's. You let me cry when things got tough but you also told me to 'buck up' when I needed to. You invited me to cabins and took me canoeing. We drove through the ghetto of Ogden, jamming out to rap with the windows half rolled. You let me cry, when I thought we were going to die. All of you have played a special part in my life. That will never be forgotten.

I have learned many things in my college experiences. I have learned to never give up. I have learned to appreciate the people in your life that mean the most to you. I have learned to say, 'I love you' more, because you never know when it might be your last. I have learned dedication. I have learned service. I have learned patience. I have learned the importance of communication and staying connected with friends and family. I have learned that I am a daughter of God and that He loves me.

My education doesn't end here. I learned more than what my degree says. For that, I will be eternally grateful. I am truly blessed.