Finally

After a MONTH, I finally read another book. It's Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline. Like all of her other books, I loved it. Scottoline really has a way with writing. She's very funny and you connect well to the protagonist, especially because Mary DeNunzio (the main character in this book) is a returning character...she's been in other books, so you know and understand her pretty well.

Next up on my list is The Book Thief. Have you all heard about this whole "One County, One Book" thing? What a neat idea! I saw the big display last time I was at the library, so I picked up a copy. If you decide to do the same, let me know. It'll be fun to discuss!

Changes

Yesterday at the High School was the SBO announcement assembly. Since the head cheerleader is considered a Student Body Officer, I was able to participate in the selection interviews and then the assembly. While I'm very excited for next year's squad, the sadness of losing the current squad really hit me yesterday.
Our new head cheerleader (on the right) will do a phenomenal job next year, but I will miss the current one so much (left). There's something unique about this being my first squad. We learned so much together this year, and we really got close. I know the year isn't over yet, so I shouldn't dwell on it, but I really am going to miss her.
These are our four fabulous seniors. They're great girls and added a lot to the squad.
After the craziness of yesterday morning, I spent the night hanging out with Nic and Ashley. We went to Famous Dave's where we ate delicious food, had remarkable service, and Mountain Dew to-go!
Nic likes to prove that he can fit entire things in his mouth, this time being corn on the cob. After dinner we went over to his parent's house where we heard incredibly hilarious stories about Nic's childhood...which explain so much about him. Lol I'm just kidding.
This morning I went downtown with my sister and her Activity Days girls. It was a fun time, visiting the Church History Museum where we saw the new "I Am a Child of God" exhibit. I also ran into a professor I had at the end of my sophomore year. She remembered who I was and even remembered that she had published with me as a co-author in an American West magazine after the course. I do so few noteworthy things in college that it was nice to find out that some of my professors actually remember me.

Now I'm going to find some dinner, sit back, and wait for the Jazz game to start... Dave and Jen are there, which of course I'm jealous about, but I'm also SO EXCITED. I feel good about this game, even if my "sweep" prediction was a little off.

ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM!

Jen's Who What When Where Survey

Where is your cell phone? Sitting on my bed
Your significant other? Somewhere out there waiting to meet me!
Your hair? In a greasy pony tail--haven't showered yet :)
Your mother? In Las Vegas for a wrestling tournament
Your father? With my mom
Your favorite thing? What a broad question...I'll go with girls' nights w/ sisters
Your dream last night? I got engaged
Your favorite drink? Dr. Pepper
Your dream/goal? Get married and have a family
The room you’re in? My bedroom
Your ex? Which one?
Your fear? Family member dying
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Married
Where were you last night? My sister's house for dinner and AI. Thank goodness Carly is gone.
What you’re not? Submissive
Muffins? Is anyone else confused by this non-question? Favorite kind? Anything my sister makes.
One of your wish list items? A laptop
Where you grew up? West Valley!
The last thing you did? Coached a cheer practice
What are you wearing? White t-shirt and some blue comfy pants (I think they actually belong to Jen...)
Your TV? A gift two Christmases ago that I LOVE! I love being able to fall asleep to movies
Your pets? 2 dogs. They shed too much and one barks too loud, but I'm forcing myself to like them right now since the family is gone in Vegas and I'm dogsitting.
Your computer? Belongs to my mom... A Dell, relatively new.
Your life? Stagnant
Your mood? Mood? It's good, but bored. And I'm tired...contemplating a nap.
Missing someone? Not really. Is that bad?
Your car? White, bumper-sticker adorned '92 Honda Civic with 306,000 miles! She's my baby. I'm at a crossroads though--do I remove all the bumper stickers in an attempt to make my car (and myself) appear more grown-up? Or do I replace some of the shabby ones with new ones?
Something you’re not wearing? Jewelry
Favorite store? Borders
Your summer? Too busy
Like someone? Am I like someone or do I like someone? I like pretty much everyone. I'm like my sisters and my mom.
Your favorite color? Tough question. Lately? green.
When is the last time you laughed? This morning at practice with Adiel
Last time you cried? I think it was Sunday fighting with my mom
Who will repost this? I don't really even know who reads my blog, so I don't know. If you read my blog, let me know by reposting! :)

A Break from Studying

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I know that a lot of these pictures aren't very good or look a bit repetitive, but I just couldn't decide which ones to post! (Not to mention the fact that I'm trying to blog as quickly as possible so I can get back to studying, so I couldn't really take the time to analyze all the pictures I took...) This morning I went to the library for a bit and then went downtown to meet my sister for lunch. We went to the Lion House Pantry, so we were able to walk around the grounds by the JSMB, and it was my first time seeing the classic "Temple Square Flowers" this year. They are beautiful! The weather was gorgeous, the food was delicious, and the company wasn't half-bad either ;)

It was a good pick-me-up before heading back to the library for more cramming... I'll probably write again when I need another break!

Weekend Fun

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early to accompany Jess to get her hair done. The original plan was just some highlights, but she had mentioned a few times thinking about cutting her hair, so I worked hard to convince her to go for it. Well, no surprise, I was successful. :) (I can usually get Jessica to take my advice. Admit it pup--it's true!) I forgot to take an "after" picture, but I'll get one soon. Jessica's hair looks INCREDIBLE. It's pretty much the shortest she's ever had it and slightly darker than her natural color. I'm glad she listened to me!

Saturday night was a little party at my parents' house to enjoy the kickoff of the NBA playoffs on the big screen. The entire family was over, which is always a recipe for fun, and our boys made us proud. Does anyone else smell a sweep?


Since my parents are taking my oldest nephew to Las Vegas this week, my mom wanted to make sure that his younger brother didn't feel left out, so he spent the night with us Sunday. We started our night of cards with Uno, which he picked up pretty quickly. Then we played war and eventually ended up with 21. That's right... with my 8 year old nephew. :) I guess as long as you can add, the game is pretty simple. He even acted as dealer for a couple rounds. This morning when I woke up he scarfed down his breakfast and pulled out the cards again. This time I worked on teaching him Egyptian Rat Killer--my all time favorite game. I hadn't played for a long time for some stupid sentimental reasons and it felt good to slap some hands again! My nephew was actually very good once he understood the concept. I started out going easy on him but quickly decided this was one game for which I didn't want to lose my reputation. (I'm pretty much amazing lol). All in all though, it was really fun to realize that my nephew is growing up and you can actually enjoy spending time with him without having to watch cartoons or do otherwise "childish" things.

T.G.I.F.

I don't know why it's so hard for me to blog consistently now. If it makes you feel any better, this week I didn't even check my email for three days... I'm pretty sure that's some kind of a record.

Classes are over and finals have started. I have my only two finals next Tuesday and should have been making use of this week off to study, but, big surprise, I haven't. I did successfully write all of my final papers in no more than one day's time for each. That's something to be proud of, right? Successfully procrastinating?

Did you watch The Office last night? Neither did I, but I did just watch it online this morning. I'm not one to spoil things so I'll just say this... watch it. :) It's worth it. Oh P.S. for those of you who don't yet know, I'm officially obsessed with The Office. Well, to be more accurate...I'm obsessed with John Krasinski. But can you blame me? I'm also totally addicted to the show; I think it's hilarious.

Big bummer of the week: Billy Ray concert in Wendover was cancelled. :( I was looking forward to a fun trip with some of my family (my first legal one as well since I'm over 21) but I don't really feel like paying for a hotel room now that I don't have the awesome sounds of the Achy Breaky master to look forward to...Lol

Stake Auxiliary Training meeting was last night. That was a very adult experience for me. And a very uplifting one, though I'm fairly certain I'm the only person in any of the Young Women presidencies in the entire stake that's not married... Marriage has been oddly more prevalent on my mind lately, probably because of the recent engagement of a certain one of my "friends." But that's a story for another day :)

Hmm...anything else to update you on? I guess it's becoming more understandable why I don't blog very often right now... nothing is happening! Utah weather is nuts, Yale art students are disturbed, there are a bunch of movies coming out in May that I want to see, and I need a new book to read because I haven't read one in ages. And I think that pretty much sums it up. :)

Enjoy your weekend!

Updates galore!

Well, if you read my sisters' blogs, this post will be basically pointless. :) But if not...here's what's been going on in my life. The picture above is of my older sister and me at The Legend of Timpanogos, a ballet performed by the Utah Regional Ballet. I have a friend on the company and like to go support her as often as possible. I had bought tickets for Friday's show awhile ago, and when we sat down in our seats and opened the program, I realized that my friend had the principal role that night! I was so glad I got to see her and to see this ballet again. It is so incredible. If you're a fan of the arts, you should try and make it to some of their shows. They are well worth it. My brother-in-law even admitted to enjoying himself! Isn't he a good sport?

Saturday morning my squad headed off to the University of Utah for a competition put together by the Crimson Line. The girls did a great job and I was really proud of them! I think it was a good way for them to end their year together. As a side note, don't you love how cheerleaders so naturally strike a pose when they see a camera? It's something I've always found funny...
Jessica and me at the competition. She was my assistant this year, and I'm really going to miss her. Luckily, she's moving on to a great program which will be really good for her, and I have an old and fabulous friend helping me out this next year. So I guess in the end, it's a win-win situation.
Saturday night we had our semi-annual GIRLS' NIGHT!!! I don't think there's a tradition in our family that I cherish more. We always go out (my sisters, mom, and I) when the guys leave for the Priesthood session of General Conference. This year we went out to eat at Firehouse Pizza. The food was delicious and the dessert was absolutely TO DIE FOR!!! We followed up dinner with a trip to Target and Ross. I couldn't find anything I liked, so I spent money on my niece instead. :)
My mom and me across the table from my sisters at Girls' Night
Sunday afternoon, I went with my older sister and her husband to the last session of General Conference. As always, the spirit downtown and in the session was incredible. I'm so glad I got to go.
Now, I don't know if it's just my drought in relationships surfacing or if John Krasinksi is really as charming as he seems, but I haven't had a celebrity crush since 'N Sync in 8th grade and now, once again, I've been hit hard! Lol...I used to make fun of my roommates for watching The Office. I thought it was a stupid and brainless show, and I didn't know why so many people thought it was funny. But last week I was at my oldest sister's house, and she had borrowed Season 2 from my brother. So I started watching it with her and was immediately addicted. Adiel was kind enough to let me borrow Season 3 from her and I'm too embarrassed to even tell you how many episodes I watched last night or how late I stayed up doing so...

The thing is, not only is the show hilariously funny, but I am utterly in love with Jim Halpert's character (played by John Krasinski). I want my future husband to look and act exactly like him! I know how pathetic I sound, but I don't even care. :)

Jim Halpert: I don't have a ton of contact with the Scranton branch, but before I left, I took a box of Dwight's stationery, so from time to time I send Dwight faxes. From himself. From the future. [reading fax] "Dwight, at 8am today, someone poisons the coffee. Do not drink the coffee. More instructions will follow. Cordially, Future Dwight."

And that's all I have to say on the subject right now...

Very Touching

On Tuesday night as I watched the news with my sister and brother-in-law about the breaking news concerning Hser Ner Moo I found myself very emotional. Sandy Riesgraf was the anchor reporting and she looked close to tears. It was touching to see her experiencing such real emotions about the horrible event.

Today I was working at a branch in Kearns and heard countless people come in and say "I want to make a donation to that little girl's family." That little girl. No one had to ask which little girl they were talking about. People who are complete strangers to the family made donations ranging from $5 to $100 throughout the day. I was close to tears many times when I heard several old ladies, after cashing the social security checks they got today, hand a bill back to the teller and explain where they wanted it to go. Isn't it so nice to know that in times of such inhumanity, there is still such a solid base of loving, caring, and feeling individuals? Isn't it incredible to see communities form to wade through tragedies? Don't you think Hser Ner Moo is very aware and very grateful not only for the multiple volunteers that aided in her search but for the anonymous givers who want to do anything they can to buoy up a family in need?

Sometimes it's so nice to see the Lord's hand tirelessly working to bless His children in such tremendous times of need.

HELP!!!

Does ANYONE know where I could get a sound clip of a circus announcer? I just need a recording saying "Welcome to the greatest show on earth" or "Step right up!" or anything that would sound like someone announcing a circus. I've been on google for what feels like hours and I've got nothing... :( Help...

Full Circle

So in a little bit, I have to leave for mutual... Wow, don't think I've said that in about four years. But it's true. I was called as the second counselor in my ward's Young Women Presidency--sustained and set apart on Sunday. Am I really old enough to be doing that? I don't feel like it. And that's kind of odd because as 2nd counselor, I will be working with the Beehives (12 and 13 year olds) which are girls significantly younger than the girls I coach in cheer. So why does this calling seem so daunting?

I guess it's because in cheer, I know that I can teach them to stunt and dance and yell. I feel qualified to do that. And even if I fall short of helping them reach their full potential, in the scheme of things it doesn't really matter. It is, after all, just cheerleading. (Yes, I really did just admit that.) But with a Church calling, I don't feel like it's that simple. I don't feel like I'm qualified to teach them what they need to know. Of course I know I'm not alone in this, and there are many resources available to me, but that doesn't really make me any less nervous.

So, if any of you have any ideas for me regarding activities and the like...feel free to pass them along. I'm sure I'll appreciate any tips you might have.