Happy Pioneer Day!

They came not for riches or gold, but rather to find a place where they could worship God under the revelations which are the foundation of this work. They were outcasts, driven and hounded, persecuted and peeled. Their reliance was on the God of heaven.

Sayonara Ease and Comfort

Well, guys, tomorrow I return to sweat and toil . . . the clink . . . the jaws of a lion. You know what I mean--WORK. Ha just kidding. I'll admit, I'm a little apprehensive of starting work tomorrow only because I don't really like not knowing what's going on, how I can help, where I should go. But who does enjoy that? So this being my last weekend of sleeping in late and eating bon bons (don't take me seriously, of course I didn't do that), I decided to live it up.

I was really lucky and met up with some friends from high school. I can barely believe it's been ten years since I graduated high school! It's funny because when I was younger life stretched out before me in this long, endless road. How surprised was I when the days caught up with me and started to fly by! I think it's that realization that makes me feel older than anything else. Life is hurtling by like a speeding bullet. It's one of my biggest fears that I'll waste time and not live up to my potential, not have enough fun, and ironically, not be serious enough as well. Anyway, it was super fun hanging out with Josh and Holly. The three of us hung out a lot in high school, we were each other's support group in many ways. We were merciless with Josh and he always took it like a pro. The hilarious part is that nothing's changed! We still tease him without restraint. In fact, when we took this picture I told him he looked like a Keebler elf although I'm not sure why I thought that. But in the quote of the day Josh replied, "Hey, I wouldn't laugh if I didn't deserve it." Trust me, Josh, you totally deserve it.

With Holly . . . one of my oldest friends in the world. Love you, babe!

Kaylin and Holly's adorable baby Jillian. I could not get over how cute Jillian is.

Excuse me while we take a short detour here: Allyson (first girl on the left) is celebrating her birthday Hanukkah-style--it's been about eight days of celebrating. Here is Allyson, Kaylin, and Ryan at Buca di Peppo. Anyone eat here, by the way? The food is super good. I liked it!

Me picking my teeth with Carrie by my side. See what I mean about not wasting any time?

More of one the most adorable babies in the world! I can't say that she's the most adorable baby in the world because pretty much all of my friends have adorable babies out there. We threw Jillian on my love sac and she loved it. Ryan said that the fur lining that my love sac is made of looks like one of those back drops for a J.C. Penney portrait. Does anybody remember those? He is so right!

Of course, the thing I will miss most about returning to work (other than the massive amounts of TV that I watched) is the ample sleep I got. If I ever felt sleepy during the day, I'd take a nap. It's awesome. Jilly here is all tuckered out and is looking pretty comfy on her love sac.

Okay world, I'm ready to take you on. Tomorrow's the day that I return to my healthy eating habits, proper sleeping schedule, and less amounts of TV watching. Of course, this also means good bye to the pool in the middle of the afternoon, an improper sleeping schedule, and copious amounts of TV.

The Game of Memory

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. Enjoy!

Nobody needs to post anything on this . . . but I've got a few friends who did this and it's always fun to remember the good times. I had a good time doing it with them.

**Oh, and Charlotte, if you choose to write on this (which you don't have to), please do not put your favorite memory as they time I fell outside of the Benson building at 10:00 in the morning--only the busiest time of the day. I don't need help remembering that.

Attention . . . Good News In Store!

Well, I am happy to report that I have been offered a job. Happy day! The funds in the old bank account are rapidly depleting so it's about time I get myself solid work with a paycheck every two weeks. I was thisclose to donating plasma for a few extra dollars but memories of doing it in college prevented me from saying yes to the idea. Once, as a wee, poor college student, the person drawing my blood infilitrated my vein--meaning that she stuck the need all the way through. As a parting gift, I had massive bruises all up and down my arm which would have been cool since bruises are cool, but I'd gone swimming with my boyfriend's family up in Park City and my bruises were on display for everyone to see. Did I mention it was only the second time I'd met them? Yeah, they thought I was a crack whore from the streets. So upon thinking of donating plasma, I thought against it.

Happily, I've been offered a job with H.W. Lochner in their Public Involvement Department. They are an engineering firm who specializes in road development. I'll be working with the community about impending road work, gathering information or general opinion, educating the public, etc. At least that's what I think. Here are some good things about this place:

--It pays more money. Now I can finally afford Gucci handbags and Manolo Blahnik shoes.
--You can work 4 10s and then take a day off . . . who doesn't like the idea of a 3-day weekend?
--The company has a 10-year plan. This may sound silly to you, but how excellent is it that they actually have a plan for how they want their company to develop over the next 10 years? I'll admit, after my experience with the Sorenson Companies (my last two jobs), they merely reacted to the market. Hence, me getting the boot because they had no idea what they were doing.
--Hello! They specialize in road work. With the impending recession, I am definitely guaranteed a job. In fact, they say in times of economic distress, road work needs are inclined to increase because people will travel by car rather than plane. Of course, gas being what it is could have an impact on this, but still . . . .
--And the best news, the location is literally down the street from where I live which means my commute will only be 5 minutes. That'll be nice for the old gas stipend and also means I can sleep in a little later. Of course, I don't really know what it means to sleep in, if I sleep in past 8 o'clock I feel like such a schlep.

Anyway, I'm excited and hopeful that this will be a good job. As with any job, I guess we'll see how it works out but I think of all the jobs I've started since graduating college, this sounds like it'll have the most potential.

To those of you who have asked, sent me job postings, or offered encouragement, I really appreciate it. It's always nice to know your friends and family are behind you when you need a little pick me up. Thanks, guys! I love you all.

A Day with Becca!

My old roommate Becca just had a baby boy so I drove down to Provo to visit her and little Calvin. Becca is such a natural with Calvin and I just marveled at what a good mother she is! Not to mention that Calvin is ridiculously cute. He slept pretty much the whole time but he was pretty funny because he grunts and whines while he sleeps. He does a lot of stretching and squirming around also. I think Becca has got herself a little athlete on her. He certainly is an active little guy even at only a few weeks old! Anyway, I'm really glad I got to hang out with Becca and her new little boy. Thanks, Becca!

Oops!

Sometimes I just don't have it in me. Sometimes I just need to lie low.

Yesterday I was in a little bit of a funk and just needed a break from the whole social scene because frankly, you really have to work to make yourself accessible. It wears, dude. So when I found out there was a ward outing to a baseball game . . . I just wasn't feeling it. All I wanted was some Wendy's, a movie, and a little alone time. But a couple friends kept trying to get me to attend the baseball game--multiple promises were made that we would make our own fun if it wasn't fun on its own. Not very enticing if you ask me. My modest, non-committal phrases were not doing the trick as they kept pestering me. Finally, I replied, "I don't really want to go unless I know that cool people are going to be there." Um . . . that's not exactly what I meant. Once I made myself seem like a sycophantic freak-o I felt slightly embarrassed. It's not like I don't like those girls! I just wasn't in the mood to attend a ward event. Just one! Can I skip just one? Anyway, I hope those girls quickly forget my slip of the tongue.

Whew! What A Couple of Weeks it's Been!

Hey everyone! Hope all of you out there in blogger land is alive and well. Anyway, I've been such a slacker posting on my blog so I'm going to try to catch you up on what I've been up to. As I mentioned earlier, I've had family in town and I took a trip to Oregon with the Phillips/Wadman family. I've been having a lot of fun lately, almost too much fun it feels. Now that I'm back, it's back to the grind and trying to play catch up with the last week o' fun. Here are a bunch of picture . . . they're kind of skiwampus (I have no idea how you spell that), so it's a little out of order. Whatev!

We hauled lumber at my grandpa's ranch. Look how burly and tough I look.

Riding in the back of my grandpa's truck up to a clearing we visit every time we're in Oregon. It was pretty fun because we brought a friend of ours from the ward and showing him around the ranch was kind of like seeing it with new eyes. It felt so fresh and unfamiliar . . . a place I'd grown up visiting. It was actually quite special for me.

This is on the trip home . . . we're adorable, I know. That's my cousin Ryan who's also Kaylin's and my roommate.

Hanging out ont he Oregon Coast. Dad and his pal Licorice on the water's edge. Licorice was not thrilled with the water.

We buried Hillary alive and made her into a mermaid. I'm giving her boobs up at the top.

At the Sea Lion Caves. This is one of my favorite shots. If you look off into the distance you can see a quaint little house. I particularly loved the fog as it rolled up against the beach. It wasn't super warm, but definitely a sight to remember.

You can take an elevator 200 feet to the bottom of the Sea Lion Caves . . . which happen to be the largest natural caves in the world. If you look closely, you can see my bulging biceps holding up the cave.

A mother of a water fight. The only problem is those water balloons didn't exactly pop when you hit somebody. They just bounced right off.

Four wheeling at the ranch. My grandpa wanted to take a picture of Dan, Ryan, and me--that's his finger in the way. So hilarious!

Eating Umpqua ice cream--seriously the most delicious ice cream in the world! Of course, my trainer would probably disapprove. Whatever!

Grandpa Phillips. What a great guy!

I love this picture . . . this is exactly how the ranch looks. All green with windy, dirt roads. It's so tranquil and peaceful, but of course you can get in some wicked good four wheeling as well.

Back in Utah--hanging out at the pool. Of course, I really have only been to the pool twice. Check out my pasty white skin and you know that the sun is my mortal enemy.

My pal Mindy and me at a baseball game. We couldn't get the picture right, but I'm pretty sure I outshine Mindy. Just kidding . . . she's smokin' hot!

I've been working more at the gym trying to scrounge up a few extra dollars. This is what I do when I'm "working."

But when the boss comes into the gym you can expect a bright cheery smile and me pretending to work!

I'm Not Dead

Hello everybody! It's not like me to post on my blog because frankly, I'm somewhat obsessed about my blog. I'm always thinking of what would make a funny story or an interesting picture to post. Anyway . . . I'm not dead, just busy! Unemployed life has surprised me because I expected much more time than I've gotten. In truth, I've had family in town, went to Oregon, and had a few interviews along the way. Interviewing takes much more time than I had anticipated--it's an all-day adventure. However, I'm hopeful something will turn up soon and as soon as I get a chance I will put something up much more interesting than this!