From a while ago...

Hey there. I'm still alive . . . barely. I know I've been off the cyber grid for a while, (and by that I mean my blog since nothing interesting has really happened lately). But, it's finals week and I'm in the library studying for 2 finals I'm taking tomorrow morning, so it's a perfect time to update my blog. :) I think I make procrastinating an art, doncha think?

So, as I said, nothing interesting has happened to me lately as I've been a workaholic and imprisoned in school. I just got promoted to Sales Lead at the store, which basically means I'm like a level 1 manager. I got a little bump in pay and solid hours, so I was able to quit my custodial job, thankfully. But, I have literally been spending every free moment I have at the mall, training and prepping the store for the holiday season. Holiday shoppers are crazy.

This last Sunday, we had a MAJOR floorset, (this is where we have to go in and clear out all of our old product on the floor and put out all of our new product. It takes, literally the entire day.) I was working from 7am-5pm and it was death! Well, not really, but it was exhausting. We had a TON of product and nothing was really prepped, so finding clothes in the stock room was a nightmare. But, it was an adventure. I think I almost died about 8 times trying to find stuff back there.





Those are just some examples of what our back room looked like.
Anyway. Wish me luck. I'm going back to studying!

It's been a while.

The past couple of weeks have flown by. I can't believe it's Thanksgiving this week. That means I only have like 2 full weeks of school left, if that. Hallelujah. Not too much has happened to me except for turning 21, earning a promotion at Aero, and QUITTING THE CUSTODIAL JOB!!! WOOT WOOT! There needs to be some serious celebration going on soon.

For my birthday, I just went home and partied it up hard core with the fam. Mom made my favorite meal: Lasagna and Parmesan rolls. I had vanilla cake and mint choc chip ice cream and vanilla ice cream. Normally, we get to choose what kind of cake and ice cream we want for our birthdays, but I guess Mom forgot to ask ;) oh well, it was good anyway. I was sad that Dad didn't get to be there, (or Hay) but it was the first time in YEARS that Troy and Amanda have celebrated with me. It was awesome. Whenever I'm feeling unloved, I'm just gonna make a trip home because those kids make me feel awesome. Grace wanted me to wish that I could stay there with her forever when I blew out my candles and Emma wouldn't let go of me and kept saying, "I wanna go with you" when it was time for me to go back to Provo. It was so sweet. Cole even randomly gave me a kiss without me even asking!

Being 21 is super weird. To this day, my mind is stuck on 18, so when someone asks me how old I am, I automatically say 18. I don't know if I was expecting this awesome monumental thing to happen to me by turning 21, but nothing happened. In reality, I am an LDS girl. I don't drink or gamble, so what's the big deal about turning 21 anyway? It's kind of sad that all of my big birthdays have come and gone, (baptism birthday [8], new teenager birthday [13], sweet 16, technically legal [18], turning 20 on the 20th, and now my 21st). What's after that? Congratulations! You have now reached the menace-to-society birthday! I don't think so. Plus I feel like birthdays are getting more overrated every year. Don't get me wrong, it's fun getting free gifts (especially if it's a $45 gift card to your favorite underwear store) and cake and ice cream are amazing together, but the magic is gone now.

Anyway here are some things that I learned in the last year:
It is never a good idea to play Chocolate Milk Pong.
Ihop is better at 2am.
There is no such thing as catharsis.
Marcia Lynn Mcclure is very successful in creating unrealistic expectations in romance.
I am never alone.
I love lace.
I get nightmares sleeping on my back.
P.F. Changs really isn't THAT awesome.
No matter how many years I've been doing it, waking up early will NEVER make me a morning person.
Dr. Pepper deprivations = a very violent Shalese.
I really, REALLY don't like school.
Friends will never cease to make me giggle, even in a bad day.
There's not just one Cosmo. There's actually a team of Cosmos, therefore increasing my chance of actually going on a date with one.
I attract drama like a moth to a flame. Wish it were boys and not drama...
I like the band Parachute.
I loooove country dancing.
The University Parking Enforcement really is the outer darkness of Provo, not the testing center.
Accepting dates from numbers left on your shake cup at the Malt Shop is a bad, bad idea.
Despite popular belief, North Dakota does exist.
Heavenly Father saying "No" is him really saying, "I've got something better in mind."

Buried Alive

Just because you're bored enough to look at my blog, I figured you'd be interested enough to know what's going on in my week this week. I really have nothing to do at all. So, you know, if you wanna hang out or something, just give me a call. I'll most likely be chilling in my PJs and watching Friends the entire week. Really, I don't know why kids complain about how hard college is. I mean, it's so not stressful at all. In fact, I don't understand why everybody doesn't work 3 jobs. It's super easy!!!!

Just so you know, if you complain to me about how busy your week is, you may just end up with a permanent fist-print in your brain. Not that I'm a violent person.

Sunday:
9:30-12:30 Church
12:30-1:00 Committee meeting
1-2 Making rolls and lasagne for break the fast
2-2:30 Meeting with Bishop
2:30-3:30 Break the fast
3:30-on Hang out with family/Mary Kay prep

Monday
5-8 Work
8-11 Homework
11-12 English
12-2 Mary Kay prep
2-3 Infant Development
3-7 Homework
7-8:30 Mary Kay party
8:30-on Get food with Hilary and Lindsay

Tuesday
5-8 Work
8-9 Aerobics
9-11 Adult development
11-1 Homework/Mary Kay prep
1-3:30 Presentation at Spanish Fork Elementary
3:30-5 A trip to the bank
5-7 Work
7-8:45 Mary Kay unit meeting
8:45-10 Work
10-10:30 Deliveries
10:30-on Homework

Wednesday
5-8 Work
8-11 Observing BYU preschool
11-2 Homework
2-3 Infant Development
3-6 Mary Kay prep/Homework
6-8:30 Folklore dinner
8:30-on Homework

Thursday
5-8 Work
8-9 Aerobics
9-11 Adult development
11-12 Homework
12-1:30 Socialization
1:30-3 Donate plasma
3- ... Crap. I know I've got something going on...

Friday
5-8 Work
8-10 Homework
10-11 English
11-3 Meeting with District Manager
3-6:30 Drive to Jamie's

6:30-Sunday Night PARTY WITH MY SISTERS! This weekend could not have come at a better time. It's the only thing getting me through!

life can be a punk sometimes...

Wow. My life is an adventure. I think someone should really start following me around with a video camera.

So this past week has been super crazy for me. Multiple times I have gone to class and finding out about an assignment due that day or a test that is scheduled for the weekend. It was not fun. I guess I need to be a little more religious in my syllabus study. But apart from the crazy school week (bombing a test I studied for a least a week in advance and acing a test I studied for 2 hours before taking) I got to see Troy and his family which was fun... exhausting, but fun.

Also on my crazy week schedule which I was neither expecting or wanting was draining my checking account for things concerning my car. So in the past 3 months I have gotten a boot, a parking ticket, a fender bender, a speeding ticket, and a towing charge. Provo is REALLY nazi on the parking spots and I'm living in a place where I have like 5 stalls I could park in and I have to compete with about 50 other people. It's ridiculous.

A bright spot to the week was Friday when Kelsie and I made our way to Salt Lake to see Parachute in concert. We got there just in time for it to start, (I was delayed with my car being towed and getting stuck in BAD rush hour traffic and all). It was a little sketchy since it was at a club in the ghetto but once I was able to fend off the girl practically jumping on me during the concert with my purse, it was fun. We were introduced to a new bad that had an extremely attractive lead singer and we got to meet the lead singer of Parachute! We got a picture with him and I got Kelsie's poster signed for her :) This turned out to be a really good thing since once we got to Kelsie's car, we found one of her windows smashed in. The picture and autograph cushioned the blow a little . . .

Apart from that, my life is pretty boring :) hopefully it will slow down soon. And by that I mean once Christmas break hits. My school life is going to be really hectic here in the next few weeks. Wish me luck!


Our pic with Will to make the night all better!

Some Changes

Soooooo I am now an Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. I know. Weird, right? I'm kinda freaked out about it actually. It all happened so fast. But, I am excited. I'm ready to do something new and fun and I REALLY want to quit at least one job that I have now. I just signed up last night and my director dropped off my starter kit this morning. I've been organizing my stuff ever since and the entire time I'm going, "Holy crap. What did I get myself into? Can I actually do this?" I'm super scared, but like I said, I'm ready for something new and I want to have fun. So, to all my friends and family out there, I'm calling on you to help me get started. Once I get trained, feel free to set up some appointments with me! I would looove to hang out with all of you and do some facials!
Wish me luck...

Cherry Blossoms

So over the summer I got into painting mode again. When I was in Young Women's back in the day, we had the opportunity to do a couple of oil paintings since a few women in the ward were pro artists. I never had so much fun! It was so cool to be able to create something so beautiful and it was so relaxing.

Since I was having some troubles this summer, Mom suggested that I start to paint again. Maybe I could focus my negative energy on the painting and it would help me to feel better about life in general. So we got some supplies together and I got started.







This painting isn't really one of my best, (I've only done 3 so far) but I think it means the most to me. I was looking at it last night trying to figure out why I picked an image like that to paint. This is what I came up with: I had a rough summer. A really, really rough summer. And the hard times aren't over yet. But, this painting, to me, signifies resiliency. That no matter what life throws at me, no matter who tries to break me down, I will always rise up and become stronger than before. A quote from Mulan goes through my head every time I look at it: "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." Ironically enough, A cherry blossom is the flower that is shown in that movie.

This painting is a reminder to me now. Whenever I look at it, it gives me strength and a hope to go on. It kind of fuels my stubbornness. I will not give up and I will never back down. I will keep going, keep blooming, just like the cherry blossom tree.

Corney, I know. But true.


Here are some detailed shots:

Corn Mazes, Hot Chocolate, and Campfires

Why am I blogging so much, you ask? Well, it provides a great way to procrastinate as well as giving me a good excuse not to write in a journal since I suck at that.

Anyway. So on Monday Mom brought down the YSA branch to Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point for FHE. She invited me to come and since I LOVE hanging out with my mom (seriously Mom) I drove up to meet them. Apart from the fact that it was FREEZING, I loved it. Mom and I walked attempted to make it through the maze, but it was dark and I practically had to hold Mom up so she wouldn't trip. So, we cheated and totally just walked out the side of the corn maze. I was all for calling 911, (maybe a hot, single, priesthood-holding fireman would rescue us, but we were brave and escaped ourselves.

So after that, we walked around and saw this tower of carved pumpkins that was really cool. They had things like Disney characters and famous faces. I should have taken a picture, but I didn't. My whole body was a giant ice cube by that point so Mom and I got hot chocolate and sat by the fire. We had some good chats. Neither of us had been to Cornbelly's before and it seemed like a really cool place to bring a family.

Here are some pics from the night:

I love this pic of me and mom!


HA! Favorite pic of the night!

Thanks Mom for the fun FHE, (and yes I did have fun) AND for the cupcakes and root beer! :)

Concerning Yesterday

Today has been such a great day!
I made it to work on time
I made it through my aerobics class
I can fit into my black slacks which used to be too tight
I got to see Jamie for lunch today (YAY!)
My adolescent development class was so much fun
I got a phone call from Mom and Troy giving me the best news ever!

LOVED IT!

I am sooo excited for Troy and his family. They get to move back to Utah! (If everything works out smoothly, that is). I have missed them so much. Especially the little ones. I haven't seen them since last Christmas. Emma didn't even walk back then, now she is running around and actually talking! I haven't even met Maren yet. Oooooh boy I canNOT wait till next weekend. I just pray that they can get everything done in the short amount of time they have. I wish I could help out . . . stupid school!



This was my costume for my adolescent development class. We got to act out a mock trial where a girl in the state of Idaho gets pregnant and sues the state for not teaching her how to use a condom. Mess up I know. But class was fun. I got to play the part of the student-loving principle who is for abstinence-only programs. I was a witness for the defense. It was kinda nerve-wracking because the prosecution was like, super intense and kind of insulting about things. I think they took it way to seriously. I'm hoping I never have to do that kind of thing in real life.

After that, I just kinda started to play with photo booth on my computer instead of studying.

I hate mondays

I love clouds. I'm kind of obsessed actually. Well, really I'm probably just obsessed with the sky in general. Especially clouds . . . and stars. But, anyway yesterday it was a little gloomy and chilly outside, which I love, and the clouds were fantastic!



This was in the parking lot of the University Mall (where I live now apparently). Mom came down and we went window shopping, (and bought a few too many things in those windows) and then ate at SmashBurger with all of her siblings and their spouses. It was a great day yesterday despite the fact that I was running on 4 hours of sleep, work at 5 am, a midterm, and a presentation. I love it when Mom comes down to visit. She just has a way of making me feel better about life and people in general and helps me out of my "funk". Sometimes I really miss living at home and have her constantly around. I'm sure it would be worse for me if I lived clear out in the boonies like Haylie and Troy.

The clouds also helped.

I'm not superstitous . . . I'm just a little stitous

A mother passing by her daughter's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then she saw an envelope propped up prominently on the center of the bed. It was addressed, "Mom." With the worst premonition, she opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands: Dear Mom: It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new boyfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Dad and you. I've been finding real passion with him and he is so nice-even with all his piercings, tattoos, beard, and his motorcycle clothes. But it's not only the passion Mom, I'm pregnant and he said that we will be very happy. He already owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. He wants to have many more children with me and that's now one of my dreams too. He taught me that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone and we'll be growing it for us and trading it with his friends for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so he can get better; he sure deserves it!! Don't worry Mom, I'm 15 years old now and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grand children. Your daughter, Judith...

PS: Mom, none of the above is true. I'm over at the neighbor's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card that's in my desk center drawer.

I love you!
Call when it is safe for me to come home!

If I got bad grades in high school, or if my parents were Nazis, I would like to think that I was clever enough to do something like this :D :D :D

"It's gonna be a bright, sun-shiney day"

I looooove the rain. Seriously. I am definitely not one to turn up my nose when it gets a little gloomy outside. In fact, I could probably live in the Olympic Peninsula without any trouble. For a year or two anyway. But, it does suck when it's like 20 degrees outside with wind and there are holes in the bottom of my shoes that soak up the wet. On the other hand, my umbrella makes it so much better.

There are ugly umbrellas and there are pretty cute umbrellas, but there are none that compare to the awesomeness that is my umbrella. Whenever I'm walking to class with my umbrella, I always have the song "I Can See Clearly Now" stuck in my head. Good song. Really, the only thing that kept me from skipping my last few classes of the day and curling up in my bed with a book and some hot chocolate was that I got to use my umbrella. Weird, I know, but so true!

I wanted to get a cute picture of my and my umbrella, but alas, I know no one close by with amazing photography skills, my roommates were all gone, and to be honest, I'm not all that confident in take pictures of myself... I need to have a good reason... or friends around to take the focus off of myself. Oh well...

Photo of the Day

:) Every girls motto should be this!

Hey baby, it's cold outside.

For some odd, odd reason, I have been in the Christmas mood. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Halloween and fall and all that, but I am just so stinkin excited for the Christmas holiday. I don't know if it's the snow, the cozy, cute clothes, the music, or the overall feeling, but I just cannot wait. This year will be a little bit depressing since it will only be Lacey, Mom, Dad, and myself at home, but it'll be great all the same. More food for me I guess. Anyway, I slipped up today. I have a policy where I DO NOT listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, (it's just rude, you know? Thanksgiving is a holiday too! It shouldn't be forgotten and mistreated like it is). I listened to O Holy Night by Josh Groban tonight. I just couldn't help it. It came on my iTunes and I just couldn't skip by it. It's too beautiful. *Sigh* I feel guilty now....

"Did I ever tell you I've got a thing for brunettes?"

There's just something about this picture (this movie really) that makes me happy. Maybe its the animation, maybe its the music, maybe is the cute little supporting characters, or maybe its the pure magic and romance of it all. Either way, Tangled is one of the best Disney-Pixar movies every made. And I'm now waiting for a Eugene Fitzherbert to come into my life.

Happy Conference Weekend!!!

"Do something to make me hate you!" "Um, go Hilter?"

I'm feeling really chipper today. Normally this wouldn't be out of the ordinary, but I've been having a terrible week in the midst of some rough months. It started with a fender-bender last friday, (Dori is still in the shop, gettin some new grillz) and a parking ticket, stupid boys, and a rough test later, I was ready to ask for a refund.
BUT, yesterday, the 29th of September was the end of my bet with a friend. This bet included that I would go one month without Dr. Pepper. If I lost, I had to go running, (which is the most horrible form of torture I can imagine) so I was pretty bound and determined to win this bet. Now, if you know me, you know that I have a slight . . . well, okay maybe not so slight addiction to Dr. Pepper. It may be the taste, but it's probably the caffeine. Anyway, the month ended yesterday and to celebrate my success, Hilary and I made a trip to our local Sonic for a Route 44 Vanilla Dr. Pepper, my heaven on earth. It was about 10:00 pm by the time we were able go, and I have been trying to get to bed by 11 each nigh (unsuccessfully) but nothing was going to stop me from my DP.
I was only able drink a little over half of the 44 ounces before my better judgement took over and told me I needed to go to bed. It was 12:30 am and I needed to get to work at 5 am. Oddly enough, I woke up on time for the first time since the semester started, AND I've been happy ever since! Dr. Pepper is critical for my happiness. ;)

"And I like to party."

Love this picture. It's in one of the dance department offices. Whenever I see it, it just makes me smile. :)

Oh My Holy Snickers Bar....

I discovered a new blog. I'm not super into blog stalking, (except for family members) and people are always talking about these great crafting/baking blogs that apparently every girl in the Mormon world knows about except me. So, doing a little digging on Pinterest, (of which I'm now slightly obsessed) I found a blog with the name: Eat Cake For Dinner. I'm already in love. Looking through her blog, I've already found a bajillion recipes I'm just dying to try . . . if only I had oodles of time to spend cooking . . . :/
Anyway, I was going to wait to make these before I blogged about them, but I'm just too excited to wait. And, the blogger RAVED about them, and they look fantabulous, so I said, why not?

Homemade Snickers Bars
adapted from: Mrs. Bettier Rocker
(Printable Recipe)

1st layer:
1 c. milk chocolate chips
1/4 c. butterscotch chips
1/4 c. creamy peanut butter

Melt together all ingredients in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Spread into a lightly greased 9x13 inch glass pan. Put in fridge to cool.

Filling:
1/4 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. evaporated milk
1 1/2 c. marshmallow cream
1/4 c. creamy peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. salted peanuts, chopped

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, add sugar and milk, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil and stir for 5 minutes (I only did 3 min.). Mixture will start to follow your spoon. Remove from stove and stir in marshmallow cream, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Spread over first layer and sprinkle peanuts over top.

Caramel Layer:
1 (14 oz.) bag Kraft caramels
1/4 c. whipping cream (I used evaporated milk)

Unwrap and melt the caramels with the cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Carefully spread over filling layer.

Top Layer:
1 c. milk chocolate chips
1/4 c. butterscotch chips
1/4 c. peanut butter

Melt together in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Spread evenly over caramel layer. Store in the refrigerator until cooled and hardened. Cut into small bars. Keep refrigerated.

Jenn's Notes: This is very easy to make, it just takes a little time to prepare each layer. I cut this in half and layered it in an 8x6 inch glass dish. I had to make the nougat/filling recipe twice, because the first time I cooked it the entire 5 minutes like the recipe suggested, but it ended up being too hard and crumbly. I tried again, but this time only cooked about 3 minutes and it was perfect. When it slightly thickens and starts to move around with your spoon while you stir it, I would quit cooking. Remember, it will be thicker when you add the mallow cream and peanut butter. I also used evaporated milk instead of the whipping cream in the caramel, because I didn't want to spend money on a carton of cream to only use a small amount and I already had a can of evaporated milk open for the filling. I added slightly less than the recipe called for, so it would still be as thick. I like these right out of the fridge. I think they taste most like a Snickers when they are cold and chewy! When they get to room temperature, the chocolate gets pretty soft and melts all over your fingers (I don't know if that is a bad thing)? You will LOVE them!

here's her address if you want to find more!
http://eatcakefordinner.blogspot.com/

"I've got a dream! I've got a dream!"

At my first concert with Jamie and Kelsie.

Okay. So I've kind had to re-evaluate my life and what/where/who I want to be since the whole mishap with me not getting married shook up all my plans. That's what happens when you plan your life around someone and it falls through. I won't make that mistake again. Nope, from now on, I'm living my life for me. Until I get married and start having kids. Then I'll live my life for them. Anyway, I've found that a lot of my conversations lately have included things like "At some point in my life, I'm going to do this..." I've started to create a bucket list without even realizing it. So, here is my [developing] list:

1. Write a book. I've got to put my English minor to good use, right?
2. Become a painter. Like really. Tons of oil paintings!!!
3. Master the guitar and write a song.
4. Go to India. It's a strange new attraction I've developed.
5. Skydiving. Maybe a graduation present???
6. Own a bakery. Cupcakes make me happy.
7. Run a marathon. I'd even settle for a half marathon.
8. Eat sushi. I hate fish. But you've gotta do it at least once right?
9. Drive a motorcycle
10. Surf/SCUBA in Hawaii
11. Be in a flash mob
12. Ride the Chunnel.
13. Learn French. Enough to feel comfortable ordering food.
14. Kiss someone at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
15. Make a build-a-bear.
16. Go to a concert. Oh wait . . . I've already done that! SCORE
17. Take a Yoga class. Or Zumba.
18. Meet Will Smith. A girl can dream.
19. Make a quilt. A legit quilt.
20. Hit every temple in the state. If that's too easy, I'll try the country.

The end is...somewhat near

Wow. School. Life.

How the heck am I supposed to do this?

So school started. And I don't think I've really slept since. I decided to keep both my jobs because, if I can balance it all, by the end of the year I will be in pretty good shape financially. As good as a recently-graduated-with-a-student-loan student can be. This is my typical schedule:
Wake up at 4:30
Leave for work at 4:45
Work until 8
Go to school from 8-3 (my first class is a dance aerobics class)
Break time from 3-4:30
Head back out to work from 5-10:30

With homework and trying to have a semblance of a social life, I typically get 4 hours of sleep each night. I know. When I graduate, I'm take two weeks at least and spending them on a beach in California and not doing ANYTHING.

A Concert Virgin No Longer

Yay! I went to my first concert on Thursday! Kelsie decided a long time ago that for our, (mine, Kelsie, and Jamie's) annual birthday get-together would entail going to a concert in Park City featuring Michelle Branch, the Goo-Goo Dolls, and Parachute. It was definitely an interesting experience.

Highlights:
Spending time with my besties
Sitting 5 feet away from Elizabeth Smart
Watching the people of Park City dance drunkenly
Running into Parachute after the concert and being the first ones to surround the band while they played out in the street
Hot tubbing

Lowlights:
Getting old, almost rotten food at Panda.
Getting lost. (Kind of a Highlight too)
Being late to the concert (well to see Parachute anyway)
Being surrounded by old people wearing booty shorts. Yes, old men too.
Sitting out on a dewy lawn with no blanket to sit on. Our rears were pretty damp.
Forgetting jackets. Yeah. Who knew PC still gets cold at night in the middle of August?

Overall it was pretty fun . . . and interesting. I have a feeling that the people at concerts in Park City are VERY different from people at normal concerts...

My Perpetual Blonde Moment

Oh the joys of being homeless.

Because I'm moving into new apartments this fall, (which I'm slightly nervous for, but whatevs) I'm spending some quality time with mom and dad, (who are not here) at the house. While I'm up here, I've decided to take care of some essentials like a trip to the dentist and getting my oil changed. I was able to get an appointment at Spring Creek Dental at 8 yesterday morning. Apart from the dentist appointment, yesterday was supposed to be amazing. I was going to have the house all to myself and I was going to take advantage of that. Tanning, running, watching a couple of movies, reading my books, and maybe baking a little something, something were just a few of the things on my to-do list. Too bad I walked out of the house without my keys, effectively locking myself out for like, the billionth time.

I slightly panicked as I walked down the the health center, (excuse me, wellness center) but I assured myself that I would find a way in like I always did. No big deal. I called Mom. I called Dad. They both told me the same thing: try the bathroom window since it's always open! Okay, no problem. Except I'm a little more curvacious than I used to be and I was dubious that I would actually fit through the window. But, I still attempted it. I was a bit worried about how I would dismount the window, as the chances of falling into the bathtub below resulting in a concussion or a broken ankle were pretty high. But, as I pried the screen off the window, tearing my nails and disturbing several spiders, I discovered that the window pane, for the first time in forever, was latched. Great.

I started to panic a little bit more as I retried every door and rechecked every reachable window in the house. No such luck. I called Dad again. Several swear words later he had me walk to the garage door to try sending the garage door opener signal through our phones. That's a myth if I ever heard one. I checked Mom's car, (which I had distinctly left unlocked the night before) to use the other garage door opener. Too bad Clint moved her car that morning and locked the doors after he finished.

So then, Dad gets this brilliant idea. You can make house keys now by merely giving the number on the key to the guy who makes they keys! So I walked downtown. The Merc directed me to the auto parts store, assuring me they could do it. So I walked over to the auto store. Nope. They can't do it. They have to have the actual key to do it. But don't worry! Park City can do it! Too bad my car keys were also locked in the house.

I was stuck. Every nook and cranny into the house was locked and every option I had failed. Goodness, you would have though we lived in the city! Who locks up their house in Coalville anyway??? Luckily, Dad was able to leave his work early so I only had to sit outside for like, 3 more hours. Oh well. At least I got a tan! . . . a farmer's tan . . .

Inspiring Quotes

Yes I am giving up on the 30 day blog challenge. I failed. Darn.

Some quotes I just found that I'm in love with:

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph
-Thomas Paine

When was anything worthwhile easy?
-Richard G Scott

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
-???

When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance.
-David A. Bednar

Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, 'No,' the courage to say, 'Yes.' Decisions do determine destiny. The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. It has ever been so, and so shall it ever be.
-Thomas S. Monson

It's not so much what happens to us but how we deal with what happens to us.
-James E. Faust

To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never before done.
-Richard G. Scott

Day 15 Blog Challenge

Nicknames you have and why you have them.

Shal-Mostly my college friends call me that. Not very many people can get away with it.
Goob-Both of my sisters' favorite thing to call me. I really don't know where they got it.
Wese-My fav. It's what my nieces and nephews call me.
Munchkin-Dad's name for me.
Shally-Not very often used.
Shally-Shally-Sheesh-Ker-Bob- yeah. . . dunno about that one either.

There's pa-lenty more. But these are the best ones.

Day 14 Blog Challenge

Put your music player on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

1. Grenade (Bruno Mars)
2. Dig a Little Deeper (The Princess and the Frog)
3. Mad (Ne-Yo)
4. Rock Your Soul (Elisa)
5. Secret Valentine (We the Kings)
6. Second Chance (Shinedown)
7. Back to December (Taylor Swift)
8. Ready to Go (Republica)
9. At the Beginning (Donna Lewis & Richard Marx)
10. Last Kiss (Taylor Swift)

Day 13 Blog Challenge

Something that really annoys you

People chewing with their mouths open.
Bad drivers.
The people who live above me. Seriously. SOME people have work/school at 5 am.
Being touched when I'm ornery.
People who laugh loud and obnoxiously for the sole purpose of letting everyone know that they're having a good time.
The doors in my apartment.
Running.
BYU pedestrians.
People who come into work and act like I'm their servant/stay 30 mins after we've "closed."
Professors who have to prove how much they know by making the course difficult.
Lady Gaga/Glee/Halo/Rebecca Black's "Friday"
Profanities (this only highlights lack of education kids).
Noise when I'm studying.
Laziness.
And the list goes on. I know I'm touchy. I'm working on it.

Day 12 Blog Challenge

Something you never get tired of doing.

Watching Elf, She's the Man, Tangled, or Miss Congeniality
Dancing
Drinking DP
Reading
Swinging
Swimming
Riding roller coasters
Making/Eating BTS cake
Painting (although I haven't painted in a while...)
Singing/Plunking around on my guitar

Day 11 Blog Challenge

Another picture of you and your friends



Senior Ball 2008 with a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead

Day 10 Blog Challenge

Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

Happy: Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? (Thompson Square / Musicals
Sad: Teardrops on My Guitar (Taylor Swift) / Any sad T=Swift songs
Bored: Anything.
Hyped: Yeah 3X (Chris Brown) / Club Can't Handle Me (Flo Rider)
Mad: Ignorance (Paramore) / I Will Not Bow (Breaking Benjamin

Day 9 Blog Challenge

A picture of your favorite superhero and why they are your favorite.



I never really was a superhero kind of girl. This challenge puzzled me a bit. I couldn't think of a single superhero that stood out from the rest. So I went with my man Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley. He basically the best superhero I've ever known.

Day 8 Blog Challenge

Short term goals for this month
(More like for June since May is practically over)

Finish up wedding details
Start exercising (at least) three times a week
Read Persuasion
Hike the Y, Timp cave, and a sunrise hike
Go visit Haylie
Don't bomb finals

Day 7 Blog Challenge

A picture(s) of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.

My family has obviously impacted my life greatly. However, there are just too many of them to put pictures on. So I will continue down the list in no particular order.

My team. (I know, weird pic). They built and refined me. I always miss them.


My two best friends last year. They mean so much to me. If it weren't for them, I probably would have gone insane. They made my life fun.


Oh J-bird. . . I miss this kid a ton. Not only did he bring Felix (my guitar) into my life, he also taught me how to be outgoing and not be ashamed of who I am.


Kels and James. Whenever life is rough, I know exactly who to turn to. They will always be there for me. Nothing, (not even living spread out in Utah) can weaken our friendship.


My mini-me. She and her family have been my rock for years. They will never begin to understand the impact they have had on my life and how much I love them.


Grandpa Swenson. This man has been my inspiration my whole life. Even though he has been gone for 11 years, he has continued to inspire me from beyond the veil.


My fiance. What can I say? Stephen is responsible for teaching me how to love. He has taken good care of me, even when he was on his mission. I'm blessed and so lucky to have caught his fancy :)



This is just a taste of the people who have impacted me. There are billions more as I am inspired every day.

Day 6 Blog Challenge

Sorry. I continue to slack . . .

A picture of your favorite actor(s)

Ryan Reynolds (for the hotness factor)


Robin Williams (because he's just so darn hilarious)


Gene Kelly (who doesn't love that man???)


I'm sure there are more. These are just off the top of my head. :)

Day 5 Blog Challenge

Ha! So I'm finally picking up where I left off!!!
For this challenge, I'm supposed to post a picture(s) of somewhere I have been. I unfortunately, am a boring person and I haven't been anywhere remotely exciting. So I'll just post some pictures of the places I'm DYING to go!
Hawaii (for the beach, the heat, the palm trees, and the pineapple)
Ireland (for the hot accents and awesome castles)
France (for the culture and the language)
Hogwarts (no explanation necessary)

YAY INTERNET!!!

Sorry all! Since moving into my new apartment, we were deprived of internet. Now, however, our dear friend Sam Lambson has graciously lent us one of his unused routers. So I will be catching up with all blog challenge posts and more! Yay! I will begin. . . tomorrow probably ;)

Day 4 Blog Challenge

A habit that you wish you didn't have.

I unfortunately have a terrible Facebook habit. I'm not an addict by any means; however, I do have a smart phone which enables me to access FB at anytime at the drop of a hat. Because of this, whenever I get bored somewhere, I just pop open my Facebook to see if there's anything new to look at. I saw a status on FB (ironically enough) about how it's like a fridge: When you're bored you keep opening and closing it every few minutes to see if there's anything good in it. I always use the excuse that it's to keep up with old friends and extended family members. What a justifiable waste of time. . .

Day 3 Blog Challenge

A picture of you and your friends


(Jamie, Me, and Kelsie at SYTYCD tour 2010)

I am so blessed to have several amazing friends in my life. Though this picture is just of two of my friends, I cannot ignore the incredible people that Heavenly Father has strategically placed in my life. These two have been with me for so long now that I can hardly consider them friends. They are my sisters. LOVE YOU GIRLIES!

Day 2 Blog Challenge

Day 2: The meaning behind your blog name.

Dance like no one is watching is not just a catchy quote. For me, it is a way of life. We all go through life putting on an act for others. We are constantly aware of people watching or judging us. Sometimes we are afraid to show people the real version of ourselves. Sometimes we're afraid to do something fantastic because we don't know what people would think.

My advice? Forget those people.

This quote has become my mantra. I refuse to not do something just because I am afraid. I may look like an idiot. I may epically fail. But, at least I can say that I tried.


P.S. 1.5 finals down, 4.5 finals to go.

30-Day Blog Challenge . . . oh goody!

Blast! I really didn't want to get into the whole 30-day challenge stuff because, honestly, I think it's a big waste of time. While I love reading this kind of stuff about other people, I can't really bring myself to do it. However, because I am on the eve of finals and I have no other excuse to procrastinate, I'm all for beginning my 30-day challenge!


Day 1: A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.


1. I am clumsy and extremely accident prone.
2. I reread Harry Potter every summer.
3. I LOVE donating blood. Guess I could never be a Jehovah's Witness.
4. My guitar's name is Felix and the only songs I can really play on him are depressing Taylor Swift songs.
5. I have the cutest nieces and nephews EVER.
6. My favorite name to be called is Wese.
7. I love doing ab workouts. Weird I know!
8. When I walk to school I have weird urges to play Slug Bug with random strangers.
9. Dr. Pepper is my cure-all.
10. I wish I could play sports better.
11. If I had a choice, I'd totally live in water.
12. I physically cannot give up dancing.
13. I want to travel the world.
14. I wish my eyes were a different color.
15. Vending machines hate me.

I Think I Might Have Diabetes Cookies (or ITIMHDC for short)

I stole this recipe from my friend Kelsi Kitchen on Facebook. They sounded completely disgusting to me as it seemed like a different version of a fried Oreo-which I've had and totally wished that I didn't let it touch my mouth. But, I was curious, and being the adventurous little Betty Crocker that I am, I made them-and wished I hadn't . . . because now I'll never be able to make another cookie again. Also, I think I might die of a heart attack tomorrow . . . but it will be totally worth it. Seriously, try them. My suggestion would be to make them for a party or ward event so that you're not stuck with a bunch of these things at home. They are dangerous. Like, muddy-buddy dangerous. Trust me.

2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
10 oz bag chocolate chips
1 pkg. Oreo cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugars together with a mixer until well combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined. Using a cookie scoop take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie. Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo cookie. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo cookie is enclosed with dough. Place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Love You More

As a Human Development major, I am forced to take a bunch of marriage and family classes to kick off the major. Awesome-I know. Actually, all my classes are extremely interesting and rewarding. Just recently, I was required to write a family genogram paper. Basically, it consisted of 3 generations of my family, excluding me and my siblings, and the strengths and weaknesses we posses as a collective group. Because of this, I started reading my grandparents autobiographies again. I happened to come upon this little section in Grandpa Swenson's book that made me tear up with the memories that flooded my mind:

"My youngest granddaughter, Shalese Mary Peterson, and I have a special relationship that includes mutual teasing, watching and re-watching Snow White and Barney, and reading story books as well as some games that include just the two of us."

Miss you everyday Grandpa. Love you more!

Honor Code? What Honor Code?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN7jSEAfCNM

Oh, these people crack me up. Honor Code unrealistic? Funny. I guess the fact that BYU is the most popular university in the nation, housing over 29,783 undergrad students actively living this so-called "unrealistic" Honor Code is a bunch of bull. If only you knew . . .

Don't You Think I'm Funny?

On Friday I decided to head home to have a Valentines/Birthday/Christmas date with Stephen. I made him an amazing dinner that consisted of lasagna with breadsticks and after we watched the Princess and the Frog. Before we started the movie, we decided to exchange gifts. Mine included a teddy bear, a shirt from Aero and cologne from Aero. He gave me a Mexican leather bracelet and

...



a diamond ring!!!!!!!
too bad it's a fake :/

A few weeks before Stephen came home, he asked me what I wanted from Mexico. I asked him how much diamonds cost there ... as a joke. So, he thought he'd be funny and get me a fake diamond ring. I had a better joke.

Of course, I didn't fool Jamie because she knows me waay too well. However, when Dad finally got home from Florida, I made sure Stephen an I were awkwardly positioned in the front room waiting to share the happy news. When flashed the ring in front of his face, he sat there and stared at it for a while as if trying to figure out how long Stephen had really been home. He looked at me with a weird expression on his face and so I decided to tell him it was fake before he had a stroke. Stephen did not think I was funny. I thought it was friggin hilarious. Later Dad apparently told Mom he knew it was a fake all along. Ha! Yeah Right :)

25 Random Facts (Updated)

In no particular order:
1. I love lunchables. No knock off brands.
2. If I sleep on my back I get nightmares.
3. I hate crime scene shows EXCEPT for Castle and occasionally NCIS.
4. I can (or used to be able to) quote all of Pirates and most of Miss Congeniality.
5. Going on a date with Stephen Jones is my ultimate goal in life.
6. I find it somewhat hilarious and a bit ironic the word 'Lisp' has an S in it.
7. I have a lucky blonde eyelash.
8. Give me caramel and I'll do whatever you want.
9. I love sitting over the heater vent with a blanket and a book.
10. I'm a sucker for guys with blue eyes and blonde eyelashes. And big arms.
11. I'd rather poke my eyes out than eat fish or meat loaf.
12. I love my guitar named Felix even though I don't know how to play him.
13. I wish Kelsie and Jamie lived closer.
14. I'm dying to go skydiving.
15. I crave ice cream in the wintertime.
16. I love the smell of dryer sheets. Which is why I always walk passed the laundromat on my way to and from school.
17. I want a kiss in the pouring rain.
18. I'd rather have my legs tickled than my back.
19. I love the sound of crunching leaves.
20. I miss the crunchy M&Ms.
21. Touch screen texting is the most frustrating thing ever.
22. I haven't been this happy in two years.
23. People think my eyes are Asian, my name is Black, and my coloring Brazilian (I guess when I'm tan). I'm Scandinavian. . .
24. I have to eat with chopsticks at a Chinese Restaurant.
25. Teaching dance was the best job I ever had.

Best. Weekend. Ever.

Stephen came home!!!!

It was the longest week of my life this week. I knew that Stephen was going to return home from serving the Lord on Wednesday, but I also knew that I wouldn't see him until the weekend. Add a few shifts a work, a couple of papers, a midterm, and reciting the proclamation to a professor, and you've got yourself a stinking long week. Luckily, I was able to talk to him a few times on the phone. He was able to make it down on Friday to see me and a few of his other friends. I didn't see him again until Sunday when he gave his Homecoming talk, which was hilarious and amazing by the way, and then again on Monday when we went to Ogden to meet up with some friends and play games all day long.

Apart from seeing him on Friday . . . and Sunday . . . and again on Monday, I was able to hang out with Jamie, her husband Spencer, and Kelsie on Saturday. It was the bomb. We went out to eat at Cafe Rio and used free movie vouchers to see Never Say Never in 3D. Spencer has the Bieber Fever and practically threw a tantrum when we told him we didn't want to go. So he convinced us. It was actually a pretty amazing story. Due to a blizzard that almost trapped us in Park City, we were unable to hot tub that night.

I was a little bummed at the thought of my roommates going to Vegas without me. I love Vegas, (minus the sin) and I really need a vacation. But, I wouldn't have traded in that weekend for anything. I got one of my very best friends back AND I got to see the 2 most important girl friends in my life.

Where is the rewind button?

U. S. Cohabitation: Know the Facts

• About 10 million cohabiting couples in U.S. in 2005.
• Between 60-70% of marriages preceded by cohabitation.
• About 40% of cohabiting couples eventually marry. After 10 years, 62% of cohabitor married couples have divorced compared to 33% of non-cohabitor married couples. But higher divorce rates due primarily to serial cohabitors.
• 75% of children born to cohabiting parents will see their parents’ relationship dissolve; 33% of children born to married parents see their parents divorce. (3% of all children live with two unmarried parents.)
• Cohabitation increases the risk of divorce about 50--150%, depending on sexual/cohabitation history. (Multiple pre-marital sex partners significant risk too.)
• No significant increased risk of divorce if: (a) cohabitation with one partner whom you marry; (b) cohabitation after engagement • Negative effect of cohabitation comes mostly from premarital cohabitors with children (strongest for Whites).
• Cohabitation is associated with more negative communication in marriage, lower marital satisfaction, less commitment (dedication) to spouse.
• Cohabitation a major factor in increasing rates of child abuse.

Must Not Count Down

30. Days. Left.
I'm trying so hard not to have the day count each day. I've got the weeks down perfectly, but I figure if I count down the days, it'll all just go by so much slower. Which it already is. Oh boy it's going to be so interesting . . .

4. More. Emails.

Here We Go Again :P

It took me a while to realize that the music playing in my dream was from my alarm clock which was waking me up for school. Ugh. The first day of school. Is it just me, or did Christmas break fly by way too quickly?
I had an awesome Christmas break, even though I had to get used to the fact that I wasn't the only one in the house anymore. I loved having my nieces and nephews there. It was a sad household when everyone left. Hopefully we can all get together again soon. (That goes out to you Texans and North Dakotans).

I miss being called Wese. I think it's my favorite name ever. Hearing my niece say, "Bye Wese! See you later!" was what got me bawling when the Texans left. I also miss the "Hi" coming from Eminema every five seconds. It rivaled B's "AH!" (for yes) in cuteness factor. I miss those dang kids.

Well, I should get to bed. I have class tomorrow. Ugh. You have no idea how much that pains me to say that. Sometimes I wish I could drop out of school and become a professional bum. Sounds appealing, yes?
Just so everyone knows, 43 days until . . . Hilary's birthday!!! YAY! ;D