Wednesday, May 26, 2010

TV junkie!

So this is just another one of those blogs that I sit and talk about TV shows! (Eventually you would think I would get tired of it... you're silly for thinking that). I've got to say that this season was a season of amazingly good finales. Of all my favorite shows I love, each ended with a few smiles, tears and fears. Below is a recap of the dozens of shows I watch (don't judge) beware some may have spoilers so avoid the recap if you haven't watched it yet.

MONDAY NIGHT

Dancing with the stars: I became addicted to this show after moving back home. (I'm noticing this is the case with a lot of these shows) My mom is a huge fan and I just barely started watching last season. I've got to say, it amazes me some of the dances they throw together. I love Derek and Mark. I think that they turn their partners into some of the most amazing dancers. This season (SEASON 10) I fell in love with Anna and Evan. (Yes I've heard the rumors that Evan is gay but I find him absolutely adorable). I was so sad that Evan didn't win the trophy. Nicole did deserve it and therefore I just wanted to wrap my arms around Evan and give him a hug. ;o)
(Just one little side note, if you've never watched it before, this season was worth it just to laugh at Kate Gosselin trying to learn how to dance. She is pathetic! HAHA)

TUESDAY NIGHT (Tuesday is a big night- almost as big as Thursday)

Biggest Loser: This season actually won my heart over half way through. I wasn't sold on the contests and had a hard time picking who my favorite was in the beginning. Eventually Sam on the gray team won me over with his big heart and I rooted him on. Unfortunately he got voted off, just a few weeks after my other favorite Stephanie. I hated Michael when he created the teams but eventually found it in my heart to forgive him. I was excited for the finale and excited that he won the title of Biggest Loser. I was amazed at how good they all looked. (I think I've said this every year). I've decided that this is one of my favorite reality shows and have joined our own Biggest Loser at work :o) Wish me luck!

Lost: The series finale! The show I've watched for 6 seasons. Never missing an episode. I'll be honest I got a little annoyed somewhere in the middle of this season with everything going on. I couldn't figure out how they were going to end the show this season, it seemed impossible. I felt so much was still hanging on the line. The series finale left me with a lump in my throat and a few tears running down my face. When all is said and done, I feel attached to these people and loved spending Tues/Wed nights with them. I am still "lost" in some ways but am thankful that I watched it through all these years.

THURSDAY NIGHT (Biggest night)

Project Runway: This was the first time I've ever watched this show and fell in love with it immediately. I couldn't remember any of their names until there was like 4 people left but I was eager to see what types of designs they would come up with. I was so impressed with how easy they made it look! I loved Seth Aaron from the beginning! Every piece of article he created was absolutely amazing! I had a HUGE smile on my face when he won! I am looking forward to the future seasons of Project Runway.

Survivor: This is another show that I watched like the first 4 seasons of and then totally lost interest in it until I moved home. Again, my mom is a huge fan and I found myself getting sucked into it the season before last. When they announced that they were continuing with the show and this time it was Heroes vs Villains... I knew I would end up watching it. I was easily entertained by the challenges they were faced with and the different schemes they would create to avoid being voted off. I was happy that Sandra won. I would have thrown up if for some reason Russell won and I would have been ok if Parvati had won. I thought that the hero's team were about as stupid as they come (any of you who watched it will know what I'm talking about). Don't you worry... they are having another Survivor start in the fall in case you were worried! (Yippee!)

Private Practice: Wow! So this was one of the shows that I wanted to start watching eons ago but never got the chance to. I heard it had a couple of bad seasons and then it really picked up probably two seasons ago. This was about the time I started watching it. I immediately fell in love with the characters and the story line (I even at times liked it more then Grey's Anatomy... especially this season). I was heart broken that Dell died! I bawled! I had such a crush on him and thought how awful it was for his daughter Betsy. I love the guy in the wheelchair and hope that Naomi pursues him. I was so ecstatic at the end of the episode when Addison FINALLY hooked up with Sam and Violet and Pete are working things out. LOVED IT!

Grey's Anatomy: Ok can we just say... this was one of the best season finales I have ever seen!? It is tied for best next to their 2nd season finale when Denny died. For two hours I was sitting on the edge of my seat stressed out! I could not believe how much happened within the first 15 minutes of the show! Grey's hasn't been my favorite lately (I'm not down with the lesbian love scenes) but this episode blew it out of the water! Simply fabulous! I saved it so I could watch it again in a couple of weeks. (Maybe I won't be so nervous now that i know what will happen).


So these are my shows. I watch others here and there if I'm with someone but as you can tell my list of only watching two shows has grown tremendously since I've been home! Its alright though, I enjoy watching them with my mom, and then calling my sister when they are done to get her thoughts on it all. It makes for great table conversation as I'm finding everyone in my family watches one or the other.

I'm a TV junkie... what can I say! ;o)

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Spiritual Temper-Tantrums

I meant to write about this awhile ago but it wasn't until recently that I sat down and really thought about the message that was shared. I was sitting in Institute a few weeks ago (institute is sort of like Bible study for those who don't know what I'm talking about). Our teacher shared this story with us that she had heard in another meeting, I will retell the story as if I heard it first hand...

I have a four year old daughter Anna who is always getting into trouble. Whether she is encouraging or participating she can't help but get her hands into something. She seems to be the worst for the three hours of church. She doesn't sit still, constantly screaming and running around. When i would try and sit Anna down or talk to her quietly, the alligator tears would fall down her cheeks and she would have one of the most high pitched screams ever (it wouldn't matter where we were either). I felt like the worst mother ever because I couldn't get Anna to understand the importance of sitting still and feeling the spirit. One Sunday morning I was pulling out a dozen of warm gooey chocolate chip cookies from the oven that I planned to take to my class. Anna came up and immediately wanted one. I decided to make her a deal, "Anna" I said, "If you can be good today in church for the three hours I will give you one of these cookies. That means you need to sit with your arms folded and listen to your teachers and to your dad and I. Do you think you can do this?" She got her normal look of getting ready to cry, "Anna if you cry right now you won't get one at all." She immediately held back her tears and said she could do it. For the four hours (30 minutes to church and 30 minutes back) Anna behaved perfectly. She sat quietly and behaved greatly. When we arrived back home, I grabbed two cookies for Anna. I felt that she really deserved a reward for how good she was today. Anna came up to me and asked if she was good enough for a cookie. "No Anna...." (she couldn't see the two cookies in my hand) Immediately the alligator tears formed and the high pitched scream took over. She sat on the ground and pounded her fist. "Anna, " I said "I was going to give you TWO cookies because you were so good, but you were to quick to assume what i was going to say, and now you don't get any."

My teacher added in her thoughts around this story... we at times have our spiritual temper-tantrums. We don't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us because all we hear is "No". How many times do we throw temper tantrums because we aren't at the point in our life we thought we would be or because we haven't gotten all the blessings we think we deserve. The Lord is going to say No to us at times only because he has something better in store for us. If we would take a minute and just listen rather then jumping to conclusions we will hear that there is so much more for us!

I just really liked this story!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

All the in between...

I haven't really felt like blogging much lately... I don't know if its the bitterness inside me that nothing exciting has really come along and I refuse to continually share with the blogging world that my life is just that... boring. It may be the fact that I had a really exciting first few weeks of April (my trip to Utah and Cali, getting to spend time with good friends) and then after getting settled back into my old ways, I yet again realized that nothing exciting is happening in my life. I was going to just type that this is my life, I go to work where I spend almost 8 hours staring at a computer and talking on the phone. I then drive to the gym which is 45 minutes away from my house and work out, then I come home and do homework and of course catch up on all 40 reality shows i've been sucked into.... these our my days. So what is this blog about... all the little things that happen every so often that help switch my days up a little.

The Dentist

I went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago... it had been a while since my last visit (3 years to be exact). They did their regular checkup (only 1 cavity which I think is pretty good since I hadn't been in so long!). I've never been to a dentist where they ask you a question that is much more then just a yes or a no while they have their fingers half way down your throat. This dentist was no different then the rest. At the end of my visit my dentist says to me... "Did you have braces?" I proudly smile, "Why yes I did..." (assuming he was going to compliment me on what a great smile I have). 'Well" he says, "It looks like you've got this and this and this we need to fix... it might not be a bad idea to think about braces again."

Long story short... It looks like the braces are going to be put back on for a year... So much for the hot dates I'm going to get with these bad boys on.

My Job

So one thing that Target can always promise you... is change! They are always changing something behind the scenes. Well one of the big changes that has been speculated of happening is moving my current position up to our headquarters location in Minnesota. What you say!? Yes, from talking to my peers we are all under the same speculation that by this time next year we all will either be living in Minnesota or finding a new job. For me... I have no intentions of moving to Minnesota. They have ice storms. Enough said. So what do I do... well they have suggested a few options to me, something i'm not 100% sold on. So it looks like i'm dusting off the ol' resume and seeing what magic will happen with it. I'm not opposed to moving back to Utah, if the job was right and paid me enough but I'm happy in Colorado... shocking at it may sound to some, I am. We'll see what happens. (PS... if any of you wealthy souls out there who read my blog have some advice... or just want to give me money, I'll take both)

My 26th Birthday

In two weeks I will be 26 years old... a time in my life where I assumed so many different things would have happened by now. Four years until 30, six years past 20. I told my mom that I was going to hide in my room that day, dress in all black, close the blinds and let no happiness come in. (I'm kidding.. well sort of). I can't believe I'm going to be 26 years old (May 17th people). This is a life altering time in my life... I decided to accept 25 only because it was sort of a big deal to be 25... but to be 26, it may cause me to throw up a little. Welp, I guess I gotta get my priorities straight, either be fit by 26 or be in a size 26. Find a good man (yes, I'm still sort of dating the 21 year old... shhhh!) and do something with my life.

So these are the small things that are circling through my mind. On a side note at work we sit on the yoga balls instead of chairs (supposedly it works your core). My boss and I find enjoyment seeing the various ways we to position ourselves on the ball without falling off. (We're pretty productive at times).

Here's to the in between...

Friday, April 23, 2010

Let the good times roll!

I'm back in the cyber world... wow it has almost been a month since I last jotted some thoughts down here on my blog and that is pretty much unacceptable. A few things have happened since my last entry and I'm pretty excited to share it with you all.

FIRST:


So the last vacation I went on was to Utah back in November for about 5 days. Many of you may be thinking "It wasn't THAT long ago since your last vacation" but to me... it felt like years!! I literally couldn't wait until this upcoming vacation to California with some close friends the beginning of April. I patiently waited, day by day tearing off one of those homemade link chains until the day I left for vacation. (ok I really didn't do that but it probably would have been fun).

My first stop was to Utah... my friend Jenn and I actually flew out of Denver in the same terminal, two gates away from each other both headed to Utah. We had to get a photo together (Jenn's next stop after Utah... Paris, France... nothing big! and yes they got stuck by the ash).



I met up with some girlfriends for an eventful girls night out... we ate at the most delicious Italian restaurant in SLC.



I stayed with my friend and old roommate Kellyanne for the few days I was there. I met up with my wonderful friend Natalie and her little mini Brooklyn and then ended the Utah trip visiting the oldies (old roommates) for breakfast.









I had a great time catching up with old friends in Utah but I do have to say I was super excited to head to the beaches and palm trees of California. We took off Wednesday morning and immediately were welcomed by the beautiful sunny weather. I got to enjoy 6 days in pure bliss!







We visited downtown Disney a couple of times within the first two days to ensure we didn't miss out on any of the festivities Disneyland had to offer! (Don't be jealous of the hats... they had more) We also enjoyed the delicious food (might I add a little fattening as well! Hot chocolate: 968 calories.. ya I consumed that)









We found some down time where we decided to be crazy (well actually only Christal decided to be crazy) and get a tattoo.






It was shortly after that we were able to enjoy the goodness of the trip and visit Disneyland! We had to wait in long lines where our feet hurt and our tempers were rising (ok not really because Disneyland is the happiest place on earth) but we had the most fun 4 people could have.











We spent a couple of days in Disneyland and then one day in Universal Studios... the lines were so short we couldn't help but be excited about that! There were also moments of pure fright as we prepared to plunge down the 85ft cliff on the jurassic park ride! We also took the movie tour (I don't remember what it was called) but this last picture is from the movie war of the worlds (worst movie ever) but it was cool to see everything still in tact.







The last day was overcast but we were determined to hit the beach! We enjoyed the water (Tony a little more then anyone else)











Here we are saying goodbye... we can't wait until next year when we head to the beaches of Hawaii!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Cougar in the house?

I've been a little hesitant about posting this but simply couldn't hold out for too much longer because its my life and I need others to find the humor in it as much as I do.

Its been said there comes a point in a woman's life where the older men just don't do it for them anymore. These men become old, wrinkled and unattractive. Even if they can win you over with the money they have its just not enough. At some point in a woman's life she starts to search for the younger, hotter men. She no longer is able to find enjoyment by the successful older men. We all know these young guys, the ones who are fit, attractive and have that amazing charisma about them. They live a carefree and fun life. Hmmmm....

Well, somewhere in the course of just a couple of weeks I unknowingly stepped into this world. A world that society knows best as "Cougar Town". I need to back up for a minute (hold in the giggles please)...

At my current place of worship (aka the branch I attend for church) I haven't been the most popular with the girls. For the first few months I hated even going and went with my parents to their ward. I would switch back and forth spending one week at the branch and the next at my parents. One week while attending the branch, I was sitting in Sunday School, yet again by myself (I know, dry your eyes my friends... this is supposed to be funny). A cute guy came and sat next to me. Now, according to a couple of friends, I know how to flirt without even knowing I'm doing it. I guess this was one of those situations. I started small talk, learning about him, getting all the details. Then came the final question before I turned on the "flirting" I could control. "So, how old are you?" (I was going to guess 24) "I'm 18" He responded.

What!?

Needless to say, I didn't let that stop me (sick! I don't mean it like that people)... I immediately felt this sense of motherly love come over me. The last couple of months I was in Utah, I became good friends with a 20 year old. I have this desire to take them under my wings and to mold them into the perfect man for some other girl. So that's what I've done... Daniel has become my best friend out here. He just turned 19 and got his papers turned in for his church mission. I honestly can say he will be amazing, and I surely will miss our laughs when he is gone.

So what does this have to do with being a Cougar? Well one Sunday night Daniel and I were sitting in my car talking about life, love and the pursuit of happiness while laughing uncontrollably about some of the dumbest things. It was here when he asked if he could kiss me!? (No i'm not kidding). I laughed and had to share SEVERAL reasons why I wouldn't let him kiss me. I tried giving alternate names of young girls in the branch that he COULD kiss, explaining that I was a BIT older then him, and plus we were too good of friends but it came to no avail. He gave continual push back, full of the typical pre-missionary request, needing to"fill the canteen" before he goes (Jeremy this is YOUR fault). After much discussion, I finally kicked him out of my car (we were both laughing) and pulled away listening to him sing at the top of his lungs in the middle of the street "I wanta kiss a girl". Oh Daniel!

Round #2 of Cougarville: Back to my little branch, I have about 4 close guy friends that I spend all my time with. Daniel (19), Tyler (21), Jeremy (23) and Jeremy (26). The number next to their names is their age. Tyler is my workout buddy, he just got home off his church mission and he loves to share stories about it. He is such a cute guy and I can't help but feel closer to the gospel when he is around. We go to the gym about 4-5 nights a week and I'm slowly introducing him to Yoga (he'll thank me someday). So what happens, Tyler asks me out on a date and I love spending time with him so I go. Long story short the date was great and he kisses me.

Yep, I'm a cougar. Tyler leaves for Utah in a month to go to school, so i'm just enjoying the time I get with these boys. "Relishing in the moments!" (and boy am I relishing). Its a 5 year difference people... just enjoy it with me...

I'll be a hot cougar for a little while. :o)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Ummm... just a bunch of nothing...

Please be aware... this post has nothing of substantial value... in fact, its just a bunch of words put together on a blog... read only if your only other choice is to watch paint dry, but that might be a little more entertaining...

So I am still going strong with my "ah-ha" moments. I've really been taking pride in the fact that I'm not worrying about the future, just living in the moment. My friend Tasha's words of "relishing in the moment" has never rang more true.

BUT...

I do have one small comment to make about MEN. I never realized more then this weekend how they think with the lower half of their body and don't seem to do too much thinking with that thing called A BRAIN.

Now, I've been chatting with a handful of guys and it always amazes me the things that they say without thinking. I had a guy text me and let me know that he had a really funny story to tell me and needed to call me. This is a guy that I've been talking to for awhile online, he lives in TX and so though I enjoy talking to him (for the most part) I don't put too much thought into where its going to go because we're 1000's of miles apart. So what is this "funny" story he had to tell me? A text message he received from a girl who wanted to spend time with him and he hadn't heard from her in awhile and she lives in Utah.

Yep that is the funny story... I'm laughing in the inside like I'm sure all of you are doing...

So what was the point of that story... why share it with a girl that you've been talking to? Was he hoping that he could make me jealous... my advice... going to need a better story then that ;)

I've got guy friends that constantly tell me about the women that want them, and I know girls do the same but I've never been one to brag about myself. I just don't find it attractive and i don't really know who does.

I've always wondered how God thought Men and Women could co-exist on the same planet.

I hate Wednesdays and that is tomorrow... I pray every night that Wednesday will be taken off the calendar. Even on the calendar after Monday and Tuesday the next three are W T F... enough said!

I've been addicted to stupid TV shows and I get sucked into the drama and find myself stressing over who will be voted off next. I am going to cause myself a freaking ulcer from these dang shows!

Best news of all... I've got a wonderful 10 day trip planned the beginning of April! Utah and California! Bring on the beautiful weather :)

That's it... that's the post I've got for you. I promise they will get better... I'm just going through my "zen-ing period, becoming one with the world" haha! Or I just have nothing else to write about.

Peace out until next time!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

"ah-ha" moments

I've started this entry about 7 different times and keep hitting the delete button. I can't seem to get my thoughts out the last few days. I'm realizing what its like to have "writers block". My mind feels like water with a dam standing in its way from flowing freely. There is so much I want to share and yet, I can't get it written down. (its somewhat irritating if you really want to know!) I love to be creative in my writing and have been wanting to update my blog for the last week but just haven't known what to share with all you kind folks.

So I've decided to just write, I don't always have to have something amazing or creative when updating my blog. Its perfectly ok to just write a few thoughts down, and share my wow moments with each of you.

This week has definitely been one of those "ah-ha" moments. It was such a moment that I wished I would've understood this several years before. In fact I've had two "ah-ha" moments and they have definitely put a new smile on my face. Two separate occasions, two people who have never met each other, two separate sentences that opened my eyes. I was reminded to "Relish in the Moment". Enjoy what you have now because life is always changing. My next is, "I wouldn't change anything in my life, even if my life didn't turn out just how I imagined it, I wouldn't have met the people I've met and these are the people who have made me who I am."

Just enjoy each moment and the people you get to enjoy it with you.

I know each of you are one step ahead of me in just about everything and probably thinking "Dude, Jennie... this isn't worthy of an Ah-ha moment". For me these are the "ah-ha" moments that opened my eyes.