BIG WEEK pt. 1

It's been an especially fun & eventful week.  First of all, it was my birthday exactly one week ago (on Fri, July 12th), and that day was great & relaxing, so it was perfect.  Just hung around all day, went to watch Ty rope that night, and then went to dinner at Olive Garden with my favorites - Nik, Lana, and Jena.  Then on Sunday we had dinner with all the fam and that was great too, like always!

Then on Tuesday, June 16th, I had my media tour day as a dairy ambassador.  We first went to my all time FAVORITE channel (2, of course) and filmed for a spot on their afternoon show, Fresh Living.  It was pretty exciting.

Our next stop was to KSOP to be interviewed, which was very fun as well. 

I  love Scotty soooo much. 

After KSOP, we had lunch at Iggy's by Gateway.  Of course, as the sports grill it is, there were TVs everywhere.  And big screens too.  No sports were really playing so we asked if we could turn the tv to channel 2 to watch our spot on Fresh Living.  Sure enough, they did! When the guys (we were the only girls in the restaurant) saw us taking pictures of the screen, I think they put it together that we were taking pictures of ourselves...haha yes, we were relishing the moment of being on the biggest screen we will ever be on.  

More pics to come hopefully - can't find my camera cord right now :(

Lacey also stole this for me as my "birthday" sundae...so yummy ;)

So, our adventures continue.  After lunch we headed to Shriner's hospital for children.  What an amazing place that is.  This hospital is unique in that no patient is turned away for inability to pay.  We talked with some patients and had a tour of the hospital, which also includes a place where prosthetic limbs are made & a place for patients and families to stay, like at a hotel, if needed.  A truly inspiring place! 

I can't help but be grateful for these amazing opportunities I've had, which, for me, are basically once in a lifetime.  Who would've thought I could be on my fave news station, watch myself on TV at Iggy's, interview on the radio, and then have a tour of the amazing Shriner's hospital for children?  So fantastic.  Thank you to all of those who help me out & for the amazing staff at Shriner's!

**For more information about all things concerning dairy, visit this website and this blog!**

Until next time my loveys!! 

xxo

summer loves!

Thought the summer love was about me? No way!! I'm just here to talk about others' love lives since mine is pretty much nonexistent right now, unless you count that I love summer.  Or, I usually do anyways!

First of all, let's talk about my love last summer.  After some pretty serious dating for about 8 months, someone actually told me he loved me, and, of course, I told him the same back.  A month after that, July 2nd to be exact (one year and a day ago from today) he expressed to me that I was everything he could hope to have in a wife and told me he wanted to get married.  I was thrilled at the thought but I kept it kinda on the DL (like a tiny bit) because even though he was old enough, I was still only 18.  But we both figured it was only a matter of time.  And now, though, lo and behold, a year later we are not married and we still can't figure things out.  My point of this story though is that


<<JANICE JAN JENNIFER BLANK CHRISTENSEN is soon going to be a SWEAT>>

Where did that point come from? Well let me continue the story.  There were some ups and downs that the boy and I had last year, but when deciding to apply for an education program, we thought we should be closer together because marriage could be on the horizon.  After some serious decision making, I decided to come home and finish school at UVU Wasatch Campus -- something Jan could NEVER dream of doing.  Also around this time, Tiffany got engaged to Scott, and they'd only known each other about 4 months or so -- something we all kinda thought was a little cray.  Well during Christmas break, J met Carson officially (even though we're all from the Hebs, he is kinda way older than us) and they have been inseparable pretty much ever since.  It's like her own little fairytale.  So she starts thinking of marriage way soon (like Tiffany) and about moving home (like me) and we all basically knew how it would end up.

Well today, July 3, 2013, another one of my BFFs officially came off of the market to become engaged to her very own prince.


She even sent me these sweet pics of today.  And her ring -- it's just what she's always wanted!!

This is just one year and a day after I really thought I would be marrying who I knew (at the time) was my prince.  I don't think many people, especially myself, would really think that I would be one of the last ones to get married, but I really am!

Although I am so happy for my friends and the path that their lives are on, I wouldn't trade mine.  Of course I would definitely add someone into the mix, but I have to remember the things I have accomplished when I feel sometimes like a little bit of a failure because I am alone or not on a mission.

This was helpful today ^^

So as everyone is all cute and getting married and having kids or going on a mission, I'm kinda just like chillin ya know? Just loving life as I can with all the cool things I get to do! Like I said, I couldn't trade my life or what I want for anything.  It needs to be right, and I'm hopeful one day it will be. :)

So until next time:
I am very happy for Jan; she is SO in love.
And always remember-
"Those who move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out." - Gordon B. Hinckley

kisses! xxo

Hey There!

So...I really haven't posted in a while. Mostly because I don't know if anything in my life is really blog-worthy. But, that hasn't kept me from posting entirely. See, I have actually been updating my classroom website for my one-day soon-to-be hopefully class.

I also just finished the first block of classes (crossing my fingers for my math final grade) so I thought maybe I should play some catch-up. Here's basically what I do, like most of my life. 

1. I go to school. The first block was Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 am to 8 pm. Math was my last class though, and lets just say I had a hard time making it there. But to justify, I had more than 100%. Can't say the same since after the final but hey, it's whatevs. And if I didn't go to math, I could go to FHIIT, which is defs my favorite gym class. Get in, work hard, sweat, and leave. Great workout. 

2. WORK. This pizzeria business is cray. Lets just say that I'll be glad when I have summers off. I mean its so hard for me to go to work when Lana & my mom are off. Literally, sometimes I think I might DIE. I may be a little dramatic about it. 

3. I try to get to seven peaks as much as possible. Or I just lay in the sun. I really need the relaxation, but even then I can't really. Which brings me to my next point...

4. I read. I have a permanent tan line from how my chin covers my chest when I read in the sun. I try to take a nap but my mind races like a million times a minute so I have to do something to occupy it! Which is also why I do number 5.

5. Gossip Girl. Need I say more? It's addicting. Lately, I've been too tired to watch at night so I'll try to watch it in the morning but then it makes me superrrrr slow. But I loveee it. 

6. Thursday is lawn mowing day and I always get in a rough patch somehow. Here was today's burn:

(Don't mind my messy room. You can see my book though!)

And the other two things that take up my time mostly are my ambassadorships. 

7. For UVU. It's so fun. I love to be a part of things and involved. Seriously. And I love the people. 

8. Dairy. I really have some of the best opportunities. They are so very rewarding & fun. 

And I guess there are a few things that have changed, but not necessarily my life.  Just changes in others that affects me. 

Like:

-Tiffany being married and not living here. Seriously, it's true when girls have bachelorette nights because it IS the last night for girls to be together.  I'm sure she's very happy with Scott but still. 

-Rumor has it that Jan is going to get engaged maybe sometime soon.  Sadly, I don't ever see her because she's also always with her guy, so I can't even confirm or deny the rumors.  

****Because of these two, it's me and Nik left.  And we are so busy we barely see each other. When we do see each other, it's seriously only at work.  It's no fun.  We are LAME.****

-Lee got a new, fantastic job in Cedar.  Now, this means that she, Austin, and the boys are all MOVING.  Saddest, right?  Seriously, what will we do without the boys?  It basically breaks my heart.  My mom is a wreck about it though. Hahahah my poor mother.  I'm very much like her, and in more ways than I'd like to admit.  I am pretty sure I inherited my stressful attitude and tears from her. 

But today, in honor of my current Gossip Girl obsession, I'll leave with some wise words: 

"They say life is full of surprises.  That our dreams really can come true. Then again, so can our nightmares."

Until next time-

You know you love me.  

xoxo

That Time of Year!..

So, we're definitely coming upon wedding season, and just let me tell you, it's crazy.  I seriously can't believe that we (people my age) are actually old enough to do that sort of thing.  It's just another one of those decisions that affects the rest of your life, which can be kind of intimidating.

But, I saw the most beautiful bride with her new husband last night and it was just one of those delightful-happy-almost-tearing-up moments.  Really, I almost cried and I don't know why! Haha I know, I am soooo lame, right?  Can't help it.  I haven't even seen her in years, but they just seem so perfect with each other.  She's always posting her gorgeous engagements/bridals&groomals on FB and linking it to her blog, so check her out here!

Aaaaand now Tiffany is getting married on Saturday.  I'm sure it will be a great time; hopefully I don't cry at yet another perfect couple!  But we're excited about that.  It might even make for another blog post.

So, one day it might be my turn, and that will be cool.  Really cool. Until then, life's golden, really, and I'm definitely learning patience.  Good things come to those who wait, and also to those who work.  I'm good with the work part, usually, so I'm really working on the waiting.  It's all so good though, especially since I am writing this while being in the sun.  Mm sun........ :)

Perks & Pits

Well, since my first full year of school from SUU is now over, there are some definite perks and pits that I've noticed since being home!

Perks:
-my bed is 2X bigger and SO much comfier (if that's a word?...) than the one at the apartment
-more classes at the gym
-access to gel for my nails and wax at, like, all times
-Lana and I can share clothes MUCH easier
-If I run out of anything, my mom usually has it
-CHEAP LIVING
-since it's about summer...7 PEAKS!!
-girl-day shopping trips
-not missing birthdays/parties/etc.
-having good WiFi
-recording TV shows
-don't notice if my hair is falling out as much (the tile at the apartment made me think I was going bald)
-being closer to all the fam and my little boys (unless they are actually in cedar)
-education program close to home

Pits:
-no A/C
-not living with my BFFs
-have to look for a job again
-having a smaller closet than the one at the apartment
-getting on my mom's nerves
-summer classes
-having to think really hard about the "pits" (could be considered a perk too)



So, really, I'm pretty happy to be home. The decision was a tough one to make, but I think it's right. Hopefully it turns out to be so! I'm sure I'll find a lot more perks and pits along the way, but for now, it's basically all good. :)

In 1 year...

I'm really into this whole blogging thing, but I have really no idea as to what I should write about.  I know, it's a little confusing.  So until I have something super awesome I think I should blog about, I'll just use ideas from searching.  One idea I found was about writing something like a letter to myself and then answering back in a year.

So, right now, life is pretty great.  Really.  I am so blessed and grateful for that. 

I am loving school - what's new though! I always have I think.  This semester is about over so I'll be heading home for the summer, and for good! I have to take a few classes at UVU this summer in Orem, but then I'll be starting the education program this fall at the Wasatch campus.  I'm actually really excited for it and for my classes in the program.

My family is also super great, but I miss them like C R A Z Y when I'm away from them.  I called my mom today after church and asked her what she was doing.  She said, "We're going to have a cook out.  I wasn't going to tell you though."  She knew I would miss it, and I'm sad I did.  But I'll be home soon. :)

Of course, I like to do the things that will make me a great wifey (or so I am hoping) one day.  I love baking and cooking, but it's more fun to do it for more than one person.  I LOVE babies.  I don't think I would really be able to have one like anytime soon, assuming I get married some day, but still.  I'm practicing some parenting skills I guess you could say! I'm also excited to move back home and to help my mom with a garden.  I'm loving the clean-eating stuff, so it'll be cool to grow some of my own veggies.  But I still die for like anything peanut butter and chocolate...

Ohhh!! And along with the clean-eating stuff (and when I say that, it just means I do my best).  I love how it makes me feel.  And working out is still a great joy for me.  See what I mean by preparing to be a good little wifey?  Cooking/baking some somewhat healthy foods, going to the gym, loving babies, graduating soon, church stuff...ya know. I think I could do a pretty good job.  wink wink ;)

But what about in a year? What will I be doing except the same things I am doing now? Like, I'll probs be studying for some finals in a years time, just as I am doing now.  Will I be preparing to teach? Will someone special be in my life?  Will I still feel so entirely blessed and loved, but still feel like something is missing or will I be really accepting of my life? I'm not sure.  But I am pretty sure I'll still be doing well.

And, ya know, everything else is pretty good too.  I'm doing state dairy ambassador stuff, teaching tumbling, and just hanging out. 

Anyways...here's a quote from Jeffrey R. Holland from the Liahona magazine in 2006. It is kinda directed towards new members, but even the title says "What I Wish Every New Member Knew - and Every Longtime Member remembered."

He says,
"But the tests of our life are tailored for our own best interests, and we will face the burdens best suited to their own mortal experience. In the end we realize that God is merciful as well as just and that all the rules are fair. We can be reassured that our challenges will be the ones we needed, and conquering them will bring blessings we could have received in no other way."

Seriously such a great quote. I feel so blessed!

We'll see if anything changes in a year! :)

Blogger - Day 1

Well blogging world, here I am.  Lately, my bff Nik and I have been reading blogs like they are books.  No joke -- we read aloud to each other, stay up late reading them, laugh, shed tears, and basically just become so jeal of every one's seemingly perfect lives.  I really die reading these things.  But I've basically been thinking a lot about what I would write if I had a blog...I mean, every one's life seems so interesting, and then there's just me.  I guess, though, I'll just start out with some things I do know about myself.

-I don't like M&M's just plain.  But they are definitely the best part in trail mix.
-If I'm in a car more than about 2 hours, I ALWAYS wear comfy clothes and then change when I get to wherever I am going.  Typically, this includes sweats/yoga pants, sports bra, tank top, a vicki's jacket, and socks with flip flops (ok, so weird, but I don't like having shoes on when driving.  but my feet always get SO cold, so I have to wear the sockies).
-I sometimes think I'm older than I really am...if you know me at all, you totally understand this.
-I obsess over cute newlyweds and babies. It's a bad disease.
-My family, hands down, is the most important possession/blessing I have, along with the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
-When I spend a lot of time with Nik, we start saying and doing the same things. 
-I can't stand when I hear people chewing or breathing weird.
-I was meant to live in the sun.
-I am continually recognizing the love my Father in Heaven has for me and all of his children.
-I am like my sister's mini...I definitely look up to her in most things I do.
-My stories are never funny and take forever to tell. So...sorry in advance! 
-I currently have a crush on my geology professor.
-I shorten my words, obvi.

I will definitely be adding to this list in probably about every blog post. I learn knew things about myself each day. Like today, I learned I don't really like cake pops.  They are defs adorbs, but way too rich for me.

But aside from these random facts, here's like my life story: (I'm not sure how much I'll tell, but it could be a little lengthy...)

So, I'm attending SUU right now.  I made the decision to do so a couple of months into my senior year.  And let me tell you, I LOVED LIFE! There were definitely hard times, but it was so much fun.  I loved taking my college classes, I loved the excitement of a new relationship, I loved having the BEST times with my besties at cheer, and I loved that my young women's leaders had given my laurel class an opportunity to attend the temple one morning a week before classes (which really blessed my life).  Everything was going great; I had applied to SUU after touring the campus that I really fell in love with and I was getting some scholarship money because of my academics.  I was excited for the adventure I was about to take, but I was a little nervous too.  Throughout all of it, though, I recieved much reassurance from many and I really felt like it was what I was supposed to do. My life felt clear, and I supposed it was from doing the right things, like going to the temple. We had talked about such things in seminary and my teacher then, Brother Lowe, had said that life really does become clear when doing the right things.  I was grateful for his insight. 


Graduation came and I was so excited.  It was such a great time and it was so fun to spend time with my friends and others of my class. 

Graduation with my besties :)

The summer following my senior year was the best to date I think.  I basically fell in love with a great guy and he loved me too.  I didn't think there could be anything more perfect.  We had so much fun.  We travelled together to his rodeos and spent countless nights talking while driving home or just snuggled up on the couch.  So when it came time to come to Cedar for school, and he wasn't coming with me, it was so hard.  I went home ALL the time to be with him.  And I really think it was worth it, because it was great being with him.  But it made it hard to be at school; the school part was great, but the social life...not so much.  I basics just hung out with my besties/roomies Nik and J all the time, which is super fun, but it was usually just us or other people we knew from home. 

In the middle of all the excitement, or lack thereof, it was time for Thanksgiving break.  I ran my first 5k, which was pretty fun, and overall, had a great Thanksgiving.  Upon returning back to Cedar, though, my grandma had a stroke, and it's been pretty scary since.  And let me tell you, my gradma is the greatest lady EVER.  She is so strong and amazing.  She's conquered cancer twice, and now this has been thrown her way.  Grandma has done pretty well, considering, but we all get scared and even cry sometimes.  She is so loved.

Then, I finished my first semester away from home and recieved all A's from my 17 credits.  So then, it was Christmas! I LOVE Christmas; my whole family does.  We always have such a great time.

I started spring semester with 18 credits, just enough to get my associates.  After this, though, it's time to get serious.  I'm majoring in Elementary Education, so you have to get into a program after finishing about 2 years of school.  I thought about where I wanted to finish my education.  SUU didn't really seem right anymore.  And I wasn't sure if I should go on a mission or what with the age change and such.  But as I called and talked to different schools and programs, UVU looked to be the best and it all fit together so perfectly.  I did what I had to do and got accepted into the program in the Wasatch campus, where I can be with my family.  Plus, almost without fail, everytime I would come back to Cedar after being home, my grandma would have a mini stroke. I took that as a sign I should probably stay home and not leave. Was it really? I'm not sure. But still... 

Probs one of the greatest times during this semester was the trip Nik and I took for spring break.  The two of us drove to Huntington Beach, California and had such a great time while there!  The only other kids we met, ironically, were on spring break from SUU too.  What are the odds?! We hung out at the beach, rode a tandem bike, and shopped at the best farmers market and little shops by the PCH and Huntington Beach Main Street.  We also kept seeing the missionaries and I totes wanted to meet some and see where they were from.  So when we got the chance, we finally said hi to some and asked where they were from.  The first kid said he was from Cedar!!! So crazy.  The other one was from like Michigan or somewhere...but don't worry.  We still connected with him because his grandpa grew up in Heber!! Of all places.  It's seriously such a small world.

 

After Cali, Nik and I hit up Mesquite with some even warmer weather with my mom! We just LOVE the sun.

It's a must that we match

Fast forward to present day: I'm just finishing my classes to get my associates, preparing to move home, and about to throw a bachelorette party for my other BFF Tiffnay!  Can't believe she's getting married.  It's weird, but I am also so happy for them.  Maybe even a little jealous. I don't hide the fact that an eternal family is my ultimate goal.  Probs a typics Mormon girl, but whatevs...I am who I am!

This was kind of a crazy story, and I defs bounced around a lot, but it tells a little about who I am today.  My life has been full of adventures so far, and I am sure new ones are coming my way too!

p.s. Nik and I both started blogging today and she tells some more about our adventures this year on her blog here