Sense and Nonsense

Blah Blah Blog

2011-06-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

So, I am thinking of deleting my blog.... I just feel like nobody reads it anyway. We'll see...

2011-06-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

So I decided to cut my hair. I have been going through this cycle the past couple years where I try to grow my hair out really long but then get so sick of it that I chop it all off. But I really feel that my hair should be short always. I feel better. I look better. AND, the baby can't pull my hair as easily now. Before, I couldn't sleep without putting my hair in a ponytail because I felt like I was drowning in it at night. I cut it on Saturday and ended up chopping off 7 inches.

Before

After

It feels SOOOO much better now! I don't know why I ever try to grow it out!

Above is a picture of Max and his new little habit. In the past month or so he has really gone to town on sucking on his fists but more recently he has started sucking his thumb. I think it is super cute but I am also scared that he will be sucking his thumb all the way to his first day of high school. I know that it is a very hard habit to break but I have read a few articles that say letting them suck their thumb is fine. I guess we will just have to see how things go or if this habit even sticks. It is nice to have a binkie (thumb) that doesn't fall out of his mouth and hit the ground all the time.

Crazy Coupon Lady

2011-06-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a display of my shopping trip from yesterday:

Retail value is about $58 dollars and I only spent $1.97. Here is a list of what I got:

2 Aussie shampoos

2 Aussie conditioners

17 Tic Tacs

16 Dial body washes

1 Sauve deoderant

2 Degree deoderants

2 Crunch bars

1 shave gel

4 Venus razors

I am feeling pretty excited about getting into coupons. Sorry if any of you are behind me in the shopping line. The lady that was behind me yesterday was actually pretty excited to see the result. She said to tell my husband to be proud to be married to such a thrifty shopper!! Lucky you Daniel!

My Baby Smiles

2011-05-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

So, baby Max is really starting to smile a lot. It used to be that we would have to play with his face in order to get him to smile, but now we just have to talk to him and he'll do it. He especially likes Grandma Phister and smiles at her the most! Now we are just trying to get a giggle out of him. Maybe next week.

Baby Max on mothers day. Don't you just love his hat?

The Birth Story, cont'd....

2011-05-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

So the baby was finally here. Like I was saying before, the actual labor and delivery was not that bad. It was the stuff that happened after that and the pains from healing from labor that were the worst.

Right after the baby was born the nurses did their thing and then they gave me my baby to hold. We took pictures and then after about 5-10 minutes the nurse told me that they needed to take the baby away from me to hook him up to a breathing tube. They said that he had swallowed some fluid in delivery and they needed to clear it out. They scared me by telling me all the things that could possible be wrong with him. So, they took him away and got him all hooked up to the machines to help get him better. Here is his picture:

All of our family and friends (including Daniel) who were waiting at the hospital were all standing at the nursery window watching the baby and I was in my room all by myself. It was kinda sad. I was scared about what was happening and nobody was there with me.

About an hour after the delivery, they got me moved to my recovery room. They let me stop at the nursery to see the baby and try to feed him. It broke my heart to see him like that. He hated the breathing tube and just cried and cried. He had a hard time eating with all the tubes in him. After a few minutes they took me to my room.

The first thing I wanted to do was get up and go to the bathroom. The nurse helped me in there and you all really don't need/want to hear the details, but I nearly passed out. Everytime I tried to get up after that I got really dizzy so from there I just decided to stop trying to get up. It was sad because I couldn't even go over to the nursery to feed the baby.

After about 6 hours they finally brought the baby back to me!!! And good news, I was finally able to get up out of bed without getting sick!! Things were definately looking up from then on. We stayed in the hospital until Friday morning and then finally got to go home. It was a VERY long week!

Baby is now 7 weeks old. He is 11 lbs, 12 oz. The doctor is surprised at how alert he is. He still has a "snort" from having fluid in his lungs but the doctor says he will grow out of it after 5 or 6 months.

I have been back at work for about a week now and Daniel is being the stay at home dad. He is such a good daddy!

The Birth Story.... Finally

2011-05-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

On March 15th I went in for my normal weekly appointment. I was really hoping that the doctor would just keep me and induce me but I knew that there was really no chance of that happening. When we got there, the doctor did a Non Stress Test and we found that the baby's heart rate was at about 180 beats per minute. He sent us to go on a walk for 20 minutes and then we were to come back and test his heart again. It was still up in the 180's when we got back. The doctor said that he would feel better if he induced me that night. He wasn't super worried about the baby, but worried enough that he didn't want me to wait until my due date. Also, he was going out of town that weekend and didn't want me to have any problems and not have him there. I was so happy that I didn't have to go home with the baby still inside me!! I was miserable at this point.

So Daniel and I go home to pack up some things for our hospital stay and head back up to the hospital. I got checked in at 6:15 PM on Tuesday night and got hooked up to the pitocin. WE DID NOT SLEEP THE WHOLE ENTIRE NIGHT!!! Every hour or so the nurse would come in and raise my pitocin level until I was at the maximum amount. I wasn't in horrible pain, but still we didn't sleep. I don't know if I was just uncomfortable or nervous or what.

At 5:15 the next morning the doctor came in and broke my water. I had stayed dilated at a 3 ALL NIGHT LONG. That is when the fun began.... After that point I decided to finally get my epidural. I got it at 6:15. Earlier that morning I heard the girl in the next room just SCREAMING! I thought she was at the pushing part, but no, she was getting her epidural. She started screaming BEFORE the needle was even anywhere near her. That kinda freaked me out, but I knew I didn't want to try to push the baby out without one. Honestly though, the epidural was no big deal. It didn't hurt it just felt weird. Like an electric shock. My contractions were getting pretty fun at that point so I was glad that the epidural started working pretty quick.

After that, I went from a 3 to a 10 in about 5 hours which isn't normal at all for a first time mom. Also, I only had to push for a half hour! It really was not as bad as I was expecting (I'm sure the epidural helped more than I will ever know though).

To be Continued... with the After Birth Story/Hospital Experience!

Maxwell Daniel Phister

2011-04-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

Finally, pictures from the BIG day!! Baby Max was born March 16th, 2011 at 11:56 AM. He weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and was 22 inches long! Enjoy!

Don't Talk To Or Touch The Wild Animals....

2011-03-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

Well everyone, as I stated in my blog title, I have been living a lie. I went to my doctor appointment yesterday and found out that the March 13th due date I have been going off of since November was just a TYPO. The doctor has my due date written down as March 19th and he isn't budging. I was devastated. Now I know that 6 days doesn't seem like such a big deal to you all, but to a 9 month pregnant woman who has been depending on a certain thing (and planning around it) since NOVEMBER, it makes a HUGE difference. I was already convinced that this baby was never coming out of me and now I am even more sure. I cried the WHOLE way home from my appointment.

I know you all are thinking that I should just be grateful to have a healthy baby inside of me, and that I should be happy just to let him cook as long as he needs to. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy about those things. BUT... this mama bear is getting tired and ornery (not to mention, hormonal.) Daniel said for me to put up a sign saying "Don't talk to or touch the wild animals." I guess that will be my motto for the next few weeks....

The Waiting Game....

2011-02-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

Any time now baby Max... ANY time.

To My Good Friend Holly.....

2011-02-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Holly,
I remembered a picture you posted on your blog shortly before you had your baby last year. It's the one where you are holding your belly in agony in front of that brick building (do you know which one I am talking about?). So I pulled up your blog and I was reading your pregnancy posts and you really gave me some hope. This last month of pregnancy is going to be awful, I know, but your posts gave me hope that there is an end to pregnancy and that this baby will come out of me eventually. So, since I don't have your new phone number and I don't have access to facebook, I thought I would thank you on my blog. So... thank you Holly. I hope you read this.

Sincerely,
Annica

I Just Had A Weird Thought...

2011-01-31T10:04:00.000-08:00

I just realized that as of tomorrow I will be able to say that I am having my baby "next month." It's getting so close!! Pictures of the nursery will be coming soon!!

32.4 Week Belly

2011-01-21T07:07:00.000-08:00

Here I am! I have been horrible at taking pictures so far this pregnancy. I think it's because I feel so huge all the time. Enjoy!!

Baby Foot

2011-01-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

I just thought I would post a picture of my baby's 32 week foot.

I think it's super cute! AND, just a side note. You may only be able to see 4 toes in this picture, but the doctor assured me that there are 5. He just couldnt get them all in one image.

GROSS!

2011-01-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

So, my husband had a wrestling tournament last weekend so he had to shave his beard. They don't have rules on mustaches though.....

Personally, I think it looks awful. He gets a lot of laughs out of it though (he mainly did it as a joke). He said people were trying to take pictures of him without him seeing at his wrestling tournament. Anyway, I hope this joke is over soon. I like his beard MUCH better!

Worn Out

2011-01-07T07:04:00.000-08:00

I feel so exhausted this morning! I really think this baby is starting to make me tired all the time again. Anyway, I have 9 weeks left (until I reach 40 weeks). 6 weeks left until I am at 37 weeks (which is technically full term). I am starting to get a little freaked out because I am coming to terms with the fact that this baby has to come out of me somehow, and I don't think it's going to be pleasant.

I have taken a couple pictures over the past couple weeks of my belly, but I don't have internet at home so I don't have a way to post them. Just to give you guys a mental image though, my belly measures 41 inches around. The other day I was wearing a purple shirt and someone at work said I look like a BIG GRAPE. I am too big to zip up any of my coats. Does that complete the picture for you? The good news is, NO STRETCH MARKS ON MY TUMMY YET!!!! (Although I do have some on my thighs and my "love handles."

Our current project at home is trying to find a place to put everything that was in the 2nd bedroom, in order to turn it into a nursery for baby. I shouldn't say current project because we technically haven't started it yet. I think about it all the time and even that is too exhausting. Hopefully my motivation will kick in soon (and hopefully before baby comes!!!).

Daniel has started his VERY LAST SEMESTER OF SCHOOL!!! He will be starting his student teaching in a couple weeks and graduating in APRIL! We are so excited! Also, we got a letter the other day from Weber State saying that Daniel made the honor roll for fall semester. Daniel was shocked! He said he didn't even realize Weber had an honor roll! Go Daniel!!!!

Free Nursing Cover!

2010-11-10T12:22:00.001-08:00

Hey, if anyone is interested (for a limited time only!!) go to UdderCovers.com and use the promo code "Thanksgiving" and you can get a free nursing cover. You only have to pay shipping!

Also, pregnancy update. The dr has moved my due date to March 13th! I am now 22 weeks and 3 days (before I was only 21 weeks and 6 days). It doesn't look like that much of a difference but for some reason it really has me freaked out! I was hoping to go past my due date, not sooner! There just seems like so much to do before then!!!

This Has Been The WORST week ever!!

2010-10-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone, but this is going to be a complaint post. It just needs to happen. I have been sooooo sick this week and it's kicking my butt! I started out with the stomach flu and now it's ending with the worst heartburn of my entire life! I have only been able to eat (and keep down) a few things this week and am mainly trying to survive on tums and water/gatoraid/sprite. I haven't been getting much sleep and I have been losing so much weight too. I hope things get better soon. This is miserable.

It's A.....

2010-10-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

So, It's a BOY... probably!! The doctor is pretty sure but didn't feel comfortable giving us a positive yes. We are way excited!!

14 Weeks Today

2010-09-17T06:12:00.001-07:00

So, I am 14 weeks. I think this picture makes me look larger than I really am. I NEVER look this big at work and people are always telling me they can't even tell I'm pregnant. Big dinner maybe?

Worried :-(

2010-09-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

So, I am 14 weeks... and worried. I don't have morning sickness anymore. I'm not gaining weight. I don't feel like my tummy is growing. And I can't feel the baby yet. I am wondering if the baby is still in there??? And is it happy? Anyone else ever have these feelings?

13 Weeks!

2010-09-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

Here is Baby Phister at 13 weeks! I think this picture is amazing! The baby has grown so much in the past 4 weeks. I can't wait to see it next time. And hopefully by then we will know if it's a boy or girl!

Our great "buy"

2010-08-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back after a short little break from blogging. I missed a post for July so I thought I better get one in before August is through.
Things have been crazy around here lately. Many of you may already know this, but Daniel and I are having a baby! I am 11 weeks now and due on St Patrick's Day!! I keep thinking that if it really is born that day I want to name it something Irish but so far I am not coming up with any cute names. Any suggestions? And DON'T say Patrick! We are not naming our child Patrick (no offense to those people out there with that name.. it's just not for me.. or my child). So anyway, we're having a baby! Yay!
This picture below is of out very first "purchase" for the baby. We were out on Saturday morning and I saw this highchair as we were driving past a garage sale. We decided to stop just to check it out. We asked the owner how much and she said "Oh, you can just have it for free. I have 8 kids, my youngest is 3. I am just glad not to have to use a highchair anymore!!!" She really did sound relieved to give it away. It was filthy though! After abot 2 hours of cleaning, it came out all shiny and new!

I'll will say this though. It is really weird to have "baby stuff" in our apartment! But very exciting! I can't wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl!

I Got A Calling!!

2010-06-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

Finally, after 2 1/2 months in our new ward, I got a calling. I know that doesn't seem like that long to wait, but it was for me. I am now the Valiant 8-9 Boys teacher in the Primary. My first lesson will be on Sunday and I am so excited!! The boys in my class are so cute! Daniel said last week (my first day in primary) I was "vomiting happiness" and that I need to tone it down a bit, but I don't care. I am so excited to finally have a calling!!!!

Has it REALLY been a year already???

2010-05-12T16:24:00.001-07:00

WOW!!! This year has gone by fast... and slow at the same time! Marriage is definitely awesome though. I highly recommend it!

Anyway, I guess I will reflect on some of the things we have done this year... lets see. We did lots of Civil War Reenacting, some disc golf, lots of dates :-), moved to Farmington, changed wards, we have gone through like 3 different callings (I am still calling-less in my new ward), we have had exciting news that we were going to have a baby... and then some not so happy news that I had a miscarriage.....

And NOW, for our 1 year anniversary, WE ARE GOING ON A CRUISE!! We leave on MONDAY!!! I am writing this a little early, but after Friday I wont have access to the Internet for about 10 days.

Happy Anniversary to US!

The Delete Button Is My Friend

2010-04-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

So, I have written like 4 posts in the past 2 weeks and have deleted them all. I can't come up with anything to say that means anything. Everything seems so trivial... So, someone give me a topic to talk about. Anyone??? We can make it a game if you want...

.....

2010-04-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a pensive like Professor Dumbledore sometimes so I could just take things out of my brain that I don't want to think about and put them into a storage container (stone basin in Dumbledore's case).

P.S. I really don't like Best Buy right now. Grrr!

P.P.S. OR trying to level a washer so it doesn't SHAKE all over!

The End!... life can go on now.

We Moved!

2010-03-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

We moved to Farmington! I am so happy with our new place! It has 2 bedrooms and tons of closet storage!! We have almost found a place for everything and it is so nice to have an extra bedroom to store the big stuff in! Our neighbors are really nice! Our ward is nice and quiet! We have a dishwasher!! AND.... we bought our first washer and dryer this weekend!!! NO MORE COIN-OP LAUNDRY!!!! I am so happy!! Now all we need to do is clean our old apartment and we will be done with it for good!

Re-evaluation of my New Year's Resolutions

2010-02-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

So, it's been just over a month since the new year started and I have only kept 2 of my MANY New Year's Resolutions (see previous post). The only 2 I have kept is to take more pictures in 2010 and to ONLY drink caffeine on Fridays. I decided that I need to set some more goals, or retry some of my resolutions. The 90 Day Challenge (see previous post) will help me to keep one of my goals, and I also REALLY want to find a way to keep my house cleaner. Any suggestions??? Because that one is a killer. My friend Melanie posted on her blog that she stresses more about cleaning that she actually cleans. I realized that I am the exact same way! I need to figure out a way to get motivated and STAY motivated!!! Really though, does anyone have any suggestions to help me keep my goals??? Let me know!

The 90 Day Challenge

2010-02-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

Last night as I was laying in bed trying to go to sleep I came up with what I call "The 90 Day Challenge." It's pretty simple. I am going to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days. My deadline is May 8th. I just decided that I could use a big spiritual boost right now and I couldn't think of a better way. And, it actually sounds like a reasonable challenge too; only 6 pages per day. Anyone want to join me???

Pro Wrestling and the WSU Wrestling Club

2010-02-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

On Saturday at Weber State University, the NWA (a professional wrestling team out of SLC) came face to face with two of WSU's wrestling club, one of them being my husband! He even made the front page of Weber State's newspaper, the Signpost!

It was quite an event! For those of you who don't know what pro wrestling is, just think of Hulk Hogan, fake blood, and smashing chairs on each other. That just about sums it up. Daniel had a lot of fun and so did every one else!

Ward Talent Show

2010-02-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

Our ward had a talent show back in January! I was asked to be in a quartet singing "Swinging on a Star." That is a very fun song and we all had a great time getting to know each other during practices!

Being asked to sing in the talent show made me also step out of my shell and do a solo performance. I haven't done a solo in the past few years because..... I'm a chicken. But I finally gave in and did it! And it felt great! I sang "The Prima Donna Song." All the little girls were standing on their chairs trying to get a better look at the "girl in the princess dress." They still call me that on Sundays too. It's adorable!

Friends Reunite!

2010-01-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I went to dinner with my best friends from high school! It was so fun to catch up! I can't believe it's almost been 5 years since graduation! I love you guys!!!

Out With The Old....

2010-01-23T14:16:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday we were able to get rid of our old, mismatched bedroom furniture! Before we were using old furniture that we have had for YEARS.

The improvement is HUGE! From this:

To this:

We have Adam and Stephanie to thank for this! They got some new furniture and just GAVE us theirs. Thanks guys!!!

We're Going On A Cruise!

2010-01-15T23:25:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to go on a cruise for a long long time but never really had a REAL reason to. Our ONE YEAR anniversary is coming up in a few months so Daniel and I have been looking at cruises (since October or November). Daniel's parents are going on a cruise for their anniversary and I think it finally got me moving. We decided that if we REALLY were going to go, we needed to book our cruise TODAY!! So we did! We will be going on a 4 night Mexican Riviera cruise and I am soooo excited! I really want to see a whale. There is only going to be 2 stops on the cruise, but that didn't matter to us because from what I have read, there is a TON of fun stuff to do on the boat. We got a really good deal! I am super super excited. Now... we just need to find out how we are getting to California... hehe.

More posts to come... as soon as I find my cable to upload my pictures!

I'm Back! Just in time for the New Year!

2009-12-31T08:17:00.001-08:00

It has been forever since I posted anything, and I don't feel like trying to play catch up clear back to October either!

I am writing this post to delcare my New Year's Resolutions! I have a lot but I really feel like this year they will happen! Here they are!

1. Take more pictures.

2. Exercise EVERY MORNING! My goal is to lose 15-20 lbs by the end of February.

3. Floss my teeth every day.

4. Only drink caffeine on Fridays. I know you all are going to laugh at this one, but I don't think I can quit cold turkey. I need something to look forward to!

5. Keep my house clean.

6. SAVE MONEY!!!!

7. Be more diligent in reading scriptures and praying (alone and with my husband).

Like I said before, I have a lot of goals for 2010, but they are for a VERY GOOD CAUSE! I promise!

Anyway, just to update a little. I am now working as a Pharmacy Technician at a company called Medquest Pharmacy. I have worked her for almost 2 months now and I love it. I am starting to train back in the compounding room on mixing the powder that goes into the capsules. It's pretty cool!

Anyway, hopefully (if I follow my new year's resolution) next time I will have pictures with my post!

Happy New Year!!!

5k, "terns," job hunting, birthdays, and a new GPS!

2009-10-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Wow! I had no idea it has been over a month since my last post! I will try to be better and MAYBE get some pictures in the next post.

So, I ran another 5k. You probably all forgot that I even ran my first 5k because it was so long ago. My time when I ran back in April was around 39 minutes. NOT GOOD! And I was paralyzed for a week afterward. This time I actually decided to train a little bit. I went to the gym every weeknight for 2 weeks, but the fastest I ever got was a 5k in 36 minutes. I am proud to say that on the actual race day I ran my 5k in 31 minutes and 42 seconds!!!!! Everyone in Daniel's family beat me (even though some of them didn't run the whole way) but I ran the entire time! It felt great to be able to run that far and still be able to walk afterward! My dad ran the race with me too. He caught up with me about halfway through and we ran together for the rest of the race. I am glad he caught up to me because I really wanted to quit. Running isn't easy! My dad really encouraged me to keep running and I really appreciate it!

I finished my externship at the pharmacy!! It was a really great experience. My "co-workers" were all awesome and I was sad to leave them but I am really excited to be graduated and qualified to get a job in my field. I have been applying to a bunch of places and actually had an interview this morning with a really great company in North Salt Lake. They asked me back for a 2nd interview next week!!! I really hope this works out!

My birthday was this month. I turned 23! I am so old now. My sister in law threw me a party, I went to lunch with my mother in law and sister in law, I got an AWESOME candle holder from my father in law, and got some birthday money to go shopping with! Thanks to everyone who helped make my birthday great!

And now, on to my pathetic story of the week!! (I'm really hoping that pathetic events don't really become a tradition, but whatever). So anyway, I went to Salt Lake on Wednesday to turn in my pharmacy technician license application and get my fingerprints done. We just got a new GPS and I thought, "perfect timing." Well, turns out that it doesn't matter if you have a GPS if you don't type the address in correctly! Luckily I only ended up a few blocks away from my actual destination. THEN.... I had to call Daniel to ask him how to use a parking meter. ME and my naive life!!!

Anyway, I am really excited for the next few weeks. I am going to visit my sister in law, Raquel, and her cute family this weekend. It will be so nice to get away! Then, over Halloween we are doing another reenactment just outside of Las Vegas. And hopefully I will get a technician job in the next few weeks!

Happy Halloween!!!

A Post Dedicated to HAIR

2009-09-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a while since I have posted anything and, as usual, we have been super busy! Last weekend the Phister family got together for another reenactment at This Is The Place State Park. It was a fun weekend, but really it's the boys who have THE MOST fun. They get to ride their horses all day and shoot their guns in mock battles. It is really impressive to see. The fun part for the girls (and the boys) is the civil war ball because we get to dress up in puffy dresses and hoop skirts!!! Stephanie, my sister in law, helped me get my hair in curlers so I could have ringlets.

Thanks Stephanie!!! My hair turned out great! The curls stayed in for 2 days!!!

There is the finished product!! I am also wearing a new dress in this picture! It was in one of the shops at This Is The Place. Daniel got it for me as an early birthday present. I love it!! (Deanna does too... she gets to do all the alterations!)

There is a picture of me and Daniel together at the ball. That is his "dress uniform." I remember last year when I saw them for the first time. I thought his hat was really funny looking!! BUT... when he and his dad wear those outfits they get more attention than the girls do in their ballgowns!

Isn't he sooooo sweet??? :-)

You may be wondering why I have a picture of a tarantula in this post and what that has to do with hair. Let me explain. After the ball we went back to our tents to go to bed and I was cleaning up some clothes and getting my bed ready. I picked up my skirt and was folding it when "something" dropped on my arm. IT WAS A TARANTULA!!!!!!! And no, this is not an actual picture of it. We killed it too fast to get any pictures. I ran out of my tent telling everyone that there was a huge spider in my tent. Of course they thought I was just "being a girl" and overreacting. They thought it was just going to be a tiny spider or something. BUT NO. One of the guys went into my tent and caught the spider and everyone got a good look at it before I screamed at him to KILL IT! He said he could feel it crunching under his boot. Anyway, the reason I put this story in my hair post is because I swear, I could feel EVERY hair on that spider's body when it was crawling on my arm. It was the SICKEST experience of my life!! AND I still had to go to bed that night. CREEPY!

***********************************************************************************
Now for a HUGE transition. I got my hair cut! I have been waiting to cut my hair for a long time! This is probably the longest I have had my hair since I was 12. I would like to have grown it longer, but it was dying. Darn flat irons! So, here are my before, right after, and after pictures! Enjoy!

Before:

Right after: (I cut almost 6 inches!!!!)

This finished product!!!!!

It feels so nice to have short hair again!!!

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On a side note. I have successfully finished my first week of my training hours for my pharmacy tech license. It was so fun and SOOOO different than I would have ever expected. It is nothing like class! I have 4 and 1/2 weeks left of training and then I will be OFFICIAL! I have even already started applying for jobs! Wish me luck!!

I PASSED!!! I'M DONE!!!

2009-09-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took my national certification test for pharmacy technicians and I PASSED!!! This was a test I have been dreading for the past year and it's OVER!! That was my very last test and now I only have to complete my "on the job training" and I will be certified! It has been a long year full of a lot of stress and a lot of drug-learning. Now I can live happily ever after with my library books... and Daniel ;-)

Now, playing catch-up on what we have been up to! This past weekend we were super busy! Saturday morning we got up BEFORE 5 AM and went to Logan. Daniel and his dad ran the Top Of Utah 1/2 Marathon and they both did great!! Daniel's time was 1 hour and 39 minutes. He finished 20th in his age group out of like 2,000 people. I am so proud of him!!

And, if any of you are intested, the Hansen family from Plain City, Ut are holding a 5k run/2 mile walk in honor of their daughter who passed away from cancer. It is on October 3rd in Plain City! They would love as many people as they can get, so let me know if you (Ashley!!) want to sign up!!

Sunday we got up at 5 AM again to go to Green River, Wyoming for Daniel's sister's baby blessing. Mike and Raquel (Daniel's sister and brother-in-law) also spoke in church. They gave wonderful talks and the blessing was very nice! After, we did some family pictures and ate some yummy food!! It was a great day and I'm glad I finally got to see Raquel's cute house!

We have a lot of fun things coming up in September! This weekend we are going to the Ft Bridger Mountain Man Rendezvous and the next weekend we are going to a civil war reenactment at This Is The Place State Park where they will be having a civil war ball! I am really excited and hopefully I will get some good pictures to post.

Anyway, happy September! And don't forget to let me know if any of you want to sign up for the 5k in October!

Wedding pictures... FINALLY!

2009-08-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

So, I have been promising pictures for forever and I am finally coming through with my promise... it only took 3 MONTHS! And unfortunately, my computer is having trouble downloading any more than 3 so you get what you get.
Can you believe that it has been 3 months ALREADY? It has flown past. But it has been great! This summer we have been on an ultimate camping trip, been to St George, been back to Daniel's mission in LeGrande, Oregon, had 2 new additions to the Phister family (2 cute babies), FINISHED SCHOOL, bought a Kindle, and found my DREAM neighborhood. We still have 2 reenactments left in September and then Daniel is going to a Disc Golf tournament in Walcott, Id.

As I mentioned before, I finished school a couple weeks ago at the OWATC. I still have my national board test, which I am taking on August 31st, and I still have my on the job training. I still haven't been placed for that yet, but I am really excited to start practicing what I have been learning for so long! I will let everyone know when I get placed!

Catch-Up!

2009-08-03T08:32:00.001-07:00

We have been super busy lately! I feel like ever since the wedding we have been going non-stop! Every weekend is something knew and I don't get on the Internet enough to update my blog. I have been really good at taking pictures, but unfortunately my computer and camera were being incompatible when I tried to add my pictures from my adventures.

Over the 24th of July Daniel and I went to St George for the Jewkes Family Reunion. We had a blast! We went to Harry Potter, we swam a ton, went to Tuacahn Theatre to see Footloose, went shopping at the outlets, went on a night golf adventure (and believe me, it was an adventure!!), and we got to hang out with family that I haven't seen in years! We also got the opportunity to go to the St George temple. It was absolutely beautiful!! We had an amazing experience there! Can you believe we did ALL those things in 2 days? I can't. It FLEW by!

This past weekend we went to the Salt Lake City temple with Adam and Stephanie. It was also very beautiful and so DIFFERENT from the other temples. It was a nice experience! We had fun hanging out with Adam and Stephanie. Here are some pictures from the roof of the conference center.

This is me and my brother Adam. He is a big nerd, but I am glad he would be in a picture with me!

This is my sister-in-law, Stephanie. She is awesome!!

Daniel was lame and wouldn't take a picture with me, but that's okay. I still like him a little!

So, as you can see, life has been sooo crazy busy! It's not going to stop either. Hopefully in November we can have some free time.

Now for some SUPER good news! I only have ONE MORE DAY OF SCHOOL LEFT!!!! I have this week off from school and then I go back Monday to take the final. I am going to be studying like CRAZY this week to prepare. After the final I will only have my national test left to take. Also, I should get my pharmacy training site any day now! I am excited to actually start doing work in a pharmacy!!! Wish me luck!!

AND... I promise! Wedding pictures will come soon!!!

The Buffalo Days Indian Wars!!

2009-07-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

This past week I went with Daniel and his family to the Buffalo Days Indian Wars. This is something that their family has been doing for that past 13 years. We left for the camp on the 11th of July and came back on the 18th. I didn't get to shower THE WHOLE ENTIRE WEEK! But really, I thought I stayed pretty clean.

Let me explain a little bit about what exactly we do here. To put it in simple terms we go somewhere in the middle of nowhere and play "cowboys and Indians" for a week. We go as buffalo hunters, but there is also a "cavalry camp" and of course, the INDIAN camp! All week we get raided by the Indians or we raid them. When there aren't raids it is basically just a "normal" camping trip.... with people dressed in funny clothes. Anyway, here are just a few of the pictures that I took. Enjoy!

This is mine and Daniel's tent. It was actually a wedding gift from Daniel's dad. He made the tent himself!!! It is huge! We love it.

This is a picture of me, Daniel, and the Indian Chief "Iron Bull" and the final feast. The last day of camp we have the final battle and then later we all make peace. Iron Bull is actually a really nice guy (even if he does look scary!)

This is a picture of the back of Iron Bull. I thought his "costume" was amazing!

This is the Indian warriors sitting around the peace circle, waiting for the other camp's leaders to sit in their places. After everyone got there, the chief prepared a "peace pipe." In that ceremony he blesses both the camps (in the Indian language so it's really cool!) then he passes the pipe around to all the leaders. I love the different "costumes" of the Indians!

This is a picture of our bathroom..... We called it the "pee-pee tipi." That was fun...

This is a picture of Iron Bull on the morning of the final battle. I didn't know that he was in the picture though. I was actually just trying to take a picture of the tipi because it was awesome! Little did I know that he was just waking up because he heard the gun fire of the final battle!

This is a picture of me and the cobbler I made everyone for lunch. It was yummy!!! (I had lots of help too!)

This is a picture of Daniel attacking me with his war club for trying to take a picture of him. Daniel, his dad, and his brother all made those war clubs and they turned out to be a lot of fun. I actually ended up using the club a few time. It saved my life!

Most of the time when I tell people about Buffalo Days they think I am crazy. It is just really hard to explain what it is... until you get there and see it for yourself. We had a blast last week and that's all the matters!

On the way home we did have a rather scary thing happen. When we got to Laramie, Wy, one of the horses had fallen in the trailer. It took us an hour to get him back up because he had knocked himself out. I was completely useless because I was bawling the whole time. It turns out, I actually have an attachment to the horses, even if I am a little scared of them. Anyway, everything worked out and Star is okay. Just a little scraped up! He will be better in no time!

Anyway, Happy Blogging!! I should have wedding pictures on here soon!

Stranded at Mcdonald's....

2009-06-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

This is a picture I took on Friday. It is a picture of my car, that has my keys locked inside of it. I was stranded at McDonald's on Friday night while getting a Redbox movie. I blame it all on my friend Linda at work. She told me (that day) that the minute husbands go out of town, something bad happens.... and then it did. But it's okay... I didn't get too wet. It happened right before the rain started and I ran inside the McDonald's just in time. Luckily, I didn't have to call a locksmith. I called my mom, who called my landlord to see if he could unlock my apartment. Then my mom came and got me and took me to get my spare key from the apartment. My mom saved my life! Thank you!!

This weekend was crazy! I stayed up all night on Friday getting my "thank you" cards written. Then on Saturday I got up early to get them all addressed and such. Then I went out on a much-needed grocery shopping trip, took a bunch of stuff to the DI, and then went on a search for "pioneer clothing" for my upcoming camping trip with the Phisters. I ended up going to Ft. Buenaventura to buy some clothes because I didn't find ANYTHING in the thrift stores in Ogden. I got a nice shirt and an apron, and then the lady there showed me how to make a skirt really fast and easy. I got the material for that too. Saturday was a long day!! I didn't get home from shopping until after 6 PM. Then it was on to cleaning my house! I finally feel settled. I got each of the rooms clean. Now it's just on to little house projects like painting the bookshelves, and cleaning the carpet, and probably a million other little projects I will find. But right now, my main focus is getting things ready for the camping trip. I will tell you all more about that soon!

Good News Minute!

2009-06-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

I have good news! I got a new nephew AND a new niece this week! Two of Dan's sisters had their babies this week, and neither were actually due till sometime in July. I know this is EXTREMELY corny for me to say, but I think they were friends in Heaven. Once one baby came, the other had to follow. Anyway, laugh at me if you want, but here are some pictures.

Baby Koban came on Sunday, June 21st 2009. Congrats Tenille (and Jon)!!

Baby Sequoia came on Tuesday, June 23rd 2009. Congrats Raquel (and Mike)!!

Soooo precious!

Anyway, now for news in my world. Dan is leaving for California today to visit his friend's who are selling APEX alarm systems.... and to play in a 2-day Frisbee golf tournament (or course). I hope you win big for me (especially to help pay for the plane ticket!!). I am so paranoid that his plane is going to crash or something. Does anyone have any consoling words for me??? :-)

Also!!!! BIG NEWS!!! I finally got my kitchen boxes unpacked last night! AND I finally got everything put away in my kitchen! Our apartment is FINALLY starting to feel like a home! This weekend I hope to get EVERYTHING cleaned and have some pictures put up!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Camping+Babies=Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went with Dan's family to Ft. Bridger, Wyoming to camp out for the weekend. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. It was a really fun weekend! We went up Friday night and set up camp and then made "woofums" over the fire. Then we went to bed and froze our butts off! In the morning I got up and planted myself in front of the fire to thaw out and eat a yummy scone breakfast! Everyone went their separate ways checking out the old fort, the museums, and the little shops, and Dan took the longest nap ever. I sat with Dan's dad by the fire. He worked on his saddle and I studied my flashcards. It was nice to just sit and talk. By 2:00 that day we had a pretty big rainstorm hit us. We were all pretty much confined to a tent. Luckily, Dan's dad made us a HUGE tent for our wedding present. It fit everyone in it so we could still have fun and talk during the rain! It finally "stopped" raining in time for dinner. We made a HUGE pot of stew. After dinner we were all still hanging out around the fire, and we saw a porquepine!! It scared me to death!! That night, when I had to get up to go to the bathroom I was scared to leave my tent because I was afraid to get eaten by the wildlife. But I made it. It was still raining the next day as we packed up to leave.... but I still had fun. The weekend wiped me out pretty good though! I was exhausted!

Sunday night we went and visited my dad for father's day! On the way to their house we got a call saying that Dan's sister, Tenille, was in labor so we didn't get to stay long at my dad's house. Tenille had a healthy baby boy at about 8:00 PM last night! It was a very eventful weekend! Alan (dan's dad) said there wasn't anything that could really top this father's day. We joked saying that I could top it if I had a baby next father's day AND gave him a new horse trailor and truck. We'll see about that one Alan......

Anyway, Happy Father's Day! Hopefully next time I will have some pictures. Cross your fingers.

Oh, and P.S.... This message is for my sister Ashley. You asked me for a new post and I have posted like 3 new ones. You haven't even commented on ANY of them. If you ask for posts you have to comment. It's like a rule or something.

Insurance Companies, Kitchen Boxes, Name Changes, School, and a very Humbling Experience.

2009-06-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

I guess I will just go in order......

Insurance Companies-
I recently signed up for medical insurance through my work. They have already taken the premium out of my paycheck and sent me my cards and all that junk. Well, I go to the Pharmacy to fill a prescription and they tell me I don't have coverage. So I payed for the prescription out of pocket, left, and got really upset and started crying. I called the company and they confirmed that I don't have coverage. I got mad (and when I get mad, I cry) and asked them where my premium payments have been going if I don't have any insurance. Of course, the lady didn't know..... So anyway, now I am getting all that worked out with the company and HOPEFULLY they will refund my premium payment.... We'll see.

Kitchen Boxes-
Still on my list.... Still haven't put them away... Still in my living room. After almost a month of being married do you think that means that I am never going to use what's in those boxes and I can just take them to the DI? Or will I regret it?

Name Changes-
That was fun....

School-
School is getting really really hard! It is coming down to the end of class (only about a month left). We are getting ready for finals. Sometimes it is so stressful to be in school, especially because it's summer and ESPECIALLY because Dan isn't in school. I just want to be home and get my apartment straitened out and take a hold of my life and I feel like I can't.

And now, for my HUMBLING EXPERIENCE!!!!
All that stuff that I wrote above DOESN'T EVEN MATTER. I recently learned something about a couple that I know. Both are going through cancer. One of them has it in his eye. The other started out with breast cancer, went in remission, and now has it again; along with liver and brain cancer. They are thinking that the cancer has spread to her whole body. The story gets worse (if you can even imagine that). After I heard that, I sat back at my desk and thought about it for the next hour or so. I decided that I am so..... ungrateful ( I guess that's a good word for it). I thought back on all the times that I complained about school and other things but those things are soooo small compared to something like cancer. I should be grateful that I even get to go to school or that I have an apartment to live in. I think everyone has probably had an experience like this at least once in their life... so this is nothing new. I guess it's just good to be reminded of everything we have to be grateful for.... because we really are very blessed.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful Father's Day! I am going camping with Dan's family and then visiting my daddy on Sunday! I am excited for a relaxing weekend with family!

A New Discovery

2009-06-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

I love making lists. I found this out when I planned my wedding. I made lists for every aspect of the wedding. I had every day planned, hour by hour. I think it helps me to feel like I actually have control over my life. Even after the wedding I am still making lists. Every week I make a "to-do" list for the next Saturday. I plan hour by hour where I will be and what I will be doing. Sadly, I have never done everything on my list. Every weeks I put the same thing on there. "Unpack the rest of the kitchen boxes." 3 weeks after the wedding they are still sitting in my living room....

7 Things Tag

2009-06-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

7 Things that attract me to my husband:
~The way he acts when he is around horses.
~His eyes.
~His hair.
~How he always wants to hold my hand.
~How he always knows what I am thinking, even when I don't want him to.
~When he does the dishes.
~How he thinks I am good at Mariokart... somtimes.

7 Things I always say:
~For real
~Really??
~I really don't want to go to school today
~I'm hungry
~How can I help you?
~Thank you for calling Weber State Credit Union, this is Annica, How may I help you?
~hi or hello or hey (to everyone who walks through to door at work)

7 Things I LOVE to eat:
~ Pasta
~ Pizza
~ Chicken Strips with Ranch
~ Chips
~ Roast and potatos
~ Hamburgers
~ Steak

7 Things I can do:
~ Write with my left hand
~ Read really fast
~ Sing
~ Sew rag quilts
~ Do a headstand for a really long time
~ Make lists
~ Memorize pharmacy drugs

7 Things I can't Do
~ Try new food
~ Math
~ Let go of the saddle horn when I'm riding.
~ Just sit and do nothing.
~ Beat rainbow road
~ Live without caffeine
~ Eat black beans

Mr. & Sister Phister

2009-06-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

INTRODUCING: MRS. ANNICA JEWKES PHISTER or "Sister Phister" (everyone can sign now because my new name is so cute haha).

For those of you who didn't hear, I got married! It has been over 2 WEEKS since the BIG day. Married life has been so busy (hence the neglected blog, facebook, and e-mails). But my sister Ashley said I needed a new post.

I can't believe how often I have to do laundry now. ONCE A WEEK! I used to only have to do it like once a month or whenever I would run out of black socks for work. Also, moving and unpacking is taking FOREVER! I still have 3 kitchen boxes to unpack but nowhere to put anything. I have already made a million trips to the DI so hopefully only a few more.

Saturday I had a very busy day.... of SHOPPING! I used some of our wedding money (thanks everyone!) on some much-needed decorations for the house. I got some lamps for the living room that I absolutely LOVE, a HUGE red shag rug, a coffee table, couch pillows, picture frames, a bedspread, sheets, and curtains. I hope to put some pictures up when we finish decorating. HOPEFULLY later this month! I need to paint some furniture first! I also got a lot of cleaning done on Saturday. I feel like I got a lot of much-needed work done!

I only have 2 more months of school left!! Pharmacy 2 has been so much harder than

Pharmacy 1. At first there was 3 quizzes a night, now it is down to 1 but they are FULL of information and it's hard to remember everything. But, I am making it through. Last night we had our Musculoskeletal Drug test and I got 100%!!!! I was very happy! Probably in August I will start my on-the-job-training and after 180 hours of that I will be completely DONE! Then I can really start playing "wife." (and go back to reading my precious library books!)

So, all in all, June has been amazing so far! I love being married to Daniel. It's so nice living with your best friend. He is so supportive and helpful! And I love taking care of him! Being married it awesome! I feel like a lot of stress has been lifted off my shoulders.

I will say one thing about planning a wedding though.... I NEVER want to do it again! It is very stressful! But in the end it was worth it. Everything turned out so nice! It was the best day ever!

Anyway, hopefully pictures will come in my next post!

"I'm Getting Married In the Morning, Ding Dong The Bells Are Gonna Chime"

2009-05-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting here at 12:35 AM on the DAY of my wedding. I should be sleeping OR getting the million little things done that I have left to do... but I am blogging instead. I thought I would just take a minute and write down some thoughts.
The wedding day is a day that every girl dreams of her entire life. It seems like it has been such a long road, but that day is here for me. And I can't believe it. This really has been the longest 2 months of my life.
I am so ready for the wedding plans to be over and to just enjoy my new life with Daniel. Sometimes I think I should have taken my mom's advice to skip the reception and just save the money. Weddings are hard. There are a lot of emotions (from every side) that go into planning a wedding and there is a lot of stress. Sometimes I really wonder if having a reception and big wedding celebration is worth the stress and strain that it causes. I guess we will find out tomorrow.
For all you helpers out there, I would like to give a big, huge, THANK YOU (informally, you will get a "thank you" note too). So many people have been there to give me ideas and support. I really couldn't have done this without the help of so many of my friends and family; especially my mom. She has done some pretty amazing things for me. Thanks to her, my reception looks amazing! There was no way I could have come up with it all on my own.
Anyway, sorry to be so deep and talky right before my wedding. I do want you all to know that I am very excited to get married and to start a new journey with Daniel. Let's hope it's a good one! Wish us luck!

Look At The Pretty Flowers......

2009-05-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my yard (I rent from Ashley and Heber). Aren't the flowers pretty? And no, I am not just talking about the tulips. I am also talking about the OTHER pretty little yellow flowers scattered all over the yard. They are called Dandelions. And they wont go away. I think I have the prettiest yard in the whole neighborhood. Too bad I am moving soon. :-)

Take It One Day At A Time

2009-04-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning out my Pharmacy folder to get ready to start class again tomorrow and I came across this quote that the teacher handed out. I thought it might be good to apply this to my own life, and thought maybe you all would want to think about this too. I think the world would be a lot happier if everyone applied this message to their lives. Just something to think about...

"THERE ARE TWO DAYS IN EVERY WEEK ABOUT WHICH WE SHOULD NOT WORRY- TWO DAYS WHICH SHOULD BE KEPT FREE FROM FEAR AND APPREHENSION."

One of these days is yesterday, with it's mistakes and cares, it's faults and blunders, and it's aches and pains.

Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. We cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone.

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow.

Tomorrow is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, whether in splendor or behind a mask of clouds. But it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow.

That leaves only one day- today.

Anyone can fight the battles of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities -yesterday and tomorrow- that we break down.

Let us therefore live one day at a time.

Things You Have Never Been Asked!

2009-04-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

1. First thing you wash in the shower? Hair
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Brown
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?I would hope so... I'm gonna marry him.
4. Do you plan outfits? Sometimes... It depends on where I am going.
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? I've had better days...
6. What's the closest thing to you that's red? My wallet
7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? Last night I had a dream that some people came to look at the house that I live in and I was sick and told them that they needed to come back but they wouldn't so I threw up on them. (Sick, I know)
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Yes, Max & Lawana Rheed
9. What are you craving right now? Nothing
10. Do you floss? I try
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Last St Patrick's day. There was cabbage in EVERYTHING
12. Are you emotional? Yes
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? No
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? I will lick it if it's on a cone, but bite it if it's in a bowl.
15. Do you like your hair? Sometimes... not recently
16. Do you like yourself? Yes
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? I don't really care...
18. What are you listening to right now? My computer running
19. Are your parents strict? Not really
20. Would you go sky diving? Maybe one day.. Dan wants to go after he graduates.
21. Do you like cottage cheese? No way!
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? No
23. Do you rent movies often? Occasionally
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? My engagement ring!
25. How many countries have you visited? Does Niagra Falls, Canada count?
26. Have you made a prank phone call? No
27. Ever been on a train? Yes, the train at Lagoon
28. Brown or white eggs? White
29.Do you have a cell-phone? Yes
30. Do you use chap stick? Yes, every morning and then throughout the day.
31. Do you own a gun? I have a Nerf dart gun. But Dan and his family can probably beat anyone...
32. Can you use chop sticks? Nope, never tried
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Nobody, I'm home for the night.
34. Are you too forgiving? Depends on who did it and what they did.
35. Ever been in love? Yes
36. What is your best friend doing tomorrow? Going to school and work
37. Ever had cream puffs? Yes, very yummy
38. Last time you cried? Today
39. What was the last question you asked? I asked my brother if his baby was sick.
40. Favorite time of the year? May because it's not too hot and not too cold.
41. Do you have any tattoos? No
42. Are you sarcastic? Sometimes...
43. Whats your favorite flavor of toothpaste? I hate every flavor I have tried. I am looking for a good one though.
44. Ever walked into a wall? No... maybe a door frame
45. Favorite color? Green
46. Have you ever slapped someone? Yah, but not for real.
47. Is your hair curly? Not at all
48. What was the last CD you bought? Sara Bareillis (a year and a half ago)
49. Do looks matter? Yes, but they aren't most important
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? I don't know and I hope to never find out.
51. Is your phone bill sky high? No, I have definately seen worse
52. Do you like your life right now? Well, not today... but yes.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? Nope
54. Can you handle the truth? Depends on who is telling it and what they are saying
55. Do you have good vision? Yes
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Yes
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Alot at work. But mostly I just text on my cell phone/
58. The last person you held hands with? Dan
59. What are you wearing? A 2xl USU Aggies T-shirt. I have no idea where I got it from...
60.What is your favorite animal? I want a puggle one day... (a cross between a beagle and a pug)
61. Where was your profile picture taken? Beus Park
62. Can you hula hoop? No
63. Do you have a job? Yes
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Address labels for the wedding invitations
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? No, thankfully I have never had to.

It would be fun if you all want to answer these questions too. Just copy and paste.

I Had A Great Easter Weekend!

2009-04-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

Let me start with Wednesday..... I took my Pharmacy 1 final and got a 90%!!!! I was sooo happy! Now I get about a 3 week break and then I will start Pharmacy 2 and On the Job Training will start shortly after that! There are alot of things going on in my life right now!! It's an exciting time!

Now on to easter weekend!

On Friday Dan and I went to the Ogden LDS Institute Spring Variety Show. It was really good! It made me really want to be back in the choir! They sang some really fun songs and all the dances were really good!

Saturday Dan and I got our engagement pictures done (as you can tell due to the change in my blog). We have over 100 pictures! It's so hard to pick just 1 to send with the invitations! We also got our invitations on saturday. They turned out really nice! I am excited for everyone to see them!

After pictures on Saturday, I went "wedding stuff" shopping. I am proud to say that I have finished buying everything except the stuff (like food) that you buy right before the wedding. It feels so nice to be almost done. Only 40 days left and time is creeping slowly along!

Sunday I got to sleep in a little bit and then Dan and I hung out with my family most of the day. My sister's little girl informed me that she is getting married in February in a red dress (she's only 3!!!). It was so cute! Later that night we went to his parent's and played Canasta. I really like that game! There was so much good food yesterday and lots of good company. Yesterday just had a good spirit about it.

I hope you all had as good of an Easter weekend as I did!

Goldenwest 5K For Schools.... I "Ran" It.

2009-03-28T10:27:00.001-07:00

I "Ran" this race this morning! My very first race!

So I ran the 5K for schools this morning. It was the first time I have run since Jr High, and even back then I only ran short distances. The most I have ever run at one time is a mile in gym class when it's part of your grade. The reason I did it (well, the MAIN reason) is because Dan is a runner. He is a good runner. Last April he ran the Ogden Marathon... and he didn't die. Anyway, so I tried to talk myself out of it all week but I guess I am not very persuasive because I did it.

Let me just say... it is the HARDEST thing in the world to wake up EARLIER than you do for work to go run in the cold. I didn't want to get out of bed but somehow I did.

So we get there and it takes forever to start. FINALLY, we start running. That was the moment that I knew it would be bad. I thought that I had a good start and had made a good pace for myself.... then everyone started passing me. I ran the first half mile and then I started dying. I was crying and coughing and getting dizzy. I had NO IDEA that it was going to hurt that bad. I also had no idea that I was so out of shape. Dan was really really nice and he stayed with me the whole time. I think when it was all finished I ended up running a little over half of the race. Dan made me run the last mile (except for a small hill). But I finished strong! It was one of the hardest things I have ever done and it really made me realize that I need to get in better shape. My goal was to finish under 30 minutes. I didn't make it, but I don't think I could have done any better for my first race in 8 years. So, maybe I will do another one someday... but not before I do some training.

I just want to say to my sister Ashley, don't let this post discourage you from your race next weekend. It was really hard, but I feel good now. I am really glad that I did it. You will do great as long as you do your best. Just make sure you breath deep breaths in through your nose and out your mouth and JUST KEEP GOING! Good Luck!

I'm Getting MARRIED!!!!!!

2009-03-08T14:11:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, Daniel and I got engaged yesterday! It has been quite a week/weekend for me but there was no better way to end it than getting proposed to. It all started Friday. We had lunch together (we work across the street from each other now). During lunch he told me that he would like to go to The Roof for dinner that night and then go and see the Joseph Smith movie. So we went to SLC and actually decided to go to The Garden instead of The Roof and then we watched the movie and then he took me home. I didn't find out until later, but the whole point of his taking me there was to trick me into thinking that he was going to propose that night. But, he didn't.

We had been planning to go on a horseback ride since Valentines Day but there has been too much snow. We finally got to go on Saturday. He wanted to take me to a different place but there was too much snow in that area so we ended up going to Willard Bay. It was such a nice day! So, we were just riding along and he was telling me about the other place he wanted to take me riding when all of the sudden he pulled the ring out! I don't know how I didn't notice all his moving around to get the ring out of the saddle bad and open it up and everything. So, we were still moving and I was kinda crying and staring at the ring and I was like "we should stop moving." So we stopped and he got off his horse and came and put the ring on my finger and then I got off and hugged him. Mid-hug I said, "You haven't asked me yet...." So he asked and, of course, I said YES!! I was so excited! I was shaking so bad!!! It really couldnt have been more perfect, well, until his horse started peeing.

So anyway, we are officially engaged to be married! We are planning for May 23rd in the Ogden temple. We hope to see you all at the reception and will let you know more as the day gets closer!

P.S. There is a picture of my ring below! He did such a good job of picking it out (much thanks to his mom and his sister, Kim). I am so so so excited to start my new life with him!

Closet Clean Out

2009-03-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

Everyone, I have an addiction. I, Annica Jewkes, am addicted to shoes. I gave myself a small portion of my tax refund money for "fun" spending money. With it, I bought new scriptures (yay!), a few new dress shirts for work, and 4 PAIRS OF NEW SHOES! I justified it because I have been doing really well with saving money and also because it's not like my addiction is harmful to my body (except for the blisters on my heals) or creating problems around the world (except everyone is going to be so jealous when they see me in my new shoes because they are so stinkin cute!). So, here they are:
Another way I justified buy 4 new pairs was by making a promise to myself that I would clean out my shoe closet and get rid of all the shoes I don't wear anymore. I counted all my shoes. Total I have 44 pairs of shoes. I got rid of 18 pairs! I am so proud of myself!! It was really hard though because I had some really good times in some of those shoes. But it was time to let go.

So, if anyone is size 7-9 you can have some shoes. I'm not guaranteeing that they are all in good condition (especially the flip flops) but you are welcome to look at them if you want. Just let me know. (HAHA, Ashley, I know how you love my old flip flops! Remember when I threatened to flush your/my old ones down the toilet???)

And, as a disclaimer, to all of you out there (women mostly) who are amazed that anyone could have that many pairs of shoes, go count the shoes in your own closet. I had NO IDEA I had that many, and I bet you would be surprised to find out just how many you have too! Think of it as spring cleaning.

P.S. I quit my job today! For those of you who are wondering, I will (as of tomorrow) be working at Weber State Credit Union opening new accounts! I am excited!

I've seen 113! Geesh! I have no life!

2009-02-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

SUPPOSEDLY if you've seen over 85 films, you have no life. Mark the ones you've seen. There are over 270 films on this list. Copy this list, then, put x's next to the films you've seen, add them up, change the header adding your number. Have fun!

( ) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Grease 2
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
(x) Starsky and Hutch
( ) Blazing Saddles

Total so far: 6

(x) The Neverending Story
( ) The Neverending Story II
( ) The Neverending Story III
( ) Airplane
(x) The Princess Bride
( ) Willow
(x) Anchorman
(x) Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Labyrinth

Total so far: 11

(x) Saw (Edited)
(x) Saw II(Edited)
(x) Saw III(Edited)
( ) Saw IV
( ) Saw V
( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
(x) Anger Management
(x) 50 First Dates

Total so far: 16

(x) The Princess Diaries
(x) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
(x) Scream (Edited)
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) I Know What You Did Last Summer
( ) I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
(x) The Shining(Edited for TV)
(x) Candyman(TV)
( ) Stand By Me

Total so far: 21

( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp

Total so far: 21

(x) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
(x) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
(x) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
(x) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
(x) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
(x) The Wedding Singer
(x) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
(x) Lilo & Stitch
(x) Finding Nemo

Total so far: 30

(x) Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(x) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
(x) 13 Going on 30
(x) I, Robot
( ) Robots

Total so far: 35

( ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
(x) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
( ) King Pin
(x) Never Been Kissed
( ) Meet The Parents
( ) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights

Total so far: 37

( ) Joe Dirt
(x) King Kong
(x) A Cinderella Story
(x) The Terminal
(x) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
(x) Passport to Paris
(x) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Halloween
( ) Surviving X-MAS

Total so far: 43

( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
(x) The Ring
(x) The Ring 2
( ) Flubber
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(x) Practical Magic
(x) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship

Total so far: 47

( ) From Hell
(x) Hellboy
(x) Secret Window
(x) I Am Sam
(x) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
(x) The Day After Tomorrow
(x) Child's Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky

Total so far: 53

(x) Ten Things I Hate About You
(x) Just Married
( ) Gothika
(x) Nightmare on Elm Street
(x) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
(x) The Grudge
(x) The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
(x) Son Of The Mask

Total so far: 61

( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
( ) Ocean's Twelve
( ) Ocean's Thirteen
(x) Bourne Identity
(x) Bourne Supremecy
(x) Bourne Ultimatum

Total so far: 65

( ) Sixteen Candles
( ) Pretty in Pink
( ) Lone Star
(x) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
(x) Ice Age
(x) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George

Total so far: 68

(x) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(x) ET
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Boss's Daughter
(x) Maid in Manhattan
(x) War of the Worlds

Total so far: 72

( ) Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
( ) Rush Hour 3
( ) Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
(x) She's All That
( ) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
( ) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon

Total so far: 74

(x) Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
( ) The Terminator
( ) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3
(x) X-Men
(x) X-2
(x) X-3: The Last Stand

Total so far: 80

(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
(x) Spider-Man 3
(x) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
(x) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire

Total so far: 87

( ) The Skulls
( ) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2
( ) Shrek the Third
(x) Swimfan
(x) Miracle on 34th street
( ) Old School

Total so far: 91

(x) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf's Tribe
(x) A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin
(x) The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
(x) The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(x) The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Total so far: 96

( ) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
( ) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
( ) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
( ) BASEketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
(x) Elf

Total so far: 97

( ) Highlander
(x) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc.
(x) Titanic

Total so far: 100

(x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
(x) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
(x) Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
(x) Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Total so far: 105

( ) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld
( ) Kill Bill vol 1
( ) Kill Bill vol 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) The Hills Have Eyes

Total so far: 105

( ) I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
( ) The Last House on the Left
(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
( ) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
( ) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
( ) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
( ) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks The Battle For Endor

Total so far: 107

( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
( )The Matrix
( ) The Matrix Reloaded
( ) The Matrix Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
( ) Ghosttown

Total so far: 107

( ) Red Dragon
( ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal
(x) Wall-E
(x) Batman Begins
(x) The Dark Knight
(x) The Prestige
(x) Cars
( ) Gone With The Wind
(x) Top Gun

Total seen: 113

I tag everyone!

These Boots Were Made For Walking..... through snow!

2009-02-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

I decided this past week that I was sick of walking through the snow or scraping snow off my car in the mornings and getting my pant-legs all wet, making me freeze throughout the day because THEY NEVER DRY!!! Also, my pants turn all white from the salt. It is a pain!! So I went shopping on Monday and got these cute boots to solve my snow problems! They coolest thing about these boots were that they were the ONLY ones in the store, they were my size, and they were ON SALE!!! Normally they cost $42.00 but I got them for $17.00! It was definately meant to be.....after some persuasion from Dan, Anna, and Kim (thanks guys!). Anyway, I just wanted to share my good purchase with everyone! I got them just in time for a snowstorm today and they worked wonderfully for me! No more wet pants and shoes for me!

A Rule to Live By: and other stuff

2009-02-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

The NUMBER ONE rule for the day: NEVER accidentally spray perfume in your eye! It will make you blind for the rest of the day and it makes your face really really sticky. It's just not a good idea. Any of you who were considering doing this, DON'T!!!!

Now for an update on my life:

School is hard, but I am finally getting the hang of things. We still have lots of quizzes and that makes me really nervous, but I have passed them all so far. We just got done learning the Cardiovascular drugs and now we are on the Gastrointestinal Drugs. I make up some really dumb things in order to remember the Brand and Generic names of these drugs. Sometimes I think I am crazy!

As for the job situation, Bank of Utah decided to keep me! I will now be moving to the main floor and a "branch receptionist." They don't exactly have my job title set yet, but I am just happy that they are keeping me. I was really scared because I literally applied for 20 jobs and NOT ONE of them called me back for an interview. Times are definately scary and this was an eye opener for me. I need to start saving better and getting a 72-hour kit and food storage.

My Cute Boyfriend.... and other random stuff

2009-01-26T08:20:00.001-08:00

This is just a random picture I took of Daniel on Sunday. He fell asleep at his parent's house and I thought he looked really cute! I couldn't help but take a picture.

Anyway, life has been crazy this last week. Unfortunately, Bank of Utah is closing the call center (due to the economy) so I am now looking for a new job. I understand why they need to do this, but it is still really hard. I have never been laid off before so I had a hard time dealing with it at first. But, I am hire-able and I pay my tithing, so I know I will be okay! Bank of Utah is an extremely good company to work for. This is my second time working here. They treat their employees really well and I would gladly stay if I could.

Also, school is still kicking my butt!! We had a quiz this past week. If it had been a REAL prescription that I had been filling I would have instructed the patient to take a pill by mouth that should have been taken in their bum!!! All because I forgot the meaning of the abbreviation "PR." But, I WILL NEVER forget it now!

Yesterday

2009-01-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I (along with 300 other Ogden LDS Institute Students) had an amazing experience. We got to go down to the Marriot Center in Provo for the CES Fireside. The speaker was President Thomas S Monson. He gave an amazing talk that I think he wrote just for me! Not only did we get to hear his talk, but we also got to sing for him. We were the guest choir. We sang "Surely He Has Born Our Griefs" and "Carry On." Both songs were very fitting to the topics of President Monson's talk. All in all, it was an awesome experience. It is so amazing to be in the presence of a prophet and apostle (Russell M Nelson was there too!) I am so blessed to be in this choir! If any of you want to hear President Monson's amazing talk, or to watch us sing you can go to: WWW.LDS.ORG!

I Want To Cry.... Or Do Something That Will Make Life Easier!!!

2009-01-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

So, I know that EVERYONE has school right now, and EVERYONE is struggling and feeling overwhelmed by everything they are facing this semester, but I really don't know what I have gotten myself into! My 2nd day of pharmacy was tonight. I went... and after 3 LOOOONG hours I left.

We had our first test. I didn't do as well as I wanted to. I guess, since that class is going to be so competitive, I think that I HAVE to get 100% on everything; and I didn't. I got a 96%. I know that is a really good score, but alot of people got that score. I wanted 100% so that I could have the highest ranking so that when On The Job Training placement is made, I will get first choice. I feel like I really failed myself. I know, I know, I need to calm down and I really probably will feel better in the morning once I have slept on it, but right now I want to cry!

All in all, I know that I can do this! I know that I can get a high score in this class and get good placement, but right now that seems very far away. There are alot of hurdles that need to be jumped first. I only hope that I can keep my spirit up to complete what I have started.

First Day Of Schoooool

2009-01-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Last night was my first OFFICIAL day of Pharmacy school. Let me just start off by saying that we had crazy weather last night (those of you who live in the ogden/slc area know what I am talking about). It took me almost an hour to get from my work (on 26th and Washington) to the ATC (just north of 2nd street and Washington). I am glad I left early because I got to class only 5 minutes before it was set to start.

So anyway, my first night of class scared me to death!! The next 4 months is going to be very stressful for me. I had no idea that this class was going to be a competition. First thing my teacher informed us that the higher we place in the class (grade-wise) the better the OJT (that's on the job training) we will be placed in. I HAVE to get first place. That's what I decided last night. The teacher told us that we have to get 100% on ALL of our math tests and at least 80% on all the other tests. He said that those who get JUST 80% will not pass Pharmacy 2 though. So, I am aiming for a 98%... at least. This class will last until April and then in May I will start Pharmacy 2 AND my OJT. I don't know how I am going to do both and work full time... I may not be able to keep bankers hours. But, I really shouldn't stress about that now.

This is going to be a busy 4 months. Everyone, cross your fingers that I will do well and get a good (top) placement in Pharmacy 1. And, let's hope that it never takes me an hour to go 26 blocks ever again!

Happy Schooling!

New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-29T07:13:00.000-08:00

So, I decided to make a few new year's resolutions this year.... and actually write them down. Hopefully I can actually achieve my goals this year! Here they are:

1- Be better at reading scriptures and saying prayers. I thought it was kind of scary to post that on here, but I figured it is something that everyone could probably work on and something that probably nobody is perfect at so I decided I shouldn't be scared to admit I am not perfect.

2- Save money (short term and long term). I read this article on the internet about people who saved EVERYTHING for a whole year; spending only on necessary items like food, gas, hygene/toiletries. Some didn't make it the whole year, but I want to try it for as long as I can. I know that I can save alot more than I have been so I am going to start!! I am going to try the "no spending" thing for at least January, then after that I might give myself a little allowance. We will see!

3- Stop drinking caffiene! This one is going to be really hard for me, but I will have the "no spending" thing on my side to help.

These are all the goals that I have come up with for this new year but I think they will keep me pretty busy! I will keep you all posted on how they go! I would be interested to hear about any resolutions you have made!

I Need A Recipe!!

2008-12-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

I need a GOOD recipe for Cheese and Broccoli Soup!! IF any of you could get me a recipe by the 19th, that would be awesome!!! We are having a Christmas pot luck at work and I am in charge of that soup! Let me know!!!

Thanksgiving Weekend! (Be prepared for a long post!!)

2008-12-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

I had a pretty good Thanksgiving weekend. I had a 4 day weekend, which was EXCELLENT! Wednesday night Dan and I went to institute and then we went out to Dan's parents house for "Pie Night." His mom decided to start a new tradition of eating pie on the night before Thanksgiving because everyone is always too full for pie on the actual day. So, we ate yummy pie and hung out with all his family. His sisters and mom went to twilight that night and they really wanted me to come.... but "I am a party pooper!"
Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, I SLEPT IN!!! For dinner I went with Dan to his Grandparent's house. Dinner was sooooo yummy, and I even saved room for pie! We hung out there for a while with his family and we even took them over to a park to throw some discs. Mike, Dan's brother-in-law, is a really awesome thrower!!! I wish that he lived closer and could come play with us! Dan's brother, Ty, throws really well too! That night, we went to my parent's house to visit. My aunt Maryanne was there spending the day with my Mom and Dad, and Ashley and Heber were there with their cute kids, Majestic and Scholar. We had alot of fun. My mom had the christmas tree up and it was sooo pretty. It was decorated with music notes and tiny musical instruments. It was beautiful! We had alot of fun at the house. Majestic discovered what pom-poms are and she became a cheerleader. She was making up cheers and songs about farms. Scholar was so cute and cuddly. He let me hold him almost the whole night! So, Thanksgiving was a pretty good day!
On Friday I went to SLC to play disc golf with Dan and some of our friends. I had never been to that course before. It was pretty cool, and by cool I mean awesome AND COLD!!! We were there from 11:30 AM until about 4:30 PM. It was alot of fun though. Before we got to SLC we stopped at Betos. It was my FRIST TIME EVER eating there. I split a breakfast burrito with Dan (those things are huge!). It was pretty good and filled me up for most of the day. Friday night we played Mario Kart WII and just were lazy. You wouldn't think it, but playing disc golf all day really makes you tired and takes alot out of you!
Saturday I played frisbee golf once again!! (Suprise Suprise!!) This time we went to the Brigham City course and Dan invited our institute teacher to come and play. He brought his daughter and one of her friends. Right when we got there, we were practicing our putting. Our teacher threw the disc and hit me in the arm! I had a lump on it all day and now there is a big purple bruise, the size of an egg, on my arm. Those discs really hurt! We had alot of fun though, and Brother Sims is pretty good. That night, Dan took me to Texas Roadhouse. It was sooo yummy! There was soooo much food, which means leftovers for the next day!
Sunday was pretty relaxing. I went to church and was lazy the rest of the day! All in all, it was an awesome weekend! All I can say is that it is pretty hard to come back to work on a monday morning after a 4 day weekend! Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for all of you who make this a great weekend!

8 Things Tag

2008-12-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

8 TV SHOWS I WATCH... (The 8 shows I would watch if I had TV) (In no particular order)
1-The Office
2-Heroes
3-One Tree Hill
4-
5-
6-
7-
8-Um.... I don't know what other shows are on TV....... Maybe the news???

8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY...
1-Got ready for church
2-Went to church
3-Ate some yummy leftover food from Texas Roadhouse!!
4-Read a book
5-Played WAAAY too much Mario Kart on the WII (I beat the expert time on Sherbet Land by 2 seconds)
6-Hung out with Dan ALL day!
7-Read my scriptures for 20 minutes!
8-Finished my book

8 THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO...
1-The Institute Christmas show this weekend!
2-Going home from work (every day)
3-Getting things done that I SHOULD have done over my long weekend.
4-Christmas
5-Getting done with Pharmacy Tech school
6-Being done with spin class after going every week since August!
7-Having my own home one day
8-Getting married (ONE DAY) (AND NO, this is not an announcement)

8 THINGS ON MY WISH LIST-
1-To make more money and have EVERYTHING else get cheaper!
2-To take a shower... (I woke up really late this morning...)
3-To sing well in the christmas show this weekend
4-Less bad habits
5-More good habits
6-To pay off my car loan
7-Gym Membership
8-Getting Married one day

8 PEOPLE I TAG...
ANYONE who wants to.....

President Packer

2008-11-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

Last night the Ogden LDS Institute had a once in a lifetime experience. President Boyd K Packer, President of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, came to the Ogden Institute as the speaker of the YSA fireside! The choir I am in, the Choralaires, got to sing for him. We sang one of His favorite hymns, Come Unto Him, and we sang Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing. It was really amazing, and like I said before, it was a once in a lifetime experience! His talk was amazing! And the best part was that he gave us an apostolic blessing! It really was amazing!

I Did it! I'm Done!!!

2008-11-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

Monday night I took my last Pharmacy Math test and got a 98%!!!!! I am done with school until January! YAY!

Just Some Random Info

2008-11-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

So, there is just a few things that I thought I should write about. This post is going to be really random.

FIRST: I got 95% on my math test yesterday!!! I was really scared for this one because it was metric conversions and there was just a lot to remember. I have to know how many Mg are in a Gr, how many Ml are in a tsp, how many Lbs are in a Kg, how many Oz are in Ml, how to convert temperature from F to C and from C to F, and how to convert the medicine the pharmacy has "on hand" to the amount in the prescription given by the doctor! I only missed 1 problem!!!! Now I am on to the FINAL section in pharmacy math but it will be a piece of cake!! I should be done with this by November and I will start my actual pharmacy class in January!

Second: I got my FIRST EVER flu shot yesterday. I absolutely HATE needles. I was shaking so bad. And worst of all, I GOT SICK FROM IT!!! I am achy, I have a stomach ache AND a headache. I hope it's worth it!

Third: I love that KOZY 106.5 is already playing Christmas music!! I love Christmas music!! I love SINGING Christmas music in my car and I LOVE making my own variations and singing DUETS with the actual singer, in my car. One of my favorite duets is with Donny Osmond, singing Baby What Ya Gonna Be (I think alot of the songs in his Christmas CD are awful!). We sing excellent together! Some of my favorite Christmas CDs are Eclipse Christmas and Shedaisy Christmas. I LOVE IT!!

Fourth: I love reading. I have been going to the library alot lately. For instance, I went on Saturday and checked out 11 books. The people there (the workers and the customers) look at me like I am crazy, but I WILL actually read all those books in the 3 weeks they give me to read them. I have already finished 4 of the books I got on Saturday. I literally finish a book a day. I think I wouldn't be such a fast reader, except I check out books that are WAY under my actual reading level. But those are the books that I like. Those are the books that I would write, if I ever finished my English degree. I ALSO love the website that my cousin Nichole got me into. It is www.goodreads.com. I have over 200 books on there in my "to read" list and I add more every day.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

It all started with Boss' Day. We gave my boss some balloons and tied them to the back of her chair. We were all laughing at how funny it looked and then I realized that she looked like a character from Mario Kart with the balloons following her where ever she went. Thus, our holloween idea was created! So, it started with cardboard computer boxes. We all got one and started on our karts. This is what I came up with at first. The funny part was that I built this kart while I was sitting inside of it!

Then I decided that my kart needed to be more vicious, so I added the spikes on the bottom. We all had alot of fun making our karts and we got pretty creative with them! Olivia, my co-worker made a fish kart, with big fish eyes and fins. Brian made the COOLEST bowser costume and a really awesome kart! He is going to be an engineer so his is really really awesome. I'm sure if it were made of more sturdy material it would actually fly! Rex... wasn't as enthused about Halloween and making his kart spectacular. So, we call his "The Invisable Kart." boss is the game controller aka "The Wii Mote!"

I took my kart home and spray painted it green, to match my Luigi costume. Then I found an AWESOME mustache at The Halloween Store. It is so funny looking! Dan let me borrow some overalls (which I don't know how he fits in them because they are really tight on my bottom!) and then I went and bought a green shirt and a hat. You can see in the background of this picture how we cut and colored all of the turtle shells and banana peels and put them all around the office. I even made a stop light and some flags!

We really had alot of fun with Halloween and this is THE MOST I have ever gotten into Halloween. (It probably wont happen again!!) I am kind of excited for tonight though because I am just going to stay at home and pass out candy to trick or treaters. I know that probably sounds boring to some of you, but, growing up in Plain City we didn't get alot of trick or treaters. I am excited to see all the cute little kids! Anyway, Happy Halloween everyone!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

My First Pharmacy Math Test

2008-10-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

So last night I took my first test for pharmacy math. I must admit, I feel the test was a little unfair. It was supposed to be really easy.... The test was on chapters 1 and 2 from my Dosage Calculations text book. I got the test from the teacher and sat down to take it, and the FIRST 4 questions were NOT IN THE BOOK. None of the homework had anything to do with those first 4 questions. I flipped my test over and told the teacher that I thought I skipped a section in my book. So I started looking for the section and it was nowhere. Not only was it NOT in chapter 1 and 2, it was nowhere in the WHOLE BOOK. So, needless to say, getting caught off gaurd totally messed my brain up for the rest of the test. I was almost in tears, thinking "I can't fail math again.. especially this EASY math." I guessed on the first 4 questions and then went on to finish the test. I got stuck at the very end of the test because I got confused on a little detail. I brought my test up to the teacher to grade, and explained to her that the first 4 questions were not in the book so I didn't know I needed to learn them. She skipped those and graded the rest of my test. I am proud to say that besides those first 4, I ONLY MISSED ONE PROBLEM, and that was the very last one. So I WOULD HAVE HAD 98 percent...... BUT..... the teachers decided that they would VERY QUICKLY teach me the concepts of the other problems and have me redo them....right there.... at her desk.... with her staring at me.... and with people waiting in the line for her help.... again, needless to say, I missed 3 out of the 4 questions. SO....... I got an 87%. I passed... which is all that matters, I guess.... So, now I am on to metric conversions. AND... this time I didn't almost kill anyone on my way home from school! Go me!

I Almost Sealed The Deal

2008-10-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

So last night was the worst experience in my life this far. I was driving home from school. I turned off 1900 W onto Riverdale Road. It was really dark and there weren't many cars out. There were 2 construction trucks on the side of the rode with their hazard lights on but I didn't see any people around. ALL OF THE SUDDEN there was a guy lying in the middle of the road, in the fetal position on his side. I swerved to miss him but I wasn't sure if I did it in time. Then I heard and felt something scraping under my car so I pulled over. By now I was freaking out, thinking that I had just killed this guy that was in the road. I looked under my car and there was a road cone stuck under it. I looked back at the body in the road and just started sobbing. I wasn't sure if I hit him and the cone, or just the cone, or what. I didn't know if that guy was dead or what was happening. I started to hyperventalate. I called my sister in law because I didn't know what to do. Honestly, I can't remember what she told me to do because I was freaking out too much. After I got off the phone, I walked over to the scene and by then an ambulence and a million cop cars were there. Another lady who had stopped saw me and tried to calm me down. She brought me to an officer and he had me sit in his car while I tried to stop crying. I told him what happened and that I didn't know if I hit him and that I just needed to know if he was dead or if he was okay. I finally stopped crying and I walked over to the scene. The guy was on his back. I could see that he was breathing but he was not conscious. His clothes had been cut off and he had a broken leg. They were just moving him onto the stretcher. 40 minutes had gone by, by now and I was freezing from being outside. I just wanted to go home. I asked a few times if I could go and they just kept telling me to stay for a little longer. Finally, they let me leave. I went to my car and just started crying again. I was so scared to start driving again so I just sat there for a while. Finally I turned my hazards off and pulled away. I was so disoriented and I couldn't even remember how to drive properly. I finally made it to Dan's house because it was closer to where I was than my own house. He helped to calm me down alot. When it came time for me to go home though, I got scared again. While driving, I kept seeing things jumping out from the side of the road. The whole night made me really put things into a new perspective. If I had been distracted at all, or going too fast, that guy would probably be dead. I would have run over him full on, his head under my left tire and his body under my right tire. I swerved just in time, but still was probably only 5 inches away from hitting him. If I hadn't been there, who knows if the person behind me would have seen him in time. Last night, I saw the worst thing I have ever seen in my life.

What actually happened was there was a construction worker pulled over to the side of the road with his hazard lights on (one of the truck I saw). He had gotten out of his truck to lay road cones down (the road cone I hit). While he was laying out the cone, a guy drove up the street in his truck. He didn't see the construction worker and accidentally hit him (that's why there was a guy in the road). The kid who hit him had pulled over to the side of the road (the other truck I saw) and was probably calling 911. That's about the time when I came into the picture. I was the first person to drive past after the accident. I hope the guy is okay.

Happy Birthday To Me!!!!!!

2008-10-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

So, today at work I was just sittin there being bored with all of the sudden I had a bunch of people in front of my desk with these flowers saying that they were for me! I thought they were crazy because I have never been given flowers before. But, sure enough, they had my name on them! Turns out they were from Dan (surprise, surprise!!!). He got a little mad when he found out that I got them today (my birthday isn't until tomorrow) but I was soooo happy to get them! Now I can enjoy them ALL day on my birthday! Happy birthday to me, and thanks Dan! You're the best!

Back To School!

2008-09-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

So.... I decided to go to school to be a Pharmacy Technician. I start on October 2 and I am really excited! I will keep you all posted on my progess. I should be done in about a year if I do well at it.
Speaking of medicine, I have a cold/strep throat/something un-fun (I haven't been to the doctor yet so I don't know what I have)..... Usually my body waits until it's a little colder to get sick but I guess it wanted to jump the gun this year. I hope the statement "the early bird get's the worm" applies here and that I wont get sick again this fall/winter season! Good luck to all of you and your health!

10 Addictions Tagged by Melanie

2008-09-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

1. Books/Reading
Give me a book and I will have it done in no time! BUT, it is only certain books. My favorite books are young adult fiction. I love the high school romance stuff... and all the drama associated with it. Don't get me wrong, I am glad to be out of that stage myself, but I just like reading books like that. I also like the LDS fiction books. Anita Stansfield is my favorite author in that category. Last week I went to the library and didn't know what books to read, so I went to the "A" shelf and picked one book off of every shelf. I got 7 books total. I am about ready to go back for the next shelf!

2. Caffiene/Carbination
This is one addiction that I know is bad.... that's why I have stopped. Well, during the week anyway. You could say that I am a "binge drinker" on the weekends (BUT NOTHING BAD... JUST SODA!!!!!). There is nothing like a nice, cold Vanilla Coke on the weekends!

3. Chips!
I will admit it, I am a chip junkie. I don't like sweets very much. I love SALTY foods!

4. Chick Flicks
I LOVE chick flicks! I have a very nice collection at my house, that just keeps growing. Some of them are really good... and others I am a little ashamed of (Hillary Duff movies that I can't resist....). I think I am in love with love stories! I think my very favorite (right now) is 27 Dresses. If any of you haven't seen it, I would HIGHLY recommend it!

5. Rag Quilting
I haven't done one in a while, but I really love making them. I am working on a really hard one right now. It is an unusual pattern (it isn't just squares of the same size). Anyway, along with that one, I am looking for material for a rag quilt for my nephew who will be born in November!

6. Singing
I have been singing since I was really little. I didn't start traning until I was in the 9th grade though. I sang in all the high school choirs, I sang for a year with Weber State's choir, and now I am singing for the Ogden LDS Institute Choralaires. I really love singing and I really love being a high soprano. There is nothing like singing those really high notes and ACTUALLY being able to make them sound good! I am really excited for the Christmas show this December. Christmas time is one of my favorite times of the year because of all the fun Christmas songs we get to sing!

7. Chapstick
I am ADDICTED to chapstick! I can't go a day without it or my lips would shrivel up and die. I keep chapstick on my keyboard at work, in my gym bag, in my scripture case, by my bedside, and more than one in my purse. I used to keep one in my pocket as well, but they kept getting put through the wash. I am ADDICTED.

8. Blankets
I always have to have a blanket, even if it is 100 degrees. I can't watch a movie without a blanket and I can't fall asleep without a blanket. I feel kind of like Linus from Charlie Brown, I always have to have that "security" blanket with me.

9. My Purse
I don't think I am addicted to it, but Dan always tells me it is my security blanket. I think it is completely normal to always have my purse with me. I mean, it has everything I need in it. Medicine, CHAPSTICK, debit card, checks, keys, girly stuff, pens, gum, mints, my glasses. It has a lot of stuff that I COULD need at ANY point during the day. So, #9 makes the list in tribute to Dan, even though he will never read this :-)

10. For number 10, I am not sure what to put... I could get all mushy and talk about how I am addicted to spending time with Dan... but let's face it, who wants to hear about that? I could write about my previous addiction to Facebook, but I don't feel that should have a spot because I am an ex-addict. I don't have access to Facebook anymore so that is the end of that story. So.... I guess I don't have a #10. If any of you can think of one for me, let me know!

AND NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!! I AM TAGGING ALL WHO READ THIS!! LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO IT SO I CAN READ YOURS!!

I Fell Off The Saddle..... (So to speak)

2008-09-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

So, I didn't LITERALLY fall off a saddle, but on Friday night Dan and I joined his parents and brother up at Middlefork for a little Posse campout. We ate dinner and then Dan and I went for a horse ride. I rode Diamond and Dan rode Gunner, their new horse. Diamond became my new favorite horse after the Civil War Reinactment a couple months ago. I was excited to go on a long ride... until we started going. The horse was just acting weird. He wouldn't go. He would back me into trees. He wouldn't go across the river (turns out he likes playing in water). He was being so stubborn! So, let's just say it wasn't the best experience. I was crying almost the whole time.... (I know, I am a baby). When we got back to the group I was fully convinced that I would never get on a horse again. I was so scared and so frustrated! Dan told me that I need to ride again. He told me his horror stories of getting bucked off when he was little and that made me feel a little bit better. He also said "When you fall off the horse, you need to get back into the saddle." So, I guess I will ride again, especially after I found out that Dan's mom was having trouble with Diamond too. It turns out that there was something wrong with the strap that goes across the horses face. It broke off a couple weeks ago to the strap kept falling over Diamond's eyes. He couldn't see!! I wouldn't want to walk anywhere if I couldn't see either, so I guess I don't blame him. But it was still scary!

"Wendy's: WAAAAAY Better Than Fast Food?"

2008-09-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

YAH RIGHT! NONE of their food looks like their ads. The only thing I have ever eaten from Wendy's was their chicken nuggets, thinking they were safe. Then one day, Dan told me what they were made of so I have been having a hard time eating them ever since. The other day, my work gave me a Wendy's gift card for $5.00. I held on to it for about 2 weeks before I decided that I needed to get it out of my purse. So I though, what do I want from Wendy's? I have seen people eat their hamburgers before, and those people seemed to be enjoying it.... so I thought I would take my chances. I ordered a Jr Bacon Cheeseburger, fries, and a drink. Can I just say.... it was THE SICKEST thing I have ever seen in my life. I don't even know what convinced me to take a bite our of that burger, let alone, a SECOND BITE. It was SIIIICK! The burger was all dry and the edges were turned up. The ONLY thing fresh about that burger was the lettuce. I WILL NEVER eat at Wendy's again! I only wish I would have taken a picture of it for you all to see.

I went to the Wendy's website and I posted a link that I thought was humorous... Not the "haha" humorous... but the "I can't believe they say this stuff about their food" humorous. I hope you all take my blog into consideration, and really think about this before you make the decision to eat there again.
http://www.wendys.com/quality/

What's Up

2008-09-08T08:38:00.001-07:00

So, I survived another week of my spin class. Sometimes it gets easier and sometimes it is so hard that I don't think I can pedal for another minute. I think I am getting stronger (and healthier) so that makes me really happy.
Choir is going well! Since it is still early in the semester we are still doing alot of administrative stuff so we don't sing a ton, but we are getting started on a few songs. I am getting really excited for the Christmas show though. I know it is really early to be thinking of Christmas, but I am one of those girls who listens to Christmas music starting on Halloween. I am excited to jump into the music!
My other institute classes are going well. I have Book Of Mormon on Monday and Wednesday at 7AM. I really like that class, but unfortunately I was a bad girl this morning and slept in. I feel bad, but I was SO SO tired! I will be better in the future. I also have a New Testament class on Wednesday nights that I am taking with Dan. I really like that class even though I feel like I don't understand what I am reading. Dan got me a manual for the class so I think that's going to help me understand it better. I am really looking forward to both of those classes!
So that's what I have been up to during the week. It keeps me pretty busy and pretty tired! As for the weekend, they couldn't be long enough! I love just getting to do what I want and (best of all!!!) being able to sleep in a little bit! Dan and I had an interesting weekend. We went to his parent's house on Friday night (the rest of Dan's family was gone so we were kind of there to "baby sit") to hang out with his little brother, Ty. We watched Million Dollar Baby. It was one of the saddest movies I have ever seen! It was really really awful. The next day, I went back over to the house and we went to watch Ty in his Posse group. It was Mosquito Days so there was alot of people there watching their kids ride sheep and calfs. It was mildly entertaining. I really like to watch the older kids ride because they are so good! I wish I could ride like them. After posse we just watched the animal planet until Dan's parents came home. It was PRETTY exciting. I know a lot about bears now. LOL! No, it was kind of a weird weekend but I really like being around Dan. I don't want to get all sappy and junk, but, he really is a good guy!
So, another week begins. I hope I make it through! And I hope you all make it through your week as well!!
P.S. I recently found out I have an opening at my house. If anyone is looking for a place to live, let me know!

I don't know why I worry so much!

2008-08-29T08:20:00.001-07:00

So, I called the Institute this morning and found out that I made Choralaires as a first soprano. I really don't know why I worry so much. I really do think that I could have done better in my audition, but I also know that Brother Simon is fair and he knows what my voice is like and what I can do. I am just so excited to start singing again! The first class is today!!
Also, I had another spin class last night. It was with a different instructor. This time it was a guy. He pushed us a little harder than the girl on Tuesday. That class kicks my butt!! I think it will be good for me though. I feel better already!

So BAD!!!!

2008-08-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

I just had the WORST audition ever! I tried out for Choralaires at the Ogden LDS Institute and nothing was going right. My voice kept cracking and shaking and my sight reading was awful (no suprise on that one). Brother Simon had already called me and told me I am invited back, but that was before the audition today. I feel like I don't deserve to be in the group now. I hope that Brother Simon remembers that I don't usually sing that bad and takes that into consideration when making decisions on who is in the group. I will let you all know.
To add to my nerves, I have another spin class tonight. I am scared that my lungs are going to hurt bad again. We will see I guess.

I died last night

2008-08-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I participated in a Spin Class (stationary bikes). It was the death of me!! I decided that I needed to do something with all my spare time and that let me to exercise. I went into it not really knowing what to expect. I knew that it would hurt alot but I wasn't expecting where the hurt would be. I thought my legs would be so sore, but they are acutally fine. The thing that hurt the most was the burning in my lungs. I thought they were on fire!! And I kept coughing and feeling like I had blood in my lungs. It was very unpleasant. I talked to Dan later and he explained that when you exercise it dries out the mucus in your lungs and makes you cough and get that burning feeling(in some people). He said that is is completely normal, even with the best runners. So that made me feel a little better. My butt also hurts a little this morning. Those bike seats are really really hard! This class was an hour long! By then end of that hour I just wanted to get off the bike and pass out on the floor. I have never loved water so much in all my life. I also have never sweat so much in my whole life. It was literally dripping off my face! Eventually, the burning stopped and I acutally started to feel better. In a way, I felt more healthy that I have in a long time. This class MUST be a good thing then, right? So I am going back Thursday for another hour of pain and suffering! I am looking forward to the day when I can do the spin class without dying! I WILL GET THERE!

On a MUCH happier note, the new semester started this week and that means institute classes start! I had my first class on Monday (the class is Monday and Wednesday) morning at 7AM! It was so hard to get up that early to a class that I don't NEED to be at, but I know it will be a blessing for me if I continue to go. I am taking a Book Of Mormon class with Brother Vallace. I am really looking forward to it. I think it will be a really good class. I am also taking Choralaires, which is the audition choir at the Ogden Institute. That class is Monday through Friday, but it doesn't start until next week. I go there during my lunch break at work. Dan and I are also taking a night institute class together. Our first class is tonight. It is The Four Gospels. I am really excited for it!

I am really excited for this semester. I have a lot of positive things going for me, I just
hope that I keep up with them and don't quit!

ABC's tagged by Stephanie

2008-08-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

A=ADVOCATE FOR: The good kids
B=BEST FEATURE: Eyes
C=COULDN'T DO WITHOUT: Sanity (does that count?)
D=DREAMS AND DESIRES: Toget married and have a family strong in the Gospel.
E=ESSENTIAL ITEM: Chapstick, gum, and my cell phone.
F=FAVORITE PAST TIME: Reading
G=GOOD AT: Singing
H=HAVE NEVER TRIED: Most foods....
I=IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS: I would go to school, cut back my hours at work so I could do WELL at school, invest a bunch of it, and maybe buy a house.
J=JUNKIE FOR: Salty foods (like chips), Pepsi, or Coke
K=KINDRED SPIRIT:
L=LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I have a birthmark on the inside of my right arm in the shape of a flower and I think I am allergic to MSG.
M=MEMORABLE MOMENT: Don't have one
N=NEVER AGAIN WILL I: Sing "I Hope You Dance."
O=OCCASIONAL INDULGENCE: Books
P=PAST TIME DOING: Reading, making rag quilts
Q=QUOTE: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That's why they call it the present.
R=REASON TO SMILE: My life isn't THAT bad
S=SINGS ALONG WHEN: I sing the most when I am in my car
T=TAG SOME FRIENDS: Everyone who reads this!
U=UNINTERESTED IN: Trying new foods just because someone tells me to and comic strips.
V=VERY SCARED OF: Dogs and Food
W=WORST HABIT: Biting my lips or fingernails
X=X MARKS MY IDEAL VACATION SPOT: Far Far Away.... maybe on a cruise somewhere or somewhere quiet, like camping.
Y=YESTERYEAR DECADE OF CHOICE: Maybe the 50's
Z=ZODIAC SIGN: Libra

The Jewkes/Draper Home at This Is the Place Monument

2008-08-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is the house I was talking about in my "Civil War" blog. I stayed in a tent in the yard just to the left of this house. When we went through for the tour, we found out it was the Jewkes House. I was so excited to find out that it was there!! It had a picture of the family in there too! It was really awesome!

JEWKES / DRAPER HOME
Fountain Green, Sanpete County 1868Relocated in 1981
Born in England and trained in the heavy iron industries of Britain, Samuel Jewkes immigrated to Fountain Green in 1861 where he operated a sawmill and gristmill. This wood frame house, representative of a middle class home, was built using heavy pine timbers connected with mortise-and-tenon joints and wooden pegs. The interior walls were insulated by laying adobe bricks between the timbers. Lime plaster and whitewash was applied directly on the exposed adobe surfaces. The exterior is of clapboard, a significant type of construction in the 1860s, and very rare today as most have been demolished. In 1879, Jewkes sold his home to Henry Draper because he had been called on a mission by Brigham Young to settle a pioneer community further south in Castle Valley.

No More Facebook!

2008-08-20T07:16:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone!
I just wanted to let you all know that I no longer have access to Facebook. I will probably sign on once in a while, but if you need to get a hold of me use my cell phone or leave me a note on my blog! Thanks!

Monday, Monday, Monday

2008-08-20T07:10:00.001-07:00

So.... Monday's are USUALLY bad because I don't want the weekend to be over... but this one was REALLY bad. It was the first time I have cried in about 3 months (I'm not going to get into the details). Anyway... It was such a bad day and by the time work was over I was so glad to be going home.
Dan and I went to Murray to pick up some wooden-thingies for the desk he got for his dad, and while we were out there we decided to go to the Living Planet Aquarium. I have to admit, It wasn't as cool as I was expecting it to be... but it was cool to see once. We got to touch sting rays and starfish. That part was cool, except I was really scared to stick my hand in the water because I thought I would get attacked!
After the aquarium Dan took me to the Cheesecake Factory! I had never been before. It was so AWESOME!! There was so much food though. I think I will have leftovers for a week. The cheesecake was amazing! I got a chocolate mousse cheesecake. Soooo good!
Anyway, I was really glad that Dan took me out. He really helped to cheer me up. I almost forgot everything that I was upset over. I am lucky to have him!

The Civil War

2008-08-19T07:35:00.001-07:00

This weekend I did something that was a little different. I went with Dan and his family to This Is The Place State Park to do a Civil War Reenactment. Dan's family has been doing it for a long time. It sounds strange, but it is really really cool! This time they let me come along.
Friday night we left for the park all dressed up in our costumes. We stopped at Sizzler for dinner (Dan's sister Tenille is the manager there). It was so wierd to walk into a public place dressed like that and have EVERYONE stare at you. It took a little getting used to! After dinner we were on our way to the park. There was a Civil War ball that night. Everyone got dressed up in clothing from that time period and we learned the dances from that era. It was really fun and Dan is a suprisingly good dancer.
That night we slept in the yard of one of the historic homes in the park. What was really awesome and amazing was that the lawn we stayed in endend up being my great great great grandfather's house. We walked in for the tour and they said "This is the Jewkes Home." We were all really suprised. I had no idea it was there! So, for all the Jewkes' out there reading this, Alma Gardner's house has been relocated to This Is The Place State Park! There is a picture of him and his family there and everything!
Anyway, so we set up camp in the yard and went to bed. It was a noisy night! The wind was blowing so hard!! I was so comfortable though, I went right to sleep and slept through the night.
The next morning we got up and got dressed up again (not as fancy this time). Dan and I walked around the park a little bit and went into some of the historic houses and shops. It was really neat to see it all! Then the men got on their horses and the women (Dan's mom and I) hung out in the shade. We walked around a bit and took a ride on the tourist train, but mainly is was a pretty relxing day for us girls. For the guys, on the other hand, they were riding around all day showing all the visitors what they do as men in the Cavalry. They were really fun to watch! The best part was, I got to ride a little bit during the day! One time, Dan's dad (Alan) was talking to someone so they were all stopped. Alan had gotten off his horse so I walked over and jumped up on the horse. He turned around and said "You stole my horse!" It was really fun!
At about 5 PM we packed up and left for home. We were all so tired and dirty! But, all in all, it was one of the COOLEST things I have EVER done! I hope to go with them again!

44 Random Things

2008-08-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

44 ODD Things about you! If you opened this, FILL IT OUT! Learn 44 things about your friends, and let them learn 44 things about you!
1. Do you like blue cheese? I have never tried it....
2. Have you ever smoked? Nope
3. Do you own a gun? Nope
4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? Grape
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Depends on the type of doctor, and if there is going to be needles involved.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? It's a disgusting concept for me
7. Favorite Christmas movie? The Holiday
8. Favorite thing to drink in the morning? Juice
9. Can you do push ups? No way. You don't want to see me try either!
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My CTR ring
11. Favorite hobby? Reading or Singing
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? How I don't like trying new foods.
14. Middle name? Don't have one
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.1) Why wont my work phone ever work in the mornings? 2)Why am I so hungry right now? 3) How am I ever going to pull it off in time?
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Coke, Koolaid, and whatever is at Dan's house
17. Current worry? How am I going to make myself look like a girl from the Civil War era in time for the ball?
18. Current hate right now? Mornings
19. Favorite place to be? In my bed
20. How did you bring in the new year? With Ashley and Heber, playing games. Maryanne was there too. And of course Scholar and Majestic.
21. Where would you like to go? On a vacation
22. Name three people who will complete this:
1. Stephanie already did
2. ?
3. ?
23. Do you own slippers? Yes.
24 What shirt are you wearing? A white zip up shirt with eyelets and puckered sleaves.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? It could be nice
26. Can you whistle? Not, not really
27. Favorite color? Green
28. Would you be a pirate? No
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower, suprisingly.
30. Favorite Girl's Name? Maurtie or Taylor
31. Favorite boy's name? Jackson
32. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing
33. Last thing that made you laugh? GBR (the abbr. or Great Brittain)
34. What vehicle do you drive? Toyota Corolla
35. Worst injury you've ever had? Maybe breaking my finger..... or in 6th grade I accidentally got tackled and smashed my face in the ground.
36. Do you love where you live ? No
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? Just 1
38. Who is your loudest friend? Terrance (when he laughs)
39. Do you have any pets? No
40. Does someone have a crush on you? Dan does
41. Your favorite book(s): Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby, Twilight, Meet Your Match
42. Do you collect anything? Bobby Pins, I'm not very good at it though
43. Favorite Sports Team? Utah Jazz
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? And So It Goes, Billy Joel

Memories of old....

2008-07-17T08:28:00.001-07:00

Here is a fun little game... leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time or a long time, anything that you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It is pretty funny to read the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you are playing and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. On your mark... get set... blog those memories!

My Weekend (sorry, no pictures!)

2008-07-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

So, this past weekend I went camping with Dan and some of our friends. We went over to Causey Dam (which I had never been to before) and canoed our way in. It was just me and Dan in the canoe and the others hiked their way in. It was really fun to be in the canoe considering I haven't been in one since the 4th grade. I wasn't very good at rowing but Dan didn't make fun of me too bad. I could actually move the canoe by myself by the end of the trip! So we got to the campsite and set up all the tents and everything. We lit a fire and then just talked for a while. I thought we were going to stay up really late, but we all went to sleep pretty early that night. It was nice, except for the fact that I was EXTREMELY cold all night. Everyone else seemed to be fine, but I was freezing. The next morning everyone wanted to go home. They all started their hike out but Dan and I wanted to play in the water for a bit longer so we stayed behind. We had fun in the water but I got a little sunburned!

After a few hours we left to go back to Ogden. We had to take the canoe back to Dan's parent's house. They recently got a pool and his brother and sisters were playing in it. I walked over to feel the water and the next thing I know, I am drowning in it! (Yes, everyone... Dan threw me in!) Luckily I had my swimming suit underneath my clothes still so it wasn't too bad. I just wasn't expecting it so inhaled alot of water. So.... we played in the pool for a while and then we left. I was so excited to go home and take a hot shower, although there was some unpleasant coloring showing up in the shampoo foam...... (Causey water isn't the cleanest!)

That night I went with Dan to his brother's Posse competition (barrel racing, etc....). It was soooo HOT there but it was alot of fun to watch all the events. Dan's brother did really well and his group took 2nd place overall! I really like being around the horses even though they scare me a little bit.

Sunday, after church, there was the annual fireworks show at Weber State. I went with Dan to that and I met some of his friends from high school. We played games until the fireworks started. It was fun getting to know new people. Then the fireworks began. I thought it was a pretty good presentation. Their grand finale was pretty impressive.

So that was my weekend. Sorry I don't have any pictures! Maybe next time.

Two's*** Tagged By Ashley

2008-07-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

Two Names I Go By: Rocketdog or Bonkie
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now: Shirt and Pants (work clothes)
Two Of Your Favorite Things To Do: Watching Movies and Being with friends
Two Things You Want Very Badly At This Moment: A pepsi and a soft bed
Two Favorite Pets: None
Two People Who Will Fill This Out: Stephanie?
Two Things You Did Last Night: Did Laundry and Watched a Movie
Two Things You Ate Today: Nothing yet....
Two Last People You Talked To: Dan and My Mom
Two Longest Car Rides: From Massachusetts to Canada and from Utah to California
Two Favorite Vacations: Disneyland and My Cruise (I haven't gone yet, but I will one day!)
Two Favorite Drinks: Vanilla Coke or Cherry Pepsi

2008-06-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

So, I am going to get my hair done on Saturday. I saw this picture a few years ago and fell in love with the color. I just want to know what you all think of this color for me. Let me know!!

It's been a while!

2008-06-02T11:24:00.001-07:00

So, it has been a while since I have posted anything. It has been a crazy month! I don't have the internet at my house anymore so it's hard for me to do anything online.This post is to catch you all up on my life.
I started a new job at Bank of Utah in the call center. I really like it! It is nice to work somewhere where the people calling actually want to talk to you instead of working in the Collections Dept, where people avoided your phone calls. I have been her for about 2 weeks and I am really starting to get the hang of things. Also, it's nice working here because I already knew some of my co-workers from high school. It is a really fun environment.
Most of you know that I recently moved to a different house in Ogden. With that I also moved into a new student ward. I think I am really going to like this ward. I have already made so many friends. AND, they have already given me a calling in the ward. The second week I was in the ward they decided to put me into the Welcoming Commitee. I thought that was funny because I was knew myself, and here they were asking me to welcome new members to the ward. I also have the job of handing out programs before sacrament meeting. But, I like this calling. The other people in the group are really nice.
I got in a car accident at the end of April. I guess it wasn't THAT bad, but to me it was horrible. It was my very first accident! I was at Weber State, trying to make a right turn on to Harrison and I got rear-ended by this HUGE full-size suburban. I had over$2,000.00 worth of damage to my car and barley got my car back last week from the shop. It was a mess!! I learned a good lesson though, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS get insurance info and call the cops when you get into an accident. I didn't, because I panicked, and I would have been in a lot of trouble if the guy who hit me wanted to be a jerk!
Anyway, Life is good. I really can't complain right now. I guess that's all that matters.

Feet!

2008-05-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

!!!!! Alright ladies, it's that time of year once again!!! And based on this email that someone passed along to me I think we need to be reminded of a few things. So my sisters, PLEASE, raise your big toes and repeat after me below....

The Open Toed Shoe PledgeAs a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the Ruleswhen wear sandals and other open-toe shoes:

I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang overand touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sidesand tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.

I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe. I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.

I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker,mother or sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back intoplace hoping it will stay p ut. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.

I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. Thisis out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone downwith me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swelland begin to look like Vienna sausages.

I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when sheasks me i f her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her thather toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet lookgood.

I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flipand flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOTto slide or drag my feet while wearing them.

I will promise to go my local nail salon at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $20 and worth EVERY penny).

I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signsof wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals.

Don't keep this to yourself - pass it on to other sisters.

Troubles in Tipping Land

2008-04-30T16:44:00.001-07:00

So, yesterday my sister in law, Stephanie, and I went to dinner together as Sizzlers. It wasn't long before I realized that I didn't have any cash on my for a tip, and neither did Stephanie. I got that sick feeling in my stomach, which really didn't help the fact that I was about to eat my weight in yummy chicken wings. Anyway, I remembered that I had been given a gift certificate for Dominoes Pizza earlier that day. Having no other choice, we left the gift certificate as a tip with a note that said "Sorry, we had no cash on hand!" It was pretty embarrassing, but if you think about it, who doesn't like pizza?? Needless to say, I am going to make sure that I always carry some cash on hand for moments like those!

Nothing I hate more!!!!

2008-04-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Let me just make it known, that there is nothing I hate more than waking up on a cold morning... or even on a warm summer morning for that matter... and having to take a cold shower because all the hot water magically disappeared. This morning's shower was 8 minutes of pure torture! Enough Said.

Moving... In So Many Forms

2008-03-31T18:19:00.000-07:00

This blog is going to be about lots of things that are MOVING in my life, or another good way to put it would be to say that this blog is about lots of ways that I am MOVING.

1: One day, about a week ago, I get a phone call from my landlords (of 2 years) telling me that they are MOVING to SLC and selling the house. That left me with 5 weeks to find a place. I decided, after freaking out for a bit, that I just needed to sit down and be realistic about things. I needed to make a list of my wants and needs for a new place of living. My roommate Emmy and I looked at some pretty interesting houses; some scarier beyond all reason. Finally, after we were really starting to worry, my sister Ashley called and told me that their renter was going to be MOVING out and we could MOVE in to their house if we wanted. That news couldn't have come at a better time! So this Saturday I will be MOVING into a new home! Hopefully it will be as good to me as the one I am in now.

2: I have decided that I need to start MOVING in another way. I need to start exercising on a regular basis! I bought an elliptical trainer about a year ago and it is covered in dust. It is time to clear the dust away and get into shape! One thing that I am also MOVING away from is my love for Dr. Pepper and Diet Coke. As of tomorrow I am giving up my two loves so that I can feel healthier and MOVE faster! I know what you are thinking.... that I have given it up before and it didn't last long. But this time, I have competition and motivation!

3: The next thing I am MOVING away from is a harder one for me; probably the hardest one yet. I am MOVING away from the old me; the one that get's walked all over by everyone, and doesn't do anything about it. I have always been told that I let people walk on me and I never believed it, until recently. There is a girl at work who pretty much runs my life for me and I don't stop her because I can't stand up to her. There are people around me all the time who I do things for, until they expect it. Now it's just my job to do those things. This isn't necessarily a bad quality to have, but in moderation. I need to learn those boundaries so that I can live healthy and be happy. But the thing is, I would rather hurt myself than let someone else down. Not any more!!! From here on out I am MOVING away from getting walked on, and I am going to start sticking up for myself!

There are alot of changes taking place in my life in the next month. They are exciting and scary. But I can do it!

How Do You Do It? (Written March 3, 2008)

2008-03-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

A question has been on my mind this past week: How do you do it? I don't see how it is physically or mentally possible for a boy and a girl to meet, fall in love, get engaged, and get married. It truly is a miracle.
I used to be one of those girls who believed in love; who lived for love, but my view of it has changed in the past few months. I have seen close friends get hurt; not just my girl friends, but my guy friends as well. I have also been hurt a time or two... or three. I have found that each relationship has left me more and more bitter and cynical than the last and I am starting to think that is it not worth the pain. I am starting to think that I cannot believe in love anymore, not for myself anyway.
I am not placing blame on guys or girls. Each sex has their own faults and excuses. Each person has their own reason for breaking someone's heart. The point I am trying to make is that relationships are hard and unfair. They hurt more than they should. It is so hard to meet someone and let your guard down long enough to let them see your heart; long enough to fall in love. It is easier to give up early on, than it is to take the chance of getting hurt.
So, for all of you who have made it, I want to say Congratulations, you did it! I don't know how, but you did it. And I commend you for making it look so easy. But as far as love goes for me, I give up; I surrender. I am done letting relationships run my life and I am done letting the pressure to get married from society and family rule my mind and heart.
I don't want all who read this to think that I am against love, because I will always and forever be a hopeless romantic (which I think makes things worse for me). The side of me that writes this is sad and hurt from past experiences, but there is a part of me that still has hope that things will work out in the end. I know that you only win once(hopefully) and that is the one that counts the most. I can't wait for that day. But for now, the state of my heart, and the truth of logic do not coincide. For now, I remain.