Google Reader, Check!

I've had a few hours of down time today to just organize and catch up on my life, it's so exciting!!! A few months ago my friend Mel posted on her blog about "google reader" and ever since I've wanted to put all the blogs I read on it, but I haven't had the chance. Well, today was the day, and 99 subscriptions later I have all of my blogs organized in an easy to read fashion!!! I categorized my friends by what phase of my life I associate them with so I can read each category depending on my mood and reflective state. It was so fun to take a peek at everyone's blog and then put it together on one easy to use page!!! (See Mel's post for more information on it, you all should try!!!)

Happy Christmas Eve, we're off to Secret Santa people!

But still a teenager at heart...

My friend amber had this on her blog and i thought it was funny...it tells you the reading level of your blog...so I guess i'm not QUITE grown up.

Get a Cash Advance

All Grown Up

I just have to share my 'profound realization' this weekend. It all started with blog reading. Every time I read someone's blog, I would get teary (either happy tears or sad tears depending on the content). THEN, I was at church yesterday and I got teary at every single christmas story that was told during the program. Every time i got teary I'd look around and sure enough, all of the ladies were crying, too. The men sat stone faced and the kids had blank stares...so I thought "where am I classifying myself by these tears?? That's right...with the ladies." This continued in Sunday school when we watched Luke 2 with "breath of heaven" in the background...Tears again! (not like sobs or hormonal tears, just the 'oh how touching' tear well up-but-not-spilling-over tears). You'd think after one performance of breath of heaven i'd be good, but later last night we went to The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights & Program, and when the Wright family singers (consisting of about 100 people all in the same family who all had amazing hair and beautiful faces and perfect pitch) sang breath of heaven the tears welled up again. Phew, what a day! Being a grown up can be hard in more ways than one, huh? :) (hee hee...)

"Straight" leg jeans.

Okay. So maybe I purchased some "straight" leg jeans....that some might consider to be somewhat tapered. Sick, huh. I'm pretty disgusted with myself to be honest....BUT in my defense...they're not bad (that sounds like an oxymoron...let me explain).
See, I've thought that since the 80s I'd never go back to anything that could even have the possibility of appearing to be tapered. And especially when they started making a comeback I adamantly REFUSED to even consider the possibility that these might be "in fashion." All I remember are the 80s wash ankle-length pant that could be worn with slouched alternating color socks. But when the skinny pant started coming back in the 2000s...I realized that they weren't the same. The pants i bought go well below my ankle, onto my foot. So really, one can hardly say that they're tapered jeans. Also, they're a great wash. And the advantage of a little bit "straighter" leg is that if you're wearing a longer top, you don't look like a balloon or a big bubble that is the same size all the way down!
Hmmm, i'm feeling slightly better. The best part though....they were only $20!!! Any consolations for me?? Anyone?
Signed,
Confessions of a tapered jeans wearer.

Mary and Joseph

This weekend Seth and I had the honor of playing Mary and Joseph in the DC Temple Festival of Lights' Live Nativity. We got there and were put in costumes over our coats and mittens, and then taught the mime for the nativity sequence. We then went out and replaced the previous Mary and Joseph and got to do the navity about 10 times. Seth likes to tell people that we got a standing ovation (nevermind that everyone was already standing...they also ovated!) and that we had an encore performance (they really did ask us to do it one more time...). It was such a special experience, I wasn't expecting it to be taken into the thoughts and feelings of Mary's heart during the performance!

Our friend Kat was there and took pictures of us during the nativity. Unfortunately she caught me when my hair had fallen down....Seth said I shouldn't feel bad though, technically I'd just traveled by donkey and then given birth in a stable, so I guess I was just a "realistic" Mary rather than a "Picture perfect" Mary... :)

Christmas at Mt. Vernon

Last weekend Seth and I went with my awesome co-worker Heidi and her friend Angela to the Candlelight tour of George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon. They give tours all year long, but at Christmas-time they "candlelight" it and they open the attic where Martha's room is. They also have different actors who play "Martha" and the servants to make it a little more fun for kids. (They don't have George because historically he didn't come home until Christmas day and they want to remain accurate in their festivities, bless those historian hearts.) Heidi is the biggest fan of Mt. Vernon EVER but she'd never been to the candlelight tour before so we felt privileged to be a part of her visit! :)
It was REALLY cool how they set everything up! We went to our favorite restaurant Carlyle Grand Cafe, and then we headed over and went straight to the Hot Cider and Ginger cookie stand! They led us up the path, and had this adorable little twin girl named Amanda present our letter in order to get into the house. She and her little brother had to bow and curtsy for us to get in....they were so cute. The girl had a little muff and a little beret hat, and the boy had a very professional bow. (it is my life goal to have twins...) Afterward we wandered around the grounds for a little bit. What a fun night!!!

Here we are outside the mansion. (Jane, Seth, Heidi, Angela)
And here is a picture of the girls back inside the gift shop at the Christmas Tree!

Enchanted

Tonight we went to see Enchanted. We've heard such RAVE reviews that I was honestly a little worried that I'd be disappointed, but DISNEY has done it again. I loved it. I loved the princess, I loved Patrick Dempsey, I loved the cartoon, I loved the irony, I loved the trip down memory lane. I think what I loved most about the movie was that life was definitely not the dreamiest dreamy fairy tale ever but it was EXACTLY what you wanted to happen still. I think I had so many dreams in growing up that I thought were exactly what I wanted, and now everything that's happening is probably exactly as the "watcher of the Jane movie" would have wanted to happen.

Oh I just highly recommend this movie if you want to leave the theater happy!!!

Fun Christmas questions! Thanks Mary (and Marne)

1) Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Oooo, Well I have hot chocolate every morning for breakfast, so Egg Nog is a special treat for the holidays. The Egg Nog Steamer at Starbucks is DELIGHTFUL.

2) Do you wrap your presents or not?
Yes, but usually everyone knows what they are because I can't keep a secret...

3) Colored lights or white?
White!

4) Do you hang mistletoe?
Everywhere I can think of!

5) When do you put up your decorations?
Ummm, I'm not married so I don't have Christmas decorations yet. I was thinking of buying a little tree for my room but I don't think i have the space or the money. I will count Mom and Dad's decorations as mine!

6) What is your favorite holiday dish?
Peppermint Ice Cream (like the one on Alison's blog!)

7) Favorite memory as a child?
The year I got Holly my talking Cabbage Patch Kid Doll. I got really sick that night and was throwing up, and after I threw up, Holly the talking doll said "Gee, that was FUNNY, can you please do that again?" I also really love that Holly's name came from the Bear (now named Larry) that Mary got and I heard her in passing say she might name Holly. I went straight to Mom and Dad and told them that my new doll's name was Holly, so Mary opted for Larry for the bear. Mary, I'm STILL really sorry about that, but I think Larry was meant to be a boy, right?? (did I just publish this awful story about myself??)

8) When and how did you learn about Santa?
I remember leaving carrots and a chocolate cookie out for Santa one year (when we still lived in Bishop's or Strong's house), and the next morning I came out and nothing had been eaten. I went to Dad and told him how sad I was, and he had me go into my room, and then I came out again and he showed me a half eaten cookie and some carrot ends. He told me Santa had eaten it, I just hadn't noticed. The story goes that I asked him "Then why do you have chocolate on your lip, then??" hee hee.

9) Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, I used to open all my friend presents on Christmas Eve.

10) How do you decorate your tree?
Ummm, one year my at-the-time boyfriend Steve gave me a tree to ask me to a dance, so I had a tree with fiberoptic lights on it in my room. Does that count? (Man, I'm beginning to sound pathetic, like I don't celebrate or something. I promise, my macbook has electronic light decorations on the screen and a little christmas countdown on the dashboard...)

11) Snow...love it or dread it?
DREAD IT. Bring on ARIZONA!!!

12) Can you ice skate?
Yes, I'm pretty good at it! Must be due to the fine tutoring I had from Mary on Roller Skating as a child. I think it translates directly over! Thanks Mary!!! (Do you forgive me for the Holly incident, yet??)

13) Do you remember your favorite gift?
Oh Samantha Parkington, American Girl Doll. I couldn't even SLEEP the night before in anticipation and hope for Samantha, i Pored over the magazine for MONTHS debating what I really wanted. I came out on Christmas morning just looking and looking for her...and couldn't find her anywhere. Mom and Dad pointed out the American Girl box, and we ripped it open and pulled her out....I STILL remember getting teary (and I'm tearing up right now...) and just LOVING the next four years of my life when I played with Samantha every day. I also really loved the year that I got a new head for Samantha because her hair was all messy. Oh don't we just LOVE the simplicity of Childhood!

14) What is the most important part of the holidays?
Family.

15) Favorite holiday dessert?
I love the peppermint bark and I love Peppermint Ice Cream. Have I mentioned that I'm obsessed with minty breath?

16) Favorite tradition?
Joseph Smith's Birthday. Christmas Eve Program. The Price-Gee family Christmas Party. Our family christmas songs.

17) Favorite Christmas Carol? I like "O Holy Night"

The Move...

Last Saturday was the big and much-anticipated move to "the Melrose Place" in my ward. No, it's not REALLY called that, come to find out, it's simply a term that the mormons in the apartment complex began calling it after much drama ensued due to the close proximity of the apartments and the many single mormons living there. This complex is so cute, it probably has about 24 4 story condos with brick walkways that lead up to the doors and cute lamp posts and plants everywhere. (I'll post pictures when I can). Out of the 24 condos, there are 8 that are occupied by members of the Colonial 1st and Crystal City Wards...a grand total of about 40 singles.

Lest anyone think I'm moving there for the drama...I'm certainly not!!! I was lucky to move in with some great girls and have a great setup! It's been so fun to put everything together and know that I'm safe and sound in a little tight-knit community (my previous house did not even have dead bolts, CRAZY!!!).

I'm SOOOOO grateful for all the help I had in moving. My friend Julie, without a second thought, found out when i was moving and asked what time she should show up. What a relief to have such a steadfast friend! The morning of the move my roommates Jenny and Tracy graciously offered their help. While we were bringing one load to my new house Jenny organized my entire room!! They're both amazing, and so kind and helpful! Thanks to Brian for the use of his truck! Seth, of course, was with me every step of the way and beyond, and was such a HUGE help in organizing the truck, helping me pack my stuff up, endless lifting and transporting (in a stick shift truck!), and helping calm my nerves and settle me in and listen to earloads and earloads of emotions (well, that's true of most family and friends in the past week, thanks to all of you, too!!!!).

After tomorrow, I'm hoping to have everything up and organized and set to go, then i can post pictures of my cute new condo!!

Disney Fairies

I was blog surfing and found this cute "create your own disney fairy" website disneyfairies.com and made my very own fairy. Isn't she adorable??

Lovesac Attack!

You Guessed it. Those are MY feet under that lovesac by the door!

The other night we decided to move my Lovesac over to Seth's apartment. Just as we got to the door, I bent down to get a better grip of the lovesac just as Seth was giving it the final "Push" out the door...and this was the result! I toppled down and was laughing too hard to call out, so Seth kept going and rolling the Lovesac until it was right on top of me!!


Luckily the Lovesac isn't too heavy and no damage was done...

Still Smiling!!

Thanksgiving!

As you can see, we had thanksgiving dinner with a Caveman :) (AKA Seth's Brother Luke...the one who looks like Elijah i the middle of the picture!)
I know it's a little later, but I wanted to post our Thanksgiving pictures!! We went to phoenix with Seth's family for the holiday! (Thanks Gina and Curt!) We flew in on thanksgiving day just in time for dinner, then we played with family and friends the rest of the time! We were excited to see Eliott and Jen and their kids, and I got to meet my blogging buddy Carly, who is the Guitar Hero Rocker! We also got to see Jolene and Kimball again, they're expecting!! We played tennis at Seth's sister in Law's house with the family and went to Ah-So's on Saturday. David told the chef to make the rice into a heart for me because i am "Jane My Love My Friend". It was so fun to see the family again, CJ filmed everyone so we have a full record of everything to watch in 20 years (thanks CJ!) and we have plenty of photo documentation courtesy of Gina(I just need to get copies of everything)! Emmy and Sam and I took off on Saturday to get pedicures and even snuck some shopping in (okay, just at target). I heart the Johnsons!!!
Dinner with the whole fam:

Just Chillin'

The West Wing

A few weeks ago our friends Taryn and Brendon took us on a tour of the West Wing of the white house. Brendon works as a speechwriter for Pres. Bush, so he has the privilege of working next door to the white house and can give tours of the west wing! There are only a few places you can take pictures, but we got to see the door of the "situation" room, the oval office, the press room, and all of the neat artwork and decorations in the West Wing. The picture above is of Seth and I at the front entrance to the White House.

In the Press Room :)


A question for the press!

Doesn't Seth look like he just fits up there?

Seth and I think it will be fun in 20 years when we move into the white house to hang these pictures up so when people are touring the west wing they can say "Mr. President and First Lady Jane came here 20 years ago to take a tour of the white house...little did they know that in 20 short years this would be their home..." haha just kidding!

Thanks to Taryn and Bren for the tour, it was fun to see you and fun to see Bren's boss's house. We were sad to not get pictures with you guys!!!

Confessions of a Blogger

I really like reading other people's blogs. In fact, every time I go to blog about my own life, I somehow happen upon a new blog, which leads me to another new blog, etc. This is why I haven't posted in so long...all my blog posting time somehow gets eaten up in the fascination of all of YOUR adventures! It's been fun to find friends from high school, college, DC, and other random walks of life. Sometimes I just have to laugh that I keep up on people because when I see them I don't feel like I should say "oh hey, I heard that...(insert details of blog post #1,2,3...here)!" I am always sad when someone has a link to their blog of a friend and it's private so I can't read it...somehow I feel deprived of getting to know a potential bff :)

People fascinate me. I just love so many people, and while I don't have occasion or opportunity to regularly converse with many, I'm glad I have the chance to share in a part of their world!

This post has two purposes, the first stated above, but let me just say "Hey thanks to everyone for blogging about your life!! It's so fun to see you!"

The second purpose came about when I realized that my blog is kind of like having a conversation with someone...only I don't know who they are! This is widely disconcerting to me simply because I'd love to know my audience. So....I now open my comment section to all the potential readers of my blog...let yourself be known, are you a visitor, friend, stranger, friend-i-haven't-met-yet? I'd like to say hello :) Please Leave your real name....no aliases or fake names please :)

Reception

No, not mine, silly!

A few weeks ago Seth's friend Stephen and his wife hosted this AMAZING "Congrats on passing the bar exam and graduating from law school" reception/dinner of sorts, complete with announcement/invitations...it was seriously incredible!!! From the moment I walked in I was oo-ing and aw-ing over everything there...and my brain was just bursting with happiness at the perfection of it all. Seriously....it was EXACTLY my style...I loved all of it!

If you want to see ALL of the amazing pictures of it...CLICK HERE TO GO TO GALLERY

Christmas Wish List

Click here for web Album
I decided this year to keep a running list of things that I would love to have but don't purchase for myself. Some are silly, some are extravagant, and some are just kind of fun. I thought I'd post it and encourage others to do the same---it's always fun to dream! :)

Surprise surprise... ;)

Which Twilight novel character are you?

You're Bella Swan - You are intelligent and kind but not quite sure what you want out of life yet. You have a feeling there's something more out there for you. You're attracted to those who are real and avoid the fake. Sometimes you're a bit accident prone, but your true friends will always be loyal to you and come to your aid when you need it.
Take this quiz!








Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Blogging MIA

Sorry I've been MIA in blogging for a month or so....it's just that i've been so busy!!!

I'll try to catch everyone up on everything....coming soon :)

Happy Late Halloween

My friend Terrah this to me a few months ago and i meant to post on Halloween for everyone....here it is a little late!

How Firm a Foundation

Right now I was just laying down in bed to fall asleep because i'm SOOOOOO tired, but two things happened and i think they were supposed to happen in this order so I'd connect the two thoughts. First, I was checking my RSS feeds and clicked on my "latest headlines" from BBC news to just get the latest on the California fires. I just heard the details of what was happening tonight from my friend Julie Bradshaw and wanted to catch up myself. I can't believe that sometimes I go through life not knowing anything of what is happening in the world around me, and I was humbled and concerned for all of those effected by Natures happenings this week. My thoughts and prayers will especially be with family and friends affected (i'm to tired to remember if it's effected or affected).

So Second, I said my goodnight prayers and then i picked up the ensign to get a little spiritual thought in, and I started reading an article called "My Burden is Light". The words to the hymn "How Firm a Foundation" are quoted, and it reminded me that when our faith is founded on the Lord, we can stand firm amidst anything...

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,...
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand

...

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee I only design...
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

The would that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,...
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!
(Hymn 85)

Chocolate

About 45 seconds ago, I opened a Extra Special Dark Chocolate Lindt Truffle. I'd been holding it wrapped up in the tin paper in my hand for a few minutes, getting it just a little bit warm so the middle part of the truffle was liquified. Then, a quick unwrap and a pop in the mouth, and Ahhhh, it was delicious!!! I wish each of you were here to partake of my hefty bag of chocolates (don't worry I have some milk chocolate and even a white chocolate one for you, Mom!) (Sorry Dad, I don't have any sugar and fat free ones....can you splurge just for a day?)

Eating my Truffle reminded me of one of Seth's quazi-roommates, Sasha. Sasha was a quazi-roommate because he wasn't really paying rent...he was just staying on the couch for a few weeks. Sasha is from russia, and was dating our friend Natalia at the time (they're now married and have a little baby). Anyway, after Sashas extended stay and entertaining light stick dancing and "home improvement help" (he always told us we needed to fix a table, and that all we needed was "Too SKRoooz. Juz TOO SKRooz." (two screws)) he left a big box of truffles for us as a thank you gift. Before he left, he showed us the perfect way to eat a truffle (as described above....hold in your hand for a few minutes, just until liquified). While we tried many variations in order to speed up the time (i just can't wait that long with a wrapped up chocolate in my hand) this is the tried and true "Russian way". :)

Come to DC and Visit me and I'll share my stash!!!

Off to School

With all of the back to school pictures, I've been kind of sad that I don't have any kids to send off to school, so I thought I'd send myself off again!
I think this was my first day of second grade? Mom, correct me if I'm wrong.
I still have this bag!

Lil' Janeys everywhere!

Recently, there has been an upswing in the name "Jane" particularly as a Middle name. I of course, am NOTHING but COMPLETELY ELATED about this trend, as it gives me the chance to be super attentive as an "Auntie" to my Janeys. I wanted to share my cute lil' Janeys on a blog post for everyone. Aren't they just the cutest little babies/infants??

Above is a picture of me as a child. Mostly just as a buffer before you see the cute lil' Janeys

Here is the first of the Janey's, Hallie Jane Jeppesen. She is quite the doll. I think my favorite Hallie memory is one day when Angie and I were talking (and trying to feed Hallie Cheese while we ate our chocolate) I told Angie that something was "Duuuuumb!" and then Angie repeated me and said "Yeah, Duuuuumb." Next thing we knew it Hallie got this big smile on her face and said "Duuuumb!" (OOPS!) I quickly taught her "Cool" so she would say that instead....sorry Angie!

Next came Lydia Jane! Sadly, I haven't been able to meet Lydia yet, as she lives in Mexico....errr....Arizona. (Just kidding, Jen!) Eliott and Jen, the lucky parents of this adorable babe, named their oldest son Seth, and Seth Johnson has been the proud "Uncle" ever since. Just in jest, I told Eliott one day that he should name his baby Jane, just so I could join in with Seth in his gloating. HaHa, little did I know Jen already loved the name Jane and they were thinking about it. I like to think that my previous blog post on this subject influenced their decision, but really I know that they just put up with my silliness and named their daughter Lydia Jane anyway despite my ramblings ;) Still, I love lil' Lydia, and I can't wait to meet her and spoil her :)


Yay, next came Sydney Jane! My dear friends Devony and Aaron had their wishes come true with this sweet baby girl who was born September 9th. Devony called me last week to tell me that they had decided that Sydney's middle name was Jane, and I was so excited! Devony and Aaron even said I can be the Fairy Godmother (see pictures to come...) so I'm very excited for my next trip to Denver so I can see this cute lil' thing!

Yay for the Janeys! May their lives be filled with less drama than mine, great family and friends as I've had, and the best of adventures :)

Book Review: We Were Not Alone

My roommate Laura recently lent me this book to read, and I took a break from the "Twilight" series so that I could sneak this one in (and believe it or not, it's worth it!) :)
I've always loved stories about WWII, and have always been fascinated by the changes that war brings about in people's lives. So fascinated, in fact, that as a child I used to play "holocaust" and try to imagine what it was like to be alive during WWII. Mary, you can now share your stories of finding me in the crib in the closet... (it's true, how embarrassing!! Was anyone just slightly worried about me playing concentration camp?? Phew, good thing that phase didn't last long, I promise I'm not crazy or permanently scarred from this experience.)
ANYWAY, We were not alone is a story of an LDS Family who survived the war in Berlin. It is a great book about the war because it's focused on an entirely different aspect--no one goes to a concentration camp, they don't hide Jews, and they're not involved in the underground effort--rather, it's just a story of spiritual guidance, family togetherness, and survival. I quite liked the lack of drama in it :)

I don't want to be the spoiler for the rest of the book, so if you're going to read it, don't read on.....

I just wanted to share my favorite part of the book, because it really did kind of change my life...

Karola is the writer of the story, so the book is in her perspective (the youngest child of 5 in the family). Karola, her parents, and her three sisters are living in West Berlin after the war, and food is scarce. Karola has to take a train once a week in the morning to East Germany and walk for three hours to buy food from a greenhouse in a small town. The road that she walks along is dangerous, and the Russian guard station is particularly scary. She is protected many times from being raped or killed, and she truly feels that God has tested her faith through the experience. After one particularly precarious situation, her family realizes she cannot go to this particular place anymore. Karola's mother refuses to eat her full portion of food and gives it to her family to live on--but by doing so she is in effect starving to death. She is very weak and pale, and is eventually on her deathbed. The situation is dire, and there's not much more the family can do.

One morning Karola goes to get food and her Mother starts praying and asking God for help. A peaceful feeling came over her, and she somehow knew that food was on the way. A half hour later an American Major came to the door carrying several boxes of food. He said that he walked past a store that morning and felt as if someone pushed him inside. He bought groceries and then asked the Lord what he was supposed to do with it. He had remembered seeing Karola and her sisters at church, and had no idea who they were, but somehow found out from the mission home and brought the food to the house. He told the family they need not worry about food anymore.

When Karola's mom told her this, Karola said "He's answered our prayers, Mother. He's answered them again." Mother said "Why, yes, Karola. The Lord always answers our prayers." Karola then said, "But why did he wait so long? I don't understand."

"Sometimes he waits so that we will know how much we want what we ask for. Sometimes he waits because the time is not yet right, sometimes to test our faith, sometimes he waits for reasons only known to him, and sometimes the answer is 'no.'"

"Karola, I know that he answers prayers in his own way, according to our faith."

I love this story. A family, for several years, labors to find food and to merely survive in midst of trial after trial. They remain faithful, and God blesses them miraculously. It truly changed the way I think. I really do believe that God answers our prayers according to our faith, and that he knows the right timing for things.

Anyway, the American Major ends up bringing them food every week for several months and even brings the Mother medicine so that she can heal and get better. :)

(I'm so bad at blog endings....) Um it changed my life the end. :)

Rinse, Repeat

I think I might be inspired by Carol's #5 on her "Top Ten Things only Women Understand" but tonight I was washing my hair (and i wasn't "washing my hair" as a great excuse to not go out on a date, hee hee, I was ACTUALLY washing my hair). Anyway...i was washing my hair and I realized that i've been keeping my greatest secret to happiness from all of you, so I thought I'd share it!

As a precourser...I'm the type of person that reads instructions to everything...EVERYTHING. When I got my new macbook, I started reading the instruction manual (seth thought i was crazy!) before I turned it on, and i followed the instructions to a tee. I remember growing up when we got a new tv, dad was trying to figure something out with it, and i was in the background reading the instruction manual so i could tell him if he was doing it right (i am annoying, i know). I just really like instructions.

So anyway, I've always been one to read everything on a bottle in the shower, too. So when a shampoo bottle says "Wet Hair. Pour a quarter sized amount into palm. Lather. Rinse. Repeat." or "Apply to wet hair, gently massage lather through hair, rinse thoroughly. Repeat if desired." or (my personal favorite) "Dispense into palm and rub hands together. Apply shampoo to wet hair, massaging scalp with fingertips in a rotating motion. Work lather through to ends. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if desired." I always used to laugh when it said "REPEAT." In my mind I'd think "WHO HAS TIME FOR SUCH A THING??" or "I bet the shampoo companies make a killing off all the instruction followers out there in the world!!"

Well, one time i was at my hair dresser's and I said "I have a question. Why do shampoo bottles always tell us to 'rinse, repeat?' are they really just trying to get us to waste more shampoo?" Meredith laughed and said "Well, actually if you wash your hair twice, the first time the shampoo takes off all of the outer gunk from the product in your hair, and the second time it actually washes your hair to make it squeaky clean." Ah-HA! Soooo...I tried it out.

IT WAS AMAZING! (Okay, another confession as a precourser to this (man this is a long post, i didn't mean to go on so....) I don't wash my hair every day...it gets too dry and is just far to damaged if i do....I have to work to get any form of good hair that doesn't resemble a cat that just had a fight in an electrical storm, and if i washed every day i would just spend far too much time than i have in my life for such things...) So because I only wash my hair every other or every three days I've found this to be just the ticket to shiny manageable clean and non-icky hair!!! I do still have unreasonable hair days, but not NEARLY so often, and my hair stays clean feeling-and-looking about twice as long!

So next time you're in the shower....just remember...


"Rinse, Repeat!"


p.s. Also, a short commercial for the best haircare products in the world, Pureology. I have the blue, the purple, the green and the yellow, and I love them all. Worth the price, they last forever!!!

Drumroll....

As I mentioned, Mom and Dad came into town two weeks ago, and while they were here, we decided to FINALLY take care of the dead Mitubishi in the driveway, and I decided that it was time for me to buy my first car. We woke up early on Labor day Monday, and made our way over to the Toyota dealer! We started by looking at used corollas, but within minutes we realized that the labor day sale actually made the new corollas only about 1,000 more than the used ones, so my eyes quickly shifted to the 2008 edition!
We got in the car, and I was in love. It smells new. It looks new. It had 7 miles on it. It's navy (can't go wrong with such a classic color). I've been talking about a navy corolla for at least a year, and every time I see one I'm happy.
So we started driving it, and off we were, with Mom and Dad in the back and Oliver (the salesman) shotgun. We went over to the house to see if lil' cloud would start. We jumped her, and she started running. After about 20 minutes, I tried to back her out of the driveway and made the mistake of turning on the lights and putting her in reverse at the same time, and it was just too much for her, and she went kaput. We gave it one last shot, and she feebly made it back to the dealer (barely). It was a sad departure, but I think that the lil' Mitsubishi recognized the need for change and gave us the opportunity to let her go. :) (hee hee).
A few hours later and a few tough conversations with Oliver I had signed all the papers and we were set to go. The next day I went back and picked her up.
It's so empowering to have a car again. I can drive wherever I want, whenever I want! I also feel so comfortable in being able to offer rides to people and help people out. It's....lovely.
Okay, I'm not saying all of this to toot my own horn (haha) or anything, I really just have been waiting for so long for some of these things, and I wanted to share the good news. In case anyone was wondering, money really doesn't buy happiness. :)

Video iPod

So the deal was that you could get a Macbook and receive an iPod Nano for free. OR you could pay $50 and get an iPod Video, so naturally I chose to spend just a little bit and get exactly what I wanted! White iPod video. Ahhhh :)
Isn't it cute? It comes with me wherever I go (in my newest accessory...see next post) :)

MY MacBook!

I am very proud to introduce you to MY Macbook. After leaving CUA, I realized that I'd need to give up my laptop, as it is a part of the juggernaut, MLP. I quickly put my mind into "I need a new computer" mode and slept on the decision. It finally came down to a Dell Inspiron (pink...) or a Macbook. I called Dell and spoke with them, figuring it would be cheaper, and as I brought in my specifications, the wait time got longer and longer and the price got higher and higher. I got off the phone with an eager sales associate telling me she would "Call me back in just a few hours!" to give me an even better deal. I thought about it for almost ten minutes before I made the executive decision to just buy a macbook. With some encouragement from Seth, I went to the mall to get my hair cut and colored, to buy a new work outfit, and to buy a macbook with associated products (see next post).

So three hours later I was pretty much a new woman! New hair, new clothes, new macbook, free printer, and $50 iPod. The total bill for everything at the mall was less than the total quoted price for the Dell, AND i got it all in one day!

Needless to say, my quality of life has improved with this purchase. It takes me a full 10 minutes less per day to navigate myself through the web (my old computer was very slow...) and as soon as I get my pictures on the macbook, everything will be up to date, and I will officially be a MacWoMan!

Courage

I love the air force memorial. It might be my new favorite. Two weeks ago mom and dad came to DC to see me, and this was one of the pictures I took. After they left, I downloaded my pictures, and was just so glad about the way this one turned out. I like the quote at the bottom “Courage is doing what you are afraid to do.” This rightly describes my life at this time, as I’m currently doing a lot of things that I’m afraid about, and that worry me, but I also am trying to have courage and find peace in those things, too.

Heather used to read this scripture with such vim, so whenever I read it I get a smile on my face, and it makes me happy. It makes me want to hold my fist in the air with a little “Les Mes” determination in my eyes. D&C 128: 22 “Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.”

Honestly, I feel hopeful about the future. Mom sent me the famous President Hinckley Quote that I just keep repeating in my head over and over. It is comforting. “Things will work out. Keep trying. Be believing. Be happy. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out!”

Ruth's Chris

We were so excited to go to Ruth's Chris last thursday!!! Seth, Kyle, De Ette, and I enjoyed some filet mignon, mashed potatoes, bread pudding, and chocolate cake (and seth and de ette enjoyed some mushrooms, of which I did not partake...)
The best part of this (let you all think i'm rich or something...) is that Seth paid. Hee hee. (well, he DID pay...but...) Every year in DC they have "Restaurant Week" which basically is that all of the fancy restaurants offer a limited three course menu for only $30.07! That's right, $30.07! We got everything (salads, steak, potatoes, and dessert!) for that one cost! :)

It was a fun night. It was fun to spend time with Kyle, he's such a dear friend. It's always great to be with De Ette, she's so classy. We had great company and great food. Ahhh (I don't know how to end this blog....so i'm just going to stop...all my endings keep coming out with cheesy jokes....)

Battle of the Bands--Plants for Hire

This weekend Seth's dream of being in a band finally came to fruition, and it was a BIG HIT!!!!

With Seth as the Lead guitarist and backed up by former roommate Brandon on the drums, Joseph the Hungarian on the Bass, Hometeacher Trent on the Keyboard, and Room-Roommate Scott as lead vocals (with a special guest appearance by Best Friend De Ette) the team had all chances of making it ROCK, and they brought it!!!

The band played 3 songs and then got an encore by the crowd, so they busted out some Van Halen (sp?) that was pretty sweet! I'll try to upload some video!!

(p.s. i was wearing a cami under my shirt, and in some pictures you can see the strap. my apologies...i promise i was fully clothed in all of the proper attire, my straps on the cami were just really far in....i don't want anyone to wonder!)

Surprise!

Today I accepted a new job. I had a few options, and so my decision was a difficult one, but after talking with Seth and the Parents and a few other very nice listening ears, I decided to jump in and take it! It's sure to be a big learning curve, and it's sure to be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it. It just seems right though, both Seth and I have felt so good about it!

So the exciting part comes after I accepted the position... :)
I usually call Seth on my way home from work to see where he's at, and he didn't answer (but I new he had a busy day so I was understanding...). I called again when I got home, but no answer again...so I just decided to go in my house and try him later. So I got home and went to talk to my roommate Katie and Seth's Roommate Scott, and was just chatting away. I was about to leave the room and I said "have you seen seth today? I can't get ahold of him. Should I be worried?" and they were both awkward and just said "oh don't worry."

So I FINALLY went in my room, and SURPRISE!!! My room was full of roses and dahlia!! Sethy surprised me with 2 dozen roses and 1 dozen dahlia in honor of my new job! I walked around my room for a few minutes admiring the beautiful flowers, and then I called my Seth and he answered and shyly said "hey Janey" Ha. I immediately went over to get him, just so i could thank him in person!

Thank you, Sweet Sethy! I've never been so happy!

THE POSTER SAYS: Congrats on the Job Janey (heart) and "I'm your Biggest Fan" is on the fan....

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom! I'm currently making a list of just a few of the many things I love about my mom....coming shortly!!!

The Sorting Hat

I'm Griffindor!

You may all wonder about my blogging frenzy...

It might seem like i'm bored....okay, I am.

Seth is gone to Roanoke Virginia taking the biggest test of his life, the BAR (du du du....)

Keep a lil' prayer in your heart for Seth! He finishes Wednesday (the 25th) at about 6:00 EST, YAY!!!!!

A Few Months Ago....

I went to Tuscon Ranch for a work conference. Here's my old fashioned dress-up picture !!!! Just call me Calamity Jane!

Rob through the years.

One of my best and dearest friends in DC just moved to Utah to start his MBA at BYU. Rob has been such a great friend to both seth and to me, we're sad to see him leave us, but we're so excited for the future ahead for him!
Rob is one of the "original" DC friends. I met him shortly after I moved out here, and the core group of Noelle, Remi, Cameron, Rob, and me hung out on several occasion; he and I been on trips to North Carolina, Williamsburg, 6 Flags, Chicago, and about every DC restaurant you can imagine together. He even tried to convince me to work for him as his Food Prep and Personal assistant (i told him he couldn't pay me enough to even think about it!).
Rob's last great act before leaving us in DC was to get a pre-ordered Harry Potter book for himself, and in the process (while we were in line 800 people back) sweet talk the Barnes and Noble cashier to sell him 5 more. My friends and I will be forever grateful that the line was only an hour instead of 5. Just another testament of Rob's true friendship :)
We'll Miss You Rob!!!!

Assateague Island

Ohhh, assateague island, land of wild horses, relaxing beaches, and magnificent sunsets (on the way home). My friends Nan and Kelley invited me to the beach this saturday, and since Seth was studying for the Bar, I took advantage of my free saturday and we headed out to the island. It was BEAUTIFUL.
Here's how the day went.
1. Wake up at 8:10
2. Leave at 8:20
3. Go to grocery store, get treats, snackbox lunches, and breakfast food.
4. Drive two hours
5. Stop at walmart for blue plastic beach chairs and twizzlers
6. Arrive at island, get Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows out, bring treats and head to beach.
7. Apply lots of sunscreen, missing several key places (like the bridge of nose directly below sunglasses and the corner of arm by arm.)
8. Read
9. Enjoy seagulls, wild horses, and dolphins
10. Eat a few grapes, a few twizzlers
11. Send Kelley to the car to fetch forgotten cookies.
12. Relax and let the atlantic ocean splash feet.
13. Drive home with much uplifting, fun, and positive conversation!
14. Watch beautiful sunset.
15. Arrive home, shower, and watch HSM with Seth while he's taking a break for studying.


Ahhh, it was a great day!

Fellow Blogger

Mandy Jensen. If you haven't already read her blog, you should. She's amazing!

Night in Old Town

This summer we're so lucky to have one of Seth's best friends from College, De Ette, living in DC. De Ette was on Swing Kids team and then Ballroom team with Seth, so they've known each other something upwards of 7 years. I met De Ette shortly after seth and I started dating, and so I was go glad to have her come out and get to know her better!

I've grown to depend on and care a lot about De Ette. She's a kind girl, so polished and classy, VERY fun, and a GREAT communicator. (okay, I sounded like a dating ad there, but I really just think so much of the girl). Here are some pics of our night out in Old Town Alexandria. :)