Wednesday, June 29, 2011

makes me smile

The past few days have been somewhat blue for me.
My sisters are gone to EFY.
Brighton is now in full swing.
More than one friend of mine is heading to London,
aka. one of my favorite places on earth.
And I'm here, in my room, at loose ends.

Therefore, I thought I would share something
that always makes me happy.
Ready. Set. Go.


Ahhh....I feel so much better. Hope you do too :)


Monday, June 27, 2011

love one another

Please don't think that I am praising any of my own abilities by posting my talk from Sunday. I simply wanted to post it because I learned a few things and was reminded of a lot and I wanted to share. I think we can never be too tired to think of someone to be loved. So, here you go. My talk from yesterday. The bishopric is joking that they'll have me speak three months in a row. I sure hope not.

(one of the greatest heart attacks I ever received)

Good Afternoon Brothers and Sisters. It is a privilege to speak today, especially surrounded by these wonderful sisters. I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to serve with them and I have much to learn from each of them.
(As Kiera mentioned,) we decided as a presidency to speak on Charity. As I began writing, I took a gander in the topical guide and was surprised at the number of references to the scripture, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself.”
In His last private moments with his disciples, while time was quickly fading, just before He would perform the greatest act of love we will ever know, the Lord said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” In teaching, he repeats the basic concept three times. “Love one another.” How important is this commandment? During April Conference, besides the sustaining, and the statistical reports, there are only three or so talks that do not dwell on the topic of service, charity, or love. It consistently remains one of the greatest commandments.
In the talk “Followers of Christ,” given by Elder Walter F. Gonzalez, he teaches “We follow Christ because we love Him. When we follow the Redeemer out of love, we are following His own example. Through love the Savior was obedient to the will of the Father under any circumstance. Our Savior was obedient even when it meant great physical and emotional pain, even when it meant being whipped and mocked, even when it meant that His enemies would torture Him while His friends abandoned Him. The atoning sacrifice, which is unique to the mission of the Savior, is the greatest expression of love ever. “The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
President Uchtdorf also explained, “It has been my experience that some of the most powerful promptings we receive are not only for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some of the most powerful spiritual experiences and profound revelations of our lives….Brothers and sisters, we each have a covenant responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of others and serve as the Savior did- to reach out, bless, and uplift those around us.”
This is what we are all about. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is centered on the Savior and His ability to save each of us. We each want to be a follower of Christ and receive those powerful spiritual experiences that will change us. With the great number of people on this earth, we are able to be instruments in His hands and do physically what He cannot. Among his teaching to the Romans, Paul reminds them of the commandments such as thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, but the line that catches my attention completely says, “and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” All other threads of the Gospel tie into this commandment because the Gospel belongs to Jesus Christ. What better example of pure love can we find anywhere than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends. Every part of his ministry was for the welfare of our souls. So should it be with us.
Go back to the basics. As primary children we learn that we are children of God. Every person who has or ever will live on this earth is a child of God. As such, we are brothers and sisters. We are established in families with others that we care about and love. We are required to show love to all those we meet because they are children of God too. God is no respecter of persons. He loves everyone more than we can understand. We love the Lord and desire to become perfect, even as He is. To be worthy of the great sacrifice made for us, we must be His hands in this world.
Everything that we teach, everything that we do is showing love in one form or another. Think of missionary work. Think of bearing testimony. Think of the humanitarian aid we provide. Home and Visiting teachers, Tithing, temple work, giving blessings through the power of the priesthood, etc. Jesus Christ lived for others. He lived for us. Never did He put his will before his neighbor. There is a reason why every mention of this great commandment to love one another is followed closely by the commandment to “put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ” and become perfect even as he is perfect.
We all know the story of the good Samaritan, a man who helped not only his neighbor, but his enemy. This Samaritan bound the beaten man’s wounds, placed him on his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. He went out of his way to care for his brother. While talking to my mother, I was reminded of my own good Samaritan. A few years ago, I was moving into camp for the summer. For one reason or another, the only car at home was my sister’s. It was older and a bit broken down but we thought we could take it up Big Cottonwood Canyon. My mom, my sister and I loaded the trunk with my belongings and headed up, only to overheat the engine a little more than halfway. We were completely stranded. After a brief prayer, a large white pickup truck pulled up alongside us and asked if we needed any help. Explaining the situation, this stranger took time out of his busy schedule and helped us get to camp. After my belongings were unloaded, he drove my mom and my sister home and made arrangements for a tow truck, while the entire time he claimed it was his pleasure to help. He is the epitome of a modern day good Samaritan.
The more I thought of examples to share, the more I was impressed how many times we show charity without thinking to ourselves, “I am going to show charity today.” When hearts are filled with the pure love of Christ, they respond to needs quickly and effectively. For example, turn to Genesis 24 and the story of Rebekah. Minding her daily tasks, she came across a stranger by the well where she had traveled to draw water. The man requested a drink of water. She quickly came to his aid, drawing water not only for him but also for his camels. Little did she think, I am such a wonderful person, Look at this charity. No, she offered an act of simple service, from which was born a family of great influence for whole dispensations.
A more modern example lies within the young sisters of my family’s ward. My younger sisters just came home from girls camp. There was great question whether my youngest sister would be able to go. For those who don’t know my family’s history, we spent many months in the hospital due to surgery complications. We didn’t know at the time if she would walk, or talk, or be able to maintain the life she had established. Through a lot of work and many good Samaritans, she has been able to return to a life close to the one she lived before. Still, my parents hesitated and wondered if it was a good idea to send her. The leaders did all in their power to take care of any situation that might arise. Every night, the assigned “nurse” for the camp would call my mom and report on how things were going and it struck my heart to know that the other girls were tripping over themselves to be of service to Carrie. I love these young girls for their good works and the charity they possess. They truly are witnesses of the Savior and proved to me that the more love you show, the better life will be.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton beautifully observed: Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.
Being human, and having the capacity to make mistakes, how do we do as Elder Ashton teaches? We put Christ first. Sister Parkin, General Relief Society President in 2003, said: We start each day kneeling in prayer to our Father in Heaven, we hear His words through daily scripture study, and we follow the guidance we receive. We put Christ first, restoring charity’s circular love. “We love Him because He first loved us.” This is the reciprocating cycle of charity and charity never faileth.
Charity is the pure love of Christ. President Spencer W. Kimball said it perfectly: The Savior’s gifts were rare ones; eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf, and legs to the lame; cleanliness to the unclean, wholeness to the infirm, and breath to the lifeless. His gifts were forgiveness to the repentant, hope to the despairing. His friends gave him shelter, food and love. He gave them of himself, his love, his service, his life. We should strive to give as he gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift.”
I ask you, what have you done today to show love to one another? What could you do today? As is sung in a favorite hymn: Have you done any good in the world today? Have you helped anyone in need? Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, a blessing of duty and love.
I know this to be true. I have seen it in my own life. I have been the recipient of such love more times than I can count. I have been blessed when I look outside myself and care for others. I thank the Lord that he provided such a commandment that we are able to become like him by doing simple acts of kindness and by simply showing love. I am learning time and again that there is no limit on the amount of love one heart can possess. When we give of ourselves, we find joy. Men are that they might have joy. I am thankful for my Savior that showed such intense love for me. I know that it is our purpose in life now to live for Him and in a small way repay his sacrifice by caring for His children.

… in the name…

Friday, June 24, 2011

things i love "thursday"


- hiking right before the sun goes down
 I recently went hiking with a few friends to "the living room" that is located just behind Red Butte Gardens. We reached the top just as the sun was setting and it is one of the prettiest views of the city I have ever seen. 

- lots of leftover grapes
After the craziness of last night's reception where I was in charge (shudder), there were two full pans of grapes left that weren't used. So what did we do? Started throwing them at each other to see if we could catch them in our mouths. I'll admit, it was slightly ridiculous and we really made a mess all over the floor. But- completely worth it!

-alfie boe's newest album
I first heard Alfie Boe sing whilst at a friend's house watching the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables. He played the role of Jean Valjean. After he sang "Bring Him Home" I was hooked. (I actually put a link so you can watch it a few weeks ago on another things i love) Since that time, my obsession has gotten worse. Starting yesterday, he is currently performing as Jean Valjean in the Queen's Theater in London! How I wish I could go! Check out the album on iTunes- Alfie Boe "Bring Him Home" You won't be disappointed.

-sisters coming home from girls' camp
The house has been too quiet. "I'm sick of quiet. I want... loud!"

-hearing camp friends call me Harmony from across the room
When I first started working at Brighton, I remember a previous staff member said that hearing her camp name was the same as someone calling her "honey." Now that I have been away from camp for awhile, I understand what she means. That name brings a smile to my face like none other.

- ac that works
I don't know what it is about the car that I drive, but whenever summer rolls around it doesn't like the ac. While driving to work, it blew hot air in my face and it was already over 90 degrees outside. On the way home, when I didn't really need it to work, it was fine. What is up with that?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

"i feel handsome, oh so handsome..."

The much awaited story of my experience while wearing a tux. You readers have been so patient. Finally, I will share my most manly experience. It was not while climbing into the garbage at Brighton. It was not because I had not shaved my legs. No, it was the night I was asked to wear a tuxedo in front of various VIPs of Utah.

I was asked to partake of this blessed occasion weeks before hand. When the idea came up, I thought it was awesome. I'll admit that I told a few people. Those I didn't tell were told by my parents. I was excited to see the pure extravagance of it all and to be a part of such a historic event as the 100th Birthday of Hotel Utah/Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The excitement ended the day before when I actually realized just what serving in a tux would mean. Extra layers while serving at 50 mph, a tight collar and bow-tie, and an entire outfit that is most definitely NOT accustomed to curves. Friends, I have curves.

Friday started early as set up for the big event started at 10 am. Dianne, bless her heart, wanted all set up to be finished at noon. With all the work that needed to be done, it was ambitious to say the least. I broke the rules early on when I parked underneath JSMB when I was actually supposed to park down the street at the Plaza. Knowing that work would go well past dark, I didn't want to risk it while walking alone three blocks. Everyone showed up in jeans as our tuxedos would be distributed right before the event. Working in jeans was weird. Not looking exactly alike was weird. Wearing clothes that actually fit was wonderful.

We started in the Empire Room doing chair covers. Dianne spent more than a few grand on the linens and you could tell. Still, the chair covers for Bonneville and Empire looked like huge pillow cases. Once the "pillow case" was on, the two points were tied in a knot on the back. With everyone but a few set up fellas working on the chair covers, we still didn't know how to make them look right. Field trip to the already staged Bonneville room didn't really help either.
[Side note- there is a reason why the guys work on set up and the girls do chair covers. I tried to help the guys once and they just laughed at me. Watching the guys try and tie chair covers was an experience I will not soon forget, especially since Morgan G., Elaina, and I had to go back into the room and retie half of them.]

After chair covers, we started to set tables. The dinner consisted of five courses which meant that every chair required a charger (big plastic plate), two dinner forks, a knife, a spoon, and a soup spoon. Can you say cramped? The silverware was practically lying on top of each other. We had the room about half way done when Dianne came in and said that each table needed a topper tablecloth. Off went all the silverware and chargers. On went the toppers. And we, as servers, were officially annoyed. I told Char that it would be right without at least one major hiccup in the process.

Along with rented linens, Dianne had ordered plates and bowls from Diamond Rental. There was special silverware for the lobby and mezzanine. She had also purchased a new box filled with salt and pepper shakers to replace our old "dingy" collection. I volunteered to help fill the pepper shakers. At first glance, not a big deal. Five sneezes later, it was a little bit of a big deal. I have never seen nor smelled so much pepper at once in my entire life.

After a good two hours, the building was starting to resemble a dinner fit for kings and queens. Each room was slightly different, due to different tablecloths, flowers, silverware, and place settings.

Empire Room (notice the brilliantly tied chair covers)
Bonneville (pre- flower centerpieces)
The Lobby (I didn't know that many tables would fit...)
My friends Liz and Vanessa setting up the night before
Morgan G. in the Mezzanine

At this point, we were allowed to take a small break for lunch. I was helping to stuff more programs into napkins so it took me a little longer to head up to the Employee lunchroom. [Another side note: They recently repainted the room with a bright purple accent wall. Purple? What?] I traveled the elevator with my friends Morgan and Bryan and witnessed their on going joke of "that's what she said..." Approaching the door, we all admitted to feeling like we were back in high school: awkward, shy, and not knowing where to sit. Jokingly, we found the tables for the popular kids and then realized we were the drama geeks that no one wants to sit by. Slightly ridiculous, but thoroughly entertaining!

From there, we started walking up to the Jade because it was movie time! All staff clocked out for a little over an hour and headed to the Jade. The guys had set up the screen, brought in the couches from the mezz and turned on Tangled. It was a party! A few minutes into the movie, Laurel and Amy showed up with M&Ms and the makings of a really great rootbeer float. Thinking about it, we realized they were trying to get us all stocked up on a sugar high for the rest of set up, but it was worth every wonderful sugary sip. I have a thing for Flynn Rider. I'm pretty sure it comes from my thing for Zachary Levi but I don't care. It isn't the first time I've had a crush on an animated character. My first crush was and still is Dmitri from Anastasia. I learned that Jordan has a thing for Rapunzel, so I'm not the only one who favors the 2D type. Three o'clock came all too soon. We were just past the lantern scene and the lights flipped back on. Back to reality folks. 

The building was finally put together. It was now time to change into our tuxedos. I went down to the locker room where a few of us were attempting to put ourselves together. The other girls who didn't have a tuxedo to wear just sat and laughed at those of us who were trying to put the thing together correctly. We had no idea what we were doing, and it wasn't like we could go and ask the guys for help. I'm sure we were a sight. Still, we figured it out. I have not felt that unattractive in public for a very long time.

Gotta love my shoes. That's a polished look.
  



My friends Katelyn, Tom and Alicia
Katelyn and me...I should have had my bangs down.
The goal was to keep a straight face. I failed.
James Bond meets Charlie's Angels
Thanks to my supervisors, I was made captain of the Bonneville Room. It could be an extreme compliment but really, it turned into a nightmare. Everything was so different I didn't know where to start. Amy Murdock was supposedly going to be helping me but she was out running around everywhere else that I was basically on my own. Thanks for nothing... I thought I had things under control until Dianne, wonderful Dianne, comes running in with a huge list of things that I needed to already have done when three hours ago she said that someone else would take care of things. Thanks to being in the hole of Bonneville, I was forgotten. I apparently was supposed to grab my own soup bowls, cook books for favors, desserts, and a number of other things. WHAT??? I seriously think I was about to have a nervous breakdown. I sent my servers to cover some of the assignments while I ran to the Empire room to try and find Amy. On the way, I ran into Morgan Weight and a few of the fellas working in the Lobby. Morgan asked me how I was doing. Usually I try and talk down my problems and take care of them myself. Well, not this time. He asked how I was and I said a little stressed. Fifteen minutes later, a whole crew of them showed up in my kitchen asking what they could do. By that time, things were again under control but the fact that they would come and help me was just what I needed. Guys are great.

So many big names in attendance! The entire First Presidency came, along with half the Quorum of the Twelve. The Governor and the Mayor were there too. Of course they weren't at my tables, but I saw them from across the way. Five courses, and what felt like 100 degrees later, we were all ready for a break. My first time eating lobster:
I need a drink.
$65 a plate!
L to R: Jen, Chase, Morgan W., and Richard 
Never seen so many bottles in one place before.
L to R: Liz, Kalli, and Jordan
R to L: Charles, Char, Chris, Morgan G., and Alicia
The night finally ended at 11:45 pm. It was quite the experience. It was fun to be there with so many of my friends and I'm glad I was able to be a part of history. Still, I NEVER want to wear a tux like that again.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

happy father's day, daddy




I love the way my Dad listens to music with his right hand keeping the beat.
I love how he constantly has a pocketknife within reach.
I love how he wants to know everything about how work went.
I love that Dad gave me the end of the roast tonight!
I love the way my dad taught me to work.
I love the way we watch Utah football games together.
I love how he makes sure I'm up in the morning when I have an early shift.
I love how special I feel when he just wants to talk.
I love when his eyes tear up to show that he is proud of me.
I love the way he honors his priesthood.
I love to hear him teach.
I love when he knows I understand and he points at me with an "Aha!"
I love the way he looks at my mother.
I love how my Dad sits on the stairs.
I love when we fight over the last piece of strawberry pie.
I love when his smile puts a twinkle in his eyes.
I love when he teases me.
I love when he whispers in my ear in the middle of a big bear hug.
I love how subtle, intricate harmony makes me think of him.
I love how he talks with a spatula.
I love that he is my go-to GPS.
I love the fact that if I ask a question where he doesn't know the answer, he'll look it up for me.
I love Saturdays when he is busy in the kitchen making pancakes.
I love his glasses and red ties.
I love his smile.
I love how he loves me.


Happy Father's Day to the best man I know 
and the one I love the most.


Saturday, June 18, 2011

to the future "Mr. Jenny Hortin"

Wedding season is now in full swing. 
Another season of watching couples find their happily ever after 
while I serve them chicken and potatoes. 
I'm livin' the life 
but I just feel like I'm waiting....
waiting for you
to show up.
Hey fella,
show up!

Love me

Thursday, June 16, 2011

a quick "things I love"


Thanks to my mother, I spent three hours watching "The Music Man" 
 updated, so to speak, in 2003
Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenoweth
A wonderful way to spend my evening ;)

(That and the amazing sunset outside my window tonight. Life is grand!) 

"don't you love that I work here?"

Time for the much anticipated stories of Joseph Smith Memorial Building's 100th Birthday Celebration! I know that you have all been waiting at the edge of your seat. To put order back in the blogosphere, let me tell you about it.



The celebration officially began Thursday evening with the Ribbon Ceremony. I wasn't planning on attending such an event until I was at work earlier in the day and heard Heidi ask Morgan and myself if we were sticking around to see it. We bothered her further and found out that at 7 pm in the lobby there would be a ceremony and it would be something to see. The bakery was also providing free cupcakes and cake as part of the celebration. I am a sucker for the bakery's cupcakes and if you have ever devoured their deliciousness, my guess is that you are too. 

Mom was thinking of coming in when I mentioned the displays and the cupcakes because she is big on history, especially history of such places that are a big deal to the Hortins. After my shift, I walked into the lobby and saw just what the building had in store. Completely intrigued, I walked into the informational office to double check on just what was going on and was informed that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir would be practicing at 6 pm, the program started at 6:30 pm, and President Thomas S. Monson would be cutting the ribbon at 7 pm. Well, that was all I needed to know. I gave my mother a call and we made it possible for the whole family minus Maggie to get downtown for the program.

We drove into the building and parked for free, thanks to my employee badge that waves the parking charge. Then, we walked into the lobby as it was beginning to fill up. Through some maneuvering, we were positioned in the north west corner, about 15 to 20 feet from the pulpit where the prophet would speak. The choir was just finishing up a run-through of "Happy Birthday Joseph Smith Building" and we had the pleasure of hearing the following run-through of "Praise to the Man."




When the choir finished their practice, there was still a half hour before the program would actually begin. Big-shot Brent Shingleton, CEO of Temple Square Hospitality, (in other words : my boss's boss's boss) stood and announced that there would be a few minutes before the actual program and to hold tight. Afraid that we would lose our space, we hung around, taking everything in. The hosts and hostesses of the building had dressed up in costumes accustomed to the early 1900s. The girls kept pointing out impressive costumes to each other while Dad struck up a conversation about the building and its history with complete strangers.



Finally, the prophet arrived and the Ribbon Ceremony began. Standing in our corner, we were less than ten feet away from him when he walked past the elevators to the front and within twenty feet while he stood at the pulpit. Dear President Monson- when he walked up to place where the statue of Joseph Smith was located, he patted Brother Joseph on the shoulder and waved to the crowd. After Spencer Herzog, another member of the Head Cheese that likes to make life difficult for the Banquet sector, gave the opening prayer, the Choir began with a lovely oldie but a goodie, "It's a Grand Night for Singing." Dad was in heaven and mentioned that few people could experience the Tab Choir in surround sound the same way we were at that time. It was completely delightful. The choir continued to sing "Happy Birthday" and "Praise to the Man," each of which was wonderful. I love choirs. I love both singing and listening and I loved every minute of it. 

The actual cutting of the ribbon was fun to watch because of the prophet. Wonderful man that he is, when they handed him the ceremonial scissors, his jaw dropped at their massive size. Sharing three free red velvet and chocolate cupcakes and a slice of cake later, the ceremony was officially over. It was a wonderful experience and I'm so glad that I could share it with most my family. 


You should go sometime this summer and check out the displays in the lobby. Completely worth it. Did you know that Bing Crosby stayed in the Hotel Utah? Or that when it opened there were less than twenty people on staff???



Sunday, June 12, 2011

ninety and nine

This is one of my favorite songs
and I wanted to share it with you.


(I prefer when Katie Thompson sings but I couldn't find a copy of her rendition.)

Happy Sunday!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

things i love thursday


a good night's sleep

the mountains

groovin' with friends at the Eclipse concert

dreaming about vacations

seeing friends after long weeks of absence

being more than half way through a hard week of work

new music on the iPod

campfires

Sandy Institute Forum


My friends and I found Meaghan Smith at the Eclipse concert and after three lines, it was unanimous. 
We had to buy her album.
Enjoy this music video!


Quirky. But SO GOOD!

Monday, June 6, 2011

oh, how i love sundays!

Yesterday was pure bliss! 
awesome weather
awesome lessons
awesome friends
and an awesome testimony meeting to boot!

I am learning more and more of my new duties as Second Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. I have been reminded that Heavenly Father knows me. He knows my name. He knows my capabilities. He knows just where to push me to make me the person He has in mind. My Sundays are in the process of a complete turn-around for the better.

I am not saying that Sundays weren't pleasurable before. That is untrue. However, ever since rumors started about a YSA reshuffling, I kept feeling that it was just what I needed. Since the wards shifted, or rather, since the Crescent Park 7th was split and I joined the Crescent North, I have become friends with my new bishopric, spoken in church, reinstated Ward Prayer in my schedule, received a calling, and made some new friends. After our first presidency meeting, life is going up from here. My calendar is suddenly very crowded and I love it! I was told that it is not by chance that these changes are happening now. I am a believer.

June 5 started as any other Sunday. I woke up while the rest of my family prepared for church. At eleven, the house was mine. Unusually, I started a Fast Sunday smiling. It was one of those times where I know it is going to be a good day and a good attitude hits it out of the park. I started getting ready for church, blasting my Grateful Praise album by Eclipse (been on an Eclipse kick since I rocked out at their concert on Saturday night. Pictures to come, as soon as I steal them from friends ;) ). It is a great album. Buy it! I was rocking my outfit- which always makes my days better.

I walked into sacrament meeting to see a friend beaming as she showed off her engagement ring. I was in the perfect mood and the sacrament filled my heart with gratitude. Brother Glad started testimony meeting by talking about miracles. His was a beautiful testimony and it struck me how my thoughts as I was preparing for church correlated with his experience. I am still so excited to meet more of my ward. Unfortunately, I missed all of the Break the Fast because of a meeting, but there is still time.We needed to get Relief Society up and running. I am so excited to serve, especially with Miranda, Amber, and Kira. I have much to learn from each of them.

After a delightful family dinner minus Maggie, I headed to Ward Prayer and was surprised to see Briana Greenwall, a good friend from highschool, and Nate Haines walk in. Of course, I sat on the one broken lawn chair of the lot and had to sit afraid that at any moment it would forgo my weight and I would end on the ground. Just my luck. 

First the thought and prayer, then my friends and I preceded to catch up. Out of the blue, we started quoting Disney movies to try and stump the group. Linda had a few that completely stumped me. Still, I was able to figure out, "I...I...I...I made it myself!' Good job, Jenny. Let me know if you can guess which movies contain the following quotes:

1: "Hey look! I made a bridge. It only took me what? 10 seconds. 11 tops."

2: "Pinned ya..."

3: "It's Mister Banana Beak to you, Fuzzy."

4: "I am Mrs. Nesbitt."

5: "Start at the beginning.
     Yes, and when you come to the end, stop."

6: "Rule number 96: AIM!"

7: "Does this dress make me look fat?"

8: "I just love happy endings!"

9: "You have a rash?"

10: "And machine washable darling. That's a new feature."

Gotta say, I thought I was a pro. Maybe not.

Ward Prayer was dying down so Nate asked if we wanted to continue the party someplace else. We ended up at Stephanie's house for a fire and marshmallows. I love fire! I love building fires. I love roasting marshmallows, starbursts, and cinnamon apples. I love the smell of the smoke on my clothes after. I love waking up with the smell in my hair. Weird? Probably. I don't care. I convinced Linda to let me start it. She brought over the lighter fluid and I was slightly offended. With Briana's help, we made a blazing fire. It was amazing! It was a bit of a highschool reunion, but so much better than that time five years ago. (Man! I'm old.)

The real story of the night comes at the very end. It still makes me laugh to think of it. 

It was getting late so we headed back out towards our cars: Ryan with Nate, Missy with me. It was definitely highschool and 4th ward deja vu. Ryan and Missy live across the street from each other. Nate pulls in front of Ryan's as I pull into Missy's driveway. As always, we sat for awhile talking. Talking about boys, talking about old times, talking about how things are changing.... Every now and again we would glance back at the boys and kept seeing the car parked out front. We thought they might be having a pretty in-depth conversation over there too. Well, they were, but not about serious things.

I had turned the car off and we were sitting in the dark. Missy was telling me something about BYU friends or something, I forget, when all the sudden, there is a loud bang on either of our windows and a darkened face looking in. OH. MY. HECK! They scared us so bad. Missy was slightly louder as she screamed like she was going to die and convulsed in her seat. I gasped and threw my hands over my face. Needless to say, if a bad man really was at my window, I'd be a goner. My heart was beating a mile a minute while the guys  stood, watching us and laughing, content that their plan had worked. They preceded to tell us that they had "army-crawled" across the street and up to our windows, then hit the ground three times so that they would hit the windows in unison. It was an elaborate production that succeeded in scaring the CRAP out of us. 

And then we all ended up laughing our heads off. 
Good times. Good times.
Even more good times to be had this summer in the life of Jenny Hortin.
All to be shared on this lovely thing I call my blog.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

red flag!

more anecdotes from my life at the "Joe"

- Receptions are my least favorite type of function. Three-ish straight hours of being on your feet with little to do and no chance of a break in sight is not my idea of a great time. I would rather captain a reception than just be a server. In fact, I would really prefer to hostess the event. As hostess, you do everything to make the head party happy. It is similar to being captain except for two things: you only worry about the head party and you get to dress up. It is a definite rarity to be able to feel pretty at work. Definite rarity. (And the extra attention from the guys isn't too bad either....)

Story: Friday night, I was scheduled as a server in a reception. It wasn't the worst I have experienced because I was able to work with good friends. Early in the reception, an elderly gentleman asked me for a piece of paper. Not an out of place occurrence. No red flags. Just piece of paper. I told him I could run and get a doily because that is commonly what we use for lists and things. I came back with a few and he says, "Some of the greatest business in the world is done on napkins and doilies." Uh, okay. Thanks for that, sir. 

I continue to go about my business, clearing plates and cups and napkins, playing tag with the other servers (walking, of course), and helping to refill the chafers of food.   This gentleman was standing by one of my assigned tables. Therefore, the next time I traveled in that direction, he was still there. He handed me the lacy section of the doily, asked me to throw it away the next time I was by a garbage, and showed me that he had written down a phone number. Spoiler alert- here comes the red flag!

Conversation:
He says, "You know, you could add your number to the list."
Me: .........
He continues, "Because this number is for business. Your number would be for pleasure."
Me: um.... 
(in my head) WHAT did he just say??? How did that happen? He could be my grandpa? Is this really going down the way I think it is? RUN AWAY! Abort!!!!!!

I honestly can't remember how I got out of that situation. I think I may have mumbled something and then walked away. I hope I wasn't rude... He doesn't have my number. He left the room not long after that so the awkwardness did not continue. All I remember is thinking that I needed to go back to the kitchen and tell my friends. When I did, they teased me the rest of the night that I had found my "Sugar Daddy." It still makes me shudder. Really, what was he thinking?

-Then the photographer. Creeper. Every time I look up, he is somewhere with the camera pointed at me. If it happens every once in awhile, I wouldn't think much of it. All night on the other hand was a definite red flag. I'm pretty sure the bride and groom don't need to remember me. 

Never would have thought that this job of mine would provide such entertainment... 
Every day at work has a story.
Like the time when Elder Ballard helped me know which guest still needed an entree
When this cute boy went out of his way to come and talk to me :)
The day I dropped trays on my foot.
When I heard Sister Julie Beck sound like my mother about feeding her husband.
Yesterday when the kitchen floor was covered in white grape concentrate and our feet literally stuck to the floor.
The note on the salad fridge that informed the staff that President and Sister Monson prefer their salads to be made of ice berg lettuce.

This next week I'm practically living there Wednesday through Saturday. I am positive I will have more stories. Hopefully none that include crazy old men asking for my number. A guy more my age wanting my number- that would be okay. 

Stay tuned friends.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

almost forgot it's thursday....

things i love


red doors

a clean room

this dress from Old Navy

current stack of library books

mix of peanut butter and nutella on toast

early morning temple trip

a Utah bride wearing something like this

The Late Show with David Letterman 
(especially when Will Ferrel is guest)

leftovers for lunch

going for a walk

a possible new phone...

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

lookin' sharp

Next week is the 100th Anniversary of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building/ Hotel Utah. Temple Square Hospitality is going all out! And when I say all out, I mean that I was fitted for a tuxedo this morning. Among the festivities is a big VIP dinner on June 10th. I was asked to help serve the huge event and as such, I will be wearing a full tuxedo with tails! (No top hat. I asked.) Don't worry. I'm bringing my camera. Pictures to come.

This will be me. But with curves. Awkward??? We'll see. If I didn't feel enough like a boy in my ninja costume, this will definitely put me over the edge.

The story of being fitted is the exact definition of being "sent on a wild goose chase." The chase was self-inflicted although a slight discrepancy in the address I was given also played a vital role.

Story: Last week, Laurel came into the Harmony room during set-up and handed me a piece of paper that said to go to Black Tie Tuxedos at 90 South State Street and be fitted. It really is a compliment to be asked and could be an awesome experience. The Head Cheese have been talking about it for months. The idea that Laurel, Amy, and Dianne trust me with a VIP Event, I must be doing something right at work.

Friends went right after shifts last week and I got the idea that the place was in walking distance. I either had plans after work or finished after the store was closed. The first opportunity that I had to go downtown was this morning after I dropped Mom off at Oquirrh. I drove all the way into town. I parked underneath the Joe and went walking around State Street. I walked one direction and didn't see anything. I walked the other direction and ran into a park. When all else fails, call Dad. I told him my dilemma and everything that was going on. Calming me down, he said he would look it up on the internet and then give me a call back.

A few minutes later, Dad informed me that I was in the wrong part of town. I traveled all the way downtown when Black Tie Tuxedo is actually located on 8950 South State Street. UGH! Really?! So there I was, sitting in front of Neighborhood Market with blisters from my flip-flops while the place is only ten minutes from my house. Note to anyone in this situation: When you mean 90th South, write 90TH South. Thank you very much.

Seriously. UGH!

Having gotten that off my chest, I feel so much better. Just another funny anecdote to share with all you wonderful people. (The five who will actually read this.)