things i love thursday

red tights

hot chocolate

new mugs

the large number of movies I want to see

driving my Kia

losing a pound or two

constant Christmas music

Words with Friends

my bed

Goodnight!

awkward and awesome

I found this on a blog and thought it was completely entertaining. Here is my first post as an Awkward and Awesome follower:

awkward

- Celebrating after receiving a substantial tip today right before the guest walked in the back and heard the whole thing....whoops.

- Quote from work today: "Jenny, you just need to flip over!" (symbolic of course)

- (Story from a few days ago, but still awkward. And at the Joe. Interesting.) Last week, I was working as captain to a 50th Wedding Anniversary on the 9th floor with my friends surrounding me. I was responsible for making up a buffet table and the pressure was getting to me. I ran into the room next door to me to get an opinion on where to put rolls in an already uber-crowded table when I saw my friend, Tiffanee. She worked at the Joe awhile but quit at the start of the summer to be part of an internship. She came by to visit and just happened to be in the room when I walked in. She hugged me and asked how I was, to which I answered, "I'm a little stressed." Of course, I forgot why I walked into the room and started to back out, backwards. The other thing you need to know is that the 9th floor has rooms separated by columns out in the hallway. There I was, backing out without paying attention to where I was going, when I turned to head back to my room and ran, head on, into said pillar! Yes, yours truly ran into the wall. And not only that, my friends saw the whole thing.

- having to turn away to gain control of myself while laughing. Trust me, that could have been VERY awkward.

- trading shifts. That is never anything but awkward...

awesome

- learning my fortune according to utensils and a candlestick. Thanks Meish!

- Meish's "Gypsy Dance" that included falling off his chair. "It's all part of the dance!"

- happy guests that decide to leave a hefty tip

- peppermint tootsie roll pops

- Straight No Chaser! Where have these guys been all my life?

- after the previous awkward story, Jordan coming into the room and asking, "Did that just happen???"


- visiting sisters with Miranda and Whitney

- laughing so hard that both my face and my stomach hurt

- the Christmas lights covering the houses in a nearby neighborhood

- "sprinkles!"

- some boys I know

dreaming of a white christmas...

Love this!

Nobody sings it quite like Bing.

on the second week of Christmas...

The week started off with preparation to celebrate Sinterklaas. Every year since before I can remember, we place one of our shoes outside our door with a carrot inside. Sinterklaas arrives on horseback to deliver small gifts to children who have been very good. Those who haven't been good little girls and boys are thrown into Swarte Pete's sack and taken back to Holland to work for a year. We place a carrot in our shoes for his horse. The next morning, we awake to a candy strewn floor and an ornament by each shoe. Some years, books and movies have been involved. It is never a large gift but it is a beloved tradition just the same. My mother always says, "The best gifts come in small packages."

Since the Hortins are unbelievably booked this season, we asked the old man to come a few days early. He was kind enough to oblige. The only problem we encountered was that the delicious candy was scattered on the morning of Fast Sunday; meaning: we had to gather it all up in a bowl and leave it for later that day. Some days we have stronger willpower than others. Luckily, Sunday was one of those days.

Sunday continued with the usual three hour block but for some reason I have the hardest time getting ready on time the first Sunday of every month. That and I have the hardest time focusing. Kiera gave a wonderful lesson on how we can rely on the Gospel and the Lord when we are working through hard times so I tried harder in Relief Society to be supportive. Finally, it was time for Break the Fast! Cleaning up the room always takes longer than we expect, so as a presidency we weren't able to feast upon the Hawaiian haystacks we had been smelling for hours until all the chicken was gone. Surprisingly, pineapple cubes and pineapple juice taste pretty good on rice. But then, pineapple tastes pretty good on anything. (except pizza, but that's another story for another day.) The Sunday was lovely, especially when a certain someone made an effort to come and talk to me. *Sigh  (I may have just completely embarrassed myself if he happens to ever read this blog. For the time being, I think I'm okay.)

Monday brought with it the celebration of my dear mother's birthday. Her birthday is actually on the sixth of December, but remember that the Hortins are popular people in December? That being so, we celebrated with presents, dinner and cake a day early. Mom chose to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner but we were under strict directions not to mention her birthday to anyone that worked there. The last thing Mom wanted was to have to sit on a saddle while the entire restaurant yells, "Yeehaw!" We ate ourselves silly, and then went home for cake. The cake was my birthday gift. I had a choir rehearsal (details still coming) and stopped by the catering office at the Joe to order a Chocolate Mint Torte. Believe me, it is even better than it sounds.  To finish our celebrating, Dad put up the tree, we started to decorate, and then went downstairs to watch Castle together.

Tuesday was a day I will not soon forget. It was officially my mother's birthday, and it was the performance for the choir I have been mentioning the last few posts. It deserves its own post because it was just that fantastic! Still, here is a teaser: I sang for the prophet! Told you it was something special...

Wednesday brought with it a visit to the Forgotten Carols! I love the Forgotten Carols! I sang in the choir my junior and senior years of high school, but this year, it was my little sisters' turns. Melanie sang last year or the year before but this year was the first for Carrie. They did a wonderful job and they had a wonderful time. I still prefer the story when it was mostly narrated by Michael McLean, but it's still good. We stayed after the performance to stand in line for the cast's autographs to document this special year. I love the music, but I wish Connie Lou was still played by Katie Thompson. She is a power house! One day, I would love to be able to sing like her. (I know, right?!)

Thursday started very early in the morning as I drove down to Provo to go to the temple with Ao. It was early and dark and a long, lonely drive, but I wouldn't trade any minute I spent there with her for anything. I have much to learn from this wonderful girl. I hope that I can be as great an example to anyone as she has already been to me. Sadly, I'm getting old. I doubt another girl that walked in after us was over twenty. But then again, we were in Provo...

The day wasn't complete without a trip up to Carden Memorial and a visit to my dearest friend, Pixel. We shared thirty minutes that flew by way too fast. Still, I had the grandest time. I love that girl!!!!!!!!

Strangely enough, that night the Church of Scientology came for their Awards Dinner to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I was working with my friends, Bryan and Christian, and Nicolee, who was experiencing her first day. The entire time, we kept asking ourselves, "Do they know where they are? Don't they know they are in the JOSEPH SMITH Memorial Building???" They chose the Wasatch Room with no view of the temple, so I suppose they may have forgotten. It was something. The room smelled thickly of cigarette smoke, incense, and something I couldn't really put my finger on. I was almost positive that Tom Cruise was going to come waltzing through the front door, but to no avail.

The best part of the night was after the smelly scientologists left the building. Bryan, Christian, Nicolee, and I grabbed cups, gathered around the alcove and drank some hot apple cider with caramel sauce and whipped cream. The fun escalated into a small food fight where the guys got the better of me. By the end, I had whipped cream covering my back and chocolate mousse covering my face. Sometimes we go a little a crazy to maintain our sanity. I really am mature. Promise. The weekend was another bunch of serving functions with good friends and a certain young man that kept me smiling. I was lucky enough to not work a double but life remained as busy as ever.

I never knew I could fit so many things into 24 hours until we entered into December. I surprised even myself.

beginning to look a lot like christmas

Christmas boxes of decorations sit in the front room. Santa's workshop has arrived in the basement. The cd player in my car constantly plays a mixture of Karen Carpenter, Bing Crosby, Donny Osmond, The Forgotten Carols, and Eclipse. The illuminated milk jugs line my front walk and the advent calendars have made a surprisingly early appearance. Christmas season is underway!

I am among the few that stubbornly wait until the day after Thanksgiving to welcome in the holiday. Kozy 106.5 can play "Feliz Navidad" until the cows come home. Christmas begins for me on what others refer to as Black Friday. And oh, what a time I've had since then!

The holiday arrived with a trip to Gardner Village to celebrate Maggie's birthday. As previously stated, I'm so glad that my family rediscovered this little gem in the valley. After a delicious dinner at Archibald's, we wandered through a few of the cozy shops and found an extension of Santa's workshop around every corner. The little elves were adorable. My favorites were the roller-skating elf delivering cookies and the ice skater that lost his footing and ended up sliding on his back pockets.

Later in the week, I began to experience the holiday through the eyes of a banquet server. If you thought that August is crazy, try and schedule an event in December. Good luck! Thursday was an Inspirational Art Show in the Bonneville Room. By the end of the night, I was wishing I had thousands of dollars to purchase the magnificent artwork on the walls. As my shift was ending, I saw a portrait of the Savior that was selling for $98,000! I gasped...and walked away. If every shift could provide walls upon walls of images of the Savior, I think I wouldn't have as much of a pickle on my hands.

Friday was a trial unto itself. I started the day with a choir practice for the DMC Christmas party (I'll explain later), and while I was catching up with my good friend, Dallin, my eyes started to go funny. I don't know how else to describe the sensation, but suddenly I saw lines of moving lights somewhere in my line of sight. As time progressed, my hands went numb and a migraine hit with full force. Sadly, I was scheduled to work and it was too late to call in sick. I drove carefully over to the Joe, praying and pleading for strength. He answered my prayers as I met up with Laurel. She kindly suggested that I go to the Catering Office and request a Bride's Room key so that I could go where it was quiet and attempt to sleep it off. The next time I use a Bride's Room, a wedding dress better be involved. I spent about half an hour away from the world on a fancy, though surprisingly comfortable couch. After, it was mind over matter as I worked through the pain. As long as I kept myself distracted, I was fine. Still, there were a few moments were I had to sit or put my head down. It has been a long time since I have felt so completely useless. Hopefully, I can take better care of myself.

Saturday, thankfully, I was back to myself. Thanks to it being the weekend, the entire day was planned, minute by minute. It began with my first Brighton meeting (Hooray!) with Ao and the Presidency. Meadow made the most divine butterscotch pull-aparts and hot chocolate. I have already begun a quote book for Brighton Staff 2012:

Ao: "I'm not opposed to goo."

Duke: "If everything in this world were fried, there would be no war!"

The next 8-9 months are going to rock my socks! After presidency meeting, I brought Ao over to my house with the intent to figure out the theme for the summer. We didn't quite figure that out yet, but it is coming along. More than anything, we just sat and talked. She is wonderful! I am so lucky to have a friend in Ao!

Next, it was off to the South Towne Expo Center for the Festival of Trees! I love the Festival of Trees and have done since I was a  little girl. I met up with my family and saw some of the most amazing trees. It is true that after a few aisles the trees begin to look exactly the same, but luckily, I wasn't there that long. We found Melanie's friend Kenzie's tree and I stood watching and attempting to be supportive as my little sister mourned the loss of a dear friend.  Sweet Melanie has such a tender heart and makes friends everywhere. In the short time we stood in front of it, every member of my family in attendance was in tears. It was a beautiful tree and a wonderful tribute to a wonderful girl. To end our little excursion, Dad treated us to scones and honeybutter from the stand that is located in the back. It was delicious! I don't think I have ever eaten so much breaded goodness in one day before.

Then it was off to work again for me. I, alone, was scheduled to work in the Ambassador Room with Elder Koelliker and his family with ten guests in attendance. It was a quiet night for me, but completely enjoyable. His family was so sweet and generous. I would love to serve them again and again, and I rarely say that about people.

Before the night was over, I made an attempt to catch up with family at Oma's annual visit from Sinterklaas. The night is complete with singing dutch songs, eating until your buttons pop, the gift of a chocolate letter, and sitting on the man's knee. Sadly, I missed the majority of the festivities as I didn't arrive until just after 10 pm, but I was able to see my Oma and McLelland cousins while feasting on a delicious nanaimo bar.

This was just the first few days of the season. I started this post days ago but had to leave it. Just you wait readers, the month continues to bring joy and gladness to my heart and I would be happy to share it all with you.

(Apologies for the lack of pictures. I have basically given up on this camera of mine.)

happy birthday to my mommy

Life's Lessons I've Learned from my Mother:

laugh

when you don't know what else to do, sing and dance

put others first

the remedy for a rough day is a hug

 family is first in everything

 life is a lot easier to deal with if you don't take yourself too seriously and have fun

 never leave the house without earrings or lipstick

never let family leave without waving at the doorstep until they are safely around the corner

practice makes perfect

music makes tedious tasks bearable

music makes anything more bearable

it is always a good time for chocolate

wearing heels is good for you

go after your dreams

saying, "be careful" is another form of "i love you"

talking things through with her solves every problem

falling is funny

the harder the fall, the funnier it is

celebrate anything and everything

 a spoonful of chocolate frosting is good for the soul

read the scriptures

pray always

serve where you are placed

work hard

leave people better than you found them

everyday can be a holiday, if you want

iron your pillowcase

sour cream in mashed potatoes is delicious

fold slacks according to the seams

it isn't where you are, it's who you're with

collect what you love

be genuine

she is never too far away when I need her

the hardest trial can be handled if you are able to find joy in the little things

love!

My mother is the best woman I know. She is the best cook, even though she hates it. She is the best teacher, the best listener, and the best mother I could have ever asked for. She faces the world with a smile and a song and never lets a day go by without letting me know, repeatedly, that she loves me. The world is a better place because she is in it.

I love you, Moeder, more than words can say.

Love, your Jenny

happy sunday!

and Merry Christmas!

december!!!

I hope you are as excited for this Christmas season as I am.

I've already been listening to Christmas music for a week now.

I know Christmas usually means craziness for most of us, but the craziness makes me excited. I love being able to celebrate the Savior's birth with friends and family in as many ways as possible.

Here's hoping that working at the Joe doesn't consume my month...

Happy December 1st to YOU!

giving thanks

Thanksgiving is one of my all-time favorite holidays. I love the entire month of November because it helps me stay in the "Attitude of Gratitude." If only I could remain more constant the rest of the year. Since today marks the end of such a wonderful month, I need to take a moment and truly express my gratitude for the many blessings in my life. There are far too many to count!

my Father in Heaven and His constant care

my Savior, Jesus Christ

my mother and father 

their constant love and devotion

my crazy, goony, wonderful sisters and how they make me smile

a brother in heaven that pushes me to be my best

grandparents

extended family

my heritage

forever friends - you know who you are

scriptures

Thomas S. Monson

semi-annual general conference

temples

wednesday institute and forum

tender mercies

BRIGHTON

sources of income

a roof over my head

food to eat

my new source of transportation

  the RS Presidency and fellow sisters of the Crescent Park Ward

lessons in the form of trials

my testimony

life

(Those are the BIG ones. Now a little more informal and in no particular order.)

laughing

the smell of a new car

Utah football

the new H&M

boy stories

Oma sandwiches

love notes

my iPhone!

snazzy music

mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies

books, books and more books

piano

guitar

my voice and the ability to sing

exercise

my pillow

freshly starched pillowcases

covergirl foundation

falsies mascara

mom's cooking

thick blankets

on demand

left overs for lunch

good hair days

the toaster

redbox

Wendy's drive thru

my iPod and earphones

ice machine

clear Solo cups

heels

dressing up

orange and robin's egg blue

dates: good, bad, and in-between

Bo Willy

television

girls' nights

parking lot dancing

hiking

hang out sessions

catch up phonecalls

ridiculous messages

snuggling

 moments at work that ends doubled up in laughter

kids' cups

4 hour shifts

Joe friends

frozen yogurt

purple striped gloves

scarves

AFV app

crackle nail polish

my watch

and everything else that I might have missed