accountable

I made this blog years ago because I thought that was what the cool kids were doing. “You have a blog? Then, maybe I should have a blog….” After I graduated from college, I used it as a way to continue writing after doing so constantly for my degree. It was my own version of Continual Education. I was going strong there for a good year or so and then the craziness of 2012 happened. A number of my wildest dreams came true and I found myself barely able to keep up with the changes. Thus, the blog suffered. Why do you care? You probably don’t. But…. I’m going to keep writing anyway.

Those of you who know me and follow my blog know that I work for Deseret Book. (How could you not know…? Seriously, I’ve beaten that dead horse so far into the ground, it’s ridiculous.) While working in marketing, I’ve learned all sorts of things including the fact that bloggers are one of our biggest tools. We send out countless books for blogger reviews that help to further publicity. We recently published a book with the astronomically popular blog “Six Sisters Stuff” because we can. And we should. For books that we want to make a splash, we set up a “blog tour” where 50 or so bloggers post repeatedly.  I recently bought tickets for some in the department to attend a blogging conference the end of next month to learn more how we can connect and increase our reach. Point being- blogs are still what the cool kids are doing.  In fact, even more cool kids have jumped on the bandwagon. And I’m a cool kid, right?

I realize that I don’t have the skills to make this into anything famous or life-altering for anyone but me. I don’t know much about cooking. I do not have a husband or children that are picky eaters and require a home cooked meal every night. If I had time to sit down and craft, I would rather spend it climbing a mountain, playing at the park, or finding some way to bask in the sunshine. Yet, I feel the void that neglecting this little blog friend of mine has created. 

Therefore, I’m back! I don’t pledge that great things will come of this. It is more self-serving than anything else but I miss it. I miss writing. I miss this social channel and its ability to connect to people, even if those it reaches are related to me and hear the same stories on Sunday. Starting today, I will post at least once a day. I know that this means less to you than it does to me but I thought I should make myself more accountable from this point forward. 

Thank you for reading my longwinded ramblings. Hello friends! I’ve missed you!

that awkward moment when...

you fall asleep on a stranger's shoulder.

(P.S. This happened weeks ago. Did I mention that my sister's wedding was the end of February? I was a little preoccupied...)

Here's my story:

A little while ago, I went with some friends up to Lava Hot Springs. I had never been before and I had no idea the fun and relaxing time that awaited me. The occasion came about because I was conversing with one of my best friends about the craziness that is my life at the moment. After my venting session, she invited me to tag along with the "Sandy Crew" (my personal name for the group) and head up to Lava.

I left work a little early to pack my overnight bag and to wait for Britt and Mel to come and pick me up. We left Salt Lake and the muggy air while jamming to Backstreet Boys and N'SYNC. (Shout out to my elementary years!) When we had traveled as far as Ogden, it was time to stop for some food. I found out that others have as much trouble picking what to eat as I do. Lucky for us, we found an exit with a Subway right next to a Wendy's. Mel and I headed over for some flat bread and sweet onion teriyaki and met the other girls to eat next door. We were talking about this, that and the other when all the sudden, I'm on my knees. Wearing my slick leather boots on black ice- not a good idea. Correction. Black ice - not a good idea. I hit the ground hard and scratched up my knee. Awesome.

Back on the road, we sang harmony to Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson and bonded with the Idaho stars. I've seen my far share of beautiful night skies and let me tell you - that was a beautiful night sky. After a few detours and u-turns, we pulled into Soda Springs and the fun little lodge that we had rented for the night. It was huge and yet so cozy. We met up with the rest of the crew and they wanted to give us a little tour. Actually, they wanted to show us the creepy basement. Dave and Loni were staged in a little room trying to freak us out. Poor things hung out in the dark basement for almost an hour and I think they only kinda scared Justin. One out of fifteen.

We spent the rest of the night playing games and eating food. When it was far past the time to go to bed, everyone went their separate ways.We awoke early the next morning and I learned that I make a mean pancake. I've watched my dad make pancakes almost every morning for the past 25 years and tried to make him proud. A number of compliments later, I felt pretty accomplished. I'm not saying that making pancakes is neurosurgery, but hey, I'm pretty good at it.

The springs were fantastic and super relaxing (besides the fact that I was in a swimsuit). Check that off my bucket list- I have been to Lava Hot Springs and even hung out in the Fire Hot pool or whatever the super hot one is called. We stayed for a few hours and were completely relaxed by the time we headed back south for dinner/lunch at Maddox.

Here is when things get awkward: Remember when you hang out in a hot tub and get super relaxed and then all you want to do is sleep? Well, I do. I tried, friends... I honestly tried to stay awake. I was sitting in the back of Tamra's car next to Dave and Nate. I know Dave a little but not enough to sleep on his shoulder. I was awake and talking and chilling out when suddenly..... BOOM! My head hits Dave's shoulder. Hard.

If only I could have swayed towards the window. If only I could have slept funky and ended up with a crick in my neck. If only I could have stayed awake...then what followed for the rest of the trip would not have happened.

I woke instantly and apologized. I wasn't completely awake so I don't remember exactly what happened in the next few minutes but I do remember being accused of "putting the moves" on Dave. That was not even close to my intentions but try and convince my friends of that fact. The entire time we spent eating lunch was accompanied with jokes pointed at my ability to "put on the moves."

Have they forgotten they forgotten the incident since then? Ha, in my dreams...

words to live by

new year

Happy 2013 everyone!

I'm only a few weeks late in wishing you a happy new year. 

(Don't judge. It could be much worse.)

 I know I should be looking towards the new year with enthusiasm. I am in a way. This year will prove to be one of many changes in my life- most important of which is that I will have a BIL as of February 28. Weird. 

On the other side, I have a funky feeling about 2013. Last year was one of the best! EVER! So many of my wildest dreams came true that now I don't know where exactly life will take me. What dreams do I have left? (Other than the obvious of finding Mr. Right...)

During my trip to Oregon at the beginning of December, my friend, Kuhn, asked me what plans I had for my future. I sat there and mumbled something but I've realized that I don't really know. I suppose I should get cracking on it.

While considering this great dilemma, I found this article from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.
Enjoy!

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/01/the-best-is-yet-to-be?lang=eng 



I choose to believe it is true- that the best is yet to be. Here's to a great 2013 with all of its ups and downs!

happy Christmas shopping...

Not to be a walking advertisement for the place who writes my paycheck, but I thought that some may want a little bit of help in their holiday shopping. And if so- I've got some great ideas for you! (All pictures belong to Deseret Book.)

1)

New from Elder Holland- Honestly, that is all you need to know. But I'm gonna tell you about it anyway. I've known about this book for awhile and was even given the opportunity to read it before it was published. Believe me when I tell you that this book will hit the mark of any person on your Christmas list. This book contains Elder Holland's own reflections of the Psalms with a specific attention to the Messiah and the 23rd Psalm. EVERYONE will benefit from this book!

When I first opened the manuscript months ago, I was encouraged by the fact that it was all new writings from one of my favorite apostles. Little did I know the peace and the healing balm that his words would be on what I considered an untroubled heart. His writing is personal. So much so that I felt as if he were speaking directly to Jenny Hortin through the pages. Could he have had me in mind when he wrote it? Slightly, but only because we all deal with the same troubles. We are all trying to do our best and make it from day to day. This is the answer to the problems you didn't know you had.

AND not only is it a wonderful book, but it comes with a DVD with 2 HOURS OF ELDER HOLLAND answering questions about life. A friend of mine was able to attend the taping and she said it was a life-changing experience to sit at the feet of an apostle who knows what we are going through and wants nothing more than to help bring us closer to the light of the Gospel. If I haven't convinced you to buy the book, buy the DVD and you'll get the book for free! :) (In a manner of speaking)

2)

 This book has been out in our stores for some time but if you haven't grabbed a copy, one for your mom, or your sister, or your grandmother, or those you visit teach, then you need to! This lovely book is exactly what it appears. It contains divine instruction from Joseph Smith during the first meetings of the Relief Society in Nauvoo with personal insights from my friends, Sheri and Virginia. (They don't know me from Eve, but I figure if they did, we would be friends.) This book is a great reminder of the power of women and the role we play in the grand scheme of things.


3)

I love this book! I may or may not have two copies of it on my bookshelf at home, one being signed by the author.... In my personal, unbiased opinion, every single girl should read this book! It will make you laugh, possibly cry, and will most definitely make your romantic heart race. If I could find a man like Phillip, I'd marry him. Just sayin' Buy one for your mom, sister, and your best friends. Read it in Book Club. Carry it with you while riding public transportation. If you haven't caught on yet: YOU NEED THIS BOOK!


4) For the kids on your list:

This is the second of The Candy Shop War series so go ahead and buy the first as well. You say the name Brandon Mull and you know you are in for a good treat. Any fans of Fablehaven, or the Beyonders will be a fan of this series. I feel a personal connection to this book because of the massive marshmallow war that I helped with---if I haven't told you that story yet, it's a classic. Ask me about it one day.


5) Get a jelly watch from DB! I own the pink and through my family, we own all but the orange and green. Still, it is only a matter of time before I storm the store and grab everyone for myself. Act fast!

 

·       

proof

I work at Deseret Book, right? Well, by doing so, I get to meet really cool people. Sometimes I feel like friends don't believe me. But, dear readers, I have proof.

This past weekend was the big Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. Because I'm lucky, my occupation, and my parents love me, I was able to attend both Friday and Sunday performances. Why you ask? Because I am in love with Alfie Boe. Period.

By pulling some important strings, DB was able to schedule a signing following the Friday performance and since I have connections, my friend, Heather, asked if I would be willing to come help. Sheesh, twist my arm.

I met Carrie, Maggie and Josh at the Conference Center and we had a glorious time. I may have mentioned my poor friend, Hunter, who had to watch last year's concert over and over again to make our TV spot. He came to my desk and was showing bits and pieces of the concert to more fully convince me that the show was "boring" and the costumes were "weird." (Simply quoting.) Well, all I can say is that this year's concert kicked last year's TRASH! Everything- the costumes, the decor, the story of the Candy Bomber (side note: The Candy Bomber came to my middle school for a special assembly when I was in 8th or 9th grade. I feel like we're friends.), Tom Brokaw, and not to mention Mr. Alfie Boe- was incredible. INCREDIBLE! I laughed. I cried. I sang along. We swayed back and forth to the Christmas Waltz, and Josh convinced Maggie to get me one of those flowing dresses for Christmas. We had a wonderful time during the concert.

But that was only the beginning.

Did I mention that I helped with the signing? Did I also mention that meant I was able to meet Tom Brokaw and almost able to meet Alfie.... I say almost because I didn't actually talk to him. But still. We bonded.

Don't believe me? Proof:

 Look!!!!! See me? Less than three feet away- Tom Brokaw and ALFIE BOE! Shut the front door! Yeah, I know. Look at my crazy cool life!

I like Tom. He was terribly nice but by the time we had the MASSIVE crowd out the door it was after 11pm. He was ready to go back to his swanky hotel and go to sleep. My friend, Ron, was trying terribly hard to rush both stars out the door. Tom was ready to leave but Alfie was practically dragged out of the building. He is nicer than I imagined. He spent as much time as he could talking to people, shaking hands, signing autographs, giving hugs, etc. I wanted to run after him as he was being pulled from the building but I figured Ron would tell Sheri to fire me or something else as drastic that I just watched him walk away and fell even more in love. Yes, I know he is happily married and has two kids. Never gonna happen. But in the words of Sheri Dew, "Alfie Boe is the only man that could convince me to marry a non-member." 

As I stood there gawking, Heather saw me and asked if I was alright. I explained that I wanted to go and meet him but knew better. Then--- funniest moment of the whole night--- Heather says that she will give me Alfie's Mentos. As Tom and Alfie were signing, we provided gum and Mentos to keep their breath minty fresh. Alfie left a good amount in the package and either someone was going to take them home or they were going to be thrown away. So- I got them. Thanks to my friends in the music department, I own Alfie Boe's Mentos. Be jealous.

Sunday morning, I snagged the last ticket from the four I got from Marketing and went along with Mom, Dad and Melanie to Music and the Spoken Word. Lloyd Newell spent five whole minutes telling us not to clap. "I've seen this every night so far and believe me, you are going to want to clap. Please don't. Don't clap. Did I mention not to clap?...." The video guys actually cut him off because the show was about to start. He was right. We almost had to sit on our hands to keep ourselves from clapping. Did I mention that this year's concert kicks last year's trash? Oh, I did. Good.

Melanie didn't really have a clue who Alfie was before this past weekend. I've played the YouTube video of Alfie singing Bring Him Home enough that she recognized him. Now, she is a constant follower on Facebook. She loved my stories of the signing and loves the Mentos I carry almost as much as I do. We aren't stalkers. I promise.

Here they are- the famous minty treat in the same shot as Alfie himself. Sadly, you can't see him but he's there. Just above my hand.

I meet famous people. All in a day's work.

warning you: i'm emotional

I used to be able to keep my emotions in check. I used to be able to stop myself from crying at sappy commercials or happy endings. Well, that's flown out the window. I saw this posted on Facebook through Mormon Messages today at work. No, I am not dealing with the same situation to the same degree but I have had a few weeks, especially the past few days, where I can't figure out which way is up. I know which way I want to be up and which way should be up, but getting myself there as quickly as I would like is proving to be a problem. Anyway. That's enough about my troubles.

The POINT is that even though I'm slightly messed up and way off balance,

 I AM NOT FORGOTTEN. 

(If you are a baby like me, now would be a good time to reach for the nearest tissue box.)

I was sitting in the Conference Center when President Uchtdorf gave this address. His talk then found me weeping. It was such a new sight to my sister and my mom that both asked if I was okay. The answer for today is: Not really, but I will be.