Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Guess What I Just Did?

Well, I'm sure we all know about my little issue of deciding whether I should go back to Redlands or stay in Provo for July and August. I was thinking about this in the temple the other week, and Elder Oak’s talk came into my mind of good, better, best. I was like, well, both my choices would be good, but which one would be better... and wait a second... is there a third option that would be best? Then the idea popped into my mind of being an EFY councilor. At first I was like, NO WAY! and I left the temple more confused than I came in. I hadn't really thought about it much until this morning. I went back to the temple, and asked that same question again, should I stay or should I go? And the same thing happened, what about EFY? Then I thought about it for a minute, and decided that maybe that is a good idea. I don't really understand that, because I've always been generally anti-EFY for various reasons (mostly the cheesy music). But I decided to be obedient and just give it a try, looking at dates and opportunities to do it. I came home and looked online. Lo and behold, EFY is coming to Redlands this summer! So, all of a sudden, I find myself applying to be an EFY councilor in Redlands during July 20-25! How weird and crazy is that!? If this happens, then I'll stay in Provo until the July 18 or 19, go back to California for EFY, then stay in Redlands until after my birthday on August 1, then come back to Provo and find a better job for my new schedule in the fall. As I'm thinking about it, it kind of is the best of both worlds. Interesting development... Please, input would be nice on this plan, so feel free to comment.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Rock Climbing


(not an actual picture from our trip)

The Pirates' friend came into town this weekend, so to celebrate she made them dinner (I don't know how they swung that), and we all went rock climbing at the Quarry. I've never done indoor style, and the last time I went real rock climbing was for the mia maid activity when I was like 14. It was a complete BLAST! Going into it, I knew I would be belaying for Steve, which made me a little nervous since he's so much bigger than me. But thanks to the ancient technology of pulleys and whatever, his life was kept safe in my hands. And vise-versa. Thanks for not letting me die, Steve-o!
I felt pretty pathetic after my first climb. I did get to the top, but it took me forever and my arms were so tired I had to have Steve undo my rope for me. What a good sport. But after some expert advice from John Deere, I tore up those rock faces! I finished just about every wall I tried, and not too slowly either (well, by my standards). It was fun watching everyone else climb too.
But I was glad to hear yesterday that I'm not the only one of our group who has dysfunctional limbs afterwords. Now I know which muscles are used to climb with though.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Corbin's Camera

My work friend Corbin left his camera at my house when some friends came over to play, so naturally I took that advantage to leave some saucy surprises for him. Now we will all enjoy the fruits of my trick...





Monday, March 09, 2009

thanks for the memories, Norman




This is a beautiful painting by Norman Rockwell that holds special memories for me. It used to hang on the wall of the T Hall basement, and I would sometimes go down there to do homework only to get distracted and stare at that painting. When Steve and I went to the MOA it was there, and it took me straight back to freshman year. Fun trip by a nice painting.

Friday, March 06, 2009

TGIF

This week has gone by a lot quicker than I had expected, which I am thankful for. It's already Friday, and the week has been pleasant and fairly uneventful. Movie night at Holly's was super fun, with the added spice of Dahl cousins and derby pie. A delightful and unexpected call from Steve brightened up the evening even more, and I was glad to hear he's having fun in Texas.

Yesterday, a little less homework was completed than I had hoped, but it was still a nice day. I was so disappointed when I looked outside before work and saw the snow, but I knew it would all be gone by noon, which it was. And I got a pretty sweet homework assignment from drama class for the weekend: make a sock puppet. I think mine is going to turn out super awesome, and his name will be Eppo Jr. A classic.

Today I'm having a bunch of work friends over for a movie party. We're going to watch Sleeping Beauty and eat cookie dough, and laugh and laugh and laugh. (or so I hope). I wonder what my night will hold... maybe some Mario Kart? Another movie somewhere? Dance party in the street? Who knows?!

All I can say is tomorrow can't come fast enough, if you know what I mean.

Also, shout out to my mom for uploading all those sweet pictures from Jack's blessing. They are so fun! And extra shout out to Roxy, just because she's awesome!

Monday, March 02, 2009

Welcome!

I have been informed by a very reliable informant that I have some new readers on this very fine blog. You are very welcome! And now I shall be a little more strategic with my words, but don't worry. It will still be totally awesome to read. And a special thanks to Scotty for being my publicity man! PUTNAM!

Yesterday was the most perfect Sunday I've had in a long long time, mostly because I got to spend it all with Steve, but for many more reasons which I shall present now.

It began with some spiritual enlightenment at Stake conference in the Provo tabernacle. I got to sit with a delightful mix of pirates and wenches (apt. 420 and 403). Then we all came home and made a huge breakfast for lunch. March 1st rang in the first day of springtime, and it was glorious! It felt so lovely outside that we enjoyed our breakfast lunch out on the grass and got our daily measure of vitamin D. After a period of general rest and relaxation, we had our first respectable stoop party of the year. All down the streets people were on their lawns: Frisbees and footballs were flying, guitars and ukulele's were being strummed, cards and spoons were being thrown, scooters and bikes were being ridden... it was magical.

Soon Shyla and Russell came and picked up Steve and I for a lovely evening at Grandma's house, full of delicious food and good company. Other than my throwing a good measure of gravy on the floor, it was rather uneventful.

When we came back, Steve and I parted company for the first time that day, he to call his mom and I to do whatever I wanted. Apparently I wanted to talk to Carlie and get great ideas from her for a story. SHOUT OUT TO CARLIE FOR HER CREATIVITY AND ROCK AWESOMENESS! Then I worked over my story (which I turned in today, and it's pretty great) and read it to as many people as would listen.

The rest of the night was spent helping Steve deliver nice notes, and playing in the sweetest fort 403 has ever seen.

Don't you wish you had been there enjoying the day with me? I do.

"The only thing that would make this situation any better would be some moon boots."

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Brother Brigham

This is what Steve and I did last night: Played Uno, ate M&Ms, talked, laughed, and most importantly, visited Brother Brigham. Brother Brigham is the beloved anematronic Brigham Young that lives in the Crabtree. He is my greatest friend and ally. Steve was pretty freaked out, especially by the space where an eye should be that you can look into and see his wirey brain. I hope he warms up to him some day.














I know I'm making a weird face in this one, but I just wanted y'all to see just how much taller he is than me! Crazy.






Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Magical Powers

It's funny what magical powers sleep can have on me. As posted before, the start of my week left me feeling really weird. Monday afternoon/night turned into a complete melt down, and I couldn't pin what was wrong. But after a delightfully long nap yesterday, and an early to bed night, I'm feeling so much better. It might take another night or two of real sleep, but I think I'll make it to real human status. I like normal Julie much better than emotionally out of whack Julie. And a special sorry to all those who fell victim to my sleep-deprived antics!

Non-rested:
















Yes-rested:

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Today I finished my last lecture of PE, and I am done! Even though I loved that class, I feel so free! The sun is shining, I took about a 3 hour nap in memorial hall, my homework doesn't look very menacing... things are good.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Quest-qui se passe?

Maybe it's the lack of sleep I'm suffering from, but life seems a little...odd. Not bad, not too crazy, not anything in particular accept a little off-kilter maybe? I can't seem to put my finger on it either. No sleep, that's a big one, but is school causing trouble? Not really, two of my block classes end this week; I'm stoked! Sure it's hectic at times, but nothing out of the ordinary. Is it family? Nope, they're great as always, love talking to them, love expounding on my life with them, no drama, again, nothing too out of the ordinary. Friends? I don't think so, we're all as tiggity tight as always. BF? Maybe. Still getting used to the whole thing and finding a balance, but if anything it's turning things in an upward direction. Church, perhaps? I'm doing my best to do all the things I should. Of course there's always compassionate service to be done, but I can't save the world in one day, can I? I have fun things to look forward to, I'm eating good meals, taking my multi-vitamins, going to work like a good kid, playing enough, studying enough... I can't figure it out. This all could be a momentary feeling, and may just as well blow over in a few hours, but that absence of surety is getting to me. I should just listen to some John Mayer and let his bluesy music heal my soul. Any other suggestions? Any other ideas on what could be the cause of my off-kilter vibes?

Thursday, February 19, 2009

A Whole New Race

Last night Steve stole me away to the Crabtree... kind of odd to be at work not between the hours of 5 and 8:30 AM, but whateves. He said he had a surprise for me, and onto the first floor we went. Into the innovation lab we went. Behind some rolling white boards we went. And the surprise: electric wheel chairs! They used to live on the 3rd floor, so I am well acquainted with these dang hard to clean chairs. But riding them made me forgive that flaw. Steve and I raced around the lab a few laps. I beat him literally by one second during time trials. HA! Anywho, the surprise was delightful, and I can't wait to see that cute boy again tonight!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Plate Theory

A few nights ago, Wistie was explaining to Barbara Steve and I the plate theory. She says that when you give a boy a plate of cookies, you can either give them to him on:
a paper plate. The boy is.. all right, but no muss no fuss over the plate.
a plastic plate. The boy is a good friend. He can wash it if he wants to reuse it, but he can chuck it just the same. Or...
a glass plate. The boy is a keeper. For this step, there are several opportunities available. You either have a chance to go back and get it to see him again, or he can bring it by to see you again. With this, he can either give it back dirty, give it back clean, or give it back with something else on it.
Very nice theory, I think.

Yesterday I thought I would be so clever and cute. I made a little plate of cookies on a nice china plate, wrote a little note, and had John Deere leave it on Steve's bed. He called later that afternoon to thank me for the cookies, and say he was glad he's a glass plate guy. When he came to visit that night, he brought back a plate, but I took one look at it and laughed that it wasn't ours. He seemed flustered, and ran out the door to get the right one. I thought it was so funny that he could have mistaken the two because they were completely different. But like two seconds later, he comes back with the right plate, Saran wrapped with cookies and a little note of his own. I about died because I thought it was so sweet, and he was so silly.

And that is my story.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

You a Real Tank

I just had thEEEEE best Valentines Day ever! Here's how it went...
Got up and did laundry. (clean clothes are a plus no matter what day it is)
Babysat the cutest boy this side of the Virgin River. Jack was smiley and adorable when awake, and peaceful and cute when asleep, which was almost the whole time. Scotty came and kept me company for some of the time, and his presence is always appreciated. And Jack's lovely mommy and daddy gave me a delicious piece of cake!
I took a short nap. =)
(This is when it starts getting real good.)
Steve and I went on a date. We stole Amanda's car and got some Peir 49 pizza and some A&W rootbeer, drove up to the temple, and enjoyed the food and the view. Lovely conversation, some hand holding, and we watched some deer jaunt up and down missionary field. It was so fun, and Steve was so sweet and thoughtful. We left just in time to get ready for...
The Love Refugee party! Only a few people showed up: Alicia, Sarah, Barbarah, and a dash of pirates. That's just the way I like it, small and super fun. We played Ziggity, and Conga, then watched Zoolander. I forgot how much I love that movie!
The party ended and the guests left. But my precence was requested shortly after the party so I could enjoy a small surprise.
Steve and I then stole Will's car, we drove up to the well-lit Wilk Parking lot, and had Martinelli's in mason jars (a trademark of good old Steve). We chatted, watched some people do donuts, and came home. But here's the real kicker...
As Steve was walking me back to my door, he beckoned me over, and gave me the cutest Valentine's day kiss... so magical...
All in all, I believe I'm on cloud 9, and I'm loving it!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

I love playing the wii. That is all.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Fun Night

Just a taste of what we did last night...











I believe your imagination can do the rest.

It was way fun!

Friday, February 06, 2009

Tim Pics

For more info on these, look at the album on my facebook. Otherwise, enjoy these great pictures that Tim was nice enough to send me. =)





50 random things

There's a rash of "25 random things" going around of Facebook, so I started and couldn't stop. Y'all get the extended version. Enjoy!
~My biggest pet peeve is when people leave leftover time on the microwave
~I love knowing what time it is, and if drives me crazy if I’m not able to find out
~My favorite dessert is white chocolate mousse frozen yogurt from TCBY
~I love art supplies
~I’ve had 5 surgeries
~The above is because I was born with a cleft lip
~The above caused me to have no sense of smell
~I love the outdoors
~One of my favorite places in the world is the BYU duck pond/ “rape hill”
~I love doing jigsaw puzzles
~My favorite number is 12
~I’m glad my roommates and I play dress up often
~I wrote my Hungarian missionary Tim about twice a month
~I love driving through the desert at night so I can see the stars
~I think India Indian people are beautiful
~I like it when boys say I smell good
~It touches me deeply when my two older sisters call to check up on me when I’m having a hard day
~My first thought when asked the question “what was your best day” was when my mom and I spent the day together at Downtown Disney
~I love running, but I lack motivation
~I wish I could wear a Mohawk more often than Halloween and not be judged for it
~A line from the song Fix You by Coldplay secretly makes me cry. “When you love someone but it goes to waste, could it be worse?” I don’t ever want someone to think they’re wasting their love on me
~Ping pong is my very favorite game. Tim and I once played for 5 hours straight
~I secretly sing Christmas songs all year round because I think they’re pretty
~I’ve only ever broken up with someone once because we didn’t like each other anymore. The other times were because they moved away
~I am deathly afraid of talking to my professors
~I love being a big sister
~I wish I could do the “smoky eyes” makeup
~I hate sports drinks: Gatorade, Propel, Vitamin Water, etc…
~My sandwich holder was the greatest investment ever
~I love the arts, and feeling cultured
~Utah Mormon culture drives me insane!
~I love singing in Church, but I hope I never turn into the “resident soprano”
~I feel extremely intimidated by popular people
~I like being called nicknames and pet names: Jules, Sweetheart, my cute Julie Chatfield!, Julikins, kins, my dear, silly girl, Ju Ju, Julie Bean, Sunshine, Honey… the list goes on and on
~The worst time in my life really did end up being good for me
~Sometimes when I watch movies or plays, I think of ways I would change it if I were acting or directing it
~I love going dancing
~I can never go country dancing again because I judge everyone there
~I love love love having warm toes
~One of my few guilty pleasures is postsecret
~Someday I want the ring my mom gave me to be my engagement ring or wedding band
~I am shamelessly addicted to facebook
~Peanut butter is one of my greatest loves
~I am a music snob when it comes to church related music
~I am very good at hiding how I feel
~I wish I had strong fingernails like my mom
~If I could change one thing about my appearance, I would have hot legs
~Someday I want to be serenaded from outside my window
~I love laughing so hard that I cry, then enjoying that satisfied tired feeling afterwards

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Sok Szeretettel

I got a letter from Tim today, and it was woooonderful.... siiigh.... But the most exciting part is the envelope also had PICTURES in it! I haven't seen new pictures of him in over a year, so it's pretty fun to see how his man face is coming along. I'll prolly scan and post them tomorrow. Leesa had a great idea that next time I get a letter from him, we should tape it so that some day he can see how excited I am to get them.

I also got a letter from Ben Bird today, and he is soooo great! I love that cousin o' mine!

I shall end with these immortal words...
Love me tender, love me sweet
Never let me go.
You have made my life complete
And I love you so.
Love me tender, love me true
All my dreams fulfilled.
For, my darling, I love you
And I always will...

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Nostalgia

It can be a wonderful thing, but only in moderation. Finding that out the hard way is no fun at all. I got a letter from Tim this week, and you know how it always gets to me. But last night, the crew and I went for a walk around the duck pond, and I'm sure they got sick of my stories from freshman year by the time we got back to the car. Those were just some real special times for me, and it makes warm feelings in me to look back on them. But I've got a life to live, and I need to get the rest of my 31 flavors in during the next 7 months.
I feel like I'm in some kind of rut. Not sure which kind, but I need something big to happen. I have nothing particular in mind, but something to start a motion in my life. I've been thinking a lot about what I'll do for Summer term, July and August. There are two options: continue living at the Colony and just visit home for a couple weeks, or move home for those two months. There are so many pros and cons for either choice, but I'm not sure which one is right. Your two cents on the matter would be much appreciated.
In other news, I also got a letter from Blaine, and he is pretty much the best. Teaching PE went well on Thursday, and Jake Chatfield is in my class, which is pretty fun. My warts are gone- horray! I made some delicious cookie dough last night. I won in a wrestling match with Leesa, and now Scotti owes me $20 dollars. I've resolved to ask someone on a date, but I don't know who yet, or what we'll do. I got to talk to a lot of the fam this week, and that's always a plus. Last but not least, I have two awesome nephews.