I Cut My Hair and I LOVE it!

As many of you know, my Steve left for home today, and thence onto an internship in New York City. In the short time we've been dating (since Valentines day) I have gotten to enjoy his fun personality, his thoughtful actions, and his sweet kind words. Never have I felt so appreciated and special to someone (outside my family. Don't worry Mom. ;) I found with him special feelings and experiences that I hope haven't taken for granted, and will never forget. I don't know how I got so lucky to have him, even for just a couple months, but I count myself very blessed. Now as I sit here hours after our goodbye, I think of all the love and support around me during this hard time. There are countless people I know I can turn to for a shoulder to cry on, comforting words, a place to escape, a party to have, or just someone to listen. Heavenly Father is really looking after me by putting all these angels in my life. Thanks everyone.

Leading up to today, I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to handle it. I've had to do this sort of thing before, and I gotta say it wasn't fun or pretty. But after chatting it over with the Man upstairs, He let me know everything was gonna be OK. He gave me a lovely sense of peace, and helped me see that this is one of those things that is for my good, and once again reminded me that He's got a plan for me. I knew I would miss Steve, and I already do terribly, but the sting just isn't there. After talking to Steve about it, he got the same thing. It was a big comfort to know that Heavenly Father put us on the same page. Who knows why we came together when we did, or why we have to be apart now, or what will happen in both our lives in the future, but it's so nice to know that Someone better is in control, and that He put so much love in my life to help me through the tough parts. Steve, I miss you, and I hope you have a grand time in New York!

Conference Weekend

This weekend was pretty much spectacular, mostly because of the company I got to enjoy. Friday was Steve's birthday, and I don't know about him, but I had a great time. A bunch of us went to Maglbey Fresh (I think that's what it's called) and had fun eating great food and being with great friends. Afterwards we all went back to the Pirate's for some birthday cake. Rainbow chip with fun-fetti frosting, Steve's favorite. It was delectable. After that everybody ditched out, so Steve and I had a nice evening alone. I gave him some gifts: some socks(to replace his holy ones), some pens(to replace the one's he has lost during our relationship), and some Curve(to give him more confidence). I was glad to hear he liked them.
Then Saturday I woke up and my face was broken! Well, mostly my eyes. They were all red and puffy and watery and dry (oxymoronic, I know). It was awful. So I laid on the couch and slept through most of the first session. Oops! So I took a shower and felt much better. Steve came over for the second session and we listened to it on the radio. Dinner was involved sometime after. I'm sure we did other grand things, but they are slipping my mind... drat.
Anyways, Sunday I went to the Pirate's and enjoyed John Deere's home-made cinnamon rolls while listening to conference. Between sessions I got lots of coloring done for class, and stomped Steve at connect 4 (but don't worry folks, he stomped me right back later that night). He came to Grandma's house and we hung out for a good while over there. Shelby and Cari are just too much fun to handle, and we all decided that Kevin is now 24, so congrats to Shelby for catching an older man. =D When we got home, Steve helped me measure a tree for math homework, then we shared art projects with Barbara (not quite sure how that came to pass). I made Steve promise to help me get to bed earlier this week, so against my liking he helped me get to sleep at a reasonable time. But not before some sweetness on his part, and some secret Japanese dancing on mine. Maybe all that sleep isn't so good for me though, because I dreamed I was pregnant with triplets... strange...

The Weekend of Dreams...

I wrote Tim today and told him all about California. Instead of writing it all out again, I'll just let us all enjoy Tim's letter:

"Dear Tim,
I hope you are having a wonderful day so far. I just got back from a delightful weekend in California, and was pleased to have a letter from you waiting for me when I rolled back into P-town. This weekend was AMAZING! Such a nice break from school and cold weather and SNOW, which I'm rather enraged is still falling from the sky as I write. Holly Jack and her crazy neighbor Whitney and I all drove down on Friday. It was a fun drive, I didn't stall Holly's car once which I'm pretty proud of myself for, and Jack slept the whole time. It was so fun to see Shelley again. I missed hanging out with her and laughing and cuddling with her. And baby Jett is a hoot and a half! He's changed so much since I've seen him, but getting cuter every day. He's a drool machine! He furrows his brow most of the time and is rather temperamental, but he looks just like baby Shelley did, accept as a boy. It was great to see Rick too, and enjoy his deep laughter as someone says something inappropriately hilarious. Saturday, my roommates came down for the weekend on a completely separate trip, but we all met up at the beach. Traffic was crazy, but once I got there, the warm sun, cool breeze, and sandy sand healed my spirits. Good old SPF 50 saved me from any sunburn, and I came home salty and exhausted, but happy. I tried to do my homework that night, but sitting on the sidelines of a particularly entertaining game of Curses is not a great way to focus. Sunday we all drove to Pasadena where Jett got blessed. It was a short but sweet blessing. I always love to see my brothers-in-law use their priesthood. And we gathered afterwards at their apartment for a lunch/picture taking session (which I'm sure you'll get to enjoy... the pictures, not the food). Everyone was there, my mom and dad, Rick's mom and dad, Judith and her boys, my aunt and uncle and their kids, and the Utah crew, of which I'm a part. After the festivities were over, we drove down to see the Pasadena city hall, then home for a nice relaxing evening. And by that I mean furious preparations for... DISNEY LAND! Monday we headed off to enjoy the happiest place on earth. It was Holly's birthday (make sure you wish her a good one if you haven't already), and Disney land is doing this thing where you get in free on the exact day of your birthday. The rest of my family excluding myself has season passes. Darn my Utah residence! Anyways, we went and did everything. It was Whitney's first time, so we did everything, all the big rides and all the little (worth while) rides and saw the shows and visited all our special nostalgic places. It was grand! But the whole experience was quite different since there were two three month old babies and their strollers with us. My mom let all us kids go on a ride and she was watching them both by herself when they started crying. She let a stranger hold Jett to calm him down. It's lucky that everyone is so nice at Disney Land because they are inspired by the magic. But we stayed til the bitter end and had a great time doing it. We got up early on Tuesday and drove back to Utah. Uneventfully pleasant drive. But like I said, I had your letter waiting for me, as well as from my cousin Sister Diane Chatfield and my friend Elder Elliott Clare. Nice welcome home present since the weather wasn't doing much for me.
While on my trip, I had a dream about you. I wonder if you've ever had a dream yet, maybe the mission kick started your subconscious or something... wishful thinking. Anyways, in my dream you were home, obviously, and we were hanging out at a ward FHE and having lots of fun. Then we went on a walk, but we were in Redlands on our family's normal walk route, and we ran into Blaine, but he was like a foot taller than before. It was a delightful reunion. The end of the dream involved a razor scooter and some very nice drug dealers, but you were gone by then.
OK, I forgot to say this before, and I guess I could cut and paste but it would ruin the flow (or what exists of it) in the email, so here it goes... HOLLY IS PREGNANT! AGAIN! She's six weeks along with Jack's new brother or sister. She told us during her birthday dinner at Disney land. This totally blows my mind. it'll be great.
Our Relief Society gave us a challenge to read the book of Mormon from right before Christmas break to easter, and I'm just about to finish. It's been such a neat experience, because I don't think I've ever read it that fast before. There are so many crazy connections and stuff I've never seen before. It's kind of fun to just read it like a novel, and yet have the Spirit speaking important things to you. I can't wait to start it over again!
...
That's pretty much the meat of it.

Secrets (that aren't so secret)

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.

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.

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...

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.

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!

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."

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.

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:

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.

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?

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!

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.

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!

I love playing the wii. That is all.

Fun Night

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











I believe your imagination can do the rest.

It was way fun!