Thursday, October 30, 2008

Halloween Fun Times/Election Frustration

This is such a great week! We have been doing fun Halloweeny things:

Last Saturday we had a movie party and watched Nightmare Before Christmas on our new giant tv because a)Kyle hadn't seen it and b)no one else had either except for Katy and me and c)it is the ultimate Halloween movie! I love it. It was really fun. We also ate a ton of tasty treats.

On Tuesday we went to The Dreaded Grove with Amanda. And oh my gosh! I totally was expecting it to be cheesy and NOT scary, but instead I was nearly crying the whole time from fear--but the fun and good kind of fear, don't worry. Mostly. I was so surprised by my reaction. That is a high-quality haunted grove, I tell you what. I'm not really a fraidy-cat kind of person usually, but...dang. I freaked. The 3 of us went through all 66 acres clutching each other and laughing and SCREAMING constantly and sometimes running because there were bad guys after us! I don't think I've ever screamed so much--it was SO FUN. But do NOT take your kids with you! I would've been traumatized as a child. I'm so glad Amanda came with us, because 3 is definitely less scary than 2.

On Wednesday we went to a scary Spanish movie at International Cinema. It was called El Orfanato, and it wasn't quite what I expected. It was scary--everyone in the theater screamed like the whole time (which was perhaps a bit unwarranted), but it wasn't the fun kind of scary for me. It was like, the ghosts of dead children scary. Less scary/fun than chainsaw massacres, but also less nasty--so that was a plus. Even though I didn't think it was THAT scary except for in a couple parts, it was the kind of movie that you have to try hard to not think about as you go to bed. It was entertaining and had some depth to it, because it was a film by Guillermo del Toro, who is just cool.



Tonight Kyle and I are going to go on a date (I think we decided on Chili's!) and then we have to finish our Halloween costumes. I am very excited for tomorrow! I have a party at work and then one that night. I love Halloween.


New post begins here.


I am SO MAD at the postal system. Mom sent my absentee ballot two weeks ago. Katy got hers. I got everything else Mom sent me. But NOT my ballot. I feel like freaking out! This is such a big deal! California NEEDS my vote right now. Honestly, the presidential election isn't even that big of a deal anymore. I stopped being emotionally invested when Romney wasn't in the race. I will (or would, if I could) just vote for the non-Obama candidate. I AM sporting a McCain sticker right now--so maybe I'm more enthused that I thought. But what I really care about is, obviously, voting for Prop 8! Today I've spent a lot of time reading blogs/facebook notes/websites from both sides of the issue, and I am feeling more supportive than ever! It kills me that I can't give my little vote to help. As soon as Kyle picks me up from Welsh, we're going to head over to the post office to see if there's ANY WAY to find my lost ballot, but I'm not very hopeful.

The goings-on in California are RIDICULOUS right now. I am so mad that people are flipping off my sweet Grandma! And people are yelling at Grandpa, telling him that he's evil. I'm so proud of my family for doing so much for the campaign--they (and so many others that I care about) have given a lot of time and money to do what they can to help. And so when I hear about the stuff that is being done to the Saints in California, I. Am. Mad. People are so blind and hypocritical! They say we're being intolerant, but then they deface our property and verbally abuse us--they've even physically abused people who were supporting Prop 8 (people who were doing the same thing that our Danny has been doing!), and it's just getting so ugly and personal. There are some serious crazies out there.

I am looking forward to election day, just so that this Prop 8 business will be over. I know that whatever the consequences of it failing or passing, we will be okay--because we've been promised. I'm just grateful that I'm on the right side!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Hello, Beautiful


Welcome to our home.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

So here's one angle

I guess you can't see the shortness of it in the back...but at least you have an idea of what it looks like. Kinda weird, huh?

I like it.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Oh, Jo, your one true beauty! (Or something like that)

Guys, I just cut my hair. Short.

So short that it reminds me of when Katy cut her hair over the summer.

So short that in the back, it's shorter than Kyle's.

So short that I had to buy new hair products.

So short that when it's wet, I look bald.

So short that I freak myself out everytime I look in the mirror.

It's really short. I haven't decided if it's a good or bad thing.

UPDATE: I'm liking it more and more. Everyone at work freaked out because they think it's cute, so the positive reactions are helping. Plus, the gunk that I put in it is really fun. Also, no more flatness around my face! If nothing else--I've got volume. So, my conclusion is--it's a good thing. I have no regrets.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Is this awkward?

Kyle and I want to lose weight. As soon as there were rings on our fingers, we feel like we got fat--even though there weren't any drastic negative changes in our habits! Maybe it's just a mindset, because we aren't ACTUALLY that much bigger. But you know how sometimes, when people get married, they suddenly seem a lot bigger? I just don't want people to see me and think that I've let myself go because I "don't have to attract a man anymore". My worst fear is the "Oh honey..." look or words or abstract thought! Here's news for you--I, and most other married women, still want to look hot!

So anyways, we are being SO GOOD. Our food intake has changed dramatically, and we're trying to have a less sedentary lifestyle. Instead of waffles overflowing with syrup for breakfast, I eat an apple. Instead of a bottle of soda, I have a bottle of water with those cute little "On the Go" flavor packs (because I hate drinking water). Instead of driving Katy home, we walk Katy home. We've outlawed a lot of delicious foods, and I'm getting used to not eating them. We write down our weight every morning (we just bought a fancy new scale) and write down what we've eaten and what we've done to exercise that day. Anyways, Nikki inspired me to blog about it, even though it's a teeny bit embarrassing to admit my body-image issues on the internet! BUT, the good news--it's only been one week, and I've a)lost some weight (ok, not MUCH, but every little bit helps!) and b) I feel different and skinnier, even if I don't look it. And that's after one birthday (cake) and one wedding (cake)! So, that's great.

The reason behind this? Kyle bought me the most beautiful Anthropologie shirt (yes, Anthropologie, can you believe it! thank heaven for massive sales) and it fits, but it doesn't fit perfectly--and I refuse to wear it until it looks as beautiful as it's supposed to. This shirt has to achieve it's destiny as being gorgeous and wonderful! So, come Christmas, hopefully I'll be wearing this shirt in all of it's glory.

Friday, October 17, 2008

While the boys watched the game...








Last night we took Emily out because she's getting married on SATURDAY. We had such a good time! From the amount of giggling that took place, you'd think that we had ordered non-virgin pomegranate martinis. Between those and the fake tattoos we gave each other, we looked pretty ridiculous--but it was fun. Oh and Emily's silly getup we made her wear sure helped.

Friday I'm In Love

I am so happy right now.

I am going to drive home (YES DRIVE!!! Not walk for 40 minutes), eat a teeny tiny piece of cake, and upload my pictures from last night. And read Madame Bovary.

And then Kyle will come home! And the weekend begins!

It will include:
  • Across the Universe
  • Whatever other movies we decide to rent
  • Going to Emily/CB's sealing (my first one!) (other than my own!)
  • Going to their sweet wedding reception
  • Meeting Jack
  • Setting up my friend with my ex-boyfriend (awkward or not? we'll see)
  • NO homework and NO studying
  • A possible project
  • Fun times all around!!!

Well, I'm sure I'll blog again soon! Expect some funny pictures.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

When I was 23, it was a very good year...

I really wish you could see this from all angles. The clown on the side is creeping up the side of the cake, where he sneakily killed the other clown. Up close, you can tell that Katy painted their faces like the Joker. And, of course, it says "Come Bleed With Us"--one of our favorite maxims. And those COLORS! Katy is truly a genius.

My birthday was so great! I got loads of fun presents from my loved ones. Tshirts, nice shirts, the special 50th anniversary edition of Sleeping Beauty, Photoshop Elements, fluffy pillows, a homemade pillow of a robot quoting Dickens, Himalayan prayer flags, movie theater candy and popcorn, a lint roller, Costco money, Forever 21 money, and a Vera Bradley messenger bag (raspberry fizz). I am very happy and grateful! Last night some friends came over and we ate some delicious cake and were funny together. My camera died right after taking this picture of the cake, so no pictures of us having fun. Oh well, we will remember it in our hearts.

Some more cool things:
  • I just ate a Rice King potsticker for the first time, and it was the best potsticker I have ever had in my entire life.
  • I've been listening to Nightmare Before Christmas for two days straight. 'Tis the season!
  • I get to spend all my free time learning how to use Photoshop.
  • We get to eat leftover cake for the rest of the week!
  • The managers stained our cabinets today, so I'm high off fumes
Next exciting thing: Emily and Council Bluffs are getting married on Saturday!!!

Monday, October 13, 2008

What I Believe

I've been torn about whether or not to blog about this. But then we were asked to. In Elder Ballard's talk during the fireside about Prop 8, he asked us to use the internet to share what we believe. He told us to "go viral". I dislike getting in the middle of controversial issues, but this is just too important for me to gloss over. My family in California has been active in "campaigning" for Prop 8, and they have done what their bishops and stake presidents have asked of them. I am proud of them for standing up for Prop 8 unashamedly.

When I first heard about Prop 8, I was uncomfortable. I thought it sounded--well, mean. And of course it sounded mean--think about the world I've been raised in. "Equal rights" has been elevated to the Most Important Thing Ever. And obviously it's important! It's important for good reasons! However, I do not believe that it is the Most Important Thing Ever. The world shouldn't do something wrong in the name of "equal rights". The right thing should always overcome. (Furthermore, California law already gives homosexual people the same rights that straight married people have.) Anyways, like I said, I didn't like the idea of it. I've been raised in San Francisco; I am no stranger to homosexual people. I am not in the slightest bit homophobic--I know people who are, and frankly it disgusts me. I have homosexual friends and family. I love them, and their sexual orientation doesn't affect that. I want to be very clear about that.

I knew that I would have to consider Prop 8 very carefully and very prayerfully if I was going to come to terms with it--either direction I went. Living in Utah, I felt very removed from the issue. Over the summer, during a road trip, I talked to Christy and Danny about it. Only then did I learn about the letter from the First Presidency about this issue. Only then did I realize the magnitude of what was facing us, and how the Church was standing strongly. After that conversation, I did a little bit of research, talked it over with Kyle, and then did my share of praying about the matter. I got my answer, and I know how to vote. I know it isn't mean. I know that it's the right thing.

This is what the First Presidency said in a letter to congregations:

"The Church’s teachings and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the Creator’s plan for His children. Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage."

It is unequivocal. I just can't see how you can argue with that. The PROPHET has stated that in this moral dilemma, his position is UNEQUIVOCAL. He is the mouthpiece of Heavenly Father, and when he says something is unequivocal, I will absolutely believe him and follow him. That is certainly not blind faith, and to say so is offensive.

Elder Ballard addressed some of the repercussions of Prop 8's failure. I know that there is information going around how those exact repercussions are false and misleading. When I saw that, I was like "Oh, okay...I guess people are just paranoid". However, then ELDER BALLARD, our General Authority, one of the Twelve Apostles of OUR CHURCH talked about the truth of those consequences--and so once again, I readjusted my thinking and absolutely will believe it.

Marriage is important. Obviously. Since getting married, my understanding and awe of marriage has only deepened. When I think about the covenants I made in the temple with my sweet husband, I am full of gratitude, love, and reverence. Marriage is essential to Heavenly Father's plan. As I move on to the next step in my life (don't worry, I'm not to that step yet!) I am so full of love for the babies that we bring in to this world. The Proclamation On the Family, as well as the First Presidency's letter about Prop 8, emphasize that "Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage". That little sentence makes me cry. The power of family, the importance of family, is central to Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation. We need to stand up for Families.

There is so much else to say. There are so many reasons to vote yes on Prop 8--but I've already stated the most important.

Happy 1013!!

Hello, best day of the year! Never mind that it's 31 degress outside and Provo just wasn't ready for it. Never mind that I still had to wake up at 5:45 and get to class. Never mind that I still have a ton of schoolwork to accomplish today, in between work and class. It's still ten-thirteen, and I am a happy camper.

So, this has been one of the best weekends I can remember. On Friday Kyle whisked me away to a fancy hotel (Little America Hotel) in Salt Lake City, to celebrate my birthday! We had a blast! It was so fun to get away from a house that needs cleaning, homework that needs to be done, and food that you have to make if you're going to eat it (that's kind of a lie because lately Kyle cooks our meals!). We got to eat at the hotel restaurant (for some reason, nothing seems fancier to me, and it's always been a dream of mine), and sit in front of the HUGE fire in the posh lobby, and watch movies that we brought with us. I loved putting on my makeup sitting on the cute stool in front of the 3 vanity mirrors in a little nook. GREAT room! The next day we spent the morning/afternoon SHOPPING! I love the Gateway! I love my birthday! We bought me some presents which I have, of course, forgotten all about and will receive tomorrow. It snowed and rained, which just perfected the day. We ate lunch at The Pie, FINALLY. Katy P. has talked about that place for ages and I really wanted to go. Such delicious pizza, I definitely want to go there again sometime. Kyle is so great to make my birthday so special. Unfortunately (for him), he has established a precedent that might get wearisome in the coming years!

So, it was a fabulous weekend. As TAMN would say, I really needed that mini personal vaycay. Now I'm ready to face a week of tests and work. Another bonus this week is that it is my actual birthday, so I get to eat cake and actually open my presents. Oh, and turn 23. That seems old to me!

OH--and I haven't had a single migraine since Thursday! So far I love this medicine!

Friday, October 10, 2008

It is so freezing outside.

Yesterday I finally went to the SHC and had a chat with Dr. Nielsen about my head. I got prescribed some crazy vitamins that can potentially help with my frequent migraines (it's getting to be pretty ridiculous--every other day I am out of commission! So, if I've neglected to call you back or something, that's why). Maybe these vitamins aren't THAT crazy, but Smith's didn't have them. Kyle and I had to trek to Good Earth natural foods store, where I felt OUT OF PLACE. I know Nieman really likes their granola and everything, but I couldn't stand to be in there. It smelled funky. BUT they have every kind of whacko vitamins that exist, so they fo sho had my tamer, more common ones.

Something funny: One little 100 mg pill of Vitamin B2 is 5880% of what your body needs every day. FIVE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND EIGHTY. And guess how many of those pills I'll take every day? FOUR. That means I am consuming 23520% of what I need. Every single day. I swear, I'm going to start sprouting extra limbs and reading minds soon! Kyle and I worked it out--I could just eat over 900 bowls of Raisin Bran every day and get the same amount of riboflavin. I'm also taking HUGE magnesium pills, but apparently our bodies actually need magnesium so I'm just taking 200% what I need. No big deal.

Also, I finished the Dr. Laura book. And LOVED it. Love her. I think that most wives should read that book. She says some really important things I know it's going to help me be a better wife--the wife that Kyle deserves!

Also, we watched 27 Dresses last night (yay free rentals!), and had VERY low expectations--so we were pleasantly surprised to like it! Obviously, it's a stupid movie--but a good stupid movie. Katherine Heigl is one of my favorites.

SO, let's hope that this medicine works so that I don't have to move on to any expensive ones! Man...the prospect of fewer migraines is REALLY great. Doc Nielsen said that they probably wouldn't work for a couple weeks or so, but maybe there will be a miracle?

Monday, October 6, 2008

Movie reviews aren't really my style, but...

Kyle and I got the $15/month plan at Hollywood Video, which means we get to rent UNLIMITED MOVIES. And oh...we will. This means that I can rent really stupid movies without having to spend money on them! You know what this means, right? It means I finally saw In the Name of the King. And man, that movie was the WORST! We had a hunch that it would be the best bad movie of the year, and it's highly possible. Except it came out last year. Whatever.

Anyways, it stars someone really cool, Jason Statham, who, incidentally, is hardly in the movie. I feel like he was kind of an afterthought. Unusual, because usually he steals the show. It felt like the main character was Ray Liotta, which is NEVER a good idea. Oh man. Bad skin PLUS bad acting PLUS a slightly homosexual sorcerer? Not his best work. Or maybe it was. Matthew Lillard was stupid, of course, and John Rhys Davies was the only one who you could say actually "acted". Also, Leelee Sobieski is in it. I didn't know she was still around! The biggest surprise was BURT REYNOLDS. There was this guy who looked like Burt Reynolds, which was really distracting, but there was no way that BURT REYNOLDS was actually the King in this horrible poorly made movie. And then we watched the credits and shrieked when it turned out to be him. WEIRD.

We had the BEST TIME watching it.

We also rented Juno and Be Kind, Rewind this weekend. I liked Juno, even though I was sooo nervous the whole time that something awful was going to happen with Jason Bateman. It was an uncomfortable movie, but well-done and well-acted and really funny. I love Michael Cera. Be Kind, Rewind was also really funny, but we couldn't figure out the dagum genre! At first it's just WEIRD and quirky, and it's really really funny, but by the end it's like...heartwarming? Not what I signed up for--but still, enjoyable to watch. I thought I didn't like Mos Def, after the 16 Blocks debacle, but turns out he's really good! And Jack Black is always the right choice.

I'm really excited about unlimited rentals. I have a feeling we are going to take advantage. Hollywood Video is like 2 blocks from my house. I'll let you know if there are any good ones. My schoolwork is going to suffer.

Speaking of schoolwork...it sucks. I want to do really well on my Welsh midterm, because I actually care about it. Unfortunately, it's on the same day as my Geology midterm, which might be difficult because I haven't gone to that class since the first week of school. Come on, he doesn't take roll, and it's during prime watch-tv-online-in-the-LRC hours! What am I supposed to do? But now it's coming back to bite me, so I have to go from now on. I've learned my lesson (unless I do well on the test, in which case, I'm never going back). But now I have to study for that instead of spending all my time on Welsh, and that makes me mad.

Friday, October 3, 2008

FINALLY, IT'S OCTOBER!!!!

Ok. If you're not Council Bluffs, you should go to this page to see some amazing pictures of our sweet friend Emily. And you should comment, because Raquel (the photographer) really likes comments. Guys, last night I got to go with Emily to do her bridals, and it was AMAZING! It was so fun, and Raquel is so great/fun/friendly/talented/awesome, and Emily looked absolutely beautiful. Beyond beautiful. Amanda did such a terrific job with hair/makeup, and I got the really fun job of holding the train and flowers whenever Emily had to make a move! I loved it. (But seriously Council Bluffs, you can't look)

Reasons why October is the best:
  • It's raining
  • It's my birthday (23 IS old)
  • It's the Emily/CB wedding
  • It's Hallowe'en
  • We're not in the beginning of the school year anymore
  • It's a consistent temperature (hopefully soon!)
  • It's time to listen to cold-weather music
  • It's General Conference
  • Thanksgiving is coming
  • Christmas is coming
  • For some reason, I really like Columbus Day
  • Can we say "TEN THIRTEEN"!!!!!
October is my favorite month, even though it includes midterms and...okay I can't really think of anything else consistently bad about October.

This year, Katy is making me a special cake for my birthday. She took a cake decorating class over the summer so she can do that sort of thing. It's kind of supposed to be a secret, but I already know...I get a Joker cake!!!!

Creepy and awesome!