My Adam

Blogworthy? Perhaps not. I just think Adam's niece is really cute.

The other day, Adam's parents were babysitting our little niece Alyvia. When I got there she said, "Hey Jen!" Then pointed to Adam and said, "There's your Adam, Jen." Later, Adam left to use the restroom. Alyvia looked at me and said, "Jen? Where did your Adam go?" I think it's sooo cute that she knows we're a packaged deal. Also, while Alyvia has granted me ownership of Adam, she has not done the same for him yet...he's my Adam...but I'm just Jen...at least in her world so far. What a cute girl she is.

Within 6 Months

Yesterday, December 20, 2008, was the six month mark...and now there is officially less than six months until Adam and I get married. Hurrah! Updates: My mom made the model dress and will be starting on the real deal soon...we are still getting fabric and stuff together. We have bridesmaid fabric...it is lovely. We've picked our tuxes...I think...and our colors. Location is still under consideration but the Logan temple is in the #1 spot as of today. Woohoo! Less than 6 months!

My Nana's Funeral

My Nana's funeral was on Monday, December 15th. My camera's battery died so these are all stolen from Aliese's blog. I could get my dad's camera and put the effort into doing things myself but why do that when I can just theive them? Anyway, at the funeral, Adam, Jacob, Darrin (BIL), and my dad were all paul bearers (plus two cousins, Dad's uncle, and some guy).

It was FREEZING outside...with wind chill it was something like 9 degrees...it was cold though.
While the boys were paul bearing we got a picture with just the girls. Of note: at my grandad's funeral 3 years ago (almost to the day) a picture of our family was taken and it is seriously the best picture we have ever had. As the upcoming pictures show, funerals/a good cry yield great family pictures. Below is Mom, Natalie, Aliese, and me.

And here's the family picture...quite a good one really. Me, Adam, Jacob, Natalie, Aliese, Darrin, Mom, Dad.
After the dedication of the grave, I was ready to go...it was SO COLD...but my dad is a chatter (I guess he has the right to linger at chat at his mom's funeral though) so Adam and I huddled in near this tree to hide from the wind. Apparently people thought it was a prime photo opt because Natalie and Aliese both took a few pictures (we're not looking at the camera but I still like it ok...even though or eyes are squinty). Then Aliese and Darrin like the pose so much they got some too.

After the funeral, my dad took us all out to Olive Garden. I just realized this is the only picture in which I have a neck. I was scarfed in all the others. The picture of Natalie was taken by Aliese...it's Natalie with my dad's camera, she was given the job of taking pictures throughout the whole thing...so Aliese got one of her.

My Nana

Leone Beckstead Chipman 1929 ~ 2008
Leone Beckstead Chipman passed away Wednesday December 10, 2008 at her oldest daughter's home surrounded by family members. She fought a valiant and courageous battle of Multiple Sclerosis, all the while keeping her sense of humor. She was born in Salt Lake City on May 11, 1929. Her parents are Merrill H. and Vera Leone Wheeler Beckstead. Leone graduated from East High School. She did beautiful embroidery and also wrote poetry. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She held many positions in the church and served in various presidencies but she particularly enjoyed Relief Society. She married Lester Chipman in the Salt Lake Temple on June 19, 1951. They had three children. Leone is survived by her children; Kathy Felt-Harris (Tom), Stephen Chipman (Carolyn), RaKell Kilpatrick (Andy), her grandchildren; Chad Felt (Lisa Bendtsen), Todd Felt (Shanna), Aliese Fry (Darrin), Jennifer Chipman, Jacob Chipman, Natalie Chipman, and Jessica Chipman, and her great-grandson, Ethan Felt; and brothers and sisters, Merrill Beckstead (Nanette), Judy Billeter, Diane Berntsen, Cheryl Ford (Clyde), Leo Beckstead (Lorene), and sister-in-law, Colleen Diamond. Preceded in death by husband, parents and brother-in-law, Bud Billeter. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Monday, December 15, 2008 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. The family will receive friends at a viewing Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, and Monday from 11:00-11:45 A.M. at the mortuary prior to services. Interment - Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.

Major Catch up

I have been crazy busy and finally have had a chance to update...sorry about the overload but at least there are pictures!

First, my friends, brittany and kody, got married on December 3rd and I was one of the witnesses (I'll email you all the pictures I have, Brit). They did a tiny civil ceremony and will do the big bit next month.

Kody, Brittany, me, & Krista are signing the paperwork.

Brittany and Kody - while the judge was reading their vows.

Their first kiss as husband and wife

Next, while I was waiting for Brittany and Kody's marriage license to process, I got a text from the future SIL, Lindsay. She had her baby that morning. So now I have a cute little [almost] nephew, Max Wesley.

This is all I've seen of baby Max so far...cute picture I'd say.

And now we shall rewind back to Thanksgiving...all the pictures are stolen from Aliese's blog because I'm lazy. We had a small Thanksgiving with just my immediate family and my ill grandmother. It was quite lovely...all homemade food eaten on china...our Thanksgiving's are very fancy pants.


We played games that night...and pretty much every night the whole weekend. Note: I didn't sleep the night before Thanksgiving or the night of...and when I don't sleep, I get quite hyper...it's as close to being drunk as I'll ever be...the picture of me covering my face is because I started laughing so hard I was bawling...not cute.

After the games, Adam and I went shopping...around 1 am ish...we met up with Darrin & Aliese at 4 am. The shopping was done at about 10 am...then I took a 7 hour nap.

Ok, this is a bad picture of me but I had to include it...we (Darrin, Aliese, Adam, Jen) went to Chili's for dinner on Saturday night. We got some skillet queso and chips to share...I asked the waiter if I could steal the skillet, she seemed like she wanted me to, so I did...it's in the bottom "to go" box...wood base and all.

There you have it...the abridged version...if you want more details go to Aliese and Darrin's blog.

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and it is time for me to reflect upon the many things I am thankful for...and then post them, apparently.

• Adam is first. I won't go into detail here because he seems to be a subject I frequent but I am most grateful for him. (nothing else is in order...just so you know)
• I am grateful to amazing family. They are so supportive and funny and cool. I am also grateful for Adam's family for liking me, being fun, opening my once narrow mind, and for providing me with nieces (and soon a nephew) to play with.
• Next up, friends. I don't see anybody very often, though I'd like to, but that doesn't matter so much...I'm still grateful for ya'll...including you bloggers...so my random thoughts are read and occasionally commented on.
• I am thankful for the opportunity I had to move out and live in Logan with really really cool people. I learned a lot about myself, enjoyed the freedom and independence, and had extreme amounts of fun. Seriously some of the best times of my life.
• Related to the above, I am grateful for Cassidy Weiler Meine for telling me Adam's secrets and for coming up to Logan the weekend she did...look what you did! If it wasn't for her, Adam and I would have eventually found each other, I think/hope, but maybe not for a while.
• I am grateful for my religion and my bishop and my cute little primary kids...who aren't all so cute on account of their awkward age...but they're sweet.
• I am grateful for the things that go horribly wrong in my life and cause me to hyperventilate...if it wasn't for the really bad times, I wouldn't be able to fully appreciate the good.
• I'm grateful for hygiene products...seriously...razor, tampons, toothbrush, deodorant, etc....we'd all be disgusting without them.
• I'm grateful for me...not conceited...hear me out. I've been blessed with a mind and body that are both, for the most part, uncompromised. I'm glad I can do pretty much whatever I want to with few limitations. I'm glad I can think for myself and take care of myself. I'm even glad my joints suck and I have such bad asthma...I wish it weren't so but things could be worse and I'll embrace my flaws...sometimes.
• Lastly, I am grateful my classes were cancelled today!

I am grateful for so many things that I couldn't include them all but I had to at least share the basics...feel free to do the same. I hope we can remember to give thanks and not just gorge on delicious food.

Hot dogs, wedding stuff, and a tag

First, when I'm coming home from school (south on I-15 around 7:40pm), it smells very much like hotdogs around 4000 south...every time. Curious.

Wedding stuff...don't get excited (like anyone would). There really aren't many updates. As of today, it is only 7 months away! I was basking in the ease of the long engagement...it's so stress free...unless you do absolutely nothing until the last minute. I'll start getting more stuff taken care of, apparently...all I have is a date (June 20, 2009) and a reception site reservation (Wheeler Farm...beautiful, outdoorsy, and ancestral). Oh...and my wonderful mother is tinkering with the pattern (yup...not just making the dress...she's drawing the pattern too...poor thing), and I have my flower girl and bridemaid patterns.

Next for this tag.

Favorite person outside of family: Technically, Adam is not yet family. While, to me, he has been for quite a while, he won't officially be family for 7 more months (from today). And now I don't have to choose...he is easily my favorite!

Guilty Pleasure: Stupid movies...seriously love them. Also, sleeping in beyond an acceptable hour but I can't do it too often or I'll hate myself for wasting time.

Quirks about me: I'm fairly quirky person actually. I'm organized to an anal point but my room does NOT show it (to my great embarrassment and shame). I also (Aliese does it too) arrange my closet by color (rainbow), sleeve, and they all face the same direction. Adam doesn't do this...he will in 7 months though ;). I, apparently, talk weird. When someone is taking my picture, if they don't hurry, I start pulling faces.

Favorite charity/cause: I second Aliese on the Primary Children's Medical Center on the grounds that I owe them my siblings (they all would have died other wise). I also support the Tiny Tim Foundation (I've made sooo many things for them) who takes quilts, toys, etc. to impoverished areas in Mexico. In general, I am way into humanitarian work that involves children and poverty...the combination is seriously near and dear.

Favorite Blog recently: I honestly enjoy almost everybody's blogs...friends and family...I don't really bother with strangers due to time and because it seems a little stalkerish. Kelli's usually makes me laugh and because I enjoy laughter, I'll choose her...although I'm not slighting others.

Worst job I ever had: I've been pretty lucky with jobs but they have all come with cons. As a lifeguard, I had to clean truly vile things...unfortunately, this pales in comparison to the intense dislike of a select few people who worked with me. I don't usually dislike jobs...I'm a hard worker and really enjoy money...but politics associated with jobs make me livid (experiencing a little of this these days actually...glory).

Any confessions: When I see cute very small children wandering around alone, I think how easy it would be to take them. It sounds creepy but really, I'm concerned for the kid and wish their parents cared enough about them to stay near them. I sometimes lie on accident...there's no need for it and I have nothing to hide...I just lie sometimes (I'm also overly honest). I've tortured a hamster to death (age 3). I fish without a lisence. I've "skinny dipped" several times...well...chubby dipped...don't worry, nobody saw me nudey although I've never nakey swam alone...but it's so exhilerating. I've done some hilarious/appalling things in my day...I could share countless snippits of mischeif but I'll save it for another time.

If you had to spend $1,000 on yourself, how would you spend it? I don't like spending money on myself. I'd probably buy stuff Adam and I could use together (games, movies, etc.)...or maybe future house stuff or something.

Favorite thing about your house: Current/parent's house: It's comfortable. I like the location of my room (back corner of the basement...A LOT of privacy and alone time). I like our (Adam and Jen's) couch...it's temporarily living here but it is grand. Future house: Adam will live there too!

Least favorite thing about your house? Current: Adam doesn't live here too. Future: I don't know yet...hopefully nothing.

Favorite Bible verse: Psalms 56:3 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." There are a lot of passages with a similar message...trust God...He won't give an obstacle without the means to overcome it....what will be will be. Also...I have to include bits from Aliese' favorite because it mentions a funny thing I once said...

From Aliese's blog:
Luke 6:27-28 "But I say unto you which, hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." I'm all about the whole, "hate the sin, love the sinner." Pretty sure that's somewhere in there too, but I don't remember the reference. I generally enjoy how people choose to interpret bible verses as well. As my sister [meaning me] so eloquently replied to a person with highly questionable judgement, "Are you without sin? Then quit throwing all these fetching rocks at me!"

Things you're good at: Music, tinkering (I'm probably the handiest gal in the world), planning stuff (accept apparently our wedding which seems to be a little neglected). I'm also good at stuff that may be less admirable...I lie really well, I can make people feel really badly about themselves without saying or doing anything "mean"...I'm good with guilt trips...I'm very outgoing and confrontational (especially with an audience)...I'm a master plotter. I'm thinking I was a master criminal in another life because I seriously have an evil side. I sometimes wish my negative talents were nonexistant (because I really am a good person and really do care about the well being of others) but they've really come in handy in the past so I just tuck them away and use them when appropraite...or necessary.

Something you would change about your circumstances: I'd be married to Adam. I'd be graduated. We'd be financially ok (not wealthy...I don't every want to be wealthy). We'd have a decent house.

Who would you like to meet someday: I suck at these ones...Adam would probably say Lce Armstrong so I'll second that...I already know the people I want to know.

Who is your real life hero: I'm apologizing in advance for the cheese...but...Adam is my hero. He is everything I'm not which I have so much respect for. He cares so much about people and has made me a better person. He's also smart and funny and seriously improves every single day of my life. He rescues me from myself and from so many other things.

What is the hardest part of your job: Getting to know people that you know will die...and then watching their loved ones suffer.

When are you most relaxed? When things are tidy, I'm not going to school, and I'm with Adam.

When are you most stressed? (I have to copy Aliese...who copied Anna)...When all of the aforementioned are...shall we say...NOT! (Me:) School stresses me out SO much...I don't understand all you weirdos (Adam included) who love the educational process...I loathe it. I also hate a mess but I'm so scatter brained and busy my room is always cluttered.

What can you not live without? I really didn't expect this post to be so cheesey...seriously sorry...Adam again though...and my family and friends.

Why do you blog? It's easier to share various happenings with others. It's a good way to keep track of others. Also, I plan to (post nuptials) devote certain posts to scrapbooky type things and do a blurb book every year or two...it's a cheap way to journal.

Do it if you want to...

First Try

This is Adam. I thought I would throw up a post so as to justify the blog being named Adam and Jen. One problem. Jen is a great writer and I cannot compete. She thinks I'm a good writer. I may have been once. Now I can only write insurance reports. Since I am not as creative or witty as Jennifer I will just copy this man tag post, but talk about her instead. Also, I don't know how to work this thing and my keyboard is sticky. My finished product may look like the work of a four year old or if I'm lucky, a chimpanzee.

Five things my [future] wife, Jennifer, loves: She loves a lot.

1. Me.
2. Family.
3. Helping people.
   
4. Books that follow this format: ______ & ______.
   
5. Pets. Even though she doesn't have one. And she's allergic to most of them so probably won't ever have one.
   

Five things on her to-do list: She actually keeps a to-do list on a dry erase board in her room. I do not know what's actually on it.

1. Marry me.
   
2. Graduate school.
   
3. Come over to my house and drink hot cocoa with me. Not here yet though, which is why I'm writing this.
4. Sew up Megan's flower girl dress.
   
5. She wants to go to Africa or some other third world area and get malaria...err... help sick kids. Hopefully she comes over to drink hot cocoa with me first.
   

Five snacks she loves: This could change a lot.

1. Baked Goods (Different ones than me. She likes the triangle shaped doughnut with the cream in the middle.)
2. Fruit by the foot.
   
3. Diet Pepsi Vanilla.
   
4. Hot Chocolate. Where the freak is she? I have five flavors of Stephen's and a Cocoa Motion.
   
5. Pop Rocks.
   

Five things you may not know about her: Well if you've been reading the blog you should be pretty well up to speed, but I will try.

1. She is very ticklish.
   
2. She punches really hard.
   
3. She once took a class where you had to learn all the instruments in the string quartet. You were supposed to spend a month going to class and practicing each one. Then you would get tested on your proficiency. Jen went a total of five times. The first day, and then about ten minutes early on the test days to check out her instrument and practice for the test. She got an "A".
   
4. She gets sick kind of a lot, but not so much since she got her tonsils out. And when she gets sick, she likes to pretend that she's not for as long as possible. Then she throws up on my bushes or behind The Ring of Fire.
   
5. She has a very small Teddy Bear named Pookie.
   

Five places she has lived: Tough one...

1. Kearns
   
2. West Jordan
3. Logan dorms
   
4. Logan crack house
   
5. West Jordan
   

Five quirky things about Jennifer: Just 5? OK

1. She makes the funniest/weirdest faces...especially if she knows somebody is taking a picture of her. It sometimes make her look handicapped but I think it's cute.
   
2. She can function quite well on very little sleep.
   
3. People sometimes think she is from a different country because of the way she talks. She uses unorthodox words and says them just slightly different than you are used to. Just enough to throw you off. I think it is adorable.
   
4. She once tipped a waitress in pesos and we were NOT in Mexico... in fact it wasn't even a mexican restaurant.
   
5. She once drank like fifty dollars worth of coconut orange juice at a mexican restaurant, in Mexico. That's a lot of juice.
   

OK, hope this works!

12 Movies Tag

12 Movies

Ok...this one came with a lot of babble I chose to ignore...if you're feeling some information deprivation go to Kelli's blog. This tag is pretty self navigated. Feel free to do it if you love movies (like I do) or if you're bored.

Cartoon
1. Robin Hood - I love socialist foxes. Adam sings the theme song phenominally well!
2. Polar Express - I watch this movie all the time. I seriously love it. The music makes Adam fall asleep so while we've watched it dozens of times together, he's never seen the whole thing..

I probably should never have seen this…
3. Burn After Reading - First, I think it's rated "R" (FYI: mormom's aught not watch rated R movies and I'm a mormon but I sometimes do watch rated R movies). Second, it sucked.
4. Curse of the Golden Flower - There's a chance it's called something different but I think I'm close on the title. Adam loves Kung Fu movies...I actually like them too...but this one was so long and boring and sucky.

Kids movies that rock
5. Little Rascals - I even quoted it recently on this blog.
6. I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown - ReRun is real cute.

Random Teen Movies
7. Juno - Is this considered a teen movie? Seriously hilarious. When it came out, a friend told me that Juno's odd way of speaking reminded him of me. I was honored. Seriously.
8. 10 Things I Hate About You - Poor Heath.

Be Glad This isn’t your Family
9. Hotel Rwanda - You know, since genocide is frightening.
10. Harry Potter - I couldn't think of anything...but his family would suck.

Foreign Film
11. Life is Beautiful - You'll laugh. You'll cry. It's really good. I'll also give a shoutout to Hero and Seven Samurai. Akira Kirisawa (I didn't bother to look up the spelling) is apparently Adam's personal hero (false statement, said for exaggeration). Also, good Kung Fu is seriously awesome. Adam would probably also want to add the Thai movie with the elephants (I don't know the name) and I'll add the Russian one with the perverted old man and the little boy whose name starts with a K and is also the title of the film but I can't think of it.

Pre emptive this movie will probably be awful but I’ll like it anyways
12. Twilight - I second Kelli's choice. This movie will surely be horrible. It's look overly dramatic and their efforts at being dark just seem comical. It'll suck. I'll force Adam to see it with me. I'll probably love it. He'll definitely hate it.

I love movies...I think I want a more thorough movie tag to come my way to showcase my favs.. Feel free to movie it up!

A distraction

I should be studying right now as I have a test tomorrow. However, I feel the need for a break. I decided to use my study break time to participate in the "Man Tag" (as seen on Aliese's blog) to pay homage to someone far too wonderful for me.


Man Tag


Five things my [future] husband, Adam, loves:

1. Me
2. Family
3. Sporting events (especially boxing)
4. The great outdoors
5. Entertainment (games, movies, etc.)

Five things on his to-do list:

1. Find/buy a dwelling to live in
2. Marry a really cool girl (me)
3. Get a different job
4. Find out why his truck is making that noise
5. Train for the triathlon he wants to do

Five snacks he loves:

1. Baked Goods (Brownie/Blondie Bites, Bagels, Raised Doughnut Holes, Panaderia!)
2. Green Beans
3. Ice Cream
4. Sweet Potatoes
5. Hot Chocolate

Five things you may not know about him:

1. He knows EVERYTHING...seriously...Jeopardy?
2. He is much stronger than he looks (quite a wirey fellow)
3. He's very giving. He would probably let me have whatever I wanted if I asked...I wouldn't, don't worry.
4. He's rarely sick and has never thrown up.
5. He's never wet his pants or the bed post-diapers (his mom told me this and I'm sure he's thrilled I shared it...it is probably a rarity though).

Five places he has lived:

1. Nephi
2. West Jordan
3. Logan
4. Soon Draper or South Jordan (with me!)
5. I know there's more but I don't remember where...somewhere else in Juab county I believe.

Five quirky things about Adam:

1. He likes to have a lot of toothbrushes and different kinds of deordorant at his disposal...apparently he's in to hygeine.
2. He sleeps a lot.
3. He doesn't like needles or snakes.
4. He really likes scary movies...not just scary...horribly scary...apparently he's watched them since childhood and is now desensitized.
5. He can beat anybody at mortal combat or street fighter...probably more stuff too.

Hurrah for Adam! Everyone can be tagged if they'd like to be.

Just My Luck

"And then the clouds parted and God looked down and said, 'Alfalfa, I hate you...'" ~Little Rascals

I sometimes think the same of myself. No preaching please, I don't think I am personally loathed by the almighty, I just get dumped on...perhaps it's years of pent up bad karma. Either way, my bad luck manifested itself today. I broke the zipper on my backpack...really no big deal but leaves me short a backpack.

The real kicker just barely happened...note the time....

It is currently approximately 23 degrees outside...successfully meeting the predicted low. I don't just know this because I checked the weather, which I frequently do, I know because I had the pleasure of chilling (literally) outside for about half an our in the middle of the night.

So, I was at Adam's doing homework while he slept (a fairly common ritual). At midnight I left his house, locking the door behind me. I only wore a jacket (my car's heat is something marvelous) and flip-flops...my favorite form of footwear...oh...and clothes too...those are just the only noteworthy articles of clothing. Anyhow, I was walking towards my car and see it is rather frosty. I don't love to scrape so I was bummed about the need...then I remembered my dad recently bought all of us (those driving and living under his roof) scrapers the very same day. Glory! I won't have to use a plastic card tonight...freedom for my fingers! I have a scraper! Not so bad after all. I gloried too soon.

I attempted to unlock my door but it wasn't doing well. The lock is a little funny but I feel I've mastered it so I continued with the typical wiggle and turn ritual I regularly participate in. Well, either I have incredible hand/forearm strength, crappy stuff, or really bad luck because the key broke leaving a portion in my hand and a portion in the lock.

23 degrees outside...just a reminder.

I kept trying to turn the nub that was stuck in the door but that was a lost cause. I considered breaking into my car...it's pretty easy (don't get any ideas...there is nothing of value) but I couldn't bring myself to do it (it's a whole other story about how part of the top slips open and makes me cold but I finally managed to make it stay closed and I wasn't about to alter that).

Finally, I gave up and called the parents to bring me another key at 12:30 am. Sorry for the untimely wake up call. Then I tried texting Adam so he could let me back in...my fingers were freezing and I badly needed a bathroom...he was fast asleep thought so I remained outside. I held it, danced a little (which was doubly beneficial), then caved and started scraping my car with my student ID. My fingers will never be the same.

My dad later showed up with a spare key, I tried the same door...no luck...the passenger side door unlocked but wouldn't open. Swell. He sprayed some magic stuff (which I intend to somehow obtain) on the door and opened it. I managed to get home and probably should have gone to sleep...not blog about by dumb key. Quite a long post too. Sorry, all. I must ramble even more when I am sleepy.

My broken key...I'm must be rather strong! And now, I sleep the warmest sleep of my life. (I also just realized that I rely heavily on parentheses...curious.)

Halloween Costumes

Adam spent Halloween morning in a Speedo jammer and goggles and even won a price for his Michael Phelps costume. I went to school dressed as Jen-in-sweats and later as catwoman. We spent the evening at Adam's parents house waiting for the neices to come trick-or-treating. They were so cute.

Katelyn was a 49ers cheerleader and had little pom-poms (which she apparently disliked). She also said "Goooo niners!" in her cute little baby voice.

Alyvia was wonder woman or super girl...she says wonder woman but there is clearly an "S" on her chest. She was super cute. Lyv stayed long enough to get some hide-and-seek in. Playing hide-and-seek with a 2 year old is hilarious!

We passed out candy, ate pizza, played with the little girls, watched some scary (and less scary) movies, and enjoyed some homemade pumpkin pie. Not a bad night, I'd say. Adam even got some comments on his Barack-o-lattern.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everybody! On Wednesday, Adam and I particpated in my number one favorite Halloween Activity...we carved pumpkins. He presented the idea of carving pumpkins and making apple crisp, the two go well together I think. So while our crisp was baking, we carved. I think our pumpkins rock.


I did the owl. I love my half green pumpkin! Adam's is the Barack-o-lattern. Poor Obama's nose is getting a little wilty but it's still quite cool. Both pumpkins look a fair bit better in person.

Here they are all a glow. The owl has little stars all around which show up quite well when not in a photo. I think Barack looks a little like Martin Luther King, Jr. in pumpkin form. I think our pumpkins turned out quite well.

Random Babble

I can't make my posts show up with paragraph breaks and I find it irritating...success! Thanks Aliese.

I got a hair cut...it's shorter than I'm used to but I think I like it...more on that another time.

I got out of class early, came home, and ate the best muffin of my life!

I think I’ve let my favorite time of year slip past me…drat! No tree shaking and twirling while the leaves fall on my head…no canyon drives…failure…oh well…autumn will probably occur again. Does the picture make you want to read some Robert Frost…oh wonderful nature! I think I’ll hug a tree later…not one with birds though.

Sunday was the primary program…funny stuff…I sat behind the piano so I could be naughty…I’m a bad example. Carpe diem!

I am going to Body World with Adam, his Dad, and the woman named Gloria who is married to Adam’s dad. When I first learned of Body World coming to town, those most closely associated with me thought I’d be all over it. People kept telling me about it and asking if I was going or interested in going. Honestly, I wasn’t. Why pay money I don’t have (seriously…can’t even afford to park at the meter at SLCC…whole other story) to see something I’ve already seen. The cadaver labs at the U have amazing dissections and I got to touch/hold pretty much everything (don’t think “gross, you’ve touched dead bodies” it’s not gross and you touch dead bodies too…they just aren’t quite dead yet…dying though…cheery thought!). Granted, the bodies are just laying on their backs on giant lunch trays (no lunch I’d participate in…they just look like giant lunch trays) and not posed as skiers or gymnasts or…anyway…I’ll post the results later…it should be cool though.

When I was perusing for a nice expired parking meter picture to use I stumbled upon this one which seems to be a nice segway between these two subjects.

Now for the meters at SLCC, which I wouldn’t have posted about but will…sorry. I am primarily a (not proud) student at the U but I am taking OChem at SLCC because I hate chemistry and I suck at it, and, let’s face it SLCC is easier than high school so I may as well help my chances at succeeding in such a miserable subject (sorry to any aspiring chemists…it’s a dumb subject and I hate it…carbon can kiss my tuckus…SP?) which I am honestly not willing to devote too much of my life to. Anyway, instead of being smart and just buying the $15 parking pass…which lasts the whole year…I choose to park at the meter. Truth be told, I once bought the parking pass and the sticker is in a car that is long gone…RIP Maggot…and I just can’t bring myself to buy another…perhaps not logical but that’s the way it is. Parking at the meter is really kind of fun because my lab is scheduled for 4 hours but we never really know how long we’ll be there. Today, for example, we were only there for about 2. I am not one to pay for a service not rendered and so I try to estimate the time I will be in class and will only pay that much. This is where it gets good. I’ll be in my lab and the clock is inching toward the time when I know my meter will expire but my class isn’t near completion (common occurrence). Rather than claiming the need for a potty break and running out and feeding the meter…I just let it expire. Then, when I get to my car and find it ticket free, I rejoice. Why would I deprive myself of such a rush. I recently ran out of non-copper coins though…useless ol’ pennies…so now I pretty much scrounge (i.e. look in couch cushions and jacket pockets and in the laundry room) for whatever change I can get my hands on. Whatever I can find dictates how much time I pay for…today was twenty minutes…I suppose I could have tried harder, maybe gone to a bank to get some more change…meh. Also, I once parked in faculty parking just to see if my substitute teacher parking pass (from the whole two times I did that) would work…and I think it may have.

Man I’m ridiculous. This post was meant to be much shorter…I sure do ramble a lot.

Skiing Mishap

Becky asked for the story behind this great picture...so here it is....





While the title "skiing mishap" gives away how the incident occurred, it doesn't tell the story (which, in my opinion, is worth hearing). I consider myself to be a decent skier. I mean, I don't do jumps or flips in the terrain parks and, quite frankly, take forever getting down a difficult hill of moguls but I can certainly hold my own on a groomed double black. Having said that, the "incident" in question didn't happen on a double black diamond...or even a single black diamond. I wasn't attempting something new or cool. No, I was on a fairly flat strectch of a double blue run. My ski pass was hanging around my neck on it's little necklace thing. It had escasped from the confines of my coat and was flapping up and hitting me in the face. I dealt with the annoyance until the afore mentioned "flat stretch" when I decided it's be okay to adjust the pass/jacket fiasco. The next thing I recall is lying on my back, my neck and skull base in an incredible amount of pain. Now, as I am usually (this time excluded) a sufficent skier, I often go last in our group (so if the li'l sis or younger cousins fall, I can help). Because I was last, nobody knew about my little fall. Luckily, my fella takes good care of me and noticed my absence. He then proceeded to hike back up the hill in his skis (which I think sucks...not that he did it, that was sweet...I mean, hiking in skis sucks). My mom and uncle later joined him (I don't recall if anyone else was there). My uncle said he looked up just in time to see me land on my head (whole body in the air) and then kick myself in the head with my ski (perhaps in the opposite order)...unfortunately he didn't see how I managed such a task. Well, I was a bit dizzy and it hurt to move so I chose not to. Apparently, some silly Samaritan ratted me out to the ski patrol because minutes later a lady and her little cripple-sled were at my side. She was asking me questions and kept trying to get me to accept her help (which certainly wasn't going to happen...I'm stubborn when coherent and VERY stubborn when not). She gave me a series of things to remember, something like "Red, Circle, 7." Later she asked if I remembered what she told me and I said something like, "Yeah, you told me you were going to just leave me alone." I then repeated the series of things correctly, signed my life away (a necessary step when refusing the sled ride apparently), and she finally left me alone. Once I finally got up on my own (after swearing I was fine to ski the rest of the run), I realized how badly my head and neck hurt and that bearing the weight of my noggin shot sparks of pain through my body. I skied to the bottom of the run (crying here and there). Turns out that was the end of that ski trip. I wasn't going to worry much about it but my vision was blurred, it sucked to move, and I immediately fell asleep in the car. Eventually, I gave in and went to the hospital. As expected, I was basically fine. I had just strained a bunch of my cervical muscles and had a mild concussion. I was to wear the above pictured delightful brace for 2 weeks. I taught primary the next day for the first time. My class was horrified. I sat with the Sunbeams for a spell as their teachers were both gone and all but one wouldn't come near me. The one that wasn't afraid of me, sat on my lap and kept touching my neck through the little whole in the brace. Hilarious! And there you have it...a day in the life of the accident proned...or clutzy...or perhaps a bit dumb sometimes.

I got this tag from Carlye. So, what you do is choose your 4th picture folder on your computer and choose the 4th picture in it and blog it. My 4th folder down is "2004" and the 4th folder within that folder is "Youth Conference 2004." This is the 4th picture:



These were the laurels in my ward...at least the ones attending youth conference. Starting in the top left and rotating clockwise: Mallorie, Me, Megan (she went to the hospital only a couple days later...poor Megan), Holli, Kaylie, Hailey, and Terah. This was quite a fun trip that I actually had sort of forgotten about. Good ol' memories.

Hey, Mikey! He likes it!

Adam is finally home from Michigan...now I can lighten up on my loathing of the dog&mitt state. I gave him quilt and he's a fan (Success!). I think I expected a much more lively response from him but he seemed happier to see me than the quilt, I suppose that's a good thing (whoa! He likes me better than an inanimate object!). Anyway, he's home and I'm glad.

Next, a fun little game of 20 questions from Kelli...although it's actually not like the game.

1. If your lover betrayed you, what will your reaction be? I suppose it depends on the kind of betrayal but I can't imagine it'd be very good. I'd "kunta-kinte" him (you know the little crotch stabby thing before they become men?) if it were the kind implied (although I probably wouldn't...and he definitely wouldn't).
2. If you have a dream you’d like to come true, what is it? It may sound a bit lame but my dreams are coming true. I would like to be done with school sooner I guess.
3. Whose butt would you like to kick? If I really wanted to kick anybody's butt, I'd probably already have done it...maybe not always physically, but still effective...it may not be kind but that's how I roll.
4. What would you do with a billion dollars? I'd buy a house and put a bunch in a car account for when (not if) our cars eventually die, save most of it (college, retirement, etc.), and fund trips to Africa and other 3rd world humanitarian missions. I'd be willing to share with family and friends too...but not too much...I don't want to promote mooching.
5. Will your best friend always be your best friend? Yes, that's why I'm glad to marry him.
6. Have you ever been in love with two people at once? I used to think so back then...I'm pretty sure not now.
7. How long would you wait for someone you really loved? Maybe forever...probably not though, because if they loved me back I wouldn't have to wait forever. At least 4 1/2 years - final answer.
8. If you won the lottery, would you quit your job? My current jobs...absolutely. My future job...no way.
9. Who is on your celebrity top 5…you know, the ones…that if you ever had an opportunity…? I think nobody. Sorry, not my thing. I have who I want.
10. What sucks the life out of you? School! Oh, how I loathe school!
11. How would you see yourself in ten years time? Done with sucky school! Married...perhaps kids...definitely happy.
12. What’s your greatest fear/phobia? Dark, bare windows.
13. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is? Uh...I got this from Kelli...she's swell...probably in the top ten people I'd save if the whole world was on fire and I was the only person with water or a fire extinguisher or super powers.
14. Would you rather be single and rich or married but poor? Five years ago I would have chosen the first option but now I'm definitely on board for the latter...obviously.
15. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? I'm going to steal Kelli's response here...NOOOOO
16. Would you give all in a relationship? Poorly worded question but I surely would.
17. Is your career vitally important to you? Not currently...possibly in the future as it will be my income and thus my source of shelter, food, etc.
18. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing the someone has done? Probably not. I hold grudges...at least for horrible things. At least I admit it.
19. Do you prefer being single or having a relationship? While I've thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in both options, I'd say I prefer the relationship bit. It's nice to have someone who's always there for you...even if it is obligatory!
20. List 6 people to tag...I shall just tag you all (six words...good enough)

A Realization and the Coolest Quilt in the World

I have learned that without Adam, I don't quite know what to do with myself. On Saturday night, I decided to just chill and watch some television. I'm not a big tv watcher AT ALL but couldn't waste my weekend away studying so I had a lovely little date with the tube. This is when I learned that shows with detectives, investigations, and forensic work are not only all very similar (really though...same plot, different character, occasionally an all too obvious "twist"...yet I watched three of them) to one another but they are programs for the lonely. Several of the above mentioned television shows (I won't use titles because I'm not being paid to advertise for them) played back to back late Saturday night. I don't know exactly where I was going with that...I think I've exhausted the topic...case closed (a little hint to one of the shows I watched!)



Now for my current greatest success...the coolest quilt ever has just been completed. It is a delight. I thought this would be a nice money saver but still awesome gift for the birthday fella, Adam, when in fact it wasn't that cheap...especially if labor accounts for anything. It took forever! But it's rad. I dreamed it up so if it seems weird, perhaps it is...it is 100% original...behold the boxing quilt...

*aaaaahhhhhhh* (the sound of angels singing)...it's magnificent. The pictures don't show how cool it really it...the black background is pieced...it's just hard to see in the pictures and I'd bother taking better pictures but I'm too tired from all the work. I'm psyched to give it to Adam. He'll

love it...whether he wants to or not :). Also, I think I might be allergic to quilting...possible? probably not.

Birthday failures and the state I hate

Yesterday was Adam's birthday. I failed to complete the most difficult/coolest quilt in the world so I couldn't give him that. Luckily, the non-idiot in me ordered a delightful movie off Amazon for him about a week ago and I paid a zillion extra dollars to ensure it would arrive by last Friday and thus, in time for his birthday. This way I could at least give him a little something. Amazon sucks and I want to punch it in the face. Adam got nothing...big fat nothing...I feel so bad. I did buy him some dinner at Aristos (rocking Greek food...I highly recommend it) though so I guess I'm not the worst significant other in the entire world...but I'm close.

Now, on to the state I hate. Today, and probably for the next two weeks, I hate that stupid oven-mitt-look-alike state. You know, the one with the great lakes. It looks like a dog is attacking an oven mitt...and the two portions don't even touch...it should be two states. Ok, the childish vendetta against Michigan is due to the business trip my Adam just left on. He'll be gone for two crappy weeks and I believe that if Michigan simply didn't exist, he wouldn't be gone right now. Perhaps he'd be in another state though...and then I'd be harboring this silly grudge against some other state...maybe one resembling a pot or a bag.

Archie...corn maze...really?

This was in the Deseret News today (and by today, I mean yesterday)...

...an obsession, perhaps, taken a bit far?

Husband Tag

I am currently husbandless but I have an almost so here is my tribute to my fella...

Adam Kyle Kay

1. Where did you meet? We met at the West Jordan Outdoor Pool in 2003 (probably before but that doesn't count).
2. How long did you date before you were married? We dated for almost 4 years before becoming engaged and will have been dating for 4 years and 9 months when we wed.
3. How long have you been married? We've been married for -8.83 months.
4. What does he do that surprises you? The extent to which he worries about me sometimes catches me offguard. My asthma terrifies him. He even bought an air purifier. I've just made us look a bit nerdy/sickly/elderly perhaps...meh.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? I like his mouth, torso (althought it's barely there...sorry, sir, you're skin and bones), and of course his inguinal ligament. I think he's a good looking fellow.
6. What is your favorite quality of his? He's very nice and caring. It's a good contrast.
7. Does he have a Nickname for you? Oh sure, plenty. Too many to list. We mostly just call each other ridiculous names to get a good laugh.
8. What is his favorite color? It depends on what for...I think it's green lately but it changes.
9. What is his Favorite food? He likes ice cream and baked goods (particularly pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and blondie bites). He's a fan of Mexican-ish food...he rather enjoys Taco Time. He also likes Outback and Tepinyaki...good enough.
10. What is his favorite sport? Boxing. That says a lot too...he is a major sports fan. I'd say football, basketball, and cycling would follow in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places.
11. When and where was your first kiss? Thursday, September 23rd, 2004. We were in his apartment. He said he'd help me "study" for my Bio test the next day (failed it).
12. Favorite thing to do as a couple? We love watching/going to movies. We also enjoy cooking/eating, playing games, napping, playing video/arcade games, and babysitting the nieces.
13. Do you have any children? That's mightily too hasty.
14. Does he have a hidden talent? He is a genius writer, can play the harmonica/guitar, and is a smarty pants...he dominates at trivial pursuit and has been on Jeopardy...he'll also not be jazzed that I exposed the latter. I think he is also strangely good at video games...especially the older ones but I have nothing to compare with.
15. How old is he? He'll be 26 in a couple days. He's not glad.
16. Who said I love you first? He did...funny story...I think I've already blogged it.
17. What is his favorite type of music? All kinds...really...old country, classic rock, punk, jazz, rap.
18. What do you admire most about him? I admire how sweet and self-sacrificing he is. He is happy to help anybody and always helps me. He wants to take care of me (i.e. working a job he loathes because it pays well and he thinks I need a house). He is close with his mom and adorable with his neices.
19. Do you think he will read this? Yes...probably not for quite a while but he'll get around to it...Sorry if I said something I shouldn't have...much love mister.

Tags for all!

The Alaskans, Anniversaries, and my car

On Saturday morning, we closed on the car. It still needs some quality cleaning (the top is obviously rarely up...can't even see out the back window) and I haven't driven it since driving it home on Saturday as it needs to be licensed and registered. Now, I was thinking I could clean the top and get some lovely seat covers and take some great pictures of it for this blog...then I saw that Aliese posted pictures of it and I'm going to be lazy and just steal them! Here they are...scrapped and all!

The back seat is very very small...a toddler would get claustophobic back there...so, the B.I.L, Darrin, squished in and I dare say he loved every second of it. The picture below is on the freeway...apparently the windshield didn't protect him the way it did us...I saw this face in the rear view regularly and couldn't help but giggle. Sorry B.I.L..
Ok...so, the pictures don't really show the actual car...I'll get around to it. Now, Saturday night was our (Adam and Jen) 4 year dating anniversary. It was also my grandparent's Freeman 60th wedding anniversary. As 60 is a far more impressive feat...we neglected our own celebration and opted to gather with my big ol' family for some dinner and such. You'd think I'd include pictures of my cute, old grandparents but my attentions couldn't be strayed from the Alaskan cousins. They're so cute! Becca is nearly two. She's had tons of health complications (heart troubs/surgeries, etc.) and it was great to see her being a normal (mostly) little girl.

Above, she's clapping for herself as many children do. Instilling self-confidence? Below are two videos. First: Hayden and Dawson (Becca's brother) taught her the "Push it" song from High School Musical. I'm not real familiar with it but it didn't make it any less cute. She continued doing this randomy throughout the weekend. So cute! Second: Becca does the actions to the Popcorn song.

I didn't realize I'd be recording my own voice...cute...also...the sibs were were the kids were facing doing the actions to the song so Becca and Dawson wouldn't look at me. Also...if you listen closely...you can hear Becca say the words in the first one. She has a really really soft voice (her oxygen levels are quite low and she always is breathy). She once popped around a corner and "yelled" Boo in an attempt to frighten me but I didn't realize she was trying to yell. Cute kids though eh?

Some updates and a tag...sorta dull...sorry

I got a new (to me) car today! Apparently this is a popular occurrence for many and I've jumped on the band wagon. It's small, cute, and old. I'll post pictures some other time. Also, I've finally put a step forward in this wedding planning process. We have a tentative date of June 20th and a potential locale. I'm hoping for Wheeler Farm. I think it's pretty, rustic, and it's a place of my ancestry. We'll see how it goes though. Nine months from today and we'll be hitched...quite an exciting thought.

Now for this tag...

• I am: Jennifer, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and engaged.


• I know: I'm blunt and stubborn but I won't ever change.


• I have: a cool guitar, a pretty ring, and a very small convertible.


• I wish: I were done with school and married.


• I hate: school.


• I miss: the days when I was allowed to be less responsible and more care-free.


• I fear: windows and dying before getting hitched.


• I feel: crappy and congested...I'm having allergy troubs.


• I hear: some Gilmore Girls.


• I smell: nothing...due to the previously mentioned congestion.


• I crave: usually muffins, currently hot cider though.


• I search: my cluttered room for various misplaced items.


• I wonder: if there are any clinical studies associating college with poor mental health...I hate school.


• I regret: basically nothing.


• I love: Adam, my family, and muffins.


• I am not: decisive...at all.


• I believe: that I will one day make a difference.


• I dance: On occasion...although dancing may not be the correct term...I'm not great.


• I sing: all the time.


• I cry: more now than I did before high school graduation. I think I must have developed a soul of sorts...I used to be dead inside :)


• I don't always: tell the truth...I don't even have good reason to lie...I just do it sometimes.


• I fight: less than I used to.


• I write: papers for crappy school.


• I win: sometimes...at cards, guitar hero, the occasional sporting endeavor.


• I lose: my sunglasses (at least monthly) and my keys (maybe weekly)


• I never: have quite enough time.


• I confuse: my priorities.


• I listen: to anything. I almost always have to have noise around me.


• I can usually be found: in my room or at Adam's house.


• I am scared: I'll be massive as an adult (I'm doing what I can to prevent it)


• I need: a much better allergy pill...more money...a degree.


• I am happy: when I'm not in school and when I am with family, friends, and Adam.


• I imagine: a lot of things...I sometimes even confuse occurrences in my imagination with reality.
• I tag: everybody who would like to be tagged.

A double tag from the sister

Olympic Tag

Basically, list 8 things in each category in honor of Phelps winning a record 8 gold medals...Since I'm an avid "Phelps Phan," I definitely feel obligated to complete this!

• 8 favorite restaurants: Grandpa Maddox's, Haagerman's, Peach City, Bluebird, Center Street Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Apollo Burger (Only the first two or three are actual favorites...the rest just filled the gap.
• 8 things that happened today: Great day! I attended the baptisms of 3 of my primary kids, I bought fabric (and got judged) for Adam's boxing quilt (it'll be tight!), I ate lunch at Haag's (previously noted as fav), I bought two T-shirts (something I've been craving), I showered quickly (rare...not the shower part...the quickly part), a lady asked if Adam was my husband and I said almost, Adam and I mocked at a large woman with fanny pack after she was mean to us (rude maybe...but funny), and now we're gonna go hang with his fam. Did I study?...Well no.
• 8 things I'm looking forward to: Being married (note: I didn't say getting married), new house stuff, being graduated, grad. school, being gradtuated again, this rockin' quilt I'm gonna make, fall break, more sleep.
• 8 things I love about summer: Longer days, no school (atleast this past summer), water sports (but not this past summer), camping!!!, having money, being allowed to spend money, more stuff...I don't want to keep doing this one.
• 8 Olympic events I like: Gymnastics, Swimming, Volleyball, Skiing, Sledge Hockey, Figure skating, water polo, curling (just kidding).
• 8 things on my wish list: More Adam time, being done with school, vacations, more money in my pocket, getting this house we want, seeing friends and family more, ...I think I'm done with this tag. Sorry...not fun.

Freakishly long tag about stuff we have and haven't done:

Basically, you bold/change the color of the numbered items you'd participated in...Be warned! It's a lengthy process.

1. Touched an iceberg (but we wanna go to Alaska which would be the place to do this...also I think I may have but I also make up memories)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper (only me)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins (Alaska...)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (future Tour de France trip...)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (just Adam...on his cruise...I HATE cruises)
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights (Alaska...)
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty (just Adam, it was closed when I went because of 9-11)
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (while telling your boss the name she plans to name her baby sucks)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse (heck yes! I'm the champ at picking the good ones...I even won a trifecta!!!...uh...not to encourage gambling...)
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill (some of the best days!)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (christening!!! SO exillerating!)
27. Taken an ice cold bath (just Jen...when sunburnt...and in Logan before we had our heat turned on)
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar (Adam used to do charity work but said beggars, I once threw two quarters at a Navajo and then he sang to me in his native tongue...)
29. Seen a total eclipse (we both think we have...)
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run (just Jen...I know...funny...once in 6th grade and again in church softball)
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (only stateside though...maybe oneday)
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time (not currently...only in the free churros and video games day...my job is ok...Adam's is loathesome)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (since money doesn't directly link to satisfication)
38. Watched wild whales (Mexico baby!)
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach (Mexico baby!)
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India (we like to eat cows too much)
45. Bench-pressed your own weight (Adam...not me...I can probably get half though...I suck)
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files (...files must be a grown up thing...)
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke (While both of us have...and love it... Adam once won a contest...)
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving (one day)
52. Kissed in the rain (we've kissed outside while it was raining but it's not really the same thing...is it?)
53. Played in the mud (uh...that was my nickname for heck's sake...and the infamous mud wrestling fun...)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China (only Adam)
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class (only Adam...although I wanted to as a child)
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check (not an actual check...maybe a check card...our credit is great now though!)
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did (Adam has a major boxer and a famous pirate in his line, I have William Clayton, Farr ice cream, and the first mayor of Ogden, both of our ancestors were at Promintory Point for the Golden Spike business)
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over (kinda)
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job (Adam's been canned...I've been demoted not fired though)
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone (Adam's arm and hand, I fractured my wrist)
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
    
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing (really...the takeoff and landing...really?)
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days (I wish!!! Cool!)
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school...after the summer...
89. Changed your name (soon...so I counted it!)
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands (freaking Mr. Miagi!)
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch (just me...several instruments...not taught well)
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (heck yes)
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt (just me...I used to be really mean)
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream (just me...I guess Adam isn't as pleased with the match as I am)
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four (not THAT high)
106. Raked your carpet (wha?)
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring (just Jen)
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child (...I attended a baby's funeral which was very sad...I hope I never experience this)
114. Gone to a Broadway play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band (just Jen...the PLOT...interesting)
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style (really?...someone will single-handedly claim this?)
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need (cleaner...steaks...)
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant (just Adam...and a camel...so cool)
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt (just Jen)
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise (just Jen...kinda awkward really)
132. Made a hole-in-one (in mini golf)
133. Gone deep sea fishing (Alaska...)
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class (only Adam)
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite (my hotel in NYC claimed to be that...don't know how)
140. Flown in a helicopter (only Adam)
141. Visited Africa (one day...doing humanitarian work)
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment (honestly...just Adam...I'm not great with it)
145. Written a love-story (I guess)
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David (one day)
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted (claiming to be)
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight (yeah...Adam lies up...I lie down...not to extremes but on occasion)
156. Gone on a diet (kinda...not really...kinda though)
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget (arrowhead...no nuggs)
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission (one day...a medical humanitarian one)
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon (only Jen)
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera (just Adam...interesting eh?)
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics (Me: winter, Adam: winter and summer)
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books (barely though)
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life (we've both been lifeguards...but I once did the baby heimlich...successfully...!)
176. Eaten raw whale (wha? gross...Adam says "cool")
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint (Jen)
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival (Jen)
182. Sent a message in a bottle (a pop bottle...I got yelled at for littering)
183. Spent the night in a hotel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma (just Adam...My blood's no good...I don't have the HIV though...don't jump to conclusions)
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog (really?)
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course (only Adam has although I should...considering...anyway)
194. Served at a soup kitchen (only nice ol' Adam...same place he held meaningful conversations with the beggars)
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Known CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend (...run into old friends...too young for the long lost...)
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter ( I guess I don't know what this is)

Feel free to be tagged and pick and choose what you do...hope this wasn't too long for you all...

Scorpion Delight

Here's the video of Adam and Alec eating scorpion, Leo wouldn't try it (the only Chinamen among them was too chicken :)...). You have to watch it twice to get the full effect of both guys' reactions.

He's home! He's home!

Ok...so he's been home a week but I've been busy. I'm so glad to have him back though. Here are A LOT of pictures for your viewing pleasure. There are a ton but I had hundreds to choose from. It's China for gosh's sake.

My pretty ring!

My pretty ring's side view.

And now for the China pictures...
Alec, Leo, & Adam

Outside the Forbidden City...and (I think) in Tienanmen Square

Adam & Alec doing a little Kung Fu inside the (not so) Forbidden City

Scorpion on a stick...similar to our hotdog on a stick...

sold by street venders.

Adam...eating some revolting scopion. There's a hilarious video of this experience.

I couldn't figure out how to make it go though.

This is the way the Chinese keep cool around town...but going entirely without

a shirt is considered unacceptable.

Adam and Alec doing the Crane thing in front of the Temple of Heaven (I think)

Adam, Leo, & Alec in front of the pretty Temple of Heaven

What beautiful air quality...makes you want to run a marathon.

The crew outside the soccer stadium

Some soccer...they got to see two games...stories are affiliated with all things...ask Adam if you're interested. He was there...he's better at telling them.

Look how hard it's raining! This is the day they went to the Great Wall

The Great Wall of China...pretty great I'd say

Alec, random Chinese guy, Adam...with the peace sign. Chinese people came up to the two of them all the time wanting pictures with them. They almost always flashed the peace sign. The boys started to get pictures with the same people who wanted picutres with them. This also illustrates how drenched they were. Alec and Adam were the only two people on the wall lacking the pastel poncho...I think they regretted it in the end.

The people on the great wall...it was apparently not as packed as usual considering the monsoon-like weather. You can get an idea of how steep it can get though.

Alec, Adam, and Leo in front of a restaraunt that served Peking Duck

Adam eating some Peking Duck (on his feet are his new shoes...Fumas he calls them...for the faux and the puma...)

Alec and Adam tied American flags around their necks and wore them as capes a lot of the time. I didn't include many pictures but there are plenty.

Beach volleyball...this was their favorite event

The crowded (and I venture, smelly) subway

Adam got free dessert everywhere he went. I think they may have thought he was an athlete...who knows. This one is a mountain of shaved ice covered in beans and doused in sweetened condensed milk with some mango on the side.

Leo, Adam, and Alec at track...they got to see Usaim Bolt (is that his name), from Jamaica, win the 100. Pretty cool eh?

If you look really close...the Jamaican is probably the guy in the front.

American Adam the superhero...this picture is awesome!

Adam (and his coke...his beverage of choice as the water was gross and expensive), Leo, & some random Germans in front of the water cube thing...it's really cool and changes colors. The guys got their pictures taken with tons of different nationalities but I thought I ought not include them all.

Adam, in his cape, holding "the torch" at the massive bird's nest/stadium

These very pretty gardens...I don't remember where...but it's sure pretty...Adam should have done the captions...sorry.

Adam and Leo flashing the traditional Chinese peace sign on their last day in China

Ok...so that was really long...cool though (at least to me). I really should have had Adam do this but I had a little more time...and the camera.