Apologies, Books on CD, and Other General Stuff.

First I have to say sorry about all the whiney posts all in a row. Can you tell I was having a hard time of it? I also have to say that it is better now (which all of you assured me it would be). I'm actually having fun driving my new car around and I'm getting back to my old agressive self on the road. I think driving my boss around and totally looking like an idiot knocked all the stress out of me because really, after stalling in the middle of an intersection with my boss in the passenger seat, not much will phase me any more.

Work is still great. I'm getting to know everyone at work a little better and I'm getting the hang of how people like things done and also learning how to handle all the things work throws at me (including weird calls, mood swings, and rules). Something I need my Smith friends to realize, my new job isn't perfect. (Do you still hate me for rejecting my lifer status?) The biggest thing I've had to deal with is boredom. Don't get my wrong, I am PLENTY busy. I have seven huge stacks of invoices that need to be scanned and with business picking up for the winter I sometimes have nightmares about being buried under an ever growing stack of paper. That being said, it doesn't occupy much of my brain capacity to scan invoices. I pretty much could take a nap and do it if it wasn't for the minimal amount of reading involved. So one day I spent all eight hours of scanning thinking of ways to keep myself entertained. I daydreamed, I listened to music, and I occasionally got online to read the news or check my email. Then I had about five hours to go and realized I was going nuts. Then I had a brilliant upon brilliant idea. BOOKS ON CD! I tried that idea out for the first time today and time went by SO much faster. Sad thing is, I almost got through a whole novel in one shift. Lucky for me the Harry Potter books on CD are like 24 hours long :) So if anyone has a recommendation for a book, please please please let me know so that I can find it on CD somewhere.

Anyways, happy weekend everyone!

Frustration and Excitement?

Can I just how how extremely frustrating it has been for me to go from being a good driver that loved knowing just how to react in the majority of driving situations to extremely tense and unsure in a car that I am so excited to drive but can't really yet? Yeah its been a bit of a roller coaster. I doesn't help that I find it extremely embarrassing to stall in the middle of an intersection even though I figure the people behind me catch on to the fact that I'm learning because of the temp license plate and pathetic take off they just witnessed.

I can say, I'm getting better. I'm not awesome at it yet, but I'm getting there. I made it all the way home from work THROUGH Bountiful and didn't stall once (except for at the stop sign on an incline and I figure that doesn't count)

Anyways, wish me luck on that. In other news, (still relating essentially to the same topic) I'm getting my windows tinted on Wednesday AND my credit is good enough that I don't need my dad to cosign on my car loan which I take as a very good sign! And now I'm going to bed because having multiple adrenaline rushes in a day tends to wear me out.

New Car

Sorry to those who didn't vote but I BOUGHT A NEW CAR!

09 Mazda 3s Hatchback! It is an awesome blue that the sales guy said doesn't sell a lot (which makes me happy but I TOTALLY don't understand). It has kind of a sparkle. Tan cloth interior, awesome sound system (including AUX input for my iPod) and basically I LOVE IT. Except for the fact that I can't drive it as it is a manual and I've only had two real lessons. So I've been sitting in it all day just soaking in the fact that I just bought a freakin AMAZING new car and that it is mine and that it is awesomely mine! The dealership is going to tint the windows for me even! SWEET!

Can you tell I'm excited?

K I'm going to go sit in it some more!

You Learn Something New Everyday

So my little brother Tyler took me out (in his really nice RX-8) to teach me to drive stick. Can I just say HAHAHAHAHA. It was my first time EVER trying to drive a manual transmission and boy was it interesting. I figure it is a lot harder since his car is like TOP NOTCH. He said it is the equivalent of me trying to run before I walk but I think he was just trying to make me feel better.

Our goal was for me to learn the basics and then try them out. All we did way try and get a smooth take off from me. AND....? SUCCESS! I did it (once) and the rest of the time I apologized... over and over. *shrug* Tyler was really awesome about me sucking at it and even got mad that I was apologizing so much. He said we'd practice again and then focus on SHIFTING (GAH!)

Honestly, it was fun. I'm going to try really hard to get the hang of it in case I decide to buy a new car that is stick... so that I can actually drive said new car. Anyways... how about a poll on my new car options

I've narrowed it down to these makes and models (either new or "lightly" used)

Mazda 3 Sedan

Mazda 3 Hatchback

Scion tC

Honda Civic

Honda Fit


I'm not going to give my pros and cons, I just want your opinion. (Come on Jeff, I know you have a lot to say here) THANKS! <3

Temple Square FHE

On monday we went, as a family, to temple square for FHE. I haven't been there in awhile and the last time I was there I was way to into hanging out with my friends to really look around. On Monday we took the tour offered by the Sisters and I have to say IT WAS AMAZING! A lot of the stuff they said I already knew but the testimony they bore and the facts they told us were so much more real while were were standing there looking at the huge blocks of granite that came from Little Cottonwood Canyon and became the beautiful temple out the window! Anyways, here are some pictures of our fun FHE and some other randoms too!







And of course, Jake.



Also, the cookie boquet that my friends from work got me on my last day... THANKS GUYS!

Random Thoughts

So I survived my last two weeks at Smith's while also starting work at Burt Brothers! I am slowly getting more comfortable with the people at work. I don't know why this is, but whenever I meet new people I am so completely shy that I kind of freak myself out. New people I meet always tell me how shy and quiet I am, but anyone that has known me for more that a few weeks would probably laugh at that and say that sometimes you can't get me to shut up. Usually the shy comment is my cue to turn my personality back on but at Burt Brothers I've really had to put some effort into it. I think that I am probably just being extra careful (and I'm slightly intimidated) in my new more professional setting. Some things I really am having to get used to are 1) sitting for 95% of my time at work and 2) being virtually alone at work. I guess I'm not technically alone but there isn't really anyone to talk to where as at Smith's I was always either talking to a customer or a co-worker. *Shrug* I'll get there eventually.

This weekend was the first time since his funeral that I've visited my grandpa's grave. It has just recently hit me how different it will be without Grandpa Gibb around, especially with the holiday season approaching. I'm predicting a very emotional family Christmas party this year. I've heard whispers that Uncle Ron and Aunt Leslie are switching things up this year so maybe that will help everyone adjust. How do you really carry on a tradition that is centered around a person without that person there? We will manage, but I am a little nervous.

This past week I went to another one of my brother's band competitions and I have to say that they have gotten so much better and my bragging rights have, in my opinion, shot through the roof. I was also royally ticked that the American Fork band stole the percussion caption and 1st place overall at Davis Cup by such a slim margin. ROYALLY TICKED!

Finally, probably the most exciting thing that I did this week. I just got home from seeing the Body Worlds 3 exhibit at The Leonardo in downtown Salt Lake City. Seriously that experience is now in my top 5 awesome things that I've done! I wish I had hours more to spend there and just take everything in with so much more detail. For those of you that are reading this that have never heard of body worlds, let me explain. There is a German scientist that discovered a way of preserving human bodies in a very permanent way. The process he invented is called plasination. Basically a "plastic" substance is vacuumed into a cadaver down to the cellular level and after positioning, the plastic is set, and the body is forever preserved that way. The bodies, or plastinates, at the exhibit have been preserved in a way to artistically celebrate the human body and it's miraculous systems while providing an educational experience for the participants. If you are in the Salt Lake area, go see this exhibit! Click Here! IT IS WORTH IT! Just a few of my favorite things about the exhibit....

1. The individual body systems that have been preserved and laid out in a way that you never thought you could see. For example, they have on display the 3D network of blood vessles in a human head as it would appear if everything else in the head were invisible. I mean, it really looks like a face but it is just blood vessels!

2. The "slices" of organ systems that are like real CT scan images. They show a slice of a healthy torso through the liver and then one with a cancer ridden liver that has a metastasis bulging out into the body cavity. Even whole organs such as a smokers lung (with accompanying "Quit Today" box for viewers to drop their cigarettes into).

3. Full plastinates showing the miracle of the human body! One of my favorites is a woman crouched gracefully having just released an arrow from a bow. It was amazing to be able to see the tension of her muscles, down to a pointed toe!

I am so grateful for my body! It truly is a remarkable gift from my Heavenly Father. Observing the detail that He has put into just one physical life is a testament of His love for His children! I have always said that science and religion go hand in hand and my experience tonight is no exception. See it, you WILL be amazed!

Other randoms before I depart...

My nephew is sitting up on his own and I am so proud.
I made marshmallow fondant and I'm going to make a cake and decorate it sometime this week (pictures of the sure to be disaster to follow)
I am so extremely grateful for my places of "escape"
AND
I am very excited to sleep in (some) tomorrow

Pictures!

Just a picture update!



So maybe not so much an update as me posting some cute pictures of Jake. He is getting so big and it really freaks me out.


This one is classic Jake, he loves the camera



And this one... is Fred. Fred is the bear that watches over me while I work. Sitting at my desk Fred is at my 4 o'clock. I'll be honest, sometimes I turn around and he freaks me out. He is a great conversation starter though. (Fred was shot and then stuffed by Wendel, one of the owners of Burt Brothers).

Anyways, life is great, I've worked a lot this week and hopefully that means a good amount of money that will be coming in here soon to make up for the amount of money I spent on a new work wardrobe.

Wednesday is my last day at Smith's and then I start for real full time at Burt Brothers.

First Day

I started my new job at the Burt Brother's Corporate Office today!



I was really glad to find that I am pretty comfortable there with both the job I am doing and the people I will be working with. Steph sat and trained me today, which basically consisted of her showing me around and teaching me the ropes. She is really nice and I'm glad because I had some stupid moments. Everyone else seems really nice and laid back and I'm trying to pick up on how Steph has done things so that I don't annoy everyone else. She did give me a few pointers like...

Brandon (who works at the Bountiful store, is the son of one of the owners, and also happens to be my cousin) hates voice mail. Key thing to remember, don't ask Brandon if he wants to leave a voice mail, just take a message.

Jeremy's headset doesn't beep when he is out in the warehouse. I have to suck it up and page him when he is out there. I don't know why this is so hard for me because I worked at a grocery store and spent half my time on the PA there. (I made Steph do all the paging today)

I also learned where the supply closet is, a few around the office games (such as Logan must get a hello, not an office greeting and only three strikes are allowed. Also whoever is latest back from lunch buys the drinks the next morning), the bear's name is Fred (Wendel shot him), and Matt can throw a tire pretty dang far. You can probably tell that they believe in having fun at the office and I am SO glad because as much as I wanted a desk job, I did not want a STUFFY desk job.

Other things I'm excited about; I get my own desk (big comfy chair included), my "severance" check from Smith's, and shopping with Ellen tomorrow for an expanded "business casual" wardrobe (which is seriously lacking).

New Job

If this were a video it would be me doing a happy dance. Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I work at Smith's. It has been a good job for me, especially when I was in school because my manager, Rachel, was awesome about being flexible with my schedule. These people that know me also know that I have been craving a 9-5 job for awhile now. Mostly because I really (really, really) would like my social life back and it is really hard to have a social life when
1) you can't really plan ahead schedule wise because you don't have a set schedule
2) your random schedule may include shifts such as 4:30 pm to 12:30 am.
Whatever the reasons, I've been secretly looking for a new job on and off for awhile. Nothing had fallen into place quite the way I wanted, mostly because I've been extremely picky and I have mostly only entry level type qualifications. I had really hoped to find something in the Criminal Justice field but as I had to take a break with only my Associates there wasn't anything really in forensics that I was qualified for.

Last week I started talking with Anna (Funcundo) Badger about a job opening with the company she works for in Sandy, and I started getting excited again about finding a job that would work for my social, financial, and other such goals. I sent in my resume, and got a call Monday morning that they would like to set up an interview. (The excitement starts to build) I also got a message from my dad that my uncle was looking for someone to work a receptionist type job at his corporate office/warehouse in North Salt Lake. I called both places back, and set up an interview with Burt Brothers Tire (my uncle's company) that day, and Medsource (Anna's hook up) yesterday. I was slightly nervous because it's been awhile since I've had any kind of interview, but both went well and I was offered BOTH jobs. I was totally stunned to have two jobs basically fall into my lap when things have been to difficult the past few months. When the time is right I guess! And I think this is Heavenly Father's way of saying "See you still have a choice because I'm not going to do ALL the work for you" and for that I am so grateful but I still had the choice in front of me and I had to make a decision pretty quickly.

So the choices were...

Burt Brothers
- closer to home, decent pay, 8-5 on weekdays (NO sundays or holidays!)

or

Medsource
-farther away, also decent pay, temp-to-hire, regular working hours

To be honest, it didn't take much thinking. I always say that I'm ready to move out of my parent's basement, (yeah I know, you don't have to say anything) but the rent free aspect is way too appealing when you are trying to save money. So I picked the one closer to home with Burt Brothers.

I gave my two weeks notice at Smith's today and the general reaction was "Oh lame! Good for you, but that sucks for us" and I have to say... THANK YOU MY SMITH'S FRIENDS. You guys are so awesome. I really have made some awesome friends at Smith's and that is the one reason that I'm going to be sad to leave. I've gone through a lot with you guys, and you have all helped and supported me through a lot. I know that you say it isn't the same but... I WILL visit. I do actually shop there too.

So bascially, I AM SO EXCITED! LIFE IS GOOD!! I'm excited to get started with this new job and get trained and get into a good rhythm. Keep your fingers crossed that I can make it through my two weeks AND keep my cool with certain people that will remain unnamed (but you all know who I'm talking about anyways). I am also so glad that this happened so quickly and smoothly and there is little to no stress involved (yeah I'm slightly stressed about telling Rachel because she is awesome and I hate to make her job harder by leaving her yet another checker short).


P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIERA! (I know it isn't until tomorrow but as it is too much to hope for me bloging two days in a row, you get your birthday wishes early)

Nostalgia

Yes, I realize that I'm really bad at this (already).

It has been a pretty normal couple of weeks since I started this thing up, but here's the rundown.

I've realized lately that my little siblings are amazing and I can't help but brag about them! I just got home from Tyler's parent preview at Davis High. The band was amazing and totally made me nostalgic. Quitting colorguard is definitely on my list of regrets. For those of you that may not know the story there...

My sister Ellen was in the WHS colorguard in Houston, and, of course, I wanted to be just like her so I tried out for colorguard at the end of my eighth grade year at Wells. Turns out I wasn't half bad and I made it. I look back and I am SO grateful for that experience (however short it turned out to be). I started highschool with a huge group of friends and a purpose! Colorguard was an awesome way to hang out with some of the coolest people I have ever known (some that I still brag about). I also stayed (way) in shape. Sadly, my dad lost his job towards the end of my freshman year and so I was only around for marching season since I couldn't afford to go to Dayton for winterguard and I was too chicken to ask the guard instructor, KC, if I could come back my sophomore year. (anyways, sorry for the tangent)

Tyler was awesome tonight and I love to tell people about my drumline captain brother. If I was on top of things I would have pictures and a video to prove the awesomeness of DHS Band but I still suck at the camera thing.

Collin is equally amazing. He is play football again this year and he is awesome at everything to do with football. I am always hearing about how his coach tells him how well he has done in practice or at a game. I'm not really surprised as Collin is a huge monster now! He is beginning to tower over me the way Tyler does. I am constantly surprised at the things they say and can't figure out how they have school and such dialed in!

Anyways, here's a slightly embarassing picture to go along with the post.

Welcome and Update

So I am pretty much jumping on the bandwagon on this one. I figure it is about time I start this blogging thing and hopefully I can make my blog entertaining for you as well as therepudic for me. I also set a goal for myself to keep a better journal so I guess this sort of counts. So just as a disclaimer this will be sort of a journal from me so it might include boring stuff like my thoughts on the books I am reading, dumb giggly girl stuff, venting about work and other things, and probably some boring updates on my not very eventful life.

For this first entry I guess I better do one of those boring updates and let everyone reading this what I've been up to.

I turned 21 in April and finished up my last full time semester at Weber State for awhile. I made the decision to get my Associates degree and take some time off from college to see where life takes me. I have thought (constantly) about a mission, I also started going to a new singles ward (I know, seems like a contradiction but I'm keeping my options open for now). I just finished up an online summer class and was awarded my Associates of Science in Criminal Justice on August 1st! For those of you that remember how geeky I can be, let me clarify, I am a Forensic Science focus in the Criminal Justice program so don't worry, I'm still a nerd. It has been a little weird for me since everyone is going back to school right about now but it also has been kind of nice. I really have had to put a limit on my spending because it has been really different having the money I usually spend on tuition in my pocket. Speaking of money, I (still) work at Smith's, but I'm working on changing that. I just put in a couple of applications with Davis County. I really am hoping to get the Corrections Clerk job. It is basically working the desk at the jail, helping with files and booking and what not. I think it would be really interesting and pays pretty well so cross your fingers for me.

I just this past weekend spent some time with my friends in Provo and had a blast. I am going to try and get down there more regularly, especially now that my cousin Ben is home from his mission. We had a great time hanging out with some of his friends this weekend and I'm pretty sure I haven't laughed that much in a long time. My goal for the near future is to be more social. I spend a lot of my time reading and watching movies and basically being anti-social and that needs to change. Like I said I'm going to a new singles ward and people there seem pretty awesome.

So enough of the boring update... here are some pictures and a movie if I can manage it of my recent adventures.

This is my cute Audi A4. I got this after I wrecked my faithful old red truck.

This is my cute little nephew, Jake. Kind of an old picture, sorry. He is about the cutest thing I've ever seen and it has totally taken me by surprise how much I love this little guy.
Me, Mom, and Ellen awhile back. They are my best friends!

So I know I said recent adventures but it turns out that I'm not any good at using my new camera... I'll work on it.