30 Before 30

Today I turn 27. Wow. I know that’s not really all that old, but it’s weird to turn 27 when I feel like I am still 18. I think that is fairly common.

Twenty-six was a good age, overall. I told Jordan I graded it as a B+. There was a lot of crappy things that happened when I was 26 (grandpa passing away, Boise Thanksgiving ending, Obama winning, getting sick, racking up fun hospital bills), but there were also some pretty great times as well (seeing my family pretty regularly, quitting my job, earning my LCSW, traveling to Seattle, Vermont, Utah, and Tucson). All in all, it’s been a nice year.

With my twenties tapering off, I decided to set some goals. I am creating a “30 before 30” list, which is a list of 30 goals that I want to achieve before I am the big 3-0. I shamelessly stole this idea from other bloggers,

but I don’t feel bad about it because I am sure they stole it from someone else. And you know what they say- “two wrongs make a right”….or something like that.

I am also cheating a bit. I can’t really think of 30 goals to do before I am 30 starting NOW! That would 30 goals to complete in 36 months, and a lot of these goals will take more time than that. So instead, I am making a list of 30 goals I HAVE WANTED to meet by the time I am 30, meaning some of these goals were already goals of mine that I have met. Don’t like it? That’s ok, just like the ol’ saying goes- “go ahead and cry over spilled milk”…or something.

Some of these goals seem dumb, but they are all important to me. So heeeeere we go!

30 Before 30 List

Due Date: April 1 2016

1.  Obtain my MSW (done and done). 
2.  Become an LCSW (check!)
3.   Become a home owner
4.    Become a dog owner (if this one doesn’t happen by the time I’m 30, I will be a very sad 30 year old indeed)
5.       Become a mother 
6.        Go to Europe (Tickets are purchased!)
7.        Take Jordan to Hawaii
8.       Read the Harry Potter books (I’m sure NONE of my family members think this one will happen) 
9.       Sew a dress
10.    Become a certified home study adoption worker
11.    Complete at least one home study for a family
12.    Go scuba diving
13.    See the show Wicked
14.    Write a book (not a novel- just a children’s book. I highly doubt I’ll ever get published, but I think it would be fun to complete a book for the sake of doing it) 
15.   Go skiing with Jordan (we’ve NEVER been together)
16.    Run a half marathon
17.   Pay for a stranger’s groceries anonymously
18.    Pay for a stranger’s meal anonymously
19.    Take a voice lesson
20.   Take a piano lesson
21.    Take a dance lesson
22.   Sing a solo (Done. I did this for the first time since primary two Easters ago. It was terrifying. Perhaps I could do it again.)
23.    Participate in a flash mob
24.    Get a pedicure (I’ve never had one before. I’m embarrassed by my feet.) 
25.  Read Jesus The Christ
26.    Throw a party. Not just a get together, but a real party.
27.    Eat at the Crab Pot in Seattle (Done, and delicious)
28.    Finish a scrap book about Jordan and my courtship
29.    Give a lecture (whether as a guest speaker, teacher, etc)
30.    Learn how to moon walk.

I will be periodically (most likely annually) updating this list to show which goals I’ve met and my status for the others. Here’s to a great year of being 27, as well as three fantastic final years in my 20’s!

Let's dust off the ol' blog.

Can everyone join me in a big, fat sigh of relief?

*siiiiiigh*

This morning, I took my LCSW exam...and passed! I am THRILLED! This dang thing has been on the back of my mind for about 6 months, and more heavily pounding my entire brain for the past month. I've been pounding practice questions, practice tests, pages of notes, and horrendiously boring study guides all day for a while, and I am happy to be done. (And, I must say, I kinda rocked it.)

Not to be super pitiful, but I am so excited mainly because there was always a small part of me that was not sure if I would ever make it this far. I remember when I was at BYU and I applied to the BSW program, I felt that it would  be no big surprise if I didn't get in. When I did get into the BSW program and began applying to graduate schools, a part of me was bracing myself for not getting into any grad school at all. When I got accepted by two (and denied by UW, my now permanent enemy (sorry Andy and Dad)), a part of me still wondered if I would be able to handle it. When I finally graduated with my MSW and got a job, that same part of me wondered if I would ever REALLY become an LCSW. Now, when I look back at my social work road, I wish I would have just thought, "Yeah, I can do this, and I am going to!" without any doubt or fear. Hindsight is 20/20, I suppose, but I am going to try to stop picking on myself when it comes to career choices and changes.

ANYWAY, now that the LCSW exam if complete, I can actually use my time to do other, more exciting things....like blogging. :) I plan to catch up on this dang thing now that my hours are free and I am still not employed (which I LOVE, btw). Stay tuned for more updates....with pictures (because I've been told by some siblings that they only like blog posts with pictures).

Birthday Test

Happy Birthday to Jordan! This is his first birthday since he was a freshman in college where he didn’t have to study for a final…and he is spending the day studying for his board exam. Boo! Since Jordan has to be studying for a test this birthday, I thought it would be a appropriate for us ALL to study a test today. I present to you: The Jordan Test. 

You know how people say, “On a multiple choice test, when in doubt, just choose C”? Well, follow that advice because every answer is C (except for one question, where is it D).

 The Jordan Quiz

1.       Today Jordan is turning
a)      86
b)      13
c)       29


2.       Jordan’s number one goal for the age of 29 is
a)      To repay all his student loans
b)      To run a marathon
c)       To convince his wife that they need cable

3.       Jordan’s favorite dessert is

a)      Pie

b)      Banana split

c)       Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting with chocolate fudge and chocolate syrup, served with a chocolate milkshake and…and a chocolate straw.

4.       Jordan broke his arm as a kid by trying to “ride”
a)      A horse
b)      A go-kart
c)       An automatic garage door

5.       Jordan’s version of hell would be
a)      A fiery outer darkness
b)      A very cold, bleak existence
c)       A room full of shedding cats while the show “How I Met Your Mother” plays in the background on repeat.

6.       Jordan’s biggest man crush is
a)      Mitt Romney
b)      Aston Kutcher
c)       Ron Swanson
d)      All of the above


7.         Jordan’s greatest accomplishment was
a)      Marrying a smokin’ hotty
b)      Being  honored as Valedictorian of his PA class
c)       Having the world’s highest score on the app game Hungry Santa
(though C is the correct answer, B is also true!)


8.       Jordan’s special talent is

a)      Unicycling

b)      Juggling

c)       Knowing every word to every song, no matter how obscure

9.       When Jordan was a freshman in college, he wanted to be a _______ when grew up:
a)      Police officer
b)      A PA
c)       A kindergarten teacher (isn’t that cute??)


10.    If Jordan could give his wife any gift, it would be a a)      Puppy, because he knows she really, really wants one
b)      fur coat
c)       Six extra inches of height so he didn’t have to hurt his back when he kisses her

 Good job, everyone! And Happy Birthday, Jordan!

Change is a'comin'

We have exciting news, sad news, and scary news.

The exciting news is JORDAN GOT AN AWESOME JOB OFFER AND WE ARE MOVING TO OKLAHOMA CITY IN JANUARY!

The sad news is we are moving to Oklahoma City in January.

The scary news is we are moving to Oklahoma City in January.

(see what I did there?)


Jordan has been working hard to be a dermatologist PA candidate straight out of school, which is tricky. For PA's it is one of the most coveted specialties to work in- no call, good pay, normal hours, and lower stress. Plus, it is a total bonus that Jordan really likes derm and is very interested in it. In October he was offered 2 derm interviews- one in OKC and one in Mesa, AZ. He went to both interviews, and loved the doctor in OKC and really didn't like the Mesa one. A few weeks ago, he got the magic call and was offered the position in OKC!

This whole experience has been a roller coaster ride of feelings for me. I am so proud of Jordan and how well he has done. I'm also feeling excited to start a new life with him somewhere. I am excited to be close to a temple again (12 minute drive instead of a nearly 2 hour drive). I am sad to be leaving my friends in Tulsa. I am sad to leave my job (I really grew to like it, as far as work goes). I was also happy to leave my job (some of my clients and their parents make me want to take up drinking). I've been scared of not knowing anyone or anything, and I am anxious to find a new job and learn how to get around in the city. I am sad to be far away from my in-laws and I am scared of being "stuck" in OKC for the rest of my life.....The roller coaster goes on and one.

Jordan has been supportive of my crazy/worry spells. The first thing he said to me when we found out about the prospective OKC job was "You can get a dog!" We also together have committed to being there for 3 years, and then assessing what to do next with our life (whether or not we leave). One awesome thing about Jordan's new boss is he straight up told Jordan that he knew Jordan's wife (thaaaaat's me!) would probably want to move closer to family eventually, but if Jordan could stay with him for at least 2 years he would be happy. That calms my nerves a bit.

I've also been thinking of all my friends and family who have been good examples to me of wives who bravely move for their husbands' jobs. I often think, "If Julie could move literally across the country, I can move 2 hours away, " or "If Melissa can move to Blanding, then I can move to OKC." You girls are awesome!

Plus, there are some great things about OKC. Flights out of the OKC airport are cheaper than flying from the Tulsa airport. We will live close to the temple, so our Tulsa friends can come visit us when the attend the temple periodically. We will be close to a lake, an amusement park (which I would grade as a B, but still- it's there!), a big water park, a cool zoo, and we will be closer to our precious NBA team, the Thunder (SoJo + Westbrook 4EVA).

Yesterday we went to OKC to check out various apartments to rent for a while. We found one that is literally across the street from Jordan's new job, so we don't have to worry about getting a second car for a while. I also checked for essentials- within 5 miles, I have access to a mall, a Dollar Tree, a Target, and a Hobby Lobby so I will be able to survive. Things are a little more spread out over there, which I will have to get used to, but it won't be so bad.

Overall, I do feel a lot fo gratitude from God. We have been praying for derm job for several months and we are so pleased that Jordan has been able to get one right out of school. I am so grateful that Jordan LIKES the doctor that he will be working for, and that even though we are farther from family, my in-laws are still obtainable. I am excited to see what our new life chapter will bring.

In other news: JORDAN GRADUATES THIS FRIDAY!!!! Can't wait!

Happy Halloween! Keep in Touch! Have a GREAT summer!

Jordan and I were yearbook pictures this year for Halloween. I thought they turned out pretty good! Everything came from Dollar Tree, except our clothes and Jordan's wig (no, that is not a real fro, sadly).


Now allow me to present the various yearbook picture categories:

The Blinker

The "Where is he looking?"

The Chin-to-Face

The "I just started to say 'cheese' like you asked and then you took the picture...jerk"

The Over-Excited

I'm still debating whether or not I should wear it to our huge company party at work. It is during work hours, and none of my co-workers in my program are gonna dress up. I may just chicken out. We'll see...

State Fair

Every Fall, the Tulsa State Fair comes to town. Jordan and I love to go. I love it for the animals, and Jordan loves it for the food. The fair is a time when Jordan feels we should "let loose" in regards to calories, and money to pay for said calories. Within twenty minutes of being in the fair, we spent $20 on food. By the end of the night, we had shared a philly steak sandwich, a large corndog, a funnel cake (my fave), a deep fried s'more, a lemonade, and a plate of curly fries. We were feeling both elated and distgusted.

"Let's get this party started!"

 

"Please bless this deep fried cake smothered in sugar to nourish and strengthen our bodies..."

"AMEN! Now it's healthy to eat!"

The only thing better to do at the fair than feed yourself is feed animals. They have a cool petting zoo where you can purchase overpriced animal food. I. LOVED. it. I was far more excited to pet and feed the creatures than most of the kids in the area. They had several different types of animals- deer, llamas, pigs, a kangaroo-like thing, and approximately 1000000 goats. Jordan was my photographer since he doesn't share the same enthusiasm for touching communal animals (weirdo). We couldn't have the flash on, so some of them were a bit blurry.

 

This poor guys was so scared. He just sat in the corner with his legs literally between his legs. :(

It tickled when they ate out of my hand.

 

Overall, we had a great time. We have no clue whether or not this was our last Tulsa State Fair. It will definitely be something that I miss. 

 

Chase and Jessica's Wedding Trip

This fall has been pretty friggin sweet. I do not miss Oklahoma summers one bit. Plus, Jordan and I have had some fun happenings taking place since this season has graced us with its presence.

At the end of September, I was able to have a 4 day weekend in Salt Lake City for my cousin's wedding. (Leave it to me to take my camera and somehow not have one single picture of the bride and groom. Whoops.) I was able to hang out with my parents and sister, which was a bonus. The wedding was lovely, the reception was so fun (can you saaaaay photo booth??), and it was so cool to see all my extended family from my dad's side.

 All the girl cousins from my dad's side of the family! Love them!...even though they are all taller than me.

Molly and I had a little too much fun with the photo booth at the reception. I think we went in a total of 5 times. Here are some of our highlights:

My cute parents <3>

These four go in a sequence...yes, we are dorks.

 We also got to spend the day with some of our family on my mom's side.Uncle Tim and Aunt Denise have property where we got to go feaux camping. We shot guns, did archery, hammocked (new verb), and ate. It was glorious.

"I volunteer as Tribute!....Oh, wait. I suck at this. Never mind..... Uh, I'm going to lay in hammock instead."

 

Our cousins also have quite the zoo at their house. They have one dog, 2 guinea pigs, one gerbil, and a bearded lizard. It was fun being around animals for a change. Can't wait to get a pet someday!

Wearing a live lizard. Lady Gaga got nothin' on me.  

 

Overall, it was a fantastic kick to Autumn!

Not a tag...but kind of a tag

I was avoiding bed (again) and was crusing through my facebook timeline (still don't like the timeline structure. Boo!) when I came across this note I wrote on facebook over 3 years ago. I remember having fun with it, and I liked reading other people's creations as well. I didn't think of this game, it is like those "tags" from back in the day. So have fun and do it if you want :) This was mine from 2009. None of my answers have changed (though I am not reeeeeally a mess of blues right now).

Directions: Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it onto people you like. You can't use the artist I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (artist name)"

Pick your Artist: Elvis Presley

Male or female: Hard Headed Woman

Describe Yourself: Big Hunk O' Love

How do you feel: A Mess of Blues

Describe where you currently live: In the Ghetto

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Promise Land

Your Best Friend is: A Fool Such As I

What's the weather like: Kentucky Rain

Favorite Time of Day: One Night

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: That's Someone You Never Forget

What is life to you: Just Pretend

Your friendships: Something Old, Something New

Your fear: A Woman Without Love

What is the best advice you have to give: Treat Me Nice

Thought for the day: Always on My Mind

How would you like to die? I Got Stung

My soul's present condition: Young and Beautiful

My motto: Don't Be Cruel

Oh, What a Night

Jordan and I often joke about how I have undiagnosed ADD (or technically ADHD, Inattentive Type). Last night/ this morning proved this once again.

Around 11:30 pm, I was dorking around on the computer and I noticed that my nails looked ugly. I thought, Ooh, I think I will paint my nails! 

While I was painting my nails, I watched an Arrested Development to keep me entertained. During the show, they mentioned a certain food. This lead me to look on Pinterest to see if there was any new recipes. While on Pinterest, I saw a cute cute cute pattern for an apron. I think I have the perfect fabric for that, I thought. I went to our spare/hoarding room to check out my material. I started to measure it to see if I had enough for an apron when I realized I had ample fabric. I thought, Wow, with all this extra fabric I could make a skirt!  I immediately got to work.

The problem was I was way too inpatient to actually bother to look up directions for the skirt. I figured I knew what I doing...

Three hours later, I had a mildly cute, yet moderately ugly skirt. I didn't even realize it was 3:00 am until I  snuck into our room to steal our mirror. (I had to sneak because Jordan was asleep...at 3 am?? What a wimp.) Our spare room is completely covered in a thread/scissors/ elastic/ fabric blizzard. I looked at the mess, and thought....Huh, I should blog about this! So here I am at 3:15 am.

So there you have it. Now, if you'll excuse me....I have a mess to further avoid and a bed that I should probably become reacquainted with.....ooh, Tetris!

*Facepalm*

I love Pinterest. A lot. But man oh man, there are some pins that make me want to rip my hair out. I never want to comment on the pins that my fellow pinners pinned (I like the word "pin". Sue me), because I don't feel like Pinterest is a place of debate. So instead, I will rant about them here.


The following pins = facepalms

1. The "modest Barbie"

The idea is that some moms don't think a child should see Barbies "naked" body, so a solution is to use nail polish and cover her body up.

Uh.....Whaaaaaaaaat? I'm sorry, this is simply ridiculous. I feel that the idea that naked is bad and needs to be fixed is downright silly. Personally, I feel that this does more psychological damage (body shaming) than leaving her naked.

Which leads me to another Barbie rant. Aboutu 5-6 years ago they changed Barbie's measurements to be more realistic. I think this was such a dumb idea. Barbie circa 1980-2000 had about EEE boobs, a 13" human scale waist, and was about 6'5'' inches tall on a human scale (these are total estimations by myself, FYI). Every girl knew that Barbie's body was totally unrealistic. I doubt too many girls compared their own 10 year old bodies to her's because- HELLO! Not real. The new dolls have more realistic (yet flawless) bodies. I think the new bodies are easier for girls to compare their own to, which is sad. Ok, Barbie discussion over.

Well, almost over. This was my very favorite Barbie. Hollywood Hair Barbie!! Yeah-yuh! YOU COULD PAINT HER HAIR!


2.  The JFK/Monroe Picture

This pictured has been pinned with a comment that is usually along the lines of "JFK and Marilyn. So sweet" or "Two love birds!"  Allow me to be redundant.....Whaaaaaaaat? This isn't a love picture- it is photographic evidence about an AFFAIR. Just because they were two celebrities doesn't make it cute. As G.O.B. Bluth would say, "C'MON!!!"

3. The John Smith Indian Picture

So there are a lot of different Disney art pins. I don't mind most of them because I love me some Disney. But THIS PICTURE:

One more time. WHAAAAAAAT?!! This picture is implying that Pocahontas and John Smith stayed together (which if we remember in history, and more importantly at the end of the movie he left to return to England after he got shot), got married, (which if you were cool like me and watched Pocahontas 2 or read a history book you know she married John Rolfe), and lived as indians with a kid? I don't mean to be that annoying person, but I think this one is just plain dumb.

Ok, rant is over.