Friday, March 4, 2011

My Trip to Utah (in detail!)

First of all, a very special thank you to those of you who donated to my trip fund. Because of YOU, I was able to have one of the most amazing 2 weeks ever!

I got to Utah and stayed the first two nights at my old apartment. While I stayed there, I was able to go to class with Josh Flores (and Nick Potts). It was a Mythology class, and while somewhat interesting. I will not be taking that class any time soon. But, it was fun to go, learn a little, and sit with Daniel, Nick and Josh. Also, one night I went over to my good friend Jake Edvalson's apartment and just hung out with him. It was some of the most fun I've had in a really really long time. We just hung out and I listened to some stuff he was working on. Afterwards we decided to get some icecream, but when we got outside, it was snowing... a lot! So we got in my car and drove to starbucks where we each got a hot chocolate- his more adventurous than mine. We sat and talked for a long time, and had just a really good time. I will never forget that night!

I then went to my cousin Tyler's wedding festivities. He married the remarkable Kelly Wight. I picked up my grandma Smith and took her to the reception center where the family had gathered. Before the reception started, Liam, Janae and I took a quick trip to Subway and McDonalds for dinner where I got myself a Wild Berry Smoothie (if you know me, you know I LOVE those)! When we got back, they wouldn't let us in with our food, so we went back to the car and brought Elijah and Seara with us to eat our food. It was awesome. At the reception I was able to see a lot of family- aunts and uncles, and cousins. I even ran into Natalie and Kenny :) I spend the night at my grandma's house (in a real bed!) The next morning was their wedding. Again, I drove Grandma Smith to SLC where the wedding was going to take place. I got lost a little, but we found the right parking, and got to the sealing in time. I helped Liam watch all the kids while Grandma talked the temple into letting her in without her recommend, which she had forgotten. Afterwards, I watched Enoch, Elijah, and Seara at the visitor's center while Sam and Janae were able to attend the wedding luncheon. It was a lot of fun, and I ADORE those three kids probably more than anything, so that was a pure pleasure for me.




Later in the day I went to the dentist and then headed down to Provo where I went to stay with my delightful friend Lorin. She is amazing, and one of the best friends I could ask for. She's just a really kind person. We went to Pizza Factory for dinner and then drove over to the Tahitian Noni Theater in Provo (near the Riverwoods) where the first j.wride concert was happening. We got there early, and got second row seats (amazing!). I then helped take tickets during the start of the show so Jake (who was taking the tickets) could do the lights for the performers. I was pleasantly surprised when Kade Beus showed up, and I hung with him throughout the concert. I also brought my video camera and videotaped the whole show. And, it was INCREDIBLE! Words can not describe how amazing it was. I soaked it in, and loved every single song. A few of my favorites were played, and I was so giddy. When the concert ended I went out and bought their new CD "Indigo" which is AMAZING. If you haven't had a chance to hear it, you should go out and get yourself a CD, or wait until April when the CD will be on iTunes! Cool, huh?





The next day I went to my friend Laurie's Bridal Shower where we had some delicious food! And some great company. I surprised her, and she didn't know I was in town, so when I opened the door for her, she was ecstatic! It was awesome:)




That night was the second j.wride CD release for their new album "Indigo". I brought along Sam Barlow, yes, Kenny's younger brother. And we had a GREAT time. We laughed, a lot, and drank a lot of water and just had such an enjoyable evening. And the music, was phenomenal. It blew me away, and I'd already been to one concert. And Sam seemed to enjoy the concert as well. At the end I lent a few people some money so they could buy j.wride CD's, it was so great.




That night I went over to my Aunt Carol's house because by now, I was sicker than all get out. I had lost ten pounds by this point, and was just feeling awful. I spent the night and woke up in the morning not feeling much better. I ended up staying almost the whole week at their house while they took really good care of me. Such a nice family :) One night during that week I spent the night at my friends' Natalie and Rani's apartment at Alta Apartments where I used to live for a year and a half. That was a lot of fun.




One night when I was feeling better, I was able to go to ihop with Jake, Nick, and Kailee. Nick was nice enough to just let me eat his pancakes, and I still owe Jake for my Orange Juice:) It was so much fun to just have a night to let loose and just hang out.




































Monday, I went to the Potts Family's house for dinner and FHE. It was sooooo great to see Rachel and Dewey again! I love those guys, and Sister and Brother Potts, SO much. We had a really great evening. I even ran into my cousin Lyndi who in in Bishop Potts' ward and was over for ward FHE.


Wednesday was the BYU basketball game verse Colorado State University. My uncle Ole was oh so kind and gave us his 4 season tickets for the game since this was the ONLY home game while I was in Utah. It was an awesome game! We even hit 80 points so we got free chocolate cake! Awesome, huh?! It was soooo much fun! And at the end of the game, thanks to Noah Hartsock (#34) I got to meet Jimmer Fredette! It was one of the most treasured experiences I've ever had, it was so neat, and he was such a nice and down to earth guy. THANKS NOAH!



On Thursday I had another dentist appointment, so I was up in Murray. After I finished, I drove down to Sandy where I picked up my grandma and took her on a few errands before we went to Noodles and Co for lunch. It was sooo good, but neither of us could finish our food before we left. So we boxed it up and took it home with us. Grandma said it took her three additional meals to finish her Mac & Cheese. I left mine for Kenny to finish. Afterwards, I drove over to Draper where my good friend Matt Bashaw recently moved and I hung out at his place for a couple hours before heading back to Provo. I was able to record a few videos of his songs so we could post them on his youtube since he doesn't have a video camera.

My last weekend in Utah, I spend with Natalie and Kenny in their apartment in Orem. I love them so much, and it was SO nice to spend all that extra time with them:) I miss them a lot.



Then Sunday night Chantal and Stephanie came to my Aunt Carol and Uncle Dave's house for dinner with me, Nat and Kenny. They were so kind, and polite, and they were perfect guests. They are the kind of guests people want at their house. :) Anyways, that was really fun and it was good to spend so much time with them!



Sunday I went to Stake Conference with Sam Barlow and all the Alta Wards and got to say goodbye to a lot of people, and say hi to even more. I felt like a celebrity. It was neat to see so many old friends.















Monday I went on campus around 11 and met up with Hannah Marsh for lunch. We both got Jamba Juice:) Afterwards, we went to the terrace and just talked. I ran into Michael Slawson there too. Then I texted Brent Parker, and he called back and met up with Hannah and I as well. The three of us talked till 1 when they both had places they needed to be. But, while we were there I saw Katherine Finlayson too! Then I waited around more, and saw Rachel Kiene, Rachel Davis, and Karrae Brunner. It was sooo good to see all my old friends again! I didn't realize how much I missed them until I saw them again:)

Then I flew home. It's good to be home.
Anyways, that's all for now. More confessions to come.

- J

p.s. What do you think of the new layout for my blog??!

3 comments:

  1. Sounds like an adventure!

    And, one note, anyone from Colorado will tell you that BYU played CSU (Colorado STATE University) not CU (Colorado University). Two very different places. ;)

    Glad you're home safe!

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  2. Cute layout! I was glad we got to see you while you were in Utah, even if we didn't really get to talk much. Sounds like you were pretty busy seeing lots of friends. Glad you had a good time. :)

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  3. yay! I made it in your blog! I feel famous!!! :D I love the layout and I'm so glad I got to see you!!!

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