"In any endeavor, one simple truth is all you need: One day at a time."

I have now developed my "Style" of music. Not only that I sing, but that I love listening to. Ingrid Michaelson, Vanessa Carlton, Sara Bareilles, Joshua Radin, One Republic, Rosi Golan, etc. My favorite songs are the ones where two of these artists (or similar ones) will do duets. They are so great. I seriously only listen to this music now. Seriously people- take one listen at these artists, and you will fall in love with the music. It is good for every mood, and even if its a sadder song, it is still uplifting music. Goodness, its great.

This weekend one of my absolute best friends came into town. She was my RA during spring term at BYU, and we had so many great memories and times together. She lives in Arizona, and after being an RA spring/summer she headed home for a semester. Let me just say I was ecstatic to find out she was visiting, and I made sure I would give her all the time I could. I got to see her yesterday and we just did random fun stuff. First we just talked and did a mini catch up session, then we went to jamba juice. Meanwhile, I was showing off my intensely awesome moonwalking skills. Lets just say I have gotten pretty good. I can now not only moonwalk backwards and in circles, but I can now go forwards and sideways. I am in the process or waring (sp?) down a pair of adidas for my official moonwalking shoes. I am making great progress. Afterwards we decided to roam Helaman Halls to try to find some old friends who are freshman. We had pretty much zero luck. The only person we found was Michael Slawson! who had to leave like right after we saw him. Don't worry... he was doing something worth ditching us for- going to the temple.

Afterwards, I went to the Alford's house in Springville. We got together with all the Rolling Valley people, young and old, who have ever lived in the ward. It was so cool to see all these people. My favorite part was seeing a certain couple that has been the view of marriage that I hope to have. I mean, ever since I was little, they were the "perfect couple" in my mind. They still seem pretty perfect ;)

Today was one of the best churches I ever went to. Every minute of every hour was filled with remarkable comments, quotes, stories, and the spirit. Usually I go through my snack bag pretty quick, ha ha, but this sunday I kind of forgot about the snacks half way through. Ever speaker and teacher was incredible. Thank you for an awesome sunday!

Now thats all from this teenage drama queen. More confessions to come.

- J

"I have the hardest time getting this feeling to stay.."

Last week I am pretty sure nothing of any excitement occurred, so I will just skip that whole week.

... oh yeah, and I had a birthday this week!

September 26th, 12:00 pm TUCANOS - YUM!

w/ Desta, Chantal, Stephanie, Jon, Natalie, Hannah and Lisa.

- It was so so so much fun. And sooooo delicious! That is all there is to say. So good :)

- Oh yeah, Jon and I got free meals AND free ice cream sundaes!

- We got sung to in english by my friends, and in Portuguese by the Tucanos peoples.

- We had the absolute best meat server ever! He is probably my most favorite person ever... seriously.

September 27th, 5:30 pm DINNER @ the SMITHS

- It was my birthday dinner: Chicken and dumplings, soo yummy!

- My birthday candles melted in the brownies! (Hahaha Skyler!)

- There was mint chocolate chip ice cream! Delicious!

- Mariah and I bonded. I shared many-a secrets.

September 28th, 6:21 am EMAIL! from Adam

- Perfect little birthday gift...

- I got an email from Adam Stokes! Didn't say much, but meant the world.

September 28th, 3:31 pm LETTERS & OLD FRIENDS

- Letter from my mother

- Touching and most precious b-day card from my Grandma Smith

- I got to talk with a friend who is on his mission in the DR. It was allowed, don't worry. His name is Collin, and he is doing well :)

September 28th, 9:27 pm ICE CREAM!

- Jessica, my visiting teaching companion and relief society president, brought me icecream!

- It was mint chocolate chip ice cream! My absolute favorite!

September 28th, 11:31 pm - September 29th, 1:36 am

- I sat on a couch all by myself eating vegetable soup from a can and toaster scrambles

- At midnight sang happy birthday to myself... pathetic, I know.

September 29th, 9:21 am WOKE UP

- I got happy birthday texts, and facebook messages!

- Jesse chatted me, the first official "Happy Birthday" I got.

- I got an email from my mother wishing me happy birthday!! :)

September 29th, afternoon-ish

- Brittany Jesse (one of my roommates) brought me donuts and dill pickles (my favorite)

- Brooke Jesse (one of my roommates) gave me a card, balloon, and present of yummy candy!

September 29th, 5:00ish DINNER

- Natalie took me out for Pizza and Dessert Pizza at Pier 49

- So filling and yummy!

September 29th, evening

- Brooke Jesse (one of my roommates) and I had a party... aka we danced to random music and played around in the kitchen and laughed and had an excellent time

September 29th, 11:49 pm JON COMES OVER

- I gave Jon his birthday Card. I cut out mini hearts and put them all inside the card.

September 30th, 12:00 am HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!

- My twin turns 19!

- Brooke, Brandi, and Heather (my roommates), Jon and I, all went outside and lit a candle on a muffin and sang each other (Jon and I) "Happy Birthday" and we made wishes and blew it out.

- We made the funniest joke about our new "friend" Ole... if you want to know about Ole (Oh-Leigh), ask. Its a good story.

- We laughed for an hour or so... then Jon went home :(

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON JON! I LOVE YOU <3>

Now, October 2nd, 10pm-ish BIRTHDAY PARTY

- I invited everyone in my phone that is in Utah to my party!

- It is after the football game versus Utah State in my apartment lounge

- It is going to be a dance party and there is going to be music and food and good times.

- The theme is "Black and White"... I plan on wearing red. :)

Now, thats all from this teenage drama queen. More confessions to come.

- J

"This back-breakin', bone-shakin', belly-achin', hard-workin' two more hours to go"

Thursday night, I went to the BYU Women's Volleyball game versus San Diego State. A girl from my freshman ward, Nicole Warner #15, was playing. She did a great job, and played a fair amount of the game. She was excited to see me there supporting her in her first game as an official player (she red shirted last season). *My friend Jimmy met up with me at the game so I wouldn't have to be alone, what a nice fella. :)

During the game Jimmer Fredette #32 (basketball) walked up and sat in the athletic seating right behind me two rows back. He is my absolute favorite basketball player ever, and it is especially exciting having him play at BYU. His high school record alone is impressive, and ever since playing in the NCAA-college level, he has excelled. Anyways, so he walked in and sat behind me. The whole game I was texting Natalie saying how I would love to get a picture with him, so at the end of the game, I turned around and asked him. His friend grabbed the camera, and he stepped down to where I was standing and got a picture with me. I thanked him and went on my way. But let me just say, that was one of the best moments of my college life. :)

(From a basketball game last year... Jimmer is MY homeboy :)

(I mean, look at that shot!)

(Its love.)

So after the volleyball game, I headed over to the Cougar Stadium for the pep rally. It was exciting and Max Hall was encouraging us, and getting us pumped for Saturday's game. As the football players let us see, we are number 1! No matter what the AP rankings say, we're as good as we say we are :) It was so fun to be in the stadium at 10 at night with fans cheering our football team. Tried, true, and bleeding blue.

Speaking of football... Saturday was the BYU vs. Florida State game. Even I thought we'd dominate, even though part of me worried we weren't giving Florida State enough credit, and sure enough they went into that game with a certainty they would play well, and they sure did. But despite our 17 ranking drop (BYU is now #19 in the AP rankings), I am still a Cougar fan. My support has been tried, but i'll be true. I am bleeding blue :)

Saturday night I went out with a friend Carter, who I met over Thanksgiving last year in Idaho. He is now a freshman at BYU. We had a good time just hanging out and dancing the night away. It was good to get out of the apartment for once.

Sunday was such a great day! I went to Natalie's church, and it was just amazing. We had the giggles the entire 3 hours, but we also got so much out of the meeting. We learned that our Stake theme is D&C 6:34, 36 which just happens to be my absolute favorite scripture thanks to my seminary teacher from junior year Sister Westwood. :) Then we went straight to my Uncle Dave and Aunt Carol's house for sunday dinner. My cousin's Lyndi and Kyle came along for dinner. It was so so much fun. My cousin Skyler and I grilled the dinner. We grilled steak, chicken, and delicious pineapple. I have to say, we were worried about the pineapple, but it was sooooo good.

That night I was able to visit with my best friends from freshman year. I got to see and hang out with Angela, Rachel, Kelsey, Hannah, and best of all Lisa. These ladies are incredible. We had a good time just sitting around, catching up, and doing practically nothing. It was perfect.

Anyways, thats all from this teenage drama queen. More confessions to come.

- J

ps. I'd like to wish Sister Julie Stokes a VERY Happy Birthday!

Its that special time of year-

Birthday celebration cheer.

At this moment i’d like to say:

"Happy Birthday today."

I wish you well, my heart of that could tell

I hope your day goes oh so swell!

So happy birthday to you!

"I'm on an emotional roller coaster, and I just can't get off"

What a week. That's for sure. The week started out normal, with lots of stress. Work got to me as usual, with me questioning my sanity every hour. Well, I guess there is a pro and con to my work week. Tuesday I got pulled in for a "meeting" where I was yelled at for nothing by one of my supervisors. I started balling, and said I needed to excuse myself. She followed me into the restroom and waited till I was done, to continue the "conversation". I excused myself once again due to the fact that I was balling, shaking, and near vomiting at this point. The next day I went to work again, and guess what I got stuck in again.... Another "meeting" where I got yelled at. I was brought to tears again (I don't usually cry. Not in sad movies, not for anything.) and then she said that she couldn't handle it anymore. She couldn't have employees who disrespect her like that and ball every time she tries to talk to them. So she said she was "done" with me. Whatever that means, all I know is I was glad she was done, because I was way past done. Then AmeriCorps tried to find me another position, but they were full, so I had to resign. What a disappointing week to say the least. If anyone wants to donate to the Jenna-Baker-is-poor-needs-a-job-and-money-asap Fund. Money will be accepted through paypal. Thanks :) Now I am jobless, and since I am not a student (my job wouldn't allow me to take classes) I can not get a student job, so jobs are scarce; And I have no classes, or anything. I feel like the biggest bum, because now I am either job searching or sitting on my couch watching tv and playing Farmville on facebook. I need a hobby...

So the work week was terrible, but yesterday I had the opportunity of a lifetime. I got to perform at Muse Music Cafe (my favorite cafe in the Provo/Orem area), where I have so many good memories. I got to open for one of my favorite local bands, j.wride, whose three members Jesse, Austin, and Garrett, are three of the most talented musicians I have ever met (maybe besides David Charles). My family drove from Orem and Murray to support me, and I also had friends and family from Provo come. My "fans" took up half the audience, and I just had a blast performing with my twin Jon. We were named blueJs (we wore blue, haha). **Pictures/video might come on here, if I can find someone who took videos or pictures.** But I was way way nervous, I started cracking really lame jokes between songs just to calm down my own nerves. But I did get a few chuckles, that was good. And yeah, it was so so fun. I was completely exhausted by the time Benjamin Burton opened for j.wride's second show, and so I headed home to fall asleep to the sound of the disney channel and my roommate's computer clicking. It was brilliant. In the middle of the night, I had to wake up and take my contacts out. OUCH. They were like plastered in my eyes. But after a lot of struggle, and one chocolate chip cookie, I got them out. Then I stayed up for an hour or two, and then went back to sleep. I forget what kind of exhausted energy I have at 3 in the morning. Ha ha.

A MAJOR thank you to all my family who came from near and far to support me, and a thank you to all my friends who took the time to come as well (I even had a friend drive down from Salt Lake just to see me!). When it comes down to the little things like supporting me in concert, I got to see who my real and true friends are :)

Thank you once again, everyone.

Anyways, thats all from this teenage drama queen. More confessions to come.

- J

"We Thank Thee oh God for the Prophet"

Today the Prophet Thomas S. Monson visited the BYU campus to speak to the students at our university devotional. I was lucky enough to have a third row floor seat literally 10 feet from the prophet. As the prophet stepped into the Marriott Center, thousands of students stood in silence and in reverence for the prophet of the Lord. The spirit immediately settled upon the audience, and you could tell by the way the students listened intently to the prophet's voice.

We first sung "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice", after which the BYU combined choirs sang "I Stand All Amazed". The music was a beautiful way to start the devotional.

President Monson started out by reminding us that the Lord will provide the help we need. He then talked about his relationships with the prophets before him and discussed their unique characteristics. He encouraged us to work on developing these characteristics.

1. Be persistent
2. Be compassionate
3. Stay on the Lord's side
4. Be considerate
5. Be kind and thoughtful
6. Become a gospel scholar
7. Stand in holy places
8. Be in tune with and responsive to promptings of the spirit
9. Let your obstacles become an opportunity
10. Be dedicated to the Lord and living the gospel
11. Serve the Lord
12. Love one another
13. Be like Christ
14. Be courteous
15. Be modest and look for the best in people
16. Have reverence for the temple
17. Never diminish others' beliefs
18. Be studious
19. Do your best
20. Pledge your life, strength, and all you have to the Lord

President Monson promised us that if we develop these characteristics and follow the teachings of the prophets, we will have joy in our hearts and peace in our souls.

I add my testimony that I know that if we do everything we can to be more like Christ, follow His request to "come unto me", and dedicate our lives to serving Him, we will be blessed with peace, joy, and other blessings that we can't even imagine. I know Jesus is the Christ, and that He lives! Thomas S. Monson is the latter-day prophet who leads and guides Christ's church today.

Remembering 9/11

My Memory of 9/11:

As I drove to work yesterday morning, callers were sharing their stories and memories from 9/11. Eight years ago, I was in my hometown of Springfield, Virginia. Springfield is near Washington D.C and right next to the Pentagon where the third plane hit.

Eight years ago, I was in 6th grade at Orange Hunt Elementary School. As more and more students were pulled out of school, the school began showing Charlotte's Web in all of the classes. Finally the principal gathered all the 6th grade classes together and told us what was going on. However, we were given few details and no one even knew what the twin towers in NYC were. Since the Pentagon had been hit and so many students had been pulled out of school, we were sent home from school early. I was walking home with my neighbor Allison Van Gilst and my sister Molly, a second-grader. I was trying to explain to Molly what had happened, but it wasn't until I got home and saw the video footage from the planes crashing into the World Trade Centers that I truly understood what was going on. I was shocked as I saw the planes fly straight into the buildings, and was even more fearful when I saw them collapse. The two towers collapsing weren't even the biggest worry or shock for me. What scared me most was the fact that a lot of my friends’ parents, including my neighbor's dad, worked at the Pentagon. No one knew who had survived or if their parents were okay. I kept hearing word that certain families didn’t know if their parents had survived. Hours later, we were relieved to hear word that they were alive and well. Some had even walked home from the Pentagon.

The President urged all those who could help to do so. I was only ten years old when September 11 happened to America. I was only ten when nearly three thousand people lost their lives. I was only ten when firefighters courageously walked into the burning buildings to save so many lives that would have been lost. I did not understand how much this affected us then, but I understood enough. I got some of my friends and family to create a lemonade stand. We stood on the corner of a nearby street and sold lemonade and patriotic trinkets. We sat out there for days earning money. Some may say that we did not make a difference, but I believe we did. We earned nearly 300 dollars. It may not seem like much, but that is 10 cents for every victim. I felt so proud when we visited the Red Cross office in Washington D.C. and delivered the dollar bills and all the coins. I had helped the country just like the President asked.

This event didn't change me much as a ten-year-old, but every day, every year, every time I think of that day, I change a little bit more, become a little bit stronger, and become a little bit better.

What We Can Learn From All This:

During the next few months, people would smile and wave on the street, some would be found doing random but extraordinary acts of service, and others were donating blood. Some were more generous in what they gave to the Red Cross and other charities. Many were found going back to churches they thought they'd never step foot in again. Prayers were being offered. Patriotism shot through the roof.

Now when was the last time you smiled and waved to a perfect stranger?
When did you last do a random act of service to someone in need?
When is the last time you prayed to God or went to church?

When was the last time that you gave a little bit more to those who have so much less?
Have you recently showed support for your president and the decisions he is making?

Just because 9/11 happened 8 years ago doesn't mean that we have to forget the things we learned. People die every day protecting our freedom. Just because you don't know the people who die for this country doesn't mean they don't die heroes.

I encourage you all to stand up, stand out, and stand together. Remember how you felt that day. Remember how you changed, and don't let 8 years be the stopping point of those changes. You can still help others and be kind to those in need. Let today be the day that YOU make a difference. Make every day a day that you are grateful for—one that you would fight to protect. And never forget those who died and those who have yet to die for America, for you, and for me.

"I've Gotta Feeling That Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night"

Ryan Smith & Me

Once upon a time in the towns of Sandy and Provo, little Ryan Smith grew up. He turned in his mission papers and got called to serve in Russia for his mission. One sad day it was time to say goodbye. It was also a happy day, especially for Ryan though. The following families/individuals met at Brick Oven for a farewell luncheon just moments before young Ryan went into the MTC: Young Family; Carol, Natalie, and Jenny Baker; and Ole, Tyler, and Ryan. We had a grand time, and it was good to see the Young family again, and say my final goodbyes to Ryan. He is one of my best friends, and we spent a lot of time together before he left. He will be greatly missed, but I wouldn't want him anywhere else.

The End.

Natalie and Jude (Mandi's)

Natalie, Me, and Mom Mom, Michelle, and Becky

So this past week has been very.... exhausting. Work has gotten more stressful and overwhelming, and I am struggling to stay afloat. Luckily monday was a holiday, so I didn't have to work, and then Friday, I got a little break. First of all, I woke up at 7 am and went to the Hospital in Provo for some tests, labs, and blood work. I now have a huge bruise where the needles were poked into my poor helpless arm. (For the record, I am not afraid of needles, or blood, but I do have a fear of foreign objects going into my body. Eek.) Afterwards I made my way over to where I work. BUT today was going to be a day like no other! We met up, and Caitlin came with me in my car. We drove down to Saratoga Springs, UT. There we went to a private "pool" which was over the natural hotsprings, which means that the pool, was naturally heated, along with both of the hot tubs. It was awesome!

Here is one of the natural hot spring streams that filtered from the hot springs pool. :)

It was so warm, and it felt so nice to walk through the stream.

Then we had a BBQ, I grilled the hot dogs. Delicious.

From (L) to (R): Brandon, Me, Karen, Reed, Caitlin, Michelle.

Then we went on Karen's boat into Utah Lake. First, we had to drive the boat into the lake, that was awesome!

Then we drove out in the Lake. Brandon went tubing first, then Caitlin and I went together, and then I went alone. So so fun!

My shoulder killed, and Karen went crazy driving, and I almost fell off. But it was so so much fun! As you can probably see from the pictures. Ha ha. Anyways, it was great.

And as fun as it was. Look at the burns I got. I've never burned in Utah, so I didn't know how fast I would burn. My whole head, forehead, nose, cheeks, ears, shoulders, arms, legs, hands, shins, everything. Completely lobster red. Ouch! Lets just say sleeping is a total pain.

Anyways, I had a great ending to a very stressful work week. Then Saturday night Emily Tsai, Michelle Drennan, and Natalie came over and I made dinner. Broccoli and Potato side circles, biscuits, Baked Chicken Breast (natural chicken breast cooked in chicken broth, then topped with a breaded topping), and green beans. It was most delicious, everything, even the scraps were eaten :) My guess is that means a successful meal. Yay!

This weekend was also plugged with rehearsals for THIS Friday's concert at Muse Music. Jon and I have been practicing a ton, and I am still feeling way nervous about it. Tickets did go down to only 5$! So thats good :) Hopefully more people can make it. And if you have any questions about the concert, just ask. I perform at 7pm THIS Friday! 151 N. University Ave.

Anyways, thats all from this teenage drama queen. More confessions to come.

- J

"This is What Dreams Are Made of!"

This past weekend was one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. The 3 day weekend consisted of 2 trips to the Gateway and good quality time spent with cousins.

Saturday I met up with my cousin Mckay Thomas and his wife Stephanie. We drove down to SLC, starting out with glasses of apple beer from Provo. We had a lot of laughs as we talked about random things in life. It wasn't one of those moments or days where everything is so extraordinary, but rather one of those moments where even the simplest statement makes you laugh, and the most casual activities make the most sense for a good time. We went to the apple store where McKay bought a new macbook pro, and I brought my macbook in for repair. We also went to a handful of stores/boutiques where Steph looked around for some new work clothes, and McKay and I danced to the music in the stores. Rachel and her boyfriend met up with us for a little bit while we walked around in stores. It was fun to meet her boyfriend, who've I heard a lot about recently. Anyways- it was just a grand ole time. (I've been saying that a lot recently, huh?) Then McKay and Steph took me out for dinner. They also let me pick! :) So, I chose Tucanos. If you haven't been, and you have some extra money, or a birthday coming up, go! There is one in Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, Provo, and Boise. If you're close to any of those locations, go. Lunch is 12.95 and dinner is 19.95, plus 3.25 for a Brazilian Lemonade (which is a must). Yes, it seems expensive, BUT there is UNLIMITED meat! More types of meat than you can ever imagine. And there is a salad buffet, and fried bananas, and deliciously cooked pineapple. All unlimited, as much as you want, until you are ridiculously full. Yes indeed. The most delicious meal you will ever eat in your entire life. (Plus, during your birthday month, and the month after, you get a free meal card.) The Brazilian Lemonade is extra, but so so worth it, they are so so delicious. Everything is. Anyways, it was the most delicious meal ever. You should try it sometime. :) YUM.

The we drove home. Unfortunately, this was all during the BYU vs. #3 Oklahoma football game. I was wearing my game day shirt to support the cougars! but was that enough? No. So, I had friends texting me updates of the score. At "2 minutes" (the last 15 minutes) left, we put the game on the radio. I think I was screaming and freaking out that whole time. That game was INCREDIBLE. I totally called it my friends. Yes, even though we were playing the #3 ranked team, I still said we'd win it. My prediction was actually 28-24 BYU. But hey, I was close. It was at the new stadium in Dallas, so its not like either team had the bonus of being on their home turf, and since BYU has a history of starting out strong, I knew they could do it. And they did! Yay! Good job BYU! 

Then today I went to breakfast at Kneaders in Provo with my cousin Mandi and her husband Nick Coroton and their son Jude, Nick's sister, and then Mandi's siblings (and my cousins) Jon and Becky. I picked up Jon and Becky and we met Mandi there. Some got the refillable french toast (which was so good!) and some got sandwiches. I got a sandwich and a delicious smoothie. Then Jon and I drove to the gateway. We first went to Aldo, which is one of my new favorite stores. Then we walked in Anthropologie and we played the "Guess how much this can cost" game. Twas fun. Then we went and picked up my computer from the Apple store. We got smoothies from some ice cream place and the drove to Murray. We went to this intense music/guitar store where there were a million guitars. We went into the Acoustic room and played and sung with the expensive guitars practicing for our concert. Then I pulled out a Ukulele and learned a new song. ** FYI Ukulele's are my absolute favorite things ever. If anyone wants to be generous for a birthday present, you could buy me one, or go in on one, and I would love you for forever and a day. ** Then we drove back to Provo. Overall, it was just a great day spending time with my twin and getting excited for our birthday in a few weeks. Yay! 

Oh yeah, also, we figured something out. Lyndi Pratt is a Junior, I am a sophmore, and Jon Young is a freshman, and we realized that we will all be the age of 19 for 5 days. How cool is that?! Weird! Haha. Its right after Jon and I's birthday when we turn 19 and right before Lyndi turns 20. 

So, that was what my awesome weekend was like! And that is what dreams are made of :)

Anyways, thats all from this teenage drama queen. More confessions to come.

- J

All the Way Home

Hello my friends. I recently took a voyage. An extremely excellent adventure. As you read in my last post, I went home for a week and a half. This is what I did:

1- Went to a Nationals vs. Brewers baseball game. Brewers won, of course.
2- Went to Katie + Connor's apartment and spent the night.
3- Babysat at the Washington D.C. Temple, and was able to see a lot of familiar faces, including my home stake president, one of his counselors, and Bishop and Sister Stokes (Adam's parents), etc.
4- Visited with Sarah Wink tons! and I got to see Matt Ballew :)
5- Played basketball with Kim, Talia, Heidi, and her kids, and went back to my house for pancakes and a movie.
6- Dinner with the Beans (hadn't seen them in a while- gabriella was huge!)
7- Saw Bandslam with my family, it is one of Molly's favorite's, and was a GREAT movie :) There was this one REALLY awkward scene that got us all screaming.
8- Watched a thousand movies (almost) with molly, myself, and random other people.
9- Had family pictures taken! It was supposed to be outside, but it was storming...
10- We went out to eat at Olive Garden before bandslam with help from giftcards from Trent and Lyndi. Thanks guys!

So there are the 10 things I can remember. There was also that time when we played games with Trent and Lyndi, but Lyndi kicked my butt, so I'd rather not talk about that ;) And there was that time we met half way with Asialene, but she deserves more than a bullet, so here we go: We decided to meet up with Asialene, so she drove half way down from Philadelphia, and met them halfway driving up from Fairfax. We met in some random hopunk town, Molly was scared, and I enjoyed teasing her :) We finally met up at a T.G.I.Fridays cause iHop (where were planned to meet) had been closed for years... so that didn't really work. After we ate, we went to a neighboring park where we played all sorts of games my mother brought, and rode scooters. It sure was a good ole time riding those scooters. It had been too too long. Ha ha. Overall, it was an excellent day, especially since I got to see what an incredible mother, person, and friend Asialene is. She just awed me in how wonderful of a mother she was. Two thumbs up to her for sure.

So Monday the 24th I flew home after being in VA/DC for a little over a week. Natalie and I flew back together, and we had two flights. The first, she got me a high number, so I was able to board the plane as one of the first 20 people. I saved Nat a seat, and so we sat row 3 right side aisle and middle seat. Perfect. Then on our second flight if we wanted to sit up close to the front so we could get off quick when we landed, we had to split up. So we did, and I sat in a middle seat next to one scary scary man and one extremely nice gentleman. After the crowds were down, he turned to my sister and said, "Did you wanna sit with your friend?" And he traded her spots. What a nice man! So that meant I could lean on her and sleep some :) If I would've done that before the switch, that could have been extremely awkward. Ha ha. Oh goodness.

Now I've been back in Provo, Utah for a couple weeks now, and let me just tell you something. I miss having no one here like it was all summer. The streets are now crowded with a million people crossing all the time. Turning left on a green light is nearly impossible I must say. I pull out in the intersection and just wait and wait and wait and wait (I could go on forever) until the light turns yellow and you go. Luckily the people usually run away from your car when you do that ;) haha. Anyways, there are just too many people, too many cars, too long of lines. I miss the loneliness. Worst part of everyone coming back must be this though: All my "best friends" from freshman year are back (well the girls are, the guys are on missions) and not one has made any effort to see me. Well thanks friends. I'll just be here by my lonesome self. I guess I like that anyways. . .

Also, I got some good news when I got back to Provo. I was asked to open for j.wride, one of my favorite local bands. I will be singing and my cousin Jon Young will be accompanying me. There are two shows on September 18th, 2009. One at 7 pm and one at 9 pm. Tickets are sold at the door for 6$. Jon and I will be performing, opening for j.wride, for the first show (the one at 7) and will be performing for 20-30 minutes. We would LOVE your support if you are in Provo, or a neighboring area. The concert is at Muse Music Cafe (they have the most delicious sandwiches, kettle chips, and italian sodas) which is located at 151 N. University Avenue, Provo, Utah. If you have any questions about the concert, just ask me :) And i'll tell you everything you'd like to know.

This week all I really did was work. Thats all I've done the past two weeks. I work full time, so thats hard. But, I'm sure I am developing a work ethic that will stick with me and that's important.

Anyways, thats all from this teenage drama queen. More confessions to come.

- J