The Meandering Thoughts of Jan

I recently shared a video similar to this one of Southern Utah.  This compilation is footage from Yosemite National Park and it is amazing!  Seriously. This little video brought back memories of my own visit to Yosemite in 2009.  You see, back in my single life one of my main group of friends were my mission buddies (meaning we served together on our LDS missions in England) who became my adventure buddies (meaning most of the cool adventures I went on during that time were with them) .  They are actually still all my friends, we just live in different parts of the world now. Anyway, on this particular trip to Yosemite, my far more athletic friends decided it would be cool to climb the Half Dome.  It was hard! I went back to my old blog and found that post I wrote about that experience and decided to share it. Me climbing the cables. Our group at the top! The Half Dome:  The Peak that Humbled Me             ...

Remember how in my last post I mentioned that Danny got me a surprise for National Peanut Butter Day?  I'm sure the suspense has been killing you.  Well no need  for near death suspense anymore.  This is the surprise I came home to... Gift Numeral 1:  It is no secret that when I'm busy on a production, like I have been for the last week and a half, the house gets neglected like a red headed step child.   (I'm the only one who can say that, because I'm actually a red head and the favorite child, so it is ok...kidding about the favorite child part, I know that will cause lots of disagreeing comments from my siblings.)  Danny pulled out the vacuum and broom and tidied the  place up before I got home for work.  Bless that husband heart of his! Gift Numeral 2:   A half full (or half empty, depending on your mood) jar of peanut butter, for kicks and giggles really. Gift Numeral 3:  The new Ingrid Michaelson CD "Human Again"!!! ...

Here are a few tidbits from my life recently... On Sunday I had a conversation with two boys in our primary class (ages 9) that went something like this: Boy #1:  Did you know that boys actually cry more than girls? Me:  Why is that? Boy #1:  Because girls can hit boys, but boys can't hit girls so boys end up getting hurt more. Me (chuckling to myself) :  Well it's true that you shouldn't hit girls, but girls shouldn't hit boys either unless it is in self defense. Boy #2:  What am I supposed to do if I see a girl rob a bank? Me:  Ummm, perhaps trip her and call the police. The boys seemed pleased with this answer.  I filling these kids' heads with such uplifting advice. Happy Chinese New Year (yesterday) !  I like the Chinese New Year for a couple of reasons.  First off, it is a holiday and I love holidays.  Second, if you have been slacking on your New Year resolutions, it is a second New Year to get back on board.  Now...

By our entry way we have a table with all of our classy books.   (Yes, Calvin and Hobbes is considered classy in our home.)  I've been trying to come up with some type of decor to dress it up a little.  Danny was off with the guys one evening, so it was just me, the movie "Pride and Prejudice" (audible sigh) and lots of scrap paper and this is what I came up with.  I bought the frame for a dollar at DI (our local thrift store) and popped out the glass and painted it the color I wanted.  I then cut a piece of textured paper to the size of the frame and punched out lots of little houses with my house paper punch from scraps of scrapbook paper I had.  I chose colors that matched my living room, which is mainly white, brown, red with a teal accent.  I stuck the houses and letters on using double sided foam tape.  The hardest part was trying to space all the houses evenly.   (Don't look too close, because it isn't perfect.)   Anyway, this...

I met these two little angels this past weekend, my twin nephews!  Aren't they so sweet?!  I think they have already stolen my heart.  And for those who are counting, on my side of the family:  Nephews = 10 Nieces = 0.  Apparently my family can't produce any female offspring. These two are not twinners, but they are pretty darn cute too.

I faced one of my greatest fears this past weekend, singing a solo in public.  You see, I spent many of my teenage years in Jr. high and high school choirs, contently standing on the back row (because I'm tall) blending my alto part with the other melodious sections.  As for my solo career, I thought it was going rather well within the confines of my own car.  However, a few months ago I was invited to participate in a ward fireside of a musical rendition of the parable of the 10 virgins.  Nine different women in my ward and myself portrayed a quality of each of the 10 virgins and sang a solo along with our speaking part.  It was a bit nerve wracking, but I consented.  After months of practicing, the night of the fireside had arrived.  I felt pretty calm through the whole program, but when it came to my part the butterflies in my stomach were alive and well.  My nerves were apparent through the first verse of my song, which frustrated me.  B...

A few months ago I shared a post about how crazy busy my work schedule had been because of a certain production I was working on.  Well that Mormon Message that I helped on was released today.  I thought it turned out really cool!  Well done to all my amazing coworkers who are the geniuses behind these!  Now friends, it is time for another edition of "Where's Jannifer?"  In a very sneaky way, Danny and I are in this Mormon Message.  I didn't mean for us to show up, it just kind of happened.  I'll be super impressed if any of you catch it, so much that I'll give you a prize.  Also, I'd like to add how grateful I am for the many ways the priesthood has blessed my life.

First off, I have always felt a special bond with January, because we share the same shortened nickname.   I felt a little sadness when I watched the news the other day and saw more violent and bad news.  Can't people leave the new year untarnished, just for a little bit?   I have a great love for new calendars.  It is fun for me to mark future dates.  I went through my new calendar (with beautiful nature scenes) and marked all of our family members and loved ones birthdays.  I'm not the best at sending birthday cards.   (However, I'm pretty good at sending birthday facebook messages.)  Just know family and friends that on your birthday, you are on my mind.  Danny and I have planned our first vacation for 2012.  It isn't too far away and it won't be a long vacation, but it does involve sand, water and my sister Michele and her husband Dan.  We are very excited! Today I used my first sick day of the year.  Only 5 days into...