hear me roar

no words

2011-09-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

there are no words...

so let's not talk about it.

labor day weekend

2011-09-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

We're going to ignore the fact that it's been approximately 4 months since my last post and just glide on forward. These are pictures of my Labor Day weekend taken with my new birthday phone.

Games, food, naps, tennis, swings- all with my favorite people. It was lovely.

tumblr

2011-05-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

I recently opened a tumblr account with the encouragement of my lovely friend Vanessa.

Here's the link for those of you who are interested. It's easier than blogging because I can just post pretty things without the need for all the commentary.

i so dearly love to laugh

2011-03-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

I love funny things. I highly doubt there is anyone who does not. And if there is, that would be incredibly sad. That being said, I think everyone has a slightly different sense of humor. But I've recently stumbled upon The Jolly Porter blog, and I feel I must share. It you appreciate sarcasm, then you'll love it. The author is actually the brother of Nie nie and Cjane. I think their family may just be taking over the blogging world. But there have been multiple posts where I find myself actually laughing out loud- which is rare. Usually if I read something funny I'll just give a slight smile or just think it's funny it my head. But you know something is really funny when you find yourself alone, laughing out loud. So read it.

Another blog I love is Rabbit in the Headlights. It's written by my friend Kinsey and Taryn's aunt, and Taryn turned me on to it. She's brilliant. One of her recent posts about her celebrity handcart company was hilarious. And very innovative. I appreciate that in a blog.

Also, if you haven't yet watched the darling Youtube video The tragedy of first position. Do it. It's so cute.

my ray of hope

2011-03-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

picture via cjane

In less than one month I will be in sunny San Diego. I have never been there before, but it has been far too long since I've had a vacation, and it has been even longer since I've been outside of the state of Utah. With the recent snow/slush that has been raining down around these parts this week long vacation is my ray of hope- the beach, Sea World, shopping, reading, sleeping in, the sunshine, the beach. I cannot wait. Taryn and I leave the day after I graduate from college!

a rainbow wedding

2011-03-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

This may just be one of the coolest weddings ever. See more at Martha Stewart Weddings.

oh. hello.

2011-03-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to pretend that it hasn't been nearly two months since my last post and just carry on...
Spring is in the air. It is almost here, I am certain of it. And as part of my Spring fever, I am dying to have a tea party. Complete with real tea cups, herbal tea, scones and cucumber sandwiches. Doesn't that sound delightful?

Getting all dolled up and enjoying an afternoon with the sun streaming through the window, surrounded by some of my favorite girls would be the perfect celebration to mark my impending graduation from college me thinks.

some new discoveries

2011-01-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

1. J Crew Outlet online. It's amazing. The past two weeks have been an additional 40% off sale items so I've been getting a steal. The key is to check on Friday so the colors and sizes you want are still available. The outlet online is only available on the weekends though- but I spent $45 total (including shipping- stupid shipping) for two shirts and a cardigan. Lovely.

2. The Big Bang Theory. It's basically a tv show about a bunch of super geniuses- but it's hilarious. Jim Parsons is a brilliant actor. He won the Golden Globe this year for best actor in comedy series. This is why I love this show (embedding has been disabled- sorry!).

new goal

2011-01-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

One of my new life goals is to eat at all the places on Black*Eiffel's list. They all look delicious and I love trying new places. I have eaten at Pizzeria 712 and it is divine. I have tried nearly all of their pizzas and love them all. And I have been dying to eat at Commual- there are few really unique restaurants in Provo, so I like trying them when they do pop up. Anyone want to join me on my new found quest?

perchance to dream

2010-12-13T20:54:00.000-08:00

I had to make this video as part of my final for a class that answers the question: "What does it mean to be an English teacher?" This is my answer...

Definitely the best final I've ever taken :)

oops

2010-12-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

So today, the last day of my LDS Marriage and Family class, my professor mentioned something about walking through the tunnels after General Conference. Which of course lead me to wonder- why would he be in the tunnels? And why does he keep mentioning all the conversations he's had with General Authorities. I did a little research- apparently he's the second counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency. I had no idea. Wow- talk about being busy.

on stupidity

2010-12-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

a conversation overheard on the campus of Brigham Young University near the SWKT:

guy 1: so where are you from?
guy 2: i'm from Colorado.
guy 1: oh. (laughs) I have no idea where that is.
guy 2: it's the rectangle right to the east of utah.
guy 1: oh! i'm from arizona.

true story.

the deed is done

2010-11-28T19:10:00.001-08:00

I did it- I finally cut my hair. After months of talking about it, it's finally been done.

Before:

And after! No- I did not donate my hair- it was in awful condition because it had not been cut for a year.
Yes- I do like it. In fact, I love it! It's totally liberating to cut so much off and I love the ease of short hair.

Next step- bangs.

i heart

2010-11-19T17:13:00.000-08:00

I love my school- and this is just one of the many reasons:

Happy Harry Potter 7 release day! (ps- It's amazing!)

latest obsession

2010-11-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

This song is my newest obsession. I love Carrie Underwood and I LOVE Chronicles of Narnia and cannot wait for the latest movie to come out December 10!

to cut or not to cut?

2010-11-15T20:54:00.000-08:00

My hair is long. As in really long. As in- longer than it has ever been in my 22 years of life. And now I am sick of it. I want it gone. I want it out of my way. I want to be able to put my backpack on without having to pull out my hair that gets stuck under the straps. I want to be able to use less shampoo and conditioner. I want to be able to blow dry it faster (or not blow dry it at all!). Basically- I want something easier. It's been a fun road- but I'm ready for this journey to come to an end. So here's what I'm thinking- let me know what you think. Katie Holmes is my muse:

As a side note- I love this dress!

Why she ever made the mistake of marrying Tom Cruise I will never know.

I'm thinking I like options 1 and 4 the best. I've had short hair before, and I think I can pull it off. But the real question is- bangs or no? I've never really had them before- and it's a giant leap of faith. But I suppose hair always does grow back.

wild things

2010-11-15T17:55:00.001-08:00

I am completely in love with these Halloween costumes spotted at A Little Sussy. I wish I were this creative- these boys are so adorable!

a quote

2010-11-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

i felt like a race horse in a world without racetracks.
-sylvia plath the bell jar

on smiling

2010-11-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

This article in The New Yorker about bananas really made me smile and helped brighten my day- so I thought I'd share it. And maybe part of the reason I find it humorous is because I wholeheartedly concur.
ps- I heart The New Yorker- it's full of wonderful things!

on grammar

2010-11-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

"As ours becomes a world made not only of words but images, sounds as well as colors, all of which are increasingly integrated into multimedia constructions, we must return to the notion of grammar as a way of thinking. Grammar goes beyond formal rules of correctness. It is a means of representing patterns of experience .... It enables human beings to build a mental picture of reality, to make sense of their experience of what goes on around them and inside them. ... What is expressed in language through the choice between different word classes and semantic structures is, in visual communication, expressed through the choice between, for instance, different uses of color, or different compositional structures" (Kress and van Leeuwen).

une petite soiree

2010-10-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend Kristen Brown is getting married in November. Therefore my friend Candace (who was the real mastermind behind it all) and I decided to throw a dinner party bridal shower.
The theme- "The South of France meets Southern Romance".
Menu:
Starters- bread and butter, and a delicious summer salad of spinach, peaches and Gouda (compliments of Taryn!)
Entree- Butternut squash and parsnip soup and petite chicken pot pies
Dessert- Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding (amazing!)

It was so fun to put everything together and I think everyone had a really great time (including me!)

the table

i made caramel apples!
Candace put love quotes on the table.
the gift table- complete with an embroidered sign for Kristen and Will (done by Candace!)
the awesome crown Candace made Kristen
both future brides- Taryn and Kristen
the AMAZING dessert!

Congratulation Kristen! I love you girl!

things i love today

2010-09-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of autumn. I love that word- autumn. It's so beautiful and distinctive. It makes me want to take a drive through the canyons and see the beautiful colors and crunch leaves under my feet as I take in the beauty and wonder that surrounds me. It makes me want to watch You've Got Mail with my mom and my sister and then quote it throughout the week that follows. I love this time of year and I am grateful it is finally upon us.

Now- a list of other things I love:

How to Make Your Day Instantly Better via Marta Writes

The beautiful illustrations in The Imaginary Garden (which I just bought for $4!)

New blog discoveries- here, here, here and here

pretty hair

pretty girl (i love her hair and outfit)

awesome map wall

recapturing beauty

2010-09-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

picture via

Stephanie Nielson (aka Nie Nie) is coming to BYU to speak on September 30th at 7:00 in the Wilk. She's kicking off the BYU Women's Services "Recapturing Beauty" campaign. And I am so excited! I saw her in the Bookstore the other day, but didn't have the courage to go and say hello. I'm thrilled to have the chance to hear her speak about finding true beauty and to learn from her experiences. Plus- I think that this campaign is a brilliant idea, and I am happy to be part of a school that has such wonderful events. Anyone care to join me?

a little reminder

2010-09-13T21:24:00.001-07:00

So, I found out where I'll be doing my practicum/student teaching- Mt. Nebo Junior High in Payson. I'll be working with 8th graders! And I am thrilled. People think that's weird, but I quite like that age and I think we'll have a lot of fun together.
Sometimes, as I'm taking all my education classes and being bombarded with information on how to be a good and effective teacher I lose sight of the point. And sometimes I have a slight panic attack because I forget the purpose of what I am doing and why it even matters.
But then I remember. And then I feel unstoppable and noble even (is it wrong to say that about myself?) because I know that what I am going to do can make a difference. For a homework assignment I had to read the state core/objectives for Language Arts for 8th grade. And as I read them I was struck by a few that really reiterated to me why I decided to major in English, and why I decided to teach it! These are the ones that hit home the hardest:

3. Demonstrate Understanding of the Nature of Language
a. Understand that language enhances and identifies human beings as meaning makers.
b. Understand that language is the vehicle for constructing knowledge, acquiring skills, and
developing habits of mind.
c. Understand that language captures and records human aspirations and imagination.
d. Understand that language is continuously evolving as a reflection of human evolution.
e. Understand that language acquisition is not a matter of refining skills, but of increasing
confidence, insight, and discernment.
f. Understand that language conveys the depth of human experience, evoking both emotion
and reason.

Amen! That is really about all I can say to that.

I LOVE The Dead Poet's Society and especially when Robin Williams is explaining why studying English is important- "We don't study poetry because it's cute; we study poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion." Ah! I love it. I am so excited to be a teacher. And I am so excited to be able to teach students to have a greater appreciation and understanding of literature and writing and how it can influence their lives for the better.

i'm right, you're wrong

2010-09-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

My brother Marshall and I have gotten into an argument on at least two separate occasions regarding books written in first person. He read The Hunger Games and said it took him aback a little because he hadn't read a book written in first person before. I thought that was ridiculous because there are plenty of books written in first person- he disagreed and thought it was rare and during our last argument he challenged me to name one other book written in first person. Of course I know that lots of other books are written in first person- but I couldn't think of any on the spot. So behold- a list of well known (and widely read) books that are written in first person. Just for you Marshall (even though you probably will never read this):

Catcher in the Rye
The Great Gatsby
Grapes of Wrath
Jane Eyre
Twilight (and all the others in the series)
Frankenstein
The Outsiders
Wuthering Heights
As I Lay Dying
Great Expectations
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Bell Jar
Virginia Woolfe
A Clockwork Orange
To Kill a Mockingbird (this is my favorite book, and yet under pressure I couldn't remember that Scout is the narrator)

ta-da! I've only read about 2/3 of these- so I'm trusting the internet as my source on the rest. But I just wanted to prove it to the world (aka the three people who read my blog) that I was right- there are plenty of books written in first person.

it's a cruel world

2010-09-09T17:55:00.001-07:00

I just had to pay $130 to register to take a test (November 13th is the big day- if you're curious). Is that not the sickest thing you have ever heard? Sure- it is what determines if I'm fit to be an educator, and my entire future rides on this test. But $130?! Wow- just wow.

that is all

an introduction

2010-08-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

Meet my current crushShe & Him. They're brilliant. Zooey Deschanel is my idol- she is darling. I want to dress just like her. I saw them in concert on Thursday in SLC (for free!) at the Twilight Concert Series. The music was great. The smoking, the beer drinking and the b.o- not so much.

remember when?

2010-08-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

dear friend,

remember when we went mini-golfing and I beat you, but you wouldn't admit it to anyone because you hate to lose? remember when we took a trip to san francisco, and we made you our designated driver? remember when alisa drove on the way back and almost killed us all? remember when we went to Stan's and you lied to me about breaking up with your girlfriend, and a week later she dumped you? remember when we went to the haunted house and i hid behind you the entire time because the scary man wouldn't leave me alone? remember when you dated my sister? remember when i bought you a byu shirt for your birthday because i refused to let you sit by me at sporting events without it? remember when we went to a jazz game and the only thing i really cared about was kyle korver and you got really annoyed? remember when we went to your cabin and went canoeing? or when jason got attacked by the humming bird, and then he tried to ride a motorcycle and failed miserably? remember when we decided to pick some names off the angel tree and all the kids wanted were bratz dolls? remember when you tried to convince me to sell you my killers ticket when i'd been waiting for 3 months to go to the concert? remember when you dated one of my best friends? remember when we used to have movie nights every weekend? remember when we played basketball in your pool? remember when neither of us wanted to go to jeff's reception alone so we agreed to go together, but then you ditched me and left me alone to talk to that weird man at our table? remember when we all went to boondocks? remember when jamie and i crashed your apartment last year because we were homeless- and you made us breakfast?

i do. and now you're married. and i think your wife is really nice. but it's kinda weird because you're my first really good guy friend to get married. and i'm kinda sad that we won't be able to hang out anymore. but congratulations- and i really hope you two are very happy.

love,
jenny

letters

2010-08-23T14:15:00.001-07:00

dear weather,
today you are perfect. absolutely perfect. i wish you would stay this way- sun shining, a few puffy clouds lingering in the sky and a slight coolness in the air.

dear future roommates,
please be nice. and clean. but i'd take nice over clean. and i'd take normal over both of them.

dear parents of incoming freshman,
please stop calling me and telling me your child's life story- it's irrelevant. just ask me your question and let me give you an answer. a ten minute phone call is unnecessary.

dear summer,
why are you almost over?! i've so enjoyed you- and i've taken advantage of you. if you promise to last a little bit longer i promise it won't happen again.

dear friends,
please stop getting married. it's no fun being single when you don't have friends to play with.

dear roger federer,
i hope you win the us open- i'll be cheering for you. and if possible, could you please play nadal in the final? i think that would be amazing.

dear byu football,
please hurry and make up your mind. are you going independent or staying in the MWC? i don't really care- just please choose.

love,
jenny lynn

boquets of sharpened pencils

2010-08-23T14:14:00.001-07:00

I've been procrastinating this post for about a month. I initially wanted to write about back to school with the onset of August. But now it's nearly September and school begins one week from today. My last real semester of college. My last semester of classes. My last real semester on BYU campus. I'm rather sad. Yet at the same time I'm itching to move on and do my student teaching and graduate. But I love BYU. I am so glad that I chose to come to school here!

So here's a little overview of my BYU education/experience to date:
Favorite professors: Matt Holland, Dennis Cutchins, Deborah Dean
Favorite class(es): American Heritage (Holland) and Literature & Film (Cutchins)
Least favorite class: French!
Number of roommates: 32
Number of apartments: 5
Number of jobs: 3- Candy counter, Writing Fellow, American Heritage Secretary

happy friday

2010-08-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

After a week of blog stalking/internet surfing- here's a list of things I love.

The above picture makes me want to get married in NYC via this blog

Dying to travel to France and stay here

This scratch map is genius!

Did you know Zupas has a blog? Full of delicious menu ideas!

Love this NYT article about happiness v materialism

These pictures of America circa 1939-1941 are amazing

What You Don't See- brilliant article.

Dying for these two swimsuits

These clutches via Kate Spade are genius (and expensive!)

How to get out of a rut via Marta

pearls are a girls best friend

2010-08-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

I've never really been a fan of wedding rings. Well- that's not entirely true. I just think they're a complete waste of money- especially since you're usually poor when you first get married. Why waste needed money on a ring that just sits on your finger? Plus I kinda don't really like diamonds. Weird huh? Therefore I've always just wanted a plain band. Something that shows I'm married but that's cheap. Until- I saw this beauty. Isn't in gorgeous? I love the pearl- it's unique which I love and simple.

The picture is from this engagement session by Matt Clayton. (Love his work!)

on repeat

2010-08-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

i swoon

2010-08-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

via

Lately I've been thinking about the future- what my life will be like (since it's turned out nothing like I had previously envisioned), where I will live, what I'll be doing, what my house will look like etc.

If I get married and decide to have a reception I want it to be just like this. Fun- relaxed- and light! And I want the bride's dress. Beautiful, elegant and simple.

One thing I have to have in my home- at some point in time- is a library (or book shelves) full of beautiful books of different sizes, languages and colors. And I am simply loving this one. (And pretty much all of these and these)

I am dying to travel here (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants anybody?)

If I have kids I'd want a nursery just like this- I love the Red Balloon movie poster.

And have grown up parties like these (scroll down to the bottom)

And throw my daughter parties like this.

Anything is possible. Right?

a lovely surprise

2010-08-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

my friend kirsten works at the lost and found on campus. yesterday i received the most wonderful phone call from her. i all began three months ago ....
i was walking across campus by the JFSB/HBLL quad running some errands for work. i looked down and lo and behold there was a $10 bill on the ground. i stooped down to pick it up and looked around to see if someone nearby may have lost it. no one was around so i made a quick stop at the lost and found office to turn it in and they said to leave my name and number in case no one claimed it. three months later (!) the money totally forgotten i receive a phone call from the lovely kirsten informing me that the money was never claimed and therefore it's mine! how awesome is that? free money?! i'll take it! i've actually already spent all but $1 already- i went to dinner with some friends- $7, got photos developed- $1 (+ some change), bought a bagel- $1. free money? priceless. seriously- it totally made my day. although now that i think about it i kind of feel bad because that means someone out there is out $10 and that's a bummer for them. but i guess i'll count my blessings :)

ew

2010-07-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

pictures via

It makes me sad to see good looking people- in nice outfits no less- with a cigarette between their lips. It just ruins everything. It's so bizarre to me that people are still smoking these days. What are they thinking?

on creativity

2010-07-29T13:33:00.001-07:00

I am not a particularly creative person. It's just not really in my nature. And because of this I've never had a real desire to push the envelope and see how far my meager skills could take me. And yet, for my class this term (History of Creativity) they are requiring me to do just that- push the envelope. I have project that is worth 30% of my grade (!) due on Wednesday. We have to incorporate some aspect of what we've discussed this term and do so kind of creative project. Are you thinking that sounds vague? Me too. Therefore I have been left to wander aimlessly to try to dig into the depths of my creativity pool and find something to pull out and use. Being an English major- I decided to try my hand at poetry. I thought I would write a few different poems reflecting different styles of poets through time, while incorporating some modernity or some element from another poet. I thought of Wordsworth, Shakespeare and Whitman as my models. I think I kind of got the Wordsworth down- nature, beauty, romantic. Check. And now I am stuck on Shakespeare. Can I just say that man was a genius? Have you ever tried to write a sonnet? Oh my goodness- so hard. I don't even know where to begin! Between the rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter and the amount of syllables per line- I am back to wandering around in a haze of confusion. Whitman should be much easier- free verse and writing through observation about the average American. My next step is to take one picture representing each stanza of the poem I've written. I have this beautiful, romantic image in my head of how everything will all turn out- and I think I need to accept the fact that it will be nothing like what I envision. I'm an amateur photographer, and an even greater amateur (oxymoron?) poet. This is my first true attempt at poetry in my life. So wish me luck as I venture out on a limb and attempt my hand at the first truly creative feat (ie- something totally outside my comfort zone with the purpose of being intellectually and aesthetically pleasing).

birthday boy

2010-07-28T11:00:00.001-07:00

This kid turns 17 today. CRAZY! They grow up so fast I tell ya. This boy (man?) is such a rock star. He's going to be Senior Class President this year (which he likes to remind us of occasionally) and he's on the football and track team and in the choir. What a well rounded kid! I didn't used to like hanging out with him- he's 5 years younger than I am and just seemed kind of annoying. But all these years later I've realized he's actually pretty cool. And now I quite enjoy hanging out with him. He's actually quite funny. So Babs- happy birthday kid! I love you!

nerd alert

2010-07-25T18:49:00.001-07:00

I am dying to see Howl. It's a movie about Allen Ginsburg. I randomly recently became rather interested in him and now I don't recall why or how. But I think James Franco will do a great job playing Ginsburg and I am very intrigued to learn more about his life and his work. Through the limited research I've done on Ginsburg I don't think he's my kind of guy- but that just kind of intrigues me more. I'm also fascinated by the fact that he was put on trial because his poem "Howl" was deemed to be vulgar and obscene. Thankfully the American justice system came through and he wasn't convicted. Regardless- I think it definitely says something about the stir he caused in America- in pop culture and in literary culture.

ps- You know you're an English nerd when you find yourself drawing comparisons between Allen Ginsburg and Walt Whitman- both in their writings, influence and lifestyle- and think it would be a fun and fascinating paper to research and write.

this is hilarious

2010-07-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

British Beatle Mania

2010-07-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

My first memory of anything Beatles related is a poster that my cousin Chris (or maybe David?) had hanging in his room. During the summers my family would take vacations to Utah and stay with relatives. One summer we were staying at my Aunt Heather's and in the basement was a black poster with the words "The Beatles" on it (or at least if my memory serves me correctly). My cousin Alexis informed me that they were a band her brother was really into. Flash forward to my Freshman year in college. I am fortunate enough to room with Candace Mercer- a Beatles aficionado. She got me hooked. I had a negative opinion after hearing "Piggies" but she showed me the light and thus began my love affair with George, Paul, John and Ringo. I heard that Paul McCartney was coming to Utah and I knew that there was no way I could pass up this opportunity. I immediately called Candace and told her the news (of course she already knew) and told her we had to go. Her and her hubby Dan just celebrated their one year wedding anniversary and were going to celebrate but were kind enough to let me third-wheel it with them. Thanks guys! And for Candace's reminiscence of the evening go here. I've been counting down for a while now, and Tuesday the day had finally arrived and I, Jennifer Lynn Dunn saw Sir Paul McCartney live in concert at the Rio Tinto stadium in Sandy. Honestly, Candace's post sums things up pretty well- I love her highlight list and fully concur. But... I do have a few things to say.
-It was amazing! I saw 1/4 of the Beatles! Paul was there- in person. I saw him! And it wasn't on a movie, television or computer screen. It was with my own eyes. How awesome is that? I feel like I can't really describe my emotions besides pure excitement. I just loved it. It feels kind of like a dream now that I look back on it, like I can't believe it was real. It's weird. But I'm quite looking forward to telling my children about this. Hopefully they'll think I'm cool and not just old (because let's face it- by the time I have kids it's doubtful Paul and Ringo will still be around).
-My personal highlights: Blackbird- Paul on stage alone with an acoustic guitar and a spotlight. Beautiful. Live and Let Die- fireworks went off! It was insane. The crowd was so loud. Give Peace a Chance- everyone was on their feet repeating the phrase "All we are saying is, is give peace a chance." It was crazy to see so many people swaying back and forth repeating this powerful phrase. Hey Jude- one of my all time favorite Beatles songs. The whole crowd was singing along and it was epic.
If you want to know more, just ask. I have a huge journal entry I wrote the day after and I don't quite feel like typing it all again. But just know it was one of the greatest experiences ever and I am so glad I went and I'm happy I'll have this to look back on for the rest of my life.

one year older...

2010-07-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Little Johnny boy turns 2 today! I can't believe how fast they grow up. I fully remember getting the phone call from my dad while I was at work that they were on the way to the hospital for the little guy to be born, and then arguing over names with my brothers. And now he's 2! And he's walking and talking (kind of) and he's a little person. It's crazy I tell you! But he is such a cutie (unless he's throwing himself on the floor in the midst of a tantrum- which is one of the reasons I'm happy I can come and go as I please). He can point out every member of our family when asked their name, his favorite words are no, juice, dad and mom (the last of which is always yelled. it's a great source of amusement). Happy birthday little guy, I sure love you.

it's on its way

2010-07-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

I applied for a passport yesterday. It should arrive August 19. I'm excited to finally have one in my possession after all these years. I have no travel plans as of yet, but it's always good to be prepared. I technically got this for Christmas- it's just taken me 7 months to actually apply for it. Thanks mom!

thoughts on a sunny saturday afternoon

2010-06-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

A. My BFF Jamie got her mission call! She's going to Jackson, Mississippi and she goes into the MTC September 15. I'm so excited for her. She's going to be a stellar missionary.

B. I am in love with Salt Lake City. On Friday evening I went up to Salt Lake for a friend's wedding reception that was located up in the Avenues. I'd never been up there before and it was gorgeous. It had a beautiful view of the Salt Lake Valley and the houses were so cute! I could totally picture myself living there and taking evening walks. Maybe one day . . . But if definitely reaffirmed my desire to live in a city.

C. I am quite sad that the US is no longer in the World Cup. But I have loved watching them play, and am now in love with Landon Donovan. I don't really like watching soccer all that much, (what kind of sport can end in a tie?!) but every 4 years I think I can get into and cheer Team USA on.

D. I've read some really interesting articles in the NYT lately and I wanted to share.
This one is about the French soccer team and their debacle.
This one is about the dismissal of General McChrystal and I thought it was a very interesting perspective and I quite liked it.
If you have some spare time you should read them.

E. I get to go see Paul in t-minus 23 days. It's going to be epic.

F. I got an A in my senior English course (495) and an A on my senior English paper. I'm quite thrilled to be honest. My paper was a comparison of Walt Whitman and Mark Twain and I specifically argued that both were feminists for their time, and I specifically looked at Whitman's "Song of Myself" and Twains The Diaries of Adam and Eve. It was a fun paper to write and research and I worked harder on that paper than any paper to date so it's nice to see my hard work pay off.

G. I'm currently reading Founding Brothers and struggling to get into it. I think it's because of the lack of a plot. I'm thinking about simultaneously reading The Hiding Place because my mother recently read it and loved it and is now making my (soon to be) 17 year old brother Parker read it.

H. Wimbledon is currently happening in London and I'm wishing I was there to watch it. Roger Federer is one of the classiest athletes and I think Murray and Roddick are cuties. It's amazing to watch the world's best tennis players- they serve the ball over 100 mph! That's insane to wrap my mind around, especially considering how awful I am at tennis. I live vicariously through others via watching sports instead of playing.

that is all for today folks!

maybe?

2010-06-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

are these cute? or are they just tacky? i'm looking for cute, comfortable shoes for when I have to start my practicum and student teaching, and i think i kinda like these. i found them here

just call me marilyn

2010-06-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

Lesson learned. A skirt+ a windy day= bad choice.

I have vowed to listen to the weather man- when he says it's going to be windy I should believe him. It was no fun to walk around campus all day holding my skirt down.

one year older, and wiser too

2010-06-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Marshall is officially 20 years old! CRAZY! The family (minus John and Angela) went to dinner at Red Robin and then to Comedy Sportz.

Joseph insisted on wearing sunglasses all night- I have no idea why.Then we went to comedy sportz! It was so funny. Joseph wouldn't make a normal face

So we took 3 pictures- hence my fake smile.

Happy birthday Bud! It was fun to spend time with the family- it was just a bummer Angela couldn't be there.

a thousand words

2010-06-02T19:16:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd let the pictures do the talking...

We hit up Bruges in Salt Lake on Thursday for some frites and waffles

I got mine with strawberries and cream- so delicious!

Then on the way back we stopped at IKEA!

The beds look really comfy- so I got a running start...

Friday I took work off and Candace, Kristen, Jamie and I went to Gourmandise Bakery and then hit up the Gateway for some serious shopping. It was such a fun afternoon- I love these girls!

Showing off my delicious croissant pudding. We all got our desserts to go but decided we couldn't wait and ate them in the car in the parking lot!

Jamie's pastry was a masterpiece- it was called a peach and was filled with cream and peach syrup. Delicious!

On Memorial Day I went home and spent the afternoon with my family at the park playing tennis, then we went home and had a BBQ and watched The Incredibles.

Joseph is such a hoot. I just loved that kid. And Marshall and Babs are pretty cool too.

It was a completely wonderful long weekend. Filled with lots of good food, fun, friends and family. Just what a girl needs to be happy. A few other unpictured highlights- Saturday Jamie and I went and got frozen yogurt and went to the local elementary school and went swinging and read our books on the grass- perfection. Sunday was my cousin Issac's farewell so we all went up to Kaysville. It was really fun to see my Hess relatives. Issac is going to Melbourne, Australia Mandarin Chinese speaking! Monday I got my trash kicked in tennis- I think the only person I'm capable of beating is Joseph. Angela- we missed you girl. Over and out.

on to the next

2010-05-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I had a professor tell me that I wasn't a true English major until I read it- so in honor of Salinger's passing earlier this year I finally took the plunge. And I have to be honest- I wasn't that impressed- at least not for what a big deal it's supposed to be. It was good- it just wasn't great. Partly I think because I couldn't I couldn't really relate to Holden. I liked the stream-of-consciousness-esq writing style, but Holden is just so cynical. It was kind of depressing. But at least now I can say I've read it and be a true English major.
The next book on my list is Night by Elie Wiesel. I attempted to start it once but I got depressed and sad and couldn't make it past the introduction without crying so I went on to something happier. It's not a big book at all- 120 pages, and typically I could plow through a book that thin, but I have a feeling I might end up dragging this out. I can only take so much.

oh what do you do in the summer time...

2010-05-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

I've been pondering how I want to spend my summer. Technically this could be my last summer in Provo- probably not, but maybe. And I don't want to risk missing out on things. So here's my summer to-do list:

Saturday mornings at the Provo Farmers Market
A trip to the Hale Center Theater to see To Kill a Mockingbird
Afternoons at 7 Peaks (weather permitting- cross your fingers!)
Saturday trips up to the Gateway, Bruges Waffles and Frites, and Gourmandise Bakery in Salt Lake
Playing tennis at BYU's outdoor tennis courts
Go see Paul McCartney in concert! (see post below)
Possible trip to California/Disneyland
Dinner group on Tuesday/Thursday
See Carrie Underwood at Stadium of Fire
Thursday evenings in July/August will be spent at the Twilight Concert Series (free!)

It should be a fairly good summer- I have to live it up while I have the chance!

let the count down begin

2010-05-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's official. I am going to see Paul McCartney on July 13. I can not wait! Thanks Candace and Dan for letting me tag along!

ideally

2010-05-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

ain't she a beauty?

I want a bike. In my ideal world I would ride all over Provo on this beautiful thing. I'd go to the park and read, I'd go to the farmer's market, the swimming pool, friend's houses, the Provo library. The sun would be shining- but it wouldn't be too hot. I'd be in a summer skirt with my hair blowing in the wind. The tassels from my bike would be blowing. I'd be ringing my bell. There'd be fresh fruit in my basket and a good book. But right now it's raining and dreary. And the bike I want is $500. Therefore, I don't think this beautiful fantasy will be coming to fruition. But a girl can dream.

In other news- Paul McCartney is coming to Utah in July. Tickets are $50-$250. I want to go so badly. Paul is my favorite Beatle! And this is totally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The only problem is I don't have anyone to go with. Any takers?

a decision

2010-05-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I'm itching to leave Provo. I would take almost any opportunity to go explore some other unknown place or land. Because of this I decided that I wanted to do my semester of student teaching in Washington DC. I fell in love with it when I went a few years ago with my Pops. It's a magical place to me, and I felt right at home as I wandered the streets alone. I've had some good friends do internships in DC thru BYU's Washington Seminar program and they just loved it and raved about living in Washington D.C. My friend Kristen even got to attend President Obama's inauguration. And I have been anxiously awaiting my turn to go live in our nation's capitol and enlighten the minds of youth in the ways of great literature and writing. However, I have decided that I'm not going to go. It slightly breaks my heart. But after lots of agonizing, some pro/con lists, discussions with friends and my professor and some great insight from Elder Scott, I have chosen to do my student teaching in Utah. While the deadline isn't until September to apply, I had to let the English Department know about my decision ASAP so they could decide about placements. So there it is- I will be staying in Provo. No Washington D.C adventures for me. At least, not yet.

a love letter

2010-05-13T13:06:00.001-07:00

dear b.y.u. and the nice people who give money to b.y.u.,

you are amazing. your letter today made me smile. in fact i was so happy i pretty much started to cry. i'm my mother's daughter- what can i say? thank you for being willing to pay for ALL of my tuition for fall/winter semesters. i was kind of getting worried as to how i would pay for everything seeing as how from january-april i won't have any sort of income- student teaching is taking over. but then you sent me a lovely note- congratulating me on receiving a scholarship. oh happy day! right away i called my beautiful mother, and she was happy too. because if i didn't get a scholarship i would have been on the michael and holly dunn scholarship- but i think this is better. and i'm pretty sure they think so too. so thank you. it's nice knowing my hard work has paid off and that i have one less thing to stress over and worry about. i promise that if i ever get rich (which is highly unlikely seeing as how i'm going to be a teacher and all-but maybe i'll marry rich) that i will happily donate some of my hard earned money to this lovely institution so future educators will be able to survive when they go through their semester of student teaching.

sincerely,

jennifer l. dunn

the world through pictures

2010-05-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

I love the NYT sometimes. They had a brilliant idea that they recently posted on their website. They had readers from all over the world take pictures at the exact same time and day and send them in. I think it's brilliant. You can view pictures from all over the world of people doing everyday activities- and I think that it's just such a simple idea but it offers great insight into the world around us and into the lives of strangers I'll never meet and places I'll never go. It's entitled "A Moment in Time" and if you have a few extra minutes I think you should definitely take the time to explore it and look at some pictures.

today

2010-05-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

Today I REALLY want to go to Greece. Like really, really want to go. Isn't it gorgeous? Sadly, it would drain my bank account to simply buy the ticket- let alone travel around Greece. And there's the little factor of school, tuition, rent and groceries that keep seem to be getting in the way.

by popular request

2010-05-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

And by popular request I mean one request. This is for you Angela. :)

Sensational Summer Reads:
1. The Giver: Lowry
-I find this book fascinating- it is a very interesting commentary on the future of our society
2. Number the Stars: Lowry
-This was one of my favorite books as a kid- it's a very quick read and I love the perspective
3. The American Scholar: Emerson
-In my senior seminar my professor briefly mentioned this essay and I was reminded of how much I love it. The first time I read it in my intro to American Lit course it blew my mind. Some people think Emerson is too pretentious but I just love him.
4. The Kite Runner: Hosseini
-Not for the faint of heart. I think this book deals with some amazing themes and if ever in a position I would love to teach this book. It gave me some really good insights and enlarged my perspective of the world- especially of the Middle East. There are some rather violent and graphic parts just as a warning but they are vital to the storyline.
5. Because of Winn Dixie: DiCamillo
-This pretty much sums it up. And I quite liked the movie.
6. Fugitive Pieces: Michaels
-I read this book in my Postmodern Lit class and fell in love. This is perhaps the mostly beautifully written book I have read to date. The language and imagery is simply amazing and the story line is deep and moving.
7. Tuesdays with Morrie: Albom
-When I first started reading this book I didn't know it was a true story- when I found out it just made me love it that much more. Morrie is the cutest man with some great insights into life. It's a short and quick read but very valuable.
8. Ella Enchanted: Levine
-A childhood classic. Don't let the movie deter you if you haven't read it yet. It's a fun and easy read.
9. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series: Brashares
-I saw the movie first and then decided to read the books. Bridgette can annoy me sometimes but overall I really like these books and I think that the best time to read them is summer- since that's when they take place! There are 4 books but I think the first is my favorite.
10. Leaves of Grass: Whitman
-I've been dying to lay outside and read Whitman and soak in the sun and soak in his words simultaneously. He's definitely one of my favorite poets. I think he does a great job touching on what the people of the time value.
11. The Hunger Games Series: Collins
-Very compelling reads- I got the first two books for Christmas and couldn't put them down. I think I read them in two days. Original and interesting. Very plot driven. The third and final book comes out in August and I'm quite excited.

a poem for thought

2010-05-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer WHEN I heard the learn’d astronomer;
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me;
When I was shown the charts and the diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them;
When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick;
Till rising and gliding out, I wander’d off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars. -Walt Whitman

recommendations

2010-05-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

I really like recommending books to people- partly because I love when people recommend books to me and give a good explanation for wanting me to read the book, because then I feel compelled to find out why they liked it so much. And so- I am going to give a few book recommendations.
I just finished reading The Book Thief by Mark Zusak. It was so good! It is a little on the longer side (550 pages) but is extremely compelling. It starts off a tad on the slow side but quickly picks up. I loved this review in the NYT. The last paragraph is beautiful and really gives a good summary of some of my feelings about this novel. A few things I love about this book:
1. It's original- I LOVE books that are original and give me a new outlook or perspective.
2. The narrator is Death which I think is brilliant and fascinating.
3. It's set during WWII in Germany (and I'm fascinated by WWII) but gives a new POV than is typical for books about war- especially WWII.
4. Zusak is a great writer and this book has some great literary merit.
5. It's unlike anything I've ever read before- very postmodern- there are illustrations (-ish) and stories within the story, and the time line is a little bit skewed. Read it!

on becoming a grown up

2010-04-27T14:25:00.001-07:00

I really don't feel like I'm there yet. Sure, I'll be 22 in a few months (5 to be precise) and I'm nearly a college graduate, and I live on my own and pay for my own stuff (with a few minor exceptions), yet somehow I don't feel like an adult. Adults are older people who have real jobs and who have their lives all together and have reached their goals in life and fulfilled their dreams (although by this definition I don't know if anyone is actually a grown up). And I know this is going to sound rather trite but- I think I'll feel more like a grown up when I actually wear (and pull off) lipstick. Is that totally weird? I remember being a teenager and playing around with my mom's makeup and putting on lipstick and thinking I was so cool- but that I looked totally weird wearing it. And now, years later I'm in college and I still feel like I can't wear lipstick. It's for women and moms. Of which I am neither. And yet I am secretly dying to wear it. I think it's so glamorous and romantic. Just the right shade of red- I can picture it now. And yet I don't really foresee this happening anytime in the near future. I'm far too self conscious and I'm not quite sure I'm ready to be a grown up just yet.
ps- don't all these women look fabulous with red lipstick? I love it!

a hole in my heart

2010-04-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

See that girl in the middle? Her name is Alisa Suzanne Hardy. And I miss her like crazy. She is approximately 6000 miles away in Chile on a mission. She won't be back for about another year. But today as I was looking through pictures I had an incredible aching in my heart for one of my best friends who has missed out on so many major events since she's been gone. She is one of the wittiest and smartest people I know and can always make me laugh. I've missed having her around to take pictures and tell stories and to play tennis with and to discuss work with. But I know where she's supposed to be- I just wish time would go by a little faster so I could see her again.

4/22/10

2010-04-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

j'ai fini

2010-04-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

image spotted at cup of jo

I have officially completed all of my foreign language requirements. And let me tell you- it feels good. NO MORE FRENCH CLASSES!

one of those days

2010-04-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 6:30 am, was on campus at 8:00 am in a cubical on the fourth floor of the library, studied for approximately 2 1/2 hours, met with my postmodern lit. professor at 10:30am to discuss my final paper, took a final from 11:00am-1:45pm and am now at work until 5:00pm. All I want to do is pull a George Constanza and crawl under my desk and take a nap. Oh George ...

i get by with a little help from my friends

2010-04-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

These are some of my very favorite people. I love all of them and I'm starting to get rather sentimental when I think that after this year everyone is pretty much going their separate ways.

just your average weekend...

2010-04-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

This is Natalie. She's getting married. And we threw her a bridal shower this weekend.

We really like to eat- 3 quiches, amish oatmeal, sweet rolls, and lots of fruit.

Candy Lou made the beautiful decorations- she's so crafty. I love it!

This pretty much sums up the afternoon- lots of food and lots of laughter.

Later that afternoon Jamie and I went to our ward activity and then hit up the park and went swinging!

Overall- a great weekend. Now on to finals . . .

if only...

2010-04-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

image via snippet&ink- check out the whole shoot

... this were me. It's a beautiful, sunny day. And I have been stuck in class, at work in a windowless basement, and soon in the library. I have one 9 page paper (which I have yet to start), one big project, a presentation (in french) and a final to study for and take- all before Monday. Wish me luck- and hopefully someone is enjoying the beautiful weather for me!

i'm leaving on a jet plane

2010-04-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

I'm not actually leaving anywhere-yet. But I want to. I've been day dreaming lately of everywhere I want to go. I'm itching to go explore somewhere new and different. Like my friend Amy said- I need new sights, and sounds and smells. That's the best part of traveling- discovering a culture different than your own.

Thailand, India, New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Ghana, South Africa, Colombia, Switzerland, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Israel, Greece, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Costa Rica, Norway and Finland- the list could go on.

I had really wanted to go to Thailand this summer but realized that would completely drain my bank account, leaving me broke for Fall semester. Instead, I'm (hopefully/probably) going to the exotic lands of Seattle, the Grand Canyon and Chicago. These lovely United States will have to suffice for a little while longer.

i love my grandpa

2010-03-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

shakespeare and elder holland

2010-03-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today in my Shakespeare class we watched part of a clip from a devotional entitled "How Do I Love Thee?" from Elder Holland given back in 2000. We only watched a brief part, where he discusses Othello, because that is the play we're currently discussing. But overall, his devotional is about love, and charity. I was inspired by his words and decided to look up the rest of the devotional. If you have a chance, you should definitely read it. It's very inspiring and eye-opening.

Some of my favorite lines:
The solutions to life's problems are always gospel solutions.

Real love is best shown in the "how"

I suppose no one is as handsome or as beautiful as he or she wishes, or as brilliant in school or as witty in speech or as wealthy as we would like, but in a world of varied talents and fortunes that we can't always command, I think that makes even more attractive the qualities we can command--such qualities as thoughtfulness, patience, a kind word, and true delight in the accomplishment of another. These cost us nothing, and they can mean everything to the one who receives them.

True love blooms when we care more about another person than we care about ourselves.

If you are just going for pizza or to play a set of tennis, go with anyone who will provide good, clean fun. But if you are serious, or planning to be serious, please find someone who brings out the best in you and is not envious of your success. Find someone who suffers when you suffer and who finds his or her happiness in your own.

Think the best of each other, especially of those you say you love. Assume the good and doubt the bad.

Believe that your faith has everything to do with your romance, because it does. You separate dating from discipleship at your peril.

thoughts on the future

2010-03-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Honestly, motherhood is not something I've ever really looked forward to. When asked what I want to be, never has my answer been "a mom". I'm not quite sure I can explain it, but only on very rare occasions have I actually been excited about the possibility of being a mother. It's one of those battles I'm constantly waging within myself. However, on my cousin Emily's blog she has been featuring posts about The Proclamation on the Family (see my guest post here). I was reading through them today and part of this post struck me really hard:

"The prophets have called the nurturing of my daughter a sacred responsibility. Indeed, it is not only important, it is the most important thing I will ever do. And while the way I fulfill my responsibility to the world has changed, the importance and impact of what I do has not. In my own quiet way, day by day, I am changing the world by giving myself to my family. I am thankful for my own very capable mother who taught me this by example, and for modern prophets who articulate the principle so beautifully. If I do my job well, I can build people who will also change the world for good. Who will learn that they have a responsibility to those around them. Although I don’t get to travel to distant lands to do my work, what I have to do is more than enough. And that fulfills me."

What great insights! She has alleviated some of my concerns and expressed the purpose and joys of motherhood in such an insightful way. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to constantly be learning and improving myself- especially through the examples of others.

confession

2010-03-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

I am a procrastinator. I am currently sitting on the fourth floor of the library writing a paper that is due in 3 hours. It is supposed to be 8 pages. I have 4 1/2. And I started writing this paper last night. Smart move, I know.

it's about that time

2010-03-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

this is about the time of year where i begin to question everything. today in my teaching writing class i began a silent freak-out. what on earth am i doing with my life? i want to be a teacher? a teacher?! what makes me think kids will listen to me or care what i have to say? i don't know enough to be a teacher! (yes, yes- i know that's why i'm in college- beside the point). i don't know anything about teaching! i don't know how to write effective lesson plans, or writing prompts. or how to grade student's papers. how am i supposed to make my students see that writing and reading is important? why is reading and writing important? i've somehow completely lost sight of that. i don't really see a purpose to my future or my future career at least. why should my students read To Kill a Mockingbird? why should they write research papers? i don't know! what am i doing?!

ps- thank you for allowing me to freak out. expressing the thoughts always helps somewhat.

the buzz

2010-03-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

isn't this just the cutest picture ever?! I love it.

I love BYU basketball. Just in case you didn't know. Yesterday was quite possibly one of the greatest days of my life. No joke. Yesterday the buzz all over campus was "did you see the game?" and no one needed to question which "game" people were referring to. Ah! 99-92 win in DOUBLE overtime. I thought I was going to have a heart-attack. I couldn't breathe, I was shaking- seriously intense. But with a wonderful, wonderful result. I love Jimmer! GO COUGARS! (Now if we can only beat Kansas St. tomorrow ...)

wow: word of the week

2010-03-05T14:44:00.001-08:00

ps- this is where I would rather be: on a beach in the sun

I just learned a new word. I really hate not knowing what a word means so whenever I see a word I don't know I have to look it up.

peripatetic: walking or traveling about now you're in the know too.

ps- i saw that word in this awesome article about Kate and Andy Spade. Very interesting. Also, see pictures of their amazing home here.

the family

2010-03-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

My wonderful cousin Emily is doing a series this month on the Proclamation to the Family. She asked me to write a guest post for it. Check it out.

wishin' and hopin'

2010-02-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

all i really want to be doing right now is playing tennis in this adorable tennis skirt from Nike. Instead, I'm at work in a windowless basement. And then I get to go home and write a 12 page paper that is due tomorrow. Awesome. I guess I'll just have to save my tennis dream for another day (not that the weather is conducive to tennis- but a girl can dream).

what i was doing when i should have been writing my paper

2010-02-24T22:21:00.000-08:00

SDSU @ BYU: 82-68

Best friends! Plus our lovely friend Theo

ffej, bowser, jenny and licious

this is what the bench does after we make our first basket- it's a cute routine and this picture doesn't do it justice.

to do list

2010-02-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about things I want to do/accomplish before graduating from BYU. I only have a year left. A year. That really isn't much time. Especially if I do my student teaching in Washington D.C. next winter semester- then I'll have even less time. So during work the other day I decided to google things that you should do before graduating from college. But all the lists I found were totally lame.
Here is what I've come up with so far:
1. Go inside every building on campus.
2. Write a heartfelt thank you to my favorite professor
3. Get into the Daily Universe (in any capacity!)
4. Donate blood at an on campus blood drive
5. Go to the hunger banquet
6. Participate in the passover seder
7. Take a road trip to an away sports game
8. Commit to memory at least one poem
9. Participate in the Rex Lee Run
10. Storm the field/court at a sporting event

If anyone has any further ideas I am very open to suggestions. I want things specific to BYU but also just in general.

a definition

2010-02-22T19:58:00.000-08:00

spotted at a cup of jo

patience: the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper,irritation, or the like. (found at dictionary.com)
Patience is something I've never been good at. And I gave up whining/complaining for lent (along with cookies/brownies). I'm trying to turn over a new leaf and be more positive. Speaking of being happy/positive, this list of 50 Steps to Simple Happiness makes me wish I lived in NYC so I could fulfill a few more of them.

random thoughts on a wednesday afternoon

2010-02-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

image spotted at cocoa+kelly

I have found two new books to add to my reading list. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron (read an interesting review here) and The Possessed by Elif Batuman (read the NYT review here). Both look fantastic and I'm excited to get my hands on them.
Speaking of good books- I had to read The Things They Carried (warning: there is a lot of language) and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn for two different classes. Both were very good reads- in two very different ways. Some people's talent amazes me.
I am dying for spring/summer. I am longing to wear dresses and skirts and flipflops and open toed shoes and light jackets- or no jackets. I wore capri pants today in hopes of eliciting some aspect of spring into this February day- but to no avail.
My married BFF Candace and I have decided to do the Rex Lee Run this year. It's one of those things you have to do before graduating from BYU. I'm trying to come up with a list of others things I need to do before graduating and leaving Provo. A year seems like so much time, but it's really not.
I really need to find a place to live next year. Angela and I are going to live together- we just have yet to determine where that will be.
I finally achieved one of my college goals and got a Provo Library card. And let me tell you, I'm lovin' it. I love libraries and I love being inside the Provo Library. I think it's gorgeous. If I get married and have a reception- I would love to have it here.
I'm getting my tax returns back soonish and I'm trying to decide what to buy. Most of the money is going to pay my spring/summer/fall tuition, but I do want to get something fun/for myself (besides an education of course). I'm leaning towards a Northface jacket. Thoughts?

hero worship

2010-02-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

I just spent the last half an hour googling Christiane Amanpour. What an amazing lady. I read this article in the NYT which is what sparked my interest. Plus Rory talks about her all the time on Gilmore Girls, which of course gives her more credibility in my eyes :) But I think it's amazing that she worked her way up from the bottom and is now one of the most recognizable news anchors in the world. Seriously awesome. Read more about her here.

cousin zach

2010-02-12T03:58:00.000-08:00

My amazingly talented cousin Zach is in a play that is getting rave reviews. It's playing in Midvale through February 22 and should be great. I'm hoping to make it out there next week. Go here for tickets. Way to go Zach! I love having such a talented family.

nyc

2010-02-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

I am dying for this print. I think it's adorable and perfect. Spotted at oh joy!

prayer

2010-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

This video has an awesome message about prayer. Angela knew this lady on her mission to New York and is even in the video for a few seconds. Check it out!

all you need

2010-01-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

"Men use up their lives in heart-breaking political struggles, or get themselves killed in civil wars, or tortured in the secret prisons of the Gestapo, not in order to establish some central-heated, air-conditioned, strip-lighted Paradise, but because they want a world in which human beings love one another instead of swindling and murdering one another."
-George Orwell

dream realized

2009-12-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

I've discovered what I want to do with my life. I want to be a ballerina. They are beautiful, small and graceful. And they get to express themselves in such an artistic and personal way. I was watching SYTYCD (go ashley and ryan!) and I felt as though I missed out on my calling in life to be a dancer. Maybe in my next life ....

things i'm thankful for

2009-11-24T12:35:00.001-08:00

This is 21st Thanksgiving, therefore to honor this, here is a list of 21 things I am grateful for (in no certain order). I am grateful...

1. BYU is only raising their tuition 3% while California raises theirs 32%
2. For MLIA- which continuously keeps me entertained at work and during long nights in the library
3. My awesome family and the fact they live so close
4. I only have one more semester of French after this one is over
5. I have a great job and great co-workers
6. I have two awesome roomies and a great apartment
7. For my Savior Jesus Christ and His atonement
8. It has yet to actually snow
9. I have a car
10. I am receiving a college education at BYU
11. BYU Men's Basketball season has started
12. Old friends
13. Friends who know how to make me laugh
14. The opportunity to be part of an awesome major (and eventually career!)
15. Nice people
16. The beautiful Utah mountains
17. My cousins, sister and close friends who have chosen to serve the Lord on a mission
18. The ability to pay for things without my parents help
19. The Holiday season- when everyone is a little kinder and more giving
20. My testimony of the Book of Mormon and the prophet Joseph Smith
21. The opportunity I have to teach Relief Society
22. Two wonderful home teachers who actually come every month
23. The wide variety of people I've had to chance to associate with throughout my life in multiple states and countries
24. The Constitution of the United States and subsequently my freedom
25. The men and women who have and do sacrifice to protect my freedom
26. Two parents who love each other loads and love their kids- and express it!

So I realized that as I was about to write the 27th thing I'm thankful for that I had surpassed the allotted number. But ya know what? I'm so thankful for so many things- the list could go on. What are YOU thankful for?

confessions

2009-11-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

1. My roommates and I decorated our apartment for Christmas yesterday. I usually have a strict No-Christmas-until-after-Thanksgiving-rule. But this year, I let it slide.

2. I am currently obsessed with the music from the show Glee. The show itself is kind of eh but the music is phenomenal.

3. I recently discovered a site called My life is average, and have proceeded to waste much of my time on said site. It's hilarious.

4. My roommate Jamie and I bought Jimmer Fredette basketball jerseys on Friday to wear to the men's basketball games this season. If I could I would sleep in it. It's a sight to behold.

5. I skipped French class Thursday and Friday. Both for very good reasons. Thursday- lunch with the parents and Angela. Friday- a meeting with Offensive Coordinator Robert Anae. Very worth it.

at long last

2009-11-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

Team Captain Jackson Emery

BYU Men's Basketball is underway. We're 2-0 so far. With some good returning starters and two very talented freshman- it's going to be a great season.

numero 27

2009-11-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

image via espn.com

The Yankees won the World Series last night, 7-3. It was beautiful. I think they lost game 5 on purpose so they could win in NY. This is their 27th World Series win. And there's plenty more where that came from...

a leap

2009-11-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

earrings via here

Earrings like these really make me want to pierce my ears again. But after a bad experience the first go-round, I'm rather nervous. However, I think they are so feminine and beautiful and they can add so much to an outfit. I think I'm ready to take the leap...

papa dunn

2009-11-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

A week ago today my Grandpa Dunn died. Although not entirely sudden, it did throw me off a little. He'd been sick for about two years and sometimes he'd get a little worse but he always seemed to recover. However, after suffering another stroke he stopped eating, drinking or responding at all and last Tuesday around 10:00 am he passed away. It was fairly bittersweet. I am sad not to have either of my Dunn grandparents around anymore, and I am even sadder that Johnny and Joey won't know such fantastic grandparents. But I am happy that Grandpa was reunited with his wife and son as well as his parents and siblings who all preceded him in death. The funeral was surprisingly really good. It was fairly short, which is always nice, and it was great to hear my uncle's share some stories and memories. I am extremely grateful for such wonderful grandparents who raised such wonderful boys (one of which grew up to be my pops!) and although I'm sad that they're gone, I know that I'll see them again, and for that I am so grateful.

crazy

2009-11-03T13:01:00.001-08:00

BYU is doing construction- right outside my office. The noise is deafening and obnoxious. I think I might go crazy. Seriously. If I weren't a student employee, I would have left long ago.

crisis

2009-11-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

I'm going through a crisis of sorts. I won't graduate until April 2011 (which is a crisis in, and of itself) but I have every semester planned out until graduation. My schedule is jam packed full of English and education classes. I made the mistake of looking through all the English courses offered. I then proceed to look through the History and Political Science courses offered. I have concluded that I could be in school for a very long time. There are so, so many classes that I want to take. I have no time to take anything other than what I have to in order to graduate. I'm feeling quite sad about it. I really wish I had come to BYU knowing what I wanted to do. I could have graduated on time and I could've had time to take the classes that I'll never again get the chance to (including religion classes!) I'm quite bummed. I was trying to find a way to fit a minor of some sort in- history, psychology, or political science- but I can't. I wish I would've taken greater advantage of my opportunities here. I still have time I know, but there are so many things I let pass me by. Forums and devotionals I didn't go to, classes I didn't take, lectures I didn't attend. I won't really have these opportunities again, and I wish I had realized that sooner.

parlez-vous francais?

2009-10-23T12:21:00.001-07:00

The only good thing about French is the food. Image via here

I feel rather like giving up. I am now in my third semester of French, and it's awful. Just awful. Foreign languages and I do not get along. So why am I taking it you ask. Well, it just so happens that the greatest major on campus (that would be mine- English teaching), has one little flaw- it requires you to take four semesters of a foreign language. I understand that it should theoretically help me be better at English. But it realistically is not. And I hate it. I have an oral exam that I have to take today at 5 (t-minus 2 1/2 hours), and a written exam to be taken on Monday (the last possible day). I thought I understood, and then today I went to class and realized that the majority of answers I wrote down on my review sheet were incorrect. And I wanted to cry. I almost did, but I didn't want to give my teacher the satisfaction. (Actually, he's an ok guy- I'm just not really a fan- and he doesn't hate me, despite what I may like to believe). So, after spending an hour with my teacher yesterday trying to understand the concepts I am to be tested on, and still not comprehending them, I want to give up. I do not care about French, never have. I don't understand it. I can't read, write, or speak it and I certainly don't understand others when they try to speak it. For example, today I asked a quesiton in class (in my broken French) and my teacher responded (in his non-broken French). I didn't understand a word of his explanation, but I felt too stupid to say so, so I just nodded and said 'okay'. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to get through this. But I guess we all have our trials right? And I guess this is mine.

the haps

2009-10-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

I realized I haven't put up pictures of GC. My friends and I went up for the Sunday afternoon session- so good! (all pictures courtesy of jamie) On a completely different note- look at how stinkin' long my hair is! I don't ever recall having it this long. And now it's driving me crazy. I'm in need of a good stylin' and new dos. Anyone have any advice of where I should go?

let the countdown begin

2009-10-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

image via espn.com

College Gameday is coming to Provo. It's going to be amazing. T-minus 2 days. My friends and I are planning on camping out Friday night to get a good spot. And thanks to some sweet connections, we already know the secret location and might get some sweet hookups. Like they say- it's all about who you know.

deep thoughts on a friday afternoon

2009-10-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Working in the American Heritage office, I am kept up-todate on the recent happenings around the world that have an effect on this small community in which we live. Tuesday, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a devotional at BYU-Idaho. It was entitled "Religious Freedom". It is a brilliant, inspiring and thought provoking talk in which Elder Oaks discusses the importance of the First Amendment of the Constitution and how we as Latter-day Saints must do all in our power to protect and uphold it. Very powerful. Especially seeing as how Elder Oaks was previously a member of the State Supreme Court and was a clerk for the US Supreme Court. He is a very brilliant man. However, after his devotional, many people attacked him. They attacked his references to the unjust treatment of LDS supporters of Prop 8 in California and how he compared it to the intimidation of black voters during the Civil Rights movement. This is one of the most enraging, and sickening things I have watched and seen regarding this issue. I count it as a sign of the times for sure. I just want to say that I am proud of Elder Oaks for addressing such a controversial topic, and for sticking by everything he said. He had to know what would come as a result of some of the things he said, but that did not disuade him. I am proud to belong to a church that stands by moral truths and declares them with boldness and honesty.
I strongly suggest that you read Elder Oaks talk. You will be inspired to be a better US citizen and member of the Church, and he has some insights that I had never thought of before.

there's one in all of us

2009-10-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

image via here

Where the Wild Things Are opens today. I bought the book on Monday in preparation. I love how simple it seems on the surface, but there's really a little more there than meets the eye. And now Spike Jonze has made this beloved book into a movie. And it looks stellar (as I've already mentioned). It has gotten great reviews. The move review article in the NYT is beautifully written. Seriously. I know I am English major, and it's nerdy to same that movie review is a beautiful piece of writting. But it truly is. Read it. You'll be inpsired and you will be itching to go see WTWTA. I know I am.