Happy Birthday Meagan!!

Happy 23rd Birthday. I love you. 

I hope you like the Go-Girl I bought you.

Disaster Zone

I fell in love with this pillow

 but not the price. 

So, I am trying to re-create it. 

And now our table (actually the whole apartment) is a total disaster zone. 

 

Before & After

The Dumpster Chair is finally complete. 

Jordan spray painted to base for me this morning.

Before & After:

 

 

RIP

She's Got Buttons ...

My dumpster chair has newly covered buttons. 

She is almost complete. 

Next step: Spray paint the base

We chose Ivy Leaf green, what do you think?

Forget Me Not Ring

I love this.

My 1st Mosque Visit

At the recommendation of Debbie, Erika, and Jordan I started reading the book  Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Stargirl's "Normal" clothes are described as long, floor-brushing pioneer dresses and skirts. This description reminded me of an experience I had while I was visiting Jordan and his family last summer in Arizona. 

Last summer, while on a bike ride Jordan became friends with a Muslim security guard from Somalia. Abdi asked Jordan if he knew of any places he could learn more about the bible. Jordan told him about LDS institute and arranged for him to go to Old & New Testament Classes. Abdi invited Jordan to attend a mosque. It just so happened to be that I was visiting when Abdi decided to bring Jordan along, so I was invited as well. 

Muslim women dress very modestly. Long, floor-brushing skirts and dresses, long sleeves, and veils. Since I was visiting Arizona in the middle of July VERY HOT I didn't pack any floor-brushing skirts and long sleeves. So we tried to put together a modest outfit, so that I could fit in and not offend the people at the Mosque. 

The best thing we came up with was Erika's pioneer trek clothes. I stuck out like a sore thumb. I was wearing a light-denim, somewhat ruffle-y floor length skirt, and a long sleeve pioneer shirt, and a scarf to cover my head & face (I decided the bonnet was too much). I was so hot, uncomfortable, and awkward looking. I am pretty sure that is the only time a Mormon pioneer girl has stepped foot inside of a Mosque.   

We forgot/I refused to have pictures taken of my get-up. But this is Jordan and his friend Abdi:

Disneyworld

My parents and sisters are in Florida to visit my brother and sister-in-law. So, they stopped by Disneyworld for a few days. Since I can't be there, my dad is keeping me updated with pictures from his iphone thanks dad, your so hip!

Having Fun in the Fun-House Mirror

A little wet after a ride on Kali River Rapids in the Animal Kingdom

I love Disneyworld.

Dumpster Diving

We were walking out to our car, to get it jump started (cause I left the lights on, again) and I saw my next project sitting next to the dumpster: 

 

The vinyl is actually in great condition. I cleaned it up real good with Clorox wipes. It's good as new now.  I think I might just recover the buttons in a funky fabric and paint the metal part. Any other ideas? 

I can't wait to get started on this project. 

We are running out of space in our house. (I'm gonna have to start selling stuff)

I guess, I have a little more of my mom in me than I thought. 

Happy Father's Day

We Love You!

AHHHHH .....

Yesterday & Today the auditing department worked in the bookstore to help with inventory. It did not bring out the best in me. I know most people use their blogs to present themselves as perfect. But I'll be real, there were some things out that really set me over the edge today: 

Pet Peeve #1: Working on Saturdays (Saturday=Day Off=Beach Day) 

Yesterday I had to help count greeting cards, individually, by price and style. It took FOREVER. When it got to five o'clock (time to go home) we were almost finished with one of the boxes. We finished the box (5:15) So, I went to the "control" table where the girl with no authority was sitting handing out and checking back in the price scanners: 

Me: I am finished with that box, but there are still 5 left. 

Control Girl: So? 

Me: Do I have to finished them all before I can go? 

Control Girl: (Looks at me like I am stupid) 

Me: (Look back at her in disgust) uhhh.... I am not willing to. (because it will take hours)

Control Girl: Go find the manager then. 

Me: (Storm off) 

I go find the manager. He smiles at me, says okay have a nice evening, see you tomorrow. 

Pet Peeve #2: People who think they have authority and are on power trips. 

Pet Peeve #3: Stupid, Overpriced Greeting Cards

Today, I counted sundries, art supplies, ctr rings, pencils, more greeting cards ... I was just busy working, minding my own business.  This girl kept talking SO loud ...SO gossip-y and was not working, she remained in the same area ALL DAY. I felt like I was doing circles around her. At one point I even shushed her. 

Pet Peeve #4: People who lollygag. 

Cruiser Art

On our way into town yesterday we stopped by the Sunshine Art Gallery (the yellow one with china man's hat painted on the side of it, right outside of Kaneohe). Jordan's sister Erika got this cute print as a souvenir from her summer in Hawaii. Its part of a series called Cruiser Art. 

I love it. We might have to stop in again sometime and get one of our own. 

The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread ...

I love these sliced bread notebooks ... there is one "slice" for each month in the year. 

Fast Food Dessert

I've had a lot of time to blog today at work (hence all the posting today).

How cool are these Hamburger Cupcakes & Sugar Cookie French Fries?

They would be the perfect summer BBQ dessert!

So Cute.

The receipe & template here.

Greece Fund

It's official ... We are starting a Greece fund!

Hopefully, this time next year we will be celebrating Jordan's graduation by vacationing in Beautiful Greece.

Thank you, Jordan for being so smart and getting so many scholarships & grants!

Windowsill Herb Garden

Isn't this a cute way to have a little Herb Garden?

and it is perfect for us since we don't have a yard to plant one in ...

Martin Handcart Company

Yesterday we had to give talks in church. I absolutely hate giving talks ... I am so glad that it is over with. Our topic was finding strength in trials, and I found an awesome story about the Martin Handcart Company: President David O. McKay told of the experience of some of those early saints in the Martin handcart company. Many of these early converts had emigrated from Europe and were too poor to buy oxen or horses and a wagon. They were forced by their poverty to pull handcarts containing all of their belongings across the plains by their own brute strength. President McKay related an occurrence which took place some years after the heroic exodus:

“A teacher, conducting a class, said it was unwise ever to attempt, even to permit them [the Martin handcart company] to come across the plains under such conditions.”

Then President McKay quoted an observer who was present in that class: “Some sharp criticism of the Church and its leaders was being indulged in for permitting any company of converts to venture across the plains with no more supplies or protection than a handcart caravan afforded.

An old man in the corner … sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it, then he arose and said things that no person who heard him will ever forget. His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity.

“In substance he said, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here, for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. Mistake to send the Handcart Company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited was there, too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? …

“ ‘I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it.’ ”

He continues: “ ‘I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.“ ‘Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company.’ ”

Bikes

My parents have become bike connoisseurs. They have always had a large collection of mountain bikes and beach cruisers and lately they have been adding a few unique styles to their collection. Last summer, my mom got a tandem bike for her birthday & this summer they bought this beauty... complete with a basket for Lucy: 

I can't wait to get home and take it for a spin. 

Part-Time

I am working part-time for the summer (possibly forever) so I can do more of this ... I am loving my job and life so much more now!

Commencement

BYU-Hawaii's June Commencement was held yesterday. Meaning, I have been a College Grad for 1 whole year!  Do people normally celebrate their graduation anniversary? Well, I am going to. It feels great to be a College Grad! I am so grateful that I was able to get a college education. I haven't made any significant educational or career advances in the past year, but I did get engaged, get my first post-graduation full time job, and get married. 

And now the countdown begins 10 months 'til Jordan's graduation! So... act quick if you wanna come see us in Hawaii.

June

I am so happy that it is June! June is the best month of the year & here is a few reasons why:


06.03: Jordan's Last Day of Classes until First Term & JULIE'S BIRTHDAY!
06.04: The Flake Family Arrives in Hawaii!
06.06: BYU-Hawaii Graduation (I graduated a whole year ago ... can you believe it?)
06.08: Jordan starts working at my office
06.13: Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen's Birthday (I don't know why I know that)
06.14: Flag Day
06.19: Our 6th Month Wedding Anniversary
06.21: Father's Day
06.30: My Mom Arrives in Hawaii & MY 23rd BIRTHDAY!


And if that wasn't enough ... the weather is sunny and beautiful here nearly EVERYDAY in June!