Sincerest Regrets

To my avid followers,

I express deep sorrow and regret at the fact that I haven't posted anything for half a month. Please excuse my delinquency. I shall do better in the upcoming year.

Joanna

Finally!!

After months of job searching and applying, I was offered a job today by First National Bank of the Lakes in the Uptown area here in the cities! I will be their newest full-time teller starting December 28th. What a great Christmas present!

I don't know why it happened today of all days. For nine months I have been searching, applying, and interviewing for jobs with what appeared to be fruitless results. What I do know is this is an answer to prayers and happened when it was right.

With a new job, there are a few things I'm looking forward to:
1. A more consistent schedule without lots of variation in hours or days.
2. Benefits! I can finally go to the dentist after 2 and a half years. My teeth are excited!
3. I can wear my nice clothes, and I don't have to worry about them getting dirty.
4. I don't have to rush back here the day after Christmas to work. Yay for holidays!

When I was talking to Mr. Johnson, my new boss, I informed him I'd be gone for a week in January and he said that wasn't a problem. They understand that I have a life and have planned things so they are willing to work with me.

Yay!

Snow Day!!

Thanks to the "blizzard" we got yesterday (and the fact that I didn't have to work and Ben is busy studying) it was like those wonderful days growing up when school would be cancelled and we would just hang around the house all day. In order to make the day somewhat productive, I did a few crafty things. Here are the results!

Christmas Traditions

This year I am excited to be home for Christmas so that I can enjoy the traditions I've missed out on the past two years. This past Sunday Ben and I went to this:

Faces of the Nativity from Galen Erickson on Vimeo.

It was exciting to see all the different nativity sets and think of all the people around the world who share in the same tradition of celebrating the birth of our Savior. I can't wait to make this a tradition in the future. Ben and I also listened to the hand bell choir before watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional later that night. It was great to spend the day with Ben especially at this time of the year, and I'm excited for all the other fun traditions to take part in over the next couple of weeks.

December 1

Back in high school Cory Wilbur and Amy Ruffner always celebrated the first day of a new month because it meant a time for them to write a new month. I never got it. It was a new month and every 30 or so days it would happen again. Today at work, though, that excitement caught up with me.

It's hard to believe that it's December already! Where has the year gone? Last year, I was in warm sunny Destin thinking that a December with snow and cold weather would never come. And, here it is! Time sure has a way of passing by quickly and unnoticed.

I'm going to keep telling myself that all month because it looks like it is going to be a long and boring month with Ben having finals and then heading back to Arizona for a few weeks. I might be making more trips home than usual this month just to give me something to do.

You can expect that January 1, 2010 will be an exciting day. I can't wait!

Remember When....

Remember when we were little and would have dinner together every night?
Remember when Mom or Dad would ask us what we did that day?
Remember when it was my turn to answer?

Well, for all those who miss (and don't miss) the daily log of all of my activities, here is a sample of life lately. I'll use Friday as an example.

7:40 AM: Wake up to alarm going off. Turn it off because the night before had been somewhat of a late night. Fall back asleep.

8:30 AM: Wake up to piano lessons. Still tired. Fall back asleep.

10:15ish AM: Get out of bed.

10:30 AM: Find some breakfast. Muffins. Read some comics and look at the daily newspaper including my horoscope. Clean up the breakfast mess from three shifts of breakfasts.

10:52 AM: Think about watching the last 10 minutes of Gilmore Girls but decide against it. Check my email, facebook, the blogs to see what happened in the 10 hours since I last checked them. Respond to anything that needs a response.

11:15 AM: Finally get ready for the day.

12:07 PM: Do some job stuff. Get really into it because I need something a little more permanent and steady. Talk to a lady and get an interview. Yay!!! While time passed really quickly, at least there was something beneficial from it!

3:12 PM: Get a text from Ben! It was nice to take a break from job stuff. Text a little about what we should do and decide to play some racquetball later.

3:57 PM: Hang out around the house. Graze on some food. Read about Oprah ending her show.

5:23 PM: Dust of the old racquetball racquet (okay, it is one of the Clark's, but it was a little dusty from sitting in their garage). Eat leftover's from dinner at Famous Dave's in the Mall of America with Ben the night before. I actually found Famous Dave's BBQ sauce in the fridge!

6:04 PM: Leave to meet Ben at his place.

6:16 PM: Realize I made a bad choice of ways to get to Ben's. Sit in traffic for a long time.

7:00 PM: Make it through the I-94 tunnel and decide to take some side streets the rest of the way to Ben's.

7:21 PM: Finally make it to Ben's, 21 minutes late! We head off to Hamline.

7:37 PM: Make it to the courts and start the warm up for what would be a great match of racquetball skills.

8:00 PM: Get kicked out of the rec center. Guess they close early on Friday nights. It's okay because someone was losing 9-2.

8:21 PM: Decide to try and see New Moon. Try and tell Ben it will be sold out, but he doesn't believe me that people would be that crazy for the movie.

8:50 PM: Find out New Moon is sold out until 11:30. Guess we'll have to see that one later :) Decide to do something else.

9:01 PM: Stop at Kohl's to see if they have a certain Christmas present. Get a massage from one of those nifty things you put on a desk chair. Look for black shoes size 13, but couldn't find any.

9:45 PM: Decide to watch Star Trek and head to Cub to get some food to eat during the movie.

10:23 PM: Start the movie. Try not to fall asleep during the movie. My eyes were only closed for a little bit and I heard every word they said.

12:59 AM: Walk out of Ben's apartment. Hear a train coming down the tracks so we go look at it. Head back to the car to find that my windows need scraped off. See a second train coming down the tracks that are closer and we go look at it.

1:10 AM: Head home to the Clark's. Also, realize that Jimmy is running on empty. Decide to see how far I can make it in order to find a cheaper gas station.

1:30 AM: Reach the Holiday gas station and fill up.

1:37 AM: Pull into the driveway.

1:40 AM: Get ready for bed.

Mix up those times and amounts of time I spend on each and you have what most of my days are like.

2012

Last night Ben and I went out and saw the new movie, 2012. It was a fine movie if you like movies where the world is about to end, lots of things being destroyed, and John Cusack (which I kept thinking about his role in Serendipity the whole time and couldn't really take his character seriously). None of this was a major draw for me. In fact, I probably would have fallen asleep except my "pillow" had to get up and use the bathroom right as I was ready to close my eyes long enough to let sleep come.

However, during the entire movie I just kept feeling sorry for people who think that the world really is going to end like that. While the exact time and events are still unknown, I'm not too worried about it. It's called the "great and dreadful day"for a reason: great for some, dreadful for others.

Next time Ben and I hit the movie theater, I'll be ready for something a little less exciting and something a little more Joanna-esque. Like New Moon. Or Princess Diaries III (if it ever happens).

Joanna's Christmas List

A better job :)
A plane ticket to Andalusia in late February or early March
A new winter coat
Boots
New clothes (especially jeans)
Printer cartridges
Stamp pad cleaner
Ice scraper/snow brush for Jimmy
Fleece headband for running in the cold weather
Enchanted
Anything else that might amuse me

I'm in love! I'm in love! And, I don't care who knows it!

Yesterday I was invited to go to Rochester for the afternoon. I had a great time in Rochester, especially since I had my own personal tour guide! The afternoon and evening of fun included a stop at Greg's Meat Processing to check out the local grub, a walk along one of the many paths in Rochester at sunset, dinner at a great Indian restaurant, and a drive around Pill Hill, where all the rich doctor's from the Mayo Clinic live. I've always enjoyed taking little excursions like this, but this one was different.

This was different because I fell in love.

I fell in love with this....




While it might appear as a simple Jeep Grand Cherokee, I was smitten from the moment I saw it. A moonroof. Leather seats with seat warmers. Cargo room. Silver. Jeep. Grand Cherokee. I've always wanted one and it was heavenly to sit behind the steering wheel of this car.

I personally want to thank my tour guide who so patiently waited while I enjoyed the wonderfulness of a dream come true and then listened to me as I talked about how great it was. I found my one true love.

Shoes, Glorious Shoes

Shoes really can change your life. Let me tell you about some shoes that have changed mine.

1. The cow shoes. I know you sisters and mom will remember these shoes. They were some of the first heels I owned. They were such a deal at Cato's and helped me see the light about how wonderful high heels are. Emily loving described these shoes as immoral (she'd been home from her mission for a week, I think) and 'the cow shoes'. That name stuck.

2. The moccasin slippers. I bought them during my junior year at BYU because I needed some slippers and didn't want the type without a back. I instantly fell in love and would always hate the time I'd have to go to class or work because I'd have to change into real shoes. Eventually, I decided I'd just wear them all the time. They were one of my two luxury items on my mission and are still holding strong. In fact, I am wearing them as I type this blog.

3. THE flip flops. Brown. Turquoise. Foam. Who wouldn't love them? Not Janet, because she had the exact same pair. Together we have loved these flip-flops. Occasionaly, we have gotten them confused. This summer we looked for replacements for the best flip flops ever, and sadly no flip flop will ever live up to the greatness of these flip flops. I can't wait for warmer weather to start wearing them again.

4. The gray and blue Adidas tennis shoes. I learned to love running in those shoes. They were so great I had them for four years. Eventually, they became my work shoes at veg prep, so everyday I could look forward to comfort of such a wonderful pair of shoes. Sadly, there came a day when I had to throw them and all the dried up food on the bottom of them away.

5. My brown Mudd missionary shoes. I wore them straight through in nine months, but my feet have never been happier. The scriptures mention feet in reference to declaring the 'good news' and these shoes were with me as I had some of the greatest experiences of my mission. While I loved them for being really cute, I will love them forever because of the miracles I saw while I had them.

Cinderella had it right.

The joys of running

Usually running is a great thing. Like the Tater Trot, for example. While it wasn't my best race ever, it was good.

This morning's run was not good. I don't know what the problem is. My body seems to be telling me that it doesn't want me running. And, to make me stop my stomach decides it is time to throw up. Yes, it is really disgusting, but this now officially brings the total to three. Three times in the last six months that barfing has interrupted my running.

How am I supposed to do well in the Scoresby Scamper if I can't even make it a mile without barfing?

Co-Workers

During one of my first days of work at Kirkland's, someone said, "Everyone here has their own personality." Boy is that true! Tonight I had an awesome (and by awesome I mean the I-seriously-cannot-believe-there is-anyone-so-immature-as-you awesome) experience working with my co-workers. One is for sure going to give me lots of practice in being more patient. But, I have been quite satisfied with my co-workers.

After having worked at BYU and then going straight on my mission I was used to being around people who, for the most part, shared similar beliefs, ideas, standards, etc. Not any more! While they might not be my ideal choice of people to spend 4-8 hours a day with, the majority of my co-workers are great! They have been patient as I continue to learn every single item of merchandise in the store, where it all goes, and what all the codes mean. They have been respectful of me not working on Sundays. They have let me work over 20 hours each week.

When I eventually leave Kirkland's I will miss those co-workers. But, until it happens, I guess I'll be trying really hard to NOT tell my co-worker to grow up and act her age.

Sisters

I love my sisters (and the in-laws, too)!

I love them even more when they leave me special surprises and go through my stuff. You know what I am talking about...

Super Cute Sundriness

Back when school was starting and everyone was beginning life in new wards, Super Cute Sunday became a major topic of discussion. You can read more here, here, and here. After all the stress of finding the most SCS appropriate outfit, I decided on this one.


No one at church commented on how cute I looked in this outfit. I didn't care. I knew I was looking cute.

So, why does this all matter now, seven and a half weeks later?

Yesterday, I went to the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra. I wore a similar outfit except I had on some khakis and brown shoes with brown accessories. This is the response I got: "Hi! You look super cute!"

Yes! Success!! Super Cute Sunday really does pay off!

Joanna's got talent

There are lots of talent-based shows on TV these days. But, who needs a TV show to tell you what your talents are when you can go to church and have a lesson on talents? The Gospel Principles lesson was on Talents this week and part of the activity included making a list of our talents. Here is what I came up with:

1. Making food. Pretty much I could be The Next Food Network Star because of my awesomeness in cooking. Mom, Dad, and Janet can vouch for me since they ate my food every week this summer.

2. Listening and understanding others needs/feelings. I had lots of practice with this one on my mission. People still turn to me to when they need to talk and someone to listen.

3. Doing things with my hands. Whether it is crafting or hair cutting or anything in between, my hands are a very useful tool.

4. I can teach. I guess that is why people think I should be a history teacher.

5. I can jump over couches and slide across floors. My roommates informed this was a talent my sophomore year.

6. I can whistle. After my freshman year, Mom said that she missed my whistling. I guess Sas and Jan just weren't good enough.

This, of course, is just the beginning of all the wonderful talents I possess. We also had to make a list of talents we wanted to develop. Here is a brief list of those:

1. Learn to really play the piano.

2. Learn to sing alto. This one could be difficult because my voice just doesn't reach the lowest notes.

3. Improve my running. I want to be where I was before my mission.

4. Be the First Lady or the next Martha Stewart. This might be more of a goal than a talent, but talent is definitely necessary for both.

So, that's what you'll find me working on. One day I might just develop these talents.

The Weather Report for October 12, 2009

I don't know what I was thinking when I made the decision to come to Minneapolis. It's only the middle of October!!

Sunday's Editorial Cartoon

Good laughs were had by all on the reading of this cartoon.

My Best Friend's Birthday

Happy Birthday, Nikki!

You are such a great friend!
I'd shrivel up and die without your sparkling personality around :)

Dream Big

For some reason, my dreams lately have been quite wild and ridiculous. I don't know whether it is because I have been going to bed later than usual or eating late at night, but it has been really fun waking up in the morning thinking, "Did I seriously just dream that?"

Here are a few of my favorites.

Everyone in the family was going on a trip to see Joseph get some sort of award. We stopped for a break at a church building and it just so happened that it was Zone Conference day for a zone in my mission. I was taken into the room and everyone there fawned over me. President Summerhays said I was the best missionary ever and one of his favorites. We never made it to Joseph's thing. This one wasn't that far-fetched since most of it was pretty much true.

This one is 100 times crazier.

I was walking along a dirt road with someone (not sure who) thinking "This journey is going to take forever if I'm supposed to make it home. How in the world did Odysseus ever complete his Odyssey?" As I was wondering that, we came to a field that had cows in it and had to get them to a different field surrounded by a fence. Using all of my muscles, I started throwing the cows over the fence. Then we continued on our merry way. I don't know if I ever made it "home", but I really had become the female version of Homer's hero. Now I just have to figure out whether the cows represented the sirens or cyclops.

Sold!

Those candle holders are sold to the lady who didn't want any candles to go with them and didn't want to get emails with coupons in them. I sold them to her.

Yesterday was my first day of work at Kirkland's. It seems to be a pretty good job. I only really did hiring stuff and will be doing it again tonight, but I like my coworkers and the store is a pretty cool store.

So, my life of ease has come to an end.

And, for those who are wondering. You don't get my discount.

Recruited

Last night, I received a phone call asking me if I could join the Women's Volleyball team from my ward. I warned the girl calling about my athletic prowess, but she assured my it would be no problem whatsoever. The team would be able to handle it. I hope it just isn't too embarrassing for them. So, that's it. One phone call and I'm on the team. The first game is this Saturday. Hopefully, I'll be able to report back some good news.

This weekend there was a YSA Conference hosted by my ward. It was my first ever YSA Conference, so I was a little hesitant about going. I still went determined that I would have a good time. And, I did! Here is a brief rundown of all the exciting things.

1. Sister Julie B. Beck was the main speaker. Friday night she spoke and then had classes Saturday morning for the women. It was less formal than a Conference talk but good nonetheless.

2. We colored counting books for orphanages. It was all great until we realized the watermelons we colored were actually pizzas. But, kids in orphanages won't mind will they?

3. I saw Wausau people. It was fun to see them again. What wasn't fun was Lacey's unfortunate fainting incidents which ended her up in the hospital.

4. Saturday night ended with a Mississippi River boat cruise. I was afraid the boat would make me a little seasick, but I managed to keep it all together. It was a good time to meet and talk to lots of people. Even the dancing was fun!

5. I finally met the Holts, who I have heard a fair amount about. They spoke on Sunday about making decisions and being a good RM two years after your mission.

I had a fun weekend and look forward to lots of other fun activities.

Roger

I love Roger. He entered my life January 27, 2006--the day before my 21st birthday. He was my birthday present. We've spent long hours together in the HBLL, enjoyed countless movies and listening to hours of songs, and have traveled all over the US together. Sunday evening, Roger had a horrific accident that almost sent me to tears. This is what happened.





Roger's right hinge popped off, and now the little plastic cover at the top of my key-board is sticking up out of place. It was really hard to listen to the sound of breaking plastic. After a little exploratory surgery last night, I discovered the problem. The hinge is super stiff! I couldn't move it at all. No wonder he just cracked! I wasn't sure what to do so I just put him back together. At least I know what's wrong. Maybe I'll be able to get some lubrication for him, so he'll be able to move like he did before.

In other news, I'm here in Minneapolis. It's been fine, but there is nothing exciting to report except for my adventure into the heart of Minneapolis. Thanks to the Clarks, and especially Jeff, for the housing. Here are some pics of the new place.

My bed. I was doing laundry, so it was a little messier than usual.

The desk area.

My closet. It's sweet.

That's the news from here. I'll keep everyone updated with Roger's progress.

September 12th

Two years ago today, I walked through the doors of the Wilford Woodruff building on the MTC campus and bid farewell to Emily, Preston, and Sarah as I began my mission. I was very reluctant at first as can be seen in the smile I had to force for the first picture. Little did I know what lay ahead of me. Here is a photo recap of those 18 months and three weeks I spent as a missionary.




Three Sister Scoresbys. Sarah wrote me a
letter once and also included a hand drawn
rendition of this picture. It was funny, so I
had to keep it for good laughs.

Tallahassee, Florida.




Our district, 24-D. Those elders come home
this week. They were great!

President and Sister Summerhays.
They are the best!!!



The Adult Activity Center. This was the 'real south'.
Southern drawls, dominoes, chicken and dumplin's
for lunch. It didn't get much better than this.




"The field is ripe already to harvest"

Great companions. This was also our favorite
sign in our area, but after going back six months
later, I found out they painted over it. Sad day.



I ate so much! Every one was really
impressed that I could pack it on like
an elder.

Baardson, the pink bunny. He was a
first investigator.

Best companionship study ever! This
should be hanging in the MTC!

I really liked that vest.





That's all the church building is, but the
people in Andalusia are amazing!

Morning exercise=crunching pecans.
Can you find the pecan in this picture?




The Arnolds. Perhaps, the most important
reason I had to be in Andalusia for 10
blessed months.

Good old FSU!




Sarah. She is amazing and represents all of
the wonderful people we taught on campus.

Destin fun!! Yes, this was in December for
all the poor people who endured snow.

Sister Scoresby, arriving in glory and great honor.
And, wearing a coat because it was so cold when
I got home.

For all the agonizing I did and the absolute surety that I would be miserable for 18 months straight, my mission was one of the greatest things I have done so far with my life. I learned so much, had so many great experiences, and met so many wonderful people who have changed my life forever.

Maybe if I take this approach, I'll get a job sooner.

I feel like Jonathan Jordan

I've been there, I've done it, I left it, and now I am back to it. I went back to the good old Single's Ward this weekend. It was just what you'd expect when heading to a Single's Ward. The Bishopric wants everyone to mingle and get to know each other, the Relief Society lesson was on modesty, and about half the ward got new callings. While I don't mind Single's Wards and it will be good to have people my own age in my ward, I'm going to miss the loud Sacrament Meetings, listening to the Primary kids sing for every holiday, and being the unofficial permanent substitute. I know in the end it's the best thing for me. Before I know it, I'll be back in the wonderful world of Family Wards.

The Eternal Question

Every Saturday night the question has to be asked. "What should I wear to church tomorrow?" For years I have struggled with this question and always have such a hard time finding an answer. Usually, this is not a problem, but not when it is Super Cute Sunday. This Sunday will be my first Sunday in my new ward, thus making it Super Cute Sunday, and leaving me in a dilemma. What should I wear to church on Sunday? I'm leaving this up to you.

Lazy, Lazy, Lazy

Yes, folks, I have been lazy. But, my life has been fuller of funner things than just the same old wake up, go to work, come home, go to bed routine. At the end of July, I went to the Allred family reunion which is always a treat. You can check out all the fun here. I also enjoyed a quick trip with Mom and Dad to Nauvoo for Tyler Conkle's wedding. It was great seeing Ohio friends again and being in Nauvoo. I've gotten back into the competetive running scene. Janet captured my amazing finish in one of them here. Last of all, Sarah came home yesterday! It's great having her back and has been lots of fun being with the family this summer.

What do you call a lazy bison?



A Buffaloafer!!

HAHAHAHAHA

Several years ago I came across a sure fire way to bring a laugh (or maybe just a smile) into any written conversation. I'm pretty sure it all started thanks to Lisa Clark (almost Serrano). This is what you do. Start an online conversation with someone. It can be in MSN Messenger, GoogleTalk, or Facebook chat, which ever you prefer. Then when you want to respond with a laugh rapidly alternate between the h-key and the a-key over and over until you have a ridiculous amount of lines. It looks something like this:


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA


I'm smiling and silently laughing at myself right now :) See how much happinees it just brought you?

Firsts

Even though this summer has been somewhat plain, I have had some great "firsts" that my life has been missing for 24 years.

1. I've attended Institute more than three weeks in a row. Thanks to BYU I never really had to attend Institute and enjoy the great company one gains from going to Institute.

2. I finally went mini-golfing. I wowed everyone with my mad mini-golf skills, especially the hole-in-one on hole 18.

3. I have no a calling. Strange, but since no one knows what I'm doing with my life, no one can give me a calling. I am a regular substitute in nursery, though.

4. I get to do what I want, when I want (unless it is cake decorating class. Darn #1!)

5. JAG Marathon!!! What more can I say?

To all those who think I do nothing all day, here is proof that I've accomplish lots of important things in all my open time.

Tonight, tonight

Tonight is Harry Potter!!!!



I'm excited :)

One True Love

Some may call me obsessed, some may even call me crazy, but one of my true loves is JAG: Judge Advocate General.


Who wouldn't be enthralled with Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. as he searches for his missing father or Colonel Sarah MacKenzie as she overcomes the vices of her childhood and teen years? JAG follows Harm and Mac through 10 years of world events, including September 11th and the war on terrorism. But, the question on everyone's mind throughout these years is "When will Harm and Mac realize their undying love for each other?" You decide.

"Well, aren't you just...crafty!"

Since, I don't have much else to do these days, I've resorted back to one of my true loves: crafting! I've always wanted to be Martha Stewart and, I even told someone once that I was going to be a professional crafter. I guess it gives me the opportunity to make something new from bits and pieces of ordinary things. Here's a look at what I've been creating recently.

Placemats and dinner napkins
(yes, they are pink John Deere)

Memory Books

Jewelry

Now, crafting is a very important thing in our family. It is so important that when we, the daughters, graduate from college we are bestowed with our very own sewing machine from our parents. The day after Thanksgiving is reserved as "the craft day". My own bedroom is also known as the sewing room. But, even though I have to move piles of fabric and fight with the craft boxes under my bed, I would never give up crafting. In fact, it goes to show that what Pres. Uchtdorf said is true. "We each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment." Since it is one thing I CAN do, I guess I'll stick to crafting. Be on the lookout for future creations.

By the way, anyone who can tell me what movie the title is from gets extra bonus points.