I'm such a slacker!

I can't believe how long it's been since my last post! YIKES! 

I guess it's proof that my summer has been "action packed." Or at least something like that. 

Time for a quick recap, I guess:

JUNE

* Roomies moved out. Jeff, Juline, Adi and Kohen moved into a cute little apartment and I'm sure they are once again enjoying their own space. But boy do I miss those kids! (sniff sniff!) Good thing they are still close ... just up the road from me!

* Dating a pretty great guy. 

JULY

* Roomie moved in! And her name ... Riley! So pretty comical when yelling at Riley (the dog) when he's naughty! haha

* Looking for another new roomie. I have the room ... why not!  

* Weekend adventures including camping at Lava Hot Springs, May family reunion in Baker City, Ore., overnighter in Sun Valley where I hob-nobbed with pulitzer prizing winning columnist Dave Barry and best-selling author Mitch Albom! (WOW), and another camping trip up Big Cottonwood Canyon in unusually chilly weather. (PHOTOS TO COME)

* Twitter, Facebook and Blogging for work work work = Avoidance of all social networking sites.

* Dental pain! This King got her first crown and has never felt so much tooth pain in her life! Not even headgear during the braces era was as painful as when the numbness wore off! 

It's been a pretty great summer with another few weeks to go which will include family birthday parties (Grandma King turns 95 on Aug. 16) and a Japanese friend coming for a visit which might mean a road trip to Vegas and Zion National Park! 

Vacay month continued!

From the "Mexican Riviera" (almost) to the Land of the Midnight Sun ... 

I took a fabulous, Memorial Weekend, sleep-deprived trip to Anchorage, Wasilla and Denali National Park and had a completely amazing time! 

Not the typical destination for 3-day weekend jaunt, I actually was invited to visit the nation's largest state for a first date! And a blind date, at that. I had an incredible time! Too bad he lives in Alaska! 

It was an event-filled weekend and Mr. Alaska was a great tour guide. Right after getting off the plane, killing time in Anchorage for 2 hours in the wee hours of the morning, we retrieved my luggage from "lockup" (first time my luggage has ever been lost!) and hit the road around 6 a.m. Saturday, heading up directly to Denali National Park. 

Arriving at Denali we checked into the hotel, grabbed some lunch and took a short nap! Ahhhh.... Then we embarked on a Jet Boat Safari where we sped along one of the rivers, seeking out wildlife and admiring the snowtopped peaks of the overwhelmingly majestic mountains. Taking a break we were introduced to a full-time fur trapper who showed off his wares ... wolf, fox, lynx, beaver and more. Then we were off to pan for gold! Only looking like simple flecks, it was fun to discover our little treasure. 

That evening, after another short nap, we enjoyed a fun dinner-theater event, feasting on ribs, salmon and all the fixin's while learning about Denali's early adventurers. 

After a quick count, I figure that with the exception of a few naps, nothing more than about an hour or so, I was awake for 42 hours from Friday morning until finally going to sleep at 11 p.m. Saturday. Complete exhaustion, but so much fun! 

The next day we woke up early for breakfast and our bus tour through Denali.  

Me and Mt. McKinley in the background. Beautiful! The nation's highest peak! 

Gorgeous Mt. McKinley, different day but little bit better view. Can you make out the peak through the clouds?

Entering Denali National Park. We took a 6-hour bus tour through the park, seeking wildlife. We did see grizzly bears, caribou and doll sheep (below). Photo opps were not so great because everything was from such a long distance, but we had a great time! 

At one of the stops on our bus tour through Denali. So beautiful! 

After our drive through Denali, we headed back to Wasilla for a relaxing night. Monday was filled with a picnic lunch, outstandingly scenic drive and a visit to a Musk Ox Farm. Heading back into Anchorage, we ate dinner at an "authentic Alaskan restaurant" called Gwennie's and then it was back to the airport for the long trek back home (6-hour late-night layover in Seattle). WHEW!!

It was an incredible adventure, but I'm excited to enjoy a few weeks travel-free! 

Vacation Roundup

April showers bring May flowers, but what do May flowers bring? For me ... LOTS of travel plans! First traveling buddy Brent and I headed off to a "Mexican" cruise, but because of some over-blown Swine Flu, we were rerouted to the California coast. So instead of Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, we hit Santa Barbara, San Diego and San Francisco. 

It was a great escape, even if we didn't get that Mexican sun and we had to deal with fog, cold winds, excursion-delaying fog and rough waters. 

Brent and I on the Sapphire Princess just as we were leaving port.

Our first port was Santa Barbara. Some amazingly beautiful architecture! Love the bar-tile Spanish-influence rooftops.

Sunburn!

On to San Diego the next day where we explored Balboa Park with lots of museums. 

We also saw the Body Worlds exhibit.

Our last port was San Francisco!! My favorite day on the cruise, by far. It was FILLED with fun. First stop = Alcatraz! 

Beautiful view from the boat on our way back from Alcatraz. 

The we ate lunch {Clam Chowder in Sourdough Bread Bowl ... what could be more SF than that?} at Fisherman's Warf, did some shopping and watch the Sea Lions. 

With lots of time in San Fran, we took a Trolley Tour of the city and then took a taxi down Lombard Street and then over to Golden Gate Park where we explored the Japanese Garden and a Botanical Garden. 

Back on the ship, we headed up to the deck to enjoy the amazing SF skyline 

and the incredible path of our ship under the Golden Gate Bridge. Stunning! 

Next stop in May's travelogue: ALASKA! 

Easter Eve

About this time every year throughout my childhood, Easter Eve, while my sister and I slept, dreaming of jelly beans and white chocolate bunnies, my mother would be burning the midnight oil, sewing machine whirring away for hours at a time rapidly trying to meet a Sunday morning deadline.  

Her two daughters needed Easter Dresses. Nothing was going to prevent her little girls from looking their best in gingham, floral or stripped dresses. 

Amid dreams of Easter Bunny gifts and jelly bean hunts, Mom would come and nudge me awake and in my sleepy state I would gingerly try on the dresses in various stages of completion. "Watch the pins," she would warn as I would pull the dress over my head, inevitably getting poked with a pin or two. Then returning to bed I would begin dreaming of the finished dress.

Waking up Easter morning, after discovering the basket of sweet loot, Mom would return to the sewing machine to finish the hems, button holes, zippers and then affix the adornments of bows and buttons. New tights and shoes, possibly left by EB himself, would complete the outfit. 

I need to find the photos of these midnight clothing creations to post, but I remember a long, patchwork gingham dress in pinks, yellows and blues. Then there was the green sailor-style dropped waist dress with little red ladybugs in the pattern. Then even in junior high I remember a blue pin-stripped pinafore style dress.  

I have no idea just how many dresses Mom made through the years, but I know there were always two very excited girls prancing and twirling their way into church each Easter Sunday! Thanks Mom! 

Happy Easter to everyone! 

All for the love of vampires!

Ohhh the pain!

Last week I couldn't move my arms! 

I didn't fall and suffer some catastrophic double-arm break. I didn't mangle them in some industrial accident. 

No, I hired a personal trainer! 

The good news is that after 5 days, I had finally regained my normal arm function ... only to relinquish the use of my legs to a torturous lower body workout. 

Never has pain and misery been so invigorating!

Girl's Weekend

It was a fabulous Girl's Weekend when Alicia flew in from Tacoma for a long weekend! 

The fun started out with a delicious, decadent dinner at Cheesecake Factory, continued on to a day filled with shopping at Tai Pan and The Gateway and a laser U2 show at the Clark Planetarium. Oh, and don't forget a couple of Ben's Cookies and a sumptuous dinner a Biaggi's. 

The shopping continued on Saturday, this time in Park City at the outlets! That night we headed into Ogden for some great laughs at WiseGuys comedy club. The bass-playing bald comedian who competed in Last Comic Standing was the headliner and he was freakin' hilarious! 

Sunday was a relaxing, rainy day with a great breakfast, a fun movie, delicious leftovers and a cookie-baking session. 

Clearly it was three days full of all the essential Girl's Weekend elements -- shopping, eating, shopping, baking, movies and great laughs. 

Thanks for all the fantastic memories, Alicia! 

Jenn and Alicia at The Gateway ... SHOPPING!

Hanging out on "Mars" at the Clark Planetarium.

Park City ... enjoying the snow!

He's Just Not That Into You

OK, this is hilarious! Can't wait to see this movie!


ICYMI - 10 Chick Flick Cliches That Are Not In "He's Just Not That Into You" @ Yahoo! Video

Facelift

It was time. 

I've been thinking about it for a while now. 

Just a little nip here. 

A little tweak there. 

A bit of Botox there. 

Don't I look FABULOUS!?!

Jenn's Journal is so bright and refreshed with a whole new look! 

All thanks to my sister in law, Juline! Who needs a plastic surgeon and thousands of dollars when you've got a creative family member!! 

{Thanks Juline ... it looks fabulous!}

Remarkably Jane

Over the past few years my appreciation for all things Jane Austen has just continued to bloom. And last year was a pinnacle as all of her works were made and re-made into Masterpiece Theater movies! And then there was my indulgence in a Jane Austen doll I blogged about here.

Now I have an even more significant reason to delight in all things Jane. I am the publicist for a great new spring book titled Remarkably Jane.

The author, an amazingly talented writer and editor, and great co-worker, has compiled dozens of quotes on this classic author. Some laude her as the greatest writer in history, while others still shake disagree with all the acclaim. In fact, one of the quotes is particularly hilarious:

Every time I ready Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and hit her over the skull with her own shin-bone.
-- Mark Twain,1898

The book launches in March and I hope you all rush out and get copies to send to your friends, family and fellow Janeites!

Boogers

Lovely Christmas program in church today. Everyone dressed in their holiday best. One particularly adorable Nursery toddler dressed in a sparkly new skirt and sweater. Sitting on her mom's lap ... digging for gold! 

What is the fascination with little noses? Why must little fingers venture upward? And then ... pulling out a "prize," quickly suck it up in one quick lick. 

Maybe she's being environmentally conscious ... saving forests one Kleenex at a time. 

Ahh ... the joys of childhood. 

Starbuck's Santa

I was at the Starbuck's drive thru yesterday morning, ready to hand my debit card over to the cashier when he startled me.

"High 5," he said.

Ummm, OK.

"The lady in the car ahead of you wanted to wish you

a Merry Christmas and your order is on her!"

"What? Are you serious?"

"Yep ... enjoy your breakfast!" he said.

What a simple, thoughtful act of service and giving during this holiday season. I had a grin a mile wide, shaking my head in disbelief and glee all the way to work.

The best part? I'm officially inspired! Not only did that just brighten my day, but I now can't wait to do something similar.

I encourage each of you reading this to follow in Ms. Honda Pilot's generous footsteps and make someone's day with a small, simple act of kindness. And why not carry this into the New Year. Creatively wish someone a "Merry Monday" one of these days or "Happy Groundhog Day!"

The Power of Three ... Tagged

What are the last three things you purchased (aside from groceries)?

* Tile and scrapbook paper for craft projects

* Holiday scented candles

* Dinner at Bajio's

What are the last three songs you downloaded to your iPod?
* A remix of "Defying Gravity" from Wicked

* "Let it Rock" from Kevin Rudolf

* Newest Xtina Aguliera song

What are three of your favorite movies?
* Addams Family Values

* Army of Darkness

* My Big Fat Greek Wedding

What are three things you have not done yet?
* Skydiving

* Played in the Atlantic Ocean

* Gone snow skiing

What are three things you can't live without?
* iPod

* Propel water

* Curel lotion

What are your three favorite dishes?
* Lasagna

* Lobster

* Salad with everything on it

What are three of your favorite tv shows?
* Monk

* Gray's Anatomy

* The Office

What are three of your favorite desserts?

* Cheesecake

* Apple Crisp

* Costco White Cake with Vanilla Mousse Filling

What are the last three places you traveled to that are more than 100 miles away?
* St. George

* Seattle

* New Jersey

What are three things you'd buy if money weren't an issue?

* Dyson Vacuum

* iMac

* Acura TL

I now tag anyone who reads this. Share your top 3s.

In honor of the upcoming premiere!

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Winter Joy

My Winter Bliss has begun! 

Sipping on a Starbuck's Caramel Apple Cider

Trying on a new cozy sweater. 

I love this time of year! 

Japanese Flashback

Right after all my September travels, I had the chance to host my friend Naoko from Japan! She was in Utah for about 2 weeks and I was lucky enough to be one of her stops on her visit. It was so much fun to spend time visiting and catching up. I just wish it had been longer and that I didn't have to spend my days at work instead of hanging out with her!

While she was here, she, my roomie Angie and I took a trip to SLC to tour the Beehive House in the hopes of seeing a particular Sister Missionary. Vivian was one of the many great friends I met while I was in Tokyo, so it was so wonderful for both Naoko and I to see Vivian. It was a great reunion!

Afterward we decided to grab a bite to eat at the Lion House. So tasty. 

Workin' my way through Wyoming!

In September I managed to travel to Wyoming twice for a couple of trade shows. While we did spend pretty some busy, and some not-so-busy days, in Wyoming, we did manage to have some fun! 

The first trip was to Jackson Hole. I haven't been there for years, but this town sure does hold some great memories for me! Lots of trips down the Snake River! 

Kelly and I had to get a few photos at some of the popular tourist locales. 

Kelly and I couldn't resist getting our photo under one of the the Antler Arches.

On our way home we traveled through Bear Lake. So incredibly beautiful! I forgot just how BLUE that lake is! 

After Jackson Hole, Jill and I traveled up through Yellowstone and then spend 5 days in Cody, Wyoming. It was my first visit to the cute, kinda sleepy town ... or so I thought. 

When I mentioned to my parents that I'd be traveling to Cody for the first time, they both, in completely eerie unison, said ... "Oh, you've been there!"  Ummm, what? 

Turns out, I was conceived in Cody, Wyoming. Ahhh ... now it all comes together! So that's why they almost named me Cody. 

Cute Jill. This was her first trip to Yellowstone ... We should have spent more time! Sorry Jill!

The case of the missing flowers

EDITOR'S NOTE: I wrote and posted this entry on Oct. 9 and, after reading it, realized I sounded pretty pathetic. But ... after some thought I've decided to re-post it. It was a pretty crazy story ... fitting for my crazy life! hehe And since this blog is about my life ... let the "crazies" be documented. 

I turned the ripe old age of 35 over the weekend! I know, I know, I know ... I don't look a day over 29. Thank you! You are too kind ... and so very right!

Having recently started dating a great guy a few weeks ago, I was excited for a possible delivery (ok, so a little birdie told me I would likely receive something) of a floral arrangement or gift of sorts to my office the Friday before the big birthday. Obvioulsy I was over-the-moon giddy that I was going to receive flowers for my big day. 35, afterall, is a pretty big landmark birthday! 

As the end of my day at work drew near, I began to realize there wasn't going to be a delivery in my future. Even though I was disappointed, I figured some sort of eventual surprise from this great guy would find me somehow.

Spending the weekend in St. George with friends, I was apart from my crush but received an early morning birthday wish with a question about when I was coming home. Ahh, I thought, he's planning something for my return.

Well, sadly he sent me a message the next day telling me he actually did send me flowers and chocolates to my office on Friday! What an incredible guy!! But ... where did they go? Why didn't I get them?

Apparently there is a "Jennifer" out there enjoying the aroma and beauty of MY flowers while munching on MY chocolates!

So, to that Wannabe Jennifer: I hope you are allergic to flowers and breakout from eating all that chocolate! 

Calling all phone book companies

YellowPages. Local Book. Dex. Verizon. 

When will the phone book parade stop??

I'm so incredibly sick of finding a new, hefty volume sitting in the driveway. In fact on Saturday I actually received TWO different phone books within about 20 minutes of each other. 

What a completely ridiculous waste of paper! And where in the world am I suppose to store all 12 phone books I've received in the last 3 weeks? 

Now, if only there some way one could look up phone numbers digitally? 

Oh Wait! There is ... Dexonline and Yellowpages.com and trusty 411 (even if you do have to pay for it). And ... I almost forgot ... 1-800-FREE411

I am sure hoping the parade has stopped! Although I'm sure the "festivities" will begin again in a short 6 months. Maybe I can find a way to take my house off the parade route! 

A new holiday I can't wait to celebrate!

Happy, er I mean UNhappy, National Grouch Day!

I was reading a blog, actually dedicated to all things chocolate, and the blogger announced that Oct. 15 is National Grouch Day! And of course, her remedy is to medicate with chocolate -- Brilliant!

So, to celebrate ... before indulging in some warm, gooey chocolate ... here are my GROUCHES for the day!
* I have a sinus headache.
* My face continues to breakout (no, I'm not going to blame chocolate!).
* I haven't received nearly enough text messages lately.
* I keep missing phone calls with my best friend in Seattle.
* Payday isn't for another week.
* My roomie is thinking of moving out.
* My sprained ankle from nearly 3 months ago still aches!

What are your GROUCHES? How are you going to celebrate? We all should mark our calendars for this time next year and really have a great Grouchy Day!

Oscar would be proud!