Meredith: One Simple Act of Kindness

(Meredith and Jess---embracing the kindness)

The first Sunday in my ward in Palo Alto, I felt like a new freshmen in college again (alone and lost!). People smiled politely and introduced themselves, but by the time I’d entered Relief Society I never had missed being at BYU-Idaho more. I sat down in Relief Society and then something miraculous happened. Meredith Bergin sat down next to me and in a matter-of-fact tone said “Hi, my name is Meredith. You’re new too, we should be friends!” All I remember is saying something like “I’m Jess, sure that sounds great.” At the time, neither Meredith nor I understood at the time how many additional blessings/people would come into my life due to Meredith extending that simple act of kindness. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said “Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life.” Through Meredith (from Ohio) later that week, I met one of my future roommates, Nicole Wood (from the Sacramento area). We also got introduced to Scott Robertson (from Alaska), who also worked at Hewlett-Packard. Nicole then introduced us to Ben Petersen (from the Sacramento area), a Berkeley law student. Through Ben we made great friends with his roommates Alex Green (from Nevada City, CA) and Craig Samuelson (from Bountiful, UT). Later in the summer, Meredith’s BYU professor emailed to tell Meredith that his daughter “Mikey” was moving to Palo Alto and looking for a place to live. Meredith said that her professor was a cool guy and we took her word on it that this “Mikey” character was going to be amazing! Guess what? Mikey Page (from Moscow, ID) turned out to be amazing! We later met Heather Crawford (from Arcadia, CA) she moved into the ward from Los Angles, became my visiting teacher and then she became Meredith’s roommate. These kids have become great friends and at times I’m amazed at how wonderful these people are to and for me. When I tell people this story, Meredith blushes and tries to downplay the whole meeting as “chance”. I relate this story to illustrate Elder Wirthlin’s point of how much small acts of kindness impact the lives of those around us. That simple act of kindness was an answer to my prayers. The Lord uses others, when they are willing (as Meredith was in this situation), to bless His children.

Tetonia Adventures of Lindy and Jess

When I was young, Lindy (my cousin) and I would always play in the mud. I remember this one time in particular, Lindy and I got in the mud and sand and made mud pies. My mom was so upset. Lindy and I both have very thick hair, my mom tried to get the mud and sand out, but she couldn’t. I wouldn’t be surprised if we still have some left in our hair now. Lindy and I would have these wars, so to say. This one time I created this drink containing shampoo, cough syrup, soap, and everything else I could find. She always tells people that I tried to poison her, but I really didn’t think that she would ever drink it. Lindy and I formed a club that was “No Boys Allowed”, which I think mostly meant no Ryan (Lindy’s older brother) and Matt. Lindy and I would ride bikes to the first creek, on the way to the rodeo grounds. Once we got there we’d wade out to an island of rocks where we would have a “picnic”, which usually consisted of crackers and cheese. We also would go to buy candy at Classic Stop everyday! My mom wasn’t too please with this. Dr. Pepper and Nacho Cheese chips were my favorite. Lindy and I had our first “real” jobs at the motel next to Lindy’s house. We were housekeeper and laundry girls. I really didn’t mind this job, granted most of my earnings went to Classic Stop.

The people, who lived in the house kitty-corner to my home, had this mean dog that everyday would chase Lindy and I until his chain pulled him back into the yard. One day Lindy and I were riding our bikes to my house, this dog started chasing us and he wasn’t stopping- he was off his chain. We cut through Dick Barney’s lawn my bike was slowing me down so I ditched the bike and started running for my Grandparents’ house. Lindy headed back towards the Tetonia Park. I thought for sure that that dog was going to eat me whole. I made it to the house safely and waited for the owner of the dog to chain up the dog. After that I would ride my bike an extra block just to avoid that dog.

Shalece's New Ride and Home!

Shalece is a budding and talented Artist! She claims she'd never be able to afford to live in the Bay Area. Well Shalece, I've found a way! Granted I couldn't find a close River for you to park your Van next to, but there is always the ocean! My only demand is that you remove those offensive bumper stickers! ;)

Hair Sculpting!

Gustavo did an amazing job on my already beautiful hair, no buyer's remorse here! For those of you that haven't experienced my hair, imagine touching the softest fleece blanket, times by ten, and you have my hair. Seriously, no jokes on that one. It is also right up there with my eyebrows in the Top 5 greatest features of Jess. Hmmm...maybe I should post the remaining two since the other three have been showcased already now.

Happy Graduation Anniversary Jed!

A year ago yesterday Jed and I graduated from college together and so I figured this week's post was rather fitting of the occasion.

Graduation was a surreal experience, much more enjoyable than my high school graduation! About three weeks prior to graduation, the College of Business and Communications emailed me asking me whether I was planning on “attending” convocation. I simply responded that yes I was planning on attending. The next day I received another email thanking me for my willingness to “participate” in convocation and that I was selected to be the convocation speaker at graduation. By one simple email string, I had been tricked into speaking at graduation. Immediately I flashed back to my high school graduation speech, the dread and sickness was present again. Only this time, my first thought wasn’t whether I’d trip on the way to the pulpit, it was fear of speaking along side an Apostle of the Lord.

It was so fun and unique to graduate with my Uncle Jed (yes, my Uncle that is just barely older than me ;)). Not many grandparents can say they had a grandchild and a son graduate from college together. It was only fitting that we graduate together. If it weren’t for me Jed wouldn’t have passed his religion classes, thus not being able to graduate. Jed will one day be able to thank me properly with free doctor consultations and an added Christmas bonus when he’s rolling in the dough. He is so blessed to have such a great niece and he’ll be the first to admit that fact.

The night before graduation my parents threw a party for Jed and I at Jaker’s! Yah for prime rib! My Dad has always known the way to my heart! It was so nice to be all together. I had to chuckle because Dan and Pat gave laundry detergent and rolls of quarters. They had been spoiling me for so many years and they wanted my parting gift to be useful. I truly have such a wonderful family!

The actual convocation speech went much better than expected. I even cracked a small joke about my height. Elder Hales thought I was funny, which after the fact made me less nervous, too bad that he didn’t tell me beforehand. I was shocked by the overwhelming emotions that that day brought on. I remember almost crying as I spoke with Bro. Jim Taylor, Bro. Kevin Packard, Bro. Josh Holt (whom was also my Dad’s professor many moons ago) and Bro. Bruce Kusch after the meeting. If I had to pick favorite professors these four men are it. They each taught me many lessons that go beyond business and accounting skills. It is easy to dream about the momentous occasion as a girl (it seems so far into the distance) and then within a few blinks the moment is there and you are just beginning to grasp the reality that you have met this achievement that you really have spent every moment of your life working towards thus far. In retrospect I may not have appreciated the journey at the time I was taking it to make it to that point as I should have, but looking back I appreciate the joy and opposition of it all. There are obvious moments that I would do over again or repeat and there are periods that I’m thankful are passed me now.

Eyebrow Threading

The results of our eyebrow threading! I should have been thinking and done the "before and after" shots, but I forgot. I heart threading. I go once a month and it honestly makes me smile for weeks. Threading is a middle eastern technique. Natasha, my threader, uses regular thread, twists the thread along the lines of your brow, pulls and removes the hair. It is less painful and easier. Natasha was very impressed that my Mom never plucks or waxes her brows. Now I know where to credit my beautiful brows. Considering that my eyebrows make my Top 5 most amazing physical features list, threading once a month is the least I can do to show my appreciation. :)

Parents Come to the Bay! Yah!

Dad and Mom came to visit last week. I think they really missed their baby girl. Oh. ;) Beyond the multiple heart attacks they felt coming on while driving with me on freeways (My lead foot has become even heavier since moving to California and I have learned how to "survive" well when driving. I for one use my blinker.) , I think they had a splendid time. I particularly enjoyed introducing my parents to real Chinese food, hot tubing, my nap while they were in the Oakland Temple, watching March Madness, driving down Hwy 1 along the coast, and yes My Mom got her eyebrows threaded while she was here.
Dad and Mom atop the terrace at the Oakland Temple. This pictures is hilarious! Dad you are definitely taller in this one. ;)
In front of the Oakland Temple.
Mom and I outside on the Temple grounds. My strategy for taking them to the Temple was to show them how beautiful the Oakland Temple is so they wouldn't be completely shocked if I want to get married in this Temple. Seriously the photos don't do it justice.
Dad at PF Chang's with his Mongolian Beef. Yes, he flies all the way to California and his only request was a trip to PF Chang's. Needless to say he preferred PF Chang's over my favorite place South Legend (which is authentic Chinese food).
Driving down Hwy 1 along the coast. This was the only time I felt safe letting Dad take the wheel (less traffic, so when he didn't use his blinker we didn't fear for our lives). I pulled out the Joe Rocket snowmobiling gloves I keep in my car. They now are my freeway racing gloves. I have yet to find a real purpose beyond that for them in California. Where we stopped to take a power nap. I have found in the last two weeks that I LOVE taking naps in my car. Open the sunroof, lock the doors, lay the seat down, and I'm in Heaven.
Joe Rockets must have their own spotlight showing.
Lighthouse along the coast.
Very awesome view of the Pacific!

Opening Day at Yankee Stadium!!!

Don't we all wish we could be here at 7:05 EST when one more piece of history is created at Yankee Stadium. MLB doesn't officially start until the Yankees have their opening game! I can almost smell the mixture of hot dogs, sunflower seeds, sunscreen, and dirt....what a glorious day of the Year!
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080328&content_id=2464033&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy