Visiting My Other Home

I went to Palo Alto for a week and had so much fun relaxing, visiting with friends, shopping, and seeing Gustavo (obviously) that I only took two photos. It was a much needed vacation! While I didn't get to see everyone this trip it was wonderful catching up with those I did see. Oh and meeting all the new cute babies! Turns out I still love Palo Alto in the fall...much more than Idaho in the fall. Thanks to the Hammers for hosting me...and the many others that fed me and spent time entertaining me. 

Worth the gut ache later that day! 

House Update PLUS VISITORS!

 Windows and doors are in...

 AND these two awesome friends came to town! 

 Having kt and BC here was great! Wish they would just move here! 

 Sweet sunset from above Rexburg

jb and kt reunited! It was so great! Miss this lady! 

PS: I love kt's haircut! 

Calling all future visitors...Idaho is waiting for you!

The 17 Mile Slice of Heaven

Today kt and I headed south to take in the 17 mile drive around Pebble Beach, soak in the Mecca that it is, see the deep blue ocean, visit Carmel, and have one last kt/jb day. It was so amazing! More amazing than I anticipated. It was beautiful. I decided today that the Greek Isles have some serious competition for my retirement location...mostly because there are so many courses to golf in this area!  There are few places I feel are little slices of heaven, besides LDS temples of course. Yankee Stadium. Golf courses (particularly Pebble Beach). Tetonia, Idaho. Today was a little slice of heaven. Thank you kt!  

A Berry on "Huckleberry Hill"

 Love this tree

I could hardly contain my excitement at Pebble Beach. I'm looking forward to the day when I golf this course (hint hint Dadio). 

We ended the day at the beach in Carmel. It was rather fitting that I hit the beach one last time before heading to Idaho. 

Adios HP, Hello Freedom

Last day of work at HP was a glorious day. I was like a kid pumped up on candy. I could not sit still. I will admit to dancing in the bathroom to Jackson 5 while getting ready to go into the office. This picture is a great glimpse into my attitude and my color blocking style in general. 

 5 years later and 20 lbs lighter (literally and metaphorically speaking) I excitedly turned in this little gem and left the building mid-day. Unlike when I arrived at HP I left the building alone and quietly...but skipped to my car (yes I literally skipped) and cranked the music up when I got in my car. Followed by a delicious La Bamba burrito with kt to celebrate.  

 My last drive down Page Mill Rd after work...

Things I'd Rather Do Than Visit The CA DMV Again

This morning kt and I were discussing how she must go to the CA DMV tomorrow. Happy Valentine's Day to her. At least BC will accompany her, so when the mean lady behind the counter starts talking he can hold her hand. This discussion got me thinking of all the possible things I'd rather do than suffer another visit to the CA DMV or as I affectionately "outer darkness". I considered therapy after my last visit, as you may be able to tell I'm still scarred so therapy would have been a good idea.  Here are a limited few...but know the list could go on. 


1. Clean dirty toilets all day long for a week 
2. Take an ice bath 
3. Go on awkward marathon dates on back to back nights
4. Volunteer in the nursery for an entire year where there are only screamers for kids. 
5. Have botox injections (which I decided was the best option of these 5 items so it is the winner for tomorrow!) Happy Valentine's Day to me or Happy Anna Howard Shaw Day...you're call.  

Best Way To Spend Your Tuesday Evening...

A Mani/Pedi with kt!  Purple on the toes and magenta on the fingers. kt did OPI Red on the toes and plum on the fingers.   Also, don't those flip flops look hot?

Happy Wedding Day BS and BWG!

First shot of The Greens after the beautiful temple sealing!

A gorgeous and loving couple. I may possibly be their biggest fan, like I almost made a banner that read Go Team Green (but the poster board clashed with my dress). Seriously though, I love BS and BWG. BS and I been friends for almost FOUR years and I'll tell you what, in that four years my respect and admiration has continued to increase for this guy as he constantly and sincerely cares for those around him, including me. He's my favorite. I've been privileged to visit teach BWG for almost two years now...she has spent more time teaching and serving me than I to her. Her love, listening ear, humor, wisdom, and shopping expertise in unbeatable. I love this woman. Now you can see why I'm the biggest fan of two of my favorite friends tying the knot, making one more eternal family! Plus gorgeous people should marry gorgeous people.

MP and I

KT and I (love love the poke-a-dots!)

The bride with her beautiful maids

BWG and her ladies

The whole group celebrating!

Blog Redesign!

Meet Blog Designer KT and Quality Control BC

It is every blogger's dream that for Thursday date night with The Christmas family to have dinner + blog redesign + yummy chocolate chip cookies. I got all three thanks to KT and BC! This is KT's second blog redesign of the Jess blog. She's becoming increasingly more impressive each time. Let's be honest, I hope that KT will be the master designer of my blog indefinitely. Thanks so much!

A few reasons why I heart these two kids:

1. Killer bread sticks with dinner (thanks BC)

2. Obviously the blog redesign

3. Introducing me to Angry Birds

4. They both have the right dose of swagger

5. BC explaining my Droid WiFi to me

6. KT reminding me to relax in the "uncontrollable areas of life"

7. And because they are still in the adorable stage of being cute newlyweds

You Know You're Loved When...

kt makes you your very own rainbow jello goblet...very loved indeed!

kt and bc Wedding!

It was a beautiful and tender day! This picture definitely shows that I have tall friends or at least tall compared to a shorty like me.

This is my favorite photo! It shows kt and bc in all their swagger! Love you both!

Saturday = HAPPINESS

Why?

1. kt and bc got hitched!!! (photos to come)

2. Yankees sweep the Twins in the ALDS!

3. The other BC (Benj), SH, RMR, and SLO flew in for the wedding!

4. Mini reunion @ wedding reception (there are those friends (i.e. LRH, DH, JBW, DW, CA, AA...to name a few) that you always run when you're in the wedding circuit and let's be honest...I have been to a LOT of weddings)!

5. Delicious wedding cake!

6. D. Thomas' famous homemade BBQ sauce served at the wedding reception!

7. Did I mention that kt and bc were hitched for time and all eternity?!!!

Showering kt!

(kt, Andie, and I)

Did you know the following:

1. kt is getting MARRIED!

2. Saturday morning!

3. To BC...a stellar guy!

4. To celebrate she was showered tonight with gifts (some more racy than others, hehe) and love!

5. While we ate sushi! Oh and Red Velvet cake!

6. Thanks to Andie!

7. There are only 3 more days to go before Wedding Day Fall 2010!

Divine Forethought

Saturday morning was a bright, beautiful, albeit windy morning in Oakland. Bobby R and RMR were sealed for time and all eternity in the Oakland LDS Temple. It was also a joyous reunion as friends over the past several years flew in and gathered for the great day. (Seeing Benj, SLO, and JEW for even just a couple of hours was wonderful!) And BC with his stellar camera took a few shots of KT and I. As KT and I sat in sacrament mtg the next day together we reminisced about how merciful God is in placing people in our lives that will be true and constant friends. He definitely knew what He was doing placing us together...even if we didn't realize it. What a true and honest friend The KT is! Divine Forethought in action yet again...

Oh and we are knockouts (stating that of course with much humility and grace)!

Mormon Message: My New Life

This is a beautiful, inspiring, and heartfelt story that can give each person hope that there are many reasons why we are allowed to experience mortality. For some of us that mortality may not come in a typical package, but mortality can and should be beautiful and full of purpose. I encourage you to watch and start to evaluate why you are grateful for your mortality here on this earth. Life is beautiful...no matter the circumstance.

Thank Goodness Bruce Had To Go To China...

KT got amazing seats to the Suns/Warriors game for last night! I've been banking for months that BC (the other half of KT) would have to be in China and I'd get lucky enough to take his spot. Who says dreams do not come true? What a great time. We were ten rows up. Watching such a close game was awesome, most NBA games I attend are blowouts so this tight game was appreciated.

I also am very impressed with Stephen Curry, who played for Davidson up until last year. He schooled Steve Nash most of the game. For being a rookie he has great potential and handles the ball really well. I also laughed that I was calling him short all night and he is 6 ft 3 in...obviously he's not short compared to me.

Thanks for being in China Bruce!! Thanks KT for a great FHE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KT!

Happy Birthday KT! Thanks for being a true and constant friend all these years and in the years to come.

***It wouldn't be a true birthday post without a list...now remember that this is NOT an exhaustive list of why I heart KT...that could take ages to read...AND in no particular order.

PS: The first person besides KT to figure out the double significance for 14 reasons will win something (maybe I'll even throw in a hug...or a high five...all depending on how much I like the person to win).

1. Not only can KT pull off PINK tights but she DOES! (See below)

2. Constant in her devotion to God, in her duty, in her family, in her friendships.

3. She makes heart shaped waffles with chocolate chips.

4. She remembers my strong heart for me when I forget.

5. Gives of herself freely (i.e. tutoring every week and loves it).

6. We have matching Ninja North Face jackets.

7. She clearly has Ninja skills (see below for evidence).

8. Feisty, strong, straight shooter, honestly gives feedback.

9. Understands the importance of hot tubbing.

10. Loves Oysters.

11. She's the gchat queen! I cannot share entire chats since they really all run together but I'll give you a teaser to get a sense of the greatest...

me: exactly

12:50 PM KT: but ya. it's good.

how was the wedding?

me: it was wonderful

and raining

but wonderful

KT: awesome

12:51 PM me: I love love

and marriage

KT: hahaha

why?

12:52 PM me: it is just happy...i am not sure what I drank but lately I am becoming a softy, maybe even a romantic (a closet romantic of course)

KT: hahaha

right

hee hee

12. Detail oriented...in all the right ways.

13. Loves her family, shows it both by word and deed. An example to live by.

14. Beautiful young and as she increases in wisdom with age! (see above).

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.

Oscar Wilde

(Thanks KT!)

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like hell underneath.

Michael Caine

Dinosaur Me!

Excellent find KT, so very true. Especially the last line: "As bad as today gets, soon my stomach will be brimming with beef". Amen! See Dinosaur comics here.