Most Fitting Birthday Gift!

 The gals in our Tetonia office gave me this awesome t-shirt to me for my birthday...it defines me and my job well! Thanks ladies, you all are awesome! 

Summer of 2014 = Non-Stop Working Summer of 2014

In May we decided to buy a new convenience store. This translated into a great opportunity and a boatload of work. It was a busy three weeks preparing to take over the new store. The day of the switch was crazy and of course, when it rains it pours. That same morning one of our transport drivers was hit by a car while unloading fuel so yes one more mess. 

July is consistently the busiest month of the year for Berry Oil and Berry Trucking. This July was a whole new kind of busy! We had some unexpected, yet very needed personnel changes at the beginning of July. Translation: I had the privilege of working in Tetonia the rest of the summer. Thanks to great people in our Tetonia office, we made it through, we hire new help, we revamped several processes, we all learned a lot, and we were all a little tired come fall. Below is how I made it through. :) Sometimes you have to go through hell to appreciate the calm moments. Even though it was a VERY long summer of work it still felt like Christmas in July. The perks of working in the Tetonia office include a two block commute to the office, sushi and Thai food runs (frequently), lime freezes at least weekly, hot tubing almost daily, and of course, the dirt roads. (Okay that last one was a bit on the sarcastic side). 

Ashton: On My Way Home From Girls Camp

Memorial Day In Tetonia

 Uncle Rich and I at the cemetery. And we had matching jackets too! 

We sure miss Jack and Ardella! And the many other great individuals that have passed on. 

 The girls were excited for good weather and the chance to get wet on the trampoline. 

Impressive View

I'll be the first to admit I'm not a huge Utah fan, however, even I have to admit that this view of the SLC temple at sunset is beautiful! 

Two Years...Time Flies

I left the beautiful and green Palo Alto two years ago today. Some days it seems just like yesterday and other days I feel like life has changed so much that I hardly would recognize that carefree life. I think life slows down and speeds up all at once these days, if both are possible. 

This part year we were busy at Berry Oil, so busy I forgot about most things other than software and software. I even missed March Madness (I know, a sin).  I'm happy to say that this year we are not implementing a new accounting software system. We have some exciting things coming, that might keep me as busy as last year but at least it won't be only software.  Here is to dominating the world this coming year...I mean, working hard. 

I also took the long needed and happy leap to a family ward. I now serve in the Young Women organization. I know, some of you out there are thinking: Jess Berry teaching the youth-that's totally awesome and I wish I were a youth again, while others are thinking: Jess Berry teaching the youth-that's totally frightening and I'm so thankful I am not a youth in her ward. I suspect my young women fall on either side of that spectrum, depending on the day with me. My goal is to prepare these young ladies for life, in the unconventional form that life seems to take for some of us, and to make sure that they know I am crazy and awesome all rolled into one. Being the only single leader in our young women group and being a bit of a feminist (compared to most Idaho women) I am bringing a little shock factor to our group and hopefully I'm setting a good example?   

My body continues to refine my soul daily...hopefully for the better. Let's just say that this year I'm a little more excited for the resurrection than the year before. My hope is that my summer and fall will be better than the winter and spring physically and if not that I'll have the patience to endure. 

I miss Palo Alto, my California family, and I hope to visit a little more frequently. I do, however, realize how lucky I am to have spent my formative "adult youth" years there and appreciate my new life here as I age quickly. :) 

WPMA Convention

We went to Las Vegas for our WPMA convention (where all the oil folk get together for a few days and enjoy being awesome). We also hit the outlets for an afternoon, luckily we brought our own pack horse along. 

Amie and I were sous chefs for Sam Choy at the Ladies luncheon. We received these cool Hawaiian aprons as well.   

Classic Matty...

Just in case anyone is wondering, Las Vegas Hotels have taken design lessons/design choices from yours truly. This is the same granite I have in my master bath. The Cosmopolitan hotel has the same granite that is in my kitchen in their hotel too. What can I say? I've always been a trend-setter.  

January: Photo Summary In A Blur

2014 hasn't really been my year. Jan 2nd ended with me and an IV bag of fluid. A severe kidney infection. Pure joy (feel the sarcasm please). That same day, Amie had major back surgery. A week later I had botox injections. I still felt badly, which would make sense given I still had a kidney infection...it held on for dear life. A week of IV antibiotics and another month of oral antibiotics to kill it. My right hand/arm didn't like that IV very well.  Turns out most of January consisted of Mama Berry, Dadio, and Matty playing nurse and caregiver to each of us...and wrestling three crazy girls. Thanks for helping us so much! 

 This is a horrid angle of myself but I post it because this little mini-me held my hand a lot this month. Always taking care of her Jessie Faye. 

Potential New Furniture Piece For The Basement?

Do Not Worry, even I have limits...no way! 

Adding A New Silver Bullet To The Garage...

Did you know that folks only 75 years old and older drive Buick vehicles?  Well since I'm an 82 year old in my heart and physically most of the time that statement still holds true! 

A T-Shirt Summing Me Up Perfectly

Jess Berry Quote Of The Day!

Almost purchased this gem...but then realized this is a well-known fact so no need to spell it out

The Berry 50s Ladies

If  cuteness were a competition (and let's be honest it sort of is...in a good way, of course), these three would win...no contest. 

Berry Balancing Competition

Joshy is way into Cross-fit. Mattie Faye and I thought we better teach him a thing or two about balancing and strength. 

Below you can see the one handed push-up contest, clearly Mattie Faye is teaching Joshy the proper technique.

 In my limited spare time I've started taking Yoga...and while I can only do 30% of the poses and movements I excel at any balancing moves that requires balancing on the left side. There was some great smack-talking going on when I balanced longer than Joshy. I mean come on, if a disabled girl can do it, shouldn't he be able to do it too? HA! 

Huntsman Springs Freedom Celebration

Mattie Faye hangs by a thread but is still all smiles! 

 I've heard about the fireworks at Huntsman Springs for years now. I'll admit it did meet all the hype! Even though I didn't feel well physically I was very impressed. 

Happy early 4th of July!      

It was a little chilly: the Californian in me just had to bundle up. 

 Brown Eyes found Snow White in the crowd.