Death by Fabric

Have you ever been so overwhelmed with one thing that you feel like you are about to bust out into a panic attack and pass out? Yeah, I haven't until recently this week. This week I started making long skirts for my upcoming adventure to the holy land. With the help of my wonderful former YW's President, Sister Papenfuss, and multiple of other women who can sew, I am able to make this happen.

So there I was, walking through the isles of Joann's, looking for fabrics and patterns, and I come upon this one pattern that is absolutely perfect for Jerusalem. Its a nice long skirt that goes about mid-calf and it has some nice ruffles on it. Well, you may think that ruffles are nice and pretty on the finish product, but have you ever thought how those ruffles came about? I know I sure didn't, but boy was I in for a treat...

There I was, sewing the different parts of this beautiful skirt together and I look up at Sister Papenfuss and she tells me that I'm ready to start gathering. I'm like, "what the gather? I don't know what you are talking about." She then tells me that I need to gather in order to make the nice ruffles on the skirt. I'm thinking, " well shoot, this shouldn't be hard." HA! Well buddy, I sure do appreciate skirts with ruffles. Let me tell you about this process...

1) increase the stitch to the biggest it can be...check

2) sew two rows of stitching across the top of your fabric...check

3) proceed to pull the ends of the thread to bunch up or ruffle the fabric...check

4) ruffle and unruffle until it lies perfect with the connecting fabric... 4 hours later...check

5) sew the two pieces together...check

Ok, so it may not seem that bad, but when you have 7 panels of fabric and you have to connect it to only 5 you are like, " WOAH, WOAH, WOAH!"

I swear, I thought the fabric was about to come alive and eat me whole...sooo much fabriccccc.

However, I believe it is well worth the torture of sitting there, and having my back scream at me in pain to try and fight the fabric monster. I mean come on, look at that skirt!

Lesson that I have learned this week: Ruffles on a skirt look good...until you have to put them on yourself, so in the long run if you see a ruffled skirt on the rack for $20, it's probably cheaper and less labor intensive to buy it rather than make it...just sayin'

In this picture though I wasn't totally finished. I'll be putting more pictures up in the next 2 weeks when I'm done with the 4 skirts I'm making (with A LOT of assistance) for Jerusalem.

Idaho

Boy-oh-boy. Today was one of those days where you were thinking things were going to be excellent and then at the end of the day you just want to punch someone's face out. Not gonna lie, my day was great until about late evening. It's just one of those feelings where everything that has been bothering you/stressing you out/ and that you have been missing all hit you at once.

The biggest thing for me right now is the fact that I live pretty much at the most southern part of the United States and most of my best friends live 4hrs by car away from me or 6-10hrs by plane away from me. Suckity suck right?

Secretly, I've been jealous of everyone going back to Rexburg in the next few weeks. Now, you must think, "Well, shoot. Why are you jealous of them? Rexburg is NOTHING compared to you going to Jerusalem." This is pure fact, but the only difference that Rexburg has that Jerusalem doesn't are those amazing people I call friends. Sure, I'm going to make new friends in Jerusalem, but I just miss my buddies from BYU. I sound pathetic, but oh well. I'll just name a few of the people I miss...

Miss Jennifer Lyn,

You know, at the beginning of spring semester last year I didn't think we would ever get a long from what I heard about you ha ha. However, you couldn't resist my spunky personality and smile I had 24/7 despite everything that was going on. I couldn't resist your bluntness and your obsession with baking. After one night of crying, laughing, and singing ABBA I knew we had becoming instant best friends. I miss going to sleep to you and Ben talking on the phone. I miss our late night conversations. I miss squawking like a bird at you. I miss taste testing all of your backing concoctions. I miss getting your water bottle because you were too lazy to get out of bed. I miss making fun of people with you. I miss all of the crafts and pretty things on your walls because I'm just not creative, so sorry you had to look at my ugly, undecorated wall ha ha. Now that you're going to be graduating I don't know when I'll be seeing you again, but just know that I love you like a sister and will forever remember you.

NEXT.

Terra Lora Lee,

Gosh I miss you. The first day when I met you and you were in sweat pants and a v-neck hanes t-shirt I knew we would get along perfectly. Not to mention the fact that we fit perfectly sitting in a hall way or that you own golden spandex. Those were just perks to our friendship. I miss seeing you reading a book that you just engulf yourself into and how you become a part of the book. I was waiting for you to start speaking like one of the characters from the Belgariad (spell check? haha), but you kept your cool. I miss how you would get all flustered at peoples ignorance towards just about anything and how you would want to correct them. I miss our late night conversations. I miss attempting to make meals plans with each other so we could save money. I miss your obsession with everything red. I love the fact that you got me hooked to noodles and cheese. Secretly, I'm extremely jealous of Brindisi and how she gets to be your roommate this spring. However, I know she will take good care of you ha ha like you need it. Thank you for being one of the greatest people I know. You truly are one of the best friends I've ever had and it better stay that way. Miss you.

NEXT.

Kelsie *Kopernikus* Klein,

Remember that one time you and Terra tricked me and Erika into thinking that was your real middle name? Yeah, good times. Also, remember that one time I just said off hand, " you know what...I could room with you guys forever," and you thought, " HA, what is this girl thinking?" because we only knew each other for like a week? Little did we know that we would become such great roommates and then friends. I am so stinkin' proud of you. You are doing AMAZING work with those kids over in Tanzania. I'm sure all of those kids absolutely love you. You know why? Because everyone that you meet instantly falls in love you and wants to be your friend. You are one of the kindest people I know and you care about everyone. You know how to laugh with people, cry with them when they need it, and how to be there as a friend. You were the first person to be there for me when my dad passed and I want to thank you for that. I just remember you sitting there hugging me while I cried and you cried right along with me because I'm pretty sure you had no idea what to do. You know what? That was what I needed. I don't know when I'll see you next, but I hope you know that I am forever grateful for our friendship and the effect you had on my life. You are an amazing friend and I miss saying, " Good morning sunshine!" while you just stare at me. I love you Kels and I'm always here for you.

NEXT.

Kenna Campbell,

Can I just tell you that the first time I met you I thought you were the coolest person EVERRRRR. Well, I just did. You are extremely hilarious and people are just drawn to you. You can be friends with practically anyone and I envy that talent of yours. You are just able to relate to anyone and sincerely care about them and their circumstance. You also have this crazy ability to make any situation funny and people will be on the floor laughing. Don't get me started on

your drive and ambition. When you had a goal, man do you set your mind to it and get it done pretty much perfectly. Remember your english video? Ha Ha, I actually miss eating your "experiments." I miss seeing your face practically 24/7. I miss you being my coach. I miss us trying to go to sleep at 10:30 pm when all of our roommates are out in the living room making food or being loud laughing. I miss seeing you make eggs every morning. I miss hearing you make fun of brooke on a daily basis...love you brooke! I miss having my roommate. After spring you will be done with our AA and probably go to Taiwan. Even though you will be in that far off land I know you will make such a difference in the people you will meet. I know this because you have helped me in so many ways that I can't repay you. Love ya girl.

NEXT.

2 for 1 deal...Kurt & Joe,

Can I just say that I love you guys? Well, I DO! I am so thankful for meeting you two in the fall. I needed you guys so much because my other guy best friends decided to up and leave me to go on missions for the Lord. What's up with that? The nerve...joke, I don't want to be struck by lightning. Anyways, you two were there whenever I needed you. You were there when I was bored, when I had something funny to tell you, when I needed a blessing, or just a hug. I had no doubt in my mind who to call when I needed help moving something heavy or I was having a bad day. Granted, I had to make sure you weren't on dates with your women, but I knew you were there. Thank you for being the amazing guys in my life that I needed. I miss seeing you everyday and getting the best hugs from you...well, mostly from Kurt. Joe, you took some getting use to me hugging you almost everyday. What can I say? I like hugs ha ha. The ladies you two end up marrying are in for a treat, because they will be 2 of the luckiest girls out there. I miss you guys everyday. I love you guys like brothers. Do great things:)

Last, but not least.

Briana Dicks,

You have been my best friend since I was 12 and I have no clue how we have stayed friends for so long. We basically knew each other for less than a year and you end up moving 4 1/2 hrs north to Lake City. My only guess is that we were best friends in the pre-mortal life and promised each other that we would find each other when we got to earth and become best friends. That is the only explanation. You have been the person I look up since I was 12. Not literally, because I was way taller than you and everyone thought I was older than you anyways ha ha. Even though everyone didn't like you I knew how great you were. People just couldn't get paste your talent for telling it how it was to see how great of a friend you are. You are smart, funny, outgoing, beautiful, spiritual, and the greatest friend I've ever had. Even though we see each other 2-3 times a year if we are lucky I know we will be best friends for eternity. We will probably end up being next door neighbors...at least I hope. I miss you everyday and wish we lived closer, but I know that no matter what distance we will still have the awesome friendship we had when we were 12 and 13 yrs old. Love you best friend.

Well, that was fun. I would've put up more of the amazing people that I miss, but that would've taken up WAY too much space and I'm too lazy to rearrange a million more photos. I hope for those that I didn't specifically name know that I love them and miss them everyday. Even though I live in "paradise," it's nothing without you guys. I'll think of you all when I'm over in Jerusalem. Love and miss you all...

READY, SET, GO!

Oh my gosh! Today was the day that I ran my first 5k race everrrrrr! It was absolutely AMAZING. I ran with my good friend Karen McClintok and her hubby Dave, who is my Bishop, and we had a blast. Karen and I signed up for this big Motorola Corporate race about a month ago and we had been training, but for the past 3 weeks we just lost it. I was for about 1 1/2 weeks and then spring break came along and she had school/work/girls camp/life and we just lost our running groove. However, for today we had 3 main goals in mind. Goal #1: NO WALKING. Goal #2: NO CUTTING CORNERS. Goal #3: DOMINATE THE LAST HILL.

Can I just tell you that goal #3 was insane! It didn't seem like it, but we had about 1/2 mile left to the race and there is this bridge that we have to go up and over and you feel like you're about to pass out! Goal #1 was managable because we stuck together (until the hill) and we stayed at about a 10 min/mile pace, so we didn't die that's for sure. Goal #2 was super tempting to break because after the hill there is this big curb you have to go around and I just kept seeing everyone and their mother cut through it, but not me!

When I finally crossed that finish line though, boy oh boy, was I relieved. My feet were aching and I was huffing and puffing, but you know what I was so happy! Want to know why? Because I got free food from a buffet afterwards ha ha. I'm a happy Jenny when I get me some free stuff. Who isn't?

All in all, it was so fun! I was able to accomplish my 3 goals and I made a time of 31:35 which I think is pretty awesome for a first time 5k'er ha ha. If I'm home next year for this 5k, Karen and I decided that we are going to try and shave off about a minute from our miles and finish the race around 27 mins, AND I'm going to train my friend Cristina so she can do it with us!

Next on my running bucket list is a 10k, then a 1/2 marathon, then a marathon, and hopefully a triathlon. We shall see...

Before the race...I don't know why my face is super crazy red. Aren't you supposed to look better before the race than after? Not in my case!

Look at me! #3278! Did I forget to mention that there were 5,000 people running/walking. Yeah, there were a butt load of people and that's not including the help staff. CRAZY.

Now I look semi-normal AFTER I had ran 3.2 miles. This is me and Karen after the race and after we had stuffed our faces with yummy carbs...hmmmhmm good!

Not gonna lie though, it took us like 3 tries to get a decent picture and we were seeing bright lights everywhere because her phone has a crazy bright flash.

HmmHmm

Poor Chris Brown. People just can't leave this man alone. Can't a sexy brown man just dance and make music in peace? I guess the whole "I'm going to punch Rihanna" and what not was scandalous, but can you blame him? Rihanna is annoyingggggg...just sayin'. Hello, she did ask for a bad boy. Remember girls, if you ask for it you will probably get it.

However, if you want a little pick-me-up just watch this video OR fast forward to minute 2:07 and you will understand why my friends and I love him. Enjoy :)

Welcome To The World Of Me:)

Hello Everyone!

Not gonna lie, I have no clue what I am supposed to do on a blog, but it seems like a Mormon thing to do when you get older and you have friends going all over the world. So, I guess I will start by introducing myself to you lovely people who are actually reading this. To the rest of you who aren't...well, I don't know why you aren't ha ha lets begin...

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful, fair

maiden, named Jenny, living in the far off land of Boynton Beach, Florida. She came from a wonderful family consisting of her father, mother, two older brothers (Chris and Charlie) and her younger brother (Matty, who is currently trying to go by Matt because he thinks he is too cool for school, but so far it's an epic fail. He is still Matty). Anywho, she lived here the majority of her life and enjoyed growing up 10 mins from the beach and having a splendid time with friends and playing sports. She especially enjoyed playing an exhilarating game of flag football or venturing into the outdoors to go canoeing or kayaking.

When she finally graduated from Park Vista High School, she ran away to attend BYU in the dangerous and exotic land of the potato... Idaho.Why on earth she would do such a thing, I

don't know, but it was the best decision of her life. There she has met friends who she considers family and will keep for the rest of her life. Together they have created massive forts in their apartments, have shared millions of sunday dinners together, and have danced the cold, frigid nights of Idaho away. Not only did she play football, ultimate frisbee and meet the greatest friends and professors ever, she was able to attend the beautiful temple and come closer to God each and every week.

Being able to attend the temple was a huge blessing for this beautiful maiden when it came to spring, because her father suddenly passed away from a heart attack. This was tragic for young Jenny and her family, but they were strong and clung unto the gospel of Jesus Christ to help them get through this trying time. In times of sorrow and doubt her and her family seeked for love and comfort from the Savior. As Jenny went back to BYU in Idaho, she was able to grow more than she could ever imagine. She learned to rely and trust in others and have them help her, she learned to polynesian dance, and she met even more amazing people who have turned out to be some of her best friends.

It has now been almost a year since the death of her father and what a year it has been. Currently, she is getting ready to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Come April she will be boarding an airplane to one of the holiest lands there are... Jerusalem, Israel. She will be living in Jerusalem for approximately 3 1/2 months attending the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. Not only will she be edifying herself, she will be walking the streets where Jesus walked and where he healed the sick and took care of the poor in spirit. It will be in Jerusalem where she will be renewing herself and coming closer unto Christ and strengthening her testimony in His plan. It is in Jerusalem where she will come closer to her Dad, because it was not only her dream to go there, but it was his...

Well, that was kind of fun talking about myself in the third person ha ha. This year is going to bring many obstacles, but tons of opportunities to learn, grow, and meet amazing people along the way. The reason I'm starting this is so I can share my experiences with everyone that cares to read about them. I hope to be an example of light. I want my friends, family, and random people on the street to know that life is full of exciting experiences that will not only change your life, but the lives of those around you. I want everyone to know that there is more to life than what we have right now. My dad would always say that, "we are immortal beings having a mortal experience. " Hopefully my blog will inspire those with questions to seek for truth and find pure joy.