Update on Life

I realized as I looked over my blog today that my last couple posts haven't really said anything about my life at this point. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I thought I'd give a brief update nonetheless.

So, how's life???

Well, I guess I'd be lying if I said everything is fine and dandy. The transition from a full-time student to a full-time...who knows?...has been harder than I originally thought. Yes, I'm currently living at home in Oregon because I lack the funds to be on my own, and I've joined the hundreds of others who are currently seeking employment. I've heard back from one place I applied to about possibly setting up an interview. It would be the ideal job in some ways because of the location, pay, and benefits, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much.

I've also tried to re-build my non-existent social life. I have to admit, it has been pretty lonesome leaving my friends in Provo, especially my best friend who is now a married and happily starting her new life. I know very few people here, and I can't help but wonder if having a dating life will even be possible. As nice as some of the people I have met are, many of them lack any ambition, and they haven't experienced much outside of living at home. I'm definitely not at BYU anymore.

On a more positive note, I'm still trying to keep up with my writing. Honestly, there were a few weeks where I was a little too down on life to write, but now that I've picked it up again, it has been my solace in many ways. When I write, I forget about my cares and worries, even for only a few minutes. I'm still trying to revise my novel. My goal is to research agents and begin submitting it in the next month or two. Hopefully I can get through the 500+ pages of revision in that short amount of time.

And the two things I have to look forward to at this point?:

1. My younger brother, Trevor, comes home on June 23rd--exactly a month from today--after serving a two-year mission for my church! It will be good having someone to hang out with for a few months before he returns to school.

2. I'M GOING ON A CRUISE IN A WEEK!!! My parents are being extremely nice, and for my graduation gift, they're taking me and my sister on a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas. It hasn't really hit me that I'm actually going until today, so I've been building up my excitement. It will be nice to get away from the Oregon rain (as much as I love it, it can't be depressing sometimes) and not think about finding a job or the fact that I have no social life. All I'll have to worry about while I'm gone is not gaining too much weight on the all-you-can-eat seafood and ice cream bars. What a life, huh? =) (Actually, to be completely honest, I won't even worry about gaining weight. I'll be on vacation after all).

Anyway, I also wanted to mention that I finally got a facebook account a few weeks ago so I could keep in touch with far-away friends. I try not to get on too much, but it really has helped drive away some of the loneliness at times. I'm not sure how many people (if any) actually read this blog, but I'd like to stay connected somehow.

As I read over this post, I hope it doesn't sound too depressing. I really have so much to be thankful for--family close by, a college degree to help me stand-out as I look for a job, and a beautiful green state to live in. I know my Heavenly Father has blessed me so much. As tough as this time in my life is, He has never left me for a moment. No, I have no idea what the future will bring, but I know He does, and He has a purpose in mind for me. It's scary having to step into the dark, but I know He's leading me along. He knows what tomorrow will bring even if I don't. All I need to do is continue to trust in the Lord, who will always provide a way even if I can't see how things will work out. These truths are some of the only things keeping me going right now, but they're just enough.

Positive Thinking

"Jessica's 'Daily Affirmations'"

Where for art thou, job?

I honestly haven't been looking for very long, and yet I'm already frustrated with the whole process of job hunting! I'm not sure what I'm looking for--I've been online for awhile now looking at every job website possible. Should I do editing? publishing? book retail? work with kids? technical writing? secretarial work? none of the above??? Wouldn't it be great if you could just skip this step and go straight from college to a career without any struggle? I guess it's all part of the experience.

On a happier note, I did take a break today and went shopping. There's nothing like new clothes to boost one's spirit =)

My Grandma's Garden

Ever since I graduated nearly three weeks ago, my life has consisted of two things: a wedding and my grandma. And since I posted something about the wedding, I decided it was only right to spotlight my grandma on my blog.

A little over a month ago, my grandma had open-heart surgery. I wasn't too worried about the outcome--somehow I knew she would pull through all right--but none of us thought she would be doing this well. She is up and moving about almost like she was before! However, there are still a few things she's not supposed to do, like drive or lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Because I was already coming back to Utah for Laura's wedding, I volunteered to stay a few extra days to help my grandma out.

I've been staying at my grandma's house for over a week now, and it has been fun spending time with her and serving her in any way possible. We go to cardiac rehab exercise classes every M-W-F morning, and then I get to help plan and prepare meals and do miscellaneous tasks throughout the day. But what I really want to share with everyone is this:

My grandma has the most beautiful flower garden in Utah! Her entire backyard is filled with tulips and other flowers that I honestly can't name, but they're gorgeous! So, for your viewing pleasure, I took some pictures to show off. This is what I get to see everyday:











I'm pretty lucky, huh? Not only do I get to spend one-on-one time with my grandma, but I also get to enjoy her beautiful garden.

More Wedding Photos

I got a few more photos from Laura and Dave's wedding that I wanted to share. Most of them were taken by Laura's sister-in-law, Stephanie, but a few of them are mine. Stephanie's camera took a lot better pictures than mine did, especially at the reception.

The unofficial photographers

More bridesmaid photos...

Stephanie, me, and Emily hanging out before the luncheon

The wrist corsage

I think this picture turned out a lot better than the ones on my camera...

Laura's cute family (and my second family)

Me, Lori, Laura, and Lonnie--our friends from the British Isles!

One of Laura's bridal photos. I got to go with her when this was taken!

All about the groom and bride

Laura's bouquet

Yep, still trying to get that bouquet...

The car...which I got to help decorate! Dave's sisters filled it with candy.

My Best Friend's Wedding

It was so much fun seeing my best friend of 9+ years get married yesterday! Honestly, everything is still a little surreal. Laura (now Mrs. Hackett) and Dave were married in the Salt Lake City Temple yesterday morning, so the day started early. From doing make-up and hair at 6am, to the wedding, luncheon, and reception (which was finally cleaned up around 10:30pm), it was a long, but exciting day.

I would love to write about every moment of the day, but I think pictures say more...and I took nearly 200 of them! But no worries: I'll only post a few of my favorites. Unfortunately, the lighting at the reception wasn't very good, so those pictures are a little discolored and blurred, but I'll still show off a few anyway.

Even though there were A LOT more I could've posted, this is the only kissing picture I'm going to show...I promise =)

It was a little freezing outside in the wind, but luckily no rain!

The bridesmaids

Does this scream Laura or what? The food was delicious.

I decided to play with the lighting since I didn't like the orange glow too much.

The Bridesmaids in their outfits.

The Maid-of-honor and the Bride

Fighting for the bouquet...unfortunately, I didn't catch it. I guess I'll just have to keep waiting before I find my man =)