Your Friendly Neighborhood Walmart Associate

Yep, you guessed it. Out of all of the weird, odd jobs I've had... this one might take the cake as the silliest. I work at the Wal-Mart supercenter in Idaho Falls as a cashier. Because this isn't my first rodeo cashiering, I obviously basically own the joint by now. haha, just kidding, but I really did catch on pretty quick. Anyway, I know it doesn't sound very glamorous... and that's because it isn't. At first, I was pretty much bummed to tears about working there, but now- believe it or not... it's not so bad. It's similar to working at Grocery Outlet, but obviously not even NEARLY as cool and the people don't even come close to comparing. But, the thing that is similar is that I just get to talk to people all day long, learning about their lives and trying to make their days and it can be somewhat enjoyable! I don't mind working. Obviously, there are greater jobs out there. But it's not so bad. The thing is, from the second I get there I miss Michael SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO bad and I just want to get out of that joint and go see him! And I know I have a lifetime of being away from him for work coming up, so I guess I better get used to it.

Here is one of the downsides to Wally World. Well, people that work there, think that Wal-Mart is the WORLD. They think that the world revolves aroun Wal-Mart and they take it SO seriously. Really, sometimes I just want to laugh in their face and say... did you really just get all fired up, sweaty, and red in the face about there being a hanger in the cardboard box rather than the big trash can? Wow- yeah, you're right, that is a big deal. It takes a lot of energy to pick it up and put it in the right place.

Then, on the other hand. There is the customer who throws a FIT if you forget to scan their "20 cents off" coupon. REALLY LADY? I'll give you 20 cents out of my own wallet out of the kindness of my heart if you'll just go, go, go. BUT, let me assure you that 90% of the customers are wonderful! I have a great time talking with them all day and it's really enjoyable actually. laugh all you want, but honestly, I think that the cashiers are become more friendly with one another since I've been there. haha-come on in... I'll prove it! Don't worry, I'm sure that more stories will come. And also, don't worry- I plan to discontinue my work at Wal-Mart permanently in 2 months from now.

In Love, Engaged, and SO HAPPY!

Michael Woodmansee and I are engaged!!! And we could NOT be happier! It is the best feeling in the entire world :) He proposed last night. He COMPLETELY suprised me! I mean, I knew we'd get married- but I had absolutely NO idea that he was proposing last night. So... let me tell you how it happened....

I was in Idaho Falls working, and Michael was in Idaho Falls spending the day with our friend Shaun. So, the plan was to go ring shopping after work, and I was realllllly excited! But, then Danielle and Clay invited us to dinner after work and I was even more excited about that because I wanted to see Danielle so bad! So, I called Michael to tell him that we were going to dinner and could go ring shopping some other time. But, he wasn't really down with that. He was like, "tonight's a busy night, we need to go look at rings, let's have dinner with Danielle and Clay tomorrow". I felt super bad, and honestly thought it was kind of rude haha! So, I called Danielle and regretfully rescheduled.

After work I met up with Michael and we went to look at rings. YAY! I tried on lots, wide bands, skinny bands, solitares, ones covered in all kinds of business, and I just kept coming back to a thin band solitare where the diamond just pops off of the band. I think I told Michael about a zillion times that I loved that ring and I wanted it. I wanted him to get the picture! haha! So then, he says let's go eat by the river and the waterfalls. I was a TOTAL brat. I'm all, "Michael, it's cold, it's rainy, the benches will be wet, I'm tired, BLAH BLAH BLAH". But then I thought, "Jenni, pick your battles, just let him go to the river for a while". hahaha! So, once we got there, I was freezing, so he gave me his jacket. BUT, it stopped raining so I was in a better mood. And plus, the waterfalls with the temple in the background were SO beautiful so I was instantly happy! We walked down to this particular waterfall where he took me once before his mission and I was SO happy to be with him!!! We were just talking and being all cute and he told me that he loved me of course, and this is what he said...

"Jenni, 2 years ago today was when I entered the MTC to begin taht adventure without you. Now, I want you to be apart of every adventure with me. Now, is when you reach into your pocket." At that point, my eyes got HUGE and my heart started racing!!! Then, he got on one knee and said, "will you marry me?". AND I SAID YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!! I might have said it even more times than that!! And he brought his camera... good boy!

It was wonderful in every way!!! He TOTALLY shocked me! The whole ring shopping thing was a total trick, he has had the ring for a while now and it's AMAAAAZZZZZINGGG!!! It's exactly what i wanted, only BIGGER AND BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just take a gander for yourself!

The reaction from my roommates was 100% PRICELESS! They were so great. We screamed and hugged for a good little while. hahahaha!!!!
Michael and I met 3 and a half years ago. I loved him then and I love him even more now :)

The one up top is from before he left, and the one below is NOW! I love Michael Woodmansee and I cannot wait TO MARRY HIM! And I must say, I TOLD YOU ALL I WAS GOING TO MARRY HIM!

Brigham Young University-Idaho

I love BYU-Idaho. I feel so blessed to have attended and graduated from this wonderful university. The mission of the school is to prepare disciples of Christ. It has become more and more evident to me during my years here. My first couple of years I was all about playing, playing, playing and it was wonderful! I wouldn't take those years back for anything. My last 2 years I was able to get involved in some student led organizations and really come to understand how blessed I was to attend here. We have an administration that is under the direction of the prophet and inspired from heaven. We have prayer in class and pictures of Christ in the testing center. I had a boss and a job where I would never be asked to do anything to compromise my integrity and would never have to work on Sunday. I met and associated with some of the most Christ-like people I've ever met in my entire life. The people I've met here, and the experiences I've had have 100% shaped me. I have gained an education and learned even more about what kind of a person I want to be. I met Michael here along with many other of my best friends. There are some talks from apostles about BYUI that are absolutely amazing. Like, Disciple Preparation Center by Elder Bednar, or A Steady Upward Course by President Eyring. So inspiring! I love BYU-Idaho and will treasure my time here forever and ever.

craziest, busiest, most stressful, BEST week ever

Last week was CRAZY! Pretty much any and everything life changing happened. I want to dedicate one post to every wonderful event, but I decided to put it all into one big happy story, picture fest for you all. First of all, I had to quit my job as the SRC secretary at BYU-Idaho because I cannot work there if I'm not a student. SAD DAY! On the left is my wonderful boss and his beautiful wife, Brother and Sister Tippetts. On my right is my student living advisor and his wonderful wife, Brother and Sister Dougherty. These people have been my best friends and family while I've been at school and leaving them was a lot harder than you may think. I miss them so much already. I could go on forever about how good to me they've been, so I'll stop now.
Next... GRADUATION!!! Yes everyone, I am a college graduate with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. It was so great! I loved watching all of the people I've been taking classes with for so long get their degrees. Having my parents, Em, and Easton there was SO SO GREAT! Seriously, I'm so thankful that they came. I cannot thank you guys enough! And just look at how dang adorable Emily is :)

These amazing people made my college experience possible. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. There aren't words for everything they've done for me. It has been the best journey of my life and I wouldn't take back a single second. As a matter of fact, I think that my love for BYUI will get its own post! I love you mom & dad!

Then, we hit the road for Oregon! Road trips with the fam are just the greatest! Lots of good laughs and fun! Nothing like birthdays and easter on the road. I think we were very resourceful and enjoyed it just as much as if we were at home!

HOME AT LAST!!! Wedding week was packed with such fun! Bunco night was a serious highlight!!! These pretty ladies were a ginormous bonus to the week at home. It was so fun!

And of course, we had to throw in one final bridal shower for our beautiful bride :). It was SO FUN to see old friends. It had been far too long since a picture like the one below had been taken.

Then..... Finally.... my Michael came home :) He met me in Oregon for the wedding and braved not only my family, but the Mitchells, along with my roommates and pretty much everyone from my childhood at the wedding. He was SO brave! The second he got off of the plane, it was like he never left. I felt 100% comfortable with him. Now, he's in Rexburg, with me, and we're happy :) :) :). It feels SO good to see him whenever the heck I WANT!

WEDDING DAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!! My best friend got married. I cannot express to you all in a blog post how happy for her I am. Her face that day just was perfect. Even I was shocked that all day I didn't feel one ounce of bitterness toward Jarom for stealing her from me! haha. I was just so happy for them. I love her so much and I know that Jarom will take such good care of her. Once again, all of you know that I could go on forever about my bond with and love for Stephanie. But, I'll cry, you'll cry, and let's not be sad.... let's be happy for THE LANCES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The happy couple!!!! I was too busy watching her every second to take pictures. Luckily my trusty roommates were there! She was positively the most beautiful bride ever. Everything was just beautiful.

I've been wanting my roomies to come to Oregon for a long time. And they finally did! We went to all the hot spots, you know- The Saturday Market and Grocery Outlet! haha. Below is Brooke and Lindsey. Unfortunately, Anessa had to leave before we went to the market. Bummer!

PHEWPH! What a wonderful week. I am so blessed. Of course, not the stress comes. I'm a college graduate, and I need a job! But, A lot of wonderful things have happened and I'm sure will continue to happen. So much more happened last week that I just can't fit it all on one blog! I got to see Darren, Jill, and the boys, and Marc also! It was SO GREAT! Brief, but better than nothing!! But to everyone that I got to spend time with, it was FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been waiting for April 2009 for a very long time.

In 2 weeks from right now

:)

Spring is here and it's WONDERFUL!

I should be working on my take home physics test, but I have so much to share... it's been a while since I've updated you all on my life! First of all, I had a great birthday! Thank you to all of you who called and sent cards & presents. It honestly made me SO HAPPY to hear from you all! Seriously! I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. And thank you to my wonderful roomies who did so much for me on my bday! We had fun! As always, there are lots of pictures in this post... that's just how I roll. We'll start with my 22nd birthday. 22? Holy crap. The things on our foreheads say Happy Birthday :)

My great, great friends Jim, Kevin, and Mark were in town from Utah. It was GREAT timing!

Thanks, Dad! It was delicious and we had a great time!

As some of you know, I LOVE DODGEBALL!!! I've played on many teams during my time here at BYUI and this semester I participated in my last one. SAD! But, we had a great time! We were eliminated from the tournament last night, here are the super tough, really awesome girls of the team.

St. Patricks day was this last week, and really- we'll take any excuse for a celebration! My roomie, Anessa is super into it. So, she made is the traditional St. Pattys day meal. I was a little leary, but turns out it was great! She was so festive and I just LOVED IT!

And I just have a couple of randoms. The first one is my last night with stephy... we partied down at Craigos before the tearful goodbye. Don't worry, I'll be home soon, mall! And then the last one is of my whole apartment!Lindsey, Brittany, Anessa, Me, and Brooke. Yay for Camden #4!

Thanks for sticking with me through all the pictures. But ya know, mom's and sisters and bffs like to see them!2 days until David Archuleta, 20 days until my family comes, 22 days until graduation, and 25... yes 25 days until I see Michael Woodmansee.

Musical Genius

If you haven't fallen in love with this guy yet... it's time to convert. His music has the amazing ability to put anybody in a fantastic, motivating, change the world mood! Bryce Avery of the Rocket Summer is a beautiful man who makes beautiful music!

Please... do yourself a favor... go to the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaAWuWH46E8

I just had to share the love, one more time because he is truly unbelievably talented. He records every instrument himself on his albums and his lyrics give me chills every time. Love him. Yes, that was a command!
I'll post pictures soon! From my birthday and such, I just wanted to share this :)