...Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.
This is what I do every wed. from 6-9pm. No, I'm not a business major. No, I don't have a lot of experience with taxes. No, this isn't for a class.
I am doing this... just because. I studied SO hard, and passed the basic test last night (which is the hardest one because it entails so much, but now I need to do the intermediate and advanced tests). I am reeeeeeeeeally proud of myself, because now I get to help people in my community by completing their taxes.
Anyway, if you need someone to do your taxes, there are VITA locations all of the country. My location actually accepts walk-ins, but usually making an appointment is best. There are certain things we can't do, but that's only complicated stuff like losing money in a business.. or other weird things like that.
Go here to learn more.
P.s. I volunteer at 817. S. Freedom, in Provo. (It's the community partnership center)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
This weekend...
Yesterday we had a nice little break from school! 3-day weekends really perk me up!
Between Saturday and Monday night we:
Mopped bathroom floor
Cleaned toilet
cleaned sink/vanity area
cleaned and sanitized fridge.. and now it looks empty even though I just went shopping.
kind of cleaned the oven
Cleaned the stove top, burner pan things, and under burners where things spill over and down into this weird compartment (Jed did this because it makes me wanna vomit)
Vaccumed
Trimmed up Jed's hair (he did most of this too)
Did laundry
Made the bed
Got rid of a bunch of junk
taught a SS lesson
finally gave in a subscribed to netflix (last thing in the world we need to spend time on, but it's AWESOME)
picked up entire apartment so it looks humane
Yes... it was a good weekend. I know everyone has to do these things, but it just feels so good to finally get it done in our home!
And tonight I'm making super yummy chili!
Between Saturday and Monday night we:
Mopped bathroom floor
Cleaned toilet
cleaned sink/vanity area
cleaned and sanitized fridge.. and now it looks empty even though I just went shopping.
kind of cleaned the oven
Cleaned the stove top, burner pan things, and under burners where things spill over and down into this weird compartment (Jed did this because it makes me wanna vomit)
Vaccumed
Trimmed up Jed's hair (he did most of this too)
Did laundry
Made the bed
Got rid of a bunch of junk
taught a SS lesson
finally gave in a subscribed to netflix (last thing in the world we need to spend time on, but it's AWESOME)
picked up entire apartment so it looks humane
Yes... it was a good weekend. I know everyone has to do these things, but it just feels so good to finally get it done in our home!
And tonight I'm making super yummy chili!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Sarah and Nathan come to SLC!
More than 2 years ago, I met a beautiful, funny, and friendly girl named Sarah Eames. The summer after we met (she was an MG), we met in person as were both EFY counselors in Normal, IL (where she lives). We instantly hit it off and spent every that we could together. It was so much fun!
Sadly, our week came to an end, but we continued talking very often! Several months later, when Jed got home from his mission, and I went to Kansas City to visit. That week we took a day trip to the St. Louis temple. Sarah met us there with her new boy friend Nathan Foster.
Within 2 months, we were both engaged and planning our weddings.
I haven't seen her since Oct 08. It doesn't seem like it's been that long, but I guess it has...
She called to tell me she and Nathan would be flying to SLC and then going up to ID a few hours later. They wanted to see us! I was overjoyed of course!
On New Year's Eve, we picked them up from the airport! We were a few minutes late.. but it was SO good to see them!
We went to our favorite burger place in Salt Lake called Hire's Big H. Sooooooooooooooooooooooo good!
Then we walked around temple square, took pictures, drank hot chocolate, and chatted! Oh man, It's been a while since we had such a fun double date!
I really love this girl! She and I were meant to be friends. Even if it's been a month or two since we last had a real conversation, we can always pick up right where we left off. Thanks for letting us spend some time with you, Fosters! We love you!
Sadly, our week came to an end, but we continued talking very often! Several months later, when Jed got home from his mission, and I went to Kansas City to visit. That week we took a day trip to the St. Louis temple. Sarah met us there with her new boy friend Nathan Foster.
Within 2 months, we were both engaged and planning our weddings.
I haven't seen her since Oct 08. It doesn't seem like it's been that long, but I guess it has...
She called to tell me she and Nathan would be flying to SLC and then going up to ID a few hours later. They wanted to see us! I was overjoyed of course!
On New Year's Eve, we picked them up from the airport! We were a few minutes late.. but it was SO good to see them!
We went to our favorite burger place in Salt Lake called Hire's Big H. Sooooooooooooooooooooooo good!
Then we walked around temple square, took pictures, drank hot chocolate, and chatted! Oh man, It's been a while since we had such a fun double date!
I really love this girl! She and I were meant to be friends. Even if it's been a month or two since we last had a real conversation, we can always pick up right where we left off. Thanks for letting us spend some time with you, Fosters! We love you!
Friday, January 15, 2010
What a whirlwind!
My first two weeks of school have been crazy! Yesterday was the busiest day of all. Work from 8-12. School from 1-6. and temple from 6-9. Then homework!
In case you haven't heard yet, I am taking 17 credits this semester! That is UNHEARD of for me. Usually I take 12... 13 at the most. shameful. So basically things are super crazy because I work 20 hours a week, volunteer one night a week doing income taxes for the community, and then there's teaching Gospel Docrtine every other week, reading gazillions of pages of textbooks, writing at least 1 paper a week, cleaning, cooking, organizing, and STARTING A BUSINESS.
That's right everyone! I, along with 5 adorable girls from my Business Management class are starting a real business. It is for a class, but we have to get a license, bank account, financial statements, and at least $1000 of revenue. So far, I LOVE my group, and our plan is amazing. We are starting a custom veil and wedding day accessory company. We focus on high quality products, handmade, beautiful, and totally customizable. We have even purchased as booth at the Provo High School Bridal fair on Feb. 13. I am soooooooooooooo excited! The idea spawned from a girl in the group named Ellen. She has a business called Fleur and Feather. We are translating her idea of casual hair accessories to a full-on formal wedding idea.We will be making and selling birdcage type veils for only $75 (this includes the custom embellishments of the bride's choice). We also offer bridesmaids hair accessories in packages (along with accessories for flower girls). We are currently working on our website and trying to market as much as possible. I wish I would have has something like this for my wedding. I just love the idea that we are able to work with brides and create what they want! I will definitely be sharing more (often) as we work more on our little business!
In case you haven't heard yet, I am taking 17 credits this semester! That is UNHEARD of for me. Usually I take 12... 13 at the most. shameful. So basically things are super crazy because I work 20 hours a week, volunteer one night a week doing income taxes for the community, and then there's teaching Gospel Docrtine every other week, reading gazillions of pages of textbooks, writing at least 1 paper a week, cleaning, cooking, organizing, and STARTING A BUSINESS.
That's right everyone! I, along with 5 adorable girls from my Business Management class are starting a real business. It is for a class, but we have to get a license, bank account, financial statements, and at least $1000 of revenue. So far, I LOVE my group, and our plan is amazing. We are starting a custom veil and wedding day accessory company. We focus on high quality products, handmade, beautiful, and totally customizable. We have even purchased as booth at the Provo High School Bridal fair on Feb. 13. I am soooooooooooooo excited! The idea spawned from a girl in the group named Ellen. She has a business called Fleur and Feather. We are translating her idea of casual hair accessories to a full-on formal wedding idea.We will be making and selling birdcage type veils for only $75 (this includes the custom embellishments of the bride's choice). We also offer bridesmaids hair accessories in packages (along with accessories for flower girls). We are currently working on our website and trying to market as much as possible. I wish I would have has something like this for my wedding. I just love the idea that we are able to work with brides and create what they want! I will definitely be sharing more (often) as we work more on our little business!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Bread
In my high school sociology class, we one watched a documentary on socioeconomic status. One portion of the film included the idea that the type of break you eat shows where you stand when it comes to socioeconomic status.
The rich (like "old money" anglo-saxans) love fancy bread that I can't even pronounce. They took the same $10 loaf that this rich lady loved, and tried to give it away at a homeless shelter. No one would take it. They only wanted plain white bread.
It was really interesting.
I'd love to watch it again, but I have NO idea what it's called or where it came from.
Does anyone have ANY idea?
The rich (like "old money" anglo-saxans) love fancy bread that I can't even pronounce. They took the same $10 loaf that this rich lady loved, and tried to give it away at a homeless shelter. No one would take it. They only wanted plain white bread.
It was really interesting.
I'd love to watch it again, but I have NO idea what it's called or where it came from.
Does anyone have ANY idea?
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Young Family Christmas!
I had a great time spending a week with the Youngs in KS. I thought I would be a bit bummed... spending my first Christmas away from my family, but it was actually very pleasant, very memorable, and just plain fun!
We left for KS with Adam and Erika (Jed's sister and brother-in-law who live in WY) at midnight on Thursday night the 17th. We arrived friday at about 5:30pm... I'm not sure exactly because I slept the entire drive. Sorry guys!
Saturday we took our family pictures and went for an amazing dinner at Jade Mongolian... Jed's favorite restaurant. That night, Jed and I headed to my Dad's for a couple of days.
What a good lookin' family!
Sunday, we went to church at my old ward, which was a lot of fun. Jed left early for the Chiefs game with Adam (my dad's boss gave us free tickets, but i decided I didn't want to go). That night we went to my dear friends Andrea and Bo's house for a game night with friends Casi and Jonathan, newly married Emma and Tony, and of course Andrea and Bo. Things got a little heated by the end of the night (we're all very competitive), but it was still a great time... lots of fun.
Monday morning we went to one of the best breakfast places in KC, The Big Biscuit, to have breakfast with several of my old swimming teammates.. including my old coach Nancy Young. It was crazy seeing what everyone was doing 3 years later.
Adrianne and Casi-- after almost 15 years of friendship!
A fraction of my old swim team! The only 2 Mormons are married... of course!
Monday night we headed back to KS and did a unique gift exchange with all of Jed's family. We headed to Mass Street (the main drag in a college town, full of unique shops and restaurants), and were given an hour to spend only $5 on a unique gift we could give to man or woman.
So after about 30 min, we headed back to April's apartment, and we did the typical "draw a number, go in order, open or steal" thing... it was so fun! Some of the gift included a pound of fudge, undies from GAP, chipotle gift card, fancy soap dispenser (which Jed picked out and I got in the end... i love it), giant milk can (find of the night), Tim McGraw CD, and a few others. After the gift exchange, Adam (an awesome chef.. he did the soups for my luncheon and some of the reception stuff) and Erika served an AMAZING prime rib dinner with bruchetta, yummy roasted potatoes, rolls, and green beans... sorry if I forgot anything. It was seriously SO GOOD!
Jed and new baby Angelika (Katie's baby girl-- 3 months old)
Triese and Cherilyn (Katie's older girls.. they're very shy at first, but very cute and bubbly once they warm up to you)
April's Tree
On Tuesday Jed worked on his parents' new house with his dad, and the girls went shopping.
Wed, we went back to Blue Springs to visit my dad. They took us to their favorite mexican restaurant, and drove around town looked for Christmas lights.
Thursday-- Christmas Eve-- we ran some errands, helped my step mom make a big turkey dinner, did some laundry and iced sugar cookies. That night both of my step siblings came over with their kids and we all exchanged gifts. After, we headed to my Aunt's house and I got to see some of my step cousins and my grandparents who live in Southern Missouri. It's been awhile since I've seen my step Mom's family, so it was a lot of fun. It was here that my dad.... Jay Leak... the most stoic guys everrrrrr... dressed up as SANTA-- a sight I never thought I'd see... but my step mom wanted him to dress up for the kiddies, so after a lot of bickering.. my dad gave in. It was hilarious.. and wonderful... and something I'll never forget! It was blizzarding by then, so we headed off... very slowly... to KS that night.
My Dad's house
The table all ready for Christmas Eve dinner!
Me and Santa!
Christmas morning was SO FUN! My last several Christmases have been at my sister Jordan's house. It's always fun to watch her kids open their presents. We even have an extended Christmas after wards, where we siblings and our mom exchange gifts. I did miss all of that this year, but for once Christmas revolved around ME! Not me... but Jed and myself, his brother Kole, and sister April. Sandra and Kevin were so generous to all of us, and it was a blast actually being the KID again. We woke up at 5 am and had our Christmas! Jed got my a ZUNE HD (a microsoft itouch.. so awesome), and I got him the same. We also got each other little things for our stockings... lots of fun stuff! Jed's parents gave us way too much to mention, but the highlights include the game BUZZ WORD, a book of photography of Christ, jewelry for me and a watch for jed, and many more things. Oh... they also gave us AMAZING STOCKINGS filled to the brim with superb chocolate, oranges, toiletries, and we each got a box of cereal.
THANKS MOM AND DAD YOUNG!
We all took naps after wards, and we had plans to go serve dinner to struggling families, but the blizzard prevented us from getting out.
The next day, Jed worked on the house again, and I hung out with April.
It has snowed SO MUCH!
We are very grateful for family, safety, and the chance to visit HOME!
Other highlights include Pizza Shuttle, Chipotle, visiting with Jed's high school friends, holding baby Angelika, getting to know my nieces and nephew better....and having no work or school!
We left for KS with Adam and Erika (Jed's sister and brother-in-law who live in WY) at midnight on Thursday night the 17th. We arrived friday at about 5:30pm... I'm not sure exactly because I slept the entire drive. Sorry guys!
Saturday we took our family pictures and went for an amazing dinner at Jade Mongolian... Jed's favorite restaurant. That night, Jed and I headed to my Dad's for a couple of days.
What a good lookin' family!
Sunday, we went to church at my old ward, which was a lot of fun. Jed left early for the Chiefs game with Adam (my dad's boss gave us free tickets, but i decided I didn't want to go). That night we went to my dear friends Andrea and Bo's house for a game night with friends Casi and Jonathan, newly married Emma and Tony, and of course Andrea and Bo. Things got a little heated by the end of the night (we're all very competitive), but it was still a great time... lots of fun.
Monday morning we went to one of the best breakfast places in KC, The Big Biscuit, to have breakfast with several of my old swimming teammates.. including my old coach Nancy Young. It was crazy seeing what everyone was doing 3 years later.
Adrianne and Casi-- after almost 15 years of friendship!
A fraction of my old swim team! The only 2 Mormons are married... of course!
Monday night we headed back to KS and did a unique gift exchange with all of Jed's family. We headed to Mass Street (the main drag in a college town, full of unique shops and restaurants), and were given an hour to spend only $5 on a unique gift we could give to man or woman.
So after about 30 min, we headed back to April's apartment, and we did the typical "draw a number, go in order, open or steal" thing... it was so fun! Some of the gift included a pound of fudge, undies from GAP, chipotle gift card, fancy soap dispenser (which Jed picked out and I got in the end... i love it), giant milk can (find of the night), Tim McGraw CD, and a few others. After the gift exchange, Adam (an awesome chef.. he did the soups for my luncheon and some of the reception stuff) and Erika served an AMAZING prime rib dinner with bruchetta, yummy roasted potatoes, rolls, and green beans... sorry if I forgot anything. It was seriously SO GOOD!
Jed and new baby Angelika (Katie's baby girl-- 3 months old)
Triese and Cherilyn (Katie's older girls.. they're very shy at first, but very cute and bubbly once they warm up to you)
April's Tree
On Tuesday Jed worked on his parents' new house with his dad, and the girls went shopping.
Wed, we went back to Blue Springs to visit my dad. They took us to their favorite mexican restaurant, and drove around town looked for Christmas lights.
Thursday-- Christmas Eve-- we ran some errands, helped my step mom make a big turkey dinner, did some laundry and iced sugar cookies. That night both of my step siblings came over with their kids and we all exchanged gifts. After, we headed to my Aunt's house and I got to see some of my step cousins and my grandparents who live in Southern Missouri. It's been awhile since I've seen my step Mom's family, so it was a lot of fun. It was here that my dad.... Jay Leak... the most stoic guys everrrrrr... dressed up as SANTA-- a sight I never thought I'd see... but my step mom wanted him to dress up for the kiddies, so after a lot of bickering.. my dad gave in. It was hilarious.. and wonderful... and something I'll never forget! It was blizzarding by then, so we headed off... very slowly... to KS that night.
My Dad's house
The table all ready for Christmas Eve dinner!
Me and Santa!
Christmas morning was SO FUN! My last several Christmases have been at my sister Jordan's house. It's always fun to watch her kids open their presents. We even have an extended Christmas after wards, where we siblings and our mom exchange gifts. I did miss all of that this year, but for once Christmas revolved around ME! Not me... but Jed and myself, his brother Kole, and sister April. Sandra and Kevin were so generous to all of us, and it was a blast actually being the KID again. We woke up at 5 am and had our Christmas! Jed got my a ZUNE HD (a microsoft itouch.. so awesome), and I got him the same. We also got each other little things for our stockings... lots of fun stuff! Jed's parents gave us way too much to mention, but the highlights include the game BUZZ WORD, a book of photography of Christ, jewelry for me and a watch for jed, and many more things. Oh... they also gave us AMAZING STOCKINGS filled to the brim with superb chocolate, oranges, toiletries, and we each got a box of cereal.
THANKS MOM AND DAD YOUNG!
We all took naps after wards, and we had plans to go serve dinner to struggling families, but the blizzard prevented us from getting out.
The next day, Jed worked on the house again, and I hung out with April.
It has snowed SO MUCH!
We are very grateful for family, safety, and the chance to visit HOME!
Other highlights include Pizza Shuttle, Chipotle, visiting with Jed's high school friends, holding baby Angelika, getting to know my nieces and nephew better....and having no work or school!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Mushy Gushy...
So, I just wrote out an insanely long, insanely mushy post, dedicated to the hubs, reflecting on our first year together and how amazing it has been... how amazing he is.
But that's just not my style. It didn't feel right. That kind of stuff is kept for the handmade cards and sleepy snuggle moments.
A year ago today, the 1st of Jan, was the worst day of my life. One of the MANY things contributing to the drahhhhma was the little event called moving into our "furnished" apartment. Jed took the first load over and got our keys from the landlord. He came back admitting, sheepishly, that our apartment was totally EMPTY. I have never been so mad at him. I don't even know why I took it out on him so badly, but I'm just grateful he still married me the next day after all the mean things I said. I screamed, cried, hollered, threw things... and finally decided to go take a look and see what our new "home" was like. I came in, holding back the tears. It was terrible. I was speechless. Jed gently led me by the hand, took me into our future bedroom, and told me to lay on the floor. I did. and He nestled up close beside me. He looked into my eyes and said, "Look up!... It's like we have vaulted ceilings." If I hadn't known already (which I did), this was the final moment that I knew I was making the right decision. I smiled, perked up, and headed off to the rest of my stressful day. Jed has a special gift of being able to make me feel better about the worst situations. He's my own little Jasper Cullen.
And tomorrow a year ago (the 2nd) was and still is the best day of my life. I won't say much because it's all too personal and too mushy and too wonderful and queasingly detailed to post on here, but I will say I have never laughed more in a year than I have this one, and only because of my Jed. I thank my Heavenly Father every day that I was able to find someone so perfect for me.
I married a stud with beautiful blue eyes, a heart of gold, and a funny bone the size of Texas! I'm so grateful for the blessing I have to spend an eternity with my best friend!
Rover Roo!
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