Showing posts with label Snapshots of Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Snapshots of Life. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

A day in the life of a BYU Jamba-ite

Found here.

Today was one of the craziest days in my (almost) three years of working at BYU's Jamba Juice. It was so ridiculous that I just had to laugh. 

Our two lovely locations. Awwww. Found here.
Background:
We have two Jamba Juice locations on BYU campus - one in the Wilkinson Student Center, and one on the other side of campus by the athletic buildings. I've spent most of my time in the Wilk store, which is much bigger and busier. While I know the Wilk store like the back of my hand, I've only worked at the SAB store three times before today. For the first time, I've been given a shift down at the SAB - a Team Lead shift. That means I'm supposed to be in charge of the other employees and know what I'm doing...which can cause problems. It's hard to be a good leader when you don't know where anything is kept, but I do my best.

Part One:
My first shift today was at the Wilk. It was smooth sailing, since we don't get many customers between 7:30 and 11:00 AM. However, we did have an older man named Alfonso ask for carrot juice with the pulp on the side. My co-worker juiced the carrots and put the little bit of thicker stuff that didn't go through the strainer in an extra cup. When she gave the man his juice, he said, "No! I want the meat of the carrot. It has good fiber!" So, poor Elizabeth got into the cabinet under the carrot machine where the pulp falls and dumped the good ol' "meat" into a cup for Alfonso. (Don't worry, it was clean under there!) He was much happier with this arrangement, and proceeded to pour some of the carrot juice onto the pulp. Now, here's the question - why doesn't he just eat a bag of carrots?! Creative answers are welcomed for submission. 

Part Two:
This is the crazy part of the story. At noon, I went down to work at the SAB store. One of our juice dispensers had gone on the fritz and had been randomly spitting out juice and water since the wee hours of the morning, leaving the floor wet and sticky. There were no clean blenders, a line of camp kids out the door, and only three people working. And one of them left when I came in.

"We're out of ones...and pennies," Elizabeth told me from the register. At the Wilk, we get our change from a special Cougareat money room, but the SAB keeps its change in a safe - a safe that, only having worked there three times, I didn't know the comb for. I called our managers up at the Wilk to get the combo. It didn't work. I called again, and this time got the right one. There were no one dollar bills in the safe, so I had to call the money room to have them delivered.

"We're out of strawberries," our other co-worker called out. We dug around in the fridge for a good 5 minutes until we found some more. Meanwhile, the line got longer. 

"We're out of lemonade" was heard 15 minutes later, and "we're out of mop heads" was another 5 minutes after that. And half of our sherbets were hard, making it a pain to scoop them.

The camp kids finally left at 1:15, ending a 2-hour, non-stop rush. 

We washed the dishes, wiped the counters, mopped the floor with a bunch of rags Elizabeth had tied to the mop handle, and laughed at the crazy mess we had barely survived. 

Last year, some of us would joke about what "Jamba Hell" would be like. I'm pretty sure I lived through it today.

But hey, at least I didn't have to wear the banana suit.

Found here.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

We might be runners

Image found here.
I just signed my husband and I up to run the Lavender 5k in Mona on July 9th. I've never run a 5k before. My last race was the Dr. Seuss Magic Mile when I was about 6 - I walked most of the way. Hopefully this time, I'll do better. 


Though, my husband talks about the one time he spontaneously ran a 5k while he had a cold and was wearing jeans. If he survived that, I'm sure I can manage this race. 


And with views like this, it's sure to be an amazing experience.


Image found here.

Image found here.

Image found here.
If you'll be in Utah during the summer, you should run the race too!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Wonderfulness.



We just got back from our California trip yesterday. It was delightful. We feel so refreshed and ready to get back to work.


Our open house was beautiful. My sister did an incredible job with the decorations, food, and everything. She really is amazing! It felt like an old-fashioned garden party, and was more magical than I ever could have dreamed of. Thank you to all of you who helped out and came by to share your love and support! It was a wonderful day and we are still in awe of all the love that was showered upon us. Thank you! (You can see more gorgeous photos here.)


My uncle built this sweet archway


Sneaking away to a secluded table on one of the decks

Everybody loves Wibby!
All the children wanted to dance with us. It was so sweet!





In other good news, I got accepted for a very special internship! This summer, I will be writing blog posts for BYU Women's Services and Resources! My posts will appear each Friday. I am thrilled and honored to have this opportunity to use my talents to make a difference. 

And now, two of my new favorite videos to brighten your day. The first is the trailer for the new Winnie the Pooh movie. I am so excited! Pooh is a big part of my childhood. I'm glad he lives on. 


This video is a gorgeous song by Peter Breinholt and John Schmidt. My husband introduced it to me as we were making the long drive to San Diego. Listening to it while watching the sun set behind the beautiful Utah mountains was a very special experience. 



Enjoy your weekend and the beautiful spring weather!




Life is good. 

Friday, January 28, 2011

sometimes I feel guilty

when I spend the day cleaning my room, making phone calls, prepping for the wedding, reading, attempting to cook, chatting online with my sweetie, getting lost in the etsy vortex,

and never quite make it to being academically productive.

but at the same time

another part of my feels completely and blissfully

accomplished, balanced, and at peace.

I am trying to retrain my mind

to remember that happiness doesn't come from strict adherence to deadlines,

that self-worth doesn't lie in a long list of worldy accomplishments,

but true joy comes in living.

and sometimes, 

just breathing

is enough.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

happiness

is easing into my chair at the end of a long, hard day
to read posts on my favorite website.
it's breathing out a long sigh,
and hearing my honey sneak up behind me
to gently place a bowl of my favorite pasta on the desk.
but mostly
it's the smile that creeps across my face
when I realize that he gave me the bowl that's my favorite color
just because he knew I would like it.

Find your own here.

























happiness
is watching the snow gently fall
with a cup of peppermint hot chocolate
and gentle piano music in the background.
it's soaking in the beautiful stillness of winter
and learning to be still myself.

Found here.

















happiness
is the moment
after I've cried out to the Lord,
when He encircles me in His arms
and lets me know
that I am unconditionally,
irrevocably,
inescapably,
perfectly,
and eternally loved.


happiness 
is the object and design of our existence; 
and will be the end thereof, 
if we pursue the path that leads to it; 
and this path is virtue, 
uprightness, 
faithfulness, 
holiness, 
and keeping all the commandments of God.
- Joseph Smith

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

I am grateful

that at the end of the day

when life is just too overwhelming

I can simply ask God 

to help me with all of the things that I need

and I don't have to say them out loud

because He knows them already. 

Thanks God. 

In all things, You are good.

Friday, January 7, 2011

2010 Slideshow

I did one last year, and it was just so fun that I had to do it again! I love being able to capture to love, tenderness, silliness, and overwhelming happiness of our family in under 4 minutes. Technology is so great. Enjoy!


Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Happy New Year!

Holy Cow, I can't believe it's 2011 and a new semester is starting already! Moreover, I can't believe that the wedding is just 7 weeks away! There is still so much to do. 


Christmas in San Diego with Brandon and my family was so wonderful. We went puzzle crazy, baked cookies, took nice walks, did Martha Stewart crafts, had a bonfire on the beach, wore footie pajamas and watched movies every night, slept in every day, laughed and loved and tasted all of life's sweetness. It warmed my heart to see Brandon fit into my family so well, and to see them learn to love him as I do. I have never felt so blessed and overwhelmingly joyful as I did this Christmas, surrounded by all the people I love most in this world. Just look at the pictures - they say it all. 

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Breakfast on Christmas morning

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For Christmas, James asked for a Bieber Bowl - a bowl that you spin on your head to style
your hair like Justin Bieber. He was by far the easiest person to find a gift for!

winter 2010 625
Santa brought us head mics - so fun!

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My siblings are just adorable.

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My favorite picture of the trip.

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Here's hoping your holidays were wonderful and that the new year brings you even more joy. 

Monday, December 27, 2010

Engagement Photos!

winter 2010 278


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winter 2010 307

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And we lived happily...
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 (but ridiculously)...
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 ever after.


(PS- for a slideshow, click here.)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmastime is here! Happiness and Cheer!

Image found here.


Well, in case you didn't know, being engaged is CRAZY! Especially in the midst of finals and the death of another semester. It's been just a little difficult to focus. I'm just glad I'm getting married in February so I won't have to be this distracted during next semester's finals as well!


I've been a little anxious about getting everything figured out in such a short amount of time, but God has been so merciful and helped so much fall into place. Last Tuesday we found a place to live in a great ward that one of my good friends happens to live in. Thursday we found out that Brandon's contract was sold by the housing office, so he won't have to pay rent for an apartment he's not living in. Saturday we were able to get a nice mattress and bed frame for under $600, and Brandon's mom informed us that she has connections with florists, decorators, caterers, and wedding cake makers, so basically she will take care of a lot of those reception details that have been driving me batty. How very blessed we are! This past week I have truly learned that things will work out however God wants them to. 


And now some links:
*This is the cake we are ordering. With funfetti inside. Ohhh yeah :)
*Just discovered this website today and am loving it!
*My hubby-to-be has me on a Jack Johnson kick, and I'm really loving these three songs. 
*I just love this post. And pretty much every post on their website.
*This describes how I feel about Brandon. And the acoustic version of the song is just lovely!


And now the countdowns:
*1 1/2 days until I am done with the semester and get to see David Archuleta at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert!
*4 days until we get to take the bed out of Brandon's van and move it into our little apartment!
*5 days until the fabulous Moon family Christmas party, complete with small costumed children acting out the nativity!
*6 days until I'll be home with my fam-bam for Christmas!
*11 days until Christmas!
*65 days until I become a wife! 


And...
Image found here.


Merry Christmas, everyone!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Just a couple thoughts.

You know you have incredible roommates when you come home to a sink literally overflowing with dishes that have been your responsibility to wash for the past two days, and while you've been caught in the midst of the midterm whirlwind those roommates have not breathed a word of complaint. Oh, how I love them!


Discovered this song today. So good.  

Today I saw a girl wearing a fake beard in the library. She said she was going to wear it to the testing center and see if they let her in. Brilliant!

I went to the Faculty Choreography Showcase tonight and was blown away. One of my favorites was a piece called "Portraits" featuring quotes and paintings from Van Gogh, Picasso, and Andy Warhol. It was amazing to see how the choreography blended so perfectly with the artwork and the message the artists were trying to send.


Another gorgeous piece was "Thought of You," a collaboration between an animator and a choreographer. This video only shows a few seconds of it, but it was just beautiful. And it made me cry.




I love walking home from school. Since my usual staircase of doom is closed for repairs, I get to take a detour through a little grove of trees down by the duck pond that is just magical this time of year. It's not too hot, not too cold, and a perfect time to wear sweaters. And I sure love sweaters. 


I saw the most adorable little boy today on campus with his mom. I can't wait to be a mom and chase around a cute little toddler like him. Sometimes my heart longs for it so badly that I have to remind myself that I'm only 20 years old, and that I'm right where God wants me to be; but I look forward to that time when I'll have more opportunities to nurture and serve.


Do you ever have those days when you look in the mirror and you think, "Oh man, somehow I look cute today!" I got lucky enough to have one of those today. I'm glad to be me.



Tuesday, October 19, 2010

I love October.

Life is busy.

Friday my roommate and I threw a hobo party, and it was epic. We made cardboard signs, ate hobo stew, told stories, raced shopping carts, and had a ball. If you've never had one, I highly recommend it.

this is the place

courts n me

hipsters


sparkies

so much joy



hobo sisters

The weather is lovely and the brilliant fall leaves are even lovelier. All I want to do is stay curled up in bed eating chicken noodle soup and listening to these two songs - but of course, it's a week full of papers, tests, assignments for my calling, and trying to soak in all the October gorgeousness I can before it fades away into that beautifully terrifying time we call winter.

Wish I could say I took this photo, but sadly I did not.
 
Here's to you, October. Thanks for stopping by again. If you ever decide to stay longer, we wouldn't mind it at all. 

 

Monday, October 11, 2010

Recapturing Beauty: Day 1

Photo by Nika Fadul.


Today's assignment for the Recapturing Beauty Challenge is to take 10 minutes to write all the things you are grateful that your body can do. I've been thinking about this all day and it has really helped me feel more confident and content with who I am. 


I am grateful for a body that fills me with breath every moment of every day. 
I am grateful for a body that wakes up each morning. 
I am grateful for a body that lets me walk, skip, run, and dance. 
I am grateful for arms that can hug my sweet roommate as I leave the house in the morning. 
(And I'm so very grateful for that sweet roommate - but that's a post for another day.)
I am grateful for hands that can tousle my little brother's blonde hair. 
I am grateful for eyes that can see the yellow leaves of autumn, the pink and purple sky of sunset, and the golden kiss of sunshine. 
I am grateful for ears that can hear music, and for vocal chords that can sing along. 
I am grateful for a nose that can smell yummy food, and for a mouth that can taste it. 
I am grateful for skin that can feel the warmth of sunshine, the cool drops of rain, and the embraces of those I love. 
I am grateful for a mouth that can smile, a head that tilts towards the heavens when I laugh, and eyes that squint up when I do. 
I am grateful for my toes that wriggle as I type this, and the ability to paint them pretty colors. 
I am grateful for my legs, strong and steady, that ground me. They carry me up those dreaded stairs and around campus every day with hardly any thanks. They endure lifts and kicks and turns in my dance class without a complaint. They anchor me and yet provide me mobility. They are amazing. 
I am grateful for a belly that receives. It receives breath, it receives food, and it takes those and miraculously turns them into life. That is a miracle. 
I am grateful for hands that can work, that can play, that can create. 
I am grateful for a mind that can think, and create, and soak in the beauty of this life and all that God has given me. 


Wow. I feel so richly blessed. 

Sunday, September 12, 2010

This weekend...

A group of my favorite people went down to Zion to do some camping and hiking. And it was spectacular.

narrows 3


narrows 2


narrows group

epic.

And as if that wasn't wonderful enough, we got to hear from Julie B. Beck, Jeffrey R. Holland, Boyd K. Packer, and Richard G. Scott today. And I got to have dinner with my amazing sister. And meet with amazing women in my ward to plan how we are going to serve other ward members.


Yep, my weekend was pretty much perfect.