...so now it was goodbye

(the more I look at this picture, the more I realize we really don't look anything alike. Funny that EVERYWHERE we go together people ask us if we're sisters. Plus - was I always this much shorter than you Melis?)


Tonight I went to dinner at Melissa & Kurtis' house. Kurtis made a delicious dinner. Chicken brats and this yummy corn, avocado, parsley, tomato mix and sweet potato fries. Seriously Delsh! We talked and laughed and mostly cooed over this beautiful girl. Miss Paige is so friendly! I absolutely love her. I mostly love watching my friend since age 15 being a mom of her. She's seriously so great at it.
Then she went to sleep and we watched Robin Hood - which Kurtis is probably wondering why we started watching a movie because I asked questions - or talked through the whole thing anyway. haha. Since my parents had driven in from California and I just left a key for them under the mat so I could go hang out with my friends - I was feeling a little bit guilty. And that's when the tears started. Seriously going to miss my best friend. But, like before when we've been in different places - we'll always be close. One of my favourite things about her really. No matter what, or where it's always a good feeling to know somewhere in the world is a girl who REALLY knows me, and gets me and still loves me. (and back at ya lady!)

Ritual de la habitual

Today was my big HURRAH with Melissa.

Ever since college - she has been our ritualistic friend. She finds meaning in everything and it's so fun to watch her put effort into traditions. Partly it probably started as just another excuse to never study (her GPA that first semester wasn't too much better than mine), but they've become something to mark key events in life over the years. Today was no different.

Out of the magic bag came the following:


First we had to take the drink - and while making a wish, pour a little pixie stick in it. (Back in the day it was Diet Coke in giant mugs we had to walk off campus to get the caffeinated stuff). She poured hers in first. Then I poured mine in while wishing *i can't tell you what i wished for - it'll ruin the magic* I know you had to be there for the following, but my drink started fizzing over with the addition of the pixie stick. I was like - what the...WOAH! And Melissa gets this look on her face and is like "THAT MEANS IT'S GOING TO COME TRUE!" haha. We laughed forever until we cried. Seriously I'm crying right now as I write this it was so funny. I love that girl! We can just get together and be so silly. Then we asked the magic 8-ball questions.
Q1: Will Jamie get promoted in a year? - A: It is decidedly so
Q2: Will Jamie fall in love with a gorgeous man in Portland A: YES
Q3: Will Jamie love her new home? A: Reply hazy, ask later. Followed by a No. haha.
There were more but those were the highlights.

Then we put on our fake tattoos - something we've always shared. We upgraded this time to the cute girly ones, as opposed to the usual 25 cent ghetto ones with giant snakes wrapped around hearts, etc.

Then we went to Thai food - that is literally 3 seconds from my house that I never knew about. Delicious! and then went to see the movie The Switch. (loved it!)
We're planning to get together one last time because we weren't ready to be TOTALLY goodbye behaviour.

Thanks for the fun day girl! Since we get asked all the time if we're sisters - I'm officially adopting you as the sister I never had. Love you!

The last day!

Today was my last day of work before I move. It's so weird to think that I've been back in Utah nearly 6 years....and working at the same place. I must be growing up or something (probably or something).

It was inventory today - so luckily all the attention wasn't on it being my last day. Although the lovely ladies in my department made me treats to die for..and got me this totally lovely bracelet. So nice! I did quite (no tears) until I had to go turn some stuff into the credit manager (Debra) who I LOVE! Then I got a little teary. Then had to hug people and got a little more teary. It's weird to be excited to leave, but these people have been in my world for the past 5.5 years. Just seems odd to walk away.

But...ONTO THE NEXT LIFE CHAPTER!

So now I have some serious packing to do until Wednesday night when my parents arrive. Then Thursday is all about loading up the truck and then taking off Thursday night to Ogden to stay overnight at my Uncle Tom's (cabin). J/K it's a house, but gotta use that whenever I can. Then heading to Oregon Friday! Can't wait! I start my new job that Monday so I'm really excited to get settled into my new place.

Am hanging out with Melissa tomorrow for our final Hurrah! Of course she has something amazing (read: Ritual) planned. I'm going to miss that girl for sure! Now off to get some packing done so I can play all day!

I'm trashy

Today was my very first Garage Sale! I wasn't as successful as others - because I think my items weren't "white trash" enough for this neighborhood - but I still made $175.00 on stuff I was just going to give to GoodWill...so not too shabby. Lots of great people watching and pretending to be interested in what people were saying just to make a sale. It really doesn't take much to entertain me!

The Big 1st Day!

Today was Trent's official first day of Kindergarten!
Jake said he did really great. I haven't yet spoken to him to get some feedback, but seriously would go back to school if these were my only 5 rules I had to live by too!
Great coloring...and writing his own name. Seriously pass this kid onto the 3rd grade. He can handle it.
I asked Jake how he did when they left - he said "totally ignored us. Head down like the world depended on his frog being drawn". That's my guy!

Congratulations Trent! I love you a million billion!

"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."
-Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr Seuss.

My visit from Sarah

My friend Sarah came to visit this weekend from Houston, TX. We had so much fun laughing and playing and shopping and eating. Carson, her son - sent her with the sweetest Statue of Liberty Hat he made in school that day. I feel pretty honored that he would want to give away such a magnificent piece of art!
Seriously if that doesn't melt your heart - you have no feelings.

It was so great to catch up with her. It had been a very long time since the last time I saw her - and then only for a quick day while I was in Houston for work. Thanks for her husband Jason for letting her come visit while he kept the kids busy for those 3 days. The texts from him asking about carpet cleaner and the like, kept up quite amused.

Kayaking the Puget - Class 1 rapids

Just got back from a trip to Oregon to celebrate my cute nephew's 5th birthday! His birthday was on July 27th, but this was the first anyone could get up to celebrate. My mom was up for the event as well. I'll write a bit about the family portion of the trip later.

One of the days I was up in Portland, I ventured up to visit my friend Josie - who currently resides in a summer house of her parents' on the Puget Sound in Washington. It's GORGEOUS!! Seriously such a great view and great time was had just hanging out. The food, the margaritas, the laughs....SO FUN! Man I've missed that girl!...and Thor too (of course!)

That night - we went out on the kayaks. It was seriously the best weather ever. We saw seals and everything pretty up close (and of course I cracked out the "Loose Seal" Arrested Development joke perhaps more than once!) It couldn't have been a better trip to see my friend. Thanks Josie and Thor for your hospitality! Always good to see you guys!