Bowel Movements

Hello hello everyone!

So, things have been busy here in Boston since the last camping trip. July flew by, August flew by and what do you know? I'm directing the last 3 weeks of the summer art program here at the New Art Center! Since the Assistant Education Director left last week, it's been my job to finish out the season and make sure things run smoothly. As it looks now, I have the interim position of Assistant Education Director and come Fall, if I do well and interview spectacularly for the full-time position, then I will be the next Assistant Education Director! If this happens, I'll be planning school vacation weeks as well as summer vacation programming. I'll also be helping the Exhibition Director in their Connections program, where they bring students into the New Art Center throughout the area, giving them tours and talking about what art is and how it affects them. I could use all your good vibes coming my way, in hopes I secure the job!

Other than that, I'm still babysitting for the 2 little rascals. Now, tell me if this is common...

After filling the bathtub up with water, plopping the cherub in, I turn away for two seconds only to find upon my return, the babe squatting in the water with a sour look on his face. What may this be?

Yes, poop. Poop ALL over!

Gross.

Never having kids...

Ok, maybe I will. :)

But seriously people, that is the first time...and I pray the last time, this will ever happen to me. Tell me good luck, because I'm sure you'll all say it could be a lot worse.

So that's what's going on in my life as of the moment. I've got my own desk (finally), a fully bowel-functioning 2 year old to watch, another NY camping trip this weekend, and delicious sushi tonight with a special man-friend! Life is great!

Crosswords and Camping

Crosswords, I have found, become quite addicting. First you think you are awful at the things, then you get a few easy ones. Next, you finish an entire puzzle. Then you start seeing the same clues, written in different ways and start to think, "man, how dumb do these people think I am?!"

After a few of those and it's a damn near heart attack if I don't get my daily fix. Seriously! Every night, even if I'm completely exhausted from working 12 hours a day, I'll still work out a couple of clues. It's so sad. Good news is, I hear it keeps your mind alive so you don't get Alzheimer's, so I've got that going for me. :)

In other good news, I just found out yesterday that I will be receiving a raise for the last 3 weeks of my summer (full time, paid!) internship! Sweetastic, eh?

Also, I just found a decent deal to come home for Christmas. I impulse bought. So now, I'm helplessly asking for donations of early Christmas presents to help me actually fund the trip. Any takers? :) I'll be coming home on the 22nd and leaving the 28th, oh and I want to bring Ashley back with me for her birthday! (Haha, that would only be in a perfectly optimal world...but seriously Ash...think about it.)

As for recent happenings, I just got back from camping in upstate New York! The Finger Lakes to be specific. It was an awesome trip! A mere 7 hours from Boston, we got to our campsite at Keuka Lake around dinnertime. We set up camp, roasted up some dogs and drenched ourselves in bug repellent. We smelled terrific! The boys got up early to do some fishin', although none were big enough to keep.

We started of the day with swimming in the lake, well more like wading. I was the only one to get all the way in! Since we had 2-3 functioning scientists/engineers, we had a blast turning over rocks to find sneaky little crawdads! Equipped with nets and strawberry plastic containers, we collected enough to have for the next morning's fish bait. (and yes, George caught a fishy with a crawdad the next day! But still was too small to keep...)

We gathered up our things and headed out to taste the fruits of the region...grapes! More specifically, the wine. Up and down the narrow paths and unsigned streets, we took many sips of delicious Reislings, Blushes and Cabernets. We even had a taste of the "Foxy Lady", which was fantastic as well. We went on an unforgettable wine tour at Bully's and sang songs about how Napa Valley is really just an autoparts store. We went the the "pretty" place, where I found a semi-dry reisling to buy, but sadly I left it in a car that belongs to upstate New York. Sad panda am I.

Later that night, we headed to the Yates County Fair in Penn Yan, New York! How the country folk were flying that night, holy moly! Let's just say that the "front butt" is not a good look...on anyone! Fried food galore, we feasted and then took a ride on a gravitron-like ride. Ugh. Bad idea, and the first ride at that! Bumper cars, enoromous slides, scramblers and getting denied for the swings because we were too heavy, left us satiated and satisfyed.

The rest of the week, we headed up to Ithaca where the great Cayuga Lake stands. We hiked around Watkins Glen and Robert H. Treman State Parks, waded up the rivers and gorges and saw amazing waterfalls. We found abundant wildlife including toads, snakes (a black rat snake!) salamanders, fish, and spiders. George was even working on the trip as he taught and showed the snakes to kids hiking along the way. We even ran into some good old Utah folks! Crazy.

There were many shenanigans along the rest of the way, including catching fireflies, dropping watermelon in the dirt AND still eating it, trying out the Asian Squat and of course, the Hoofah. But all those are stories for another day.

Alright, I've done my laundry and now need to put it away. That is the worst part. I absolutely hate putting laundry away. Doing it? Fine. Putting it back? Agony. I think Mom will attest to this...

Ok, Here It Comes!

Before you read this, you must know...you should probably grab a latte and have a seat. This may take awhile.

First of all we have a trip I took almost 2 months ago! Yes, 2 months. The only question is, "Where has half the summer gone?!" It's already July 6th and I'm headed into the last half preparing myself for new jobs and new responsibilities, already! Whew!

Alright, so the summer so far...

(Breathe...)

So it started of with a flight to Chicago, where George and I dove right into the cultural hodgepodge of Art, Marine Biology and Natural History. We sampled pizza, $2 beer from Haagen Daaze, walked forever to Navy Pier and got followed by nuns! Our friend Jesse got mistaken for a "Dad", we got lucky with a ladybug and saw the great Chicago skyline! I also left my favorite comb there, in case Thaxton ever reads this. We had great weather, a once in a million thing according to some, and enjoyed Chicago-Style brats by Lake Michigan. Fantastic!

After meeting some more of George's family, we drove up to Beloit Wisconsin to see his sis Jessie graduate from Beloit College. We stopped in for a quick beer and game of pool at the local college hangout, where George showed his pool hall shark skills! I had no idea, but let me tell you...I wasn't complaining! ;)

Graduation Day was beautiful and happened to be the lucky outdoor graduation that hadn't happened in years! Jessie graduated in Anthropology with a minor in Museum Studies. Yes, she's got the bug too! We toured around the campus, did a little rubbing elbows with some important people and discussed the finer qualities of brewing your own home brew with some of Jessie's friends.

That night, we hit up the EconoLodge pub. Fantastic little place...so fantastic that I almost peed my pants when the barkeep told me two drinks only cost $5 buckaroos! She was so delighted at my reaction that she gave out a graduation round on the house. Again, we played pool where George schooled us all, although his dad was getting the hang of it and almost sweeped the table.

After picking up some good Wisconsin cheese, we headed out on the long road trip home! The highlights were many, so I'll just mention the big ones.

1. Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota (let me tell ya, they love their state and will decorate with corn like no one's business!)
2. Badlands, South Dakota (Eat your heart out Bruce!)
3. Mt. Rushmore (actually pretty amazing...)
4. Wall Drug Store (if you're ever there...please let me know...we'll have stories for hours!)
5. The Sinclair in Upton Wyoming!
6. And finally Yellowstone! (truly and amazing sight...)

There is so much to write about Yellowstone and the awesomeness that is...but seeing that I already have so much to say, please feel free to look at the "extended version" of pictures on Facebook. The album is called "The Grand Chicago Wisconsin Plains Yellowstone Road Trip" Dive in at your own will! It's even a sort of "photo essay" if you will...

After making it to Utah, I had a fantastic time visiting friends, friend's babies and family. P.S. Everyone is having babies lately. Just so you know.

Ok, you need a break yet? Feel free.

So after getting back home, we had about 5 days before the month of visitors began. First up was Leslie, who was the infamous one that introduced George and myself. Everyone had pretty much the same response to the fact..."Oh, so you're the one responsible..." (with a slight grin) Ben Gobin actually bowed, but I won't go into that now. :) Leslie, George and I took a trip up to New Hampshire where we met up with a friend named Ross. Ross was awesome and showed us around Portsmouth on bikes, and helped us fly wicked awesome kites on the beach! We won a $25 dollar gift certificate to Portsmouth Brewery thanks to my killer ring toss skills. Yeah, I'm pretty proud.

Next round, the Grandparents! The Aunt and Uncle and cousins as well! So let me set the scene for you:

Boston has been rainy and gloomy for approximately 2 weeks, and it's not waning any time soon.
I pick up Mr. and Mrs. Wonderful at the airport and show them the ropes of Boston subway transit. Little did they know that, it gets pretty muggy down there. Let's just say, the whole train knew how much love was still there when Grandma Sheila spouts out, "You're makin' me hot just lookin' at ya!" Ow, ow! Grandma! Now I know it's your anniversary, but keep the clothes on the T at least! ;) Haha!

After the summer lovin' on the train, we had some cooler dinner at George's place and enjoyed a nice evening. The next day, I showed them around the Tufts campus as well as my exhibition at the art gallery. We stopped at Trader Joes for some provisions and 2 Buck Chuck (thanks guys!) then went out for some fabulously amazing crab and lobster at the Barking Crab. Holy Hayday, it was good! (thanks again guys!) So much finger lickin' goodness.

Saturday called for a Super Duper Walking tour of Boston, starting with the Museum of Fine Arts. We cultured ourselves, then went up to the Top of the Hub for a fancy cocktail and to look at the view. We lucked out on the rain, it was pretty dry the whole day. Grandma did have to get some alternate shoes at CVS though, I know the feeling. I've gone through so many shoes here. It is the walking city you know!

We had a cold Sam Adams while looking at a cold Sam Adams...eh eh? Along with all the dead revolutionaries, we saw most of the city with the exception of the North End. Seriously, you have to come back for this...it's awesome up there. Instead, we happened to be surprised with tickets to Beerfest. (I'm just noticing how much beer has come up in this post...I blame it all on George!) Anyway, we grabbed our silly hats and headed to the Trade Center for some tastings of delightful hops! The funniest thing about that night? Grandma, who started with the idea of not liking beer too much, ended up saying, "Alright guys! We need to stand in line while we're drinking, come on, more beer!"

Ok, that's probably not verbatim. But, I'd like to think that's the gist of it. :)

After the brew, Sunday brought brunch, Becky, Rhett, Jake and Alex. I was so happy to see everyone! We feasted and then headed to the Red Sox game. Although misty, we enjoyed the usual peanuts and beer (there it is again!) and watched a home run in the beginning and a walk off homer against the Braves. It was a great day of baseball, and I even think we may have swayed Jake a bit to become more of a Sox fan instead of those dang Yankees!

That night we feasted on some pretty amazing supper. Jake and Alex had "the best noodles and butter ever!" Or so they say. Mmm...a big thank you to Val for being and amazing chef and hooking us up with a pretty good deal.

Monday was the last hurrah. We started off at the Museum of Science, where we caught a Duck Boat Tour. Tim Burr was our tour guide as he showed us the way of the city in a huge military vehicle. The best part was one, counting to see how many umbrellas would get turned inside out in the torrential Boston wind, and two, Jake and Alex drive the Duck on the Charles River. Alex couldn't stop giggling and Jake got hounded with Yankee questions by Mr. Burr (obviously trying to trip him up...) Let me say though Jake, I didn't even know all those players!

After the tour, George showed everyone the cute, fuzzy, furry, scaley and stinky animals in the Live Animal Center, a usual stop for any Boston guest. Shortly afterward, I was sad to see everyone go...but I hope you all had a wonderful time and come back soon! (And not only that, but to try and get others to follow in your footsteps, word of mouth fellas, word of mouth!)

The very next weekend, we had a visit from George's friend Carl Edwards and a surprise addition, Dennis McMillan. Old college buddies of his, and very awesome indeed. We had a quick weekend of fun full of grillin' and chillin'.

So this brings us to the Fourth of July!

Seriously.

Ok, so we headed up to New Hampshire with good old Ben Gobin! He was back in town from St. George and had a lot of catching up to do! After the good north, we came back down to Boston for a rousing game of KICKBALL! Woo! I haven't played kickball in forever, and let me say...it really works out some odd muscles. I'm still sore!

More grilling and a little Independence Day watching left us itching for some real fireworks, so we headed to my roof and watched the city light up with color! It was a fantastic view and I couldn't have asked for a better 4th in Boston. I did miss Park City, as always, though I was so happy to get picture updates of the Grandparents starting their own silly hat collection. Damn, we're good. :)

Well, so that puts us to about now and what do you know? I'm leaving on Wednesday to go camping at the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Spoiled I know. But you know what? I deserve it! As crazy and busy as this summer has been so far, I've worked and been working really hard to have a little fun. So watch out mini NY mountains, I'm gonna come and hike your booty off! (and stop for a little wine on the wine trails along the way...heck yes!)

Thank you to all of you reading and keeping up with me, even if it's been few and far between. I love to let you know what's going on over here and also for me to recount my time in Boston, because you never know when it's going to end.

Peace and see you after camping!

Coming Soon

Hey guys! So yes, I've been back for...3 weeks? You want to know about my trip right? Well, funny that I told Facebook before I wrote on my blog about it. Don't you worry, I'll compose something soon. However, right now...my Grandma Sheila and Papa Tim are in town! Oh it's been great so far! I picked them up at the airport, we had a great quote about "hotness" and had some "business" in the kitchen!

Stay tuned for more!

What's the "Soup de Jour" ??

In one more day I'll be relaxin' in the "Windy City"...named after politicians long-winded speeches of course. Anyone who's anyone knows the windiest city is BOSTON! Hecka right, you try walking through large skyscrapers sucking you like a spider in a vacuum tube AND with zero degrees wind chill!

Geez, I'm so glad is spring. :)

Time to sleep and wake up refreshed to be a 2nd grade celebrity!

(Pssst...It's true! Tuesdays all I hear is "Jessica! You came to our school! I remember you, do you remember me?? So cute.)

I'm On My Way!

Hello everyone!

I've been gone awhile, but that's because I've been finishing up my graduate certificate at Tufts! Yes that's right, I will be all done with classes next week and will be finishing up my internship at the New Art Center at the end of June. With one 20 page paper to write about my experience, I'll be home free. :)

Also, some good news is that my unpaid internship at the New Art Center now...will be turning into a paid internship for the remainder of the summer. I will be working with the Assistant Education Director in running the summer art camp for youngsters. I am very excited for the opportunity and also to get some cash-ola for it!

As for next fall? Well I'm leaving my hands up and my eyes open for opportunities to use my new grad certificate and excellent skills over these past 2 years. If anyone feels like throwing a prayer out for me, I'd be much appreciative. :) I've been asking the Big Guy upstairs myself, to get me to a place where I'll be happy and learn a lot next fall.

Alright, now for the good stuff! Since I'm almost done with school, I'm coming out to see my Utah loves! George and I will be coming in on Friday the 22nd, so mark it on your calendars! We were thinking we could all get together for a beer or so at the Tavernacle that Friday night. What do you all say? Let me know so I can spread the news. I would really love to see all of you and since I only have a short time, this would be a great time to get together all at once.

So I've got to get back to tie up more loose ends. I love you all and see you soon!

Is It Really March?

It doesn't really feel like March. March should be sunny...AND warmer than 30 degrees. It is not so here. Ahem.

Well besides that, I've been quite busy setting up my new schedule and life surrounding it. Monday's and Tuesday's I'm going to schools and showing 7 year olds around the museum, making sure they stay in line while I show them snakes and butterflies. I've become quite popular on Tuesday mornings and I love when the kids say, "Hi Jessica! I remember you! Can you be in our group?" Ahhh, the fame. :)

I just started my internship at the New Art Center, where I've already gotten to paint gallery walls and apply vinyl lettering for the show "raw & cooked" These guys are a little wacky in their painting and woodworking skills, but it's kind of funky and I like it. There is this one painting of a man lying on his back with a huge, well (male anatomical part). It's kind of jarring at first but then you just start to giggle.

Besides that fun part, I'm doing a lot of press updates and creating price lists and other documents for the show. Tonight is the opening reception, so it should be great to see the reactions of the little old ladies who wander in...

My "other" job purely for income just started last night. I am working the front desk at the YMCA. It's not paying as much as I hoped, but at least it's something for now until I can find something to help out more. But the people are fun and at least I'll get a free membership to work on my killer calves!

So basically, I've suddenly become very busy. So in order to relax, I take weekend trips. Last weekend, George and I headed off to upstate New York to visit some of his family. First stop, Binghamton, to visit the Miss Helen Pechmann (great woman who absolutely LOVES Syracuse basketball!). An industrial little town, and 2 Giants (grocery stores) sitting head to head across from each other. Geez, it's like the Walmarts in Logan! Next we drove through Ithaca, the town of Cornell. Pretty impressive, huge hills and quaint shops...OH and also the most fun little statue I've ever seen!

(so inquisitive!)

We stopped into Moosewood (Grill? Maybe? I forgot...), a delicious restaurant where we got a flight of beer and surprisingly great vegetarian food. Don't worry though, I would never give up my meat!

After the Moosewood, we headed up through the Finger Lakes where we'll be going back to camp this summer. They have a plethora of wineries along the trail...mmmm! We ended up then in Rochester where we picked up Judy and Jessie, George's mom and sis. We had a quick trip visiting his other grandma and cousins, and watching old "pool videos" (this is, you know, the embarassing family videos that everyone has...imagine George about 120 pounds and 16...awkward? Haha! No, no...he was a stud muffin! Not that he isn't now...!)

We did take a stop at Lake Ontario, which I had never seen. In fact, I've never seen any of the Great Lakes! There's always a first for everything! It was a cloudy day, but I now know why the lakes are Great. They're HUGE! And this isn't even the biggest. We also saw some Long Tail ducks that were down from the Arctic. Beautiful birds that usually don't come this far, but enjoyed floating next to the slush along the shore.

(Judy giving a great explanation of the slush!)

After the long 7 hour drive back to Boston, we crashed out. However, this week must have gone by pretty quickly because I can't believe it's already Friday again. Tomorrow we're gonna have a St. Patrick's Day bash in celebration of snakes and saints and things. Oh, and my 24th birthday. Ugh, 24? I have to tell you, these gray hairs aren't stoppin'!

Hope everyone has a great holiday!

PS. Ok, one more story. So about a month ago, we went to Sunday River, a resort up in Maine. We wanted to try out first hand, New England skiing and snowboarding. What did we get? Well...a crazy Aruban, an accidental Black Diamond, and a thoroughly bruised knee and leg! See pictures below:

(my knee STILL hurts...)

(Yeah it "looks" nice...)

(Oh and the Black Diamond was NOT the cause of this. That would have actually been cool. This was thanks to the last run of the day and the damned New England ice! I heart Utah Snow. :0 )

25 Things

Ok, for some of you who have already read this list on Facebook, sorry. But let my family revel in the aura of "Me" :)

Thanks to all of you who responded to my last few posts, I think there might be one more spot for a free prize!!! Don't worry, I will get around to getting those 'things' to you!

Here are 25 random things about me:


1. I'm obsessed with writing lists...I made a list for this list...so it's only fitting that I list that first.

2. I can't help using ellipses...sorry.

3. I secretly dream of being a pro dancer. So You Think You Can Dance, Dance Crew and Dancing with the Stars get me hooked.

4. I've always wanted an older brother, but I'm blessed to have Taylor my punk rocker younger bro (he'd kill me for saying that...) But I absolutely LOVE having a sister, no matter how often we fought as kids.

5. Speaking of fighting with my sister, I once cut off the hair of Skipper Barbie to sub for another Ken doll that we were fighting over. My mom almost murdered me when she started to wail. I know, you wouldn't think I was that brutal!

6. I secretly want to have twins, a boy and a girl.

7. I have had 8 cats and 2 dogs growing up...NOT at the same time though.

8. I played a lot of dress up...in college. :)

9. I'm ocd about my eyebrows. My sister, my aunt and my mom know this best. (check your arches girls!)

10. I bask in the morning sunshine. It's my therapy.

11. If I could go to a concert every week, I would.

12. I can be extremely critical of myself, yet I'm a pretty confident person.

13. I want to rock at piano, write a memoir and be a travel writer on the side.

14. I'm very picky about my planners (it's probably because of my list thing...) Ugh, the one I have now is NOT that great.

15. I only have really great handwriting in blue ink.

16. I miss the Utah mountains incredibly, but want to eventually live footsteps from the ocean.

17. I will forever be a Utah Jazz fan.

18. I hate when people take texting shortcuts! UR is not an excuse for You Are and CU should be See You...what else is T9 for people!! Ugh.

19. I will learn how to surf one day.

20. I am what they call a "love child" and I'm glad my mom kept me. So don't be upset if I'm a little sensitive when it comes to the whole abortion debate...

21. I also, like Liz, have not smoked anything. (Well...besides that one cigar I shared with George. I would not reccommend smoking after drinking and then not going to bed without brushing your teeth. Dry and awful taste lingers for days!)

22. I have lived in 2 countries (US, Germany), 3 states (Utah, South Carolina, Massachusetts) and 4 cities (Salt Lake City, Logan, Freiburg, Boston).

23. I have never thrown up from drinking...although I have been close. This year for Patriot's Day, I'm taking it easy. :)

24. I played on the first girls lacrosse team for my high school.

25. I'm so glad I have more than one best friend...you know who you are! Oh, and I hate tomatoes.

Holy Moley, it's a Great Day!

Wow. I felt my heart beating faster when I saw the number 617-589-0100.

This is it...

"Hello?"

"Hi Jessica, it's Stephanie from the museum. I'm calling to tell you that I got an email from Diana today and she wants you to join them for the Eye-Opener program."

"Really!? That's great!"

"Yes, haha, I'm glad to be calling you with some good news for once!"
(she actually said this, and it made me giggle...but it's so true)

"Well I'm so happy and I'd love to!"

* * * *

So, it went on like this. Getting details of start dates and paperwork. I was ecstatic. After all this time, and especially time spent trying to get a job at the Museum of Science...I've finally got a start. Granted, the position is only part-time and temporary, but I know it's a great opportunity and a perfect situation for me. Resume after resume, and cover letters galore, I'm finally going to take a break for a bit. A bit, meaning until June when the job, internship and program will be completed and I will be available with a museum studies certificate, plenty of job experience and toughened skin to get me through to the next chapter of my life. Wherever that may lead...

So take a toast for me and thank God for knowing the right time and the right place for me to grow. I owe Him a lot.

Also praise for being free and clear of skin cancer! Got to check those moles out once in a while you know. The doctor said I'm what they call "Holy Moley". I just couldn't get over that, it was great!

Enter to win FAB prizes!

Lucky you! The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2- What I create will be just for you.

3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)

4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.

The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

Welcome To The New Year! (or February, take your pick...)

Punxsutawney Phil says six more weeks of winter...

Where does he get off! Seriously. You think he knows weather? That cute, cuddly little critter? All he knows is how to crinkle up his nose and make all the girls go "Awww.."

Six weeks, balderdash!

...so it's snowing right now. A storm is coming. Phooey. Ok, all I'm really saying is that I want my own punsutoto groundhog. Is that too much to ask??

On another note..

Welcome to the new year! So I missed the first month. (gasp) Ok, sorry to all my raging fans but I've been quite busy and have got at least a bit to show for it. I started my last class of my program, exhibition development. We're a class of about 20 and will be working on an exhibition about Gertrude Beals Bourne, a lesser known artist who lived in Boston in the late 1800's. It pretty much goes like this: Back Bay, wealth, European summer getaways, private artist teachers...wealthy. She was definitely one of those privileged few who pretty much got anything she wanted. And she wanted to paint, so that's what she did.

In other words, we'll be creating an exhibition probably about her life, her time and her watercolors. Actually, her work is really great. I love all the travel scenes, for obvious reasons. May 7th is the big day for the reception, so if any of you are planning on an East Coast visit, that would be a great time to come! (but I'm also leaving for a couple weeks on the 13th...fyi)

Oh yes, that's another thing! I'm going to Chicago with George (for his sis's graduation, congrats Jessie!), then taking a road trip back with his mom and sis to Utah. Can you believe I've never been to Yellowstone? Well, tally-ho my friends! I'm on my way this spring! I should be rolling into the valley about the 22nd or 23rd. Take note. :)

Another busy bee item has been getting my internship settled for the spring. I will be working at the New Art Center, a small community institution outside Boston. I'll be helping the exhibits coordinator with installation/de-installation, graphics/ads, gallery talks, preparation for education reviews, and much more. I'm pretty excited that I'll get some good experience under my belt, since that's been one of the main struggles in making it work out here. These days, people want you to have both a degree and a lot of experience. And, it's looking so that attaining a Master's is more credible as a job requirement. I've decided school never stops. *sigh* However, once I'm done with this graduate certificate program, (which will most likely be by the end of the summer) I am going to take a school and tuition break and just work for a while. Geez, I'm only 23. I've still got time.

Speaking of 23, I'll be 24 soon! Woohoo! It's kinda crazy growing up, thinking about all the things that are happening in your life, and in others lives. Geez, the next thing you know I'll be sproutin' out kids! Haha, just kidding...seriously not for awhile...but still weird to think about. This year, I hope St. Patrick's Day will be just as good as last year, with the hope of a little warmer weather. Fingers crossed!

Well I just wanted to say this whole blog thing has been fun for the past year, and I hope to continue writing on a regular basis. So...it hasn't been everyday, but hey, that's what I do! I remember writing in my journals when I was little and I had a goal to do it every day. The next entry went a little like this, "Dear Kitty (shh...that's what my diary's name was..), Sorry I haven't written in a while, but this is what has been happening this past month. Well David (my 3rd grade crush...) ran past me during recess <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 (yes, I did draw 7 hears after his name...was my lucky number!) and my heart skipped a beat!"

Anyway, I love you all and I'm going to leave you with a little song. Imagine me serenading your tender hearts as I croon at the night sky. :)

Love,
Jess

Matt Wertz:
Keep Faith

Everybody hurts Everybody’s broken But you gotta know If you ever need me I will be waiting I... Even when your hope is gone Even when you’re barely holding on If there’s anything that I’m sure of I know that we were made for love So if you start to break Keep faith Keep faith When the days drag on And you’re barely breathing Searching for a light You’ve had all along Trust me, I’ve seen it And if I could Baby, make you believe it Oh… Even when your hope is gone Even when you’re barely holding on If there’s anything that I’m sure of I know that we were made for love So if you start to break Keep faith Just let yourself go Just let yourself go Just let yourself go Just let yourself If there’s anything that I’m sure of I know that we were made for love So if you start to break Oh… Even when your hope is gone Even when you’re barely holding on If there’s anything that I’m sure of I know that we were made for love If you start to break If you start to break Baby, if you start to break Keep faith Oh… You gotta keep faith Oh baby You gotta keep faith Keep faith.



*Oh you gotta love the cheesy middle of this song! But still, I just like keeping faith in my own life. Gotta get up another day, gotta keep the faith. Plus, I love Matt Wertz. So there. ;)

PS. Sad day for the Cardinals, but just know I was cheering for them the whole time!!!!