tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12321982089525656152024-03-05T21:02:44.658-08:00dear life.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-29387453880449102582010-03-26T23:50:00.000-07:002010-03-26T23:54:26.830-07:00more answers.<div>go to the <a href="http://janalaurene.com/blog"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">new blog</span></a> to see the rest of my answers + pictures of me and the boy.</div><div><br /></div><div>and don't forget to update your links with my new site name!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4465893713/" title="j+s_winter by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4465893713_990dc365bb.jpg" width="500" height="373" alt="j+s_winter" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-80129641710269727742010-03-19T12:57:00.000-07:002010-03-19T14:29:23.302-07:00drumroll please...<div><br /></div><div>without further ado.... the new and improved blog:<br /></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://janalaurene.com/blog">janalaurene.com/blog</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-8853706818787206092010-03-15T07:32:00.000-07:002010-03-15T08:12:50.394-07:00ch ch changes..<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4435560252/" title="Photo 304 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4435560252_256dc3f46b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Photo 304" /></a><div><br /></div><div>confession: i get excited very easily. sometimes my excitement can be excessive.</div><div><br /></div><div>for example, i've stayed up past 3am the last 4 nights in a row working on a project that i'm super super excited about. probably excessive.</div><div><br /></div><div>want to know what project has justified me sleeping 4-5 hours a night?</div><div><br /></div><div>i can't tell you. it's a secret.</div><div><br /></div><div>ok, just kidding. i'll tell you.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it's a new blog and website! a REAL website!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>phew. it's so good to not have to hold that inside any longer.</div><div><br /></div><div>why a new blog, you ask?</div><div><br /></div><div>well, for a while now i've been debating having a separate blog for just my photography and painting. a more professional looking blog. because professional looking blogs <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">obviously</span> make you more of a professional. BUT... i just haven't wanted to. i don't want to post on two blogs. i don't want people to only check one blog and not the other. so i came up with a better solution.</div><div><br /></div><div>a new blog in general. a new domain name and a new layout. it's clean and organized and the perfect blend of personality + professional. the boy and his awesome roommate have spent SO much time helping me get everything together and work out all the kinks - they have honestly been so great i can't even tell you.</div><div><br /></div><div>i really wanted to have the new and improved blog up today, but it needs just a little more fine tuning. so it's looking more like tomorrow or wednesday. and as soon as it's up and running, i will answer all of your wonderful questions and pick a winner! so if you still want to ask a question - you have another day or two! (ps. reading through your questions has been SO so fun. i can't wait to share some of my answers). the website will probably be another week or so, but the simple fact that i <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">have</span> my own website is so exciting to me it's almost nerdy.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">in other news:</span></div><div>i whipped up an AMAZING new recipe yesterday with the help of the boy's roommate - justin. in fact, we spent over 2 hours cooking + taking amazing photos of our little creation. not only are these two guys fabulous and making websites, but they are also excellent at letting their tummies rumble and waiting to eat for the sake of photography and my blog. not to mention rearranging tables and holding lights/reflectors for the sake of my photography as well. i can not say enough good things about them - mostly the boy. he's my favorite.</div><div><br /></div><div>i woke up early today. and i went jogging. i almost died. oh utah air, please get warmer! i'm out of shape and you being so cold just makes it harder! but i do feel very accomplished/slightly liberated.</div><div><br /></div><div>do you ever look forward to certain activities that you start counting down hours? i'm going to play tennis with the boy and then eat leftovers on his lunch break. 3 hours. so excited.</div><div><br /></div><div>in fact, we made calendars yesterday. calendars and schedules and checklists. he showed me how to use google calendars (amazing) because he's good with computers. i drew our schedules for the week on binder paper, color coded them, and taped his to the fridge because i'm good with drawing and color coding. we were seriously sitting at the kitchen table at 11pm last night, laptops out, making schedules. i should have taken a picture. </div><div><br /></div><div>i miss my nieces and nephews. they are getting so big and cute and i can't stand that i live 800 miles away from them. (some of them live even farther away, actually).</div><div><br /></div><div>ok, well this has turned into rambling and brain dumping so i'll stop now.</div><div><br /></div><div>but keep an eye out for the debut of my new + improved blog - can't wait to show you!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo.</div><div>jana</div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-17042112223873377792010-03-10T21:56:00.000-08:002010-03-12T01:20:58.483-08:0021 questions.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4423586839/" title="Photo 288 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4423586839_454eb006db.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Photo 288" /></a><div>let's play a game called 21 questions.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">[this isn't how the real 21 questions is played, but that's ok]</span></div><div><br /></div><div>i know there's a few people out there that read this little blog of mine. some of you i know. and a lot of you i don't know - but i love you just the same! it may sound creepy, but it's not. and even if it is, just go with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>anyway, every once in a while i will peruse through a blog and wonder certain things. like, i wonder how her and her husband met, or where did she learn to cook like that, and where does she buy her daughter's clothes because i'm pretty sure she dresses better than me. you know, things like that. </div><div><br /></div><div>so today i had the thought: i wonder what people wonder about me? there has to be something, right? especially from the people i've never met. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">so here's your chance to ask me anything.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>really. ask me anything and i will tell you. you want to know what kind of camera i use? no problem. want to know what color the boy's eyes are? done.</div><div><br /></div><div>i figure i'll leave this open for a few days and next week i'll answer my favorite 21 of your questions. [i really hope there's at least 21 or i will be slightly embarrassed].</div><div><br /></div><div>and as a little added incentive, i'll pick a name from one of the comments to receive a complimentary photo session, like <a href="http://janalaurene.blogspot.com/2009/12/oh-baby.html">this one</a> i gave away a few months ago. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">it would obviously work best if you live in the bay area or utah, but hey, maybe i'll need a vacation.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ask away</span>! please don't be shy!</div><div><br /></div><div>EDITED: if i happen to draw the name of someone that doesn't live anywhere in the nearby vicinity - i will probably have to opt for sending you a painting instead. hope that's ok. the boy was probably right when he said it was a lot more practical than a photo session. i just chose to offer a photo session because i'm better at following through with those in a timely manner. (i struggle sometimes with following through, i'm working on it, don't judge me). </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">moral of the story:</span> you can still ask a question and possibly win something - even if you live across the country. or in a different country. i don't discriminate :)</div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-73348201630408459382010-03-10T13:00:00.001-08:002010-03-10T13:15:42.698-08:00dear mom,i thought about e-mailing you, but i know you read my blog too, so this works just as well.<div><br /></div><div>remember how you sent me the recipe for your sweet and sour chicken yesterday? well, i made it [don't worry, it was delicious. but we'll talk about that later].</div><div><br /></div><div>anyway, it took me over 2 hours. 2 hours. we didn't eat dinner until 9 last night. and i realized something. every time i make a recipe of yours for the first time - something you made all the time while i was at home - and i realize it's kind of hard, and takes forever, and the smoke from burning oil burns my eyes a little, it makes me grow an added respect for you. really. how you made us dinners like that with 7 kids is beyond me.</div><div><br /></div><div>now that we have that out of the way, i do have an excuse for why it took so long. i also made fried rice, which i had never made before either. it wasn't too hard, but definitely added time. oh, and it was way good too. i used so much garlic and ginger i almost died - in a good way. in fact, my fingers still smell a little bit like garlic and ginger today.</div><div><br /></div><div>one last thing. don't be mad. i made a few changes to your recipe, and i think i liked it better. i used red bell peppers instead of green. and you know how the sauce calls for ketchup? well i forgot to put it in. i didn't realize until we were already eating. but i didn't mind the difference. and i added a dash or two of red pepper flakes, to make it just a little spicy. and i added a drop of red food coloring, to make the sauce a little more pink. you know, like it looks in real chinese food restaurants. still, i would have had no idea what i was doing without your recipe as a jumping off point.</div><div><br /></div><div>i didn't get to take any pictures - that's the problem i run into when i cook at night. there's just no natural light. that, and i'm starving and want to eat.</div><div><br /></div><div>i think your teriyaki chicken is next on my 'to cook' list. want to send me the recipe?</div><div><br /></div><div>love you.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo.</div><div>jana</div><div><br /></div><div>ps. mom do you mind if i share the recipe on here? i bet people would want it, right people that read my blog? i honestly think when i made it last night that it was better than any sweet and sour i've had at a restaurant. i just need to make it again so i can get some pictures before i post it.</div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-66357941221961535022010-03-08T14:30:00.000-08:002010-03-08T14:54:26.799-08:00monday brain dump.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4418410916/" title="DSC_0805 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4418410916_5410649935_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0805" /></a><div><br /></div><div>long weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>my body hurts. </div><div><br /></div><div>friday, alexandra (the roommate) and i drove up to play cards and make pizzas with the boy and his roommate. she had never been up there with me before, and it was kind of fun for her to see a part of my life that she has definitely been missing out on. the pizzas were completely homemade and delicious. and i was so glad that alexandra is just as competitive as me when it comes to silly card games.</div><div><br /></div><div>saturday, the boy and i decided to play tennis. i used to play tennis all the time in high school, and we've been talking about playing forever. let me just tell you, that i have not worked out in close to 2 months. and that is why my body hurts. yes, i am a sissy.</div><div><br /></div><div>sunday, we made dinner for a friend of the boy that just had their first baby about a month ago. i made pioneer woman's macaroni + cheese but was not too impressed - no offense pioneer woman, don't hate me. i actually really liked it before it was baked, so i have this awesome idea to make it just how i like it. i'm kind of dying to try it again this week, just a little bit tweaked - so stay tuned.</div><div><br /></div><div>besides that, i should be studying for my biology test that i have to take today. and as soon as i'm done with class, i'm taking the boy to the bean museum on campus for a nature photography exhibit. i'm terrible at taking photos of nature, and he loves it, so it will be a good experience for both of us. the picture above is the best i can do with landscapes. my bad. i'm a portrait kind of photographer.</div><div><br /></div><div>so i'm having these struggles with my blog. i've been wanting to do a makeover for a while now. i want it to be personal, but i want it to look professional, and well, i struggle. everyone says to just have 2 separate blogs, but i just don't want to. is that silly of me? is separate better? hmmm. choices, choices.</div><div><br /></div><div>i've been having other struggles too. with babies. everyone is getting to have babies lately. except me. (i realize that i have to be married first, but we are just going to overlook that for the sake of this argument). until now, it has never been that bad. i just figured that as long as my sister-in-laws kept the babies coming, it would hold me over until i could have babies of my own. only, it doesn't work out like that when the babies are 800 miles away! and boys just don't understand that there is a difference between meeting a baby as a newborn, and meeting them as a 4 month old. it's like they are a completely different person by then. am i the only one who thinks this way? i actually know i'm not, i just wish that there was a way for me to describe it in a more logical manner - boys understand logic.</div><div><br /></div><div>i need a kitchen with windows. for picture-taking purposes.</div><div><br /></div><div>i cook in my boyfriend's kitchen a lot, for a few reasons. one, he lives in a super nice condo with granite countertops and it's just a pretty kitchen to cook in. two, he only has one roommate (usually i'm cooking for the 3 of us) so i don't have to worry about being in anybody's way. and three, if his roommate is home - he knows more about cooking than i do. honestly. it's awesome. he taught me how to make bread. he told me the scientific reason behind why i don't like baked macaroni + cheese, and he's even taught me how to properly disinfect the kitchen. his name is justin (the friend/roommate), and i told him that i'm taking him with me when i get to register for wedding gifts because i think he knows more about pans than anyone i know. that justin is a good friend to have around.</div><div><br /></div><div>they have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">caffeine-free</span> diet coke at crest. they actually have it everywhere in utah. i had no idea. it tastes almost exactly the same. mom, you would be so proud.</div><div><br /></div><div>well that's enough for today.</div><div><br /></div><div>oh, but i would like your input on the blog thing. and the baby thing. like i said, i struggle.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo.</div><div>jana</div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-9461012063354710482010-03-05T09:04:00.000-08:002010-03-05T09:10:35.885-08:00me + the boy<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4408406497/" title="me+theboy by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4408406497_a286539e58_o.jpg" width="450" height="676" alt="me+theboy" /></a><div>maybe one of these days i'll quit calling him "the boy".</div><div><br /></div><div>and maybe one of these days i'll actually post a picture where you can see his whole face.</div><div><br /></div><div>but until that day, here's one of my favorites.</div><div><br /></div><div>he's actually the only boy i've ever dated that i have pictures with. i never remember to take pictures of me in general, especially not with people i'm dating. he'll even hang in there for 20-ish minutes when i have the perfect picture i need to get of us with my camera timer. it's happened more than once. </div><div><br /></div><div>he's a keeper.</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo.</div><div>jana</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>utah changed it's mind about spring and it started snowing yesterday. looks like it's card games and hot chocolate tonight :)</div><div><br /></div><div>hope your weekend is lovely and warm.</div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-51205481945177212902010-03-03T12:12:00.000-08:002010-03-03T12:17:46.293-08:00jennifer.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4404824430/" title="DSC_1070 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4404824430_0437c10e91_o.jpg" width="500" height="401" alt="DSC_1070" /></a><div>this is probably my favorite picture of my little sister. ever.</div><div><br /></div><div>she's pretty much the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>even when she beats me at bowling and then makes fun of me in front of our entire extended family for the next few days.</div><div><br /></div><div>she's really good at text messaging. and writing notes. and planning parties.</div><div><br /></div><div>in fact, she has become the self-proclaimed wedding planner, maid of honor, and bridesmaid art designer for my wedding. i'm not really sure what a bridesmaid art designer is, but jennifer has it covered.</div><div><br /></div><div>everyone that knows her just loves her. i'm actually pretty sure that she has more friends than i do.</div><div><br /></div><div>isn't she the cutest?</div><div><br /></div><div>love you jen. come visit me again soon - i miss you already.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo.</div><div>jana</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-8688535650282692772010-03-02T15:03:00.001-08:002010-03-02T15:37:18.859-08:00one of the prettiest people i know.meet alexandra.<div><br /></div><div>my roommate and fellow diet coke enthusiast.<div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401842937/" title="blog_DSC_1703 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4401842937_eec4f5513b_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_1703" /></a><br /></div><div>she owns more plaid shirts than any one else i've met.<br /><div><br /></div><div>she's graduating in april with a degree in political science, and is heading down south to louisiana in june to teach middle school english.</div><div><br /></div><div>she's pretty much one of the coolest people i know.</div><div><br /></div><div>oh, and she likes to read.</div><div><br /></div><div>oh, and she's smokin (smokin hot, that is).</div></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4402621098/" title="blog_DSC_1664 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4402621098_24e9d91c4c_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_1664" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4402621102/" title="blog_DSC_1827 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4402621102_02524eb51c_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_1827" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4402621104/" title="blog_DSC_1847 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4402621104_acc3fd57b1_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_1847" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">following boot photo taken by the boy.</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401842959/" title="blog_DSC_1876 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4401842959_6bfe22e269_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="blog_DSC_1876" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401842975/" title="blog_DSC_1957 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4401842975_2028959633_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_1957" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401846211/" title="blog_DSC_2001 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4401846211_e426acb4a3_o.jpg" width="500" height="752" alt="blog_DSC_2001" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401846219/" title="blog_DSC_2050 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4401846219_1daf21575c_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_2050" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401846229/" title="blog_DSC_2055 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4401846229_2336a5b7c6_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="blog_DSC_2055" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401846231/" title="blog_DSC_2069 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4401846231_efe44b3625_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_2069" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401846233/" title="blog_DSC_2084 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4401846233_7a2b3cea30_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_2084" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401846237/" title="blog_DSC_2096 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4401846237_24a596baf3_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_2096" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401848891/" title="blog_DSC_2100 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4401848891_fe1c20e1cf_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="blog_DSC_2100" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401848897/" title="blog_DSC_2114 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4401848897_7893690200_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_2114" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">following photo posed and taken by the boy.</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401848905/" title="blog_DSC_2142 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/4401848905_c28ed48b80_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="blog_DSC_2142" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401848907/" title="blog_DSC_2160 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4401848907_1169630696_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_2160" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4401848911/" title="blog_DSC_2188 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4401848911_7ccfaa8de7_o.jpg" width="500" height="751" alt="blog_DSC_2188" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">disclaimer (sort of): </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">my boyfriend is the best assistant/second shooter </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ever</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">. seriously. i made sure to point out the pictures he specifically took himself, but i have to admit that half of these photos (the better half, even) were posed + styled by him. i was so impressed. and so glad to have him around. just thought i'd give credit where credit is due :)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-43345402265065232902010-03-01T00:58:00.000-08:002010-03-01T02:15:15.808-08:00the week of never before seen photos.<div>i take a lot of pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>there are 10,990 photos in my iphoto library alone. which doesn't include the pictures i started to put on my external hard drive.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>since i obviously have not posted 10,990 photos (and then some) on this blog of mine, that must mean i have lots and lots of fun + awesome pictures that i've been keeping to myself. my dad actually calls me a picture hoarder sometimes...</div><div><br /></div><div>anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>but don't you worry (i know you were thinking about worrying, but don't). all this week i'll be posting never before seen photos. at least never before seen on this blog, because some other people have probably seen them.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>like pictures from <a href="http://janalaurene.blogspot.com/2009/07/sneak-peek.html">this wedding </a>that i took in june (yikes) and more of this <a href="http://janalaurene.blogspot.com/2009/12/oh-baby.html">sweet baby</a></div><div><br /></div><div>and to start off the week with a bang, a photo of me and one of my favorite roomies.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4398056468/" title="DSC_1918_2 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4398056468_629a301cd9_o.jpg" width="500" height="712" alt="DSC_1918_2" /></a><div><br /></div><div>this picture was taken saturday.</div><div><br /></div><div>my roommate asked if i would take some photos of her for her college graduation announcement. yes, i am seriously jealous that she will be graduating in 2 months. even though i should be graduating also. but that post will have to wait for another day.</div><div><br /></div><div>back to the picture... </div><div><br /></div><div>we got to a fun little location that i had seen when i was running the other day (more like months and months ago when i used to exercise, but i say the other day so it sounds like i'm still in shape). it was just me and the roommate at first, and the pictures were turning out wonderful. how could they not? she's a total babe.</div><div><br /></div><div>then, the boy showed up.</div><div><br /></div><div>he was going to be my assistant for the day and hold some reflectors and things for me, because all professionals have assistants that hold things. right? only, there was no sun. which meant i had nothing i needed him to hold. and since he wasn't holding anything, he decided to explore while i took pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div>that's when he found the train.</div><div><br /></div><div>and decided he needed to climb on top of the train.</div><div><br /></div><div>he then decided he needed a picture of me climbing on top of the train.</div><div><br /></div><div>and i decided i needed to take a picture with my roommate on the train.</div><div><br /></div><div>and somehow that picture that i needed turned into the two of us thinking we are models and doing jana's sassy face, which resulted in this picture.</div><div><br /></div><div>when i look at it, i can't tell whether i should think it's really cool, or whether i should laugh. maybe i should do both.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">thoughts?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>i will tell you one thing, it sure is nice dating a boy that knows his way around a fancy camera. you don't find one of those every day (meaning the boy, not the camera).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-53826570356453791982010-02-26T12:29:00.000-08:002010-02-26T13:40:51.735-08:00creamy chicken enchiladas.a recipe, as promised.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390705840/" title="DSC_1624 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4390705840_cb646175da_o.jpg" width="500" height="672" alt="DSC_1624" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">[ps. they look and taste WAY better in real life than what it looks like in this picture. it's really hard to get good pictures of food when you and 2 grown men are starving].</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>my mom used to make this for dinner when we were growing up, but for some reason i didn't like them then, i don't know why. so my mom stopped making them as much [my sister still blames me]. and because she stopped making them, i never really got to try them as an adult, now that i actually know what good food tastes like. </div><div><br /></div><div>until, over the summer, i went to visit my boyfriend's family and his mom made them for sunday dinner. i couldn't tell her that i didn't like them, it would be rude and everyone would think i was weird. so i decided i would just eat them as best i could and fake a smile. but you know what? i actually liked them. it was a really exciting day for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>then last week, i was craving chicken enchiladas like you would not believe. i e-mailed my mom for her recipe, but apparently she doesn't have one. she just throws stuff in as she goes. so that's what i did - with the help of my friend justin.</div><div><br /></div><div>here's what you'll need:</div><div>12 tortillas</div><div>4 boneless skinless chicken breasts</div><div>1 lb. container sour cream</div><div>2, 10 oz. cans of cream of chicken soup</div><div>1 can olives</div><div>9 oz. diced green chiles</div><div>3 c. grated cheese</div><div><br /></div><div>first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389938401/" title="DSC_1465 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/4389938401_befa5ac2b5_o.jpg" width="500" height="353" alt="DSC_1465" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>then, boil your chicken breasts. i had never boiled chicken before this, but it was so easy and they turned out so tender and delicious. boil for 10-15 minutes, until cooked all the way through.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389945569/" title="DSC_1274 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4389945569_c53e0c3752_o.jpg" width="500" height="548" alt="DSC_1274" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>if you use frozen chicken breasts, like we did, you may have to cook them for closer to 20 minutes. because if they look like this, they're not done.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389945563/" title="DSC_1290 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4389945563_92542fb83b_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1290" /></a><div><br /></div><div>feel free to use already cooked tortillas. but as for me, i love love love the raw tortillas that you have to cook yourself. so while the chicken was boiling, i cooked up 12 tortillas.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389945571/" title="DSC_1270 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4389945571_25c6df4707_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1270" /></a><div><br /></div><div>next, you'll want to mix together the sour cream and the 2 cans of cream of chicken soup.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389945559/" title="DSC_1307 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4389945559_be8f7e2ab0_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1307" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>then, add the green chiles. we used a 2oz. and a 7oz. can, and the spiciness was moderate. feel free to add more or less, depending on how spicy you would like your enchiladas to be. [i might add more next time].</div><div><br /></div><div>and make sure you get lots of pictures of stirring in green chiles, because it is apparently exciting.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390709542/" title="DSC_1328 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4390709542_e7a11a20cc_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1328" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390709540/" title="DSC_1329 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4390709540_f806713488_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1329" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390709538/" title="DSC_1332 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4390709538_67deb45e46_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1332" /></a><br /></div><div>once this is stirred through, put about a cup of it aside to spread across the top later.</div><div><br /></div><div>struggle opening a can of olives. or open it easily, it works either way.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389945553/" title="DSC_1318 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4389945553_da31e51227_o.jpg" width="500" height="566" alt="DSC_1318" /></a><div><br /></div><div>slice the olives, and stir them into the filling mixture.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390709530/" title="DSC_1369 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4390709530_827e047209_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1369" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389938433/" title="DSC_1391 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4389938433_93694da8a6_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1391" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>then, slice the chicken into bite size pieces, and stir them into the mixture as well.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390709534/" title="DSC_1346 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/4390709534_491726cebf_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1346" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389938429/" title="DSC_1425 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4389938429_8f39fc1a35_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1425" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>now to the last, and most important, part. cheese. grate 3 cups of cheese - we used medium cheddar and pepperjack. mmm, pepperjack. only pour 2 of the 3 cups into the filling mixture; you'll use the remaining cup to spread across the top. stir it up and the filling is done!</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389945573/" title="DSC_1254 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4389945573_38e0199e06_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1254" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389938421/" title="DSC_1451 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4389938421_2cd1951e8f_o.jpg" width="500" height="327" alt="DSC_1451" /></a><div><br />put about this much mixture inside each tortilla.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389938383/" title="DSC_1495 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4389938383_872780d056_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1495" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>fight a little bit over who gets to roll them up.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390705864/" title="DSC_1521 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4390705864_76412b6fc9_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1521" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>[i won. obviously].<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4389938389/" title="DSC_1478 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4389938389_2d0196fe2f_o.jpg" width="500" height="325" alt="DSC_1478" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>roll up the enchilada.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390705856/" title="DSC_1539 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4390705856_14c4bae9e6_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1539" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>and place it in a glass pan.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390705854/" title="DSC_1543 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4390705854_76931db022_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1543" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>once the pan is full, spread the filling across the top - the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and green chile mixture you saved earlier. (sorry, we forgot to take a picture of that step).</div><div><br /></div><div>then, sprinkle atop the cup of cheese you saved. yum.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390705850/" title="DSC_1547 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4390705850_70f201e13c_o.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_1547" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>put pan into the oven at 375 for 35 minutes.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4390705842/" title="DSC_1551 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4390705842_aeeb137062_o.jpg" width="500" height="521" alt="DSC_1551" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>my mouth is watering.</div><div><br /></div><div>our 8x11 glass pan only fit 9 of the tortillas, but our filling made enough to fill 12. so we cooked the extra 3 in a little glass bread-sized pan. </div><div><br /></div><div>and just fyi, these heat up to make amazing leftovers, and you can even freeze them, unthaw them, and bake them another day if you feel like making more than one batch.</div><div><br /></div><div>happy cooking :)</div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-74428770848018029782010-02-25T15:37:00.000-08:002010-03-16T16:30:01.096-07:00just a little update.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4388646654/" title="HillHouse by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4388646654_d3a5015a00.jpg" width="500" height="347" alt="HillHouse" /></a><div><br /></div><div>i've eaten <a href="http://janalaurene.com/blog">AND</a> showered today. successful day for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>this gorgeous home is in scotland, designed by one of my favorite architects and designers that i've learned about in my history of architecture class.</div><div><br /></div><div>i have a hot date lined up tonight. breakfast burritos and the dollar movies. life does not get much better, let me tell you.</div><div><br /></div><div>stay tuned tomorrow for a delicious + fairly easy delicious recipe. you know, in case you don't know what to make for sunday dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>that's all. happy thursday.</div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-32546460297996437712010-02-24T21:34:00.000-08:002010-02-24T21:54:16.132-08:00today.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4386072351/" title="Photo 250 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4386072351_975f7f924d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Photo 250" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">[this is an old picture. <a href="http://janalaurene.blogspot.com/search/label/diet%20coke">diet coke</a> and i are no longer speaking. let's change the subject, i'm sad about it]</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">happy wednesday:</span></div><div>wake up</div><div>pray</div><div>read scriptures in bed</div><div>start studying for my architecture test, in bed</div><div>realize that i can't study in my messy bedroom</div><div>start to organize messy bedroom</div><div>realize that i don't have time to do that</div><div>study in my messy bedroom</div><div>remember i had finance homework due today</div><div>do my finance homework</div><div>brush teeth</div><div>put on mascara and uggs</div><div>head out the door</div><div>head back in the door after i see the rain</div><div>grab an umbrella</div><div>head out the door, again</div><div>think about driving to campus so i can get a diet coke on the way</div><div>tell myself that i no longer drink diet coke</div><div>take the bus to campus</div><div>turn in finance homework</div><div>go to biology</div><div>study architecture while sitting in biology class</div><div>leave class for a minute to buy a chocolate milk out of a vending machine</div><div>go back to class and not pay attention while biology teacher is talking about coniferous forests, study instead</div><div>go to my architecture class</div><div>study more architecture</div><div>take architecture test</div><div>feel really really good about myself when i see a 91% and a 'great job' next to my id number on the testing center screen</div><div>like, really good.</div><div>have an awesome roommate offer to pick me up from campus so i don't have to wait for the next bus.</div><div>take up said awesome roommate on said offer</div><div>get home</div><div>change out of the clothes i was wearing all day (and also wore to bed. gross, i know)</div><div>fix hair</div><div>put on blush. and a little more mascara</div><div>see awesome boyfriend for not long enough at all (my fault, not his)</div><div>think about how handsome he looks when he wears ties. he does, just saying</div><div>go to church meeting</div><div>come back home</div><div>blog</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>in case you're wondering why i didn't list taking a shower or eating, it's because i didn't do those things today. oh how i love college <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">[a little bit serious, but mostly sarcastic, in case you were wondering]</span>.</div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-84667297469706312032010-02-22T16:44:00.000-08:002010-02-25T10:00:55.768-08:00dear children of mine [that i don't have yet],<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4380131401/" title="crewcuts by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4380131401_27b9bf15c3_o.jpg" width="520" height="370" alt="crewcuts" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[photo via </span><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">jcrew</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">]</span></div><div><br />first of all, i certainly hope you'll like cute clothes. chances are you'll be the most stylish kids on the street, and it would make my life a lot easier if you don't tear off your headbands or ties at the first opportunity you find. don't worry, i know how to sew - so your halloween costumes will always be fantastic. and i promise i won't mind when you start telling me your costume ideas in june - i will probably already be thinking about it.<br /><br />when i was your age, the day after my birthday i would already be planning my party for the next year. so grandma made me follow a "you can't talk about your birthday until one month before" rule. i'll give you 2 months. i like parties.<br /><br />i'll let you help in the kitchen, even if it means the job will take twice as long. you can sit on the counter, dump the ingredients into the bowl, and help me mix. you can even lick the beaters (someone needs to do it).<br /><br />there will be warm chocolate chip cookies and milk waiting for you when you get home from school. except when your dad tells me i'm feeding you too much sugar, then we'll have apples and celery with peanut butter. i'll be so excited to hear about the things you are learning, and i will remember to tell you the funny things your little brother or sister did while you were away. you are going to be my little friends. i'll help you with your homework and read your school books so i can help you understand things that you are having trouble with. maybe we'll even have home school so i can be the one to teach you and making sure you are learning up to your full capability. we'll see :).<br /><br />i can't wait to read you books - i hope you love books as much as i do. and on special nights, i will let you all snuggle in mom and dad's bed for storytime before it's time to sleep. sometimes, i'll even ask for your help in making our own stories about who knows what. see, i'll need your help.<br /><br />every morning, we'll read the scriptures and pray as a family. at night, dad and i will tuck each of you in and help you pray. i can't wait to hear your sweet little prayers. before i go to bed, i'll already miss your voices and laughter and i'll have to quietly sneak into your rooms and check on you while you sleep, while i wonder what you're dreaming.<br /><br />please don't be stinkers so your dad and i will like taking you on family trips. we'll have maps on the walls of our home with little pins denoting places that we've visited and places we want to go.<br /><br />i'll let you learn whatever instruments you want - even if it's not my favorite. like the trombone. and i'll smile when i hear you trying your darndest, even if it sounds like an elephant is dying. i'll learn how to play the piano better before you get here so we can have one in our home. and i'll play church songs while you sing. just thinking about it makes me happy.<br /><br />i don't like singing too much in front of people, but i will sing with you. and we will dance and play while we clean up the dishes or do chores to make it just a little more fun.<br /><br />don't be too fed up with me when i ask you to hold still for picture 100. i promise you'll appreciate it later. trust me, you will love pictures. i'll get you cameras of your own so you can take pictures of things that are important to you. and when you get a little bigger, i'll take you for dates to the park or the beach and teach you how to use mom's fancy camera.<br /><br />i can't wait to teach you things. i can't wait to teach you big words, and about history and the places we go to visit. but more importantly, i can't wait to teach you about the savior and to watch your testimony grow as you do.<br /><br />some days may not be as good as others. mom may have a hard time. like if you decide to dump the bag of flour on the ground, or absolutely refuse to take a bath. but i promise that we will figure it all out and i will love you no matter what. i think about how much i love you already, without even meeting you, and can't imagine what it will be like to have you here. sometimes i will probably feel like my heart might just burst with all the love i have for you. which i'll try to remember when we're shopping at the grocery store and you keep wandering off, just like i did.<br /><br />try not to get too sassy when we play card games as a family, i know where you get it from.<br /><br />and don't be mad when i make you add sleeves to your prom dress.<br /><br />i can't wait for you to be here so i can meet you and kiss your little cheeks. i take that back, they will be big cheeks. and i'm ok with that<br /><br />i love you to the moon and back.<br /><br /><br />xoxo.<br />mom</div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-91617710788895316952010-02-19T12:23:00.000-08:002010-02-19T12:33:29.285-08:00we like bowling.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4371312416/" title="DSC_1076 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4371312416_2422b803d4_o.jpg" width="480" height="611" alt="DSC_1076" /></a><br /><div>my little sister, jen, and my mom were in town last weekend for a cousin's wedding. jennifer's one request from me and the boy was that we go bowling.</div><div><br /></div><div>so he made her a coupon.</div><div><br /></div><div>and bowling we went.</div><div><br /></div><div>and jennifer beat me. she didn't even have bumpers. and it was embarrassing.</div><div><br /></div><div>at least i look kind of cute when i bowl, right?</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4370542299/" title="DSC_1095 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4370542299_67f67cf7e8.jpg" width="480" height="500" alt="DSC_1095" /></a>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-45448579672681969032010-02-18T09:08:00.000-08:002010-02-19T12:34:56.772-08:00baby maximus.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4367632393/" title="baby_max by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/4367632393_4cd6ae2630.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="baby_max" /></a><div><br /></div><div>meet the newest member of the beck family. </div><div><br /></div><div>i love him already.</div><div><br /></div><div>he's 2 and a half weeks old and i need to meet him.</div><div><br /></div><div>congratulations todd and heidi! (mostly heidi). he's beautiful</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo.</div><div>jana</div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-85301005190040679682010-02-17T10:10:00.000-08:002010-02-17T12:31:14.287-08:00love. love. love.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4365899116/" title="valentine_cookie_blog by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4365899116_0327156d54_o.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="valentine_cookie_blog" /></a><div><br /></div><div>i had the best intentions for valentine's day and this blog of mine. i was going to make all sorts of awesome valentine's cookies and cupcakes and post them here for inspiration...</div><div><br /></div><div>but then my computer charger broke.</div><div><br /></div><div>and my mom and sister came into town.</div><div><br /></div><div>and my cousin got married.</div><div><br /></div><div>and i got a sick boyfriend.</div><div><br /></div><div>so i had to settle for a 3 day late picture of a cookie i made last year. maybe i'll get it right next time. [am i the only one that says that a lot?]</div><div><br /></div><div>it only took 22 valentine's days for me to snag a valentine of my own. [really, this was my first february 14th with a valentine]. even being sick and practically immobile he managed to make it wonderful. more details on that later.</div><div><br /></div><div>i hope you all had a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">love</span>ly day as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>what did<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> you</span> do to celebrate?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo.</div><div>jana</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-22501496799996192972010-02-10T23:14:00.000-08:002010-02-11T00:17:10.091-08:00so tired. should be sleeping.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yt6iv3QUVidCWipZAgJ_P95AH5cbbx2av6vl1IF_Ms2H_APhvuGd1q29Nk58rtMZdKbdtSarLjVE6UOo2on2ZHA5n1ucFM3mk5_dO1EIqiaHX9CqpX-U_j50CDs4HBACHfydVwCDNaJM/s1600-h/Photo+265.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yt6iv3QUVidCWipZAgJ_P95AH5cbbx2av6vl1IF_Ms2H_APhvuGd1q29Nk58rtMZdKbdtSarLjVE6UOo2on2ZHA5n1ucFM3mk5_dO1EIqiaHX9CqpX-U_j50CDs4HBACHfydVwCDNaJM/s400/Photo+265.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436881253530105682" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>but instead i will dump the scattered contents of my brain onto this little blog of mine.</div><div><br /></div><div>first. help. do you ever have moments where you know you're thinking crazy? i actually loathe the c word, whether it is warranted or not, so we'll just call them slightly irrational feelings for the sake of being nice. anyway, do you ever <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">k</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">now </span>that these feelings are slightly irrational, but you still almost want those feelings validated? you know, just a simple "it totally makes sense that you would feel that way." or does validation just facilitate having those c word feelings? oh goodness.</div><div><br /></div><div>moving on, see the above photo? definitely sewed that man's tailored shirt. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">from scratch</span>. feel free to congratulate me. remember this <a href="http://janalaurene.blogspot.com/2009/10/sewing-dilemma.html">post</a>? i decided to scratch everyone's advice and sew the shirt for myself. because i'm selfish, kind of. i wore it with a big brown belt around my waist and my favorite boots - i was quite the fashionista that day, an exciting moment for me. too bad i've only worn it once since.</div><div><br /></div><div>speaking of the above photo... 1. i am wearing shorts. 2. i like to take pictures when i have cute days [only because it doesn't happen very often]. sometimes i'll even send them to a certain boy while he's at work. partly because it makes him happy, and partly because i feel like sending him cute pictures of me will make him more excited to see me later. win win, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>my mom and my little sister are driving up from california. they should be here in an hour or so. i'm slightly debating driving down to my grandma's at 1 in the morning so i can see them as soon as they get here - i am just so excited. i love my family. my little sister, jen, has down syndrome, and she cracks me up sometimes. for example, i called my mom's phone tonight to see where they were, but my mom was sleeping so jen answered the phone. [i should clarify that my aunt and uncle are driving the car, my mom was not asleep at the wheel nor was my down syndrome sister driving]. anyway, i told jen to ask what city there were in, so i would know how much longer they would be. after we got off the phone, she felt the need to send me text messages telling me the cities they were passing through. she is actually quite the texter, and at first i thought it was my mom. until i got this text "The city wyldetrness we be there in 3 hours". does anyone know what city that is? apparently it's 3 hours from provo :)</div><div><br /></div><div>my little bed that i sleep in has been making my back hurt. which is partly why i'm blogging right now and not sleeping. in fact, i'll probably sleep on our couch. it is SO much better than my bed. sad.</div><div><br /></div><div>i did a little desktop detox today. meaning, i organized the assortment of scattered photos that i drag from the internet into a folder called 'pretty things'. for some reason, boys find this really funny. but really, that's exactly what they are. things i think are pretty. not funny. practical.</div><div><br /></div><div>i have been itching to take some couple photos lately. if you know any attractive couples, send them my way. you'd think i'd have a million friends getting engaged up in utah, but apparently they're all anti-marriage. kidding.</div><div><br />my sister-in-law had her baby last sunday and i am dying to meet him. and dying to have babies. in fact, on facebook the other day, i posted something about being my new nephew's favorite aunt and my young women president from high school commented on it saying "someone please find a cute boy for jana to marry so she can make cute babies of her own." i about died laughing.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>speaking of babies, i have been having the worst feelings lately that i'm not going to be able to get pregnant. i've never really been concerned about it until this week. for some odd reason. am i completely ridiculous for even worrying about this right now, or is it normal? [say normal]. </div><div><br /></div><div>i want a cupcake. </div><div><br /></div><div>more specifically, i want one of <a href="http://kristinannbeck.blogspot.com/2010/02/strawberry-pinkalicious-cupcakes.html">these</a> cupcakes. i ate about 10 when my sister made them.</div><div><br /></div><div>also, i quit diet coke. ok, well i haven't had one in a week which is the best i've done in a while. but i have mixed feelings about it. it makes me happy for the following reasons: it will make my mom happy, and according to her i will get blessings, and i started getting headaches all the time lately and i'm thinking it has to do with the caffeine, so i'll be happy if those stop. i'm sad about it for the following reasons: i miss it. it's like i had to give up a really good friend that would bring a little light into my life whenever i was having a bad day. plus, every time my roommate, alexandra, brings home her crest cup my heart breaks a little. it's like i know that she still gets to hang out with that awesome friend that i miss when i can't. stay strong, jana. stay. strong.</div><div><br /></div><div>i want to write a book. i have a few ideas. if i get famous and have a book signing, i certainly hope you'll come :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[oops. this post was way long. does anyone even read to the end when i write so much? i know my </span><a href="http://kristinannbeck.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">sister</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> doesn't. she told me so.]</span></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-67540810996693702822010-02-08T12:30:00.000-08:002010-02-08T14:51:54.024-08:00it's nice having a boy around.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4341761498/" title="DSC_3285 by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4341761498_3bab4b117b_o.jpg" alt="DSC_3285" width="640" height="426" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">[the oregon coast. august 2009]</span></div><div><br /></div><div>a boy that will build you a fire when you're on the beach.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>or teach you that gas evaporates way faster out of your tank when you don't have a gas cap and not laugh too hard at you when he realizes you had absolutely no idea. oops.</div><div><br /></div><div>to bring you a cheeseburger, just the way you like it, when you have class until 7. then won't make too many sarcastic comments while you and your roommates watch the bachelor.</div><div><br /></div><div>who tells you in a very kind way that you're not allowed to eat any more peanut m&m's because you said you wanted to eat less sugar.</div><div><br /></div><div>to give you a piggyback ride across the ice-covered grass before you get to the stairs.</div><div><br /></div><div>and tells his friends to try the bacon-wrapped chicken you brought to their house to watch the super bowl.</div><div><br /></div><div>a boy that will stay up much later than he wanted to play card games, just because he knows you want to.</div><div><br /></div><div>or picks you up from campus because you've been there all day studying for midterms, even if it means driving 20 minutes just to see you for an hour.</div><div><br /></div><div>and when you tell him to pick the drink he wants in the burger king drive thru, he orders a diet coke. because he knows that's what you would choose. even though he thinks it's disgusting.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>yes. i certainly like having this boy around.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">edited: he even reads my blog and tells me when i accidentally use a double negative in my post so i can fix it.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-28994437037693930582010-02-05T09:53:00.000-08:002010-02-05T10:04:06.164-08:00this is how i feel today.<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l_DKmDvmBd8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l_DKmDvmBd8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">skip to about 1 minute if you don't feel like listening to adam sandler</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>something about the words, his voice, and the way they are almost celebrating just fills my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>you and me together, we can do anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>i'm pretty sure this is how love is supposed to feel.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-8344955526286467512010-02-03T23:00:00.001-08:002010-02-03T23:14:38.978-08:00sticking with books.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM380fCp7D-HaiHO7BK6ge8EgyYcdaacztqzGFPZBG-Y69x6q11DCb8vbPQyZ7eFaxS1kTHK_irpNocp8GW0VR0b8T-g-ZtL_YfmB3P6cYSPaOV45RDuNLMjdBNMTd7EG6vW9JAfLG-LeL/s1600-h/Annis_dining_room_MG_7757.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM380fCp7D-HaiHO7BK6ge8EgyYcdaacztqzGFPZBG-Y69x6q11DCb8vbPQyZ7eFaxS1kTHK_irpNocp8GW0VR0b8T-g-ZtL_YfmB3P6cYSPaOV45RDuNLMjdBNMTd7EG6vW9JAfLG-LeL/s400/Annis_dining_room_MG_7757.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434279694663007682" /></a><div>my desktop is messy.</div><div><br /></div><div>because every time i see a photo of something i like, i drag it onto my desktop to be sorted later into my 'pretty things' folder. really, that's what it's called.</div><div><br /></div><div>so tonight i decided to click on one of the thumbnails and post it here. this was it.</div><div><br /></div><div>i would absolutely love love love my life if i had this bookshelf in my home. as in, i WILL love my life when i have this bookshelf in my home. </div><div><br /></div><div>complete with the ladder and everything.</div><div><br /></div><div>i would feel like belle from the beauty of the beast every day. i'm pretty sure that's been my goal in life since i was 5-years old. [the bookshelf with the ladder, i mean, not the whole marrying a beast thing].</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-86303073075819714342010-02-02T14:11:00.000-08:002010-02-02T14:16:06.650-08:00no pictures to prove it.the other night i wanted to make dinner. a fancy dinner. something i've never made before.<div><br /></div><div>so i went to the grocery store. i bought salmon. the fish-man weighed it and wrapped it up in white paper. i felt so grown up buying fish wrapped in paper. i picked up a few more things. squash. tomatoes. lemon. garlic. rosemary. pasta. a pre-made alfredo sauce (sorry for cheating a little). and cream.</div><div><br /></div><div>it was the best dinner i've ever made.</div><div><br /></div><div>baked salmon. oven-roasted vegetables. on top of pasta with a semi-homemade rosemary cream sauce.</div><div><br /></div><div>heaven.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>only, i have no pictures to prove it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-56642870017597411342010-01-29T10:08:00.000-08:002010-01-29T10:30:38.431-08:00the female brain.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF53yyyxYHJdF1LJNvMuqN4yH6aFOh4_nZ73dKi6wVQclZjDeO_AeVf2N-n39NMNgmyAsa0WKo7JrpkRpEEsdZ5ua_3s9qSlV3SK97YtFrie_1GAoz66Y0JF0kBg9cc8Plc2kIQSIEfiO/s1600-h/female-brain-web.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF53yyyxYHJdF1LJNvMuqN4yH6aFOh4_nZ73dKi6wVQclZjDeO_AeVf2N-n39NMNgmyAsa0WKo7JrpkRpEEsdZ5ua_3s9qSlV3SK97YtFrie_1GAoz66Y0JF0kBg9cc8Plc2kIQSIEfiO/s400/female-brain-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432225642766591170" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>let me tell you why i love my mother.</div><div><br /></div><div>the last time she came to visit, she brought me this book and told me to read it, except for the sex chapter. so i read that chapter first. </div><div><br /></div><div>let me tell you, this book was SO interesting. even more interesting were the lines in the book that i came across every now and then that my mom had whited out. only, i was so curious about what would have been so bad for her to cover up, that i would hold the pages up to the light so i could see what was under the white out. that probably defeated the purpose. sorry mom.</div><div><br /></div><div>but back to the book. it was written by a neuropsychiatrist who explains the way womens' brains are wired and operate - from the birth of the female brain, to the mommy brain, to the mature female brain. the book is a combination of findings from various articles and books, along with accounts of patients from her clinic and explains what is occurring in the female brain during each phase of her life.</div><div><br /></div><div>read it. you will love it.</div><div>and it will make you feel a lot less crazy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-56985308188536927152010-01-26T14:45:00.000-08:002010-01-26T14:59:33.097-08:00i have this problem.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4307807328/" title="books by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4307807328_e98dc3ee89.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="books" /></a><br />i like to read. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[that's not the problem, in case you were wondering].</span><div><br /></div><div>the problem is that i would rather read a book about the constitution for my own satisfaction than read from my biology textbook for school. i think i'm just taking the wrong kind of classes.</div><div><br /></div><div>if i read as much for my classes as i do for leisure, i would probably be getting straight a's. but it's only the first month of the semester - still plenty of time for studying up on plant reproduction [kill me].</div><div><br /></div><div>my recent reads include:</div><div>the tipping point</div><div>the female brain</div><div>the screwtape letters</div><div>and the time traveler's wife</div><div><br /></div><div>right now i'm working on the 5,000 year leap.</div><div><br /></div><div>my goal is to read at least one book each month this year, including church books.</div><div><br /></div><div>so what should be next on my list? i would love your suggestions...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo.</div><div>jana</div><div><br /></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232198208952565615.post-72500122047372644922010-01-21T22:14:00.000-08:002010-01-21T22:32:18.348-08:00grilled cheese reinvented.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45961232@N08/4294203355/" title="grilled_cheese by janalaurene9, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4294203355_9f5c87b2a5_o.jpg" width="425" height="638" alt="grilled_cheese" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">[photo taken by me. you better believe it. how are my <a href="http://janalaurene.blogspot.com/search/label/food%20styling">food styling</a> skills coming along?]</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>the best thing since grilled cheese sandwiches...</div><div><br /></div><div>is a grilled cheese sandwich made on sourdough bread.<div><br /></div><div>with pepperjack cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div>avocado.</div><div><br /></div><div>bacon.</div><div><br /></div><div>and apple slices.</div><div><br /></div><div>yes, apple slices.</div><div><br /></div><div>i am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">obsessed</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16309794039177689511noreply@blogger.com7