I Love My Family!

This year for Christmas, I went through all the family photos from 1980 until now. I've always loved my family, but there were so many outstanding picture representations of why. This, I feel is the best.My brother Brian is a math book. He deliberately chose this costume and clearly made it himself (maybe with some help from mom). Jessica's hat is about 15 sizes too large for her small head. Nathan and Jacki are Snow White and Prince Charming for the first time together, however they will revisit these costumes later and the enthusiasm definitely wears off. They are so happy about it this year. I don't even know what Adam is supposed to be, a tiger maybe? Then me and Jared aren't very unique, but I love the mix. A mathbook, 2 cops (ironically Nathan is a real cop), Prince Charming, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, and a tiger.
Greatest Family Ever.
P.s. Jacy - You're welcome.

This happened to me this week

About a week ago someone asked me for my phone number. A few days later he called me and left a voice mail asking me on a date. Two days after that I called him, but he didn't answer. Two days after that he left me another voicemail - unasking me out.
I didn't think we would really hit it off if we did go out, but I was just shocked that someone would do this. Again: voicemail asking me out, then no answer, then voicemail telling me he was too busy to go out with me, and he'd see me around.
That just happened to me.
Wow.

Anywhere but here...

Sometimes, I feel like I want to be anywhere but where I am at that moment. It's a hard feeling to shake. I look out the windows, at home or on my way to school, and I see the beautiful mountains, and the blue skies and the happy palm trees and it all looks so wonderful... but then I just don't want to be where I am. I don't want to be at school. I don't want to be at home. I don't want to be in California. I don't really want to be anywhere, but I also want to be everywhere.
Yesterday, I was in the Salt Lake City airport, and I was just miserable. The flight next to me was calling out over and over again, "All passengers on Flight 170 to Charles de Gaulle, you may now board." Charles de Gaulle. Nothing has ever sounded so tempting in my life. Sitting in the airport, watching the hôtess de l'air take passports,
I had an unbearable yearning to jump up and get on that plane. Paris is COLD right now. Really cold, and wet. So, SO wet. And I wanted to go there.

I have never been cold and wet for so long, with no warmth from anywhere. I have never been so frustrated with my body's lack of heating ability. Yet, on my way back to sunny, warm California all I wanted was to be placed in a foreign land, where I knew no one.
I listened to a few French cd's on the plane, and haven't stopped since. I don't know what to do about it. I'm in the paradise of the world, and all I want is the unfamiliar, the unknown, the chaos and confusion of a big city and a foreign tongue.
I don't even know what I would do once I got there, but I just want to be there. Anywhere, but here.

Bees

As I was innocently lounging on my patio this week, an unsettling event transpired. I have always been taught that bees will be friends with you if you are friends with them. I have always tried to be nice to bees. Häagen-Dazs requests it after all. But I was shocked this week, as not only was I simply lounging -something that might be offensive I guess to such a hard worker - but it is also practically winter (I use the term loosely)! How rudely, then, was I suddenly snapped back into reality by a stinging in my leg! As I looked to investigate, there the bee was! Still perched upon me!! As I went to swat him away, he stung me yet again - this time leaving his stinger behind. Suicide bee. So I now have TWO painful, itchy welts on my leg.
Count: Bee: 2 Julianne: 1

Haha, Baby Sharks

Baby Sharks:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8353867.stm

What a Weekend!

This week seemed to go by so slowly, by the time Thursday finally came around, I was sick of going to school. To rebel I stayed up late watching Heroes. Unfortunately that was as rebellious as I could be, and at 8 am Friday morning I was in the Hygiene Lab. Things looked up after class however, as Breanna and I went to DISNEYLAND!! It was great! They were already starting up Christmas and we got to go to both parks and get free tortillas and sourdough bread. Pictures are pending.

I pulled into my driveway around 1 am on Friday night. On Saturday, I woke up to go to my book club, after which I joined a few of my classmates and headed to Suppa Happy Pine Springs Ranch Dental Retreat (mouthful? Perhaps. But it was based off a Japanese game show. yay) We got there early to hike (it's a few miles past Idyllwild). We had a great time hiking, chatting, and taking pictures.By the time dinner started, we realized we were the only hygiene juniors there. But we had a great time anyway! There was even hot cocoa, so of course I was happy as a clam. My favorite skit was from the first year Dental students who created an elaborate music video about how they now get to wear white coats and all the girls want them now.
There was also a Thriller dance, and 5 men in leotards dancing to Beyonce. All in all, a great night. I got home at 12:45. So Sunday morning I just laid in bed, completely exhausted. What a great weekend. :)

Fairies and Presidential Dinners

My fair sister Kate and her husband Nate ;) threw a Halloween party this year! I received a severed finger in the mail in lieu of an invitation: message received.
However, I left the scary costumes for the others and hemmed my very own dress to become the Tooth Fairy (I'm SO original)! It was a lot of fun spending time with my family. Mom was a surgeon, dad was Woody from Toy Story, Nate was a prisoner and Kate was a cop. The best (and most frightening - no really, she won the prize) costume went to Auntie for her Hilary Clinton outfit, complete with mask and American flag pin. Casey and Jacki came as Michelle and Barak Obama. I felt so important at my table. Sitting across from the president and next to Mrs. Clinton. Unfortunately, Hilary got into a little bit of trouble later on in the evening.

Really?

Yesterday I was wearing light blue scurbs. After school, I went to Target to grab munchies on the way home - so I was still in my gorgeous attire. As I was walking down the aisles, a lady stopped me and asked, "Excuse me Miss, where are the batteries?" As I didn't know, I responded, "I don't know." She then looked at me up and down and said, "Oh, you don't work here?"
Really? Light blue surgical scrubs. At Target? Come on lady!!
And Jacy- I found this little guy hiding in the closet. We invited him to celebrate Nate's birthday.

Umm, yea

Today, I had a presentation in my Dental Anatomy class. I have previously done all the work for it, so I stayed up late reading mylifeisaverage.com (thanks Claire for ruining my life) and fmylife.com (And you too Wes). So I woke up in the morning with no prep and went to class. The professor was 30 minutes late to her own class. Then when I tried to open up my powerpoint I realized I forgot to erase Trisha (I name them). So it was full of pictures. Which was broadcast over the large projector to the whole class. It took me at least 2 minutes to sort through them. With images of me dancing through the streets of Boston in larger than life proportions at the front of the class.
I was only slightly embarrassed. On the bright side, I think I got an A.

Another Life Goal Crossed Off

Today I tried to go to a Mini Cooper car show. I couldn't find it. So I went to the Historical Glass Museum. Yes, a museum dedicated to American Glass through the ages. I saw things like Jello Molds, and Liberace memorabilia. What a jewel.
http://historicalglassmuseum.com/

Dental (DREAM) School!

After a rigorous week of doing absolutely nothing, I woke up at 6:30 on Monday morning to attend my Loma Linda School of Dentistry orientation. They have New Student Orientation at BYU, and I went to about an hour of it before I decided it was completely ridiculous. So I went with about the same mindset: endure for a few hours then move on with my life. Well, LLUSD orientation is a mandatory 4 days. FOUR. It starts at 8 every morning and sometimes doesn't get out until 5:30. that is 9.5 hours of orienting, per day.
There were some ups and downs. For example: we got free lunch everyday! But it was either vegetarian or vegan. We (the hygienists) had the same orientation as the dentists, which was not always applicable, but it was more fun because there were more people. Even if they have a superiority complex. I got to use a fire extinguisher for the first time!! It was exciting. :) I didn't win any of the raffle prizes, which was sad because they were all Jamba, Subway or Panera gift cards.
The most welcoming bit of news was the acceptance of scrubs. Waking up every morning and then having to find 'Professional' clothing was exceptionally challenging for me. Now the only choice I will have to make will be light or dark blue? Don't get me wrong, I love clothing. I love jeans, and t-shirts, and tennis shoes. I really love ball gowns and party dresses. Silk and cashmere are my favorite staples, but when it's 107 degrees outside, and 58 degrees inside, everything becomes a challenge. I think I have definitely picked the right school and occupation for myself, and I couldn't be happier about it! I am not allowed to wear jewelry, make-up is discouraged and hair needs to be kept our of the face. Clothing is scrubs and white shoes. Jared remarked that is was astounding I found a school that not only tolerated this, but made it mandatory. Plus, it's Christian and they have Bible studies and devotionals. For me, this is a dream come true.

Boston

Since I have the world's longest summer vacation, I went out to Boston to visit brother #1, not to mention his wife and 2 girls. During my layover, which was in Dallas, I bought him the best birthday present money could buy! An Armadillo snowglobe. It was truly amazing. He loved it with the same sentimental care and heartfelt gratitude that he treats all knickknacks.
Anyways, I was fortunate enough to arrive just in time to see the Elms before they left! And I was also able to tour Harvard during freshman orientation. We went to Red Robin for Brian's birthday. As we pulled into Patriot Place, I thought to myself, "What awesome names they have back here!" It was only after that thought that I saw Gillette stadium and realized it was Patriot Place because the Patriots play there...
Furthering my adventures, I went to Maine!! Which was a life-long dream of mine. It was magnificent! I went with the Pattersons and had ice cream, and fish and chips, and watched surfers (I know, in MAINE!) and bought taffy. It is now my second favorite state. I love Maine.
Glenna and I went through the Freedom Trail, and ate pasta in the Italian Northside. My favorite building was the Custom House. I like clock towers.
While I was in Boston, Brian turned 28 and Libby turned 3. Mom and I bought her her first bike! Pink, of course, with training wheels. And I made THREE pies for my dear brother.
List of things I did in Boston: Freedom Trail, T rides (lots of them), Boston Common, Public Gardens, Swan Boat rides, Make Way For Ducklings, Newbury Street, Boston Temple, Boston Public Library, Museum of Fine Arts, hot dog stand, fish and chips stops, a visit to the shore, Faneuil Hall, Red Sox game, Old North Church, Kings Chapel, Copps and Granary Burying Ground (Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Paul Revere), Old State House, Government Center, Park Street Church, Massachusetts State House, as well as frequent visits to the many ice cream trucks. :)

Utah

A few weeks ago, I began to miss my brother. With Brian in Boston and Nathan working all the time, I headed to Provo to be with brother #2. Unfortunately, I arrived the day of the Utah BAR, and was unable to see him for a day and a half. Bummer. BUT! The joyous moment finally came, and to the Happy Sumo we went. :) I love Jared and I love sushi. Yay for us.
While there I got a healthy dose of nephew (he can say Doodle and I am just tickled pink), went on the Alpine Slide AND Coaster (AWESOME!!), saw Land of the Lost (I loved it) and spent time with friends. I went to a driving range for my very first time, got French pastries and lost a game of put-put and bought everyone pop to make up for it. I had tons of fun, and was deeply saddened once Sunday came around and I had to leave. The weather was beautiful and everything was just amazing. On Monday, I 'babysat' (played with Alix and had a wonderful time) then on Tuesday my dear friend Samuel called me. Our conversation went like this: "I'm in LA, I'm going to Provo. Wanna come?" - "Umm, yes" - "I knew you would, I'm already on my way over."
We spent the night in Vegas (where I gambled away my very first dollar!!) then made it to Provo the next evening. I had another wonderful week in P-town, although this time around the weather was not as nice and the movies weren't as fun (Terminator and Night at the Museum 2 - I love dollar theaters!). I'm happy to say that I got my fill of Thai food and won 2 games of bowling against someone who took a bowling class. I'm awesome. On the way home, I learned how to play Craps.
Now, I am back in Redlands. I began to miss brothers again, and spent a week with brother #3 watching his dog and Heros. With 2 down, I couldn't resist the urge, and am leaving to Boston next week to get the big #1 in.

Hiking

In July I went hiking in Havasupai with some friends from BYU. We met up in Las Vegas and proceeded from there. Luckily, we were late in leaving so we were able to make it to the trail head in the cool hours of high noon. I met some new people as well as remet people I had met briefly before. It was an exciting time as we explored new waterfalls and wreckage from the flood. It was not exciting to hike down with a pack, hike all around, and then find out the helicopter ride was not being offered. So, being the priss that I am, I naturally hired a mule to carry my belongings out of the canyon, enabling me to make the arduous hike out in under 3 hours (I also lost 6 pounds in 4 days, I'm that amazing). We left the parking lot late that night, and Sam and I got into Redlands in the early morning hours. We showered and napped before taking off for LA where I had lunch in Beverly Hills with my good friend Natalie (camping to Dior in 12 hours). The next day, I went quad riding for the first time in my life. I was a natural and basically awesome at it, despite the heat. That was one jam packed week. I can't describe the amount of sleep I indulged in once I returned from the desert nor the absolute heavenly feeling of it. Added bonus that my parents were out of town, so there weren't any tractors or whistling to awaken me.

After Paris

I realize this is belated, but whatever. Life isn't that exciting, so I will dwell on the past.
After mom left me in Paris, I got to ride another couchette to Cannes (why, yes that is only a 4-5 hour train ride, but mom didn't want me to have a nice normal ride, so we booked the couchette). I had a creepy, mean old lady in the compartment with me. Boo.
Anyways, I made it to Cannes. I stayed in Mandelieu with a lovely family. I knew I would love the Cote d'Azure within the first few hours. Upon arrival, Christine went for an 'ice cream run' and asked if I wanted to go with her! It only got better from there on out. Everyday was amazing. Here are a few highlights of my adventures whilst I was in Cannes.
1. I toured the prison cell of the Man in the Iron Mask, on the small islands of St. Honore and St. Marguerite, as well as the abbey there.
2. I went on a small boat ride with Jacques and Christine to see all the coastal houses, including Pierre Cardin's estate.
3. I got a bike!! I biked the 5-10 minutes down to the beach frequently and napped/tanned and once went for a swim. It's so salty.
4. I went on a scenic drive to Toulon, where we drove up a mountain to view sweeping views of the coast and military sites.
5. A day trip to San Raphael, complete with a small cafe and ice cream.
6. A day trip with my own personal tourguide in Nice, where I climbed up to the castle, had lunch in Veille Nice, an coke on the main promenade, visited with some university kids, and dinner in a nice little cafe - complete with cheese plate!
7. I made home made pizza in a wood stove, with fresh herbs and olives.
8. I met a super cute boy from Grasse who toured me around for a week.
9. Toured an abandoned lighthouse in Super Cannes, which is the Beverly Hills of France.
and 10. The Cannes Film Festival! There were giant transformers, a house covered in balloons, sleigh rides through the promenade, and lots of cafes to visit while people walked around in the middle of the afternoon in tuxedos and ballgowns. Classic.
Basically this was my favorite month of the trip by a very large margin! I loved every single second I was there. My room had it's own bathroom, and windows with such a lovely view. Every morning I woke up to the chirping of birds and sunlight starting to pour into my room, and every afternoon I had a homemade feast for lunch. I had some of the best food I have every eaten in my life thanks to Jacques's mother Marionette. Everything from fois gras to pays-bas. I gained about 10 pounds. That is in addition to the weight I gained over Paris pastries!! I was a little chubby.

Unfortunate

Recently my computer screen has started to flicker and periodically turn off altogether. After several frustrating attempts to do anything on it, I decided it was time to bring it to a 'Genius'. I bought an external hard drive a few days prior, to back up my important information (kind of a joke right?) Well I tried to back it up, and I failed... miserably. My computer... FROZE! (gasp) So I was a little upset. But I remembered that last time I took my little Mac in and got it back in perfect shape, cleaner and happier for the ride. So I ventured out to Victoria Gardens in hope of a similar experience. I got my laptop back today. I was overjoyed. I wanted to make a new post, and all (yes ALL) of my pictures, contacts, and random information are on my laptop so I needed to wait until he came back to make a new blog. I opened the shiny wrapping from the package, and saw the receipt for the work. Things replaced: Fan, Heatpipe, Connector, Bezel, Top Case, HDD, Hard Drive cable. What? I brought it in for the Connector. I flipped my mac on... everything, everything was gone. Every single picture since high school, Microsoft Office, my address book, my calendar. Everything. So I hope no one wanted to see France pictures. On the bright side, I got upgraded to Leopard (and my Time Machine is up and running so this can never happen again).

Italy in a Nutshell

Mom and I thought this little anecdote perfectly described our entire adventure in Italy. Enjoy.
We arrived in Florence and it was beautiful, after walking around the first evening we felt we had seen most major landmarks and sights. We really enjoyed ourselves. So the next day, we decided to get bikes and live the bike dream. So we head over to the train station in hopes of spotting a bike rental place, and we were successful. For only 1 euro an hour, we could rent bikes. So we walk over to the woman, who is busy with another client. We wait. And we wait some more. Finally she is done with the first woman, and proceeds to make some calls. She talks on her phone for a little while, and then sends some text messages, all while we are standing in front of her. Her daughter / business partner is sitting under an umbrella reading some Italian magazine completely oblivious to the outside world. And we continue to wait. Finally, the lady recognizes out existence. We tell her we want two bikes, specifically with baskets. She gives us the saddest two bikes in her collection, and they don’t have baskets. So we argue and end up getting me a sad bike (with a basket) and mom a nicer bike (also with a basket). After 5 minutes of her fiddling with the locks (she has a massive keychain, and is trying each one to see if that is the one for the bike lock) we tell her we don’t need locks as we won’t be stopping. She asks for our driver’s license, here is where her daughter translates for us. Proof that she knows we are alive. Mom gives it to her and we are on our way. We bike around and enjoy ourselves. Mom tried to kill us both several times by having us go against traffic or trying to take pictures while riding. After our adventure ended, we returned our bikes. The lady was gone and it was just her daughter. She asked for our locks, we told her we didn’t have any. She asked for our receipt, we told her we weren’t given one. She took the bikes, and brought out a basket full of drivers licenses, and told us to get ours. We selected moms and headed on our merry way. Oh Italia.