It's the good life--full of fun, seems to be, the ideal :)

So nothing is new as far as work goes. I'm still at Applebee's and in search for a teaching job. I have, however, been having lots of fun going on hikes and hanging out with friends. I get to visit my family in California next week for an entire week and I'm so excited I can barely wait. I almost drove to the airport and got on a plane just like Lloyd did in Dumb and Dumber (except I'm not a limo driver). My best friends Trevor and Katelyn are getting married in the Oakland temple on June 5th so I'll be able to attend that as well while I'm home. I bought a new black dress from JC Penney from the wedding. Man, I am boring huh! Sorry I'll try and think of something more interesting next time I blog. Here are some pictures of me and Spencer Bagley. He served a mission in Sonora!

Update!

It has been such a long time since I blogged last, and there is so much to tell! First off, I started working as a server at Applebee's. It is actually a really fun job for me. This is my first time as a server, so it was a little intimidating/challenging at first. I have gotten a lot more confident and my tips have increased over the past few weeks. It's nice to have some extra cash flow :) I am still substitute teaching at Joel P. Jensen, but not as a long-term sub. I sub for different teachers around the school and it's really fun getting to know all the other students in the different grades. My students try to add me on myspace and facebook but for the most part I try to keep that part of my life private :) I am still on the job hunt for a teaching position for next school year. I've sent in my application to several school districts so hopefully I'll hear back soon! I was offered a job working at a charter school in Arizona (Legacy Traditional School) teaching k-8 grade PE and Health but I turned it down for a few different reasons. I'm hoping a job will be offered to me up in the Salt Lake area so I won't have to move.

I am training to run in the St. George marathon October 2nd. I will be running it with my sister-in-law Laura, and two good friends Angelyn and Stephanie. We find out if we got in the race (it's a lottery) on May 11th. We are crossing our fingers! In other news I went down to MOAB this weekend to mountain bike. I went with a really great group of people from Sandy. I rode on a sweet mountain bike my friend Val let me borrow. We rode Porcupine Rim on Saturday (in the rain-thunderstorm and lightning and all), which is a 16-mile trail (four miles up hill and the other 11 all downhill). I am getting a lot better at riding down hill on rough terrain. After the ride we drove into Moab and ate at Zax's pizza, came back to our campsite, and found our tent had been filled with water from the storm. Several of our group members' clothes got soaked including sleeping bags, pillows, and nice clothes they were going to wear for church on Sunday. We had a fun time fixing all of that. After our stomachs settled down from all the yummy pizza we headed out to ride Slickrock Bike Trail. This too is a challenging trail, but much different from Porcupine Rim. We only had enough sunlight to do the 3 mile practice loop, which was enough for us to have some fun and practice our technique. Even though I ended the day exhausted, I totally enjoyed every second of trip. The following morning we went to sacrament meeting (and of course I forgot my church clothes). It was still a really neat experience for me because I still felt completely welcome and comfortable. I think it was Elder Packer who said "if you don't smell smoke in sacrament then you are doing something wrong." I got up and bore my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel no matter where you are, who you are, what you do, or what you wear. After church we went on a couple of hikes through Arches including a trip to the Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. I just love Moab.

I also will have the great opportunity to be an efy counselor this summer in Tacoma, Washington and near Portland, Oregon. I'm super excited to finally have this experience. I've been trying to be an efy counselor for the past 3 years and now I finally got in! I think I'm also going to be coaching at the BYU Volleyball Camps for two weeks. I will post pictures later of my trip. Adios!

Have I got a passion for you Southern Utah!

Moab, Canyonland's, Arches, running, Green River, Colorado River, buses, bananas, medals, friends, Delicate Arch, road trip, Motel 6, and Spring Summit all describe (to me) my trip to Moab this past weekend. I ran in the Canyonland's 5-mile race on Saturday along the Colorado River. It was a perfect race for me--the exact length I needed to be challenged and have fun at the same time. I ended up coming in 3rd place for my division (20-24), so I was pretty excited/surprised about that :) My former roommate Mary Curtis drove down with me on Friday evening. We stayed in Green River at the Motel 6 (not recommended), and then drove down early morning on Saturday to race. I also met up with my good buddy Angelyn Bennion who went on an outdoor adventure trip with me in 2005 called Spring Summit. She is an amazing friend and a fabulous runner. We both had many memories down in Moab together so it was special reunion for both of us. I also saw Scott Olson (my sister-in-laws brother) who's wife was also racing that day. I just can't describe the feelings I have of Southern Utah. It is one of the most serene, beautiful, and adventurous places I have ever been. The spirit I feel when I am out in nature in insurmountable.






After the race we hung around for a while just listening to the music of the Sparkling Band who played covers from 70s bands. It was pretty awesome and rad if you know what I mean. We then went downtown and ate at the Slickrock Cafe and then took a look at the Tom Till Photo Gallery. His work is amazing! You can check out his website here. Mary had never been to Arches National Park so we decided to go and hike up to the Delicate Arch. If you have never been to Arches, you can check out the website HERE. There are over 2,000 cataloged arches in Arches National Park. In order to be considered an arch, an opening must measure at least three feet (in any direction). (This I did not know!). It was an awesome hike up to the Delicate Arch and we had a lot of fun (too much fun probably, prolly) taking pictures :)





We took our journey back to reality (SLC and Provo) and bade farewell. It was really fun to be with Mary again and catch up on all the latest drama of our lives. She is a very close friend and I'm so thankful for all the memories we have together. We ended our healthy adventure running/hiking trip with a run through McDonald's, Wendy's, and Arbys. I'm lovin' it!

Happy St. Patty's Day, and Happy Birthday to my wonderful brother TRAVIS!

Ever seen a LEPRECHAUN? Well these guys did...for reelz!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nda_OSWeyn8

Now watch this second video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDmEGebskXk&feature=related

I want da' GOLD!

Harvard Religous Panel

This is taken from my friend Bryan Tanner's blog. I watched the video and Rachel does an excellent job explaining the fundamental beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Quoted from Bryan:

Here is just one, 20-minute clip of a religious panel of Harvard students discussing their respective beliefs. Each of these Harvard students did a great job.

Rachel Esplin, the third panel member eloquently fielded questions regarding an assortment of specific LDS topics such as:

* General religious background and how that interacts with her life.

* Missionary service.

* Religious discrimination/confrontations (cult?)

* Anti-Mormons and inequality of women (Priesthood).

* Who was Joseph Smith and what does he mean to you?

* How to know the truth?

* Who is Jesus Christ?

* Temple garments and secret covenants.

* Will you marry a Mormon?

Only 20 years old, Rachel represented the Church with honor while still showing deference towards other Christian and non-Christian faiths. Well done Rachel.
Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.

2 months down, 1 to go

I haven't written about Joel P. Jensen in a while, and I just wanted to catch up. The time has just been FLYING BY! Especially this morning after I woke up at the beginning of first period! I had never done that before. Luckily Mrs. Bailey was in the gym and she was able to take care of my classes. I felt so lame! But I also thought it was kind of funny! It reminded me of my college days where I'd wake up thinking "Man, I should be in class right now, oh well!" But when you are a teacher, you have A LOT more responsibility. We laughed about it and now I'm fine. Anyway, aside from that I have LOVED BEING A TEACHER! My students are so fun/random/crazy all at once. Teaching 8th grade is probably one of the most difficult grades to teach. The kids have so much energy and all they want to do is talk and be with their friends. I try and make my classes fun and engaging so they don't get bored, and for the most part they love PE because it gets them moving around. It is so important for these kids to be physically active at this point in their lives. There are several students who are overweight and they struggle more than the normal weight kids. It's interesting dealing with so many different personalities, perspectives, and backgrounds. Right now the students are working on their "Drug Projects" where they research a drug in groups and present the information on a posterboard in the shape of a T-shirt. In PE we're doing basketball (something most of the students love). It's sad to think that I only have one more month here. The students are what I'm going to miss the most :( Mrs. Bradford will be returning April 8th, and then I'm out of a job. I've been sending in applications and researching jobs for the summer but nothing is for sure at the moment.

Last night our stake had enrichment. The guest speaker was Sister Kristen Oaks (Elder Oaks wife). The title of her talk was "You Can't Hurry Love." It was hilarious! She is an excellent speaker and gave me some great perspective on being single and loving it at the same time. I get a new roommate on Saturday so that should be interesting?

That's all folks!

Love is still in the air...

Today I also received a package from my sweet, sweet, dear family (Dustin, Laura, Bryan, Lily, Kate, and Lainey). They are the best! I got a bunch of pictures, valentine's, goldfish (my fav), and some Ghirardelli chocolate (also my favorito!). Thank you SO MUCH GUYS! I sure do love ya!

I DID IT!

That's right, folks! Yesterday at 2am I came home and low and behold...my diploma had come in the mail! I was so excited, proud, and a few tears were shed. I can't believe I finally graduated from BYU...thanks to Travis my brother who helped me get in by revising my entrance essay. Now all I need to do is purchase my teaching license for $60 bucks. It feels so much more official when you get your actual diploma. Hurray for graduating college!

Another old "new" post

Elaine Christine Brown was born on Thursday, April 17th. We are so excited to have a new member of the Brown Family! Laura was in labor for only 2 HOURS! She had a midwife deliver the baby at her home. She didn't use an epidural. That's one tough mama!Bryan, Lilly, Kate, and my pop!

Arches, Canyonlands, Moab

These are some of the photos I took in Southern Utah for my Nature and Photography class. What do you think?

Old Post from May 2008

My trip home to California was amazing! I couldn't have asked for better weather. The plane ride there and back was incredibly smooth. Thanks to dad, mom, and Ashley for driving me! On Saturday I was able to get the grand tour of my dad's new truck he is driving, get my teeth cleaned (thanks to the amazing Dentist Mary), and visit my great grandfather Manuel Brown who is 97. He is still going strong and hangs out with his friend Ray--you'll see in the picture!Could I pass as a trucker girl? Maybe I'd have to grow a mullet first. My dad is so cool in his ACT Truck. Love you poppy!Teeth cleaning is a family affair. Except Travo had to have more than JUST get his teeth cleaned. Poor guy!
Mary (my dad's girlfriend) is a lifesaver when it comes to fixing and cleaning our teeth. She gave me free toothpaste and a professional bleaching kit! (I'll show my sparkly whites later).
My great grandfather, although looking like a pirate in some of these pictures, has led a wonderful life. I hope to live as long as he has! He inspires me to stay healthy and keep my mind sharp.These two were having a conversation together, but they were talking about two COMPLETELY different things! I love what old age can do to you.On Sunday we went to church and my brother Dustin gave a baby's blessing to his new daughter, Elaine (Lainey). He also gave an amazing talk in sacrament. My whole family came to Sacrament meeting with us, so that was a real treat. I love going to my home ward and seeing all of my friends, young and old, again. My brothers and I also cooked a wonderful dinner for our mom, aunts, and grandmother. It was a real delight to share such a wonderful day with such special women in our lives. Here are some more photos from the day. Starting from right to left beginning with me: My grandmother Marge, Mother Connie, Laura's mother Judy, Laura (sister-in-law), Aunt Sandy, Aunt Natalie. I love all of them!
Isn't she adorable? She is such a perfect little baby. I can't wait until she gets older so I can see how she grows.

Three generations, going strong. My grandmother sure is amazing! Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin she gave birth to five, beautiful girls.
Happy Mombo's Day! (Travis looks a lil' confused). My mother has been there for me my ENTIRE LIFE (obviously). She always has the best advice, the most comforting words, and the most amazing spirit about her. My brothers and I joke around about how my mom was born to be a mother. She has the most loving, kind, and compassionate heart out of anyone I have ever met. I love her and am so grateful to be with her on this special Mother's Day.
Bryan 7, Lily 4, Kate 2 (Terrible 2 stage).
If you can't tell, I LOVE my nieces and nephew. They are sooooo stinkin' cute! Muah!


Bryan was SO AMAZING at riding his bike up and down the hills down at the park. He is one brave little boy! So smart too!
This is my wonderful brother and best friend, Travis, holding his new little niece, Elaine. He is such a great guy!
I don't ever get pictures of just me by myself, so here you are. Conceited, maybe, but I think not.
This is what we looked like in the morning. Lily loves to stretch. She's so much fun to play with, and Kate is a bundle of joy who is always running around the house with a sneaky, yet adorable smile on her face.
And of course, all good things must come to a close. Mom and Smokey dropped me off and I flew Southwest. This is a picture of the Wasatch mountain range. Gotta love Utah! It was a great trip and very much needed. I can't wait go back and visit again! Thanks to everyone who made it so much fun!