Slowly but Surely

Okay so today I went back and read a blog post from a year ago. I was interested in seeing what type of mindset I was in at that time and if I've improved or declined. Well- things have definitely changed haha but many of my fears and aspirations have remained.

A year ago, this week, I wrote that i was in a 'funk' and that, although i loved being home for the holidays, I seriously missed my Orem home and secure surrounding of friends and peers. That all holds pretty darn true...
I also said that I was unsatisfied with my love life.... I have a feeling this one may be eternal haha. Bless my heart... one year ago I was not that much different, but there are definitely some improvements being made.

December 2010-
"No boyfriend. No career. No traveling. No babies. No degree. No husband. No vacations or cruises. No great and exciting news... and i have yet to change the world. I'm just a poor college student."

*No boyfriend.
...Still mostly true. Although the missionary came home, different as can be, and I am now happily dating half of happy valley. Can't complain there haha.

*No career.
...Maybe not quite. But I did get the prison gig and I am doing what I love: teaching dance. I would definitely count that as a success.

*No traveling.
...Does a summer in DC and cross-country road trip count? Don't forget Thanksgiving in Vegas! ;)

*No babies.
...Thank the Lord.

*No degree.
...Did I mentioned that I applied for graduation? That's right- I walk in April and get my degree in August. Hollar.

*No husband.
...I am contently embracing my youth and not rushing into anything serious. I'm having way too much fun dating and discovering myself and others and relationships, that marriage just isn't fit for me right now. And according to statistics- that is the best thing that somebody with my family history can possibly do. :)

*No vacation or cruises.
...Can you say Malibu?? That is where my bff Maria and I will be spending our New Years! 11 more days!

*Exciting news.
...my mom got married and I am applying to grad school right now. Exciting news has become part of my daily routine ha.

*Yet to change the world.
...volunteering at FCC has changed my world. And that is all I need right now. :)

*I'm just a poor college student.
...and i wouldn't want it any other way!

xoxo miss jer bree

Alter Ego Extraordinaire

I was talking to bff Maria the other day and we got on the topic of our different 'selves'.  She gave me a brief description of the alter egos she had articulated for herself, and encouraged me to do the same. (Having 2 psych majors as bff's often results in such conversations haha). And so I did, and here is what I've come up with:

Jerica = Jade + Javier + Juliette + Jisabelle


Meet Jade...

Jade is hott. She is the cats meow. She is totally spontaneous and the life of the party. She knows how to get what she wants and is fearless in going after it.  She likes to push the norms and see how much she can get away with.  Jade does crazy things and has a total blast thriving on the attention.  She is a party animal and listens to terrible music.  She likes to kiss boys and has no shame. She is the definition of hedonism and loves every minute of it. She flies by the seat of her pants (or mini skirt) and flourishes in the nightlife.  She can't sit still for too long and has a bff named Marilyn. This is Jade.


Meet Javier (ha-vee-ayer)....

Javier is the intellect. The Psychologist. Javier is the analytical mind. He thrives on reading books and presenting at conferences. He is eager to get to grad school and would be happy with nothing but a solid career.  Javier would rather do homework than hang out any day.  He is on a research team and finds pleasure in literature reviews. 


Meet Juliette...

She is a total doll! People love being around her. Juliette is a dancer and a daughter. She loves to be friendly, help people, and have fun. She is the 'yellow', bubbly personality. She values personal relationships more than anything, and would skip class to play with the girls in a heartbeat.  She is sweet and kind, and definitely flirty. 

Jisabelle

Jisabelle is the pure-hearted angel. She is a Christian through and through. She sees God in, above, and throughout everything. Jisabelle is the wholesome, heartfelt girl that sees the good in everyone and truly does want world peace. She cries in the movies that reach into those deep chambers of the heart and loves to listen to her country music.  She tries to do good in the world and uphold virtue in every way.  Jisabelle is sensitive and guarded, but always honest. 


...now only if I could find a balance between all four of these ha.


xoxo miss jer bree

Life after DC...

Well. I survived my first, and hopefully last, run away voyage across the country haha. And now I'm back home- and life couldn't be better. I have been so hesitant to blog because my last post is so so dear to me. I often read it when i need strength or courage or an attitude adjustment. Works every time. Ps i can't believe I really did that... haha sometimes it feels like a dream. Good for me. :)

Okay so I got home in August... and jumped right back into Utah life!
Here is the quick and dirty version of what i've been doing these last 3 months- boy time flies!!


Tal got married!! And fearsome foursome got to share it with her :) and the newest addition to the crew... baby Amos!!! Such an irresistible little boy! And tune... most amazing mom!

And the reunions didn't end there... I really missed all the wonderful people in my life!


...My wonderful grandparents!


....awesome friends!




...and amazing family members!

I had fun planning this...




and even got a lil taste of DC with these dolls and a visit from my lil man!




and i get to teach dance with these beauties...





And party with them...






And lost all those extra DC pounds...

And rewarded myself with this...

...which only lasted a few months haha.

And had fun times with them...


And enjoyed Halloween like this...



And thus it goes!!!

Life is grand and boys are drama haha but thats a whole other post in itself.

I am loving my life right now and have so many fun things to look forward to such as going to Vegas for Thanksgiving and seeing my amazing Williams family and cute Collin as well as (drum roll please)... GRADUATING!!!! that's right. from college. in April. ...i don't believe it either! haha. i don't feel smart enough to have a bachelor's degree. at all haha. which is why i am currently applying to Master's program so I can further my education. Master's of Social Work to be exact. Let's pray I get in haha. Life is good and God is great!

xoxo miss jer bree