The Bergs are here....

The big A-Team family reunion

2011-08-22T21:02:00.004-06:00

out of order I know.... anyway more pics

2011-07-26T16:07:00.013-06:00

pictures.... San Fran and Monteray.

This is where the Giants play... they won the world series last year. We wanted to go to a game but all their games were away games while we were in town.

This is Ghirardelli square.... they gave out free caramel chocolate squares. I'm not usually a chocolate person but they were pretty good.

The Golden Gate Bridge... pretty foggy.

I learned there are two types of redwoods. Very tall and very thick and not so tall and still very thick. We saw the very tall and very thick ones.

We watched a Oakland A's game. It was pretty fun. It was dog day that was the only downer. The A's won though.

Where did we go on our honeymoon you ask? Well....

2011-07-26T14:52:00.013-06:00

We did some awesome stuff... and I have no clue how to put pictures in order.

This is where we saw "Billy Elliot" It was a pretty sweet play.

We rode the trolley in San Fran. Fun and I kept thinking about that Rica Roni commercial.

Alcatraz

Don't be tricked... this is NOT the Golden Gate bridge it's the Bay Bridge almost just as cool.

This tram hit the end of the road and had to be turned around.

Did you know that the A's and the Raiders play in the same stadium? Yeah me either.

Down on the wharf! The warf is a place that is along the ocean-side of the ocean. :)

I look like a hoodlem.... but hey look at the view.

We rode these all around San Fran. Pretty old school.

Ocean view property...

The famous "pebble beach"

The Lone Cypress

A bridge, mountains, cliffs, ocean.... and us.

The Bird Rock... yes that is what it is named.

A bird from the "rock"

The "seal tire" .... no that is not what is called.

Me

Wayne

Our favorite place we ate at our whole trip.... we still talk about it almost every day.

Cannery row.... famous for sardines back in the day. Now it has little shops and a huge aquarium.

Fun!

Our first model pic at the beach. It was pretty freezing.

The Oakland Temple... notice what the speed limit is.

This was the "area of play" at Stanford University.

Remember how the pics are out of order....

Introducing... The Bergs

2011-07-18T11:24:00.002-06:00

July 9th.... pretty big day!

2011-05-29T23:43:00.001-06:00

Feels like a dream...

2011-01-02T09:27:00.008-07:00

It's been about two months since I was in Dubai, but here are some pictures from the trip. Hopefully, more will come.

Abiding in the land of the Emiratis...

2010-12-20T09:39:00.005-07:00

So I have been in the land of Dubai for four days...

The Persian Gulf... or as the native Emiratis call it the Arabian Gulf

This is Sharjah the emirate next to Dubai. We went to the Sharjah Aquirium.

Little people live in the middle east too... they are everywhere! No one answered but it made for a good picture.

A Muslim mosque in Sharjah. They are everywhere and they are huge and pretty and white.

This was me flying somewhere over Utah... finally the journey began. I had a super long delay of 30 minutes. Lucky me my flights went great and I made it to Dubai on schedule.

United Arab Emirantes

2010-10-10T10:19:00.005-06:00

Where is the UAE located? Anyone...

The correct answer would be in the Middle East!

This country is the 4th richest country in the world and is famous for having a few really cool features. Like:

The Tallest building in the world
Man-made islands
Indoor skiing resorts
The world's biggest shopping malls
Matt and Yvonne Anderson and family live there!!

And in the near future I will be visiting them...just purchased my ticket this weekend!!

ps. Sorry Dave and Janelle I guess California won't be part of the plans this Christmas, BUT maybe Thanksgiving?

One of my favorite moments in Europe!

2010-09-22T21:30:00.008-06:00

This view!

Playing ping pong with Marketa....and beating her afterwards:)

My favorite castle again!

The streets below my favorite castle....so I guess they are my favorite streets too!

...mmmmm how sweet

Holding up the dedication plaque

The dedication site...this was a sweet experience.

hangin with these people

and these people

and I guess these people

This was a great day...a true Czech experience with my parents and the church there.

Thanks to the parents.....

2010-09-22T21:22:00.010-06:00

Some great people I met.

Fun dinner with my new Europe friends!

We are all listening to a great teacher....yep it was dad!

Two stylin ladies on St. Charles bridge.

Me and the pops!

Prague the city of LOVE

More fun times

I love DAD... riding to something, somewhere.

Posing for the camera

I'm pretty sure that we were headed down from Petra Hill.

Buying our first metro pass....so memorable.

Dad and I on the St. Charles Bridge.

This is the meal when I got sick...had to stop at every gas station on the way home.

I love my parents the most!

Golden alter at the cathedral

At what you have all been waiting for the bone church...skulls

More skulls with bones in their mouths

Some type of crest made of bones

More bones!

Loving the bones....

church fun

Cemetary Fun

Escalator Fun

Metro Fun!

Sitting in the metro fun..... blah blah

Last one..... sitting next to stranger on the metro fun:)

Missionaries

People that Matt knows....he does look familiar though

The Miracle Mongolian!!!! She made it.

Flowers

The church, mission home, mission office, baptismal font, fhe home, and outreach home!!

Mom, Dad, and the stones :)

People

More people

My favorite castle!

Just in case you were wondering.....

2010-09-05T10:19:00.011-06:00

I'm still here!

So I know these have been long anticipated so here you go... my experience in Europe. They are in no specific order because that takes too long to do.

A cathedral over there in Europe :)

The outside of that cathedral over in Europe!

mmmm .... If I take the square root of 2,348 and divide that by 2.4 and add that to 8 then that should explain why the sun is so bright for JaNae. Seriously, squinting eyes are ridiculous.

Vienna, Austria

Shunbrun Palace....and that was just the side!

I stand on mountains, small hills, and stone walls

Surprise!!

The Front of Shunbrunn Palace.... this was one of the hottest days of our journey.

My idea.... turned out to look pretty dumb.

I felt like Kasey was really close to me.... and come to find out she was.

The beautiful countryside!

The Astronomical Clock.... waited and waited for the hour to strike. Anti-climatic.

First lunch in Europe.... it was all I hoped it would be.

Photo donated by Kasey.... do you see how that statue Moroni just catches the sun just right? Pure perfection really.

One of our many drives through random forests in Europe.

They are worried.... I was not.

St. Charles Bridge

It was weird...one moment I was a tourist, the next I was Cinderella!

Inside St. Vitus Cathedral.... this was my favorite cathedral. Massive huge!

Happy to be in a the Cathedral of St. Vitus.

Wendy, me, and Patrik

Down in the metro...good ole Namesti Miru

View from Mom and Dad's back veranda.

Fun times with the mums and pops

Karlovy Vary...awesome town!! They had special water springs out of the earth. Yes I drank from them too.

The Castle!

I read.

Dachua Concentration camps....the beds where hundreds of prisoners had to sleep. I wanted to lay in one, but there was some rule that said you couldn't.

Guard Tower....

The famous gate to Duchau.

The Castle!!

Who can name that movie....I am 16 going on 17 la la la la la laaaaa

THey are good!

Kasey got caught asking too many questions on the castle premises...torture chamber for her.

Cool street in Europe.

It's not that big of deal guys....it was just a huge 5 ton ball!!

My first confession in a catholic church.... I wonder why the priest never talked back to me? I guess I was forgiven. Was I suppose to leave a tip?

The best bed and breakfast in town!

I was on top of the world....literally, guys I was.

I told you!

That is me!

This is the Eagle Nest....where Hitler took all the special leaders who he wanted to impress.

Wendy and I looking out across the vastness. We imagined we were Adolf looking out over our empire. It was weird...so then we just imagined we were tourists looking out over a beautiful place. That felt normal.

Kasey and I on top of the world...pretty much.

Hitler's Bunker

Who knows what movie this house in on?

The Salt Mine caves...I was the fasted one in my group down the slide!

"The Tunnel" Salt Mine

Our sweet salt mine bum pants

Did you know you can pretty much feed any sheep in Europe? Yep you can.

Going up the tram to to the Salt Mines.

So beautiful...I think I could live in this little town.

The Lake of Shining Waters...... just kind of happened upon it.

We went to a town where it was a LAW that they had to have these metal things above the doors.

In that same town....we decided that we HAD to have a hot dog!

My first prayer kneeling on a bench in a catholic church. I recommend it....it felt a little different than kneeling next to my bed in my bedroom.

Peek-a-boo ....

My 37 Audio Tour..... never again!

Those audio tours were making me kind of loopy...as you can attest in this picture. Yikes!

My first apple struesel thing in Europe...it was free that was the best part.

Can you tell the real statue from the fake one?

The Maze of insanity...and yes I was frustrated and YES I tried to jump up and see where the exit was....and NO it didn't help.

I know this has some cool name like the .... can't remember, but it was cool. I climbed up to the top roof place.

Me among the European...can you spot me?

Just another picture...

Bling Pizza.... tuna + egg = one bite and I'm done!

The temple! Awesome...I was in Germany and the temple session was in Russian. FUN

The STAIRS....5 stories of fun.

Rub Rub....I will go back to the Czech sometime in my life....so they say.

Overlook of Prague....I love the roofs. Those are the red things.

As beautiful and breathtaking as Europe was....there is just something about my homeland!

The best of friends....kindred spirits

2010-03-21T18:27:00.009-06:00

A year and a half living together I have learned a lot from living with my sister T-nugh. (spelling changed to protect identity)

I will only dance crazy with T-nugh... because we both decided we can count it as our workout for the day. Crazy dancing + laughing= many calories burned.

With T-nugh doing anything is fun... usually super fun. Sometimes after doing something really fun with T-nugh... I go and try to do it by myself the next day and it's not even close as fun. One day I even just sat next to T-nugh and is was fun.....

Playing anything with T-nugh is fun... Tennis, softball, basketball you know things like that.

One time we went to Havasupai and she slept in my hammock because I didn't want to, and I thought to myself ... "that is nice she wants to sleep in my hammock"

My sister T-nugh is pretty sweet... she is an awesome friend and I will love her forever! I have always thought she's really got it together and knows who she is. For example: She met this kid and he's super cool and everytime I call her on the phone she never pays attention because she is with him and it's like I'm talking to myself but it's ok because I know that she is in love and that is good. I like him...

He thinks he's a thug from the inner cities of Vegas....

He picks his nose...

ALOT!

Sometimes I wonder how normal they are when they are together....

but really he's great and T-nugh is happy... so I guess he can take over from here.

More from the islands....

2009-12-27T21:59:00.005-07:00

Falling from the sky

All of my pictures are out of order...this is the plane we rode up in.

Getting into our plane.

Walking to our plane...

Doesn't Tina look alittle nervous? Look at that hot guy helping me out.

We had to pretty much sign away our life.

Our body boarding competition....I lost.

Trying again..... I lost again.

They really do love eachother:)

Matt showing off on the surfboard.... what a weirdo.

Playing on the beach....

more fun on the beach...

Matt trying to help me out....

Building sandcastles in the sand...

ALOHA from the islands....

2009-12-27T21:29:00.004-07:00

On our way to skydive with my brother Matt on his birthday.

Trying to catch a wave to surf....

Trying to build a sand castle.

Body boarding in Hawaii

Competition...Matt won

In leu of Halloween....

2009-10-25T18:39:00.009-06:00

I'm not a Halloween person usually, but I decided I would try and get into the spirit. I watched a few scary films....and went to the city cemetery....and I might go to a haunted house. Probably not but maybe. I did have a purpose in going to the graveyard. I found out that my great grandparents were buried there. I never was able to meet them so when I found out they were in town:) I decided I would go up and pay my respects. Pretty cool experience....and I saw what a real city cemetery looks like...HUGE! Here are some pictures.

Hey Dad I saw this one this last time I went....I think we are related?

JaNae Anderson standing next to her Great Grandparents (Catten)

These are my great aunt and great Uncle...

"Great Uncle George never got married, spent 22 hrs in the Atlantic Ocean after getting torpedoed by a German U-boat (WWI)...was everybody's favorite Uncle because he always gave us money and had such a since of humor." Dad wrote this too me about Great Uncle George.(Uncle George was named after him)

Close up on the Great Grandparents.

For each little square on this paper there are ten graves!! This paper depicts only a small section of the cemetery.

This is the full on map of the cemetery...crazy huge!

Beside visiting family...I decided to go meet some of the prophets that were buried in the area. This is David O. McKay.

President Gordon B. Hinckley....

Heber J. Grant

More on Grant Tomb's :)

George Albert Smith

Orson Pratt

Debating...on whether this is the true Wilford Woodruff (the prophet's)...or somebody with a similiar name. Seems like he should have a big one too, but maybe back in his time those were not as cool.

So this just captures part of the cemetery...maybe 10% of it.

Welcome gate to the cemetery...WELCOME!

Hey family come visit me in Salt Lake during this Halloween season and I'll take you on a personal tour of the city cemetery. I kept the maps so I can find all the cool place:)

My latest adventure: GNP (Glacier National Park)

2009-08-01T23:48:00.014-06:00

This picture reminds me of Alaska...I believe this is St. Mary's Lake

Walking up to Hidden Lake.

It really was this much fun:)

We encountered some rain on the way to Hidden Lake, but it only made things so much cooler!

Scary close-up and its not even a cool picture

A small waterfall we encountered.

Pre-hidden lake to get us ready for the REAL hidden lake.

Some cool mountains!

My friend...he is a marmot.

My first view of Hidden Lake...what a site!

Getting closer....

and closer. It kind of reminded me of White Clouds just more green.

I forgot to tell you....I got a dog, and

big goat, and it's baby. They were too hard to pass up.

Hike out of Hidden Lake.

oh yeah and I got a deer too...I heard a boy say, "Hey dad look it's a 10 pointer". I smiled, he must be from the city.

The local tour bus...pretty cool.

Headed to Grimmel Glacier.

Part of out 13 mile hike to "the last glacier that you can hike to in north america" we heard a person say that. They must not be from around here...or heard of the state of Alaska.

What a great view!

Just some hikers blocking the great view!

Waterfalls were EVERYWHERE

I bet there was some great fishing taking place at this lake...

Cool rocks at Glacier National Park...who knew?

Small people...in front of big mountains makes for cool pictures.

I love this lake....so I put in another picture.

Look! More waterfalls

Part of the long 13 mile hike...it was totally worth it.

One lake...two lake.... and yes a third lake!!

Glacier water is so cool-d!

Grimmel Glacier...a site to behold.

another boring waterfall:) I love it!

....and another one.

....and another one with me squinting in the bright sun.

A conversation I heard on the trial, " Hey we are on the continental divide!...Do you know what that is? Of course, it's where it divides the United States from Canada." This was another time I smiled and decided that there are some people who are not paying attention in Geography class.

Waterfall number 3589

This was an amazing view! CAmera just doesn't do it justice.

I think this was part of the trinity....Glacier style. It's missing the Holy Ghost.

Part 2 will be coming....It's true I have more pictures.

A weekend of fun...

2009-07-27T11:50:00.002-06:00

Tina and Ellie were swim buddies

Good to see my underwater camera works.

Michelle said, "Dunk Oscar!" So I did:)

Swim buddies again:)

Oscar was my swim buddy....not sure why the picture is so hazy.

My older sister Michelle brought her kids during this last weekend of the 24th and we had some fun times. Oscar and Ellie loved the pool!

Watch out Czeckians...Czechenese...or is it Czechites?

2009-07-27T10:40:00.002-06:00

They looks so good!!

My first goodbye...there have been a few more since this:)

Tina and the parents.

The first missionary quarters...SUPER 8 Hotel!

Can't wait to come visit you next July in the Czech!

LOVE YOU

Why 30 rocks!!

2009-07-14T20:47:00.002-06:00

Here are a few reasons why 30 rocks

I get to check a new age group box on forms.
I have stopped trying to find myself and started creating myself. (kinda deep I know:)
There is only on option to not turning 30, that is death. I say, “Welcome 30!"

Ok so maybe 30 doesn't rock but I'm ok with my increase in age. I've done some pretty cool things and am excited for more.

Havasupai fun...

2009-06-18T11:11:00.011-06:00

This was an excellent adventure!! I loved every minute of it. I'm still learning with this whole blog thing so my pictures are all out of order BUT I did label most of them so that should help. I hope you enjoy them!

If anyone wants to plan a trip to Havasupai count me in!!!

The end of our hike...we all DID IT!!

Becky and I decided to pack out stuff out...it ended up not being too bad.

There were tons of small falls like this all throughout Havasupai.

Havasu Falls

This is Kim! Modeling Havasu Falls.

Hiking out of Havasupai.

At the base of Beaver Falls.

After the rock climb...

Some beautiful footage of Tina:)

Hiking away from Mooney Falls on our way to Beaver.

Posing behind a random waterfall.

Mooney Falls...if you look closely you can see me at the top.

I'm not sure what falls these are they were gated off and we couldn't get a close look...maybe they are Navajo Falls?

Reaching the village where we had to pay.

Hiking....

Isn't it beautiful?

Just hanging out in Beaver Falls.

This is Kasey! Modeling the beauty of Havasupai.

Becky and me after successfully doing the rope swing.

Swinging through the air on the rope swing...I landed it pretty shallow water, but it was super fun.

Getting the tubes ready for some wild river rafting!

Another pic by Havasu Falls.

Havasu Falls

Me and Tina on the hike in...glad my sister came!

Just before the big descent down the switchbacks to start the hike.

How we wash the hair in the wild of Havasupai!

This one is a weird angle but we just rock climbed us this portion. The others below were too scared to make the attempt.

This is Kim! and she is modeling the falls.

Just walking around the falls...fun!

On our way to Beaver Falls...Tina wanted us to all take our turn walking over the hill for a video. If I knew how to do video I would show you, but I don't:)

Becky and I behind a sweet waterfall.

This trip I decided to go with a hammock, which was really comfortable, but COLD!

At the base of Havasu Falls...it was super cold.

The first real falls we came to...Havasu Falls.

The church the village people went to.

Somewhere on the 10 mile trail...Erika, Me, and Kasey.

Tina showing us where we would be hiking...

Getting our packs on at 4 in the morning!

Our last real meal in Peach Springs, AZ (69 miles away from the Trail head)

This was our planning meeting...intense!

My Mom

2009-05-09T16:22:00.004-06:00

So I have known my mom for 20 something years I can't even remember how many because it's been so long. I'm sure I'll know her for even more years to come. She is absolutely the best mom and friend!...and I don't believe in best friends:) That is because my mom is the key holder of that title. A few memories of my mum and how amazing she is are as follows:

Memory one: teaching me piano when I was growing up. She would tell me to practice and practice and then when the lesson came around she would have to take a break to talk on the phone for ALONG time...but I have good memories of it, and yes mom I wish I would have kept with it.

Memory two: Playing sports and seeing her in the stands cheering me on. The only two fans I would always look for were my parents. They were the only ones who mattered.

Memory three: Letting me read to her....now I LOVE to read.

Memory four: Growing up with mom always telling me to wear my hair down because it looks better...and then following it with but you are always beautiful, but you look so good with your hair down. Mom I wear my hair down as much as possible because I know it would make you happy.

Memory five: Coming home from school looking for you and finding you down in the TV room with your tools and vacuum parts all over the floor. I'm pretty sure you could fix anything.

Memory six: Coming home to visit and one of the first things you say is, "This will be great you can put color in my hair!". I love you MOM!!

Memory seven: Coming home from my mission and hugging you and you whispered to me, "Why aren't you crying? Aren't you happy to see me?" I did all my crying in the plane...I was excited to see you.

Memory eight: Watching you drink down the wheat grass and swear to the world that it is making you younger. I drank some and I'm not sure if I felt younger.

Memory nine: Watching you get excited for your mission and seeing you glow with the spirit!! I love it and a part of me is really jealous that you are serving and I'm not.

Memory ten: Talking with my mom...I love to talk to my mom and I know she loves me and I love her and we love eachother, forever and ever and ever!

Happy Mother's Day mom...you are the best and I can't wait to see you soon.

My first camping experience of the year!

2009-04-11T16:17:00.006-06:00

So I absolutely love LOVE camping! I would do it all summer long if I could. No make-up or fixing your hair, seriously how much better could it get? I have some great friends who asked me to go camping during my spring break. Even though I was feeling a little under the weather I told them HECK YES!....because I LOVE camping. The best thing about camping is that you get to see different places. I have camped in some pretty awesome places...like on a small island, in the crator of a volcano, white-clouds, on the beach at Palisades, in rainstorms, in wind storms, on sand dunes, during a lunar eclipse and meteor showers.... and recently in my friends backyard. She has a really big backyard with lots of trees so it felt like I was really out in the wild....however we did have some modern conviences of home. A heater, a lamph, and a laptop to watch movies:) In the morning I was woken up by the neighbor hedging his lawn and car horns honking BUT, I did have a great time. Thanks Kel and Malia can't wait to do it again when I'm not coughing all night long.

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-11T12:53:00.001-06:00

I know it's been months....

2009-03-28T17:40:00.008-06:00

.....but crazy enough life is still the same for me. I have experienced a few fun things since my last post. I had two brothers get married, found out two sister-in-laws are having boys in May, ran a half marathon, parents got their mission call to Czech Republic (leaving in July), made some fun new friends, and am getting excited for Havasupai in June!!! I'm pretty excited for that one. Decided to start saving my money so I can visit my parents next summer in Europe...they say Prague is a pretty sweet place to see.

I also play on this sweet ward basketball team. We have tons of players so a lot of us have to sit, but every 4 minutes I get to go in and play. Good thing my roommate brings her camera and takes pictures of us. It makes us feel semi-professional. It's fun and I really like hanging out with the other girls.

Other things:

I've decided that Emma likes me....I wasn't sure for awhile. (This was during a big break through)

All the neices and nephews are doing great!

I think the next thing I'm training for is the big Triathlon that I do every year....I really hope we can get some more participants. Last year we had 4....but we didn't publicize really. Maybe this year we can atleast double it :) Is eight asking too much?

Life is good!

What do you guys think of the new family photo?

2009-02-02T16:31:00.002-07:00

IF you can't see it very well....click on the picture :)

Last best purchase...or is it?

2009-01-26T18:02:00.004-07:00

Just before christmas I purchased some sweet snowshoes. One might say, "why didn't you wait so you could get them for christmas?". I have discovered lately that I have become what I have always dreaded....an impulse buyer. However, I have recommitted to being frugle. My roommates would laugh....I just bought two tankinis, a guitar tuner, shoes, boots, and numerous other items. In my defense they were all on sale due to the outrageous after christmas deals. What am I going to do with my money next? Put every penny in the bank!

ps. I know in that last picture I look somewhat like a marshmellow man, but I'm pretty sure Wendy had her camera on "short and fat" mode. Seriously Wendy think of my feelings....

Kenton and Brittany a few years later...

2009-01-26T17:57:00.002-07:00

Ok so my first photo of these two was back in highschool and I felt kind of bad that people couldn't see them as they are now. Here they are in a engagment picture. They are getting married this Saturday! Crazy...

2009

2009-01-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

My first official post of 2009!

kenton breaks the record...

2008-11-27T21:56:00.004-07:00

(So I think this is kind of an old picture...pre-mission for Kenton)

Three months home from his mission and he is in engaged!!! Setting a record for youngest Anderson engagement. I'm pretty excited! Brittney is awesome. Another great sister-in-law to add to the family. David and Janell in December....Kenton and Brittney in February.....who will be next?

Remember when tag...

2008-11-07T10:57:00.003-07:00

So this is my first tag ever...not sure how I feel about tags. Especially as i'm sitting outside in my car, where I had to drive down the street and around the corner to "steal" my internet I need to post it. The things you do for your older siblings. Love you sister Michelle!

Ok lets get started:

1. Four Songs I loved as a child and still adore.

Wow I really need to think about this one. I used to LOVE to watch the Mickey mouse club and I know they had cool songs, but I can't remember any of them. My dad I think taught me a song titled "My name is Yon Yonson" I used to sing it all the time. Sometimes I still do. That is a good one. I'm not even sure if it's a real song, but it reminds me of my dad.

I really like "The Rose" by Bette Midler. It never gets old. I know it's a lame song for most people but I really like it for some reason. I feel all good inside when I hear that first line, "Some say love...."

I remember when my sister Michelle introduced me to Celine Dion...what a great moment. Celine sings a great song, "Water from the Moon" absolutely LOVE it. Two concerts and many late nights of Celine and I still love her voice and her music.

I'm not sure what constitutes "when I was a child", but when I was in junior high my brother introduced me to the Indigo Girls and I have loved them every since. They sing a great song "Least Complicated"...if you love to sing in your car by yourself this is the song for you.

This last one I have absolutely no idea who sings it but I love it the most of any church song ever made. "I heard him come". I really really really like it. I have met people who don't like it and I understand that but I usually don't like that person anymore. :)

2. Four friends I had when I was little and still keep in contact with.

What does keep in contact with mean? I have a few friends from that time in my life....but only keep in contact once every year or so. Thank goodness for facebook and blogging.

Connie Clements: really was a great friend lived down the block, but I haven't seen her in years, but I text her everyone once in a while. That counts?
Krista Francis: I had lunch with her last summer, she was going to set me up with a friend this last summer.
Megan Leatham: recently married my old home teacher, we text/email/see eachother on occasion.
My family: I spent many many many days with great brothers and sisters who I would almost rather be with than any of my friends while I was growing up.

I've noticed great people and friends come into your life all the time. Some phase out eventually but all have had major influences in my life!

3. Four weaknesses that I had as a child and still have now.

Who came up with this part of the tag....dumb. Ok here it goes....

When I was little I loved sugar. I would eat it all the time. I would even sneak and have some ice cream at nights to fulfill the craving. Which I think leads to me not liking ice cream much now. But I still LOVE sugar and go through my little cravings even when I'm 29. Which leads to my attempts to go "off" sweets a few months of the year.

When I was little I was shy. So shy that it almost made me sick to think of going to a first day of school and not knowing where my friends were or being in a class where I didn't know anybody. Thank goodness for my mission and college that forced me out of my comfort zone. Even though now I love to make friends and meet new people I have a very hard time doing it alone. I get really shy and come up with excuses why I shouldn't do something. Good thing I have two great roommates who help me in this area more than they know.

Growing up all my brothers and sisters can atest that I always had to have the last say. It's still true to this day. I really try to keep my mouth shut and just listen, but for some reason, which I really hate, I can't sometimes. I'm doing better, but sometimes I wish that I would have been born without a mouth.

Growing up I felt I was super overly sensitive. I would let some little things bother me and then I would feel super bad. And because I felt so sensitive I wouldn't want to confront a person or a situation due to the fact that I would feel so awkward. Still to this day I do that. I stay away from certain people or situations because I don't want to be hurt or hurt. I think this is a major problem since it keeps me away from people and things I care about and need. (wow that was a little more serious, sorry folks)

4. Four strengths I had as a child and still feel like I have now.

This is better....

I felt I was good at being athletic. I could always catch on pretty quickly to most things. Plus, I really like them. I was born between two boys who liked sports and I really think that helped me to like them too. And I had parents who encouraged me to play and would come watch me. I still remember playing soccer when I was little and my dad said for every goal that i scored he would give me a candy bar. One day he had to buy me 3 candybars and probaby teach me not to be a ball hog anymore. I think it really helped me develop a love for working out and feeling healthy.

I loved to read. Growing up I love to read....I would read all the time. There are so many good books out there and I still love reading. I wasn't always good at it, but now the best feeling is knowing you have some good down time to read a good book.

I like seeing people happy. When I was little I really tried to hard to be happy so that the other people around me could feel it too. I almost made a game out it. I would tell myself when I was sad...."Is it really that bad?"....or my mom taught me once that, "If we really want to do something we can do it. We just have to work for it." I wanted to be happy. Growing up sometimes it was hard to remember, but really there are so many reasons to be happy. When you're sad just think of one or two. Most of my goods thoughts come when i think about my family.

I loved making goals. I think my sisters got me into this. I love feeling like I am in control of my own life. Goals do that for me. Plus, its a good way to feel connected to other people when you make goals together. Good memories making goals with my sisters.

5. Four people I want to tag:
Well I don't really have four people I want to tag....all the ones i wanted have already been tagged. Yvonne have you been tagged...and Wendy my roommate. That would be fun!

Tag smag....I'll do it soon sister.

2008-11-05T22:23:00.001-07:00

I'm being lazy....post coming soon.

I have decided to name my new plant CLOEE, pronounced clo..ee

2008-10-05T16:12:00.001-06:00

Being a good example...

2008-10-04T19:04:00.004-06:00

So recently in my class I taught about Global Warming and the effects it has on our environment. I encouraged my students to take action and make a difference. One student raised their hand and asked, "What do you do Ms. Anderson to "go gree" and make a difference?" I wished I could have said something besides my lame answer that I sold my gas hog and bought a Mazda. :) So...today I went out and bought a plant and pump hairspray. On an internet site I found while I was researching for my class it said that two easy ways to go green and help the planet are:

1. plant a plant

2. no sprays...

that stuff is bad and has CFC's (clouroflourocarbons)...it case you were wondering what it meant. They are bad greenhouse gases that effect our atmosphere in a "planet threatening" way.

So anyway, next year when students ask me what i'm doing to go green I can give them a straight answer.

GO GREEN!

If you are interested in getting a plant like mine it's a Bonsai Ficus Ginseng it's 10 bucks at

the store. Easy keep up and great for beginners.

The week of annoncements...

2008-09-27T20:04:00.003-06:00

1. Joe and Marilyn are expecting
2. Kenton is home from Portugal
3. Dave and Janell are getting married
4....to be continued!!

More to come :)

David's the king!

2008-09-21T11:54:00.003-06:00

(random picture of Dave so those of you can remember what he looks like)

Great times in the Anderson family. David is engaged and set to get married December 27th in the Rexburg temple! So happy for my little brother.

Sick of seeing me?

2008-09-02T16:40:00.002-06:00

I put this post in just so my head is not the first thing you see when you come to my blog. Annoying!

School has begun and once again I have the BEST students ever. So good and respectful! I love working at Westlake. These are the times I would just like to thank Kandis for telling her sister-in-law to put in a good word for me at her school. Where would I be without that moment?

The new ME

2008-08-21T17:43:00.002-06:00

Ok so these are not the best pictures, but this is the new me! I even feel different...I think I can run faster and swim faster, less hair to carry around. I have a great personal hair stylist if you are interested in making a major change to your hair she is the one. Let me know and I'll let you in on who she is:)

latest things to know and be aware of...

2008-08-20T19:56:00.002-06:00

Have you been watching the olympics?
Have you been keeping informed about the presidential race? (vice presidents are to be picked tomorrow)
What the heck is going on with these terrorists?...where are they?
Why is Nancy Pelosi the speaker of the house.....I mean seriously who is the lady anyway?
Did you know there was sychonized diving in the olympics?....or badmitton?
Where did Ross Perot go? Doesn't he usually come around when theres two real winners running for president?
Have you checked out JaNae's new haircut?....Can she really pull off the a-line? (picture coming soon)

It's true folks I finally went to my personal hair dresser and told her to cut it all off...well actually those weren't my exact words, but my hair is shorter, I like it and I had to buy a hair brush. My hands were doing just fine before, but I guess they just wouldn't cut it with the new do. Besides the sore arms after minutes and minutes of blowdrying with the round brush, I can honestly say that I like the new hair. I think I might just keep it awhile.

Part II: White Clouds

2008-08-09T13:26:00.004-06:00

muscles and marilyn

posing mom...beautiful!

Joe's big fish

Jon's pretty fish

Double duty

Joe on the rocks

Marilyn fishing

The parents

Jon and the waterfall

Dad taking a sneaky drink from the fresh water

The summer of 2008....Part I

2008-08-08T01:37:00.009-06:00

The parents leading the way

Joe doing double duty

My big catch...

On top of the white clouds

Super sunny

Joe teaching Marilyn the wakeboard

Joe watching in style

White Clouds begins...

the newlyweds...

jon and outdoors

great picture of Ellie

and Emma

Making cookies at Michelle's

JaNae and the goggles

JaNae jumping in the water...

Some people have good summers and then there are other people who have awesome summers. I was an awesome summer person this year. I'm not sure why it was so awesome, probably because I spent a lot more time with my family than usual. Plus, I lived in Rexburg which I thought would be hard, but turned out to be the best thing ever!!!! Shout out to mom and dad who are the BEST! Due to a recent purchase of mine I have been able to document some recent adventures I have had. I probably won't narrate on any of them....takes too much time, but they were all fun and I can't wait for more summer fun...and then fall...and then winter....

You will see:
wakeboarding fun
making cookies with the little ones
White clouds and more....

Enjoy all the pictures and video...and feel free to comment and tell me which one you liked best.

My fun summer....

2008-08-07T13:36:00.000-06:00

great pictures coming soon!!!

Today...Thursday...24th of July...Pioneers come to Utah...Desnews 10k... but best of all my brother Kenton's Birthday!!

2008-07-24T12:12:00.007-06:00

In my last email to Kenton I told him that for his birthday I would run 6.2 miles for him. I made a shirt and a poster saying Happy Birthday in Portuguese. It was fun, but the race was hard! There was one particular time when I wanted to give up, but then I looked down at that superman K on my shirt and was inspired to keep moving:) besides what would by brother think if I wouldn't have followed through with my birthday present?...thanks Kenton for being amazing. Keep up the work and stay strong.

Can't wait for the next race....Alta Fitness Center Triathlon!! Anyone want to join me?
400 meter swim
9 mile bike ride
5k run

(Keep in mind that this was at around 4:50 in the morning, not looking too bad huh?)

new pictures from a new camera....

2008-07-23T20:17:00.012-06:00

Buring my weapons of war....

2008-07-20T19:58:00.003-06:00

So I listened to a great sunday school lesson today, the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's. Read it! Maybe if your lucky you will have an enlightening moment too.

Olympus Stylus 770SW....the camera for me!

2008-07-16T17:13:00.003-06:00

So I believe that I have found the camera for me. It's waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, plus has video capabilities. I was debating for awhile on if I should go super nice for a camera, but I decided that with the places that I would take this camera it would probably be better to get something "super" semi-nice and one that can weather all the elements .....here it is!

My amazing sisters...bosom buddies...kindred spirits

2008-07-09T10:51:00.012-06:00

Nights of talking till Dad tells us to be quiet, fixing my hair everyday till I was in the 6th grade, running the trail, running the marathlon, talking about our goals, getting excited about everything, the glow, motivating, serving missions, fighting over clothes, talking on the phone, laughing together...and crying, being jealous, working out, playing volleyball, stadium stairs, reading Harry Potter in a tent, missing you, inspired by you, and most of all loving you like crazy!!!

You both have changed my life...I can even remember the exact events that you did and you continue to do it. Thank you so much for being absolutely amazing to me!

(I know mom...I need to open my eyes more)

Destined to become one of the greats....

2008-07-09T10:45:00.006-06:00

Oscar is one of the cutest kids I know...I love this picture! Can't wait to see him soon.

I love these pictures....

2008-07-07T20:31:00.006-06:00

(stole these from Melissa) Abigail, Saylor, and Emma

STOP! I need a camera?

2008-07-06T21:34:00.010-06:00

I have been blogging...meaning checking out complete strangers blogs for the last half hour. It's crazy how you can lose track of time reading things about complete strangers...anyway, I have come to realize that the funnest blogs all involve pictures. Sure some have very entertaining posts without pictures but it's only by chance that I read them. It's because of the picture that I stop, sometimes the title, and read a post on a blog. Time for a purchase...

United States Trivia... Happy 4th of July people!

2008-07-04T17:45:00.010-06:00

How well do you know the country you live in and it's history? I give a quiz every year in my 8th grade history class about the United States and most of my students pass....let's see how you do.

1. Who wrote the Declarationo of Independence?
2. How many stripes are on the American Flag? (bonus: What do they stand for?)
3. What is the name of our National Anthem?
4. Who are the presidential canidates for the upcoming election?
5. Name the first 10 amendments....in order. (believe it or not kids can do this one)
6. Who wrote the Emancipation Proclamation?
7. Why did people come to America in the first place?
8. What are our unalienable rights? (hint: list three)
9. Who said, "Give me Liberty or give me death?"
10. Can you say the "Pledge of Alliegance" from memory?

Can you answer these? 99% of American's can't...if you want to enroll in my 8th grade history class feel free....pretty sure there will be some open seats. Oh and I do give private tutor sessions to those who need to brush up on their utah studies and geography knowledge.

ps. Will post answers to questions on next post

The Liberty 5k in Rexburg, Idaho

2008-07-04T17:37:00.001-06:00

About 11 o'clock last night I decided to run in the local 5k. I was a little hesitant to do it alone, but decided to sign up. I forgot what a small town Rexburg was....I saw old highschool buddies, professors from college, and young women's leaders. It was fun...I might just make this an annual event. However, that means I have to come to Rexburg for the 4th of July....ummm maybe i'll just run in a 5k every 4th of July somewhere.

Next up...the Desnews!

Pictures as promised...

2008-06-29T19:45:00.012-06:00

Angel's landing....I do this hike everytime I come. I love it...it's like you're on top of the world.

This one is at the "point of eternal breeze"

This one is looking down from the half way point....it's about a 800 foot drop...crazy high.

Dangerous..do you see the little people?

On top of the world...kinda

The narrows and me

more fun pictures...

Our fearless guide:

....informed by my sister that

2008-06-26T13:44:00.001-06:00

the posts about me being bored are ridiculous...I guess most everybody else is so busy it's crazy. Just for the record I am busy but I'm not really for liking doing all my busy stuff alone. While everyone is working I'm really very busy doing all my alone stuff. Which is so much more boring than doing all my alone busy stuff with other people.

The "How to not be bored" post

2008-06-20T09:34:00.003-06:00

First, I would like to apologize about not having many pictures lately...boring I know. I promise my next post will have plenty of pictures.

Ok now I can honestly say that for the past week I have not been bored once...not once! What have I been doing different since my last post? Those of you who are getting exciting to learn the cure to boredom won't be happy with my answer. Work...it's true. I went home and went straight to work. I planted lots of sweet corn, wild flowers, cleaned out the barn, mowed our huge lawn, cleaned out part of our shed, cleaned out our fridge (freezer too, not a fan by the way) and did a whole good clean of the whole house.

It really is true the saying, "forget yourself and go to work".

Freedom is not always fun...

2008-06-12T18:52:00.003-06:00

Ok so I have been out of school for exactly one week and I have never been so bored in all my life. I know what you are thinking...just get a job. I can't find one flexible enough for me :) I need one that will let me leave whenever I want and pay me good and let me work outside...and is ok with only hiring me for two months. Any ideas? Well, I have decided that having my summers off is not all its cracked up to be...especially when all the people I do stuff with are working. And I think deep down get somewhat jealous at my new acquired freedom...do not be jealous. In the last week I have spent more time at the store buying whatever. If anyone ever has a day off call me!! And remember people...freedom is not always fun.

What is going on with me....

2008-05-28T16:01:00.004-06:00

lots! The month of May is right next to my favorite month June and so it's pretty much almost my favorite. I have done so many fun things so far this month. Like:

-the best run ever in the rain with good friends
-going to the Manti Temple
-Ending my 4th year of teaching (less than a week to go)
-getting out and getting some sun (I love that vitamin E or is it D)
-longboarding all by myself cause my brother is too busy with his girlfriend....anyone want to longboard?
-going to Fairfield...or is it Fairview and listening to great stories from Liz:)
-making spontaneous trips to tabby
-playing frisbree golf
-training for the triathlon
-playing with Oscar and getting sad remembering that soon he will not be close anymore
-haveing remarkably awesome roommates!
-mountain biking in the actual mountains...absolutely amazing and quite entertaining.
-just hanging out with Erika (erika can't wait to hear the poem)

and the list goes on...may is turning out to be super awesome!

Summer is almost here and I already have 20 ideas in my head of what I want to do on my first free day.

Attention: Advice needed!!

2008-05-10T19:55:00.004-06:00

So I have been debating recently about a potential hairstyle choice. My hair is in desperate need of a cut/color and so I was thinking to myself as I always do when this time comes around which seems to be every month (the curse of fast growing hair) should I go for the A-line cut...should I? Or should I just stick with what I know how to style somewhat? Which need I remind you is a style I have had for many years. A few changes have been made to it...like bangs for instance...but I don't truely feel that I accensuate the bang aspect of my hair like I should. I have recently be somewhat covetous of my sister-in-law's hair. She has a a-line and it's super cute, but she is little and has a small face structure. The Anderson face is not really known for it's delicate, cut, little features. However, maybe that is what a A-line can do...give the illusion to on-lookers that I have a supermodel face, not everyone is lucky enough to be born with it.

Elaina Ruth Bradshaw

2008-05-10T19:09:00.003-06:00

She already looks like she has some attitude.

My sister is having...

2008-04-24T11:31:00.002-06:00

Contractions...is that really something you share on a post? I'm so excited!

6 years....

2008-04-20T20:10:00.004-06:00

It's been 6 years since I came home from the mission....crazy! I met some great people, did some amazing things, and witnessed miracles. Dominican Repubic will always hold a special place in my heart.

My Brother Dave....

2008-04-20T19:46:00.004-06:00

(photo by the talented Wendy)

It's a beautiful Saturday and I'm sitting in a perfect seat at the "U" stadium. It's a close game. The quarter back throws the ball and it's going long.....long.....long....interception by none other than my great and talented younger brother Dave! It was awesome so I cheer and realize that I'm the only one....oh well it was a great moment. Dave did awesome in his flag football game. I can't remember if they won or not but does that really matter? What matters is that he will go down in history for making an great interception....I love watching football.

Salt Lake 5k: Power to the Peaceful

2008-04-20T19:29:00.004-06:00

So I'm not sure why the other girls in this photo are not smiling but I was pretty darn excited to be running in a race. The race was very eventful not only was I able to run 3.1 miles around the city of Salt Lake but I was able to see two bike crashes...right before my very eyes.(both bike riders survived:), I was slapped on the behind by a passing runner...maybe that was their way of saying, "coming up on your left", I was passed by a mom running with her stroller...of three, made a friend with a lady who was so excited that everytime she said something she hit my arm, and finally the finish line where I was able to cross and proudly say that I didn't walk at all. Fun times!! Next race June 7th...the TRIATHLON:)

So I guess Wendy didn't see the memo...this races theme was 70's....Erika with the Tie-die and me in my "statement" shirt.

Back to the books...and back to school

2008-04-20T19:14:00.003-06:00

And I don't mean teaching...yes it's true I am going back to school. I won't be taking a school bus though. I'm actually taking a class on-line from BYU-Idaho. I was really excited until I got the syllabus and then I started wondering why I decided to take a class. The class in on Africa...remember I'm a history/geography lover so I might as well take a class about something I love. Africa is such a interesting place with an interesting history. I'm sure you will see some posts in the future sharing things I've learned. I always tell people that my name JaNae was derived from a ancient tribal language deep in the jungles of the congo in Africa. They always believe me. So I guess it's meant to be....me studying Africa.

In our life for a reason....

2008-04-09T15:32:00.004-06:00

Once apon a time there was this girl who purchased a Nissan Pathfinder...she loved her car especially in the winter time when she could turn on the heated seats and crank it into 4-wheel drive and swiftly and safetly drive to wherever the gas tank could take her. As weeks and months passed the girl and the nissan became inseperable. Driving to zion, rexburg, bryce, but most the time just to the Smith's down the street. With summer brought fun rides up the canyon...or fast trips to the nearby swimming pool. Looking back one can't help but smile at the memories of sitting on fire hot leather seats in the summer time or slippery cold seats in the winter time. Then came the day that they would have to say good bye...

So readers....don't think i'm lame if I'm sounding somewhat materialistic. The Nissan saga/era/experience has ended.

I'm addicted...

2008-04-04T15:20:00.002-06:00

So when I came to Utah to live about 5 years ago there were so many things that were new to me. Coming from Rexburg to Salt Lake there are so many changes. A bigger city, more people, nice weather, more book stores (in Rexburg all I had was the library), more parks, concerts,….anyway I think you get the idea. However, there is one last “new” I would like to share. In Idaho where I live when it come to radio stations we have a few...none of which I think are that great. When I came to Utah it was like opening a whole new universe of radio frequencies...with every turn of the dial a new voice, a new song. It was awesome! For a while I would just put my radio on seek/scan and just sit in awe as I was able to stay entertained for minutes on what was on the radio. So many selections...it was hard to be loyal to just one station. As I saw my friends settle down with one radio station or another I found myself not ready to commit. So I went on going from one station to another hoping to find one that would make me stop in my tracks and pull me in. It wasn’t until one morning early, very early, I found "the" station. I was skimming through the channels going from 104.3 to 106.7 getting annoyed at the selections when my dial stopped on 105.3. It was about 6:15am and I was headed to work when I found it. Known to many as the boring National Public Radio, to me, it was love at first listen. There is a great program on NPR called the Bryant Park Project. It goes from 5-7am and is hilarious (to me) and informative about current news as well as interesting useless facts.

How do I know I’m addicted?

Well, I find myself sometimes getting up earlier than needed so that I can listen to the NPR: Bryant Park Project on my way to work….then I discovered their website (http://www.npr.org/blogs/bryantpark/) and find that I can listen to their show anytime. No more early mornings for me.

I realize this might not be a radio station that just anyone would love (only the chosen)...so please don’t tell me if you don’t like it. However, I would encourage you to take a listen and see what you think. But as for me….

I am addicted to NPR...how sad.

Have you seen these?

2008-03-28T17:58:00.007-06:00

Good films I want to see:

Whale Rider
Note to reader: Not part of the Free Willy series

Rabbit Proof Fence
This one is based on a true story that takes place in Australia

Sometimes in April
True story on the Genocide in Rwanda.

God grew tired of us
True story about the lost boys of Sudan

They need to make more documentary movies....they are the good ones.

Peace, love, and happiness

2008-03-24T14:15:00.003-06:00

Last week in my Utah Studies class we were winding down on learning about the 60's and 70's so I had this great idea of having a Hippie Day in celebration of the time era. I was pretty excited! I even dressed up and wore a bandanna and made a peace necklace....I should have taken a picture. I had a mini-woodstock (minus the drugs and such) Many of my students brought their violins, trumpets, saxaphones, and voices and contributed....others just brought their dancing skills and peaceful attitudes. We had a meditation circle...where we had a mini-lava lamp to help in the mood. I could see the students connecting with their innerselves and becoming more aware of the hippie spirit. It was fun:)

This day got me to thinking.....

We could have a pretty crazy hippie party ourselves. Erika could provide tie-die shirts....those of you with muscial talents could share. I would bring my recorder or harmonica and share my skills... Guitar hero i'm sure would be appropriate or rock band. It's time to do something different with our lives...right? Time to take some chances and explore our innerselves...

Peace my friends

It's official...

2008-03-21T18:58:00.004-06:00

Who ever started the, "Who ever catches the bunndle of flowers gets married next." tradition? The first time it was thrown everybody ran...I think its becoming an unpopular tradition. However, I being the good sport that I am (and the oldest of the girls there) stood my ground for the second bundle of flowers toss. (not sure how to spell boquet..or buquet who knows) And so my fate is sealed. I just feel bad for all the girls who will have to wait for me:) But as you can tell most of them still have acouple ten to fifteen years before they will be starting to think of getting married. So I guess I have some time to find the lucky guy.

March 20th a.k.a The first day of Spring

2008-03-20T17:50:00.004-06:00

How many of you woke up this morning knowing it was the first day of spring? Only one more season until summer. I'm super excited for nice weather. I never thought I was one for seasonal depression but I think I might be. I love the sun so much. This winter seemed to last forever.

To celebrate I went running outside. I got on my running shoes and favorite shorts and some good tunes and hit the road. I felt like I could run forever....that lasted about 30 minutes. My intended running route was about a 5 mile run. However, I had to cut it short and make it only about 3.5 and that was with some walking. Note to self: keep in shape through the winter. Well I just wanted to officially welcome everyone to the season of spring!

Next up: Summer :)

My brother Joe

2008-03-14T21:53:00.003-06:00

Those of you who have not met Joe my brother this is him.(the other one is me) He is pretty much the best person in our family. He is great! Do you think we look anything alike?

Today is his last day of singleness...tomorrow at 11:30 he'll be a married man. I wonder what that would feel like?...knowing your getting married in less then 24 hours. One can only wonder I guess....atleast you would know you aren't going to be a menace to society anymore:)

I have five great brothers....three are already taken but there are still two more. Maybe if your lucky and single you'll be the next memeber in our family:)

Desperate times call for desperate measures....

2008-03-06T15:35:00.002-07:00

Well I have been living in the new place for about two weeks...and I have not done laundry once. I'm hitting rock bottom on necessary articles of clothing....and so here I am at the Larson Homestead cleaning my clothes in an empty house. It feels kinda weird to be all alone in a non-family members home, but I am writing this post from a sweet apple computer that has a huge screen. This is a true bloggers dream!!

Only two loads to wash.....

And the race begins...

2008-03-01T16:30:00.005-07:00

Ever since we were little my brother Dave and I have been rather competative with eachother. Sometimes it's the "mean I hate you and you will never beat me" competativeness...and sometimes its the "lets try hard together and have some good clean fun, but i'll still beat you" competativeness. As we get older and more mature for some reason we just can't shake that competativeness factor out of us. I bought a longboard a few months ago and decided that since I had Dave's name for Christmas I would get him one too so I would have a fun buddy to longboard with...and maybe entertain ourselves with some fun competitions. I'm not sure how one competes in longboarding...but i'm sure Dave and I will find a way.

(Note to the reader: we will soon be buying helmets and padding as to stick with our moral code of always being safe.)

*Stay tuned for some actual video footage

My theory about longboarding...

2008-02-29T18:23:00.004-07:00

Oftentimes there are moments in our life where we decide to venture out and experience something new or different...tip toe into the unknown if you will. I thought of different ways that I could take this step in my own life. Some of my first thoughts were: A)buy a moped. This would accomplish two things. One, converting more of my energies to my theme of staying green this year, helping the environment. Two, I have always wanted to ride on a moped with some sweet attire made of leather. B) purchase a longboard. Might as well go completely green plus it just looks super fun. C)buy a volkswagon van...this would be my first and truest desire. But it is more expensive and stuff. You know?

So...anyway I went for the longboard it's about 1,000 bucks cheaper thatn the moped...and 7,000 bucks cheaper then the Volks....and the best is that its very compatible. You can carry it around....put it in the back of your car...and I believe you have no need to get a special license or registration for a longboard.

Well enough of this boring post...the real reason I got online is to show you some action fotos of my first excursion on the longboard...

Just call me....

2008-02-29T18:16:00.003-07:00

Changing my name proved to me a little more difficult then I thought. I guess when I heard Miley Cyrus changed her name I was thinking it must not be that hard but I was mistaken. However, please fill free to call me Sue and/or Aspen since those are the two who tied for first.

A new look...

2008-02-17T21:34:00.005-07:00

I must be going through some kind of new phase. I changed my room around at school, I changed my blog, I'm changing my place of residence in a week, I'm in the process of changing my name and I when I come to my final decision I would like you to call me by my new name. Check my poll I have a few options that I'm considering. And if any of you are lawyers out there please let me know what the legal ramifications are...I've never changed my name before.
What will be next?
"Am I for real?" You might be wondering.
...YES! I need some change.
Honestly, will I choose a new name...who knows, but I do need change. It might be a new name or it might just be a new shirt.

A new person...

2008-02-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

In my efforts to be more well rounded I decided to dedicate myself to making some changes and experiencing new things. No I didn't buy a ticket to Europe, or sign up for Yoga, or start internet dating....which if anyone has started these things to be more well rounded congratulations! I, however, have gone a more conservative route. I have done some of the following:

Started a new bank account: a big step for me. Moving my money anywhere is always risky. However, so far I am pleasantly surprised and feel that this change will help be one step closer to becoming less anxious about my investments

Decided I will like bikes and started a Spinning Class: Anyone who knows me knows I hate to ride bikes. I thought I like it and even bought a pretty nifty mountain bike in hopes that owning a nice bike would make me like it more. On any triathlon I have done it is always the biking that I dread, and always the biking that is most difficult. But I am determined to overcome this....why? Well i figure when I get older running will be out of the question because people say your bladder is not as strong so might as well play it safe.

Found a purpose for the Exercise Ball: STupid invention, mostly cause I almost always fly off when I'm trying to get some serious core workouts in, but I have come to realize that it is not a defect with the ball but with the user of the ball. It has many good uses and I am dedicated to use it in my workouts now.

I will try: This one is a bit more vague but to put it simply I will try....I will try to eat in the faculty room and like talking about algebra and the cool new Westlake shirts that are coming, I will try to talk less at night as not to annoy any pro-sleepers, I will try to see if a 24 year old boy is for me, I will try to forget what I can't control, I will try to remember to make my bed in the morning, I will try to brush my teeth at night, I will try..... I know some people might be thinking why don't you just say, "I will do"....and all I have to say to you people is baby steps....baby steps.

Well change is good and even though I really wish it would have been a trip to some exotic place....or a new hot yoga class. I'm determined that for me right now these changes are what I need and what I can handle. I guess I can't complain....if a new bank account makes me happy who am I to say it was a bad change?

Section II: Naming the twins

2008-02-06T20:16:00.002-07:00

Well i guess i was a little too late....they have been named, but they are good solid names with meaning and significance. Twin A and Twin B are now officially Abigail and Saylor Anderson. Abigail is on the right and Saylor on the left. Saylor has a lot of energy ready to take to the open waters...and Abigail is calm and steady like the wind. (is the wind really calm and steady?) Anyway, here are the great little ones!

It's a beautiful mornin...

2008-01-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

It was the morning of January 26, 2008 when the beautiful news arrived!! Twin A and Twin B arrived in Hawaii.... It was a beautiful morning.

They were born just moments ago and already they are kindred spirits. I want to be a twin....does anyone want to be my twin? We could try it out for one or two years....any takers?

Congratulations Matt and Yvonne!!!

Next up Michelle :)

I teach..... and I learn.... and my eyes are opened

2008-01-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

Short story:
Today I taught a lesson to my World Geography class. We are studying the continent of Africa. I focused on the conflicts there. Did you know that in Africa nearly 9.5 million people have been forced out of their countries into refugee camps? In Kenya right now due to political unrest 600+ people have been killed...In Sudan the muslims are fighting the christians for control....in Angola they have been fighting for 25 years in a brutal civil war....in Sierra Leone the rebel forces are slowing taking over. Almost every country has some type of political or civilian unrest.

"If this scale of destruction and fighting was in Europe, then people would be calling it World War III with the entire world rushing to report, provide aid, mediate and otherwise try to diffuse the situation."....but it's not Europe and we are not helping.

Why?

And who is all this effecting?

"Over half of the people killed in African conflicts are children"

It makes me want to go to Africa and do something....anyone want to come?

The big retirement bash!

2007-12-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Christmas night was the big night for our surprise retirement bash for the pappy. We were all more excited about that than christmas....and we were not disappointed!! We had a great program with my brothers dressing up as the Beegees singing "I gotta get a message to you" with the words changed to have it talk about the pops. Tina and Joe interviewed previous students...I wrote a poem...Matt and yvonne did a slideshow (great by the way)....and Dave did a nice "Keep Moving forward" presentation that kept us all laughing. Along with the amazing dinner and encore by the beegees it was a great night. Dad was surprised and us children felt good about putting on such a great performance.

I can hear the bells....wedding bells!

2007-12-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

The big news this week is Joe....has broken the family mold of waiting to get married until after you are 25 and has gotten himself engaged! Super excited for this sweet little couple. This is the lucky girl who gets to marry my nearly perfect little brother. I don't know her that well...but I have had various conversations (maybe one) and she's pretty cool. All I know is that she makes Joe smile...a lot and she has a great name:)

Marilyn welcome to the family!

Hey!

2007-12-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a post just has to be all about the poster/blogger. Some things you might not have known about me:

- I'm a gemini and have always been proud of the fact that I was born in the summer. I feel that I have a special connection with the earth and nature, not unlike the natives of America long ago who believed that everything had a "spirit and had a name" I, too feel that the world is a special place and contains a "great" spirit. :)

- I'm convinced that everybody has a glow....can't always see it at first but the more I meet people the more i'm sold on the idea that there is something in our skin (maybe it goes a little deeper than that) that sends off some type of radiation that catches my eye. I've known a few people who are perfect examples of this theory.

-The most important thing in my short 28 years of a life is my family....and it will be for the next 72 years of my life (I'm planning on living to 100)...and forever. :)

-I'm a perfectionist. One might not think this is possible when they look in my room or where I work...but it's true.

-I'm a good friend....I really am.

-I love James Taylor. Have you ever heard such a clear great voice? "You can close your eyes"...listen to it. If any boy ever sang me this song I would instantly be in love:)

-I love rain...especially running in it.

-I love my feet on hot cement or sand.

- Despite what people might think I do like hugs.

- Even after watching it hundreds of times I will always like Anne of Green Gables.

-The thing i'm probably second most happy for besides the family is me. I'm happy with who I am and what I have become....thus far:) (humbly speaking of course)

Well do you feel you know me better? We hope so :)

Dedicated to the maker of peach german pancakes!

2007-11-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

So I've met many a persons in my life....but no one quite like Erika Amazing (name has been changed to protect the innocent). She's amazing and I'm dedicating this post to her because she just made the most delicious peach german pancakes ever!!! Have you ever met one of those people who always makes you laugh? Who always makes you happy? Who always loves to hang out with you? And who always is your friend even when you are sometimes too busy to hang out? That is Erika Amazing. If you don't know her yet I would be glad to introduce you to her. She is my friend!! (and will be forever if I have anything to say about it)

p.s. by the way she makes some mean mouth watering apple pancakes too:)

I'm back!

2007-11-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? Who really knows....the important thing is that I'm back. Well many a thing has happened like:

1. I am know officially addicted to the vampire books (don't rub it in, there good)
2. I celebrated my 28th annual Thanksgiving (I decided i'll keep the tradition alive)
3.I'm almost 28 1/2 and am thinking about internet dating (no worries I have decided it's too risky)
4. I have taken up back country sledding (a lost art)
5.I'm happy (this has been a regular occurance since my last post)

I LOVE BLACK LICORICE

2007-10-30T13:06:00.000-06:00

I realize that my most recent survey was somewhat lame....but for some reason I like these surveys (thanks to Kandis Melinda Bryant for displaying them on her blog and giving me the idea) even though this last one was pretty stupid I put it on to help me get in the mood for Halloween. I am not pro-halloween...in fact the only thing I like to do on Halloween is... look at all the kids with probably sweet costumes you can't really see cause it's so cold outside they have to wear a coat. All the kids are so hyper from overload of sugar, and once they get home there will probably be one or two fights during a candy trading session.

Anyway....

I felt that this year my costume should be well thought out and represent something important in my life. The two options you had to choose from were: black licorice and a brown paper bag.

1. Everyone who knows me knows I love black licorice....why? Well it has zero fat and hardly any calories...so you can eat many and not feel too guilty. And the taste is like your chewing a little piece of heaven...mmmmm good.

2. Brown paper bag: this goes back to my school days. I loved sack lunches....specifically in a brown bag. Sometimes I had to take it in a plastic DI bag which was so embarrassing....on those days I refused to take a lunch and ate hot lunch. But when I could take my lunch in a brown bag....well it influenced me so much I decided to make it a option for my halloween costume. Deep down I'm happy it didn't win....it would have taken a lot of tanning and major wardrobe discomfort.

well...

Happy Halloween!!!

Vampires....seriously?

2007-10-21T20:08:00.000-06:00

So it seems that the vampire book won in my little survey. Crazy! Especially after I put that option in mostly as a joke. I promised myself that I would not jump on the band wagon and read this but it seems that there must be something to them. I see the books everywhere. My first encounter was my old roommate was reading them....then my students..... and then my volleyball girls. So....

Day One: I went to Barnes and Noble to buy the first book. As I was looking the book over and debating whether or not I should actually buy it a woman came up to me. She looked to be 45 or 50. "Have you read this book?" she asked me. "No" I reply, "but I'm thinking about it." She looked at me with wide eyes and with a very exciting voice testifies, "it's amazing...read it! But don't buy one here...if you go to Wal-mart you can buy one for 8 bucks. My neice introduced me to them and I have been hooked ever since. A great read!" As I thanked her and headed to the opposite side of the store I thought well what do I have to lose. So after spending about an hour in the history section I headed off to Wal-mart. I won't lie I was somewhat embarrassed to be seen buying it...but I did and I read 105 pages that first read!!! I'm trying to decide whether it was between boredom that kept me reading or the fact that I had no other plans for a Saturday night. Either way I am curious on what happens next...why do Edwards eyes change colors? How is he so strong? Time to do some personal research on vampires.

What is happening to me?....seriously I'm thinking about doing research on Vampires.

and the survey says....

2007-09-28T21:15:00.001-06:00

Well the survey has spoken. It looks like Alaska is the place for me next summer. Due to my ingenious way of listing possible answers or should I say choices...I was destined to go. I am glad that I decided to make this important decision of going to Alaska to be decided by my devout readers...thank you for your support and encourgement in this area.

Direct your attention to my next survey...dealing with literacy interests.

Life on the "East" side

2007-09-21T20:34:00.000-06:00

So I now reside in a new place....Turnberry. I've been here for about a month and there are some distinct things that I find unfamiliar and challenging in my new choice of residence. In comparison to the "west" side where I used to live...the "east" side, contrary to public opinion, is also full of friendly people who smile and say hi. I still have to park on the street sometimes if I don't get home before 8:30. This is when all the parking places are pretty much taken. It is hard to live with new people but I have come to the realization that this dilemma/issue is more me than them...they are nice folk especially my room roomy. I have found on the "east" side there are less sirens and kids running around in the street...but then on the flip side there are less sirens and less kids running in the street. It's weird some of the things you will or can miss....like the friendly cashiers at the Sev, or walking down your street and being the only white person, the familiar running routes, and the Mexi-mart. Emery and Utahna Drive will always hold a special place in my heart and the people who live there....but with Turnberry came change and a new stage of my life that I am excited for. Eastside....Westside it's all good:)

The Children

2007-09-19T09:11:00.000-06:00

Are not these the cutest kids ever? Emma, Henry, and Oscar:) Great names!

Segment One: Aunt of twins...can I do it?

2007-09-16T10:56:00.000-06:00

Well I have some great news to my readers out there. I will, come Feb. 21st, be an aunt of twins. This is great news coming from Matt and Yvonne in Hawaii. I’m glad that they finally told us. I have exactly 22 weeks to prepare for this. I have heard of some who have prepared with such short notice. However, that was with just one….I have to mentally prepare for two. How does one prepare to be the Aunt of twins? I need to come up with some mental practices that will help me focus on two things at once or give equally to two sources without failing. I will keep you informed on the progress if you have any friendly advice please share.
Next week stay tuned for Segment Two: How to name twins appropriately. There is sure to be some debate on this one.

Chacos vs. Flipflops

2007-08-24T22:29:00.001-06:00

Ok...so i have been a major supporter/defender of flipflops since my young years. Why? Because they are great. They fit nicely on your feet, they keep it nice and cool while allowing your feet to bask in their comfort....and they just look nice. Plus...a bonus is most flipflops are cheap and easy to find in your size and favorite color. Lately, however, I have run into some unexpected feelings about my flipflops. I seem to be more aware of their weaknesses....no heel support, that constant "flip...flop...flip....flop" a rhythm that seems to carry on into every thread of my life!! Dating...not dating...dating...not dating for example or have money...don't have much money...have money....etc. I think you get the point. And with all this they do have a huge lack of arch support. Which for my flat feet is greatly needed to keep my knees and back from aching....so to make a potentially long discussion shorter...I am know a proud owner of chacos. They address a majority of my issues that I had with flipflops, which I still own. I dont' think I coud completely say adios to them....they hold many great memories for me. Even though I have only had my chacos for a few two days....I have come to realize that they are a sandal for me. Two thumbs up for chacos!

Family Bonding

2007-08-18T23:23:00.000-06:00

This was overlooking Sheep Lake....beautiful isn't it? Have you noticed that it was designated bandana day? This was a great time! Missing in the picture are Dave and Mike...but I think they were busy fishing it up:)

The white cloud journey....

2007-08-15T15:36:00.001-06:00

It was not too long ago that some of the family took an excursion into central Idaho to conquer the White Clouds. It was a 7 mile hike in with heavy packs and beautiful scenery! We went fishing and hiking and cooking on a camp stove....fires were prohibited due to local dry foilage. It was one of the funnest things I have done and look forward to doing it again. Didn't catch a lot of fish but I scaled up a waterfall and saw some sweet wildlife and read some Harry Potter to my little sister with a head lamp on my head in our tent.....oh the memories :)

So goes the life of a nomad....

2007-08-14T14:13:00.001-06:00

So I'm picking up and moving again. It seems each time I gather my belongings I realize how much junk and absolutely worthless stuff I have...most holds sentimental value but do I really need to pack it around with me? I answer myself, "no" and so to the junk pile it goes. However, maybe I should take the advice of a wise friend...capture the worthless object and me in a picture. That way I can always go back and flip through a nice organized picture album and remember fondly some great memories while living in a room with nothing but a bed and my computer:) .....mmmmmm tempting

What is a hero?

2007-08-12T16:37:00.000-06:00

Well I will direct you to the best expert I know on this subject....enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1rGfwZJc5M

Finally.......!

2007-07-30T14:16:00.000-06:00

So my first post has arrived due to the persistence of a good person I know. What do you say on a "first post"? Who knows but this is pretty much just a practice post to see if I know what I am doing. I wonder if I can put a picture in it.....