free

I was just glancing through and reading some of my older blog posts. It's so funny how I remember tiny details of events even though they happened almost three years ago.

I was also wondering what my past self would think of me now. I'm such a different person, and I'm surprised it all happened in such a short amount of time. Moving away from home, becoming more responsible, being challenged more in school, and a brand new social life change a person. In both good and bad ways.

Freshman year: The naïve, perky, ignorant, irresponsible, social girl. But, that describes most Freshman, right? I thought I knew everything. I thought that I was so grown up, and could handle everything. The world was in my palm, and I was so happy. I had the best roommates, the funnest friends, the friendliest ward, and the perfect boyfriend. Life was good! Of course, it was perfect because I didn't have hardly any responsibilities. My biggest worries were if my apartment was clean for our cleaning checks and if I made the bus on time, and if I finished my paper for American Heritage. I managed to get by with 4-5 hours of sleep every night. I wish I could do that now!

Sophomore year: Everything changed. And yes, I mean everything. It was all gone. The boy, my best friend, left on a mission, my other best friends and neighbors lived blocks away and I didn't have a car. Everyone was always busy. Classes were getting harder. I had no idea who my roommates were, my ward was older and less friendly and enthusiastic. I realized now that this is the first time that the world was telling me to grow up, but I didn't recognize it, and I didn't now how to handle it. So, I handled it negatively. Things were going my way, and I felt completely out of control. So I gave in to restrictive eating.

Unfortunately that's the only memory I really have of the fall semester of my sophomore year. It was the same every day- force myself to get out of bed, weigh myself, go to class, come home weigh myself, beat myself up if I ate more than the day's goal of calories, weigh myself, and go back to bed. I did badly in school that semester and was stuck in a deep depression. The first real challenge of my life and I failed.

I finally decided that I needed out. It took months of the cycle- the struggle to get out and then the heartbreaking days when I would fall to anorexia again. The work with my bishop, friends, family, and school counselor was tiring. Finally, I saw light ahead. I can't describe it, but one day I woke up with a good feeling in my heart, and thought, It's possible. That was the best moment of my semester. I slowly worked out of it, and started being happy. I needed to go through that trial to strengthen myself in all ways- spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I was more of an adult than I ever had been. I'm grateful for this challenge. Nothing could've improved me more than this trial. I've also realized that I'm also more prepared to help others now and in the future.

Then, when I had never felt better- I met the most important person of my life. My dear husband. I know that he was my reward. He was my gift from my Heavenly Father for working against the temptations of Satan, and for being righteous. I know he came at a certain time and that it was the right time. And, with his help and support, I finally worked through recovery completely, and became healthy.

Junior year: I have my own, small family, living in an apartment with just me and my husband (and our two lizards), going to school, and working. It's hard. It's stressful. But I've never been happier! Life is completely different. Compared to freshman year, it's crazy how much my priorities have changed. I'm in a family ward, the lady of the house, taking care of and spoiling my husband, and never having enough time to do everything I need to do. And it is wonderful!

I can't believe the changes that have taken place in my life the last three years. And I can't wait to see what changes are to come!

the force is strong with this one

So, here are the promised pictures of Ricky! He's not very accommodating when I try to take his picture (lots of blurry pics), so I only got two.





And, I want to introduce you to someone new!

His name is Obi-Wan Kenobi, and he's our new Bearded Dragon! He is awesome.



We had first named him Admiral Ackbar (because his head twitches side to side like Ackbar's does in the Star Tours ride at Disneyland), but Obi-Wan seemed to fit him better. He eats veggies and fruits every day, and crickets two to three times a week. He loves to sit out in the light, and likes being held. It was easy, since, thanks to the Peterson's donation of their lizard gear (RIP Jackie), we had everything except the sand and the lizard!

P.S. Jennie, whenever you want your things back, just let us know! I'd feel bad keeping them forever.

Admiral Ackbar knows when it is a trap.

Obi-Wan is Ewan McGregor.

Ricky and Obi-Wan don't live together, and they certainly don't get along. Ricky couldn't care less about Obi, and when I set them next to each other on the couch, Ricky looked at him and then ignored him. But Obi-Wan on the other hand puffed up his beard, opened his mouth and started hissing. It was pretty neat! I'm sure Obi would never attack Ricky, but I don't want to test it.

We are enjoying Obi very much so far. We got him this evening for FHE. We've wanted one for a long time. Don't worry, we won't ignore Ricky. He'll probably be grateful we don't take him out as much. He's not one to love being handled all the time. So, everyone wins!

a year-kept secret

So, I have a secret... this mostly for my family, but it's still funny all the same.

Last Christmas I almost went home with John for a few days before going to my family's house.

It started out as a little flirty suggestion, then a joke, then a consideration, then a serious thought that I did want to go home with him for a few days. I didn't want to be away from him for two weeks.

However, the plane ticket had already been bought, and I couldn't miss my flight. Otherwise I would've been a big surprise for John's family when we walked in the door. Merry Christmas!

Instead, we texted each other unceasingly, he called me at midnight on New Years and we talked for an hour or so, and we read a book together. Well, we raced each other to see who could finish it first. Of course, he won.

This Christmas is a little bit different... I get to spend the whole break with him, and even *gasp* share a room with him!!!

beardies

Bearded dragons are AWESOME!

John and I want one. They are so cool!

They're smart, like to be handled and even beg for it sometimes, are fun to watch, like to take baths and showers, and are loyal to the owner. They're also awake during the day, unlike Ricky. They're super gentle, and kind, and are even really good around children. More than you can say for a lot of animals. It gets about 2 feet long, tail included. That means I can get it a leash and walk it around.

The only problem is we don't have a big enough cage. We were planning on getting a smaller cage for Ricky and putting a Beardie in Ricky's cage, but that one is only 12" x 24" and a Beardie needs a cage that is 20" x 40"... so I don't know how we'd swing that. But, I already picked a name for our Bearded Dragon, so we have to get one now.


I like this picture because it looks like he's smiling in the picture at the bottom.

Speaking of reptiles, Ricky is doing really well. He's a lot bigger now! He's still growing, though. (He is only 9 months old). We still love him and feed him lots of big crickets. He graduated to the larger crickets, which is nice because we don't have to buy as many. Instead of eating 7 or 8 little crickets, he eats 3 or 4 big ones. So that's really nice. He's lost a lot of his spots and gained some strange orange splotches of color. I can't find my camera, otherwise I'd post some new pictures up. Once I find it I'll take some.

Oh, and in case you're still wondering, we are going to name our bearded dragon Rumbleroar.

it's christmas?

John and I were driving one evening listening to Christmas music on the radio when a song came on that neither of us had heard before. I reached to change it until I heard the lyrics... It was a terrible song! Why on earth would someone play this for Christmas?




After we got home, John looked this up to see if it was real or not. We couldn't believe someone would turn this into a song. He found out that this was actually a number one song when it first came out. How? It was so bad we were actually laughing. Not because abuse is funny, but because we didn't expect to hear it. It is pretty ridiculous.

I hope this doesn't make me sound heartless... but it's just so... not Christmas.

the number one men's chorus fan

BYU Men's Chorus has one more concert left this semester. I've been to all the them so far, mainly to watch John, but I've loved every moment of them. I also have been continuing to go to almost every rehearsal. Those boys are just so amazing! I've talked to Sister Hall a few times and she thinks it's so cute that I go to support my husband at rehearsal every day, and said I'm the number one fan.

However, the last performance is at the MTC for the Christmas devotional this coming Sunday. I've known all semester that I wouldn't be allowed to go. Sister Hall, the conductor who is the sweetest and funniest lady ever, announces every year (in a British accent), "We're going to the MTC and it's for the elders and sisters. So, gentlemen, no girls! You may not bring anyone with you."

I was really sad that I couldn't go, especially since I've been hearing the choir rehearse all of their Christmas songs, and want to hear them in performance. So I spontaneously and boldly went up to talk to Sister Hall today.

"Um, Sister Hall..."
"Yes?"
"So, for Sunday, I was thinking that you'll need someone to go and check the guys' uniforms, and sew on buttons? Um, can I do that?"
Sister Hall's very loud laughter. "Yes!"
"Wait, so I can go?!"
"Yes, of course you can."
"Really!!!"
"So, will you bring your own sewing kit?"
"Of course! I can do that!"
"Oh good, then I won't have to."

When I went up to John right after, I smiled and said, "I guess I get to go with you on Sunday."
His response, "I can't believe you conned your way into our Christmas concert! That's awesome!" I may be the first girl to go to a "no girls allowed" Men's Chorus event. Now I get to find out about all their secret, cult-like, men only rituals...

I have a very smug smile on right now.

why i will not miss the cougareat

As none of you know, I will not be working at Teriyaki Stix next semester... or at the Cougareat at all. I am happy. I will list reasons why I do not want to work there anymore.

1. I am just tired of working fast food after a year.
   
2. I have crappy pay.
   
3. I feel that many (Not all. Many are awesome) of the student managers (SMs) think they have more power than they do...
4. ...and I often feel like they think I'm stupid, or that I can't do my job.
   
5. I didn't get the pay raises I was promised when I was hired.
6. I work around a lot of incompetent people. I wish they would use common sense or learn what I try to teach them.
7. Holley still scares me.
8. I don't like smelling like food/grease all day after work.
9. Hat hair
10. Rubber gloves... ew.
11. "Hi, what can I get for you? What kind of rice would you like with your chicken? That'll be $5.91. Would you like your reciept? What name can I call? Have a good day." 150+ times every day.

Shh! Some Cougareat secrets...

1. That point system... the ones that act like demerits... mean almost nothing.
   
2. It's pretty impossible to get fired. Until you get like 9 permanent points/27 points/54 warnings...
   
3. No one notices if you're late to work. Well, unless it's by like, an hour or something. Or if you're supposed to be the first one at the store. But if you work with a large crew of people, no one notices you're not there a little late. (Side note: I never was consistently late. This is just an observed fact.)
4. Spanish is the number one language spoken in the kitchen for Teriyaki Stix. Good luck in back if you don't speak Spanish. Last year there were three employees that didn't speak Spanish.
   

Unfortunately, if one day I need to return, I'm not turning in my two week's notice. I'm not quitting. I'm just taking the semester off. I'll still be on the roles, but won't have a shift. There are things I liked about working there. I just am happy to leave for now. I need a break!

soy una gringa

In my Spanish class today we read two poems that were in Spanglish and talked about them. Afterward, my teacher had us all write a Spanglish poem about ourselves.


Soy una Gringa

I am a Gringa,
in awe a la cultura bella de México.
Quiero ser accepted de los gentes,
s e p a r a t e d by el color de mi piel.

Beautiful:
familias
comida
lengua
música
tradiciones.

Alienated by my heritage.

priorities

I've decided to rearrange all of my priorities. From now on, I am going to only ever go on the internet once a day, in the evening (unless homework requires it), for no more than 30 minutes. This includes but is not limited to Facebook, Blogger, MLIA, Failblog, etc. It's time I start living in the real world other than the cyber world.

Allison E. Jeppson
(Typing your name here is the same as signing a legal document and will be treated as such.)

trick-or-treat!/let's play "good news, bad news."

I had so much fun on Halloween! John and I dressed up as Han Solo and Princess Leia. If I can say so myself, we had pretty rockin' costumes! I ordered mine online, and it came with the dress and belt. Then I wore high white socks and white flats (the boots didn't quite work out... we bought green ones and tried to spray paint them white. Well, we also sprayed the zipper shut and I couldn't get my foot in!). Since I'm brunette now, I just twirled my own hair up in two side buns. Then we spray painted a Star Wars blaster we bought at Target, and I had a full Princess getup!

For John's, we bought black canvas, and I sewed a vest for him. He also found the perfect pants at DI, and we attached a red ribbon down both legs. Then, we altered a white turtle neck to make a V neck, and dyed it with Postum. We had a lot of fun making these.

*************************

Bad news: I had a really bad cough yesterday, and mucus... well, I won't get into that. Only old people talk about their ailments in detail to everyone that will listen. So I didn't go to church. Then I went to Spanish this morning, and felt way worse. So I took a trip to the Urgent Care. And I found out that I have Bronchitis! No wonder I couldn't stop coughing!

Good news: The doctor wrote me a note for work getting me off for the rest of the week, so I have written proof that I am sick. I feel better about not going in now.

Bad news: I'm not contagious! Dang it. The best part about being sick is spreading the fun to other people!

Good news: It's not Swine Flu!!!

Bad news: My cough is going to last for at least 3 weeks.

Good news: The coolest part about Bronchitis is that it sounds like a dinosaur name. Rawr!!!

Bad news: John has a concert tomorrow, and I'll be quite a distraction coughing every 10 seconds. But I refuse to miss it.

Good news: I'm getting quite the ab workout. I'll have a six pack by the time I'm done with this.


Quote of the Day:

John: "I love my mom."
Me: "I love my mom, too. Except when she gives me stupid advice like pouring water up my nose."