30 Days of Blogging

My cousin Felicia started doing this a few days ago, and I thought it was a good idea. I did a similar posting on Facebook with a picture a day. I think this will be good for me because I slack on blogging, and hopefully this can kick me into gear. So here it goes!

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you as a child
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been
day 6- favorite super hero and why
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die
day 12- write a poem to someone you love
day 13- your 5 favorite books and why
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- a picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- write about a sweet memory from your past
day 20- write a letter to someone
day 21-a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave a lot
day 24- post your favorite quote or verse of scripture and why
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- list 10 things that you are thankful for
day 27- my day job verses my passion
day 28- cruise a thesaurus and pick out 10 words you like the sound of
day 29 - favorite TV shows and why you like them
day 30 - movies you can watch again and again

Opa

On the 13th of March, with my mom being out of the country, I had my dad and Erika over for dinner. It was my parents Sunday of having Opa over for dinner, so I told my dad to just bring him over with him if Opa didn't mind.

It just breaks my heart to see Opa struggling with the simple task of walking, even with a walker. He's just been on a steady decline, and working in the field that I do, I see how fast they can decline.

I had made my "Better than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo" with mushrooms on the side (my dad doesn't like mushrooms), along with salad and garlic bread. While I was finishing up cooking, Opa commented on how beautiful my home was, and had done a really good job. I thought that was sweet of him to say. When it was time to eat, my dad and I helped grandpa to the table. I have a counter height table with bar-like stools. It was a little hard to get him sitting in the chair. He ranted on how good my dinner was, and then after, if you've had Opa over, you know he's ready to leave after he's done eating. LOL. He's ALWAYS been that way, and I just have to laugh every time. Well, my dad obliged, and I helped him out to the car. When he used his walker, it was hard to scoot it across the ground. I decided I would get some "Walker Skis" to put on the back legs of his walker to help it glide better.

Monday after work, I went over to Opa's house to put them on his walker. He was so grateful for something so little. He asks me "How much do I owe ya?" I told him he's done enough for us, and that it was our time to take care of him. (When I was little, I remember going over to "the office," and he would give you a dollar, or five dollars just because.)

On Tuesday, he was hospitalized for his gallbladder being full of gallstones, on top of the bladder infection he's been fighting. We went in to visit him because he was going to have surgery the next day to remove his gallbladder. Everyone knows that, the older you get, the harder it is to recover from surgery. I wanted to make sure to tell him that I loved him, just in case.  While visiting, he says, "Jenna, thanks for fixing my lawnmower, it works great now," I laughed and said, "You mean your walker?" He starts laughing, and says "No wonder it took so long to mow the lawn!" Even in pain, he's so full of life, and laughing.

While visiting, Uncle Mike, Uncle Chad and Jeremy were there. Grandpa kept telling us that Chad was Uncle Jimmy. Both Mike and my dad joked with him that that was Chad, that Jimmy has dark hair, and Chad has blonde hair, and that if they hadn't had so many kids, he could get them straight. Grandpa laughs and says he wouldn't change any of it for the world.

His surgery went well, and he's been in rehab at St Joseph's Villa (where grandma had been, and also where grandpa served a mission) for a little over a week now. I know he'll get great care there because they took great care of grandma when she was there.

Cherstin emailed all of us this morning, and she had been assigned to put together a photo book of some sort so it can jog his memory with his Alzheimers. I think it's a great idea, and hopefully everyone participates. It would be great for grandpa to have all those to keep those memories close.

Saturday 9: Medicate

Saturday 9: Medicate

Saturday 9: Medicate

1. Do you take a lot of medication?
Yes. More than some less than others.

2. Name one of your flaws and tell us about it.
I procrastinate a lot of things like cleaning, or waiting til the last minute to do laundry on a Sunday night.

3. Have you ever won first place? If yes, tell us about your victory!
The last thing I remember winning 1st place was a basketball tournament in elementary over even the guys! I was proud...haha

4. Who is the last person to make you smile? What was happening?
Brian. He can get me to laugh nonstop. Tonight's brought me to tears. Brian can move his toe next to his big toe all by itself. I don't know why it cracks me up but it does. I was wiggling my toes, and Brian asked what I was doing. I was trying to do what he does to no avail. I couldn't help but laugh!

5. Describe a time when you should have tried harder.
I'm certain there are many a times I should have tried harder. School for instance. I slacked A LOT. It bit me in the butt since I didn't walk with my class due to not having enough space for an English class.

6. What are you best at?
-I'm good at my job. I've excelled even beyond my expectations. I like things to run as smoothly as possible and made some changes within the company to help with that. I was rewarded in turn.
-I'm also good at organization. It may take a while to get it the way I want it to be, but eventually am satisfied.

7. If someone was going to make a movie or TV show about your life, who would play you and why?
Either Anna Farris or Uma Thurman. Just because I've been told I look like them.

8. Name 3 things that you think are strange.
-Sadie's incessant need for wanting her butt scratched like a cat
-Sadie knows when it's 7 am & 7 pm. That's the time she gets fed, and I swear she's learned to read a clock.
-Utah weather. Warm, then an hour later it's snowing buckets!

9. What is one lesson you have learned in the past 12 months?
You can pick your friends, but not your family. That's all I'm going to say to that.

Bob Marley Quote

I posted this a while back on Facebook. Thought I'd share it on here as well! :)


I love how this explains exactly how I feel about Brian! I love my little family! And love my Brian! <3


"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life." — Bob Marley


Brian commented: "This is too sweet! I wish I knew where this guy is who you are talking about, I would like to meet him."

Typical Brian ;P

Aaron

Aaron Dallas Freeman 1985 ~ 2010 Our amazing Aaron passed away on Aug. 22, 2010. He was born May 14, 1985 to Bill and Ann Freeman. He has a wonderful brother, B.J. Aaron loved working on cars. A daredevil at heart, he loved driving fast and riding his motorcycle and four-wheeler. He loved being around family, his many friends, and caring for his pit bull, Turbo. Aaron's goal in life was to make people smile. He accomplished that goal and will continue to do so for many years to come. He is survived by his parents, brother B.J. (Kimi), grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. An open-house memorial will be held Sunday, August 29 from 3-6 p.m. at the Woods on 9th, 6775 South 900 East in Midvale, Utah. We hope to see everyone there to share love and memories.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune on August 27, 2010

Aaron's Obituary

It has been an emotion week. We miss him like crazy. It still seems so unreal. We love you Aaron. We will never forget you. Your laugh, your smile, the love that you had for everyone. You were an amazing man who will dearly be missed. Your legacy will live on in our hearts with our memories of you.

Well, Brian's been nagging me on my Facebook about what I DIDN'T blog about :P

So far this year, I've been going to the gym 3 or more times a week. Joining a gym up by my work is probably one of the best things I've done for myself. For the early part of the year, I was going by myself. The motivation was great at first, then I got sick at some point, and it was harder to get back. With my gym pass, I'm able to bring 1 guest with me per day. My coworker had joined me a couple of times, but I found out that I was leaving earlier than when I just went by myself. She stopped working out after a while because she got the flu, and she hasn't worked out since. I didn't want to get into that funk. Brian finally decided to start joining me every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I can't just back out because he drives all the way up by my work to go to the gym, so it's actually good that I'm getting pushed in some way. I've been a bit frustrated because I feel like I haven't lost much weight. Brian starts going with me, and you see the difference within a week. Men! I've been trying to eat healthier as well. This past week was my first week on an all fruit diet for breakfast and lunch. I do have a slim fast in the morning for breakfast to help with getting in protein and whatnot, so we'll see where this takes me. I eat a regular dinner at night with Brian, so the majority of my calories are at night. My pants don't fit anymore though. I got out of the truck on Wednesday, and Brian starts laughing at me. I thought he was laughing at the bird crap on my truck, but he says that my pants are way too baggy and wrinkly. Heh. I guess someone's noticing something better than I am, but I guess you're your own worst critic. I have lost an inch on my waist, and 1.5" on my hips. I know muscle weighs more than fat, so that's probably why I get a bit discouraged.

We've had some crazy weather here lately. We got up into the 70s mid-May, and then this past Monday, it snows. I got most of my garden planted in April when it was fairly nice weather. We got the bushes trimmed, flowers planted (I got snapdragons, my mom got me pansies, and I noticed that my roses have decided to spread themselves. Also, my asiatic lilies came back!!!). I bought some flower containers for our tiny front porch, and I absolutely love them! They're a dark copper color, and hexagonal. I got one really big one, which I put some of the pansies around, what I can't remember the other flowers, but they're purple and look like daisies. The other two, I bought Azaleas from Winco, but they're not lasting too well with the dramatic weather changes. I also bought some retaining wall bricks for my small garden as well. I had been wanting to do that since we moved in, but it get's quite pricey. My roses are coming in nicely, the snapdragons are getting tall and blooming, and with the Asiatic lilies coming in, I'm happy with how it's turning out. Brian's been working crazy hard on getting and keeping the grass green and healthy. I think we have one of, if not, the best lawn in our neighborhood.

Two Thursdays ago, we came home from work and found out that our garbage can had been stolen. Even now, I still laugh about it, because who would steal a garbage can?! I had to call up the City to see how we go about getting a new one. She gave me the number on the can so we could go looking around the neighborhood for it, but said if we couldn't find it, to report it to the police as stolen, get a case #, and call the city back with that number so we could get it replaced for free. Needless to say, we have a garbage can again.

Jessica's birthday was May 14. Nathan was sick with the flu or something, but had purchased tickets to see the band Flyleaf. He called me to see if I could go with her since he said he paid $70 a ticket (being at In the Venue, I doubt it was that much, but whatever). Being over 21 has its perks!! We got into the bar area, and they had some stairs that ran up alongside the stage, so we got pretty close! They also had a deck upstairs where people could smoke, but it was nice to just hang out up there and get some fresh air. Flyleaf is absolutely amazing in concert! The singer is probably one of the best I've seen in concert! I just hope that Jessica had a good time for her birthday!

I've only gotten to see Bailey a few times in the last 6 months. It really breaks my heart because I'm missing so much of her growing. She's getting so big: talking, perfected walking, and all those fun little steps. She's gotten to the point where she doesn't really recognize me, and I hate it. She used to reach for me, but not so much now. I got a chance to spend some time with her today, and I loved every minute of it! She loves playing peek-a-boo. She's such a little stinker though! She loves to dance, say dada, scream, smack....lol. I just love watching her with grandma and grandpa, and of course my sisters. That baby girl is SO loved!!!!

Back in February, the fridge that came with the house decided to take crap-out. We were trying to save the money for tile since we had torn down a wall, and ripped up so old carpet, but you need a fridge! Tile's taken a backseat at the moment, because the next big appliance is the washer! That's been on the fritz too! We recently got the water hooked up to the fridge so the icemaker works. It's so nice not having to remember to fill up ice trays!!! Sadie also loves it. Anytime you open up that bottom drawer (the freezer), she's right there begging for ice! Brian and I have been trying to teach her to sit on her butt kind of like a prairie dog stands on their hind end. Apparently we just need ice cubes! She now is pretty much a pro at it! Sometimes she gets a little too excited though and almost falls over backwards. She's got so a big, top-heavy chest, that it was such a challenge for her at first! But she's got it down now :).

Sadie's been loving the warm weather. When we let her out to go potty, she just wants to stay outside and smell anything and everything. Anytime I go out to water my flowers, she's right there because she likes to bite at the water...lol. A lot of the neighbors get a kick out of it! She gets soaking wet, but she doesn't care! She can't wait to go swimming I'm sure, and she'll get a chance this weekend if we can get out to go waterskiing. Hopefully the weather cooperates!

Brian's band, The Trip, "fired" their drummer a couple months ago. The guy was way too controlling, and stepping on everyone's toes. He cost them gigs, and just wasn't a good team player. Now that he's gone, they've got a new drummer, Curtis, who is pretty much amazing on the drums. He's the singer's husband, and they both have plenty of connections within the networks that they need to maybe help them get a little more recognized. I would love to see Brian go somewhere with his playing. I love seeing how passionate about music, and how much he loves to play the guitar and bass. I've been trying to get a little more involved with it by setting up a page on Facebook for them, and loading up some of their cover songs. We've got a steady fan base at the moment, but I'd love to see it grow a lot more.

Well, I think that sums up quite a bit. I'm sure Brian will find something else for me to blog about ;)

It's been a LONG time since I posted, so I'll give you a little update on one of the best things in life.

May 1, 2010, we welcomed a new member to the Paulsen family. Jamie, Brian's older sister, gave birth to Layne Nathan at 12:46 pm. He was tiny for a Paulsen baby at 5 lbs 15 oz, and 18.5" long. He is just SO cute though! Jamie seems like she was born to be a mama, and just watching her with him makes me smile. We've waited SO long for her to have a baby :P! Sean is also a great daddy. He's taken to being a stay at home dad when Jamie goes back to work. I've never seen a dad do so much as I have seen him do! He's been sending me a picture of him on a weekly basis, and I love it! I also love that Brian wants to go see him all the time! Here's some pictures: