it's for the children...

I did something tonight... something I swore to myself I would never do again...

I donated blood.

Okay, I know, I know-- what's the big deal, right? Well please allow me to take you on a trip down memory lane. This is a long story, but I can't spare any details at the risk of making it seem any less dramatic/traumatic than it actually was!

My first week back at school, sophomore year, Utah State University. I'm walking through the student center and see this big, red, felt/cotton blend, blood-drop-resembling mascot dancing around. So, I get all excited. You see, I came across this drop of blood the year before as a young 17-year-old freshman, and even though I wanted to, I couldn't participate in the "Blood Battle" between the U of U and USU because I wasn't old enough to donate. So now that I was "of age", like there was any chance I was going to pass up this opportunity! I decided to donate at the end of the week (as this was an all-week battle) so I could go at a time that fit better into my schedule.

Day of. It was a Friday and I remember it perfectly. I woke up, had a water bottle, went to my dynamic fitness lab and ran Indian Sprints, (shoot me), had another water bottle, rested, and then went to my regular classes. Now, because it was a Friday, I also had my Human Physiology lab to attend in the afternoon... No biggie. It was the first week anyway so I figured we'd be doing some short syllabus reading, maybe playing my favorite getting-to-know-you games, and then be done. I planned it all accordingly, and I got to the blood donation set-up about two hours before my Phys lab.

Upon my arrival, I drank another thing of water, answered questions about my travel/medical history, and then sat in a very long line of college kids that were about to give the gift of life along side me. So naturally as I'm sitting there they have this movie playing. Almost like the adopt-a-refugee commercials you see. "Donate a dollar a day and you will receive a picture of an orphan". Yeah.... But I was moved. Now I had a purpose (other than beating the Utah Utes)... I was about to save a child.

The took me to my chair, no big deal, needle in, blood out-- you know the drill. I felt great! I kept thinking, "Good thing I drank so much water today. I'm like the best donor ever". I grabbed my bag of oreos and a cup of juice and walked across campus to my Physiology lab, proudly sporting the hot pink medical tape wrapped in a criss cross around my olecranon process...... (Okay, I had to throw that in there just to remind you all that I did do more than just play around at college and I did learn scientific things)...... So I show up and the instructor told us "the real work would start the next week and today we're just going to watch a movie". Perfect. I get to relax after saving all those masses.

I start eating my oreos and I got this overwhelming tired feeling! We were just watching a movie, so I decided I could lay my head down. This one decision began the downward spiral of my health.

Next thing I know, I wake up with half-chewed oreos in my mouth. I was thinking, "Woah, this is weird. I should keep drinking water and keep eating". Fell asleep again. Woke up with oreos still in mouth. Repeat this process like 4 times.... Finally, we were excused and I went to leave the building but I didn't make it. Middle of the hallway in the Veterinary Science building, there I was just throwing up in the trash can. I don't usually puke in public. I'm not down with that. I knew I was in bad shape, so I went upstairs to the bathroom. Fell asleep while using the bathroom. Woke up and attempted to walk to the bus stop so I could go home. This was when I ran into my brand new neighbor, Chris. Nice guy. I had met him like 2 days before because we had all just barely moved in. He said, "Hey, are you okay?" I must've looked pretty bad.... but I told him I was fine, just not feeling well. I kept walking to the bus stop and while waiting for the shuttle, fell asleep. I woke up to Chris. He decided to ditch out on class to make sure I got home okay. Like I said, I must've looked pretty bad. So I rode the shuttle home with him. Fell asleep on his lap. Had him carry me up the stairs to my apartment. Ran to the bathroom and threw up again. With the door open. Sick..... After thanking him and apologizing a million times, I was feeling a little embarrassed. I mean, I barely knew my new roommates who all just heard me losing it, and I passed out on my neighbor boy who was practically a stranger. Anyway, I just decided to take a nap... After putting like 4 blankets on top of me because I was FREEZING, I finally fell asleep. I woke up about 3 hours later in a hot sweat. Was I menopausal? Was I suffering from something life-threatening? Because believe me, I knew it right then and there that I wasn't going to make it.

Oh yeah. During that 3 hour nap, I peed the bed. Here I was, an 18-year-old girl, almost woman, peeing the bed. Dope.

Can I just tell you that I was MISERABLE? I was miserable. And from that day forward I promised never to give blood again.

Come to find out, the red cross asked me if I had been drinking a lot of water the day before too, and I hadn't had any water for like 4 days prior to my donation. Woops. My bad.... You'll be happy to know that we beat the U that year so I guess it was all worth it. Not. I don't even care about school rivalry.

I'm not sure what inspired me to sign up for this blood drive tonight. Maybe it was something about that orientation video I saw while I was in the waiting line 3 years ago. Maybe it was because it was for church. I don't know... But I can proudly say that tonight, I DID IT!!!!!!!!

You proud of me? What can I say....

It's for the children....

important things...

Does my blog get updated on very rare occassions? Yes, it does. I need to be better about that...

I've had a multitude of thoughts floating about in my head lately, trying to organize themselves, and it seems as though I either need some A.D.D. medicine, or my brain just turned off the "focus" function and I need to be patient until it gets turned back on! So. I'm going to share some of these thoughts with you... Mostly on the things I believe to be very important.

1. Family. Everyone has a different family, comprised of different members with differing personalities; and while all families are different, their purpose is the same: to support and promote growth. I feel particularly blessed to have the family that I do and for the great people that they all are. For example, my mom and dad can read me like a book and even from 900 miles away, I still feel like they know when I need to hear their voices. I'm going to call them: inspired. You only have one family. Treat them well. They are an important thing.

2. Friends. I know that my friends are the best. I have a queue of people that I can call anytime and for any reason... My friends play so many roles: party animals, listening ears, comedians, wisemen. You have the opportunity to connect with very few people on a bestie-basis, so treat them well. They are an important thing.

3. Gospel. Sometimes, especially when I'm distracted with other things on my mind, I don't pay close enough attention to the thing that has the greatest effect on my life. I am so grateful for the church and the role it plays in my life and I don't think I say it enough... The learning tools, the books, the activities, the leadership, the people, the opportunity for growth-- I love everything about the church. I believe that the gospel is happiness, and for me, this is the MOST important thing.

Today, I am your Yoda, and I say, "Think about your 'important things'..."

Loveys...

Miss Dahl

Have you met Katie Dahl?

She's this curly-haired, firecracker who likes to get physical....

I'd like to take the time to thank Katie for being so inspirational. She peer pressures me into blogging without photos, she encourages relationships, she moves to Hawaii whenever she wants, she can dance like no one else I've ever seen. I want to be like her.

Katie likes to watch T.V. shows on her computer at work. She has great taste in music and swimming suits and will let you borrow...

Kate-Dahl, I've never had more fun on a lake powell trip. My stomach hurt from laughing so much. Your little mexican accent, mixed with laughing like a french-man, mixed with laughing like a farm animal, mixed with quarters and water is one of my favorite memories... I need to borrow some sweeeeeaaats.!!! hahaha

I only have one thing left to say:

"Screw you guys, I'm outta here" --LP 2009

of roadtrips and weddings...

First of all, I need a new camera. I feel like I have no documentation of my fun events over the last few months... So. If anyone is feeling like they want to sponsor a sister, feel free.

After I vowed to myself never to get in a car that was headed in the direction of Utah ever again, I got in my car and headed in the direction of Utah. Of course. FORTUNATELY, I didn't have to drive by myself... driving through the night by your lonesome is not a good idea. Don't do it. But 11 hours after embarking on this hellish adventure (that turned out not too hellish, actually), I arrived in Sandy, UT 84092... I hate going to bed after the sun comes up, but my morning nap was much anticipated and very much appreciated.

Day 1, Thursday: Hopped up out my bed, turned my swag on, went downstairs, made french toast and eggs, went to a tennis match, hung out with Jordan Schipper Anderson, went to Gardner Village for my wife's wedding dinner, ate deliciousness, shed some tears, watched a movie, blah blah blah. It was a great day!! Cassidy looked gorgeous, Trevor looked handsome, I got to see my most loved friends from Alta High School, home of the hawks. It was a beautiful dinner and it got me so excited for the bride and groom:)

Day 2, Friday: I must've gone to bed super late on Thursday because I woke up super late on Friday. My mom was preparing for my sister's baby shower and she had to stop by the bakery to get some blondies and brownies; so she sent me a text message that said I should go in and say hi. (History: I worked at Hagermann's Bakehouse Cafe for 4 years-- they're family, for sure). Garrett and I went to the bakery and were treated to a delicious lunch by Dave, my bakehouse Grandpa. Seriously, I love going in and seeing everybody! The best part is seeing all the customers that have been coming in 6 days a week for the last 5 years. I got a big kiss on the cheek from Bill, one of the faithful followers, and lunch was BOMB. So overall, successful meal. Friday night Cassidy had a last little bachelorette get together so I went there and then after I went to Taylor Moody's (aka Big Basic) house. Picked up G unit, came home, peaced out.


Day 3, Saturday: I avoided my mom's muscle blast class like the plague:) Got ready, drove to the temple and watched my beautiful Cassidy and Trevor come out of the draper temple, happily wed! She was such a perfect little bride and I am so happy I was able to be a part of her special day. My sister, Jen, had a baby shower for baby Perry at our house later that afternoon and so I got to visit with a bunch of family friends and cousins and such. My cousin, Brandi, got engaged and I was able to see her and her beautiful ring! Congratulations baby cuz:) I lost track of time (of course) and rushed over to Draper Historic Park for pictures and the reception. It was an awesome night! I loved being able to visit with everybody and I loved the pineapple slushies. I loved the handmade puff ball decorations, I loved the cake, I loved the hanging pictures from the trees, I loved the colors, the flowers, the dresses, the groomsmen, the rick-rack, the centerpieces... EVERYTHING!! Cass-- you did an AMAZING job. All that stress was worth it:)

Day 4, Sunday: Drove. Drove. Drove. We made a pit stop in St. Geezy and I got to hold the prettiest little baby girl!! It got me so excited for my little pear bear to come. There was a lot of singing, a lot of rapping, a lot of visiting, a lot of downhill-- I was so happy to get home; I think G was getting a little scared from all the road rage... But the car ride was actually pretty fun:)

Note to friends: Please don't get married anytime soon. I can't afford to come out, but my heart can't afford to miss your wedding. So please, for my sake and for my bank accounts sake, just hold off for a little while, okay? Sarah Jane-- I'm praying that my baby comes the day before your wedding so I can make it:)

random occurrences...

My wife left me recently for a man-- I'm still not totally sure how I feel about it... But she gave me this idea while I was reading her blog. She mentioned how she always sees super strange things and never tells anyone about them because she never remembers. So I'm following in her footsteps and I'm going to write something brief.... Californians are nuts.

1. I'm driving to work, and I saw 6 big guys, sitting 3 and 3 in this tiny truck. It was hilarious. And their vehicle was driving SO slow... almost like it was weighed down or something. I laughed out loud.

2. Same day: I stop by the post office and there was some lady bickering with the worker about getting her P.O. box taken away, and she's like, "Oh great-- it's not enough that I have someone trying to kill me, but now my mailbox is getting taken away!!" Okay, crazy lady. Time to go home and get some counseling.

3. Same day: Evening commute, I look over and see this marijuana leaf air freshener hanging from the rear view of the car next to me. Do we think that smells like pot? I'm going to stick to my bright orange, french vanilla tree.

4. I drove down to San Diego for the Zumba workshop, and I stayed out in the parking lot while I was waiting for it to start. I spot this old woman carrying a McDonald's bag and I just figured she was walking to a place where she could sit and eat her breakfast. But of course, she walks up to a pine tree and stared at it for like 20 seconds before she picked a pinecone and stuck it in her bag. What the crap? Why did she do that?

Anyway, moral of the story is that I've started noticing some of the strange things occurring around me... Keep an eye out in your neighborhood. Lock your doors.

weezy f baby

GUESS WHO SAW LIL' WAYNE AND THE WHOLE CASH MONEY RECORDS FAMILY IN CONCERT?!?!?!?!

To anyone who has known me longer than one day, you realize what a monumental event this was for me. I've been DYING to see Lil' Wayne-- especially after he cancelled his show in Salt Lake that I was totally pumped for. So my good friend Matt (who hooked me up with the SLC tickets) sent me a message to remind me that Lil' Wayne would be in California in August... I was like, gotta get tickets, gotta get tickets. Of course, August 13th rolls around, and I never got tickets. BUT THEN.......

I got a text from my hoodrat friend, Garrett, early afternoon-- "What are you doing tonight?" blah blah blah... "Be ready at 5 o'clock." blah blah blah... So I had a feeling that we were going to do something fun, but NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS did I think we were going to weezy, especially since he still needs convincing that ma boy is all that....

So he comes to pick me up, and with a little grin on his face, I heard: "We're going to Lil' Wayne". Oh my gosh, somebody call an ambulance, my heart is about to stop and I might pass out from the excitement. Honestly, I'm not exaggerating. I was positive I was going to need to sit down and take a twenty so I didn't end up in the E.R. instead of rockin it with the Fireman (F-Fire-Fireman).

We drove to Universal Studios, got some yummy dinner, and then hit the amphitheatre... IT. WENT. DOWN. Young Jeezy opened up and we put on for our cities (on on for our cities). There was some hilarious German sitting by us. I still don't know how I feel about him, but he and G became good buddies...

The lights turn down, and on the screens, we see my man Lil' Wayne walking up to the stage from his pre-party. HOLY CRAP. It was like being reunited with my best friend... except for the fact that we've never been united before...

Bottom line: I can't express how in love I was with this show. I loved that it was a surprise, I loved that there were a million artists there, I loved that I almost climbed over a railing in the parking garage to take a shortcut and fortunately got saved before I fell to my death, I loved the fire, the dancers, the bass pounding in my heart.... It was like, unnnn-believable.

So straight up, I know that I sound a little overdramatic, but whatever. I love Weezy, and I'm conviced that he loves me.

Here are some words for thought.

The man is brilliant.

"Even Gwen Stefani said she couldn't doubt me."

"Cuz my seconds, minutes, hours go to the almighty dollar."

"Love, live life, proceed, progress."

"And if you leave, you're leaving the best. So, you would have to settle for less."

"Gotta work everyday, gotta not be cliche, gotta stand out like Andre 3K, gotta kick it--kick it like sensei."

"Your boy ain't good enough-- style ain't hood enough."

I'll try to snatch up some actual pictures/footage from the night and when I do, I'll get them on here!! Cuz you thought Lil' Wayne is Weezy, but Weezy is Dwayne. Word.

entenmann's donuts=crack donuts

Holy. I've been busy.

I have some thoughts:

1) Weddings: My lifelong since elementary school got married in Utah last week. Kellie Carter is now MRS. Kellie Whitaker!! I flew back to Zion for a few days and got to party one last time with all my crazy girlfriends... The wedding was beautiful, she was a gorgeous bride, and they had freakin churros and soft serve ice cream. BUENO, Kellie. Well done.

2) Missions: My cat-lady friend, Jill, left on her mission today to Argentina. She is seriously one of the funniest people I've ever met and I miss her already! Hopefully she comes back with Argentine Tango experience so she can be my teacher... I think that's good material to impress men...

3) Stitches: I got cut. SLC is a dirty, scary place and so naturally I got in an all-out BRAWL with some crazy chick downtown and got shanked in the back. A million stitches later, I'm good. On my way to a complete recovery. You think I'm kidding....

4) Activities: I find myself spending more and more of my time at Cherry on top, Yo yum yum, Yogurtland, and any other trendy self-serve shop you can think of. I love them. Good dessert+good friends=a happy Jaime. Ya know what else makes me happy? When my mother comes to visit!!! Sister Perry treated the besties to a yummy dinner at Macaroni Grill last night. My mother and her friend Jackie are in Anaheim for the IDEA Fitness Convention. Someday when I'm rich, I'll spend my money on working out. Until then... I'll dance off those kcals! Usually my dance parties are in the car... by myself... uh... forget that I told you that. BUT, last night after dinner we went to Ocean's in Laguna Beach and went 80s dancing. Best part of the night: watching the cougars hit on all the drunk men, and eating a bite of Garrett's Ice Cream Snicker's Brownie.

5) Sleep: Over the last 5 days, I've had 17 hours of sleep. Calculators everyone: 3.4 hours/night. Uh-oh... But here's my thing-- Sleep when you freakin die, ya know? I've experienced some great conversation, the fastest commute to work in my life, a morning spent getting lost on the freeway, resorting to eating a fastbreak for breakfast... (<--- Did anyone catch that?)... dope...

6) Donuts: I know, I know. My blog is centered around food and the snacks I'm obsessed with. Is everybody listening? I have great news-- I'VE FOUND THE BEST DONUTS IN THE WORLD!!! You can find them at Albertsons, currently 2 for $5.00. No lie, I can POUND a box of these donuts in like less than an hour. That's legit. I was called to dietary discipline by one of my friends, who reminded me that my poor arteries will clog, and I will look like a donut if I keep eating full on boxes of Entenmann's. As a result, I'm in reform. No more old-fashioned, glazed for me. I'm eating string cheese and steel-cut oatmeal now. Moral of the story: since I can't eat them, YOU should buy a box today and eat them for me.

SHAWTY, YOU A TEN.