The Soul Train

Today, in RS, we had a wonderful lesson about the meaning of Christmas; namely Christ, giving, and spending time with loved ones, like family members. However, in the course of that lesson, I mentioned that my family sometimes enjoys doing soul trains. To my astonishment, a majority of the girls then proceeded to ask what a soul train is..I thought they were joking at first, but after seeing all the girls continue to look at me quizzically I realized they were not.

For their benefit, and for everyone else in this world who has missed out on the Soul Train, allow me to take this chance to educate you, so you can board the train as well! Soul Train was a show that originated in the 70's. For lack of a better example, it is a lot like the one showcased on the movie Hairspray, except more-well-soulful. Every week, they would feature the hottest artists [like the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Elton John, etc], and often teach the audience a new dance. There would be two lines, and the people at the front of the line would dance through the middle to showcase, and then the next group would and so forth. Below is a clip of the show:

Now a days, soul trains are still a super fun thing to do, and can be seen often. For example, in the movie Hitch, which most of you have probably seen, there end in a soul train:

As I mentioned in RS, my family loves them. I think part of it was that my parents watched it in the 80's [while it was still going strong]. Then when I was a kid, my Mom's TV only got BET for a while, so apart from Bernie Mac and Living Single, she would watch Soul Train re-runs. This meant that whether it was the holidays, or we just wanted a piece of cookie dough, we had to participate in a family soul train or we weren't gettin any. It didn't matter if you were upset that your parents were making you do something this silly; by the end of it, you couldn't help but smile on the magnificent ride only a good soul train can bring. The best part was, EVERYONE had to participate, including your parents, aunts and uncles, bf's, or whoever was there. Over the years, we had so much fun doing it that I am planning on humiliating my kids sometimes so we can carry on the tradition and they can have the great memories I do.

As these pictures illustrate, dancing can be such a great release, whether your feeling happy, sad, mad, crazy or whatever it be. But regardless, a good soul train combines good family fun, and a lot of laughter and memories to be enjoyed. And who knows...maybe, if your lucky..someday you will get to see my dad illustrate how to do the superior dance in your next soul train! Peace out yo!

Our Christmas Decor

As I promised, this post is going to be about the most wonderful time of the year...CHRISTMAS! We have been doing a lot of fun things, lots of game nights, a few dates and our ward Christmas party, which we were in charge of organizing and ordering the food. Now that I have a job, which I kinda of hate, these have all been welcome diversions. But you do what you gotta do right?

Anywho, it has all been busy and fun, but our favorite place to be in all this has been home. We love our apartment, and the special touches we have made to make it personal and christmasy. And although it has been uncharacteristically nice weather in Rexburg, nothing beats sitting in your apartment drinking hot chocolate, while cuddling with the love of your life as you watch Polar Express or Its A Wonderful Life. Regardless, its 12 days until we head home for christmas...which for me is like a PRE-Christmas day. And we absolutely CAN'T wait!

Here are pictures of our Christmas decor. With us, all is truly merry and bright!

This picture is a picture of the wreath I made; its hanging on our front door.

This is a picture of our nativity and flower centerpiece thingy.

This is an up close of our nativity, which we LOVE.

Idk if you can tell, but this is our fridge, for which i made Christmas magnets for..see the little presents? That's them.

This is our Christmas tree of course.

My stocking, hung on our entertainment system since we do not in fact have a chimney.

Lester's stocking on the opposite side.

This picture doesn't really have any Christmas decor, its just a picture of our new furniture arrangement we have, and the opposite view of the below picture.

This is a farther view of the whole shebang.

Random Thought

I hate it when shows have obnoxiously fake and loud laugh tracks. Lester and I tried this new show 'The Exes' and its actually pretty funny..but you barely have a chance to hear the jokes and laugh at them because they ruin it! And talk about exaggerating..no jokes are THAT funny..and even if they were they you feel dumb when you stop laughing and they are still going. Often times they will start laughing before the joke is even over. Its just obnoxious. I am going to give it one more chance and unless its toned down, it is OVER. But good news..one of my favorite shows is on Hulu plus. Every episode, and so I think I'm gonna try to rope a friend into watching it with me. Its a Korean drama called Boys Over Flowers. Its definitely over the top, but at least they are up front about it.

Anywho, things are good. Next time I will put up pictures of our Christmas decor. Until then!

Good Day!

This Thanksgiving, we continued our tradition from last year by spending it with our friends the Anderson's! This time, we did it at there house and they made the main dishes and we brought some sides..it also just so happened to be Catherine's birthday so we got to celebrate that with them as well. It was nice spending time with them, because although we couldn't be w family we are all pretty close and so it was a nice, comfortable and chill night with lots of laughs and talks as we stuffed out faces and played games. Lester even got to watch most of his beloved 49ers, and although they lost, it was pretty close for most of the game!

That night, we thought we'd try out black friday locally, since we like deals but were not necessarily die hards either. We made out like bandits though! Throughout the course of our night/morning looking around, we got a ton of cheap blue rays, a $3.00 waffle maker, a wireless printer and a few other goodies. And even though we are SUPER tired now, it was actually a really fun little adventure and we had a lot of fun together!

So, even though Thanksgiving may not be our favorite holiday, it is a great one, and it did remind us how much we truly have to be thankful for. Most of the things that made that list we will be enjoying this Christmas break as we will be home with our families. Expect our next post to be Christmas minded, as we will share out Christmas decorations with you guys, and pretend like we just put them up now. Now good day....I SAID GOOD DAY!

I'll Say It Again

Do you know what? I realize that its not thanksgiving till tomorrow, and that this is what I always say I am thankful for, but I don't care. I'm saying it again because it is relevant right now and I want to remember how I'm feeling when I'm old and decrepit.

I'm grateful for Lester. He holds my heart in his hands. Nobody has the ability to make me feel better about myself, or worse-do you get that? Like if someone were to say, ' you look nice today Julia..' or 'that color looks awful on you' it wouldn't feel half as great or half as awful as if he said it. The best part is, even with all that power he holds NEVER abuses it. He only ever uses it to make sure I feel important, or loved, or beautiful. Even in the times I know that I'm not.

The moment I knew this, was the moment that I knew I would marry him. After he got home from his mission, we were unsure of things, and eventually it got to the point where I told him that it was just to hard for me to be friends with him-after all we'd been through and all we'd meant to each other it was impossible for me to do some kind of half way thing. I asked him not to call, or anything. So we didn't talk for about two weeks-and then he called and I could hear in his voice that everything was different. That he knew what he wanted, and was 100% sure that he wanted to be with me. But still, I was afraid and unsure and I told him I needed to think about it.

The next day I hopped on a plane and went home for Thanksgiving. He called day and night, and I started feeling those old feelings return, but I pushed them back because I didn't want to open myself up to all the love that automatically brings vulnerability. The day before I flew back to school, I got really sick. But my plane was leaving, so I went anyways. By the time I got back, I was in pain and tears and I looked disgusting. Lester met me at the airport with my sister Hillary. Over the next several hours, Lester cuddled me and my nasty, sickly self, and literally fed me and helped me to drink. I was an emotional and physical wreck-and he cared for me the way only he could.

And you know what is so stupid? He still looked at me like I was the most beautiful thing in the world. Which at that point especially, I was the farthest from. But because he said it-because he saw me that way-it mattered. He made me feel that even in one of my worst moments where I was whiny and ugly and stinky that I was loved, important and beautiful. Only he can do that-and it was then that I knew no matter what life brought us, we were in this together, and someday I would marry him. Because he makes me better in every single way.

That is still true. And this night, this season, as he works all hours at the hospital to provide for me, that is what I am thinking about. That is what I am grateful for. I'm writing this so I won't forget it or take this love and compassion he gives me for granted. What a wonderful gift-to be loved and to get to love him in return for eternities. This is what I am thankful for.

Volleyball

Well, I don't have much to report, other then the fact that we woke up to a pretty cold, but dry Rexburg, and are now [just a few hours later] ankle deep in a winter wonderland. It think it is one of the first times that I am excited about this, since right now, its truly beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! We did get together with some friends last night to play some volleyball and it was a blast. We failed yet again to take pictures while we were there, so we decided that we would take one once we get back of just the two of us all tired and gross after playing haha!

I have made a lot of friends in the ward now, especially through that little lunch group I've been doing and its wonderful. Our upstairs neighbors are a fun family, and we like the a lot. Of course, all this fun makes staying motivated to get a job that much harder-but you do what you gotta do right? Well. Hope everything is going well with the rest of my friends and family in this great wide blogosphere. Stay strong homies!

My Buddy Hitchcock

Every day, I think to myself, 'Self. You should blog.' But then I think some more and realize that I don't want to blog because I either don't have pictures of the fun stuff we've been doing, or we just haven't been doing any fun stuff. But today, I decided to break that chain. I am going to blog about the fun stuff we've been done recently, even though there are no pictures, and I am also going to share an OLD story from when I was a kid. That one will have a picture-but not one I took.

On ACTUAL Halloween night, Lester and I got to go out with some friends to the famed 'Big Juds' burgers joint. Its definitely out there, and has a very home style, country feel, and it was delicious. Afterwards, we continued on to the haunted straw maze close by. I have never been to a maze of any kind, and most of you know I am a chicken. So for the first 10 or 15 minutes I had my eyes closed. But after that, I realized it wasn't as bad as I thought, and joined in with eyes wide open. I found that as in life, if you make things as awkward as possible, the haunting people will typically leave you alone. Like when one of them gets in your face just act flattered and say, 'Thanks but your not my type.." or 'You can't afford me..' and then, because they feel so awkward they leave you alone. So over all, even though we were in there for about an hour it was lots of fun and a success!!

Lastly, for the old story. In talking with my sister Hillary she said that her and Andrew were going to be watching some old Hitchcock movies and what not for their Halloween [what a fun idea right?]. She asked for my recommendations since Hitchcock and I are old buddies, and while I gave her a few, my favorite is called Spellbound with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. It is one of his lesser known films, but it keeps you guessing the whole time and has camera angles that rock your world. After talking to her, it brought me back to the first time my parents had ever left me home alone. I can't remember how old I was, but I was so excited. I turned the TV on, put the channel to AMC, which in my mind could do no wrong. It was this movie that was on, and my first experience with the wonderful world of Hitchcock. For those, of you who haven't seen it I won't give it away. But I was SO scared that I couldn't move the whole night-I almost peed my pants because I was to scared to walk the few steps over to the bathroom. I screamed out loud at some points and probably looked like I was having a seizure from the way I was shaking and going between closing my eyes and opening them wide. I stayed in that spot until my family came home that night, and thought about that movie for nights to come. But even though it scared the bejeezees out of me, it wasn't super gory or graphic. It was simply an excellent story put to film by one of the best directors of all time. Now, it is years later and I have seen it several times since, and own a large collection of his amazing movies. I still stand by the fact that it was, and is one my favorite movies, although I can admit it is not half as scary as it was then, in the dark, lonely living room. But to this day, that movie gave me an appreciation for film and for healthy fear-the suspenseful kind that makes you think, and feel scared in a good, exciting way not a 'this isn't even worth it' way. I think everyone should watch it at some point or another-with the lights off. And maybe alone. It is just that good.

Anyways, this Halloween season has been good, but now we are in full fledged getting ready for Christmas mode. I know, I know, what about thanksgiving? My answer to that is we are college students, and cannot afford Thanksgiving decorations and will probably be eating that day, just the two of us. So while someday, we will join in with thanksgiving decorations and large family celebrations, for now we are going to work with what we got and be grateful for the Christmas season. Hope ALL your different holiday celebrations are going well! Until next time!

Were out of milk, so I guess I will blog.

[Preface: This post has nothing to do with its title.]

I have been trying to be better about taking pictures for the blog when we do fun stuff, but this is going to be a pictureless post. The reason for this is not because I forgot to take pictures-although I didn't take any-it was because we are finally starting to make friends in this ward and be social, and I would have felt awkward asking these people we just met if we could have their pictures so I could archive our hanging out haha.

So, on Saturday Lester had his last 24 hour shift for this semester. Of course, he still has several 12 hour and random ones, and is as busy as ever-but this is a plus! While he was gone though this weekend, my friend Catherine and I finally jumped on the bandwagon and saw The Help. It was as good as everybody said I thought-not better, not worse-but still very very good. I think I am going to read the book now, as everyone says its better and I love reading anyways. And yes-I would still eat a chocolate pie even after seeing that movie. Depending of course on who gave it to me haha...

On Sunday we finally decided it was time to stop waiting for people to reach out for us-we decided to make the first move and invite a bunch of people over. So on Sunday night, we had four couples from our ward over and played catch phrase & pounce. Then on Monday we had three different couples over for games and dessert. Both times it was a complete blast, and we finally feel like were getting to know a good amount of ppl and feel comfortable in our ward, like we belong here. Then today, I got to babysit a sweet baby boy for a few hours. It was amazing. Kids are so much a part of my life at home, and sometimes I forget how wonderful that is. Tomorrow morning, I have a job interview [keep your fingers crossed for me!] and then on Thursday I got together a bunch of the girls from the ward who I know are not in school or working, like me, and were getting together at our place for lunch and games. I'm super excited about this because I don't think anybody who hasn't been in this kind of a situation can understand how difficult it can be-you feel lonely and pointless and times, even though of course this is bull, but getting together with ppl can really alleviate that. So it will be great! Then, on Saturday, Lester has an EMT shift at the school where there having a carnival, so I get to go with him! I can't wait! I seriously can't say enough how nice it is to have a busy, fun filled week again. Hopefully, this will become the new norm! Anywho, hopefully I will have pictures for you later in the week! Until then, do some tricks AND treats!

This Just Gets Better and Better!

Breaking News: Several months ago, I blogged about the existence of an animal I had previously thought was complete fiction right here. The Narwhal, as mentioned by Buddy in the classic Christmas movie elf. Well, I kid you not, there is yet ANOTHER animal I thought was fiction mentioned in another movie many have seen. Napolean Dynamite.

It is a LIGER. And yes. It is real.

Although I rarely watch the news, I had the TV on in the background. They were talking about how animals from an exotic animal farm in Idaho had recently escaped or something [I wasn't really listening in detail at this point] and how some of them had been killed. As I looked at the animal I wondered for sure what kinda of a cat it was-and then he said a Liger. In utter disbelief, I watched it attentively from here on out. I called my family and told them-my Dad was still a skeptic so together we sifted through obviously doctored photos and websites, till we found some reputable news and sites. One of these reported that a year ago, a 1,000 lb Liger named Rocky had killed a man who tried to feed him up close and personal against the animal sanctuary's rules. There were pictures of the massive beast, and I have included one on here so you can see how crazy huge this thing is. Although I would think it was obvious, a liger is simply a cross between a lion and a tiger. There are very few in the world, but there you have it. A real life freakin liger.

This has been your exotic animal report for the day. Until next time, happy week!

PS: I should mention for clarification purposes that although the Liger does indeed exist, it does not in fact have magical properties, as Napolean so alludes, and as my brother asked me. At least....as far as I know....

The Ice Caves

This has been my favorite trip we've done this semester so far-maybe even better then Bear World! About a week ago, we mentioned to our friends that we were going to try to go to the ice caves this weekend. Luckily for us, one of them knew exactly where to go, and they all said they would love to make the trip with us! So Saturday morning, after meeting up at our place for breakfast, we headed out. After about 45 min or so of driving, we all parked our cars, and then a majority of us hopped in the back of our truck for some light off roading. Our friend Eric drove, since he knew where we were going and had more experience with this sorta thing. Even the ride up there was super fun, while we all talked, laughed, and bounced around in the back hitting a few mud puddles and what not.

Once we reached out final destination, I was amazed looking down into this huge canyon full of rocks to see the entrance to our cave, quite low. From here on out, it was a BLAST. There were parts with climbing, sliding, crawling, you name it, we did it! The most amazing part was that it was all literally surrounded by ice, both above and below us. For me, this was a complete first. I felt like I was in a mix of the movies Ice Age, Jurassic Park, and Star Wars. It was just all so unreal to think that this world has so many natural beauties I'd heard of, but not ever seen. They were worlds better in reality. In the end, when we climbed out way back through the caves, we made our way back to the surface and rested and tried to cool down since it was so much hotter outside.

After heading back, we all went to our homes and saw each other again that night at our Stake Conference [which is a church meeting for those reading who don't know] and most of us picked up some G's Dairy. In talking, one of the girls mentioned how with our little group, it never gets old hanging out with each other-we do it again and again and it is always so fun and we never get tired of it. I think she's right. Now that we are all scattered and not in the same complex anymore, it would be easy to lose touch since its less convenient. But we are so lucky that we have friendships that last, and that we genuinely enjoy each other. I think to have an entire group like that can be rare. I am so lucky to have the friends any experiences I do!

Anywho, this is way longer then I intended it to be b/c I have a million pictures I wanted to share [courtesy of our AWESOME photographer friend Emil]. I am just so glad that we are making the time to enjoy and experience Idaho in ways we never have before! It is like a whole new world.

PS: [After uploading bazillion pics, I realized I put them in exact opposite order! So remember that your gonna start with the pictures of us LEAVING the cave, and end with the ones of us driving to it. I'm not technologically savvy enough to figure out how to switch them in the right order, and I'm to impatient to try to redo it in the right order. Still-they are amazing so enjoy!]

[I just thought this picture was cool-you probably noticed were wearing head lamps b/c its pitch black in the caves, so this is what we saw on our way out...doesn't light just make everything so much better? haha!]

[if you look in the very bottom of this picture you can start to see the entrance to the caves..]

[This is the group that was heading in before us-we didn't bring helmets which Lester and I both have bruises to prove on our heads HAHA!]

[can I just mention how much I love this picture? We were hitting a big bump and so I naturally rammed my arms up against the poor girls so they wouldn't go flying and their faces are priceless! Good times!]