Check Yes or No

If you want a laugh or two, go ahead and check this out. I'm not this bold with boys anymore; probably because it doesn't work. But here's a bold work story from May--

I work in the computer lab in the SWKT (a building on campus) and one of my coworkers challenged me to give a cute guy my number; a bold move which he thought would confirm my other stories of being quite bold with boys. Of course, with my competitive nature I had  to do something about it, even though I wasn't necessarily thinking clearly of the consequences. So I ended up writing him a note that said:

'Hey my name is Jessie! I think you're super nice and pretty cute and I would love to go on a date with you. If you're single, here's my number. Do you want to be my friend? Check yes or no.'

And of course I put a box for him to check (I hope you get the reference). On the front of the note I put: 

'Hey I just met you...'

So I went over to his computer and gave it to him. I figured there were two options for this outcome: 1- he would just put in his headphones and walk out without saying anything, or 2- he would talk to me about the pretty forward note that I just handed him. He had to pass my desk on the way out of the lab. Anyways, he ended up coming up to my desk and asking me if I really wanted him to check the box. I asked him if he had heard the country song and he said he hadn't so I sang the chorus for him:

Do you love me? Do you want to be my friend? And if you do,
Well then don't be afraid to take me by the hand, if you want to.
I think this is how love goes-
Check Yes or No.

Spontaneously bursting into song is not an uncommon occurrence for me. I sing quite often--practically anywhere and everywhere. We continued conversation and then he simply told me he was dating someone.... Ah crap...... Kind of an awkward moment...... But I asked him if we could still be friends and he said of course! So I'm a little bit humiliated, but frankly I'm really glad he had the guts to say something. Most guys probably would have just avoided the situation and walked out. And the next week he still came into the lab and we had a pleasant conversation about music and iPods. And it wasn't awkward at all. I'm grateful for those guys who can embrace awkward, flattering situations, and then continue to treat girls with respect and dignity. This was a pretty bold moment and I've learned that this guy could handle it.

So a few weeks ago a new semester started and once again I was working in the lab and guess who came in? The same guy! Needless to say I actually apologized for this bold and awkward situation that I had put him in. I think I had too much pride in being bold and I'm a little embarrassed by it. I've definitely been humbled since then and I'm grateful for this kind fellow who continues to be a kind friend to me.

I'm  learning that there are different ways to being bold and beautiful. But I think confidence is key when you understand and accept your weaknesses.

-JB

Make a Difference

I traveled a lot today. I'm pretty spent.
As I sat on a plane from Phoenix to Detroit, a really nice lady sat by me. She made my day with just simple conversation. We talked about politics and religion and both together. As we left the aircraft she turned to me and said "Make a difference." This simple statement touched my heart in a way that she will never know.

To her I wish I could say this,

I will make a difference. I decided a few years back that I was going to change the world, but not in the way that many would think. I'm not going into politics, or going to start a non-profit organization that will build hundreds of schools for girls in poverty stricken countries. I'm probably not going to have a million dollars that I can donate to a hospital to help find a cure for cancer or invent some new medical device to save thousands of lives. My name will not be known around the world for fame or glory or recognition of some big accomplishment. But I will be known for being genuine among my family and friends and all those around me. I want to change the world and I will make a difference, but it will be by touching a heart or bringing a smile to just one person. One by one.

I sat by another friend on a flight to Detroit. To him I would say that the Book of Mormon has brought me such indescribable happiness and joy. I hope the time comes when it interests you enough to read it and sincerely ask if it is true. It is an I know it.

Be yourself. You don't have to try to impress anyone when you're just doing your best. They'll like you for who you are and not someone you're trying to be. That's how you'll make a difference. Be your best self.

-Jessie

Short and Sweet

I have one of the best summer jobs EVER! I'm an EFY counselor and I'm hopping all over the Midwest/East coast doing sessions. Right now I'm sitting in the Tampa airport hoping and praying that I get on a plane (any plane really) to get me to Nauvoo by tomorrow. I was in Minnesota last week and I just have to say that the youth of the church are incredible.

I always hated being called the 'chosen generation' when I was a teenager because I felt like thats what I was always being told and I didn't necessarily believe it. Slowly I've begun to see how my generation and those who are coming after me are being prepared for an amazing future. I wish I had had the strength that I see in some of them when I was their age. I'm so grateful for the many people who influenced me while I was learning and growing in my teenage years.

Like I said this is short and sweet. I have a great hobby of waiting... And waiting... And waiting.... In airports :) hahaha

Until I write again

-Jessie

It happened in the temple...

Alright, here's a story that happened to me back in March. I totally asked for a guys number in the temple. I really wanted to go on a date with someone and so I was trying to do things about it. I'm not going to sit back and wait for Prince Charming to come to me (if he even exists). Chances are I'll probably knock him over first by telling him that he's going to regret not asking me out. It's long, but believe me--IT'S TOTALLY WORTH IT.

WARD TEMPLE NIGHT. Wednesday, March 7^th 2012. I went with my friend Anna to do baptisms even though the ward was doing a session. As I was getting my jumpsuit I stepped back and I kind of ran into someone. As I turned around, this GORGEOUS guy was right there behind me. He said sorry and I said sorry and it was great little moment. I was really taken aback because normally old people work in the temple and here was a gorgeous young temple worker. So we get confirmed and then head to the baptistry and lo and behold he is doing the baptisms. Now this is where he really impresses me. As I stepped into the font he put out his hand and helped me down the stairs (I absolutely love it when guys do that), then he said 'How are you?' 

And I said 'I'm doing well how are you?'
'I'm good, Thank you for coming.'
I replied, 'Thank you for being here.' Another cute moment :)
So as I was getting out of the font he said, 'Come again.'
And I said 'You too'

But of course he's going to come again, he works there... As we were walking up the stairs I turned to Anna and said,
'Anna, he was really cute'
She said 'I know'
I replied 'I kind of want to do something about it.'

We had gone up 4 stairs and so I turned around and walked down and as I looked down the hallway he was sitting on a chair right at the end. He didn't see me, but ... I chickened out. I just couldn't say anything to him. So I turned back around and we started walking back to the car.

Ok you have to know something about me--I'm a big fan of no regrets. And I'm pretty good at knowing what I will regret and what I won't. So I was trying to convince myself as we were leaving that I wouldn't regret not saying anything, cause its just one boy and I could come back next Wednesday and see if he's there. But as we were halfway to the car I had this thought, 'Jessie, who are you kidding, you're totally going to regret not saying anything.' Right then I turned to Anna and told her that we have to turn back-- I'm going to regret not doing anything about it. So she comes with me and we walk back into the temple. She was freaking out more than I was at this point cause this is way out of her comfort zone, but she has a boyfriend so it's not a big deal for her anyways. The door to the baptistry was locked so we waited a few minutes for someone to come out so that we could go back down the stairs. Turns out timing was perfect because it was not very busy. I went down to the desk and I tell the temple worker lady behind the desk,

 'I kind of have an awkward question for you... the boy that baptized us was really cute.'
She kind of laughed and said 'Brother A___?'
And I said 'Ya, do you know if he's married or single?'
By this time another temple worker gentleman had come up to the desk and he answered this question and said
'He's not married, but I'm not sure if he's single. He might have a girlfriend.'

After some awkward moments of not knowing what to do, they went searching for him because I just wanted to tell him that I thought he was cute. As I awkwardly stood there at the desk waiting patiently, I made the comment to another temple worker sitting behind the desk, 'Hey the church wants us to date right?' He was obviously amused by the situation and I don't blame him. I mean c'mon people, I'm trying to learn something at BYU. They only try to ingrain it in our brains--practically every day.

The cute boy finally walks in from the washroom behind the desk and this is what I say:

'Hi! I wanted to thank you for baptizing us, and I just want to tell you that I think you're really cute.'

It totally caught him off guard and he didn't know what to say. He blushed. It was kind of cute actually. He couldn't even look at me haha, he just thought his white socks were really interesting at the moment. That was all I had planned to say so I was just going with the flow at this moment. Anna was still kind of freaking out, but I had the situation somewhat under control. Kind of. The gentleman helped out the situation at this point and asked Ethan (the cute boy),

'So Ethan, these ladies want to know if you're single or taken.'
He replied saying, 'I'm not taken, I'm just getting over a serious relationship.'

Now I didn't really know what to say to this comment because I was kind of sorry cause that sucks, but then I wasn't because I kind of want to go on a date with this boy. So... Awkward moment... Again the temple workers helped us out and the lady said,

'Well, let’s get some paper!'

So Ethan wrote down his number and I wrote down my number--so that it was more of an exchange of numbers and not that I was asking for a boys number in the temple.

THE BEST PART: as I was writing down my number the gentleman said

'Hey, at least you know she has a temple recommend.' Great right?

I texted him later that night and basically he wasn't ready for anything 'serious.' But I was only thinking Macey's ice cream... Oh well. Nice story though, right?

I'm feeling WICKED

One short day in the city of Denver...

This past week me, my mom, and our great friend Michele Farrer flew out to Denver for 2 days to see the play Wicked. IT WAS AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLE AND TOTALLY WICKED!!! I loved it so much. Definitely one of the best birthday presents ever. My mom has a great talent of finding awesome deals online for tickets and hotels, so we were on the front row! It was such a neat, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Me, My Mom, and Michele

Michele Farrer is one of those women that I look up to dearly. She was my Young Women leader when I was 16 and I have learned so much from her. When we had scripture study that night (me reciting a scripture as we were laying in bed) it was Mosiah 4:9-10 and Michele says, "That's our problem, we talky talky talky, no doey doey doey-- amen." She gets a little crazy when it's late, hence her girls camp nickname 'Crazy Lady.'

We had a hoot shopping downtown!! Best pick up line from the man on the street: "I have a hole in my heart, how did you three get out?" And then my mom's best quotes from the trip, "You know you're a spoiled brat right?" Yes mom, I know. And "Ok I have to admit I got a little teary eyed when they were saying goodbye to each other-- yes I got teary eyed in Wicked." Great moments.

Me and My Mom

But mostly I loved it because I got to spend some needed quality time with my mom.

Have I mentioned that she is my best friend? And that she is GORGEOUS? I can tell her anything and everything and she always knows what to say. In the past I haven't listened to her very much and there was a time when I didn't like talking to her. I looked back in my journal last night from September of 2011 when my mom was helping me through some real hard times including a broken wrist, heart, and shoulder, and I wrote this in some wonderful left-handed writing "My mom is my best friend. Why didn't I talk to her last year? I was so dumb!" I hope I never take her for granted ever again. I know I'm not the best listener sometimes and I definitely have my stubborn moments (I know big surprise), but I love her so much. Especially our random break out dance sessions after movies, in the kitchen, and just when we're having fun together.

My Gorgeous Mom and Me

I Love my Wonder Woman Mom! Even though she probably won't read this... Sorry for being a stupid teenager the past 7 years. Thanks for always being there. I look up to you so much--and always will.

-JB

This is me :)

Hey! My name is Jessie... And this is me :)

I've actually been thinking about blogging for some time. And if you're going to read this I want to make it worth your time.

But first you need to know some things about me. 

1. Over the past year and a half I've had a lot of hard experiences that have helped me realize who I really am. I've become a lot more confident in myself and in my purpose in life.

2. Just to make this clear: I am NOT desperate for a boyfriend or to be married. You might be questioning this down the road once you read some of my stories. 

3. I love the gospel. I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I hope it shows in my thoughts, words, and deeds. 

4. I am a big fan of no regrets. And I'm getting pretty good at knowing what I will regret doing or not doing.
5. I play rugby--yes this is the sport in which we tackle each other with only a mouthguard. I absolutely love it. Pads are for wussies (although I sometimes have respect for football players... sometimes)

6. I love missionary work and I am totally planning on going on a mission; although I am open to other options. I can turn in my papers on January 23rd 2013--Not that I'm counting down or anything :) 

Well I think that's enough for today. Stay tuned!! I hope you'll enjoy the stories I have to share about my life. I'm pretty bold and beautiful, fair warning.

-JB