Twists and Turns..

I found this today via a diary.
I always love her thoughts on life.
And it couldn't be more fitting for my state of mind right now.
I've always had a life plan.
And up to this point I don't think anything has gone accordingly.
Life sure is a funny thing

PS - missing STG right now.
Wish I could be at home seeing old friends return and reminiscing!
I'll be back soon enough!

Letters From Haiti...


Sure am missing this silly boy.
But here is what a typical day of his entails...

Hey everyone!
Today has been another great day.
We went over to a meeting with another ngo at 8.
Then did 3 separate gardens at a ward members house.
His house was destroyed and so he was living with tarps.
He has almost nothing and would have given us everything!
After we finished be brought us inside.
We had already met his family.
They made this amazing guice for us with lots of ice which isn't cheap.
Then washed our buckets that we brought and gave us a ton of mangos.
Amazingly nice.
Then we came back and relaxed for a bit.
Got ready for classes and had lunch.
Classes went well.
I also met with a guy that is starting an orphanage and he was us/me to help him start it.
He is a really nice guy. We'll see what happens.
Then we ran over to another school where the 7 people died before to do some research and look into projects there.
As we were leaving the kids were shooting a soccer ball against each other through a swing set.
I naturally went over and tested my skills.
They were solid.
Ha it was fun to kick it around with them!
Then came home.
Ate and showered and got ready for bed!
No rain today.
It wasn't too hot though- we had clouds.
I love you all!
Haiti is great and there are a lot of people with various groups down here helping out.
Most if not all have Christian backgrounds.
Its great to see their hope and strength.
Love you!
JB

Couldn't be more proud of his Haitian adventure!
This boy has one good heart and I am so glad I have been able to be a small part of his journey!

Congrats!

Our good friends Brandon and Kim just got engaged.
Couldn't be more excited for them!
Heyooo!

Ann Comes to New York...

Having my Mom in town this weekend couldn't have been better.
Nicole and Kourt's boys were in town and Kylee was headed to Boston.
So it was the perfect time for her to come in.
Not to mention i was just starting to need a comfy bed and a clean shower.
My Dad was nice enough to let us stay at a hotel on the upper east side.
Thanks Daddy!
My Mom arrived Wednesday night.
I took her to Tasti D Lite and we just caught up.
It was so nice to chat.
Thursdsay I took the day off.
We did lots of shopping and went to Stardust for dinner.
She was nice enogh to just let me kind of be lazy and to just listen to me talk and talk as we walked and walked.
Friday she came to the show and I worked a long day.
We were able to have lunch with our family friend Dave Olsen.
He was nice enough to show us around his office and take a few hours with us.
After I got off work we headed down to South Street Seaport.
I love that area and was so glad I was able to share it with her.

Saturday I took my Mom to my very favorite area in the city...
CHELSEA and Greenwich.
It is so nice to be in an area with trees and beautiful nature.
My Mom loved it!
We went to the Chelsea Market and did some shopping in Anthro.
When I saw this tea shop I knew my Mom would be in heaven.
I was right!
While we were in the tea shop Melissa called.
I drop everything when she calls.
Miss that girl!
I am also really missing long chats with Jess.
It is so strange that we don't even know where in the world she is.
But I can only imagine how much fun she is having!
I took my Mom on the highline.
She was in love with it.
If you have a chance to come to the city you have to walk the highline.
It really is beautiful and peaceful.

The old Chelsea firehouse.
Darling.
Don't you love my Mom's curly hair?
She let me curl it and I am just loving the new do!
Then we went to Spice Market.
Some of the best Thai food you'll ever have - at an incredible price.
The service at this restaurant is insane for the price.
Warm lemon towels to clean your hands and the whole bit.
I think it took us over 2 hours to eat.
My Mom loved this place.
I don't know why she ever dates my ability to choose great food.
Of course we were both sick for two days after this meal.


And then it was off to the show Stondheim on Stondheim with Vanessa Williams.
We were lucky enough to stumble across some nice guys early in the morning.
They told me about some secret code.
I was able to get tickets to this show for $11.50.
Can you even believe that?
If there is one thing I have learned it is that you can really do this city for much cheaper than you think.
Not going to lie most of this show was over my head since I don't know much about the composer Stondheim.
But my Mom couldn't have been happier.
So that was well worth it!
Unfortunately, during the show I started to get really sick.
I think everything started to catch up with me.
Sunday was spent in the hotel sick as a dog.
I will spare you the details.
My sweet Mom was so wonderful to have here and I couldn't have been more lucky to get sick in the hotel than in the iHouse.
My Mom was off late last night to Switzerland.
Not going to lie - I am a bit jealous that she is with D+M.
My Dad is at Lake Powell with Katie, Nat, Patrice - and their families.
When I said goodbye to my Mom I got a little choked up.
What is wrong with me?
I am in NYC!
But I think at the end of the day nothing means more than family.
Thanks to my Dad I was able to stay in the hotel by myself last night.
That way I could have AC and get well.
Thanks Dad!
Mom, thank you for taking care of me!
I have to tell you how sweet it is hear that your parents miss each other after only a few days.
It sure was tender to hear them talking to each other.
My Mom just landed in Switzerland for her 2.5 week stay.
She was bumped up to first class.
See what happens when you get there early Mom?
Oh and the lady liked her necklace.
Good clothes do get you places in life!
Can't wait to hear about her adventures.
Bon Voyage Mom!

A Day In The Life...

Of an INTERN.
Out of respect for the studio I don't blog a lot about my experience there.
But I do LOVE my internship.
It is hard work.
It is a completely different experience than my study abroad in London.
But for many many reasons this experience was needed.
I am working hard and putting in lots of extra hours.
I have found myself working 12 + hours a day.
I want to make the most of my time - and work as hard as I can.
So here is a little glimpse into my day.
When I have to be to the office at 9 I take the subway.
I am often blown away at the different crowds of NYC.
The other day as I was hoping of the subway and I found myself just turning the corner and not even thinking about where I was going I had to stop and have a good laugh at myself.
When did I become one of these New Yorkers?
I love it.
When I have to be there before 5 a car is sent for me.
And when I have to be there before 6 I take a cab.
I had to post this..
This cupcake mobile is a huge hit among New Yorkers.
These people don't know what they are missing out on.
Sweet Tooth Fairy is still my top pick!
I spend my days helping producers with segments, answering phones, running errands, and just taking it all in.
A few times I have had the opportunity to help with the "Who Knew" segment for the 4th hour of the show.
I have also helped with the "Parents Tell All" segment.
Everyone here is SO kind and lovely.
They are just what they appear to be.
Honestly.

Sometimes we get to work on really exciting thngs.
Like Evanne - with this beautiful shoe that was warn by one sexy lady
on one sexy movie that just came out -
about a sexy city that I live in.
Got it?
The day of the concert we wake up bright and early to help out.
Concert days are a blast.
Often times we are sent to let people know about the free concert.
This can be a bit challenging at 6 or 7 am as the business men don't really care!
Nonetheless, we get the word out.
Meet Charlie and Katie.
Oh how I love the other interns.
Charlie just left on Friday.
He is going to be missed by everyone.
Except Evanne.
They had a love hate relationship.

It was early.
That's not excuse.
Like I said - everyone here is SO nice.
I was brave enough to ask if my Mom could take a tour.
It was like - do you even have to ask?
My Mom was SO excited.
When I told the producer of the concert that she was coming she was like, "She can have a VIP pass"
So nice.
So Ann got to be with all of the VIP's at the One Republic concert.
She even got to snap this pic with one of the on air talents.
Like I said, everyone is so nice.
My Mom was nearly in tears talking to her about me.
Isn't my Mom just the cutest?
She had about 5 people tell her she looked like a New Yorker.
She was so flattered by that.
I got a kick out of it because my Mom had no idea where she was half of the time.
I sent her to get a treat for everyone in the office and after about an hour she called me and said,
"I can't find Broadway!"
I pretty much died with laughter.

It was so wonderful having my Mom see what I do and where I do it.
I am so incredibly grateful to be able to be with such a wonderful company on my very favorite show.
While I don't want to say everything that I have gotten to do or how the company operates I will say that I have felt welcome from the moment I arrived.
It really is a family.
It has its ups and downs and sometimes its hard being here in the city.
But I am learning a lot about the business and about myself.
And that makes my experience absolutely irreplaceable.
What makes it even more worth while is the people I get to work with.
The other interns are such a blast!
Evanne and Katie are two of my new best friends.
I adore them.
They know pretty much everything about my life.
If anything - they are the reason I am supposed to be here!

Dream Big

Tonight the broadcasting students met with a BYU alum.
She was so accomplished and wonderful.
After being in the city for a few weeks you start to fill warn down and belittled.
But I am back and ready to hit the ground running.
I always promised myself I'd never be afraid to Dream Big!
Like Frank says,
"If you can make it here you can make it anywhere."
So, tomorrow I am setting out on this city with a new perspective on things.
And what a better person to do it with than the one and only Ann Staples!
You better bet this ball of energy is coming here tomorrow and she is ready to play!
Can hardly wait.
See you tomorrow Mom!

And as for you Dad.
You are in big trouble Mr!
I begged and begged and begged you to come - but you insisted on working.
You work too hard for all of us Daddy-o
Come to NYC PLEASE!

I saw a little card the other day -
it said.
Daddy I don't know what I'd do without you...
But without me you'd be a lot richer!

I laughed and then thought to myself -
My Dad has 6 of those!
6 girls who he made Dream Big.
Man we owe him!
Thanks for making all of our dreams come true Daddy.
Sure do love ya!

And as for Grandma Ora.
Well she is just the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
I am in the process of making her a dog metal.
She is tending Koko while my Mom comes to NYC and then on to Switzerland.
She is a trooper!
And the classiest woman I know.
Love you Grandma!
Thanks for being my biggest fan!

Dear James,

You beat me to the punch.
You would get air time with a big market tv station before ,e.
You're just that good!
Ha.
You can see James on KSL by clicking here.


I don't know if I've ever been so excited to watch the news in my life!
It was so good to hear your voice and see you.
Mostly I was glad to see you are safe and healthy!
What I love the most is that throughout the entire semester you acted like this was no big thing.
Just another one of your little projects.
Now look at you!

Oh and by the way -
It looks like I have a little competition down there.
That little one is clearly staking her ground with you.
Careful little missy - he is taken!

My Favorite Photo...

Saving the world one dress at a time...

I always knew clothes could change the world.

Apparently James agrees.

Since he can't argue back at the moment I thought I'd post my thoughts on the issue.

I am sure you will hear the opposition in a few weeks.

Letters From Haiti

Check out the front page of the Deseret News today.

You can view it by clicking here

Never been more proud.

Catching Up...

I can't believe I haven't blogged this entire week.

Time is FLYING by here in the big apple.
Mostly because I am working 12-14 hour days... everyday!
I never thought I'd be this exhausted.
But its worth every second!
Here is what the week has been filled with,
Monday we went to ESPN zone and "watched" the Yankee's and Red Sox game.
Tuesday we had class (boo) so we hung out here at the i house.
Wednesday was a blast!
We went to Mary Poppins.
I LOVED it.
The music wasn't my favorite but the stage and props were incredible.
Literally -
men walking on ceilings,
props coming out of her bag magically,
and beds appearing.
It was fabulous.

Friday morning it was up and at 'em bright and early for the concert series.
I am not going to lie I wasn't super excited for The Script.
But let me just tell you...
James might want to hurry home!
Because the lead singer MELTED my heart.
I felt like I was 12 years old again at an NSync concert.
He was INCREDIBLE.
I also had quite the shot on TV.
Not sure if you saw me but for those of you who watch the 4th hour you know all about one of the hosts whose assistant doesn't like to be seen on camera.
Well, that assistant was standing next to me and the cameraman were trying to catch her in action.
She was hiding behind me and I was trying to dodge her so they could get a shot of her.
Unfortunately it made me look like was bobbing back and forth laughing.
Nonetheless, I was on.
Friday was a fabulous day at work.
I am loving my job despite the long hours!After work on Friday I headed downtown to Union Square where the girls were eating dinner.

We ate at a yummy little Cuban restaurant.
We are loving the Cuban food here.
We've all been wanting to try a Crumbs cupcake.
It was DIVINE!
We would rate Crumbs way higher than Magnolias...
but what do we know.
After Crumbs we went to
Letters to Juliet!
It cost us a small $13 to see one movie.
Can you believe that?
But it was totally worth it.
I loved that movie.
It is super cheesy but it was what all of us girls needed.
I may have shed a few tears.

Saturday our entire group headed to Ellis Island.
We've spent quite a bit of time downtown by the financial district
but never got a picture by the famous sign.
So here we are on Wall Street.


Kourt and I had to take a pic outside Pink.
James and Matt love this store.We got to Ellis Island and learned that the wait was 5 + hours.
We couldn't believe it.
There was no way we were wasting an entire day.
So we switched plans and headed to Staten Island


The boat ride was gorgeous - although you can't really tell from this picture.
I loved riding the boat to Staten Island because it reminded me of How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days.


Lately I am obsessed with sail boats so I had to snap a few pictures of some of the sail boats.
I was able to go to an apartment this week in Battery Park -
right on the water -
sail boats and statue of liberty in the view.
It felt like I was in Cali.
I am loving exploring the different areas in the city.
Who knew that there were all of these areas that don't feel like a city at all.As soon as we touched ground on Staten Island we noticed this sign.
What?!?
These firefighters were a little complexed as to why we were taking a picture by that sign.
Before we knew it they were offering to take a pic with us.
They whipped out these helmets and handed them over.
I was just about to put my helmet on when I looked down and noticed something a little bit odd!
There was a little animal scurrying around in the bottom of my helmet!
I started screaming and nicely dropped the helmet on the ground.
Sure enough there was a mouse in the bottom of the helmet!The firefighters could not believe it.
They got a good kick out of it!
If I would have put that thing on my head it would have resulted in a mouse running down my head and neck.
I think I would have lost my marbles.
I am one lucky cookie that I found the mouse!
The firefighters directed us to this INCREDIBLE Mexican restaurant.
We haven't had Mexican the entire time we've been here and it was to die for!
After exploring the city a little we picked up some Frozen Yogurt for dinner and headed to Borders for a little magazine reading.
There is nothing better than a few hours in a bookstore reading some good magazines and laughing with our friends.All in all it has been an incredible week.
I am incredibly lucky to have these girls in the city with me.
I think they are probably more ready for my crazy work schedule to stop because I am a little bit tired and out of it.
They are such winners for putting up with me!

If you're wanting a little update on our Haiti boy..
He arrived safely on Monday.
He has unlimited email so that has been wonderful.
He did call me once yesterday.
That was one expensive phone call but it was great to talk to him!
He's been working with the Haitian's on square foot gardens and is having a little business competition.
He is teaching them all kinds of business tricks.
He has loved being able to play with the Haitian kids in the street.
They LOVE to hear a white boy speak Creole!
He is definitely a star down there.
The cute ward ladies are making them dinner and so far he sounds happy, safe, and healthy.
The people love him there.
Keep an eye out for a piece in the Deseret News and KSL on their group this week.
They are doing INCREDIBLE things.
Super proud of that boy!
Sure do miss him though.

So proud of all of my friends who are off having their adventures.
James in Haiti.
Missa in J-Ru
Jess on a study abroad all over Europe
Amy in DC
Chels in London
I wish you all the best of luck!
Live it up while you're there.
As Suz told me this week,
"One of the hardest things to realize is that our someday is right now!"