tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70438508043346875292024-03-19T11:25:04.513-07:00365Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-9780681635301986232011-02-02T07:56:00.000-08:002011-02-02T07:56:26.416-08:001/7/2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGLuPFC9YNwkLC0r_CBkWcxSfTAOcuH-vahgdr38Prm9JBKhGsOiikUYX-GFHKnq-GsrnXXXR8C-g7wwE1ZAeNk8DvWCWDrWRzknhCOM263YSjbBYi7niVNMqyeSZVyBad8D6nUK7pGnm/s1600/DSCN4325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGLuPFC9YNwkLC0r_CBkWcxSfTAOcuH-vahgdr38Prm9JBKhGsOiikUYX-GFHKnq-GsrnXXXR8C-g7wwE1ZAeNk8DvWCWDrWRzknhCOM263YSjbBYi7niVNMqyeSZVyBad8D6nUK7pGnm/s320/DSCN4325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
239. A place to call home in Provo. Trying to avoid the apartment scene and wanting to feel emancipated from the stipulations of BYU housing, I searched for a historic home to rent near center street in Provo. In my attempts to feel like an adult university graduate, I had to remember that nearing three years since graduation doesn't guarantee you the money you once thought you'd have by this time. And so, I caved and bought a $180 a month contract at an apartment complex. Only in Provo, UT can you find something this inexpensive and not feel like the walls are going to crumble at any given moment. This might just happen at my place, but for now I'm oblivious due to the world tapestry and Russian paraphernalia shrouding the area. </div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-78613798183607679362011-01-24T06:16:00.000-08:002011-01-24T07:05:44.912-08:001/6/2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span id="goog_1952047219"></span><span id="goog_1952047220"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXoLd_jIhFJ9nDHB5l1lgtcM97QAYLYf0Fve8sQU-GMbS7ojxsDZ-ft1UQKWQsbh8OFX1JtX7D7S66j_Iv_14Fi_CG4RktCEZIvXPuJGHd2Vf6U2-ZJS7wv8T7wKjwhv4r5mT9C2EIkep/s1600/DSCN4345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXoLd_jIhFJ9nDHB5l1lgtcM97QAYLYf0Fve8sQU-GMbS7ojxsDZ-ft1UQKWQsbh8OFX1JtX7D7S66j_Iv_14Fi_CG4RktCEZIvXPuJGHd2Vf6U2-ZJS7wv8T7wKjwhv4r5mT9C2EIkep/s320/DSCN4345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
238. A beating drum inside me burning to exhibit itself through my feet, legs, torso and arms. Its omnipresence can never be appeased by any other favorite physical activities of aerobics, running, cycling or hiking. There are not always times in life when I can quench this fervent desire but whatever I do, wherever I go, dance will always be a part of me. My Capezio Tap Shoes were ecstatic to once again be a part of the Y's performing club on the wooden oak floors, but unfortunately the timing is not right and they will resume tapping at another time down the road. </div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-80216985604779071692011-01-06T08:24:00.000-08:002011-01-06T08:24:27.945-08:001/5/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcn3h0Mpdthjt_o1SZhMmUKkYMJ5Nkn2Eehll65GSWt_FkDn5_junhyjr4r7vqzCius9ZL8oXyqM8nnkDSS8WRBo25KTLduNTyRIoShVCf610bZJQhUkHtkw41iEjsuYBJdVWLDI1knXxt/s1600/DSCN4323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcn3h0Mpdthjt_o1SZhMmUKkYMJ5Nkn2Eehll65GSWt_FkDn5_junhyjr4r7vqzCius9ZL8oXyqM8nnkDSS8WRBo25KTLduNTyRIoShVCf610bZJQhUkHtkw41iEjsuYBJdVWLDI1knXxt/s320/DSCN4323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
237. Whitney, the State AmeriCorps representative working at United Way in behalf of the Volunteer Care Clinic in Utah Valley. If I have my own desk and title, I think it deserves some acknowledgment. But I'll have to admit, this is my first desk job and after 8 hours of sitting (did you know I could even do that? I didn't either.), I may be happy it is only part-time for four months. Some of my responsibilities include: checking credentials for our volunteers, entering information into our database, running errands and doing trivial tasks. My position may be more like a glorified office assistant, but it is important to do the background work so the clinic can run for low-income and uninsured families.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-19666226253478585762011-01-06T08:03:00.000-08:002011-01-06T08:09:05.289-08:001/4/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFGP1mxZW3qpBt4d9LZpH3DVJCmUgePXCOd-65CxoYFPy4X9xxFqa1_wgia5v3PQxFX2_Luam3zdXRHeLTSW5mTj4J5PIiN5nynffqfGPVjuXaUt_UUIWm8TZ3o-1v1eRHUx6jQlWvsZe/s1600/sister+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFGP1mxZW3qpBt4d9LZpH3DVJCmUgePXCOd-65CxoYFPy4X9xxFqa1_wgia5v3PQxFX2_Luam3zdXRHeLTSW5mTj4J5PIiN5nynffqfGPVjuXaUt_UUIWm8TZ3o-1v1eRHUx6jQlWvsZe/s320/sister+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
236. We saw Black Swan this evening. After talking about it for more than two weeks, I looked forward to going because, more than anything, I love dates with my sisters. And second, I heard Natalie Portman did an excellent job at portraying a ballerina. Dance + sisters, of course I'll go. As soon as I heard its rating as we were driving to the cinema, my uncertainty began to look a little like the image above. Unaware of the movie's premise beforehand, I am almost certain my face maintained that frightened naivety during the entire duration. Just as I knew before, I enjoyed being with the girls and the dancing was beautiful. And that's about it.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-9411439258863781742011-01-06T07:46:00.000-08:002011-01-06T08:06:45.126-08:001/3/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicID4JNXZragoX6suTPaZTlYpPQU2dhqD2ZlXW6NH2XPXtG6F3O5qxEl56ouXs9-dRCx79raKTAJORetC-GfJefV0f8IoDLEp9mbwwlqatNdH8pkCmUwLkPMJJcZagyXLmY7iLWbTHP-gH/s1600/DSCN4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicID4JNXZragoX6suTPaZTlYpPQU2dhqD2ZlXW6NH2XPXtG6F3O5qxEl56ouXs9-dRCx79raKTAJORetC-GfJefV0f8IoDLEp9mbwwlqatNdH8pkCmUwLkPMJJcZagyXLmY7iLWbTHP-gH/s320/DSCN4311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>235. Dear blog, I'm sorry. Since arriving back in the US, you may have noticed my pictures are fuzzy and unfocused. This could be analogous for my attempts at adapting back to American life and trying to fit in when everything seems so unclear. It just so happens that the most blurry of my pictures is with Audra, who is in the same boat. Enjoying dinner with her and her parents made us forget all about those worries and made us reminisce about one of the biggest adventures of our lives.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-51077647083648676562011-01-06T07:18:00.000-08:002011-01-06T08:06:25.717-08:001/2/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocx-hruHgD3v7jTH5Zr1Nve0UUd08IMimYDLg2Wzzs1D_WdC6kTyIk7rpmKGMQmv_W2d_dftmduvaCFbqkC1TYES2HbygJ24fJuD3wE_uirwu5pbp9RluntXoxztZdLkmV9xH6DPtwRhR/s1600/DSCN4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocx-hruHgD3v7jTH5Zr1Nve0UUd08IMimYDLg2Wzzs1D_WdC6kTyIk7rpmKGMQmv_W2d_dftmduvaCFbqkC1TYES2HbygJ24fJuD3wE_uirwu5pbp9RluntXoxztZdLkmV9xH6DPtwRhR/s320/DSCN4319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
234. Elna Baker, I think you're funny. Some may think you're jeopardizing your beliefs because you're a Mormon comedian in NYC. You do laugh at yourself, the rest of us and the conglomeration of Mormon idiosyncrasies that appear strange in the limelight. But I appreciate how you only chip away at our culture and not our gospel. The memoir is about her adaption of life in a city with wildly different values than her own. Her anecdotes about relationships, wardrobe mishaps, and Mormon young single-adult events, which she pins as a way for "Mormons to meet, marry and then make more Mormons", make this book hilarious and charming.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-87517141980504728012011-01-05T20:45:00.000-08:002011-01-06T06:39:24.323-08:001/1/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgkJViGLcqNwZhsoDV_qmWbVhweqEEBa24zJ5OTBDUnUxK4x32aYOv21frxLhLEKtWRgzNmnav_ThkfncSF099hsirWWc2AR8DGORkLkMOsgU5Hxk5OZTg0PeDHDGVeQIkgsVT4YIT9IQ/s1600/DSCN4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgkJViGLcqNwZhsoDV_qmWbVhweqEEBa24zJ5OTBDUnUxK4x32aYOv21frxLhLEKtWRgzNmnav_ThkfncSF099hsirWWc2AR8DGORkLkMOsgU5Hxk5OZTg0PeDHDGVeQIkgsVT4YIT9IQ/s320/DSCN4308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
233. A new year! I am slowly working on refining my new year resolutions as I am certain I can attain them this year. Here are a few: I can go a whole year without a serious boyfriend. I can move around from place to place without hesitation. I can spend all of my savings in a foreign country. I can go without paying for a gym membership. Yes, maybe most of those are inevitable with my lifestyle but the last one really is in hopes I will use Utah's beautiful resources to exercise (like I did today), instead of becoming a gym rat.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-84386772461879504402011-01-01T08:34:00.000-08:002011-01-25T06:12:29.392-08:0012/31/2010<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KsRiSTjqIpv7O1q3ShOTIf1sX5VhUpgQ8yN12q6G8_d_eI3gtD6BZG6tJOxd9LiSItUGyMp01fEiBIs-L3eF1w8Fl_Ra7g0awZqI362cdg71Rr3w8yxCB1C08U0QM-ezR5IVYWLF05kQ/s1600/DSCN4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KsRiSTjqIpv7O1q3ShOTIf1sX5VhUpgQ8yN12q6G8_d_eI3gtD6BZG6tJOxd9LiSItUGyMp01fEiBIs-L3eF1w8Fl_Ra7g0awZqI362cdg71Rr3w8yxCB1C08U0QM-ezR5IVYWLF05kQ/s320/DSCN4281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
232. New Year's Eve with my girls. We have spent many New Years together, one being the year spent with the police after hydroplaning Xena (my honda) under the bed of a truck. Almost eight years later, we drive a little more carefully since everyone has husbands and babies (except for the obvious). Seven-week-old Regan, Nikki's second, made me so proud. Later in the night, I had a surprise visit from little Justin my 6-year-old neighbor friend who returned for a visit 12 years later. And I partied, with Jeff and Lysh at a house party that night to ring in the new year.</div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-1156255767355711322011-01-01T08:15:00.000-08:002011-01-01T08:15:30.757-08:0012/30/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn4YcrqBcKJAg1lpkht4ntXJ1qWU4HYn1JdbjwM_GIeIaehwaGg5hkct1Iv5ECbCUSAdDsSg7-o8XtXK5p56_69c-a94s2EHR1fGUFnqLZkGDZlc8i1CRkt7CUvjnPoZabhBStJjTO55n/s1600/DSCN4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn4YcrqBcKJAg1lpkht4ntXJ1qWU4HYn1JdbjwM_GIeIaehwaGg5hkct1Iv5ECbCUSAdDsSg7-o8XtXK5p56_69c-a94s2EHR1fGUFnqLZkGDZlc8i1CRkt7CUvjnPoZabhBStJjTO55n/s320/DSCN4280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
231. Snow day breakfast. After a few reschedules, Lindsey, Katie and I were finally eating together at the Original Pancake House in Sugarhouse. Lindsey was a trooper to drive us since her family was trying to deter her from driving out on the icey roads. We had a fun time, but as always we probably could have hung out together all day and still felt like it wasn't enough time together.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-61800812030122333812011-01-01T08:05:00.000-08:002011-01-06T07:18:58.092-08:0012/29/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvR4fYV-ph0U1y0-VyRjJlImmIR50ks0pQfFNhYkvdnDVCjOo6eto1yQMeUm0eZ3806gO-bPs5OaMpmMsM0fDocVBZXoowfdDn7Z23TRs97CAA5InNFJ0mO3W2ICygbknN0C9Yg_SnIbM/s1600/DSCN4272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvR4fYV-ph0U1y0-VyRjJlImmIR50ks0pQfFNhYkvdnDVCjOo6eto1yQMeUm0eZ3806gO-bPs5OaMpmMsM0fDocVBZXoowfdDn7Z23TRs97CAA5InNFJ0mO3W2ICygbknN0C9Yg_SnIbM/s320/DSCN4272.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
230. What are good friends for? Unfortunately, I put my eggs in one basket thinking I would definitely get a certain job in Provo and well, I didn't. Ashley was willing to scour the Provo Center Street vicinity with me as I humbly picked up unwanted but needed applications. In return, I let her jump on my back as we trudged through the new fallen snow. We did also enjoy a Mexican dinner, lots of talking and a movie. Thanks Ash!Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-37353725615216566152010-12-31T18:28:00.000-08:002011-01-01T07:56:55.316-08:0012/28/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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229. The Smiths. Our last annual Christmas party at Gma's & Gpa's, as though being 86 & 87 is an excuse. I will always remember dressing in vintage jewelry, jackets, hats and wigs and putting on shows with my cousins for our parents' amusement. Now watching the 4th generation running around chaotically, makes me miss our insouciant days where there were no boundaries, worries or stressors. One of my most favorite surprises was seeing Lindy, my closest cousin in age. It had been at least three years and now she has little Seth who's twice her size.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-44887676798298261012010-12-31T17:45:00.000-08:002010-12-31T17:45:11.382-08:0012/27/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2uZWybgymFlv43MpB7WSYLPvfY0nUz5lJZrCPh9HD4xeotghO9SBcvW8jmuJxzrDTn6Wy4o6amh8rHzAg3vwtwNNxn4jbGEHiL36Cn4hnEqtqKjAeMC-0cmycW2ghyphenhyphen2DwQYBjN7Eu0DO/s1600/DSCN4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2uZWybgymFlv43MpB7WSYLPvfY0nUz5lJZrCPh9HD4xeotghO9SBcvW8jmuJxzrDTn6Wy4o6amh8rHzAg3vwtwNNxn4jbGEHiL36Cn4hnEqtqKjAeMC-0cmycW2ghyphenhyphen2DwQYBjN7Eu0DO/s320/DSCN4245.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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228. Russian Fiesta. Andy, Mel n' Marlee, Jess n' Sam, Jill, Jamie & Corbin, Marci & Will, Lindsey, Callie, Amy, & Erin- thank you for coming over! The vibrant red-stained borsche didn't entice too many, except for my Taiwan co-teachers (their tolerance is high). Luckily, the blinis (crepes) and apple pie was food they were willing to handle and devour.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-73414041950469854882010-12-31T17:33:00.000-08:002010-12-31T17:33:14.557-08:0012/26/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt9Qbyb9eWoTDKx2a9EPXBbyAh0PDeNk5Pxsd6-PVJEgLwqQ3REtF8qxioAtMfoKatcXuBweFCWoeVJCvPbXiXa0tmjDIeHpx4QklnUq8litTlYF0e8Fb3C4Yu-hqBcDnM2MxZrZdY1VE/s1600/DSCN4231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt9Qbyb9eWoTDKx2a9EPXBbyAh0PDeNk5Pxsd6-PVJEgLwqQ3REtF8qxioAtMfoKatcXuBweFCWoeVJCvPbXiXa0tmjDIeHpx4QklnUq8litTlYF0e8Fb3C4Yu-hqBcDnM2MxZrZdY1VE/s320/DSCN4231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
227. Sunday game night. Trying to play "the new original Classic Clue" (LDS) with Luke was proving to be quite difficult. The game is suited for ages 8+ and my sisters and I hardly recalled how to play the game. We then progressed to more kid friendly games by doing balancing acts with Luke. Justin, on face time from California, eventually joined us in the fun and we played Candy Land all together.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-60290518199175202822010-12-31T17:14:00.000-08:002010-12-31T17:14:30.170-08:0012/25/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwUnoJwzHIn3mHNBb7h-lX5cabHpkXaRe6K41OmD66InaAsKiJWwwlPnwBkbz2pXPNTbik-bHSzL_VFBn5aTbrVqwzcpA-iqN9DfcpJUzBu8e5u48IhmDY1CYzFXcPNkxeqcQxZfzgynZ/s1600/DSCN4221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwUnoJwzHIn3mHNBb7h-lX5cabHpkXaRe6K41OmD66InaAsKiJWwwlPnwBkbz2pXPNTbik-bHSzL_VFBn5aTbrVqwzcpA-iqN9DfcpJUzBu8e5u48IhmDY1CYzFXcPNkxeqcQxZfzgynZ/s320/DSCN4221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
226. Merry Christmas! One of our family favorites: Christmas brunch. This year we had Belgian waffles, fruit, eggs & potatoes, juice and eggnog. As for the gifts, Luke had the difficulty of taking turns but he didn't really need to since he had enough to open consecutively for two hours. We spent most of the day laughing hysterically as everyone tried to dance like the King of Pop with our new video game. And as usual, Jordan Common's got us for the evening while we watched True Grit.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-70075962782180909502010-12-31T16:48:00.000-08:002010-12-31T17:45:55.144-08:0012/24/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbiWnxzlL4xyEN3twnR8VY_kBz2dloLmry_tbKTX3BWpWv3ewyuoSZl-lN9m1M_hqIm5kLKjhHp2sALN63m4MmrK6ibxgyh0Nl3Dk4ZFcnBwXWCQTKW1biMyzmiM_vr6Rk77Dx36tsenh/s1600/DSCN4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbiWnxzlL4xyEN3twnR8VY_kBz2dloLmry_tbKTX3BWpWv3ewyuoSZl-lN9m1M_hqIm5kLKjhHp2sALN63m4MmrK6ibxgyh0Nl3Dk4ZFcnBwXWCQTKW1biMyzmiM_vr6Rk77Dx36tsenh/s320/DSCN4208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
225. A new Christmas Eve tradition: Mexican dinner. Alysha and I, both working at BR late last Christmas Eve and missing our usual tradition, begged a Mexican restaurant to keep its kitchen open for our hungry appetites last year. This year we planned and dined without having to plead. We hope this bean n'rice tradition sticks!Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-78752123320710123122010-12-31T16:30:00.000-08:002010-12-31T16:30:45.745-08:0012/23/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFD_j7KPiuXLtJ0kzbCevpVwuAgZtDTdF9Rk5XyOM8fi1Z7H40tHev2sgjk5VIhjwj3jFTLYvP6ek_97WPANb5YskK3j0bUbWkPi31uM59i0PYbzdkx6MysDPi2e_2bRAG_5_RHsl4FmJ/s1600/DSCN4203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFD_j7KPiuXLtJ0kzbCevpVwuAgZtDTdF9Rk5XyOM8fi1Z7H40tHev2sgjk5VIhjwj3jFTLYvP6ek_97WPANb5YskK3j0bUbWkPi31uM59i0PYbzdkx6MysDPi2e_2bRAG_5_RHsl4FmJ/s320/DSCN4203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
224. Nobody knows shopping more than Lady Di Smith. We went all over, well mostly back and forth between Urban, Banana, ON, & Anthropologie. When you travel or live abroad, you realize how much you really don't need in order to survive. Unfortunately, it is difficult to maintain that mentality especially when you have family that finds a need for every fashionable item.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-8031365246079126562010-12-31T15:33:00.000-08:002010-12-31T15:33:36.520-08:0012/22/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRk_SMGrcEtp_N2vy0zh9aaUwzKCfPX5X3QbnWUDyNG0EkZSjGM1-Jwqfdf9SEowiRhPzbGEoX-GCkwwI9gPpcTpq6csZDskQAUTZ__H-BVdaJPgYLRbRBNRwPNKzVcxVkL-WCU0mGwWt/s1600/DSCN4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRk_SMGrcEtp_N2vy0zh9aaUwzKCfPX5X3QbnWUDyNG0EkZSjGM1-Jwqfdf9SEowiRhPzbGEoX-GCkwwI9gPpcTpq6csZDskQAUTZ__H-BVdaJPgYLRbRBNRwPNKzVcxVkL-WCU0mGwWt/s320/DSCN4238.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
223. Home! But not much time spent there. Wanting to get started on things, I headed down to Provo early to fill out paper work for my Uganda position with Help, background check for my AmeriCorps internship, check-out at and interview at ILP, and a visit with Ashley and her family. I didn't want to decline the invite to dine in SLC nor the holiday party, but my body had about had it. I spent the night going to the Instacare instead to find out I had Bronchitis.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-22325241882208692392010-12-31T15:18:00.000-08:002010-12-31T15:18:12.622-08:0012/21/2010<span id="goog_521412829"></span><span id="goog_521412830"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu09AqaakUdIC1dsOIiDsen66Zq6EhPdhie4G6Bm6U_WmvaVkKhOyI8t1m96_rWQDqNOcTFeSutB7X0N84T15wHxuGaxPW2bkOpmizgaRbXQJ5OFVWLTuUyyJTL68jdoTbhSO4W3Uk-wS/s1600/DSCN4199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu09AqaakUdIC1dsOIiDsen66Zq6EhPdhie4G6Bm6U_WmvaVkKhOyI8t1m96_rWQDqNOcTFeSutB7X0N84T15wHxuGaxPW2bkOpmizgaRbXQJ5OFVWLTuUyyJTL68jdoTbhSO4W3Uk-wS/s320/DSCN4199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
222. The shortest day of the year has officially become my longest. Dropped off at midnight, flight out at 6AM, 9 hour layover in Munich, 9 hour flight to Chicago, delayed 3 hour flight to SLC. In aggregate, the trip took 36 hours. The 1:00AM arrival in SLC, was extravagant for all of my co-teachers...except me. There were banners, parents, siblings, balloons, friends, co-workers, screams of joy, tears, you name it! As for me, I had to call from Steph's mom's phone to get a hold of a family member. My sister was there after all, but she was just in her car circling around the airport because my parents didn't give her my flight information. I guess the novelty of traveling and coming home has worn off with my peeps!Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-7147459805767154962010-12-28T15:45:00.000-08:002010-12-28T15:45:05.358-08:0012/20/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFZIFDS1MUYezAL20WC2rpxujExErLBH_huJ9xf2ERh9-iGWVLlpwmJLEmivsiQ9d25-ojduQGoC6gcJH9faQXpECPYfv-Cumh_4qUTV94STWh_5TO6ovQF2SFRa3E1KGB9_RYx8gSR0c/s1600/DSCN4197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFZIFDS1MUYezAL20WC2rpxujExErLBH_huJ9xf2ERh9-iGWVLlpwmJLEmivsiQ9d25-ojduQGoC6gcJH9faQXpECPYfv-Cumh_4qUTV94STWh_5TO6ovQF2SFRa3E1KGB9_RYx8gSR0c/s320/DSCN4197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
221. It must really be the end because my belongings have had enough. Both pairs of my boots lost their soles. I lost my camera and the ILP cell phone. And one of my pieces of luggage was torn and had to be left behind. I took pictures of all of these but I look terrible in them, so it's best they weren't posted, plus Alla is beautiful and she should be posted. It was around midnight that she dropped me and Steph off four hours early for our 6AM flight to Munich. Wow, I am definitely going to miss her and Russia.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-74926862079140396642010-12-28T15:12:00.000-08:002010-12-28T15:12:30.706-08:0012/19/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqat3y5d7DkErG3OwszlpxpeZOiVZ5NePAwYA4CZlCI3ncwulBe_Yp70hT-fEGhDrpgAb04YHOYNEae7Epr3D6zYSPAKYmZRCeaRl0FLd4rTqoPeO_M_4_0kGLYaPTQ-3Iur3PjNNLi29/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqat3y5d7DkErG3OwszlpxpeZOiVZ5NePAwYA4CZlCI3ncwulBe_Yp70hT-fEGhDrpgAb04YHOYNEae7Epr3D6zYSPAKYmZRCeaRl0FLd4rTqoPeO_M_4_0kGLYaPTQ-3Iur3PjNNLi29/s320/088.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">220. To all the members: the Lunas, McCarthers, Hazelwoods, Browns, sister and elder missionaries, Natasha and the many others we couldn't communicate with, we are very grateful for your inspiring testimonies and stories of helping the church grow in Russia. We were excited for Masha to attend her first, but hopefully not her last, three hours of our church. She definitely brought too many tears when I talked about her during one of our lessons and when I had to say goodbye. You will be missed Masha!</div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-34191761364298842552010-12-28T15:07:00.000-08:002010-12-28T15:19:32.918-08:0012/18/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">219. Christmas/birthday/good-bye party. We planned to have a get-together with everyone including our coordinators, local and church friends. But as usual, events don't always go as anticipated. We'll just say we at least had each other, Masha and the Browns. The Browns overdid themselves again by hosting our party and surprised us with lots of Papa John's Pizza; We definitely weren't disappointed by this time. I had hopes to give Lisa a great birthday cake but used potato flour instead of powder sugar for the frosting. Most everyone humored me by chomping down on it while watching the dvd I made of our St. Pete. memories. </div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-54842425119238996622010-12-28T14:48:00.000-08:002010-12-28T14:48:03.429-08:0012/17/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmiiHSlSVgYv3z1jJ6oe7kEeF8KXL9tgAqBkLGaHfrOtHGfNvk4qW8f58yHDIqBRkmYUdijlxVHuGIdW-JEzyTBPaGhbSgwV8G3VTjUHWhp-gtFNtoaxHn5eD_l1awkauQceEFm_snmNI/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmiiHSlSVgYv3z1jJ6oe7kEeF8KXL9tgAqBkLGaHfrOtHGfNvk4qW8f58yHDIqBRkmYUdijlxVHuGIdW-JEzyTBPaGhbSgwV8G3VTjUHWhp-gtFNtoaxHn5eD_l1awkauQceEFm_snmNI/s320/IMG_2387.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
218. Must we? Say goodbye already? These Russian kiddies have been too cute. We all seriously have contemplated sneaking some of them in our luggage. Bogdon, one of our students standing about one-foot tall, would have worked just fine. Thank goodness children worldwide are fun to be with or else leaving these guys would be much harder than it already is.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-25085065457203339402010-12-28T14:31:00.000-08:002010-12-28T14:31:32.312-08:0012/16/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYgoRajlL9EejFNIoC3lkUN_rw9xDAanCWmbJuCwyuDdz2Rb88Aj82fw_wfY1gXnY7GLtq0Ph6EaIbsteLUG06ykrr8CeWAn66I_cdUacuOsDv9CBnEY33QKLRC-Ix2tC-QmWH-l1xeAR/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYgoRajlL9EejFNIoC3lkUN_rw9xDAanCWmbJuCwyuDdz2Rb88Aj82fw_wfY1gXnY7GLtq0Ph6EaIbsteLUG06ykrr8CeWAn66I_cdUacuOsDv9CBnEY33QKLRC-Ix2tC-QmWH-l1xeAR/s320/IMG_2373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
217. Final show! Hours of practice and preparation for Spectacular (Spectacle) and it went well and was over before we knew it. We have Ludmilla to thank for much of the success at Kindergarten #5. The two of us worked together a lot and we grew a strong love for each other despite our abilities to communicate well. Alla did have to intercede on my behalf quite often to help clear the language confusion, but by the end we almost had it figured out. We respected Ludmilla for her patience, kindness and love but her ability to moderate the fine balance between loving the children without doting was unlike any other administrator. We will miss her!Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-18953772524260568842010-12-28T14:19:00.000-08:002010-12-28T14:19:15.200-08:0012/15/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmw4C2B2U3zwp5GyEMFoTRbJSSyeYLcXSGDj8sDKv_CrsvvEHVveNNCZIpVahHcMmYFE3pmwzPI6U0gX3HWrgFlPs8EtZqL4_ywG9Ky9Oml3O2uzourcKYpINujHiUF48FHfr4IcGHP3k1/s1600/IMG_4299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmw4C2B2U3zwp5GyEMFoTRbJSSyeYLcXSGDj8sDKv_CrsvvEHVveNNCZIpVahHcMmYFE3pmwzPI6U0gX3HWrgFlPs8EtZqL4_ywG9Ky9Oml3O2uzourcKYpINujHiUF48FHfr4IcGHP3k1/s320/IMG_4299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
216. The beginning of an end. It became more of a realization as the private kindergarten did their final performance for the students' parents, that our time is nearly up. When you are experiencing another way of life, you definitely come to understand the truth of those proverbs. It is about the journey and not just the destination. These teachers exceeded our expectations for this new school. I think they have set a precedence that will allow the program to grow and expand in this area of the city, just as we had hoped.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043850804334687529.post-49425982894752856812010-12-28T13:54:00.000-08:002010-12-28T13:54:13.420-08:0012/14/2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQYmZjgJgKBbwSNMHeBehilNB3tcd5y7rCfcO6E2s2QyhZ5wJ8Bo9UEZ7kVP4P0NYvwYut_YEVsBOX-TQV_UbpKYqdTU_m-GSqb340LFr1mDt2qB2lIpxrGPjZjQQJg8qDJVFJzqhuFV9/s1600/IMG_2670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQYmZjgJgKBbwSNMHeBehilNB3tcd5y7rCfcO6E2s2QyhZ5wJ8Bo9UEZ7kVP4P0NYvwYut_YEVsBOX-TQV_UbpKYqdTU_m-GSqb340LFr1mDt2qB2lIpxrGPjZjQQJg8qDJVFJzqhuFV9/s320/IMG_2670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
215. Banana Cream, by far one of the best pies ever. Unsure of how to thank Alla, Sveta and Ludmilla (our Russian coordinators and administrator) for all of the many things they did for us during our time in St. Pete, I wanted to give them something they could enjoy that involved some work on my behalf. So, what is better than homemade pie? Actually, those pies couldn't even get close to expressing the gratitude I have for all of their help. I am planning on doing lots of service projects in the future or in heaven for all those that have done so much for me while I've been living abroad.Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421326613775194146noreply@blogger.com0