It's Called Compromise

I'd like to share a little bit with you today about a concept called compromise. I believe in any successful relationship (family, romantic, friends, work) you have to have a little give and take. You make compromises for other people to make them happy and they in turn make compromises for you.

Let's say I really want to go out to dinner tonight. But there's a Jazz game on. So, let's make a compromise. We'll go to dinner first and then watch the Jazz game at home. Sounds reasonable, right?

Well, last night I made the ultimate compromise. Any one who knows me well knows that I am deathly afraid of dogs. I've never liked dogs, been afraid of them my entire life (thanks mom), and will avoid dogs at any cost. One day when I was training for a 5K race (don't laugh) we had a little encounter with a huge dog. I was sure we were going to die that day.

And then, just a couple of days ago, I was at my friend's house and her little yapper dog decided he wanted to take up residence in my lap. I was a little nervous, but I was very brave. But once the dog wanted me to tickle him with my feet, I had to put an end to this little love affair.

So back to yesterday. I've been seeing man-friend for almost 6 months now (really? Sheez, time goes by way too fast). Man-friend has a rather large Yellow Lab. Now I know what you're thinking...Labs are very friendly dogs. And yes, they are. However, this particular dog is barely a year old. So while he looks like an older dog (did I mention that he's huge) he's still a puppy and likes to jump and lick...a lot.

Man-friend knows I'm not a dog fan. For the most part, he's been very patient, but I know that my lack of affection for dogs was bothering him. So I bit the bullet last night. And I went to Man-friend's house. And I spent time with the dog.

That dog, for some odd reason, decided to like me. A lot. He jumped all the way up on me and gave me a kiss...on my face (gross). Then, decided he wanted to play fetch with me. I sat down on the couch, dog sat next to me. I got up and went towards the door, dog followed. Dog ate a bone and had the stinkiest dog breath ever, and came over right in front of my face. All night long, the dog was right where I was. Man-friend says he's never seen the dog act quite like that. Should I be flattered? Or frightened? I haven't quite decided.

So you see, I made the ultimate compromise last night. I let go of my fear and had a dog all up in my business for a few hours. Man-friend said I was a good sport. I mean, I suppose it was time that I at least try to like the dog, but I'm going to consider this a good compromise.

Man-friend owes me. Big time.

How I Spend My Time These Days

You may be wondering, "How does Jen spend her time now days?" Well, let me enlighten you.

I spend a lot of time gooeing over this little girl.



In case you are wondering, that is the face she usually makes at me. She likes to "growl" at me. Got to work on this favorite aunt bit.

I pick pumpkins.



I found out that BYU and Utah football players can indeed get along with each other.



And I go on hikes.



I also watch a lot of baseball (Go Giants! Not because I'm a Giants fan, but my beloved Yankees are out of the series and the Giants are currently ahead 3-1. The sooner the Giants win, the sooner baseball season is over.) I make lists, but rarely cross anything off. I try new recipes, although some have been less than delicious. And I type. A lot.

It's a good life!

I Have Goals

So, things have changed a bit since the last update. As of last Friday, I've joined the ranks of the unemployed. But don't worry, I'm fine. And I feel good about it. Plus, I know things are going to be alright because four people at church said to me, "You look really good!" So see, I must be feeling just fine if I'm looking just fine.

But, with that said, I've decided I need some goals. Here's what I'm going to be working on:

- Deep clean my house. Oh, I cannot wait for this one!
- Watch every single movie that I own.
- Read Little Women.
- Create an online portfolio.
- Exercise everyday. Hopefully outside if the weather holds up.
- Purge my Facebook account. Not get rid of it, but purge my friends list. This is going to be fun.
- Oh, and perhaps look for a job.

The future is bright and good and I'm at peace.

An Update of Sorts

Since I’ve had some people ask and since I haven’t been very good at posting, here’s an update of my life. Exciting, I know.

Work: It’s still here. Sometimes I wonder why, but then I just realize I’m thankful to have a job. Most of the cool kids are gone now and I don’t get trashed balled anymore. It’s just change and I’m not always the best with change, but I’ll be fine. No worries. I’ve also been a freelancing fool, which is good, but makes me tired.

Personal: I don’t mention it on here often (OK, pretty much never), but yes, the man-friend is still around. And things are moving along just fine. I’ve heard my dad say to my mom, “I told you I love you when we got married. If things change, I’ll let you know.” I’d like to adapt that policy to the man-friend. If things change, I’ll let you know.

Church: My stake split and I’m in the new stake. Which means I’m currently calling-less. And it feels very, very strange. I’m hoping for nursery. Seriously, treats, toys and nap time…awesome!

Dreams: I’m still dreaming and slowly, but surely, working on my dream. I’ll get there eventually.

Pandora: I have a love/hate relationship with Pandora. Today, a Carla Bruni song came on. Really? But then it redeems itself with Glee's version of "Don't Stop Believing."

Did you know there’s only 71 days left until Christmas? Just thought you might want to know.

On My Way to Work

On my way to work this morning, I noticed how beautiful the surroundings were. Timp had a light dusting of snow, the clouds were low, and the air was crisp. Oh how I love fall!

For Me Today

'The work of patience boils down to this: keep the commandments; trust in God, our Heavenly Father; serve Him with meekness and Christlike love; exercise faith and hope in the Savior; and never give up."

--Pres. Uchtdorf

Random Thoughts

- Today is so a 32-ouncer day.
- I feel like I've been through a break up.
- Only, it's not the "It's not you, it's me" thing.
- It's the whole the "stake split and I'm in a new stake" thing.
- It feels weird.
- I'm at the edge of my sanity.
- There are just some people who need to realize that their idea is not always the right idea.
- I know, totally dreaming here, but it's true.
- Speaking of dreaming, I want to dream again.
- Have you seen the mountains lately?
- Stunning, simply stunning.
- I will find that meadow of red that I see everyday from my front room window.
- Someone goofed big time.
- And it wasn't me.
- But I have to take responsibility for it.
- Not sure who to blame, but it's either the city, the title company, or the builder.
- It makes me a little bit angry.
- I got my favorite salad today.
- Only I forgot to say "no mushrooms."
- And now my favorite salad is covered in fungus.
- It's a huge salad.
- I wonder if it will last me the rest of the day.
- Because I have marathon meetings again today.
- Good bye.