#jessbrain 3.0

I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to blog, started this post, decided I didn't really want to blog, decided I wanted to blog, started this post (again)...

Do you ever get one word stuck in your head? One word that seems to keep coming back to you? (I know, that sounds crazy just typing it.) Well, mine lately has been PERSPECTIVE. It is funny how life has a way of changing your PERSPECTIVE. When I graduated and was looking for a job 5 years ago, there were situations that came up that terrified me. Now that I have been completely on my own for a few years, those things don't sound as scary, more like an adventure than anything else. My PERSPECTIVE on dating is changing. I was talking to a coworker this week about my "future" and the topic of moving out of this area came up. She was very concerned when I said I wasn't opposed to moving into a more rural setting (not that I am looking for that, just not opposed). Again, PERSPECTIVE- I have lived in the "Single Mormon Capitol of the World" for 5 years now and that hasn't gotten me very far. Maybe what I need is a change of scenery.

Things at school lately, really since we came back from Christmas, have been rocky to say the least. And for once, it is not the children! That is the really sad thing. Out of the last 5 years, this is by far the best behaved group I have had. Of course they have their little things and they are a super chatty group, but there is not one trouble maker or "behaviorally challenged" student in the entire group. Our big problem is the other adults in the school. We have some very, very immature adults working in positions that have way to much power. We have things that are borderline illegal happening. Apparently we can call people names while in a professional environment. We can lie to get what we want. Let's just say it is a disaster and leave it at that. (Also, just for the record we have half, yes you read that right, HALF of our teachers retiring after this year. I am losing my entire team. It's a fight to not break down in tears at that thought.) It has been a daily battle to stay positive and upbeat, and honestly, a lot of days, I don't win that battle.

I know you are all probably sick of my fantastic news, but I get to go to Finland this summer. I AM SO EXCITED!!! The trip will be with a bunch of other educators from around the state. We will spend a few days in Sweden at the beginning of the trip, the majority in Finland, and then some days at the end in Russia. The point of the trip is to glean what we can from the Finnish education system. They have one of the most successful reading rates in the world. We will get to do some school visits, spend some time with Finnish educators, and do some visits at the university in Helsinki with members of the education department. Along with all of that, we have been promised lots and lots of sightseeing opportunities. I have never traveled abroad so I am super nervous and don't really know what to expect, but I cannot wait!!! I submitted my passport application Wednesday so things are starting to get set in motion.

I am coming to a close on #my26by26 list. I officially have 33 days (counting today) to finish. There are some I am still a little worried about getting done, but overall I am very pleased with how it has gone. I will definitely do a post when it is over and let you all know how it went!

Dear Boys #34

Dear Chef Boyardee,

You are teaching me a new level of self control I never knew I had.

Love, Jess

Hey, Hey Good-lookin'

Ready... Set.... Go!

Love, Jess

Dear B,

Your friendliness is going to get you in trouble one of these days.

Love, Jess

Dear Hunnicut,

Help a girl out- talk some sense into your homeboy!

Love, Jess

Dear BOYS,

That's the way I like it!!

Love, Your biggest fan

#jessbrain

There are so many things I want to say today, but nothing all at the same time. So, as usual, I am copying Elise and going with #jessbrain today.

It's been raining on and off for three or four days now. Not a hard rain, but a light steady rain. I love it. (So much more than I love the snow.) I know we need the water and the snowpack and blah, blah, blah, but I am pretty content with this whole snow in the mountains, rain in the valleys thing.

Work (school) was really good this week. I even feel this way after parent teacher conferences! I think it is because we didn't have any mandated testing this week. I have a special group of kids this year. I don't know if I am just becoming more comfortable, getting into a groove now that I have done this for a few years, or if it is just this group, but we get each other. 

Boys. Why is dating so hard? I don't like the game of dating. I like boys. I like dating. I just don't like the "game." Maybe it's because I am not very good at playing it...? One of my friends wrote this blog post over at West Hawthorne Place (You should really check her blog out. It is pretty awesome.) I totally connected with it.

My Ags have done well the last 2 games at home, but I am worried about them going back out onto the road. It has been a rough year. I never thought I would see a year that football would be more successful than basketball. I have been slightly disappointed in the Spectrum and students lately. I keep having to remind myself that it will probably never be the same without the dream team when you had to be in line for hours to get a good seat and the student section was full every game. It was pretty dang close last month again SDSU, but not really the same.

I have the best best friend in the whole world. She's pretty awesome to listen to my crazy ramblings, psychotic dreams, and put up with me complaining about dating (or lack thereof) all the time. Who would have thought that after only knowing each other 9 months and moving 120 miles apart we would stay such good friends over the last 5 years.

I have been in the same church ward for almost 4 years (unheard of in the YSA scene.) I kind of feel like I need a change, but I REALLY don't want to move. I am so grateful for the Bishop I have right now. He and his sweet wife have been exactly what I have needed the last 3 years. He will most likely be released this year and I am totally dreading it. 

Spring training started this week for a lot of MLB teams. Pitchers and catchers have already reported. Games start in a little over a month. This is good. Very good.

If you haven't seen this video you should watch it. I just about died laughing. And just in time to Valentine's Day.

Dear Boys #30

Dear HLC,

Suck, girl! Suck!

Love, Jess

PS- Are we going to need to do a finger check soon?

Dear BOY,

I think the beard is a keeper.

Love, Jess

Dear Boys,

My advice for Saturday...WIN!

Love, Your biggest fan

Hey, Hey Good-lookin'

'Cause I try and try to forget you [boy],

But it's just so hard to do,

Every time you do that thing you do 

Love, Jess

Dear Captain America, 

kjbauvnabgionf;asn;lsanv

(This is my brain every time I try and talk to you.)

Love, Jess

Dear Children,

I love you all, but I REALLY need this break.

Love, Miss Jensen

Dear Boys #29

Dear Dead-man Walking,

Yes, I am a sentimental old fool. 

So what if I cried a little??
It's just good to have you back.

Love, Jess

(And that smile! Mmm-hmm!!)

Hey, Hey, Good-Lookin'

How did this happen to me again??

Love, Jess

Dear A,

#howdoigetagirl #justlikethat

Love, Jess

Dear Captain America,

I would be willing to become more than an 

objective third party with no personal interest in the matter...

just sayin'...

Love, Jess

Dear Johnny Cash,

Apparently it is just not supposed to be 

*sigh*

Love, June

Dear Boys,

You make everything in my life a little bit better.

Here's to the next 5 months!

Make them good ones!!

Love, Your biggest fan

Dear Boys #28

I have had a really hard time putting my thoughts and feelings into words this week. I am apologizing now if this makes absolutely no sense at all.

Sunday I went to Church with my sister. It was her ward's conference and a member of the Stake Presidency taught the Relief Society lesson. In typical fashion, the lesson was a dating/marriage lesson. At first, I just rolled my eyes and sat back to half-heartedly listen. BUT, this was one of the best dating/marriage lessons I have heard in a long time. It really made me think.

He started out by having us list the "qualities" we look for in our future husband. Someone who: honors the Preisthood, values the temple, honest, respectful, good with children, sense of humor, attractive, patient, hard worker, etc. Then he asked what our "red flags" are. Things like: lazy, easy to anger, addictions (video games, drugs, workaholic, pornography), etc. One girl said, "How does he treat those who can do nothing for him in return?"

As I got thinking about this list, that seems pretty demanding. Almost unrealistic. But then I thought about a certain group of guys I know who live up to pretty much every single one of those things. (Not only are they all EXTREMELY attractive, but they are just GOOD guys all the way around. I really wouldn't mind dating ANY of them but that is just getting off topic.) They have given me hope in the male gender. 

Today's Dear Boys is a shout out to all those who DO live up to those expectations.

Dear Gentlemen, 

Thank you. I know girls can be kind of demanding, and critical, and crazy, and unrealistic at times. But thank you for doing what you should be doing. 

We watch you. All the time. And trust me, we notice things. 

We notice when you walk up to a complete stranger to help her carry heavy water jugs across the soccer field. 

We notice when you won't let us take the trash out to the dumpster alone because it is dark and not a very good neighborhood. 

We notice when you open building and car doors for us even when it's not a date. 

We notice when you carry things out to our car for us because it is heavy and we didn't even have to ask you to. 

We notice when you give up your seat on the couch so we don't have to sit on the floor in a skirt. 

We notice when you step up and give a Priesthood blessing even though you aren't our home teacher and it happens to be an especially inconvenient time for you. 

We notice when you are extremely excited (almost giddy) to have a ticket to attend the Priesthood session of General Conference live at the Conference Center. 

We notice when you show great care and compassion to your roommate who is having a hard time.

We notice and it reminds us that there are good guys out there who will step up and be the Sons of God Heavenly Father intended for them to be.

Love, Jess

Dear Boys #27/Wednesday Wonderfuls #4

I haven't done a Wednesday Wonderfuls in a long time and let's face it, there is a lot that is wonderful in life right now.

Luke Bryan Concert. What else needs to be said. AMAZING!!

 General Conference was wonderful, as usual. I always feel like everything is exactly what I need to hear. This time I got to spend both days (Saturday and Sunday) with some great friends hanging out and eating lots of good food. 

A few weeks ago I was able to attend a conference for my job and we stayed in the most amazing hotel room ever! It made me feel slightly guilty to be sitting in my jetted tub knowing my fellow teachers had to go to work the next day...

Now on to some Dear Boys!!

Dear MGM,

Mischief managed.

Love, Jess

Dear B,

You keep catching me by surprise.

Love, Jess

Hey, Hey Good Lookin'

Why must you torture me with your wonderfulness?

Love, Jess

Dear Captain America, 

I think we have had more awkward moments that good ones...

Love, Jess

Dear A,

I could get used to this.

Love, Jess

PS- You smell HEAVENLY!

Dear Flirty Meesen,

We are pretty cool.

Love, Grandma

Dear Boys,

16 days. I think I might make it. 16 days.

Love, Your biggest fan

Dear Boys #26

Hey, Hey Good Lookin'

I can't stop thinking about you...so I made shepherd's pie.

Love, Jess

Dear Shorty,

Just because there is a goalie doesn't mean I can't score!

Love, Jess

Dear Middle Man,

Glad you lived.

Love, Jess

Dear Shawn,

Flirt buddy=ok

Serious dating= NOT OK

Love, Gus


Dear John Wayne,
If only you were about 8 inches taller...*sigh*
Love, Jess

Dear Dr. Seuss, 

You are good for her.

Love, Jess

Dear Gentlemen, 

Just a hint: Girls talk. 

Open her door on the date, her friends know about it.

Don't open her door on the date, her friends know about it.

Do something great, her friends know about it.

Do something not so great, her friends know about it.

Choose wisely.

Love, Jess

Dear Boys #25

Dear Captain America,

Aca-awkward!!

Love, Jess

Hey, Hey Good Lookin'

Well, I feel sheepish... but no more freebies!

Love, Jess

Dear Barbie and Ken, 

I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.

Love, Jess 

Dear Middle Man, 

Keep a sharp eye out.

Love, Hitch

Dear B,

I'm thinking yes. Definitely yes.

Love, Jess

Dear Picasso,

Hmm.... Maybe. Maybe not. 

But more likely maybe.

Love, Jess

Dear Lovely Ladies, 
We need to keep this a weekly thing.
Love, Jess

Dear Boys #24

Dear Captain America,

Speaking as a completely objective third party observer with absolutely no personal interest in the matter...

Love, Jess

Hey, Hey Good Lookin'

I don't need to flirt with you. 

I will seduce you with my awkwardness...and sound effects. 

Love, Jess

Dear Captain, 

I feel better knowing that your real parents are just as upset as I am.

Love, Mother

Dear B, 

There may be something there that wasn't there before.

Love, Jess

Dear Barbie and Ken,

I just don't understand...

Love, Jess

Dear Single Boys Everywhere,

Just sayin'...

Love, Miss Jensen

Rainbows

I have been in one of those "what is wrong with me, why don't I have a boyfriend" moods lately. You know, that ugly spiral of self-doubt. 

So, I decided to go to the temple. I needed something to break the cycle. (Eventually I will get used to having a smart phone and learn to take pictures of everything...so just imagine the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.)

When I walked out, I was greeted by this BEAUTIFUL rainbow. 

My spirits were definitely lifted.

On my way out, I passed this little Ma & Pa diner that I have driven by every time I go to the temple for the past three years. I always think, "One day I will stop and eat there." Well, today I did. Best burger I have had in a long time!! (Again, just picture a really good looking burger and a pile of fresh cut fries.) I don't know why, but it just made me feel better. It didn't even bother me that I was sitting there by myself! It fact, it was kind of nice.

As I was driving home, I thought about 1 Nephi 1:20, "...But behold, I, Nephi will show unto your that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto deliverance."

I am so grateful I have a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to send me a rainbow and some wonderful food to make me smile on a day when I definitely needed it.

Dear Boys #23

Dear Captain America,

I am seriously considering this...

Love, Jess

Hey, Hey Good Lookin'

I work up all that courage to say something and you don't even show up.

Love, Jess

Dear Middle Man, 

What would I do without our little chats?

Love, Hitch

Dear Children, 
I think we are going to be ok.
Love, Miss Jensen

Dear Elder, 

11 (maybe 10) more Fast Sundays.

Love, Big Sis

Dear Mrs. Batman,

You will be great!!! 

Just remember to breath. You are bigger than they are.

Love, Miss Jensen

Extra thought for today:

Dear Boys #22

Hey, Hey, Good Lookin'

Pick me!! Pick me!!! 

Love, Jess

Dear Middle Man, 

The fact that you know a secret I don't is KILLING me.

Love, Hitch

Dear Boys, 

When Shawn shows up, I promise she isn't trying to be creepy.

Love, Your Biggest Fan

Dear Shawn,

HOLD IT TOGETHER!!! ;)

Love, Gus

Dear Children, 

Ready or not, here you come.

Love, Miss Jensen

Dear Boys #17

New dating term: "priancé" an unofficial fiancé 



Hey, Hey! Good lookin', 

You caught me COMPLETELY by surprise with that one.

I did NOT see that coming.

Please don't hold it against me.

Love, The girl who is really regretting a choice she made last summer

Dear Life,

There is a baseball metaphor for just about everything in life.

I feel like this one applies lately.

This is me throwing out the runner at second.

Love, Jess

Dear Julia Child, 
Thanks for handling my complete panic attack so well.
For a moment, I thought you were going to snort your drink out your nose 
because you were laughing so hard.
Love, Jess
PS- I will try to be a better buffer zone. 
It was a sneak attack that I didn't see in time.

Dear Cookie Monster,

Sometimes I don't understand. 

I think we are in a good, neutral place,

and then you go and do something weird...

Love, Just Friends

Dear Boys (and Girls) #16

Dear Julia Child, 

Thanks for sticking to the "Bro Code (Girl Version)."

You didn't have to but I appreciate it.

Love, Jess

Dear Shawn, 

You. Me. Play. Soon.

Love, Gus

Dear JRB,

You are so stinkin' cute! 

I don't know why you were having such a problem keeping your 

pants up around your waist on the playground yesterday, 

but at least it didn't slow you down any.

Love, Miss Jensen

Dear Bestest Best Friend, 

I haven't seen you in a while.

We should do something sometime.

Love, Jess (yes, that is my real name!)

PS- You really should have a baby so I can dress him/her in 

cute little Aggie clothes...just sayin'...

Dear Mr. Dancer Man, 

You are one good looking man.

However, I don't know if I want to pursue this.

I don't know how well we would go together.

Love, Jess

PS- "I just love to look at him!"

(Name that movie!)

Dear Dr. Seuss,

You wore me out trying to get a first date.

I'm kind of done caring now.

(But, obviously not as much as I pretend to be...)

Love, Jess

Dear Elder, 

You must be doing something right.

Satan wouldn't be trying so hard if you weren't.

Love, Big Sis

Dear Boys #15

Found this little gem tonight. I am going to start using it all the time.

redate: (verb) to date the same person after your mission that you dated before your mission. 

Sentence: They dated before his mission and redated when he got home. Now they are engaged.

(Kind of like reheating a burrito...you've already heated it once and now you are heating it up again.)

Dear Dr. Seuss, 

I'm feeling good about where we are at.

Love, Jess

Dear Middle Man, 

I think I am going to start calling you my knight in shining armor. 

You are always there to stand up for me.

Love, Jess

Dear Cowboy,

Let me stop you before this goes any further...

NO!

Love, Jess

Dear Stud-Muffin, 

I need more of you in my life.

You bring out the "late-nights-in-Logan" side of me that tends to stay hidden while in Provo.

Love, Jess

And a Wednesday Wonderful to finish it all off:

Some friends and I went to the Chris Cagle concert in Eagle Mountain Saturday. Oh my gosh! So much fun. Definitely a good way to kick off summer!

Dear Boys #14

Dear Captain,

Let's face it- I haven't seen/talked to you in a year and a half.

But...you deserve better than her.

You are starting to worry me. 

Love, Mother
(Yes, my children, I still worry about all of you. 
Even if you are married or big strong military men, 
I still worry about each one of you. 
It's my job as mother.)

Dear Elder, 

I hope you had a fantastic birthday.

I am so proud of you and we all love the picture!

Love, Big Sis

Dear Provo, 
I still kind of hate you. 
But for the first time in almost three years, 
I am actually starting to enjoy life here.
Hmm...
Love, Jess
PS- This does NOT mean I want to stay here forever.

Dear Sis, 
You did it!! You made it!!
On to bigger and better things!
I am so proud of you and excited for all the fun you will have at USU!

Love, Big Sis

Dear Cowboy, 

Enjoy the pizza. 

Love, Jess

Dear Dr. Seuss, 

I will share Starbursts with you any time. 
Especially because you let me have the pink ones. 

Love, Jess

Dear Middle-Man, 

It's ok to be done. 

I've got your back.

Love, Hitch

Dear Boys, 

Come back into my life soon.

October just can't come fast enough.

Love, Your biggest fan

Dear Boys #13

Lucky #13!!

Let's start it off with a Wednesday Wonderful!! (I like combing these two things!)

The last day of school is the 30th and it is only like 3 hours long. Not counting weekends or Memorial Day, I only have 10 days and 3 hours left in the school year!!!!

Ok, now Bring on the Men!!

Dear Middle Man, 

Thanks for being my Date Doctor. 
I firmly believe everyone should have someone like you in their life.

Love, Hitch

Dear Dr. Seuss, 

I really am trying not to flirt too much since I have given up on the whole "date" thing...but somehow you end up sucking me in every time. 
Stop that.

Love, Jess

Dear Cowboy, 

I never thought I would Dear Boys you again, but the more I think about the text you sent over the weekend, the more it hurts. 
I am starting to regret this "staying friends" thing. 
I am not sure how much longer it will last.

Love, Jess

Dear Mr. Perfect, 

Please know its not too late to call. 
Call any time. 
Seriously.

Love, Jess

Dear Dr. O, 

Thanks for backing me up yesterday. 
I keep waiting for you to throw me under the bus like the rest of them,
 but you've had my back so far. 
I appreciate it.

Love, Miss Jensen

Dear All Single Boys (and Girls) Everywhere, 

I don't understand this fear of commitment. 
Someone please explain it to me.

Love, One confused girl

Dear Boys vs Wednesday Wonderfuls #1

Dear Boys, 

I am kind of burnt out right now. But some shepherds pie sounds good...

Love, Jess

I need a break from Dear Boys. I just have nothing to say to all of you today. So, in its place...my cute, wonderful friend Alyssa (check her out at See This Girl Run) does a "Wednesday Wonderfuls" post that I thought I would jump in with.

Life has been kind of rough lately. (Ok, work has been really rough lately.) It was nice to focus on the good to put this post together.


Bought my ticket for the Chris Cagle concert last week. This may not seem like a big deal, but it means school will be out and summer will have started! Yay for summer concerts!

Test scores are in for Language Arts and Science. Over all they did really well. Several of my students did much better than I expected them to, which is always a nice surprise. 

Sunday is Mother's Day! Not only do I get to go home and spend it with my wonderful mom, but I get to talk to my brother!

Friday, I got to spend the night with people from my ward helping out at a wedding. Not only was it a great chance to provide service, but it was so much fun!!