The latest!!

Hey Everyone! How are you all?

I'm doing really well here in the MTC even better is that my District gets flight plans next Friday! That's right only 3 weeks left in the MTC and I'll be in Ecuador finally! Which is good, I'm so ready to be out and teaching!

My spanish is okay but I have a feeling it will really come along when I'm in the Country and with the natives!

Sister Dunoskovic has been ill, but thanks to Dr. McLane ( who is the same Doctor who did Dramanda's stitches) she seems to be doing much better. Although I have my suspicions that that is just the oxycodone talking... and giggling a lot!

Sorry! The only thing on my mind is flight plans, flight plans, flight plans! I can hardly wait to get to work!

Thanks also to everyone who answered my Brad and Angie question. I think all of you answered! I wouldn't normally care, but any news is news in this 10 acre place!

I'm currently sitting in the sweatshop (laundry room) writing out my weekly email, but nothing has happened. I'm probably just distracted and really nothing new happens after 6 weeks. When I get to teach I'm sure I'll have some real news to share!

Sooooooo.........Obama won. Not surprised really, yet still disappointed. The best thing about going on a mission though is that I can be true to my word now and acutally move to another country when somebody I don't like is elected president. MAYBE, just maybe I'll move back to the USA in April of 2010, but I make no promises!

Love you,

Hermana Whitney Tanner

Guess Who?

I just thought I would remind everyone to vote tomorrow! Muy importante!

-Your Favorite Missionary-

Ps. Really me!

Happy Halloween!

The Update

Hi everybody, I just wanted to tell you all that I love the MTC, and not to worry about me! I really do love it here! Hard to believe that I've been here a week already, new missionaries are arriving with dork dots as we speak. I've already recieved more packages than anyone in my district, so thanks everybody, it's making me very popular.

I did have some companion trouble! But I know that none of you are surprised. Honestly I've never tried with anybody so hard in all my life! Sister Makelani is tongan and really didn't like me. She actually ran away from me and some other sisters hid her, which I thought was very inconsiderate consider we searched for her for about 5 hours and checked that room repeatedly. Even though I told the Branch President that I would like to remain her companion and try to work things out, but he felt it would be better to change companionships. As hard as it was for me to accept that I failed I have to admit that life is so much easier with Sister Dunoskovic. I do feel embarrassed that somebody was so unhappy with who I am despite my efforts could still dislike me so much. I think I cried more on October 7th (yesterday) than I have ever in my life.

The MTC is so amazing. I love it here, it has the best spirt.

The Elders in my district are great, there are 4 that I really, really enjoy and they are all going to Quito. Elder Taylor is great, he's adorable (in the little brother kind of way) and unfailingly kind. He bought a journal for everyone in the district to write in and in the future people he baptizes and companions with. We all liked the idea we all bought similar journals. He reminds me of Garrett, he is always in earnest, to learn, to converse, you name it.

Elder Morris is from Rexburg, and he has the same type of humor as I do, so we keep eachother entertained, Elder Stieber is also really funny and has the best ties. Elder Robinson is really sweet as well and is our districk leader. Elder Berghout and Elder Saunders are going to Argentina along with Sister Makelani but none of them are very chatty so I don't know them well.

My new companion is amazing. She comes from a family with 8 children, 2 adopted, and 3 are foster to adopt. WOW! She always has a story to tell and makes it very easy to listen. She is also very cheerful. I know it will come as a surprise to you all, but so am I in this place!

The food is about what you would expect. Yikes. I have found a couple things I like however. Everyday I eat a grapefruit for breakfast and a wrap for lunch and dinner. You can put whatever you want in them, and they are a great alternative for me, becasue I'm not very fond of mystery meat! The chocolate chip cookies are really surprisingly good too!

I look forward to Gym time too! I know you all had to reread that, but after sitting in a classroom for 9 hours a day. You really need to get some exercising done!

I can already pray, bear testimony, and contact people in spanish. So you can see how much I am learning in this short amount of time!

I only have 8 minutes left, so I'll leave you with my testimony:

I Know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that He atoned for the sins of the world, even mine! I know that He loves us and wants the very best for us!

Yo se la evangelio es verdadero, y Jose Smith es El Profeta de Dios. Jesucristo es me salvador. Yo se en mi corazon Jesucristo vives! En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.

Adios mis amigos y familia!
Hermana Whitney Tanner

Posted via Melissa

Finally.

Okay, I'll admit I was hasty and I have new found respect for Mr Mayne, but as for anon. I still don't think you know what you are talking about. I won't be making my blog private but I am going to switch to google users only! I'll also try harder not to get offended.

It's Never Going To End...Apparently

Get it? He's two faced.

I just thought it was an interesting email I received, I checked it out. All true Roaring' Rory! Don't waste my time, I don't have to cite anything- I'm not writing a paper and I'm not being published, so back off.

I don't care if you like Obama! I'd expect nothing less. If you don't like my opinion, that's fine. I'm tired of feeling attacked and I don't feel like I can properly defend myself and my views. When Emory and anon. come forward I'll go public again.

I'm going private...and I really hate people who do that. I'm perfectly entitled to support whom I will, as are you. Leave me your email addresses if you want to keep reading my blog.

Also, quit attacking my readers. They are people whose opinion actually matters to me. They are actually invited, and defending me. And honestly, neither of you seems all that intelligent so who can blame them.

tanner.whitney@gmail.com
wmt.tanner@yahoo.com

Uno Mas

Okay, as soon as I say I'm done blogging something comes up! I'll probably post a couple of things before I go! This is for all those psycho B. Hussein Obama fans!

Just Some of What Defines Barack Obama:

· He voted for partial birth abortion.
· He voted no on notifying parents of minors who get
out-of-state abortions.
· Supports affirmative action in Colleges and Government
(quotas)..
· In 2001 he questioned harsh penalties for drug dealing as
0Abeing too severe.
· Says he will deal with street level drug dealing as minimum
wage affair.
· Admitted his use of marijuana and cocaine in high school
and in college.
· His religious convictions are very murky.
· He is willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Kim
Jung Il and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
· Has said that one of his first goals after being elected
would be to have a conference with all Muslim nations. Why?
· Opposed the Patriot Act.
· First bill he signed that was ever passed was campaign
finance reform.
· Voted to allow law suits against gun manufacturers.
· Supports=2 0universal health-care.
· Voted yes on providing habeas corpus for Guantanamo
detainees.
· Supports granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
·
Supports extending welfare to illegal immigrants.
0 · Voted yes on comprehensive immigration reform.
· Voted yes on allowing illegal aliens to participate in
Social Security.
· Wants to make the minimum wage a 'living wage'.
· Voted with Democratic Party 96 percent of 251 votes. (241
votes Demo, 10 votes Republican)
· Is a big believer in the separation of church and state.
· Opposed to any efforts to Privatize Social Security and
instead supports
increasing the amount of
tax paid into Soc. Sec. Tax Increase.
· He voted No on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax which
now hits middle income brackets. Tax Increase.
· He voted No on repealing the 'Death' Tax. Tax Increase.
&nb sp; · He wants to raise the Capital Gains Tax. Tax
Increase...
· Has repeatedly said the surge in Iraq has not
succeeded...which is not true.
· He is ranked as the most liberal Senator in the Senate
today and that takesA
0some doing.

If your political choices are consistent with Barack Obama's
and you think that his positions will bring America together or make it
a better place, then you will probably enjoy the ride and not forward
this Email. If you are like most Americans that after examining what
he stands for, are truly not in line with his record, it would be
prudent to get off the wave or better yet, never get on, before it comes
on shore and undermines the very foundations of this great Country. We
have limited time to save America or the Supreme Court as we know it.

Inaction is action.

Adios!

Everyone, I only have two weeks until I report to the Provo MTC. So my hiatus will begin now! I'm sorry if you actually enjoy reading my blog, but I find that I'm just way too busy to continue.

However, I will probably be sending updates to my sister and she will be uploading them for anyone is interested! Thanks again!

Sorry everybody, I've been super busy all weekend and week! I'll be back with posts tomorrow!


** Um, even later than I thought!**

Update

Dear Anon.,

Consider me your personal Ann Coulter. I don’t consider it petty, it’s my honest opinion, and you’ve given me no proof otherwise. Grammar is of the utmost importance to me.

Certainly, you would not drag your family into the race, but they really don’t seem to care. So I don’t see why this is even an issue to you.

While I don’t consider infidelity a good thing it in no way affects my political opinion. If this is so important to you, I wonder at your Democratic philanderers (e.g. Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy).

I also accept that, no, McCain might not live forever. You should accept that he probably won’t die tomorrow either.

The only reason I mentioned anything about Obama’s experience is because you flout Palin’s. Okay, sure he worked on a few things, nothing worthy of presidential excellence. I might be more inclined to accept him as an acceptable nominee (as a Vice President I think he’d be quite brilliant) if he had more than 2 years as a junior Senator. I want a little seniority. You tell me what he can offer except moving speeches and one example of legislation, and I’ll consider giving him another chance (Note: I’m open-minded). I also think that successful is a relative term and I found nothing in common with the examples you provided and the Senator.

I don't waste my time. You keep arguing the same points over and over and it's a waste of my time to try to change your opinion or even make mine clear. I'm permanently a Republican; therefore, there is really no reason for you to read my blog. Also, I said I have a pretty good idea who you are, not that we had met. A Master's does not a genius make, and it's my blog. If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. I still love the comments, but it makes no sense for me to debate just for the sake of debate.

Whitney

Ignorance is All Bliss and Democrats

Although I've always suspected my anonymous blogger is an idiot, now I'm pretty certain. If I thought said commenter was just another Democrat with bad information I would bother writing a simple retort. Since it is now obvious that this person didn't even read my last rebuttal or the facts that I backed it up with, now the claws are coming out.

Congratulations, I'm annoyed. I listened to your points and given you my thoughts, but honestly, you just seem intent on pissing me off rather than respectfully challenging my belief system.

I considered voting for Obama; however, I quickly discovered that the only thing he is capable of is giving a convincing speech. His voting record is abysmal, his books are full of elitist wishful thinking, and his experience is paltry.

As for Sarah Palin, and I'm not going to repeat myself on the notes you already hit. I don't think her family is in anyway embarrassed. Newsflash, politicians lead very public lives, I can't believe I'm letting you in on that. As for her scandal, I don't believe for a second that you even know what it was about. Cronyism is everywhere, this was just a more public example than most, and considering most political scandals are much worse, I’ll take it.

If she was a "token choice" what in the world do you think Biden was? He's Obama's last grasp at legitimacy. The man is so inexperienced and lackluster that he needed to get a democrat with a long record of liberal service. He needed him, to appeal to white middle-aged men. As for the inaccuracies (I won't bother pointing out your party's) I believe Joe Biden has been formerly accused of plagiarism. They were not blatant blunders, they were slight exaggerations. He really has not written any legislation if you compare it to all of McCain’s. It was a convention not a major debate, the whole goal is to rally. Question: Do you even know what earmarks are?

Did you happen to notice McCain's mother on stage? She is ninety-six years old, I don't think McCain is going to drop dead anytime soon. Palin will not have to take over.

Just so you know, I consider you one of those "dumb Americans", so stop commenting on my blog until you have an informed opinion instead of being another idiotic proponent of the mass media.


Sarah Palin was a token choice. It was an attempt to pull Hillary supporters and make McCain have a 'something new' edge. She lacks experience, she was involved in scandal, and she brought her family into the political light in a very embarrassing way.

Not to mention her speech the other night had several 'inaccuracies' and misleading's in it, but she will get away with it because Americans are too dumb to do research for themselves.

here is the link so you can see how much she lied to the American people.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_fact_check

September 4, 2008 7:42 PM


PS. Really? How hard is it to run spell check?
I also have a pretty good idea of who you are, seeing as I'm not the first person you've harrassed, so really I'm going to need that informed opinion cowardly Anonymous.

SP is Awesome.

Sarah Palin = Genius.

I'll give you the blow-by-blow later.

Ahoooohhhga!

Yes, I'm the proud ownner of these shoes...don't you wish they were yours?

Um, Really?

This is yet another retort to another silly anonymous comment left about my political affiliations. Sorry this one got my back up and is therefore rather wordy.

...If McCain is in fact inaugurated, he will be the oldest President in History, at 72 years old. If he dies, would you want her to be the next President?

She was the mayor of Alaska for 1.5 years. I just find it amusing that McCain chose someone as inexperienced as her for her VP, when he is slamming Obama for having no experience.

Also, something I find strange is that a woman of 5 children could possibly be the next VP of the United States. I am not saying that women should not have careers and all stay home with their children, but I really hope her husband stays home with them or something... but I think that is just my maternal instinct speaking...

Also, she is not concerned about the environment at all. Okay--Global Warming is this huge controversy, and who knows if there is really such thing? God, i guess. And he's going to burn the world in the end--so what is the use in worrying about the Earth? I find it SO difficult to believe that people don't care about the planet we live on. You gather up clutter and say, "i'll just throw it out", well what people don't realize is that there is no "out". We can't just launch it out of the solar system in hopes that it will never find its way back to us. Someone told me a few weeks ago that some of the garbage they are putting in the ocean is making it's way up to beaches and there are children swimming and playing in it, and swallowing it! I would have a hard time ever voting for her, if she is McCain's VP, if she doesn't care about things like this.

And about the oil, sure McCain's plan sounds lovely, but if we keep finding these short term solutions, nothing will ever get better. It is going to take a long time to get the whole oil problem worked out, and our impatience isn't helping.

OBAMA 08!!!!!

Women should not be allowed to hold a high government office because they have children? It is sad to think that some consider a highly qualified, educated, and driven woman with genuine concern for her children’s future should be limited to a self-proclaimed “hockey mom’s”* existence. It’s preposterous, that her skill could be so disregarded simply for procreating. A woman of this caliber should not only be shuttling her children to various after school activities but valiantly lobbying for a better future in such dangerous and uncertain times. Instead of merely complaining about what is wrong or unfair Sarah Palin chose to fight.

Sarah Palin is tough as nails and fights her own battles. Starting with her local PTA, she rose to a City Council position, then on to defeat the incumbent (John Stein) become the Mayor of Wasilla, and eventually filed a formal complaint 2 members of her own party for their “lack of ethics”, they resigned. She ran for Governor of Alaska in 2006 successfully with a clean-government platform. How many of Mothers of 5 do you know who care enough about their communities, friends, and family to take matters into their own hands? Her committment to motherhood is probably best shown by her choice to keep her youngest son (Trig) affected by Downs Syndrome. I’m sure her children will be looked after and no doubt, better than most. Her appetence to change the world into a better place for you and me as well as her children is laudable.

It is ridiculous to think that McCain will drop dead mid-office, he has excellent health. As an Obama supporter you ought to know the difference in the experience of which you speak. Yes, she is relatively inexperienced when compared to Biden or McCain. However, her experience (1.5 years) as Alaska’s Governor is superior to Obama’s 2 years as a junior Illinois Senator. With no EXECUTIVE background how can we as a country possibly hand him the most important office in our esteemed nation? Palin was supreme leader, to quote someone more sage than myself: “what she said happened, whereas Obama was laughed at”. I’m not disputing your claim that she is less experienced than we would prefer, nonetheless she is not our tickets frontrunner.

As for environmental policy, let me enlighten you or at least shed some perspective. We cannot expect change overnight (nor can most afford to), although the Democrats always want a change now. Republicans seek a more gradual change, more conducive to reality; radical changes would send our nation into chaos. Short term fixes are necessary to implement a lasting change. Drilling is a means to an end. I find it poor logic to say that because she isn’t an alarmist like most Democrats she is not concerned about the environment. Global warming is serious, but rather than alarming the public in order to win votes about a cataclysmal event that may or may not occur, they agree that something needs to change. How can our nation expect this to occur if we continue to send our money to hostile nations? Venezuela, Russia, and many Middle Eastern countries are burgeoning because of our dependency on finite resources. All of which display defiant and brutal traits not worthy of our most base consumerism. So I ask you: Why not drill ANWR?* Just a few statistics on this project the liberals oppose. There are 586,412 that make up Alaska (it is twice the size of Texas) and there are 640 acres per square mile; meaning that Alaska is composed of over 375 billion acres (375,303,680 acres) ANWR would mean less than 2,000 acres would even be affected. That means that .000533 of that 375 billion would be affected, roughly equivalent to a dime on the floor in the Olympic stadium in Beijing. It is no comparison to the benefits. They far outweigh the negative aspects. Besides more crude oil production, it would increase jobs, and decrease our nation’s dependency on malevolent countries, you can read further here.

Genius. Pure Genius.

I've never been a huge McCain fan, but wow, this is the smartest move I have ever seen.

Sarah Palin rocks:

She can be tough as nails- she really rose from being a self proclaimed "hockey mom" to Governor. Her nickname is "Sarah Barracuda".

She's young, which doesn't matter by itself, but everybody is concerned with how old McCain is.

She has a son in the Army.

Her youngest is a Down Syndrome child which of course hits close to home for me!

She is a woman, which will certainly help McCain with the female vote, which in the past has tended to vote democratic.

Wow, I'm so excited. I'm sure I'll say something more about her in later posts.

Um, Really? Something Needs a Change.

Is anyone else worried that Presidential candidate Barack Obama stole his campaign slogan from a Disney channel movie, wait- not even a real Disney movie, the made for TV variety?

Yes, that is our favorite Ugly Betty, America Ferrera herself. Notice the catchphrase at the top of the poster. At least Barack translated it to English, although the Spanish may have helped him with the Latino vote though...not that he needs it.

Personally, I feel that any movie about a middle school dance team probably does not offer the best material for campaign speeches. I guess we know why Obama picked Biden now, he does know how to cover up a plagiarism scandal.

Obama, you've Gotta Kick it Up!


If I had to steal a campaign slogan from a movie:

"This country deserves a better class of criminal (cough) Politician." The Dark Knight

"You can do it!" Waterboy

"I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take Bush anymore!" Network

"Congress, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Casablanca

"As God is my witness, Nobody anywhere will ever be hungry again." Gone with the Wind

"Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!" Auntie Mame

What he'll say when everybody finds out he's simply Nancy Pelosi's political puppet:

"Well, nobody's perfect." Some Like It Hot

"There's no crying in The White House!" A League of Their Own

"I felt the need- the need for change." Top Gun

"You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am." On the Waterfront

"La-dee-da, la-dee-da." Annie Hall

Just for Fun

Memory Game

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember.


2. Next, repost these instructions on you blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. it's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and i'll come to you blog and leave one about you. if you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Stole this from Ashleigh's blog.

Frustration...

What is wrong with Utah's movie theatres? Seriously, in a conservative state not one person wants to see Vicky Christina Barcelona (besides myself)? I happen to like Woody Allen movies. I know it's practically blasphemy, me being a Utahan and all, but c'mon the guy has his funny (albeit neurotic) moments.



Also what about Brideshead Revisited. A remake that might actually be worth a revisit, and not one single solitary theatre can make room in it's schedule for maybe one showing a day. How often do we get to see Emma Thompson these days. I'd snatch up any opportunity to Laud her acting.



I feel like I'm living in Footloose. Instead of banning books, it's any movie that might be remotely interesting.

Encounter With a Dramanda

You know what is great about the name Amanda? You can really combine it with other words like Diva, Demand, and Drama. All of which are fitting when describing my 13 year old sister...

The look we were frequently given.



Stitches, uncomfortable? Yes, of course, but there are worse things. Needles, really not so bad if they are going to help alleviate pain from aforementioned stitches.



My mother and I were not prepared for her tantrum. Oh my gosh, it involved countless tears, flailing and gnashing of teeth. IT WAS SO BAD. Instead of thanking that poor pitiful ER staff we found ourselves apologizing for Amanda's theatrics.



We went through this for an hour and half for just 4 stitches.


This is a shout out to my sister Amanda. Thank you for keeping me wildly entertained even in the ER, and for still looking good after all the mascara stains and crying were long gone.

DRAmanda

Amanda at the emergency room, for FOUR stitches. I'll post some really great pictures later!

So Happy.

I think my favorite thing about blogging, are anonymous comments. If you think I'm being sarcastic, I'm not. I LOVE THEM. Especially the scathing ones, they really make my day. Somebody reads me and cares enough to comment. I consider your comments my letters to the editor, so let me respond:

"I don't know why you continued reading after the first book...? You're obviously FAR too intellectual for this series. Heaven forbid there's a little fantasy/sci-fi and a "happy ending." Yes definetely, writers should just stick to reality and not venture farther than the everyday. And I'm guessing you're not married? If so, probably not happily....but I'm just reading between YOUR lines."

1. You're right. I am way to intellectual for these books.
2. I like some sci-fi. So long as it is enjoyable. I believe I've mentioned sci-fi before on my page.
3. Not married, and your right I probably would be unhappily if I were!

Seriously, best comment ever. I love it.

PS. You spelled Definitely wrong.

ILOVEIT.

My Favorite:

Archery by Yves Saint Laurent



Fencing by Alexander McQueen




In honor of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 12 fashion designers each designed a uniform for their favorite sport. Their creations will be on display in Beijing through the end of the month and then the uniforms will be auctioned off to benefit Unicef’s relief funds for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake. See more here or here.

Los Estados Unidos

The French Suck.

As much as I like Lochte, Phelps pretty much rules.

Can't Decide?

If you can't decide who you are going to vote for, maybe you should check out some of Obama and McCain's pop culture picks on EW.com. They dish on music, movies, and their favorite superhero's. Totes rad. (I started saying totes ironically, and now it's taken place in my permanent vocabulary. I apologize sincerely.

From his answers I'd say McCain takes it. Although Usher? Really?
I found it completely amusing.

Hate It!

I am going to give away some of the major plot points of the book and I don't really care if you want me to or not. Don't read if you don't want to know.

I'll admit it. I like Twilight. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be caught dead at a launch party dressed like a werewolf or anything. Totally chagrining, but I really did enjoy this series. Notice the past tense did, is there any better way to ruin a book than to throw in a pregnancy?

Oh no, wait... A mutant pregnancy. I have a pretty low tolerance for any suspension of disbelief but for the past three books I made an exception. This one was just too much. Instead of being the lovable, somewhat far fetched fantasy novels I loved they turned into full fledged sci-fi. Something only a prepubescent teen boy reads (Although I acknowledge that it was always for the prepubescent crowd). I'm sorry and vamp-human hybrid was a stupid twist that honestly just made me mad, I think that was the point that I threw the book on the floor and seriously considered not reading it any further.

Jeez. If you thought Bella was annoying as a human, just wait until she becomes a vampire. All of the sudden she one of those girls that turns into a total zombie as soon as they get married and have children, so typical. She is like Katie Holmes with superpowers.

This book even turned me on Edward. Shut up already. We get it, he's tortured. Stop whining. Now not only does he hate himself, but he can add me to the list. He's so moony and brooding that I kind of wish that James had been successful in taking a snap at him in the first book.

Jacob, um, ewwwwww. If vampires smell so bad how can he stand being imprinted on a half vamp. Stupid, stupid, and more stupid.

Also could it be anymore Mormon? I don't know if that's a bad thing, but c'mon. She ends the story after Edward and Bella get hitched and procreate. Yeahhhh, because life ends after marriage and children. Um, lame. Way too tidy.

The only redeeming thing about Breaking Dawn is the knowledge that Midnight Sun is still coming and hopefully make up for the killing of the Twilight series.

I'm a little obsessed with...

So this is a lame post and I know that Tim is going to give me flak about it, but hey, a post is a post.

The most beautiful cupcakes in the world. Unfortunately Dear Lizzie is up in Highland, but alas it's the closest place to Provo I can buy cupcakes, because try as I might mine are never as pretty...
Dear Lizzie has lots more to offer than cupcakes though it's also a boutique and full bistro, and everything is good. Although let's be honest, incredibly overpriced. Part of me is a little disgusted with myself for loving a place that is so pretentious, but I am.

Friday night lights!

WARNING: PICTURE HEAVY!

Although this is totally embarrassing! I thought I would post some pictures of my call opening celebration! Forgive the hair, it's in that awkward growing out stage! As you can see we took quite a few and these are just my camera! It's really weird standing in front of people with the flashbulbs going off like crazy!



I was a little shocked, I think a total of 3 people had guessed a South or Central American country! As a female missionary it was far more likely that I would be serving a Temple mission, I really wanted to go out and get down and dirty! Teach, tract, the works! So the looks on my face are complete shock, awe, and utter excitement!



Just some of the people who came to support me! Thanks again everybody!

My Parents!


Jen and Cameron- Some of the best friends ever!


Melissa and her husband Scott.


My brothers and future Missionaries! I know: YIKES!


My sisters and mom!


The Williams!


Good family friends!




Don't you love my blue nail polish? Tres chic, whoops- I mean muy bueno!

WHAM BAM!

I'VE BEEN CALLED TO THE ECUADOR QUITO MISSION AND I REPORT TO THE MISSIONARY TRAINING CENTER ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2008! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO CAME TO SHARE THE MOMENT WITH ME! OF COURSE, I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER! I GET TO LEARN SPANISH! TOTALLY BRILLIANT!


THANKS TO EVERYBODY WHO GOT ME HERE!


MY MOM AND DAD- FOR EVERYTHING, REALLY YOU HAVE NO IDEA.
MELISSA FOR BEING SO HELPFUL AND FOR MY CELEBRATORY PEDICURE!
NATALIE AND JEN FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT, LOVE, AND BEING THE BEST FRIENDS A GIRL CAN HAVE!
BISHOP BAUM FOR ALL THE CONFIDENCE IN ME.


I LOVE YOU ALL MORE THAN YOU CAN KNOW! DON'T WORRY THIS IS AS SAPPY AS I GET...MONDAY I'LL BE BACK TO PITHY AND SARCASTIC I'M SURE!

HEY EVERYBODY-

MY ALL IMPORTANT LETTER CAME TODAY! THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW AND LOVE ME WE ARE OPENING IT AT 6:00PM TONIGHT AT MY PARENT'S HOUSE!


-WHITNEY

MISSION CALL STILL NOT HERE!!!

Favorites

I've got some foreign guesses now! So I just wanted to let you know that you're my favorite guessers! Although those of you that guessed Russia are out since we aren’t sending new Missionaries out there anymore because of the new strict visa laws.

Also my brother Matthew thought that a picture of Natalie Portman in my room was me. His ignorance is my bliss! He's now my favorite sibling. The rest of you are going to have to vie for that spot again!

The mailbox is currently my favorite inanimate object for the obvious reason. Still waiting for that all important letter to arrive!

Tim is my favorite person at work, still... I even have been getting 9 ½ on all my current parking jobs and still trying to get that perfect 10. This new backing in to our parking stalls policy implement was a bit of a challenge for me to tackle in the beginning.

Favorite website- OhNoTheyDidn't.com- Tawdry I know, I'm trying to give it up before the leave, and don’t worry I will.

Mission Oddities

I have truly had some bizarre experiences that I did not expect.

1. Fill Your Canteen- This is the advice I seem to get the most and, don’t worry; I’ve taken it (wink). I guess nobody has anything to say about leaving home for a year and a half, or you know the church. Draw your own conclusions as to its meaning.

2. The Stake President asked me what my ACT score was, and wrote it down. Is that how they decide where to assign people? I think I've probably learned a little something in the 4 years since I took the ACT. Maybe that's how they ultimately decide who is going where. So and so has a 30 lets send them to Finland, they can handle that language. Ohhhhhhh, an 11, what do you think gentlemen: Boise, Louisiana, maybe Mississippi?

3. I keep getting asked if I have a boyfriend and if there is a possibility of getting married. Jeez, way to make me really aware of my singledom. Why does everybody think that female missionaries must be in want of a husband? I'm not really looking to get my ball and chain anytime soon, if you know what I mean.

4. I hate it when people ask where you want to go? As if I'm actually going to get to go somewhere really cool. You go wherever and learn to love it! Not to mention that I can't find a soul who thinks I'll go foreign. Thanks, love you too!

5. My Stake interview was really weird. It was like I had Spiritual Tourette's. The Stake President asked me what virtue was, this is what I led with: "Well, to put it loosely..." Serious, he did not even have a twinkle in his eye. It was so very disconcerting. In his defense it probably wasn't the best time to joke around. I swear I kept blurting out primary answers to all of his questions: "Read Scriptures! Pray! Go to Church!" I promise I have an original thought sloshing around up there; the trick is just to find it! Seriously, someone slap some duct tape over my mouth.

6. You know how people ask you to list your good qualities and then the bad? I had to do that, so I sprouted off my good list. No elaboration necessary. The list of bad qualities and weaknesses inevitably follows. Then, of course, he wanted elaboration. I’m talking painstaking detail- dates, times, places. I felt like I was taking an exam.


PS. Thanks to Drew who told me it's harder to adjust coming home from your mission than adjusting to being on a mission! This was by far the best and most comforting news ever.

PSS. I may have exaggerated a little.

Announcement!

Hey Everybody!

I wanted to apologize for my lack of blogging! It's been crazy, but that's every bloggers, not that I consider myself one, excuse!

How's this for an announcement! For those of you who don't know (which I'm sure by now is very few of you!) I've decided to serve a mission! My papers are all in and I expect them any day now! I know most of you are probably just amazed, after all it is me. I don’t have too much experience eating my words because I’m usually right…Hopefully the prediction that I’ll have eight kids from my 12 year old Sunday School class is wrong! Anyway, I’m totally excited and just wanted to let my friends know!

Ps. I thought the picture was funny!

Why Lake Powell Rocks

1. I'll be there this weekend.
2. Our really great new Wave Runners.

3. Wakeboarding, Tubing, and the diving board.
4. On the 4th of July they do fireworks over the harbor, which make the stadium of fire look like a joke.

5. Whenever you get hot you jump in the water.
6. I always beat everyone at the who can jump off the highest cliff contest.
7. Um, tan.
8. I can finish a couple of books finally!

9. Campfires and playing cards.
10. It's Lake Powell.

Sick of Stupid.

Warning: I'm not in a good mood, so if you are opposed to bitter sarcasm you might want to cease reading now.

T.S. Elliot said "We might remind ourselves that criticism is as inevitable as breathing, and that we should be none the worse for articulating what passes in our minds when we read a book and feel an emotion about it, for criticizing our own minds in their work of criticism. ". If you know me you'll know that I'm a big fan of criticism. I think the word Mock might be my favorite in the entire English language. If you do something stupid, you'd better believe that I will hold it against you, and use it to incite laughter amongst my peers. I’m about to criticize a little (a lot).

My bad mood has been exacerbated by the multitude of completely noxious people that seem to crop up pretty often lately. Stupid people are everywhere; I’m starting to believe that it’s going to rub off.

My tribute to the annoying people I’ve had to deal with lately:

I wouldn’t be me if I didn't completely hate one of my roommates. These days it's Amber. Oh yes, Amber. First of all is it some kind of general rule that I have an Asian roommate every time? Korean, Taiwanese, and Chinese I've seriously had them all. Let me tell you, they are the messiest roommates EVER. Maybe it’s coincidental, and maybe not; but the ones I’ve had are completely incapable of cleaning. Everybody knows that I like my kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom the way I like my fingernails: Immaculate. Something I’m sure was inherited from my father, and is probably a little obsessive, although not completely unreasonable. Whatever, part of living with other people is to learn to get along and to try not to tick them off too often. She’s the only roommate that has ticked me off enough for me to actually speak with. For the first time ever I told someone to keep their hands off my stuff. I did it in a more diplomatic way, of course.

Next I thought I would tell you the story about how I quit swearing. Not that it's an interesting story, but I like it. There is a person that I know, let's call them Riley (a nice gender ambiguous name), who is absolutely grotesque. I flatter myself in thinking that I never sounded as vulgar and crass as this person is, but if forced to face reality I was just as coarse. Anyway, I started cursing in high school. I had never really been exposed to profanity at home, so I just never swore. And one of my friends would continually badger me about it. One day I gave in and profaned just so she would stop taunting me. The teasing then proceeded to take a different direction because of course it sounded so unnatural and innocent coming from me. Feeling the need to prove myself, I slowly began to work it into my daily vocabulary. Certain words I didn't even know about until college (okay, just one)! Surprisingly I ended up with quite the unattractive mouth myself, and it came pretty naturally by that time. THANK GOODNESS for Riley, who taught me that swearing like I was only for gold-digging tramps with a lousy vocabulary and only hope of getting a spouse was by having innumerable plastic surgery procedures. Harsh you say? Probably, but really, are you surprised? My feelings for her are probably just inflated today, because this person is particularly Riley-esque, but I’m fairly certain I can’t stand her 24/7. Riley in all of his/her vulgarity inspired me to abstain from profanity from then on.

(I totally gave it away- but I don’t think you get the depth of my loathing for her without it.)

Anyway, I’ve got plenty more ammunition, but this post is really long so maybe I’ll make it a two parter!

CAN'T STOP LAUGHING.

TIM. WATCHES. FELICITY.

UPDATE...

TIM ONLY CAUGHT 15 MINUTES OF FELICITY ONE TIME. I JUST HAD TO MERCILESSLY MOCK HIM FOR KNOWING WHAT IT WAS AT ALL.

Tagging No More.

Okay everyone- I'm calling this my goodbye tag. I'm so sick of tagging. It just isn't interesting. So this is my last tag, unless somebody comes up with one that is totally clever! Peace out!

Four jobs I have had:
1. Receptionist at Access Title
2. Manager at Standard Optical
3. Optician at Timpanogos Vision Center
4. Robinson Construction- I'm not exactly sure what my job title is...Tim?

Four movies I have watched more than once:
1. The Departed
2. Waitress
3. Labyrinth
4. Donnie Darko

Four places I have lived:
1. Provo, Utah
2. Rexburg, ID (resounding yuck!)
3. Provo, UT
4. Yeah, I think I need to move.

Four TV shows I watch (I don't watch any current ones!):
1. Freaks and Geeks (best. show. ever.).
2. My So-Called Life
3. Arrested Development
4. Felicity

Four places I have been:
1. Bermuda
2. Cozumel, Mexico
3. New York, New York
4. Jamaica

Four people who email regularly (I NEVER email, but when I do it's to these 4):
1. Mom
2. Myself- I like to remind myself of things
3. Melissa
4. My Aunt Jean!

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Baked potatoes with sour cream
2. Chicken Cordon Bleu
3. Kung Pao Chicken
4. Gnocchi Pasta


Four places I would like to visit:
1. Greece
2. Prague, Czech Republic
3. Croatia
4. London, England

Four things I am looking forward to in the coming year:
1. Lake Powell- I haven't been able to go in about 3 years.
2. Moving out of my apartment and away from my stupid roommate Amber.
3. Jared's birthday- he gets so excited that you can't help but be excited too!
4. Corn on the cob.

My Boss!

I am pretty sure that I have the world’s strangest boss. Don't get me wrong, Eric Robinson is great, but oh, so eccentric.

Just a few things that make Eric, Eric:

Employees at Robinson Construction have to back into parking stalls, because while backing out Eric almost nailed some car driving through. I should probably mention that he was on his cell phone and gets monthly letters from The Utah Safety Council that threaten to take away his license. So now I have to back my car in every morning-I even signed a contract stating that I will reverse to park! I might add that I have not even had a ticket in the past two years (knock on wood). The only person who doesn't back in: Eric (and his kids who work here also).

The other day Tim came into work to find the front door unlocked and police in the basement looking for an intruder. Eric had come in early that morning and left for Wyoming without turning off the alarm. In case you were wondering our alarm sounds like a million dying cats- he had to notice. I suppose that he thought that it would sort itself out. Tim is now in charge of finding a simpler key pad. Maybe an off/on switch?

One morning Eric was just fed up, he couldn't log on to his computer (which I guess is a regular occurrence). He was so mad and ranting about how he can never get on his dang computer, so we got the IT guy down here and he couldn't log on either. Finally we called Eric's son and asked him what the password was. Not even close to the password Eric thought it was.

Eric is forever picking things off the floor- even when there is nothing there. He will seriously walk down the hallway picking up things the vacuum missed. It's extra special when it's just the light coming through the blinds-cause he'll keep chipping away until he's successful.

I always thought my father had the world’s most overactive nose. Not so, Eric will walk up and down the office spraying that nasty glade cinnamon apple spray. So strong it makes your eye's water and your nose sting. I can't tell you how ecstatic I was when we finally ousted the fish tank!

He also wants me to check the voicemail messages every 15 minutes, no joke, every 15 minutes. Is that really necessary (especially when no calls are missed)?

When Eric is out on a job site he will call about 30 times a day. Seriously, the man is incapable of delegating. He'll ask you the same thing repeatedly.

He has a major thing for fake trees; you know the faux ficus ones? There are 3 in the reception area alone. It's a bit much.

The aforementioned computer incident is just the tip of the ice burg. Eric is incapable of understanding how anything digital works. Sometimes I'll suggest something that will make a project easier and he will shut it down just because he doesn't think technology is capable of it. It's actually pretty comical.


Ps. I didn't have a picture of Eric, so I just used one from a job site! I'll try to find one!

Found!

Found these at Target yesterday! Best chocolate ever! I haven't seen any past the state of New York so I'm probably over excited that they are finally in Utah!

Ps. Kunsperflake is german for Cornflake.

List of Loves: Summer Edition

1. Love pink grapefruit-there is nothing more refreshing than a cold grapefruit in the morning! You can also have a Cranberry grapefruit sobe if you're thirsty or grab some grapefruit gelato for a summer treat!

2. Gladiator Sandals- I just might have to pick these Michael Kors up, they were really great on and so comfortable!

3. Summer Blockbusters! I know most of them aren't worth the hype (Spiderman 3, anyone?), but there is still something fantastic about them.
4. Along those same lines summer also brings some really great music. I do believe Coldplay's new album dropped today!

5. Vacay! All those fun trips you were planning all winter come into effect!
6. Bake sales- I kinda wish I could still have one. My sister M and I used to make bank on those things, and not to brag but we can really bake! Maybe M and I should get together and have one for old time sake-now that we're older and can make rad stuff we can still do well. Whaddya think M?
7. I don't think I can reiterate enough- SPRINKLERS! I used to love some me crazy daisy and slip 'n slide (granted, mine were never that cool, ours was more of a tarpaulin with water on it).

8. A lot of students leave. What? They can't drive! Local residents can take back south Provo- if we wanted to anyway... we'd like the option at least.
9. Lawn mowing for some reason I really like the sound of people mowing their lawns. You have to admit it's a summery sound!
10. Water sports- for those of us who wait all year round to finally go to Lake Powell (or commonly known as Heaven on Earth) for fun tan time!


Ps. See the guy flying through the air in that last one? That's why they discontinued those tubes!