Post Burn Out Fun

Some of you may have noticed that I haven't posted for a while. And maybe you also noticed that my last little post was a sad cry of burn out.

It was a Tuesday night when the burn out climaxed. Work had invaded my life at a level that was way beyond acceptable. I decided that I had to take a stand and reclaim my life, so I went out every night for the rest of the week and partied like crazy. It is possible that this week included a 6:00am bedtime one morning. Hence, I was away from my blogging desk for a while. I return now. Here are the highlights of my time away:

The first night out had been planned for a while. I took my little sister to go see the Ten Out of Tenn concert. There were ten up and coming artist that performed who are all based out of Tennessee. We are big Erin McCarley fans and were mostly there to see her, but ended up loving everyone that we heard.

Listen to the music playing on my blog as you are reading this to get a taste of what we heard.



The show was at Kilby Court. It is a tiny venue in Salt Lake that basically simulates the garage band experience. Em and I were in the front row and we both felt like we were just chillin with ten of our very best and very talented friends. They all took turns singing and backing each other up. I wish that more concerts were like this.



After the show all of the artists came out and had s'mores with the concert-goers. Thanks to Kilby Court for having a fire pit in their courtyard.


The next day my friend Vanessa and I went to the free Ficiontist fan love concert. To show their fan love, the band had bought all the tickets for their show and let the fans in for free. Stellar. Fictionist used to be called Good Morning Maxfield, and Stuart Maxfield just happens to be one of my very favorite district leaders from my mission. If you are in the mood to be blown away by a band full of people who are basically too talented to be human, check them out at their website.

After two nights of crazy concerts, it was time to dance. Vanessa is friends with the entire world and, of course, that world happens to be inhabited by DJs who throw crazy dance parties. This was the night that we didn't get home until 6:00am. I don't think I have done that since I was 15. Pretty sure it threw me off for about 3 days. I am officially an old lady.

But, luckily enough, the next two days were conference. I just sat around and soaked in all of the General Conference goodness.



These weeks have been a blast. My little sister got engaged, I spent a blissful week alone in my apartment while my roommates were taking on the Windy City, I have had several mini-reunions with old friends, and a slightly larger reunion with my brother after an 6 month separation. And it doesn't stop there!

I got to go to the Brandi Carlile concert!

Anyone who knows me well knows that Brandi and I go a long way back. I have been waiting for a long time for here to come in concert and you had better believe that when she did I was first in line to go! Well, I was actually 3rd in line, but whatever. My dear roommate Lindsay also came and we were front row all the way!

It is possible that Lindsay fell just a teensy, tinsy bit in love with the cellist.






The concert was UNBELIEVABLE. It was pretty much everything I had hoped for. And they filmed it. If you ever got your hand a copy, I am the freak on the front row. And now, after all this fun, I am a new person. So, save me from more burn out and let's have fun. Yes?

Burn. Out.

The Madness Continues...

We got a new Assistant Director last week. And, of course, we welcomed him in true PSS style:






Welcome to the office Kirk!

Home Sweet Home

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday and we spent the weekend celebrating. After many years of renting, my mom recently bought a house. So, for her birthday this year, we decided to do something wild and crazy that we haven't been able to do in years. We painted her closet doors blue. I know, it is a little wild. What can I say? We are a wild bunch. The project took two days. Day 1 was Saturday and it involved removing hinges, deconstructing doorknobs and moving the dull, cream colored doors outside. Needless to say, we felt very handy.

In the midst of all of this hullabaloo we stopped for some birthday celebration. The niece and nephew made "pupcakes" with their mum for Grandma. Let me tell you that there is nothing like a good pupcake to celebrate a special occasion!



Day 2 came after 2 days of waiting for paint to dry. I headed home after work Monday evening. While I was getting things ready to be returned to their proper place, my little sister was finishing up the dishes. This brought one of my favorite moments of my entire life.

My Mom shops at Costco and buys everything in bulk. Well, as fate would have it, bulk dishwashing soap looks an awful lot like bulk dishwasher detergent. The dishwasher had been running about 3 minutes when my sister started shouting for help. I came in and there were bubbles EVERYWHERE. They were pouring out of every crack in the dishwasher. It was a lovely sight. I wish that I had thought to take a picture the moment it had happened, but for some strange reason, I helped to clean up instead. This picture was taken several minutes after the initial incident. It isn't too shabby though. I don't think she will ever live this one down. It was great.




After much adventure, celebration and incredible handy work, we finished our project. Happy Birthday Mom!

Turnabout is Fairplay

I feel like I am living in an episode of the office. There are many similarities here at PSS, but most of them would get me fired if I named them. So, I will just share this one:



Please note:

a)the plastic wrap
b) the 9 copies of "A Miracle in Utah Valley"
c) the 6 massive clips all around my surveys



I love my job.

Sometimes we get a teensy, tinsy case of cabin fever at work. When this happens we often think of things that we can do to break up the day. Usually the things do are simple, like going for a walk, or going to get ice cream. Today the solution was a visit to the office of our dear friend across the hall. Michael used to work with us and sometimes we like to let him know how much we miss him. This is how we showed our love today:



Days like this make a desk job bearable.

Brandi Carlile

So, if you don't know me, please allow me to introduce myself; My name is Jennica, and I am a Brandi Carlile fan. And just so you know, it is very rare that I identify my self as a huge fan of anyone. I prefer to keep reality in check and remember that people are people, even if they do happen to be insanely talented or good looking. Keeping this in mind, Brandi Carlile is a very awesome "people". She is, in fact, an insanely talented and passionate artist. She is only a year older than me and keeps my hopes alive that someday I can be not only passionate, but insanely talented as well.

The night that I found out she was coming was the night before I left for Iowa. I was staying at my family's house so they could drive me to the airport, and of course I stayed up late chatting with my sister. All night long my sister was giddy over her new boyfriend - and I was giddy over the upcoming concert.

Brandi is one of those very rare artists that I honestly connect with. I do enjoy some good ridiculous pop music, but for me, that is what music is all about. Thanks Brandi!

April 18th at 8:00p.m. Tickets went on sale today and I already have mine! http://www.thestateroomslc.com Be there.