Im not very good at this!

I apologize in advance for my lack of blogging. If you all understand how much I work, you would be amazed that I even have time to do this once a month!

So, lets see. Whats new? Well, for starters I had a great trip to Utah last month. I kidnapped Lilly and had her for the 4 days I was there. That girl, although still pretty tiny, is a bedhog! I have a king size bed and slept on the very edge of it, afraid to move because she decided that her favorite spot was right up against my back. Silly girl. She's her aunties little girl. Cant wait to see her again in a couple weeks.

Yes, Im coming back to Utah for a few days in the middle of September. My friend Hellen here in Abilene is getting sealed to her husband Dave in the Salt Lake temple on Sept. 19. Im so excited for them!

I guess the other noteworthy thing I should mention is that Im moving back to California in November. Since I've been here in Abilene I knew this is where I was supposed to be and really felt like I couldnt leave, despite the frequent urges I had to get out as fast as I could! But a few weeks ago, that need to stay left. After a lot of prayerful consideration I felt like my answer was just to be where I wanted to be. I had to choose. So, I choose California. Its where my heart is, and where I feel like I belong. It just so happens that Trish, the first mom I worked for in Cali, is in need of a part time nanny. So, I'll do that, and find a job as a CNA. I figured out how to get all my certification stuff transfered. And since I still have my California drivers license, as far as they know, I've been there since 2005. I'll still be able to get in-state tuition which is WAY cheap in Cali. I really want to start school. Even if I just have to start with 1 class.

Im grateful for the time I have had in Abilene. It grows on ya. But, it has definitly been a rough 7 months. I have learned so much about myself, relationships, and finding joy. Im sure I'll miss it, but its time to go. I have met people who have changed my life forever and will be my friends for as long as I live. I hope they know how much I love them.

Im excited to go back to California. The ocean is calling me home! :) I have such good friends there and so much more of an opportunity for a normal social life! It'll be a new adventure, and Im ready for it!

I think that pretty much covers it for the last month. Maybe I'll get around to doing this again before Halloween! :)

Utah!

Hello all my fine feathered friends....Im flying into Utah tomorrow night and will be there until Thursday morning. I would love to see as many of you as possible! Call me!

J-DAWG!

I was so sad to hear that one of my good friends, Jaman, passed away last month. I wanted to share his obituary here because he was just an amazing guy. I will miss him! My thoughts and prayers are with his family, who often times I have considered family. I love you all!

Jaman William Davies "There is no better exercise for the heart... Than reaching down and lifting someone up." On June 13th a giant heart was peacefully and unexpectedly called home in his sleep from a sudden illness into the arms of Grandma"Nice" and Grandma Colleen. As the first hint of dawn gave birth to a new day, on April 9th, 1979, Jaman's energy flooded into our lives to become our "son-shine". He bounced through childhood glowing from ear-to-ear, hurtling full light-speed through life; collecting friends at every turn and in each new adventure. His motto of "No Fear" permeated every play of his life; whether on the football field at Viewmont High School, on the basketball courts in Russia or on the streets of New York City as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His entrepreneurial spirit revealed itself early as he could be found selling individual lifesavers to the neighborhood gang or, supplying his classmates' sweet tooth cravings from his junior high locker or making a steal of a baseball card deal with his bosom buddy-cousins; Spence and Chad. A grin on his mischievous face accompanied all transactions. Everyone he encountered was embraced with "you've got a friend in me". Jaman and generous were synonymous. The shirt off his back was constantly disappearing. His ample size was never large enough to hold his enormous heart. J redefined "true friend". Consequently, "Da Boyz" reciprocally reinvented loyalty. They never stopped believing in him. Jaman was a champion "runner": surprising his mother with rose bouquets after a fulfilling Costco "run", a lunch "run" for his siblings and any friend on "L-4", D.Q. "runs" 1 minute before closing, dollar-store "runs" with wide-eyed nephews, tool "runs" for a hard-working father", flower "runs" for a backyard wedding, 2 a.m. milk "runs" after Sports Center was over. He would literally have run to the ends of the earth for his family. The title he wore best and most proudly was "Uncle". Hopefully he will write the "Uncle Handbook" and e-mail it to earth. Never were any children more loved. Their needs were understood and met by him in a unique way. He instinctively knew how to enter a child's world and connect eye-to-eye, heart to heart and spirit to spirit. Jaman understood that one of the few things that make it through "celestial customs" is relationships. Those are forever yours," Best Buddy"! Jaman loved power tools, power naps, power drinks, power books, power work-outs, power prayers, power quotes, power scriptures and the power of his family who "of one heart" will love him to eternity and beyond! He taught us volumes about: looking on the heart, walking forward, holding on, withholding judgment, choosing love, believing in the Light of the World and that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. J, the "best two years of your life" can now be resumed in a new mission field as you join your brothers, Elder Taylor in Atlanta, Georgia and Elder Jordan in Manchester, England- "chosen 'ere to witness for His name". Lay down your earthly "to-do" list to pick up a new one penned for you by a loving Father's hand. Jaman was preceded in death by his grandmothers: Constance G. Leishman and Colleen W. Davies and his niece, Sarah Colleen Liljenquist. He is survived by his parents: William and Shelley Davies; his siblings: Brooke and Dan Liljenquist, Krista Davies, Megan and Greg Larsen, Elder Jordan Davies, Elder Taylor Davies and Matthew Davies; his nephews and nieces: Jacob, Grace, Nathan, Joshua, Benjamin and Emmalee; his grandfathers: Lowell L. Leishman and James G. Davies and a loving clan of uncles, aunts and cousins. A celebration of Jaman's life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20th at the L.D.S. Centerville Stake Center, 950 North Main in Centerville. Friends and Family may call at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main in Bountiful on Friday, June 19th from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the Stake Center on Saturday prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Interment will be at the Lakeview Estates in Bountiful, Utah. In lieu of flowers, donations to: Davis County Performance Arts would be appreciated. In care of: R.M.T. - P.O Box 62, Centerville, Utah 84014. Our family invites you to share a favorite memory of Jaman by sending an e-mail to www.russonmortuary.com

Here ya have it...

So, Im sure a lot has happened in my life since I moved to Abilene 6 months ago, but to me it doesnt feel like it. It seems like all I do is work and sleep. Occasionally I get a meal or 2 in! So, I guess I'll just start at the beginning!

I decided to move to Abilene for a couple different reasons. One was because of that boy, but that didnt work out. The main reason though, was just because this is where I felt the Lord wanted me as this time, and since I've been here His plan has begun to unfold and Im understanding more and more everyday why Im here. I dont know how long I'll be here, Im just going with the flow!

When I first got here I started working for Liberty Tax Service. There was several members of the church who worked there and they hooked a girl up with some income to get on my feet! I was a waver. I only stood out on the strreet a couple times and waved (dressed as Lady Liberty herself!), the rest of the time I was doing business to business marketing stuff either here in Abilene or in San Angelo (1 1/2 hours away!)...also dressed as the Statue of Liberty. It was an interesting experience to say the least! I almost felt like a missionary again, but this time what I was talking about wasnt nearly as important! It was interesting to me how much better people treated me as Lady Liberty vs. Sister missionary. It helped me realize that I often judge people based on the title they wear. I mean, I was the same Jessica, but I had 2 different titles and I was being judged on what I was, not who I was and I didnt like it! So, I've been trying to look on the heart more.

During tax season, I was also able to find an opportunity to get certified as a nurse aid. Classes were being taught at a nursing home here in town. I was hired and the class lasted about 3-4 weeks. It was there that one of the reasons the Lord wanted me here was shown to me. I met someone who I now consider one of my greatest friends. Her name is Tracee. She was actually my teacher. She has been such a huge support to me while I've been here and I just adore her!

I worked at the nursing home for almost 3 months. It was a learning experience for sure! I worked on an alzheimers hall. I love the little old people there, but didnt feel like I was being challenged very much in my job. It was the same thing everyday. So, Tracee, who is a nurse at the local hospital was able to help me get a job there. I now work at Hendrick Medical Center on the neurology floor. I love it! I love being in the hospital, it makes me feel like Im in an episode of Greys Anatomy! :) Im learning so much! I work the night shift- from 7pm-7am, 3-4 times a week. Its great!

After tax season ended, I needed another part time job (being a CNA doesnt make a whole lot, which is dumb considering how much we do!). It just so happened that another church member was in need of a part time secretary for his financial planning business. So, Im also working at Advanced Financial Strategies. On the nights I work at the hospital, I work here from about 9-1, and then sleep in the afternoon. On the nights I dont work, I work here 9-5. So, I wasnt lying when I said all I do is sleep and work!

I moved into my own apartment in May and I have loved it so much. Its so nice to have my own little space, and its been so much fun to decorate! I have my living room pretty much done, except for a coffee table and other little decorating kind of things. But this wall is pretty much my favorite part of the whole apartment:

They are pictures of temples that mean something to me. The middle is Manhattan, where I was endowed. The outside ones, are LA, Mesa, Jordan River, and Lubbock. This is right next to the door so everytime I leave Im reminded where my treasure is, and what is really important in life.

My bathroom has been so much fun to decorate too. Its red, black and white. The frames still need some more pictures, but this is what it is right now.

My bedroom is still in the planning phases, but I have refinished the furniture. Pictures will come when I actually finish all of it!

Well, I think that pretty much sums everything up. Im loving life right now and just trying to figure out what I want to do next. School is definitly on the agenda! Im going to visit the local community college here and see what I need to do to get started on a career in the medical field. Im thinkin physicians assistant...

I hope everyone is great. I sure do love and miss y'all! Come and visit me!!

Whew...

I finally was able to figure out how to add some personality. Now, tomorrow, you shall all have a new post. I have lots to say!

What did I just do??

I caved...I created a blog. Since my mission, I've missed writing big long letters telling people what Im doing everyweek. So, this is a solution! Im also hoping this will help me take more pictures of what happens in my life. Since Im at work, I wont take a lot of time to post today, but I will give everyone an amazing, in depth look into my life sometime soon!