You gotta go here!

England is full of amazing places to visit... Here are 4 that you should definitely put on your list to go see!!!

London Temple!

You know, temple grounds are beautiful. They are. But there was something so calming and serene with the London temple. It could have been the fact that the temple is in this quiet little town, set back from the road, and we were the only ones there (vs. In the middle of downtown with lots of traffic and tons of people!) It just was so beautiful!

They had this beautiful pond and the flowers were just gorgeous! On the train ride there, Aaron asked what my favorite flower was. Besides roses I told him tulips. He told me that he thought that I loved Daffodils. I don't know why he thought that, and as much as I think daffodils are pretty, tulips win in my book! When we got to the temple, Aaron was amazed. The grounds used to be covered in daffodils and they were replaced by...you got it! Tulips! So funny! Aaron seems to think that I am a princess- so I play along! Ü But it is kind of funny and interesting when things like that happened! I was even beginning to believe it!

(My camera kind of washed out how really and truly beautiful it was!)

The inside was just as beautiful! I loved it there!!!

Buckingham Palace!

You've got to see the changing of the guard! It is amazing how many people come out for this. I had to keep reminding myself that they weren't reenacting things that happened long ago. This was for real! They were protecting the queen! The interesting thing to me was that the changing of the guards was just that- they actually changed from the "regular" guard to the Malaysian guards! Who knew?!

So we were all watching intently trying to figure out what was going to happen next and then they got out their instruments and started playing. Wow! Totally didn't see that coming! As if it was a "band off"! Hmm...not what we were expecting. They each played 3 songs, then the Brits left and the Malaysians stayed!!

I was just waiting for the queen to come out. Any moment I was sure of it! I mean, Aaron had me believing that I was a princess...so where was my personal tour of the palace?!

We did have good weather though. The clouds parted as we got there- and the rain came as we were done! You can call that good luck! One could get used to being a Royal huh! We were very thankful that the weather was on our side!

Across the street is St. James park. It was so nice to walk around and enjoy. Plus, It has so many beautiful flowers! They also had a huge section of- you guessed it...tulips! HA!

Abby Road!

For those of you who know me well, know that I love the Beatles. Thanks to Allison Rock- they became a big part of my life in high school. ( Yep- I was one of the many in love with Paul McCartney!)So...we had to visit the infamous crosswalk and Abby road studios! Yep- Thats me-crossing the road...just like the Beatles!However, I was a little worried because there was so much traffic!!! Aaron had to keep reminding me that I was in the crosswalk! They had to stop for me! I still didn't trust them though! I would never live on this street! Way too many tourists! :)

When we went to the studios, Aaron insisted that I write my name on the wall. I tried to tell him that doing graffiti was wrong, but he took my hand and made me do it! I'm the innocent one in the matter!

(okay...not true, but on his blog he made me out to be the bad guy!) So.. the truth is, he told me that people always write their names on the wall and then after a while they white wash it and start is over again. So I thought why not! And THAT is the truth! Ü

Portobello Road

It has come to my attention that this road isn't as well known as I had previously thought! I am amazed that when I tell people that we went here, I get a blank stares in return! Its as if I said something like- Then we went to Fredicks road. Simple and not famous. The problem with that statement is- Portobello Road is famous and special! Did these people not watch Bedknobs and Broomsticks?! What kind of childhood did they have?! I guess they dont know that its the street where the riches of ages are stowed! Anything and everything a chap can unload- is sold off the barrow in Portobello Road. Yep...you better believe it. I sang it and sang it and sang it! I enjoyed myself. I'm not sure others around me did! Luckily Aaron is a good sport and sang it with me!

Aww...the memories! :)

The next day..

So the actual purpose for being in England was so that Aaron could go meet with his professors in the University that he didn't make up! So the conundrum was- what to do with Jill?! He asked me if I wanted to just sleep in (keep in mind I had only been in Europe for 2 days at this time...my body was still out wack!) and kinda spend time in the house we were staying at until he got back, or go to the British Museum. I only had to think a moment about it (because sleep is SO enticing to me!) before I thought! Hey! I'm in England- I'm not staying the house all day! I gotta see this place!

So once we got to the museum, Aaron got me a little audio guide and left for his meeting- as I left for the ancient Egyptian exhibit! (I think that I got the better deal!) I just wanted to say that mom- you should be so proud of me! I went from being so overly humiliated as a freshman at Ricks when we went on the tour of the campus (on the golf cart) because there were a few students walking around- and they might have seen me!!!!- to being able to walk around with headphones on- all by myself- in a museum full of thousands of people! oh, sniff, I've just grown up so much!!! So I took the picture for you mom- to show you that I did it!

I enjoyed wandering around and learning about all the different ancient artifacts. I decided that The Egyptian artifacts were the most intriguing to me! I'll just put a few of the highlights on here- so as to not bore the "I don't like museums" people! The funny thing here was that each time I went into a room- I would usually be one of the few people there. I would read about it etc.. and then as I got my camera out- Its as though the circus was in town! Lines of people were everywhere! Tour groups came out of no where! After about 10 times of that- I learned to first take the picture and then learn about it!

So lets take a walk back into history and learn about what happened long long ago...

This marvelous piece of work is what people are calling the "Rosetta Stone". Yep. A HUGE deal and little ole me had never heard of it! Luckily Aaron had talked it up on the way over so I was really excited to see it. Super cool because (for those of you like me, who don't know what it is...) it is a single passage that is written in 3 different language(one of them being hieroglyphics). Therefore, by having the other languages above it, people were able to decipher hieroglyphics! (Please history scholars out there correct me if I'm wrong! ) But thats what I am remembering that it is.

And the next stop on our tour we shall see...

Some Egyptian drawings that look ever so familiar to me! It really reminded of the drawing that is in the Pearl of Great Price... Do you see it?! So I had to get a picture of it. (As you can see there is a flash in these pictures ! I was so annoyed and didn't realize until after I had left the museum, that there was a museum feature on my camera! Oh well! Live and learn!)

And lastly, just some more thing that I liked! I just found it interesting that these things were the ACTUAL things from ages ago! Like- how on earth did they get that horse person out of the ground and all the way to Berlin without breaking it?! Mind boggling really!

There were pieces of the Parthenon in the museum that England had stolen from Greece, so that was cool to see and last but not least- in the Chinese portion of the tour- there were many many Buddha's . However, I had never seen a Buddha quite like this one before.

You know, I'm walking around and seeing all these serious Buddha's and then he popped out of no where! Look at how HAPPY he is! Isn't that funny! He made me smile, so he gets to be on here!

I think he was the Buddha of good eats and that was why he was so happy! Therefore, I think that the moral of the story is this- Chubbiness= Happiness. Skinniness =misery and stiffness . Don't believe me-Here's the picture to prove my point. So...where did I put that chocolate bar?!

After a few hours, I did actually begin to get lonely and was thankful that Aaron had returned. When we walked out of the museum he pulled 2 tickets out. Knowing that London is known for it's musicals--He surprised me with 2 tickets. But it gets even better. He knows how much I love Lord of the Rings. and even though he doesn't like it all that much- like at all- that is (I know I know, we're working on that! :) ) he still bought 2 tickets to the musical LOTR . Before our trip, I didn't even know that existed! I guess its not going to be there for long- so we got in just in time! I was so excited!!! He is so great like that! In the picture below, I describe myself as so overly excited, it borders on the word "freaky"!

So before we went to the show, we decided it was time for me to eat some infamous fish and chips! We saw this cute place (I think that I was the one who called it "cute"- I doubt that was the wording that Aaron used! ) we went in, ordered, and it was actually super yummy!

As we walked out, I THEN realized the name of the place that we had been eating in! Check it out!

You know, since our family is from England and all- I left their believing that it was an old family restaurant! Had I know beforehand the name of the place, I would have asked for a free meal! (Actually we did get a free desert! The owner said that he gave anyone going to the LOTR a free desert, but now I'm wondering if he really knew who I was- and used that for a cover! hmm...curious! Curious indeed!)

I'm pretty sure that's a picture of great great G-pa Young. Don't you think dad?! (Wink wink) :)


Then over to the show...



And here we are inside! It was a beautiful building!




Yeah, I was practicing being Royal in this picture. I kind of did that a lot this trip! Sad, I know. But true!

I do believe we crashed that night! It was a long, but wonderful day! Did I mention how much I loved England?! Okay, just curious!

The first of many

Well, this is the moment that many have been waiting for! Finally pictures of my trip to Germany! I do apologize that it has taken so long. Honestly jet lag has become one of my least favorite things! So I hope you're all happy that even though I am tired right now- I will do you the honors and start the first of many posts that will give you a flavor of my most wonderful vacation!

I honestly had such a great time. I really enjoyed Europe. I was a little nervous about how I would feel not knowing the language and using the bus/subway system. But really- it was all great! I loved the feeling of being there and learning so many things! So I thank Aaron for showing me such a great time!

Well to start off... As most of you know, Aaron surprised me with a trip to England the first night I got there. We took off April 29 and spent 4 1/2 wonderful days in jolly old England! When we got there and were going through customs, I could help but smile, and sometimes even giggle as I listen to the people talking! I am in love with that accent! From the security guards talking to someone to the guy looking at our passports- I was grinning from ear to ear! One time Aaron turned to me and was like "you're loving this aren't you!" and of course I replied "YES!" :)

I will try not to bore you with too many details and pictures- so I hope you enjoy! Since I am me- lots of adventures were had during these 3 weeks. However, I'm just going to post pictures today because my brain is too tired to write out all the funniness that goes with them... but with time it will come.

One of the first stops was to a train station. I did find that a little strange, but since I just figured he knew what he was doing- I followed him. and low and behold look at what we found! We tired to go in, but alas, it was blocked!

Get it?!

I thought that was really cute! Those Englishmen are quite creative huh!

I then had the privilege of seeing the university that Aaron is attending. If you zoom in on the bottom red building picture it says the name. "University College London". So I guess it he wasn't lying to me and the University DOES exist! :)

That night we ate in China town. Isn't it interesting that there is a china town in every major city? hmm... curious. There was a funny moment here though. We went to a Chinese buffet and after I had gone to get my food, we realized that you were only allowed to go to the buffet 2 times and you had to eat everything on your plate or you would be charged extra! Ahh! Lets just say we both finished what was on our plates, one of us struggling a little more than the other...simply because there was a larger amount of food on the plate then there was in the stomach. I'll just leave it at that! But that is a memory that I wish to never be taken from me. It still brings a smile to my face! Each agonizing swallow- one after another! Good times...

In walking around, I found a phone booth. Everyone needs a picture in the classic British phone booth! I was so excited that Aaron took a picture as I was entering.....
but then we realized it was LOCKED!!! How rude! I used all my strength...but to no avail!

A few days later- we finally found one that actually opened! And I added my name to the list of people with a picture of the cutest phone booths ever!


So...that was all the first day! That night we also walked around and saw many beautiful sights! So I leave this post with a few of the wonders of London! :)




Big Ben and the tower of London are featured here. (and some of Trafalgar square). Unfortunately- the pictures dont really do it justice!

For some reason.. I didnt take pictures of the other things we saw that night- namely Tower bridge which is beautiful, Westminster Abby, the rest of Trafalgar square and much much more!!!

Well I hope that this got you ready to see what else is in store in the next few posts! Stayed tuned for what happened the rest of the week! :)

Gourmet Chefs!

I really love to cook. At Ricks and BYU my roommates and I each took a night to cook. It was fabulous. I only had to cook once a week, but got a 4 course meal each night! Life was good then!

Since moving down here, things have been a bit different. My roommates and I each work such random hours or usually dont get home in time to fix a gourmet meal. So we end up throwing together a meal for one. Every once in awhile we decide to see if we still got it though. Tonight was one of those nights.

Yesterday my roommate said to me "Lets make bread tomorrow." Feeling all domestic- I agreed. We decided that we couldn't get married until we knew how to make this apparently crucial thing! (We figure that's the reason we're not married yet! I guess we have to prove that our kids wont starve :) ) And I mean, how hard can it be? I made bread once in my BYU cooking class. I felt like a pro. (Of course I didn't remember that my roommate was the "yeast queen" at the time and I am sure she helped me!)

We invited one of our friends over for dinner at 6:00. We planned to start everything at about 5. We figured the Pork Chops and potatoes shouldn't take too long. Why the length of time on the bread didn't phase me, I still do not know! At about 4:30 part of my brain clicked that in order to make bread with yeast in it- it needs time to rise. Like lots of time. Oops! Maybe they could be a good dessert! Somehow, I got put in charge of the bread. (It may have had something to do with my "cockiness" that I had done it before. First problem- the yeast. It said dissolve yeast in water. But how much water. Sarah and I both called just about everyone that we knew. No one answered. Of course they were all probably talking to family members since it is Sunday. But really, they should have been talking to us! :) Finally my sister answerd. So I ask her- how much water do you dissolve yeast in? She asks me to read the directions to her. So I begin "Dissolve 1T of yeast (then to the next line) in 1/2 C water." I felt like a fool! I didn't keep reading! It told me right there! Arg! Thanking my sister for her help in getting me to actually READ the directions we hung up. So the yeast was put to the side to"dissolve".

Next step...add milk, baking soda, sugar and shortening. Then it said to beat well. Well, I dont know if you see a problem with the whole list of ingredients, but shortening doesn't really mix all that well with the above list of things. And then adding the beaters on top of it...I had milk flying everywhere! I just sat there staring at it---what is wrong with this?! Should it really look like this?I was laughing to hard to continue. I told my roommate that we were changing jobs. She was the one that wanted the bread in the first place! So she should have to deal with the clumpy milky mixture! I would do the Pork.
She opted to start over. Then we found problem #1 I used baking powder instead of baking soda. I dont think that is what caused the mixing disaster, but had she not started over- I doubt the taste would have done much for our delicate taste buds!
Our other roommate sat on the couch and watched the whole interaction take place. "This is better than a comedy" was her comment. I agreed.

She found the same mixing issue (helping boost my self-esteem a little more). However, she decided to not use to the beaters and just add the flour- to kind of help the clumps out--and it worked!!! Amazing! But then problem #2 surfaced. Not enough flour. We both thought the other one had more. But that was not the case. We were about 2 1/2 Cups short!!! I thought our other roommate had some, but it turned out to be pancake mix! That would have been interesting had I mixed that up! "Well", we thought, "Lets just let it rise and see what happens". My favorite quote from my roommate as she was mixing/beating the dough, was "Man! This pioneer stuff isn't very easy!" I laughed a good long time about that one. But the truth of the matter is that it is very very true. I couldn't have done it. Making bread by scratch every day...killing chickens and cleaning them..etc.. I really respect them- so so much!

The Pork Chops were surprising delicious. As was the squash and potatoes. Once dinner was over and we decided that the dough for the bread was ready... problem #3 arose. Umm...we dont even own a bread pan!!! Why the 2 of us decided that we made a good pair at cooking is beyond me! Laughing, we got the muffin tins. We let them rise again and 20 min later they were in the oven. The smell was heavenly (which might not have been so, had we had left it with baking powder vs baking soda.) And believe it or not they were some of the yummiest rolls ever! I think my other roommate said that they were better than restaurant rolls! "and I'm not just saying that because you re my roommates". Was her comment.

So I guess it doesn't matter if you are 2 cups short on flour or don't have a bread pan. Take what you got, and give it a try --- You never know what youre going to get!
They were so good that I didnt even have a chance to take a picture before they were gobbled up!

The big day

I don't know if it has occurred to many people as to why the name of my blog is what it is. Those of you who know me well, unfortunately also know, all too well, that it's because it is all so TRUE. If I am involved- most of the time, things will be a little bit trickier than usual. I could write you mounds and mounds of books to prove this point. However, I believe that a simple recap of my birthday will show you all-how this is true...

Oddly enough, the beginning of the day went very smoothly.
I went into work a little early because the week before I had met a few kids on a pre-surgery tour and my birthday happened to be the day of their surgeries! It was so cute because as one of the 3 year old little boys walked into the hospital and he saw me, he ran up and handed me these... Yep...thats right. He brought me flowers! It was adorable. Granted, I'm sure he got them from the hospital grounds, but it was sweet nonetheless.

Thankfully, nothing "adventurous" happened during their surgeries! :) The kids all did great. I was so proud of them.

Then, I walked into my office and was greeted by "a little note" as my boss put it.
I'm sure it took her a long time to do it! They also made cupcakes and ordered lunch! It was great! And my co-workers were wonderful!

All the real fun, however, began when I got home. My roommates had decorated the kitchen before I went to work in the morning. It was a fun little party to walk into!

Then my wonderful roommate, who is a lot like me mind you, asked excitingly "Did you see your cake?!" To my response of "no" , she opened the fridge and then said "What happened to it?!" Quickly though, her confused state turned into laughter. She was laughing so hard that she couldn't explain to me what the joke was. After a minute she said " I forgot it was an ice cream cake!" (Remember the part that I said she was a lot like me?! :) ) Luckily the cake was in a tightly closed plastic container, because we could see it basically floating in there...Completely liquefied! We had a really good laugh about that one for awhile. My sides and cheeks were sore!(Thats the best laughter!) We quickly put it into the freezer- hoping for success for when we got back from dinner.

5 of us piled into my other roommates car and headed for our destination. While on the freeway, we noticed that traffic was starting to back up. The signs on the road mentioned a crash and that the freeway was closed. We got off quickly, but at the next light I noticed a strange steam coming from her car. Panic arose in all of us, as we quickly pulled over. She called her dad and he came as soon as he can. Unfortunately we were about 30 min from their house. However, the night was beautiful and we just enjoyed the parking lot atmosphere at Embassy Suites!

Soon, her dad saved the day- and we changed cars with him...headed for the greatly anticipated restaurant to where we were going about 30 mintues before! About 6 months ago, my roommate and I were driving somewhere when we saw a restaurant entitled "Jilly's". It was a very exciting moment for me! Never had I seen such a beautiful place. We decided that we needed to return one day. That of course was completely forgotten until a few days ago, we were trying to figure out where to go to eat for my birthday. Then it came to me---we shall go to MY RESTAURANT!!!

It was like an Iggy's sports grill type of place. Which was kinda odd. To me when I think "Jilly's" I would think like a TGIF or Chilis (not just because it rhymes mind you! :) ) So that was kinda weird, but I loved the fact that my name was EVERYWHERE!!! :) I felt like a VIP. I even asked if I got my meal for free since my name is Jill. Our waiter said he would ask, but I dont think it happened! He better watch out! Next time we're in Parliament I'll need to discuss that with the people...

When we got home we pulled out the cake to see what had happened during the time we were away. It took 3 of us to open the container since it had solidified around all the edges! One held the bottom and 2 pulled the top. It was so funny looking, but sure tasted great!

As you can see that brown "hill like " looking thing was actually the cake part since all the ice cream had melted around it. I think before the cake melted it was a little bit taller and completely white one top! :) However, that did not stop us from eating it! It was yummy yummy yummy! I love ice cream cakes. And this night I learned that I even like ice cream cakes that melted and are re-frozen! :)

The last adventure came today actually. Aaron had sent me roses yesterday as a surprise and did all in his power to MAKE SURE that they got to me at work. He even got a confirmation email that they were delivered to the hospital. So there he as sitting all cozy in his German house waiting for my happy and ecstatic email thanking him for the beautiful roses. Meanwhile, I left work without even a clue that Roses were waiting there for me. Apparently something happened and the information desk didn't know what to do with them when they were delivered. (Heaven forbid look up my name in the computer and have it delivered to my department! ) :) Luckily though, Aaron told me that he had sent me roses- So I was bound and determined to find them today! On my way into work today I passed the information desk and saw a beautiful array of Roses sitting there. I told the guy "Hi. I think those are mine". With a smirk he said "Really?!" I was like.."Um..really I do!" Surprised he got up and asked my name and sure enough they were and they were GORGEOUS. Honestly- very beautiful! It was a great day after your birthday type gift! I loved them!

So there you have it- if you are planning a evening and I'm coming along- be prepared for all you plans to be completely changed or at least twisted a bit. But- That's what makes it fun right- I can guarantee that it wont be boring! :)

All in All I had a great birthday - Thanks to EVERYONE that I am blessed to know!

I almost moved today!

Each morning I listen to this loverly talk radio station on the way to work. I think it stems from my parents listening to a similar station in Utah. I have actually really enjoyed it because I feel like it has kept me up on the latest news. I feel like I know more about politics and the stock market then EVER BEFORE! (Granted, thats not saying much... but...):)

So, Being a state wide show and really being my true source for what is happening, I trust it. Well, recently in the news, it has been talked about that Arizona is very much in debt. Therefore they are toying with the idea that Toll roads on the freeways will be a good idea. I have heard this here and there for the past few weeks. Not really thinking much about it because obviously a law like that wont pass, I went on my merry way. That is, until this morning.

At 8:30 My favorite "speak your mind" radio host comes on. He is freaking out because "Arizona lawmakers passed the Toll road law last night. Starting Wed. April 2nd, Toll roads will be in affect at freeway on ramps all along the valley!" He started playing clips from the news conference- from one of the Arizona Highways guys. Therefore, you must have exact change and if not, they will turn you around. My radio guy was so outraged and upset and all the callers were as well. Yes, it would take time to get the actual booths up, but they will have workers waiting to collect.

I myself was just in shock. How could this be?! And who in their right mind thought that this was actually a good idea. Granted there were a few things that just didnt sit well in my mind. The guy from Arizona Highways said "Commuters should plan an extra 3 hrs into their morning commute". I was like- are you serious? Then there is the 101 freeway, the 202 freeway and the 51. So they were saying that it would be $1.01, $2.02, and .$.51 as the toll price. It was just so weird! I couldnt believe that I was really hearing what I was hearing. I use these freeways on an everyday basis- many times a day. As I started adding it up in my mind- I was going to have to get another job!

The thing about it all was the way my "trusted" radio guy was reacting. He was just like "This is the most bizarre thing I have ever heard of." and "So if you happen to use the 202 you have to pay double what they pay on the 51?" I mean he was so convincing about his state of shock. He said all the right things, in the right ways that I found myself outraged when I got to work. I kept saying to myself, "This has got to be an April fools joke. But, why would a major radio station do that- on a stupid holiday?"
So as I walked into work, I called my roommate- "GUESS WHAT?!" I tell her the whole deal and then I was like- I might just have to move! Gas prices and now this! This is CRAZY! blah blah. We decide together that as much as we want it to be a joke, its probably real. Since it has been in the news for weeks---

I decided it just might be time to pack up and really move to Tahiti! :)

I forgot all about it until tonight when I got home. I checked the Internet to see just where the tolls would be and read "Popular radio station KTAR plays April fools joke about Toll roads." ! I got had!!! I totally fell for it! I cant believe it! Man- those radio people were so convincing.

I guess the scriptures were right- beware of false priests! And wolfs in lambs clothing! People really can be such good liars!

I still cant believe that I fell for it! I usually am pretty skeptical with things people tell me, but I really believed this one! I mean, I was planning my exodus from this state! :)

Okay KTAR- good one. I have to give you credit. That was a good joke! But tomorrow as you start reporting on how the stock market is doing, I have a feeling that there might be some hesitation on my part, on whether I believe you or not! :)