A Johnsen Christmas

Last weekend was the Johnsen Family Christmas party. This was the only time that we could all get together. Mom made three wonderful types of soup. She also made her famous bread sticks and some great dessert. Afterwards, we opened gifts. It was so funny to see the kids open gifts. Ripping off paper and then trying to help other was the name of the game. It was so wonderful to see all of my family members, Grandma Johnsen included, and celebrate Christmas. Here are some of the pictures that I took. (Shockingly enough, most of them are of the kids and not my parents or siblings.)

Jen's wedding

Jen Evans and I have been friends for a long time. So when I heard that she was getting married, I was overjoyed. I planned far in advance to be able to get off work for her wedding luncheon and reception. Last Friday I left work at 12:30 (shocking, I know) and drove to Bountiful to Jen's wedding luncheon. It was nice to see her so happy. She and Dan are so in love. At the wedding luncheon I witnessed my first ring ceremony. Jen and Dan said some really moving words that had most of the group in tears. After an hour and a half, I left and went shopping. I met Mom at home and we took Isaac to Jen's reception in Syracuse. Dad met us there. The reception was held in an old Victorian home that was very nice. Jen looked lovely and it was nice to see her parents again. Enjoy the pictures and, once again, congratulations Jen and Dan!

The Current Weather

Yesterday it rained most of the day. The snow that had come down the week before had melted away. This morning, it started to snow. It was really light and didn't really stick. This is what my front yard currently looks like.

I shoveled the front walk a half an hour ago, but there will probably be a few inches by morning. This is when I wish I had covered parking. I love the way snow looks but I wish it wasn't so cold.

Birthday

My birthday was this past weekend. It seems strange being 28. Anyway, my co-workers took me to lunch on Thursday. My parents took me to lunch on Friday and Sarah took me for some yummy ice cream on Friday night. On Saturday I went home to my parents house for a birthday celebration with the family. It is always fun to get together. Mom did a great job with the food as usual, including a great chocolate trifle. The kids were funny and I got some great gifts. Thanks for a great birthday everyone!

Recent Readings

Here are some recent readings that I would recommend:

Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman is a charming teen fiction. When Julia's best friend become obsessed with Pride and Prejudice, she goes along. Along the way, she meets her own Mr. Darcy. As a lover of Pride and Prejudice myself, I identified with the young main character. I am still looking for my own Mr. Darcy.

In Another Day in the Frontal Lobe by Katrina Firlik, a neurosurgeon describes why she went into medicine and some of the interesting cases she has encountered. For a non-fiction book, I found it fascinating.

Heart of Gold by Sharon Shinn is a book of fantasy. In a world where their are races with blue and gold skin, a young man discovers that a genetic weapon. He risks his life to save a race that dislikes his own. Along the way, he falls in love. Every other chapter is written from the perspective of the woman he kidnaps to help him in his scientific quest.

Mary Roach, the author of Stiff: the curious lives of Human Cadavars, has written a fascinating book about how dead humans have helped the living through crash tests, medical research, organ donation, and other interesting ways. One might think that this book would be revolting, but I highly recommend it for the curious mind.

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan is the second in a trio of books. When a modern day boy discovers that his father is the Greek God Poseidon, all sorts of monsters start trying to kills him. With the help of a daughter of Demeter and a satyr, Percy goes on a quest. Although this books was written for the junior high crowd, I quite enjoyed it. I plan to read the third book in the coming months.

Great Books for Every Book Lover by Thomas Craughwell has 2002 reading recommendations for all types of readers. I love books that recommend other books. I find them a great resource for new authors.

Thanksgiving (a week late)

Last Thursday I was able to go home for Thanksgiving. It was so nice to be with family. I ended up staying until Saturday night. We have a great meal, prepared mostly by my parents, and then a handful of us stayed up until 3am talking. I went to breakfast with friends the next morning and then spent time with my parents. We ended the night watching Hairspray. Saturday was spent hanging out with my parents and having fun with Isaac and Sidney. And now for your enjoyment, some Thanksgiving pictures: