Brave Diaries : Let the New Year Begin...

Highlights of the New Year:

Although we are only 15 days into 2012, many monumental events have taken place that must be documented.

Meet Brother Lemon.

He has been a good family friend to us. For the first time Bro. Lemon drove his light blue cadillac to our house to stop by for a visit. Although this may not seem monumental to most, it is a big deal. He is a gem and very loved by the Jackson girls.

The Green Bug is no longer.

Let me tell you about this car. When Rach and I turned 16-my Grandma and Grandpa surprised us with this precious, little guy (although this car is sentimental, we never officially named it-no name seemed fit for such a car). I learned not only how to drive in this car but how to drive stick. This car has taken me all through high school and the first two years of college. It has been with me through the finest dates, most embarrassing moments, and of course the summer days. No matter the stench of track bags after meets, potent lotion in preparation for cute boys:), or sunscreen for afternoons at the pool, this car ALWAYS smells of crayons. Anyone who really knows a Jackson girl, knows this car. It is very sentimental to me and it was definitely a sad day to say goodbye to him. The days of singing with the top down and the radio blaring will never be forgotten.

On a lighter note, I just began my first semester in BYU's Public Relations Program. To begin my PR endeavors I am writing for the Daily Universe, BYU's newspaper. I specifically write for the sports desk, track and field beat. I am PUMPED!!! Although it has been quite a task, I am enjoying the new friends I am meeting and the writing experiences I am obtaining.

Keep your eyes open Provo peeps...the paper is going to be bomb this semester.

I got a job!!! As many know, getting a job in P-town is like not regretting an early morning 8 o'clock class, possible but difficult.

I work for this man, Professor Muhlestein. He was my professor in Israel and I am so grateful to be able to have this opportunity to work with him again this semester. Right now I am currently digitalizing film slides of archeological sites for a book he is composing. He has changed my life.

My Grandma turned 70!!! For my grandma's birthday, my wonderful grandpa Bill organized a surprise party for her of all her friends, family, and coworkers. It was quite a turnout and a wonderful night!

Her first reaction to the large room of loved ones yelling "SURPRISE":

A little bit about my Grandma. She is one of the most beautiful women I know, inside and out. She is very involved in my life. She supports me in all of my sporting events, academic achievements, and church-callings. She is the woman who taught me my dark eyebrows should be two not one. The woman who died my hair brown for the very first time. The one to sew and create all my dance dresses. The woman who has taken me to places I would never otherwise have seen (i.e. New York City, Mexico, The Caribbean, California, San Francisco and most importantly Israel). Without her, I would never have had the opportunity to see the world in the light that I have. She is the most selfless, ambitious woman I have ever met. I am spoiled to have her as my grandmother.

Other roles and qualities:

She is a world-traveler, entrepreneur-boss of her own company, PhD holder, sky-diver, author of many books, and much MUCH more.

Did I mention Elvis-lover?