Is It Masochism?

These are my Bears playing at the new Gaylen Center at USC. It was a beautiful night. The new arena is amazing - true to USC form, cost was no object & no expense was spared. Our seats were great - thank you Ryan! The company was awesome. The only problem? My Bears never win!


Well - let me clarify - they're actually 5th in the Pac 10. And well above Stanford, which is all that really matters. But after sitting through 4 losing seasons of Cal football (for those of you who keep track - I was there during the Holmoe years. Enough said.). After dragging groups of friends to recent Cal games & that we inevitably always lose. And after having expectations that we'd have a decent basketball season... I begin to wonder.... is it me? Do I jinx them? Or is it just plain masochism at this point? I'm beginning to know how Cubs fans feel.


So - despite the loss, it was actually a great game. And with no shame (or perhaps no pride), there we all sat in the sea of red - sporting our faithful blue & gold. I walked out with my head high. And will continue to say - Go Bears!

Jack's 1st Birthday

This past weekend was awesome. I mean - who can beat 80 degrees in January? I enjoyed the weekend in the company of great friends. First off - Jack's 1st Birthday! I know I'm a little biased, but I seriously think he's the cutest ever! Check out these pics of Jack after he's devoured his Elmo cupcake... there was red frosting from ear to ear! And just FYI - Heather is amazing. She made the Elmo cake & Elmo cupcakes herself. You can kindof see them in the bottom of the picture. So fun!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Although most of the country considers yesterday a historic day because of the inauguration, I consider it a historic day in commemoration of my Dear Old Dad! Yesterday was Grego's birthday. I'm so grateful for his example as a loving father, a man of integrity, hard work & learning. To celebrate - the whole family got together for dinner & dessert. It was so fun to be together & spend time chatting & bantering as adults. I'm so grateful we all live close for this brief window of time. We took some family pics. Enjoy!

PS. As everyone was wearing cheesy Obama shirts around town yesterday, I was wishing I had made a shirt with my Dad's picture on it! If only I had been so clever ahead of time to prepare. :)

A New Start...

Hi Friends -

So I'm a little late with the New Year's resolutions this year. As many of you know, it was a rough holiday. And just as I was hoping to get my feet under me, I got sick. Yuck! Serious headaches. At first I thought it was a migraine (that lasted for 3 days). Then I finally saw a doc and went on meds to treat a serious sinus infection. BTW - sinus headaches often feel like migraines. FYI. I'm finally doing a bit better. But the headaches still come & go. So we'll see if further follow-up is needed. I'll report back to you all...

But I do want to say that I'm optimistic. I love new starts. I love change. I even love Mondays. So here it goes... a new year, a new single life, a new haircut. Soon to come a new body (a much needed diet is underway), perhaps even a new job or new city (pending the outcome of this scary economic slowdown). Anyway - I'm off to a new start. And I believe talk is cheap - so I'm making myself accountable - to all of you! :)

So... stay tuned for the fabulous adventures of Maren J. And for now, I'm of course keeping busy with work, basketball season, teaching Gospel Doctrine, piano lessons, being super aunt, planning someone else's wedding (no joke... it's a long story...), and trying to keep balance.

I wish you all a fabulous New Year! I love hearing your adventures and of your fabulous families. And even if we don't talk too much - no worries - I blog-stalk all of you. :)

Take care...Lots of loves...
Maren

Joy

This Christmas season has been full of mixed emotions for me. I have felt great joys & deep sorrows. As I sit here now, on Christmas Eve, I reflect on my blessings & the things that bring me the greatest joy & peace. It is truly through my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I have peace of mind & heart. I am grateful for Him and His example and His succor at this time.

And as I think about this Christmas season of 2008 - there are 3 things that have truly filled my heart with joy. In no particular order, here they are:

1. My Little People. I love my role as favorite auntie & work hard to retain the title. :) Here are a few pics from this month. With little Jack (Heather's) and Sassy Miss Sage and little Maggie (Melissa's). So fun!

2. The Bell Choir. It sounds dorky - but playing in the bell choir has been such a treat! I have loved learning how to play, learning the music, growing friendships & performing in several Christmas concerts. Of course I'm not in this pic b/c I was taking it, but here you can see the bells lined up. Too bad I don't have video!

3. Caroling with the Lang Gang. This happened just a few days ago on Sunday night. My bro Jake & I headed out with the Lang Gang to spread some Christmas cheer. The pictures speak for themselves... it was so fun!