Flashback Friday (On Sunday)

Well, I'm finally back to the blogging world! Of course, I've been gone for so long that people won't even read anything I do anymore. But, if you are reading, I'll tell you that I have been thinking a lot about the 90's lately (Everything I can remember anyway.) and I thought it would be good to share a few of the highlights of the decade.

Music

Britney Spears- Britney's first album came out in '99, and it was far from neglected. She became an instant hit! (I'm kind of ashamed to admit that I loved Britney too.) Just answer me this: How did she go from cute and innocent to hussy to physcho and back to normal again? Oh well. I just hope we don't hear about any more of her wacky antics in the future.

Hanson- I remember Carissa being obsessed with this band. And she had a good reason... those long blonde locks are to die for! Do they remind you of any "brotherly" bands still around today that are topping the charts and winning awards up the Ying Yang? That's right. Hanson is much like the Jonas Brothers. (below) The only difference between the two bands is that Hanson could actually sing!



Actors


Jonathan Taylor Thomas- Was there any girl in all of America who didn't fall head over heels for this adorable star of Home Improvement? Could it be the sweet smile? The cute hair? The intellect? What's not to love? It was pretty hard to miss this Harvard-graduated cutie back then; he graced every cover of every teen magazine for practically 7 straight years! But whatever happened to our little J.T.T? Sadly, his acting career, kinda like his height, has fallen short.


Fads

Pokemon- Pokemon was one of the biggest things of the 90's. Most people would trade their golden tooth for a little card! Although it started in Japan, this fad took the nation by storm, but for only so long. It's hard to say that everyone's forgotten about these lovable creatures, but maybe in a couple more decades, Pokemon memorabilia could be bringing in some serious dough!



Clothing

Jelly shoes- Jelly shoes may have started in the 80's, but they were huge in the early 90's. I was never a fan myself, but my Mom bought me about 4 pairs in 1st grade. I thought we had abandoned these cheaply-made flats, but a few months ago, I saw my friend walking around with them. I asked her, "Did you get those out of one of your Mom's old clothing boxes?" Her reply was "They're selling them at Payless." Soon, I found everyone wearing Jelly shoes. That just goes to show that even some of the most hideous styles can repeat themselves.

Overalls- Overalls and Shortalls were all the rage in the 90's. In fact, all denim was popular. The baggier, the better.


Movies

String of Success- Disney was on a roll in the 90's. They released several high grossing films in the course of 9 years. Many people, including me, think that the 90's was the best era for Disney movies. Some of my favorites are: "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "The Lion King," and "A Goofy movie."


Famous mistakes

The OJ verdict- OJ Simpson made it into the Sports Hall of Fame, which definitely gives him bragging rights, but whoever gave him the right to murder his wife and her lover? Football fans and African-Americans backed him 100% but the rest of us were too smart to let him off easily. OJ made it into the papers again a couple weeks ago. He finally got what was coming to him!

Hot Guy Monday

It's been a while since I've done a Hot Guy Monday, so it had to be a real 'knock-out' this time... and I think I picked a good competitor.

Do you recognize this 18 year old?

Probably not. He hasn't been in much. His most notable roles are probably Miley Cyrus' love interest, Jake, in "Hannah Montana" and Mullet Fingers in "Hoot." Right now, he can be seen on "Dancing with the Stars" as Julianne Hough's partner.

Meet Cody Linley!

At the High School Musical 2 premeire.

On Ellen Degeneres. He has the hottest smile.

Right now, he's my Edward. He looks it in this picture.

Is it just me, or does he look like Leonardo DiCaprio!?!

Cute Cody.

Tagged!

I've been tagged! I thought this was so much fun, but it took forever to download all the images. I'll try not to be too embarassed. I did a quick tidy-up, but not near a thorough enough job.

Anyway, here it is:

1. Favorite pair of shoes? I actually have 3 pairs that I really like. If I'm grading on comfort, though, I'd pick the flip-flops.

2. Bathroom? This was the cleanest bathroom. Not the fanciest, but who really needs an elaborate environment to go to the bathroom?

3. Kitchen sink? Yes, this is the kitchen sink. *blush* The dishes weren't done yet. We actually have 2 sinks, but this is the most used.
This is the other sink built into the island.
4. What are your kids doing now? Well, me and all my youngsters are watching TLC's "What not to wear."

Shortly thereafter, a Biography on Robert Downey Jr. I've always loved Robert, but after watching "Chances Are" recently, he's my new favorite actor.

5. Closet? This is my closet. I don't really use it that much, because I have a pretty spacious dresser. I use it to house my posters, (there's quite a few that you can't see) my sewing machine, stuffed animals, bags, sunday clothes, jackets, shoes, etc.

6. Favorite Room? Yes, this is my favorite room in the house. I love the computer. This is where I spend most of my free time. You can't see in this picture, but there's practically a whole library in here. But, despite the books, we still call it "The computer room."

7. Fridge? About 10 times more space than needed.

8. Family Room? The family room is where everyone gathers, talks, reads, watches TV, (not in this picture) warms themselves by the fire, and has F.H.E. I especially like Sunday's when Brandon and Ayrial (and kids) and Dallin and Jamie (and kids) come over. We play games in here, or the boys watch football. I also like when the Ferrara's come over. We could blow the roof with all the talking that goes on in this room when they're here.



This is my favorite spot of the family room: all the portraits of the grandkids.

9. Living Room? This is where I practice piano and cello. Also the most un-lived in room in the house. Kind of ironic.

10. Kitchen? This isn't all of the kitchen, but you get the idea. I love our kitchen... maybe because there's always food?

(That is my school bag modeling on the table. I forgot to put it away.)

11. Favorite Spot? This is my favorite spot in the whole house. I love books, so I love to collect them as well. I probably have 200 books and 50 DVD's (located by the TV) that I either bought or recieved as gifts in the bookshelf. In the corner are knick-knacks, pictures, other useless junk, etc. Can you tell I did the decorating?

12. Outside? The outside is so peaceful and relaxing. This is The Johnson's secret little spot to have private pow wow's, do weanie roasts/S'mores, and read.

We have a pretty extensive backyard, so I couldn't fit everything in here, but this is the hot tub, (perfect place for a date... especially with the red lights) and trampoline over there. I wish you could see the garden. We've had fabulous tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash this year.

The backyard provides us with hours of entertainment.

Proud to be an American

*For added fun, you can listen to "America" by Neil Diamond down there on my playlist. Sorry I don't have "Proud to be an American."

Wow! I just realized I haven't updated in almost 2 months....

I haven't really had anything to say up until now, but today, my heart is full. I want to share everything!

As you may well know, today is September 11. Exactly 7 years ago today, a terrible accident occurred in New York, involving The twin towers/World Trade Center, terrorists, and over 2,000 people killed.

I was in 4th grade then, so I really didn't know what was going on, but I remember that that was the only day EVER that we were able to watch TV in school. Now that I've gotten older, I've been able to reflect on it more... understand.

It really was a horrible tragedy that never should've happened, but the best thing we can do is remember it. Because that's what History is all about... remembering.

A photo of the 9/11 attacks.

Whenever I think of any history, whether it's The sinking of the Titanic, The Holocaust, or Pearl Harbor, etc. I always manage to get choked up.

I feel especially patriotic today.

I'm so glad we live in a country where brave men and women alike were good enough to die for the freedom of man.

I'm sincerely "Proud to be an American."

Now for a little game called "Who said that?" I'm putting on some famous American quotes and YOU have to guess who said it.

1. "...And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

2. "I have a dream this afternoon!!! That the brotherhood of man will become a reality. In this day in age! With this faith!"

3. "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind."

4. "I am not an American. I am the American."

5. "All your dreams can come true... if you have the courage to pursue them."

Hot Guy Wednesday! (Too lazy to do on Monday)

Such a pretty face....such bad acting!

WOW!

Me and Carissa watched a cool Filipino movie on Monday, (Which is when I should've done this!) called "My Big Love," that she bought. (but I recommended!) I loved it, it was so cute.

The main character, played by Sam Milby is so hot! Which is why he's my choice for this Hot Guy Wednesday.

Memories^4

I'm stealing this from my 2 sisters, and sister in-law. Let's make a nice chain of memories, eh?

Here are the rules:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.

16th Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday!!!

It really didn't FEEL like my birthday. I didn't FEEL 16...

Just like Samantha in "16 candles..." except everyone remembered MY Birthday.

I felt just as immature as I always am.

(Before I went to bed, I even chased after Mama with a spray bottle, but she got me back with ice cubes down my pants.)

Dad took a couple pictures of me, but the cake was covering my face, so I won't put those on here. Instead, I'll show you what I got!

(I picked them all out, so there were no surprises this year)Princess Tutu complete collection. A very popular anime.

Kitchen Princess Books 1, 2, and 5. (I already had 3 and 4) And Carissa is going to get me the 6th one.

Kinda Random, but I lost my previous DVD, and it's one of my favorite Disney movies.

Evan is downloading the Sims 2 Apartment Life for me.

And I think I'm going to treat MYSELF to Pokemon season 2.

Ok, I know everyone is thinking I'm a huge nerd, but there's no use denying it...

I AM!

Here's the highlights of my birthday:

*Trix cereal. (Never get sugar cereal) *No practicing *Doing whatever I wanted! *Mom being sugary sweet to me *My best friend remembering my birthday (She always thinks it's on June 10) *Talking to my friend on the phone who has the SAME Birthday! (No joke)

*Pizza for lunch (Never get fattening foods either) *Going to Joy Luck restaurant with Dad, Mama, Evan, and Carissa. *Going home and eating Cold Stone cake. MMMM! *Opening presents! *Watching Princess Tutu *No Gold's gym!

South Dakota

Well, I'm back from South Dakota!

I had such a marvelous time. It was so fun to be with Mama and Dad.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of me... because I hate taking pictures of me!

Well, what's in South Dakota?

Of course there's the usual monuments: Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Devils's tower. (I sent a cool puzzle postcard of Devil's tower to Foster)

But, I also went to a few local places that should be credited as well.

The national museum of woodcarving, (I got a cute wooden music box that plays 'Waltz of the flowers' here) The Cosmos, (I got lots of postcards here) the town of Deadwood/Deadwood museum, Crystal caverns, (I got a porcelain indian doll here) Ft. Hays' "Dancing with wolves" movie set, (I got a black hills jacket here) and Reptile Gardens. (I got a cool reptile necklace here)

The breathtaking Mt. Rushmore

Crazy horse (Still not completed, even after 60 years)

This was unbelievable! Devil's tower first made it's debut in "Close encounters of the third kind"

I guess water, wind, lava, and other stuff made it into a huge mountain.
The Cosmos mystery area. (Highly recommended) If you'll notice this guy is sitting in a chair... on the wall! Everything was completely backwards! It was mind-boggling.

Black Hills, Reptile Gardens. This was really cool! Those darn amphibians.

I'm so glad I got to go!

100 things about me!

1. I'm the youngest of 7 children

2. I love to write stories

3. I've gotten in 2 accidents... before I even had my permit.

4. My best friend used to live in my neighborhood, until we both moved. Now she lives a half an hour away.

5. I've been an aunt since I was 3.

6. My family's names go in the order of the alphabet. A-G

7. I lived in the same house for 13 years.

8. I love Japanese culture!

9. My favorite color is teal.

10. I had a love/hate relationship with someone in 8th grade. (More like, I hated him at first and loved him later.)

11. I hate people taking pictures of me now. (I used to love it!)
*sigh* When I lose weight...

12. I love to read/collect books. My favorite genre is Historical Fiction.

13. I LOVE to play video games.

14. I get headaches a lot. Mostly when I don't get enough sleep.

15. I love the theater and I love to act.

16. Spongebob is my favorite cartoon character.

17. I used to collect posters until we moved. (I still have a few.)

18. My dream vacations are Italy and Egypt.

19. I love to draw! (If only I was good at it...)

20. I have 8 nieces, 1 nephew, 2 half-nieces, and 3 half nephews. A lot to keep track of.

21. I love going to movies.

22. I love to sing. I was in Ladies choir this year.

23. My whole family is musically talented.

24. My hair is naturally curly.

25. I love to read manga (Japanese comics) and watch anime (Japanese cartoons)

26. My favorite restaurants are Spaghetti Mama's, European Connection, and... Wendy's!

27. I finally got a cell phone for my 15th birthday.

28. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

29. My Mama is my favorite person to make fun of. Ha ha!

30. My favorite radio station is 106.5

31. I hate working out. (Maybe that's why I'm so big?)

32. I love everything about History, you name it!

33. I like to Scrapbook. Granted, my Mom and Sister's are much, much better than me, but I like to make things cute!

34. I'm a hopeless romantic! I love books/manga/movies that make me go "AWWWWW!"

35. I'm still afraid of the dark.

36. I love being in charge.

37. I love getting attention, and hate when people are mad at me.

38. I HATE shopping!

39. I like to make people laugh.

40. I've gone to 5 schools in my lifetime: Oquirrh, Westland, West Jordan, South Jordan, and Bingham.

41. My dog Hershey was the only pet I've ever had.

Hershey
R.I.P
1991-2008

42. I love to travel!

43. One of the best vacations was going to California with JUST my Mama, 2 sisters, and 2 nieces. (and baby Elli)

44. My favorite "movie musical" is Sound of Music.

45. My favorite book of the Twilight series is "New Moon" because my favorite character is Jacob.

46. There's been TONS of parties at my house, but I'VE only had 2 birthday parties. When I was 4 and 8. I don't like large groups of people.

47. I love to cook~mostly pasta.

48. I used to be a huge neat freak, but now I can hardly clean my room once a week.

49. I hate sports.

50. I love BYU!

51. I wore the same hairband for 6 years!

52. I'm addicted to Dr. Pepper.

53. I love Reality shows.

54. I love to look at all photos. (except mine)

55. The Back to the Future trilogy is my favorite 80's movie(s). You don't want to know how many times I've seen them...

56. My ears are so sensitive that I can't even pierce my ears.

57. I can pick out the time signature of almost any song.

58. I love to get scared.

59. My favorite flower is "Birds of Paradise."

60. I love paintings.

61. I love famous quotes, and inspirational 'sayings.'

62. I was born with black hair, and it turned blond. (It's getting darker as the years go on.)

63. I am now a member of Gold's gym.

64. I like to get up early and go back to bed.

65. I've had the same piano teacher for 8 years, and cello teacher for 4 years.

66. Just like both my sisters, I always wanted a middle name, so I gave myself one. "Jean"

67. I love Jazz

68. I don't get cold easily. I used to stand in the snow barefoot for like 10 minutes when I was younger, I never wear a coat, and I put the A/C on full blast in the middle of Winter.

69. I sucked my thumb until I was 9.

70. My favorite TV shows are... Well, there's too many to count, but here's a few: "The Office," "Arrested Development," and "What not to Wear."

71. I love Facebook!

72. I hate natural light. I usually make everything dark in the house... only for it to be made light again by the rest of the household.

73. I love all accessories.

74. Foster bought me a necklace before he left, and I've worn it ever since.

75. I listen to music when I'm alone. (Which is very often.)

76. I'm disgusted with Split pea soup- due to an incident when I had my braces on.

77. I cut my own hair when I was 11 for Halloween. My Mom wasn't happy. I think I learned my lesson...

78. I wore hats for 2 years just for kicks. I still have my collection.

79. I like to tell stories.

80. I have A.D.D. and have a compulsive need to chew.

81. I got up at 4:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays for early morning symphony.

82. I like to wear pajamas more than clothes. When I'm at home, I just wear pajama pants all day.

83. I used to be a "hoarder" and couldn't get rid of anything! I finally learned to keep only what was important.

84. I like spending time with my WHOLE family.

85. If I like it a lot, I'll watch movies/TV shows/clips over and over and over again.

86. Same with songs, I listen to them until I have it memorized.

87. I was paid $250 for helping campaign FOR Referendum 1, a few months ago.

88. I had a 6 pack before I gained weight. *sigh* (I know, it's hard to believe.)

89. I've never had a zit in my life.

90. I want to be a tour guide when I grow up.

91. I love people's eye colors. I always notice eyes before anything else.

92. I love Disney! My birth year movie is Aladdin, so it's very dear to me.

93. I'm a huge Grammar freak, and I love to edit.

94. My nicknames are Genellie, Genellie bean, Genellie fish, and Gel. I also love to give others nicknames as well.

95. My parents offered to take me to Europe in 8th grade, but I didn't want to go, so I asked to go to Disneyland instead. LOL!

96. I've only worn my retainer once. I think it's still around here somewhere...

97. I absolutely, positively, HATE people touching my hair.

98. I used to take clogging when Iwas little.

99. I didn't know how to tell time until 7th grade.

100. Growing up, I was the biggest tomboy (having 4 older brothers before me, and my sister's never stepped in.) until I was 13.

Hot Guy Monday (On Tuesday)

The Jive

I love his face!

Chris and Comfort "Krump" in the top 20

This is my favorite dance!

Cute lil' Chris

So, Carissa introduced me to a new show... "So you think you can dance" It's now my favorite show! And there's a real sweetie on there named Chris Jarosz. He totally looks like Donny Osmond! We (Me and Carissa) call him Donny Osmond Jr.
He's such a great dancer, and I feel so bad that he got such a lame partner.
If you're interested in seeing him, it's on Wednesdays. He is such a cute, humble, talented, friendly guy! We love you Chris!
(You wouldn't believe how unbelievably impossible it is to find pictures of him! I have my ways...)