Hapa Girl Happenin's

She's Chillin' in da Philippines!

2009-04-13T09:46:00.011-06:00

Well, Jessie made it to the Philippines safe and sound...

Here is her first email from there and some pics...enjoy!...

hey fam bam!!!

so i finally made it here, today is my first pday. They actually eased me into working very nicely. This was the perfect weekend to come here. We got into Manila wed. morning (we skipped all of tues in the air) and then me and Elder Alger took a four hour bus ride to Olongapo- it was so miserable, i was so tired. then we had a half hour ride to the mission home. they let us stay the night there, i stayed in their "general authority" room. vip treatment, with TP and everything!! then we spent most of thurs at the mission home, getting to know the three other filipino missionaries that came in with us, they were soo nice! we took pics, had orientation and a devotional and ate lots of good food.

then the AP's drove us to my first area- Balanga. I'm in the Apollo ward, I live in Maria Fe. It's busy here, more like a city, some parts are very rural, but were by a "highway" haha. the church is only a block away which is nice. My companion is Sister Boswell- an american! She's the only other one and she leaves in 6 weeks, so then I'll be the only american. but we live with two other filipinas, ones a branch missionary and the other is sister policarpio, i really like her, she is sassy and funny. I love our investigators. Especially one sister, adelfa, she's a member, but her husband read something in the BOM he didn't like and now will not let their family go to church. she wants to go so bad but he will leave her if she goes and there's really no such thing as divorce, so we visit with her to make her feel better and she's given us like 4 referrals for her area.

their homes are humble, not the size of a porta-potty- at least not here, but def dirt floors a few plastic chairs just out of cement blocks. but none of this bothers me. what has been bothering me is that there is so much i want to say to them and even tho most of them understand english, i know if i could just speak tagalog i would be able to relate to them so much more. i get self-conscious about speaking tagalog, i've been teaching in english, but its hard because i want to do it tagalog i just don't have the vocabulary.

we actually have a nice place! we have a shower with a head, i am so so grateful for that!! we had a tiny bit of tp left, my trainer still uses that thank goodness, but normally ill go to the bathroom and then shower after because you hardly use any tp.

supposedly this area is the hardest one in the mission, the people are a lot more stubborn and hard headed because its more of a city. so everything after this is going to seem like a piece of cake! i am so nervous here, just talking to people, i can start a conversation but i cant keep it going so i don't like starting one at all, but it'll come with time!

I've only rode one jeepney, but tons of trikes. they're more frequent but a little more expensive. i also have some pictures i want to try and send, so hopefully you get them! let me know i love you all and miss you all so much, but it was even harder to say goodbye to my mtc family.. they're so close and im always curious what they're doing!! let me know what's going on with all of you!

Philippines Olongapo Mission
KM 140 National Hwy Mangan-Vaca
2209 Subic Zambales
Philippines

that's my address.. just a little different, but pretty much the same
LOVE YOU ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

I'm a slacker...

2009-03-27T09:51:00.005-06:00

Sorry - I'm already sucking at updating this blog...

Ok - so Jess is doing great in the MTC...still. She leaves for the Philippines on April 6th. Let's hope she can say enough words in Tagalog to at least get her to a restroom when she needs it (but it won't even have toilet paper, so not sure the point).

Anyway - here is a snippet from her latest letter this week...
WARNING: she's getting pretty righteous, so if you're anything like me, just stuff any feelings of guilt way, way down. Enjoy!

Kumusta ang pamilya ko!

What's goin on with all of you??

This week has been amazing. Last Tuesday, L. Tom Perry came and spoke to us for devotional. He talked about the importance of our companionships. I've never felt so much power before when someone has just walked into a room.. it was overwhelming. I was so grateful for prophets and men called of God, but especially after being in Elder Perry's presence. It was so sweet, during the closing prayer, him and sister perry were holding hands, it just touched me. As he left, we were all singing quietly, onward christian soldiers.. can i say wow???

Then Friday night at the end of class, we went outside to sing our closing hymn. the weather was so warm and beautiful and the sun was setting so the mountains were on fire. we sang how great thou art and i believe in god in tagalog.

Sunday:
Sis. Sorensen and I taught our district meeting and it was on learning/teaching by the holy ghost and the importance of testimony, it was nice. in sacrament i sang joseph smith's first prayer in tagalog with three other elders-- haha, me a singer? no, but whatever i was just going with the flow. it was good. our branch president was released on sunday, sad because he was so sweet, but i'm sure pres. brown will be just as amazing. later on sunday we got to watch the draper temple dedication. one of the most amazing things i've ever witnessed-- seeing 2000 white handkerchiefs and knowing that each one was a missionary was humbling. later that night we watched the new restoration movie... even tho i've already seen it a bunch of times, its amazing everytime. last night i got some good insights from it, mostly about what i can do to show my appreciation for the sacrifice of joseph smith and all the other saints. I want all of you to read D&C 128:22, it's a motivating scripture. We've been talking a lot lately about how this work will not fail, righteousness will prevail, it's just a matter of where and how tall we will stand-- just some thoughts during the movie.

I get my flight plans this thursday. I leave the MTC in exactly two weeks, cannot believe it's already here. I'm not sure how prepared I am about the language (i.e. not at all) but I am so ready to love the filipinos. I am so ready to let them know the joy that comes from this gospel- hopefully the Lord will be kind and not make me struggle withe the language for too long :)

But, I would just like to let you all know, I am currently wearing a muumuu in the laundry room right now.. you girls will be proud of me, thank you very much. The elders are lovin it tho- one elder from Tonga came in and said "Sister Cook, you lookin FOB today" lol.

LOVE YOU ALL SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO MUCH
like for real kine..

Joe and jeff, have so much fun in hawaii and make sure you hurry and send me lots of presents while i'm still here!!!

MAHAL KO KAYO!!
-Sis. Cook

Hijacked!

2009-03-17T20:24:00.012-06:00

Halla...

This is Jessie's clazzy sister, Jenn. I've hijacked her blog. She'll be on a plane to the Philippines in 2 wks...so there's really nothing she or any of you can do about this act of sneakiness. So start loving it.

I considered putting personal ads for myself on here to see how many 21 yr old boys I could get dates with...but I prayed about it and decided my blogging skillz would be best served in updating the WWW on my favorite Tiny Girl.

I figure it's a shame to let all of Jess's adoring fans go hungry for 18 months, so I'll do my best to give you all your Jessie-Fix as much as possible.

Here are few gems Jess sent from the MTC...she's having a great time and all the kids are playing nice...Cousin Evan even snuck in to see her...good work, Evs!

Amanda and Lokahi also just happened to "bump into" Jessie when she was at the Provo temple with her district of missionaries last weekend...I was so jealous! Seriously. I've never wanted to live in Provo but maybe for 5 seconds I did when I saw that they got to see Jessie! Suckers. But at least they took her her-much-begged-for spam musabi...such good friends!

And this is what happens when poor young elders hang around Jessie too much...she really is doing good work there...

And...just so you don't forget the sweet sound of her voice, here's a video message she did for my parents of her and her new besties...enjoy!

I will also post Jess' address in the Philippines once we have it and share any emails she sends, too. Feel free to leave any special requests in the comments section of this blog...I'll do my best to respond. I'm not as righteous as Jessie, though...I'm just warning you...this blog might have just gone PG-13.

Da Pilapeens

2008-12-04T09:15:00.004-07:00

Due to my pushy friend, COURTNEY... just kidding scourts.

I come bearing good news....

I opened my mission call Nov. 18 and have been called to the Philippines Olongapo mission!!! I go into the Provo MTC on Feb. 4.

I didn't post this earlier because I figured anyone that read my blog (approximately 2 people) already knew.

Sorry to whoever was physically or virtually present for the opening of my call-- thanks for waiting 24 hrs before I actually opened it... that was a little ridiculous.

Needless to say, I'm very excited/anxious/scared out of my mind, yet humbled, to be serving a full-time mission for my Savior. It's overwhelming to comprehend the amount of trust that has been placed in me and hopefully I do not fail him! :)

This is a map of my mission... as you can see I'm on the coast. I have to remember to take my bikini... jk mom! But I heard my area's kind of similar to Hawai'i, so I shouldn't complain.. I'll let you know how it REALLY is once I get there.

There's actually a place in my mission called Hundred Islands. It looks like this..

I'm convinced I will be serving close by this, but my dad and brother are pessimistic and keep telling me I will probably never get to see this. They're wrong. That water will be such a tease!!!! But I'm excited to stick out like a sore thumb and tower over every person in my sight.

I'm bringin in the seasons right...

2008-12-04T08:56:00.003-07:00

I may be the gayest person for posting this, but it's mostly for my sister. Jenn... I know we don't do Christmas cards, but I'm reconsidering after finding these beauts. I'm slightly serious about this. I was going to surprise you and give it to you for Christmas, but I can't wait.

OK! YES! EVERYBODY! I'M OBSESSED!!

I've been obsessed with these wretched books, and now movie, since the second I held them in my fat hands.

I've seen the movie 4 times in one week.

When I'm not reading or watching, I'm listening to the soundtrack or thinking about going to see the movie again.

How does this happen? I can't explain it.

I will admit, watching 2 hours is definitely easier than reading for 24, but the book cannot be compared with the movie. Luckily, I haven't read the first book in awhile, so I was able to go in not remembering anything/with low expectations.
Rob Pattinson surprised me as Edward- I was pleased. Acting was cheesy, but I don't care. It's a sappy love story, of course it's going to be cheesy.

Seriously, I need to stop thinking about it. I have to forget about the twilight saga in order for the obsession to be dismissed.. until the future when it will be re-ignited. Thank goodness I will be in the Philippines when the second movie will come out and won't have to worry about this again for another 18 months.

I'm out of breath.

"Sister Cook"... Oh me?

2008-11-07T12:21:00.003-07:00

Hey homies,

So, as most of you know, I've been planning on going on a mission. This is really out of character for me, considering I have an affinity for rap music and do not possess the natural "sweet spirit" of a sister missionary (I blame my siblings for the corruption). But, when you feel prompted to do something and get confirmation upon confirmation, you really have no choice, right?! :)

Well, my papers were sent in a week ago. It's official, people. I'm getting really excited because I think they might be here middle of next week. Everything is submitted electronically now, so it goes twice as fast. I have a friend who sent her papers in a week before mine and just got her call two nights ago... crazy. Anyway, we're taking guesses and there is a $20 prize to the winner! Seriously, we're not joking. Kaity Dayhuff won $20 when she guessed that Jeff was going to the Philippines.. I remember telling her that was the worst guess ever and look! she was right!

If you want, go ahead and give me one international and one domestic guess!

So far Jessica Shea has guessed Hong Kong or Hawai'i. Jenn's guess is Thailand or Tennessee. Lokahi's guess is Tonga or Chicago (Spanish speaking). Kaity Dayhuff also guessed Tonga (according to my mom). And again, the prize is real.. haha I don't know why my mom felt we needed incentives for this kind of stuff!!

But I'm soooo excited and can't wait to serve ANYWHERE! Love you all

Cuz I creep, yeaah...

2008-10-31T16:33:00.003-06:00

I can honestly say I do not have any plans for tonight... I didn't even buy my costume, which is depressing because it was so good. But this week has really been crazy, trying to get everything done for school, finishing up mission paper stuff and working out insurance stuff, so I never had to time to gather my masterpiece together... maybe in two years :)

But, I did get to go to a haunted house (nightmare on 13th) on Wed. night in salt lake with some of my most favorite people. I was psyching myself up for it, preparing myself for the worst because I get scared so easily. Sometimes I have to wash my face with my eyes open. I even got scared in a dark chapel last night... I swear something was charging towards me in the dark! I ran for the door. Annnnyway, the haunted house was ok... granted I was legitimately scared inside, I walked out thinking.. that's it? There was no need for me to wear a diaper- I didn't but thought about it because I feared wetting my pants. We were over halfway through the house when I was like, we need to take pictures and then they psycho clown lady said I needed to put it away. I wish I had done video because Evan was killing me. Everyone got the most scared when Evan popped out from behind a door. But the best part was when him and "Rosalie" had a special moment staring each other down.. I'm hysterical now thinking about it. Or maybe when he pretended like the chainsaw guy really sawed his leg off... I wonder if the guy would've even felt bad.

This is for Courtney just because I love her and think she looks rather "ghouly" if you ask me...

And this is mostly for my sister because it seems like something she would stumble upon, or maybe even have on her car... haha!!!

but this is for real and it was an old woman driving the vehicle, and no she was not hispanic

Too much? I think not

2008-10-21T10:17:00.005-06:00

this is what I'm going to be for Halloween. Yes? No? All I have to do is pull out my hot purple mini skirt, intergalactic shirt and bling bling conductor's hat... already have the skinny body and blue hair. I'm pretty sure my Grandma Johnson has those sweet shades, ahead of the times.

I think this has stemmed from an odd desire I have to do a neon make-over to my entire wardrobe. I don't know why, because I think it's hideous. Honestly, sometimes I wish I could pull of things that Lil' Mama wears, even though her outfits can be really scary. It's funny though. Anyway, COURTNEY... this is for you. My neon obsession has led me to these bad boys... don't act like you don't like themYES! IT'S COMIN BACK! Moon neon shoes- how much more dramatic and flashy can you get? You can't.

Don't worry Court, I know you're not really into the whole sneaker thing... so these are for you. Delightfully trashy.. very much on the stripper side, right up your alley.

And just in case you didn't want to leave a little one out... there are neon shoes miniature size. You can match actually.
I was legitimately trying to find a pair that I liked. Pastry has some nice selections, but then I read the buyer comments below the shoes and it ruined it for me. For example, this lovely GLAMMED up pair (WOW)

had these comments below:

"day cute"

"these r so kutez. luv emz/ da colors r so pretty"

"THESE ARE SO HOTTTT!!!!!! ME AND MY BFFL ARE SO GETTING THEM!!! WE WILL BE THE HOTTEST GRLS ON THE BLOCK!!! OUR BOYFRIENDS WILL LOVVVVVVEE THEM!!!<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<333333333333333333333"
... after this one, I had to ask myself, REALLY?

"::OMG!! I AM SO GONNA BE ROCKIN THOSE!!::"
.. sounds like something a white girl wrote

"UP Y3S G3TTiiN D3S3 TOOh…YOOh ALR3ADii KNO…YAh GURL GON B3 FR3Sh WiiT’3M…GOTTa MATCh FRUM H3AD TOOh TO3….."
..I don't even know what she just said

"~!I SHOW NUFF KNOW IMMA BE GETTIN DESE BOY ALL DAY I ALWAYS BE LOOKIN FLY ALL DA WAT DOWN GOTTA PROBLEM COME LET ME KNOW!~"
... Ima let u kno

"these iz sum sexy shoes you guys no how to style up for women i would give this shoe a 10,000,000,000"
.... 10 billion?

"**these r sooooooooooooo sexcii i want them they match ma skool colors**"
... your school colors are purple and pink?

"I’m gettin’ these way B4 my friends. But it would B kind of fun 2 go 2 skool that 1st day & we both have them on. It don’t even matter bcuz imma B sexier N them!!!!!!!"
--- you're right, girl, it don't even matter bcuz you need to go back to school

"0MG…iWiSH iHAD A PiC 0F M3iT TH3S3 0N!!>..
iR0CK3D TH3M S0 HAWT!!…
iW0R3 S0M3 G0LD SKiNY L3GS N A WHiT3 SHiRT 0V3R A PURPL3 0N3…WiSH PiNK ACC3SS0Ri3S!!…
S0 HAWT!!"
... OK I really don't want to hear your whole outfit in numbers.

one buyer was a little critical:

"Yo dese kiCks aRe tuFF buH i GoT onE issuE deY look a Lil Crooked iN the frOnT weN i tRieD deM oN in UndergrouNd StaTioN ………

Or iS iT juS me ??"

.... yes, it's definitely just you.

SORRY, THAT WAS A LOT, but it's unbelievable and hilarious. Anyway, I was turned off a little bit to my recent obsession, but probably not enough. However, I'm still too white to do that. Maybe there will be another Thanksgiving performance/dress up treat... lucky Cooks!

I fly like paper...

2008-09-09T09:37:00.003-06:00

I've recently been obsessed with neon and anything fluorescent. There are some serious moon-like shoes that are hot electric colors that I cannot help but stare at as I walk past. I would never be able to pull them off, but I am starting my collection manini kine with these beauties...

Now, that's what I like to call meeeeeeeaaaan

Aloha Weisbarth-Tafaoimalos!

2008-09-08T13:46:00.006-06:00

I know this post is overkill, but just be happy I'm giving you an overdose and not a dry spell, like I normally do!

Anyway, this past weekend, I got to spend time with some of my most favorite people in the world... the Weisbarth-Tafaoimalos from Nanakuli. They came up to Utah because Pono boy's football team, Kamehameha, was playing a team from up here.. and he won! Also, Uakea and Lokahi go to school up here, which is just as good a reason.

Jenn, I'm talking to you on the phone in this picture.

I love this picture. Uncle Sulu and Grandpa Weisbarth... his cane is awesome.

The Warriors

There's Pono boy... #55 right in the middle! Look at that booty!!

Get um!!

The team pules (prays) before and after their games... nice to see.

I like the kid with the Hawai'i flag

We love Pono boy!!!

Beautiful Aunty Aloha

The Sibs.. I told Lokahi to smile... didn't work.

This kid is so adorable and I look chink.

I actually was not present for the next two pictures, but love them. Uncle Sulu... get 'um!!

Shaka 24/7

What did I say previously about me and peace signs?

Again... wow, what a way to ruin a nice picture.

The host from Tucanos told me she thought this was real.. until Ua and I started laughing

I'm also pretty sure he asked for this picture...

The Weisbarth-Tafaoimalo girls

I love these people!! Can't wait to see you again in October!

Insomnia

2008-09-08T12:30:00.008-06:00

I love my sleep. I can be a witch if I don't get sleep. However, for some reason, I feel like my days will be lengthened-- which they will-- if I try to play as long as I possibly can. For the last three weeks before school's started, I've been playin hard. My friend, Naisin, had his two younger brothers come out to Utah (because it's so exciting) and for three weeks our days consisted of eating, playing volleyball, not sleeping and playing some more volleyball.. oh and blindfold. All the stupid stuff you're supposed to do during the summer.

We went up the Provo Canyon to watch the meteor shower (at 3 am- again, no sleep)... we were expecting a literal shower.. ehhhhh wrong.

Here is our very own Jay Emmanuel... work it

Naisin was the only one struggling with the star gazing concept- maybe he just has bad eyes... or it was because he looked like this.. jokes nais!!

Here are some classic volleyball shots... we all suck, but like to pretend we were in the Olympics or something. I wish sound effects came with pictures so you could hear Naisin's brother, Mays, yellin whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa like a dinosaur.

TOTAL DOMINATION.. Mays got owned.. kneel down.

Pua has uh-mazing volleyball skills... how could you not with party socks?

Pauna, on the other hand... is he catching the ball or bumping it?

Yeah, we suck.

Naisin, the ball is behind you.

Some of us have come to terms with our crappy volleyball skills... others, still think they can play... or maybe not since they are taking volleyball 101. uh-hmm.. NAISIN.

That's ok, though, because we do have some talented friends, Jakie and Lokahi!

All our jam sessions kind of suck because we don't have anyone to sing.. we're all too shame!

But we can for sure eat.. at ghetto Denny's... at 3 am.

That is, if they bring the food.

Someone tell me to stop making peace signs. And Chloe is dominating her meal.

ok, enough. Needless to say, I hang out with a bunch of fools.

Really?

2008-08-19T11:36:00.004-06:00

I'm slightly embarrassed over my previous post. I get wrapped up in vampires and werewolves to the point where I think it's perfectly normal to post pictures of them and talk about them like they were just like any of my other friends. FYI, I do have real friends and once I load my pictures, I'll have proof to that!

This is mostly to redeem myself from my previous post, but also to give a shout out to Dr. Mann... you are the man, literally. I got LASIK eye surgery for my 21st birthday- perhaps the best birthday ever! Let me tell you, it is amazing.. I can't even remember the awful times I've had with contacts and glasses for the last 12 yrs. Thank you mom and dad!! You are the best! If any of you are thinking of doing it... DO IT! I even think I miss my eye shields I wore right after... sexy.

Coming to terms

2008-08-11T10:07:00.004-06:00

I just finished the last book of the Twilight saga "Breaking Dawn"... and I definitely found myself thinking I was Bella after putting the book down. No spoilers, so I won't give details, but it was ridiculous.

I was slightly crushed I couldn't attend the midnight party Friday, but quickly got over it when there was still a basket of stickers, which most definitely said "breaking dawn left me breathless" and "my <3 belongs to edward", available for the taking when I purchased it. Anyway, I finished it on Saturday and was pleased with the ending. I thought parts of it were kind of weird until I got over the initial shock of it all, and then I could fully enjoy the book. I'm not hard to please when it comes to novels. Although I do love Edward and Bella finally redeemed herself in this last book, I have to say, I like Stephenie Meyer's other piece The Host... still a love story, but not as mushy as the Twilight series and much more action. It's confusing for the first couple of chapters because she throws you into the story without really explaining anything, but you'll get it. I HIGHLY recommend it. I never thought I would love anything more than Harry Potter.. Twilight slightly raised in ranks... I never thought I would be more obsessed with anything other than Twilight (which I still am obsessed over).. but the Host is giving Twilight a run for its money.

Some more important things which really trouble my mind can be summarized in this photo:

I will admit.. I've come to terms with Cedric Diggory as Edward Cullen. However, I do hope they tame the wild beasts above his eyes before they are magnified by 100 on the screen. Even if they do, this does NOT dismiss the fact that Rosalie looks frumpy and homely. And Jasper??? What? I don't really know what's going on here, or if any of the people who are casting even read the book? I didn't think Bella was supposed to be prettier than the vampires. Also, I saw another photo of the lady the casted for Esme. The last time I saw her, she had a smashed in face on Grey's Anatomy and talked like she had a retainer in her mouth and couldn't pronounce "s" correctly. I'm just not sure about this... I really hope I'm proved wrong.

My fears were a little settled by this photo... dismiss the cheesy quote. Also despite my frustrations, I will still be seeing this opening night. Jenn.. I should come to NYC.

It's all in the family...

2008-07-08T22:29:00.006-06:00

This past weekend I found a stud. He's everything I've been looking for..

Note the sexy, stone washed, jean short cut offs with the dark blazer. I don't think I've ever seen anything better than these two photos. My cousin, Lindsey, and I did some exploring at a family get together on Sunday and maybe found these senior photos of our other cousin. Upon discovery, Lindsey exclaimed "Shut the front door". Needless to say, I was hysterical. If any of you single ladies are interested, let me know and I can make some magic happen.

Maybe a much cuter face is this one...

These are my cousin's daughter, Lauryn. She is the cutest, chubbiest little girl that you just wanna squeeze at all hours of the day! The last photo is her doing the "robot" with her daddy. She's a lot better at it than I am, which isn't saying much.

Here's another cute face, Lukey. Somewhat reminds me of a very wise, old man baby. I'm not entirely sure how to interpret this photo.. my guess is he means business or is annoyed with the paparazzi.

Another star of the night was our very own Myrtle. She surprised me with two things. First, she dressed up according the asian theme (the food for this asian theme was kalua pork and 50 pasta salads... very oriental). Second, she dominated the dragon pinata (isn't that a mexican thing??)

It was an eventful Sunday night. I was pooped after making fun with Lindsey and Greg... obviously Uncle Greg was tired too...

very lady-like.. I guess this is where I learn all these things

ABDC: A Tribute

2008-07-08T10:41:00.012-06:00

My favorite TV show, other than LOST (obviously), is America's Best Dance Crew, ABDC. (I struggled with switched the C and D at first, thinking it was the alphabet). Anyway, the second season is in full swing and I just cannot stop reminiscing about the first season. I don't feel as bad now for posting this after reading the fan comments on MTV's website. Oh my goodness, some of those girls are crazy.. actin like they married to JabbaWockeeZ.. mine is just a simple obsession- only because the JabbaWockeeZ are UH-MAZING!!! There are a few things that need to be addressed concerning this show, specifically the jabbawockeez.

First, I have found the only thing I've desired for the last couple of months...

that's right.. a rasta jabbawockeez t-shirt. I went online to buy it today and their store was unavailable and I refuse to buy it from ebay because i do not support byterz.

Also, I'm not sure what to think of the new season... the latest episode settled me a little bit.. super cr3w and boogie bots were bomb.

super cr3w

boogie bots

boogie bots did a sweet black light routine with transformers and video games.

however, i also have a soft spot for so real.. maybe because they're similar to kaba modern (only not as good at isolations). Courtney, I know there is no one like Mike Song- sorry for the comparison.

i also really like fanny pack- mostly because of their name, but also because their boys wear hot purple pants and bright pink track jackets.

now that that's all said and done, i still have a hard time comparing any of these with jabbawockeez...
you might need to get on mtv.com and look at season 1 episodes or youtube if you've forgotten or have no idea what i'm talking about..

last thing, i have some serious gems from Aunt Erla's family party on Sunday.. serious gems- prepare yourselves for these upcoming beauties.

Random Discussions

2008-06-20T14:46:00.005-06:00

I love making lists...

1) I know this is old and I have seen it many times before, but it has recently be brought back to my attention and I feel it needs a more public display other than youtube...

2) This photo was recently taken of me, but thanks to my co-worker, Cody, he superimposed me into a group of people so that I wouldn't look like the freakiest person... which is usually the case.

3) Here is an event that I am preparing for and highly anticipating..

I don't know if this is too small to see, but that is definitely a rafting boat and that is definitely a person flying out of the raft. Also, the people in the front make me chuckle quite a bit, but that's beside the point- partly. The point is that this time next week, me, Joe, Andi and Big Reed will be on this same adventure and I can only hope that we will experience something similar and a picture like this same one will be captured... I can only hope.

4)In addition to water rafting, we are also having the Johnson Family reunion, with sweet Native American t-shirts. They figured they probably shouldn't do it in South Dakota, like it has been every time for the past 3 times, but found a place that was pretty much the same thing just South.. yipee.

5)I ate in the MTC cafeteria for the first time today and found myself staring at a beautiful Polynesian missionary... and had to be snapped out of it when my friend kindly reminded me that he was an elder. Yikes, what is wrong with me? Also, I think I gained 7 lbs. in one meal, I can't imagine eating there everyday. But, I did ask someone to get me a cookie and was told in return that I didn't need it. I'm a fat pedophile. Come to mama.

I'm still stalking you.

Per Jenna

2008-06-04T14:57:00.002-06:00

In response to your comment...

I gladly accept your payment as long as it comes in the form of cheesy broccoli. And if they are magical and can have the insides warmed without burning my tongue, because that happens on many occasion.

Kind Regards,

Jessie

Sad Seasons

2008-06-03T11:11:00.002-06:00

It has been about a month since my last post and I think I finally realized why this is so because everyone knows I'm not too busy and I guess I could get to the internet if I really wanted. I believe there are two (possibly three) reasons:

First being that my life is absolutely uneventful. I live vicariously through other people, meaning I religiously blog and facebook stalk while at work... most likely you. Side note: if you go to Hawai'i and post pictures, I definitely will find them.. and make judgments on you and how touristy your trip was, I'm really nice.

Second, and this is my "perhaps" reason, is that my digital camera got stolen. Currently, I am carrying a golden brick around with a 1" digital screen and a 5-minute life battery. This gem of a camera also has a card that is the length of my visa card, yet with a thickness of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich- made with extra hearty bread.

Third, this is the most important reason, is that about three weeks ago I found myself falling into a dark abyss called depression (not really, just for exaggeration purposes, or maybe because I'm still thinking about Hawai'i). I saw the number of hits on my blog and the room started to close in around me... I realized no one really does read it. There is proof that everyone can see that I really am a loser. However, today, I realized as long as I can entertain myself, I guess that's all that matters. So, thank you, Jessie, for giving me new meaning in the blogging world. Everybody, let's applaud for me! ha. no just kidding... but seriously.

Leisure in juggling

2008-05-06T22:46:00.002-06:00

My "Leisure in Contemporary Society" teacher showed this video in class today and related it to a theoretical concept.. I was amazed that he could tie in this sweet video. Kudos to Keith Barney. Or as Professor Palmer would say in his booming, jovial voice... "LET'S HEAR IT FOR BARNEY! EVERYBODY APPLAUSE FOR BARNEY!! YEA, BARNEY!!" literally... i applaused for Tuesdays and Rugby today in class.

True Story

2008-04-30T16:33:00.002-06:00

#1:
Someone just walked down the hallway of the MTC whistling "Touch My Body" by Mariah Carey.

#2:
Spring semester might be harder than I was expecting.

#3:
The only thing I want right now (and will for the next 2 months) is to go to Hawai'i for my birthday and birthday bash... the ONLY THING I WANT!! ;)

#4
Things might be gettin' pretty crazy in the next couple of days.

Virgin Bridesmaid

2008-04-14T20:24:00.007-06:00

So, this past weekend, I went to NYC for my cousin, Amanda's, wedding. Definitely a perk because I got to see my sister, my mama and my hilarious cousin, Evan!! Oh, and also the bride, Amanda!! I was a bridesmaid, which was my first time! I think this might actually be my first wedding that I was really a part of (waiting at the temple, riding in a sweet limo, etc). Maybe my feet wanted to curl up and fall off because they hurt so bad all day, but maybe we had the most adorable dresses from anthropologie! Unfortunately, I don't have any pics of the sweet infinity limo. Props to Uncle Scott for hookin' everybody up! Also, props to our cousins and aunties from Hawai'i for makin the loooong trek to the city!

I miss my little islands!

2008-03-28T21:21:00.007-06:00

Hi Lovies!

Even though the past month has been very stressful, it has really paid off. Despite early morning practices and bleeding toes, the lu'au was so fun! I might have been ignoring school for the past week and now reality is hitting me. Now that lu'au's over I have nothing to look forward to in my immediate future besides high school musical 2 which is now on the Disney channel... sad my life! :)

But, for those of you who couldn't make it, I asked my parents to take some pictures, but that might have been a bad idea to let Reed have the camera... you'll see.

Sorry all the pictures are random (i can only see the img code, not the actual photo) but the ones in the black costume are the kahiko in hawai'i section, the ones in white are for tahiti section. I couldn't put any of Samoa because Big Reed zoomed in so close he cut off heads in all of them!

Lots of sexy pics for all you sexy people!!!

Owieee

2008-03-21T13:14:00.007-06:00

I may tend to bang myself up a bit (like my malfunctioning scooter incident, while I was wearing wedges, that bears witness in a giant scar on my left knee), but who would have thought that a booboo on something so tiny could be so... obnoxious?! I have just been duck walking my little heart out that I didn't notice the giant sores of both my second toes until several layers of skin were gone and they wouldn't stop bleeding! Now I'm having a hard time dancing, which is bad considering the lu'au is this Wednesday and I have approximately 15 hrs of practice before then! If there is anyone out there that knows any sweet kahuna remedies, let me know! I heard banana peels... but that just made me laugh because I picture wrapping my toe in gooey, yellowy goodness that is delicious when blended in shakes and smoothies.

Almost as delicious as this.... mm...
Ignore the fact that my toes look almost the same size as my head

Also, some SOLE stole my debit card and used it this past weekend... I'd like to pull him on the ear, poke him in the chest and then slap him across the face for buying $55 of who knows what from Crest... what is wrong with people?

'Tis the Season

2008-03-18T13:24:00.002-06:00

Oh, today has been a good day. Not only did I make it to my 8 am class on time and manage to stay awake during raster data analysis, but I also realized that the Girl Scouts are blazing through neighborhoods selling goodies delicately placed in green, orange, red, yellow, blue and purple boxes. That's right, I've contracted DBGSC, translated- death by girl scout cookies. It hasn't happened yet (because unfortunately I will probably have to stalk every entrance to a grocery store until I find those little Brownies), but I promise you, it will. If I recall correctly, this time last year, Kate and I downed about 2 boxes of thin mints, but those are good for you. Not only are they deliciously minty, but they supposedly are just like dietary supplements... or maybe I'm thinking of something else? Regardless, if you know where I can track down a small child wearing a brown vest and lots of patches, let me know. ASAP.

Thin Mints... you get the #1 ribbon for the week...

Iaorana tatou!

2008-03-14T13:51:00.005-06:00

Every year, Multicultural student services at BYU puts on a lu'au... pretty much the night show at PCC... so Joe's cup of tea. But, this year I decided to do Tahiti, Samoa and of course, Hawai'i and I'm really excited! It's not easy getting up for practice at 6 am twice a week (especially on Saturdays)- I have no idea how I've done it, but it's been so much fun! Anyone in the Utah area.. COME! Wed. March 26 at the Marriott Center! OH-- AND THERE'S A FIRE KNIFE DANCER!! Plus, it's not often that you will get to see my relief society arms jiggle in a tube top (sick mental picture) and sweating my balls off...actually, that is me most of the time. Shoot.

Jump On It

2008-03-13T14:25:00.002-06:00

A video gem to compete for the classiest music video done in a forest with keyboards and Danish performers wearing native american fringe outfits, spinning around half naked... it's amazing. and maybe the song they are playing makes this a classic

Back to Basics

2008-03-12T01:22:00.003-06:00

Ok, I know I just posted less than 24 hours ago, but I had to show the masterpiece I made during my night class....

this might be difficult to see, but it definitely says me n my frenz at the top (all writing done with my left hand).. and yes, most of my subjects are walking on water. Reed gets VIP status, that's why he's up on a cloud, jus chillin. Note my excellent turtle and very accurate depiction of each person. I'm a fan of the stick figures. Let me tell you kids, a college education is vital if you want to achieve this kind of excellence.

Fire Saved a Sistah

2008-03-11T16:39:00.002-06:00

Maybe the best part of my day has been the fire alarm (so middle school) in the Tanner Building that cancelled the rest of my 8 am class, as well as prompted me to skip my class after. Who wants to wait an hour and a half on campus when they could go home, get in their pj's and sleep on a mattress with memory foam? Not me, I slept for two delicious hours.

But, maybe the worst part of my day has been the fact that for the last six hours I have received no incoming messages of any sort on my mobile device, save one picture mail that I can't even view because I'm in roaming at work-BLAST. What's even worse is that I actually made a blog about this and am actually distraught over the matter... yikes.

Get yo' slippahs!

2008-03-06T19:52:00.009-07:00

The Cooks finally made their return to the mother land with a big shabang, or maybe the shabang was just our big fat haole bodies blinding everyone else. Even though it was unfortunate, thanks to Hilo Grams for bringing us all together again... and in paradise. Thank goodness because I was about ready to blow up all of Utah county and was pretty sure I was beginning to camoflouge with the snow. Thanks to my amazing cousin, Leiha, she hooked me up with a sweet buddy pass to make all my dreams come true! seriously! Thank you cuz!

The flame has been rekindled with my love, Hawai'i, but maybe I found another love that's comparable... and brown... and sassy!!

This is where my 1/32 Chinese comes in

Another brown obsession, which has been adopted into our family, is pretty pretty Pono boy!

Thizz face!!

Lookin' smooooth Pono boy! Once again, note my blinding white skin.

Ok, maybe the top pictures of the trip... complements of Wal-mart's most exciting aisle...

Watch out, Jenn is totally prepared. Oh.. that boogie board is too small? I don't think so, it's perfect... jus for my tiny wittle sister who likes to play with tiny wittle boogie boards. (Jenn, I know you loved that)

Those things are amazingly stretchy and amazingly tight.

Is she trying to send a signal? Jenn, there might be better ways to go about this

Um, hands down... takes the cake. I'm pretty sure NO ONE has a better picture than this.

We did get a little serious, maybe for once in our lives! Hilo Grams's funeral services were so beautiful! It was so nice getting to know all the people that the Malo's grew up with and learning more about my family through them. Despite the filipino coffin, everything was still so beautiful. Uncle's made lau hala (um.. learning how to do that!) and maybe I ate more food in a week than a Chinese toddler eats in a year. Also being buried in Alae cemetary.. uh-mazing!!

Jeff and Ka'eo completely dropped their side of the coffin... poor hilo grams.. nah jus kidding! But I bet she was nervous watching this, I know I would've been.

I'm pretty sure this was a real sign at the cemetary. It's the VIP Mormons!

Onolicious food... I'm approximately 7 lbs. heavier in this picture compared to earlier ones.

Thanks to all the family and friends in Keaukaha for making this weekend amazing, and for forcing me to wear only stretchy pants. I'm lovin it!

Greatest Hits of 2007

2008-02-18T22:17:00.005-07:00

Here are some hit moments since August that have been great enough to make the jamz mix tape of blogging (what did I just say?)...

I could possibly have broken Kate's neck... oops

We went to the Utah State Fair and I had to ride by myself because I smell bad, or maybe because I was making this face

Again, what is up with me being the odd man out? Karin's surprise party- we usually form 8 man pyramids in our kitchen

Killer bee, spelling bee, queen bee, worker bee... very fitting for all our personalities- especially mineWe won a hershey's bar for these costumes... yesss

Are you impressed?

I LOVE jumping pictures, especially in giant afros

The infamous B-Money of Provo, Utah. Check him out on youtube, you won't be disappointed.

Me and my beautiful wahines... note my blinding white skin.

Is there an explanation for this? No.

I'm so glad I come from the genes of both of these amazing specimens

Maybe this is why I have a weight problem and my snowy white beard is a beast to shave everyday

Joe has abnormally long legs

I wish this was how his face normally looked, but, unfortunately, it was posed

KISS anyone?

I didn't know they made miniature guitar hero

Totally inappropriate, yet totally amazing

This picture might be a once in a lifetime visual, so soak it up while you can

BOOTY CLAPPIN!! LOVE big nick, he's my homie for life

love this cutie boy!

Revived from the dead

2008-02-15T16:01:00.002-07:00

After a long hiatus, I have been bombarded with requests from many of my fans to re-enlist myself into the blogging community and share my adventures to the virtual world, especially since the only street I have driven on in the past three weeks is University Parkway.

I have led quite the uneventful life lately, maybe if I had started this thing back up earlier, you could have seen me as a tapping bumble bee and then transform into a disco diva, but currently, I have no embarrassing photos to be blackmailed with (all of those pictures are posted on my sisters blog and facebook- refer to "Which Cook kid will find their significant other first"- don't worry, I'm ranked last on the polls).

However, I'm sure there will be plenty more hideous pictures to come, and yes, they will be posted. Don't worry kiddies. I know this post is just a teaser, but there will be more to follow!!

bon voyage, mateys! (sp?- sorry to my pirate babies for possible spelling their most basic word wrong)

Butch Brenda and Gangster Greg.

2007-06-14T18:24:00.000-06:00

Jeff and I have been dubbed with new names.

Hear, hear....

And maybe this is just a little treat for everyone...

Mom, doesn't this look like Jeff's lollipop picture?

Man vs. Wild

2007-06-14T17:27:00.000-06:00

Last weekend, we decided an adventure was in store for us. Considering that the boys' electricity went out and we couldn't watch episodes of Lost at night anymore, we decided it was an opportune time to get back to nature.

Of course, we couldn't forget the bbq... mm, jeff made the best meat.

Beautiful sunset
Part of our photo shoot for the 2008 Hawaii Calendar.

I thought I looked like a lioness, but in reality I just look like a fool.

Too bad it was couple's weekend, but don't worry... Kat and I had a special moment sleeping under the stars.

No surprise that Kat and I were the only ones up early enough for the sunrise... totally worth it!

Little puppy paw prints in the sand!! soooo cute

Joe's contribution to cleaning up camp was being the entertainment... dancer by night, musician by day.

Jeff LOVES tent.

I was hunting for chickens.

Later on Saturday, we walked along the shore to Kaena Point... one scenic detour.

Our very own Jack Shepard!

Jeff: "Man, I bet so many people get high here. I know I would."

This is Kaena Point. We turned around the corner after walking for hours and saw this beautiful west side of the island
...And these precious babies!
Group picture with our new friends

All of us were about ready to pass out, so good thing Ryan drove his jeep up there to meet us... we cheated.

Our Tribute to Rusty Butt...

2007-05-30T15:01:00.000-06:00

This is Jeff's pride and joy... maybe Ling Ling's replacement? But let's just say Rusty Butt gets around. Although he is most likely illegal to drive, quite possibly, he still struts about town like a wild stallion. This past weekend, Joe and I took Rusty Butt to Makakilo and back twice, which is an enormous trek for our little friend. Here are some of our adventures in this beauty...

The beautiful Hawaii countryside

This is Joe's "I just killed a bird face" because he really had just killed a bird.

This is my "I just saw feathers flying around in the backseat because Joe just killed a bird" face.

Apparently, I thought I was being funny by pretending that my purse was a banana and eating it, considering we were at the banana plantation... but wait... it's the pineapple plantation. I guess they're now the same thing.

Nothing beats Pineapple soft serve.. mmmmm. I got a pineapple float- delightful.

We like to get krunk and snap our fingas.

You think you know...

2007-05-22T02:55:00.000-06:00

but you have no idea how long I have been waiting for my "may cause drowsiness" allergy medicine to kick in and make me pass out. just kidding, but seriously... I don't know what's wrong. So, I figured I could dink (and yes, I did just say dink) around on this thing while I wait. I thought I would post some of the, according to Jenn and Jenna, more clazzy pictures that I have.

Maybe it's the soft purring of a car in which the muffler does not have a huge hole in it.. or maybe the fact that these other cars don't have the stench of mildew, but Joe somehow can fall asleep in almost every other car besides Jeff's. Proof:

the hand in the crotch is usually socially frowned upon, but I think Joe can pull it off in this one.

However, we can't leave Jeff out of this one, we all know Jeff has some tricks up his sleeve too.

At this point, I guess I can't leave myself out, so here are some very attractive pictures. The second one is a face of pain due to an oversized rope making an imprint on my buh-donk-a-dunk.

Well, the medicine has still not kicked in, but that's all for tonight. 'nite folks.

And maybe my skin was brown...

2007-05-21T13:49:00.000-06:00

At least for a weekend.

Jess here. Jenn, not to make you feel bad, but you missed out this weekend. Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko is not something we should ever miss again. Don't worry though, we got lots of good pics... maybe some promiscuous? I know you're the only one that will probably read this, so I guess it's okay. Enjoy the show....

It's business for me 24/7... even at 5 am.

Even with a cherry on top, Aunty still shakes the finger.

Maybe the first thing we did was sleep... then the second thing we did was eat ice cream.

Applause to Tera'i to cutting her weight back that she is no longer of the charts, but now only in the 97th percentile of fattest babies.

When I ride, I ride with a Gangsta Girl.

How could we not? Don't worry... Jeff DID in fact make a "choo choo" noise while taking this pic.

Unlcle Bubu's grave... prettiest grave I've ever seen.

This one and the next one are views from the top of the mountain where Ka Hula Piko actually takes place. In the first one, the distant island is Maui and in the second one, it's Lanai. At night, the sky was so clear and you could see so many stars and then when the sun comes up, this is what you see... incredible.Aunty Ka'oi in front of the lele- that's where all the halaus that come put their gifts. The guy with the long hair in the background was one of the guys that carved the lele.

Uncle Mel and Aunty Ka'oi-- everyone in the halau looked so awesome. The whole experience is just unexplainable.

Why are we so retarded for living on the mainland?

This pic says, "Thanks Mom!!" And I had to keep my sunglasses on most of the trip because I was like One-Eyed Willy, my allergies were so bad, I could only see out of one eye.

Both of these are of Halawa Valley. I thought we were going to die on the way down there because it's a one-way road- you have to pull over to the side if another car comes. But, there were so many sharp turns on the edge of cliffs... I'm pretty sure people have driven off it.

On Sunday, we went back up to Ka'ana to clean up the lele and officially end Ka Hula Piko. Everyone sang one of Uncle John's songs and it was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard or seen. Jenn, I wish you were there! You would have loved this part.

I seriously can't explain how awesome this trip was, and a lot of it I couldn't take pics of, but it was amazing! Grandma, if you're reading this, thank you so much!!! Don't worry Jenn, Joe got a lot of video of this, so hopefully that will make you feel a little better. Let's just hope they do this next year. Aloha!!!

Taking Lazy To A Whole New Level...

2007-05-16T21:43:00.000-06:00

Ok. So this is Jenn. Older sister to Joe, Jeff and Jess...who's blog this is. But since my 3 younger siblings are living the lazy life in Hawaii, they had to ask someone (ME) who works 80 hrs a week and lives in New York City to create a blog for them. That's the kind of amazing they are.

Let me introduce you to these 3 over-achievers...

Joe: he's the only one with a job (sort of). Joe moonlights as a private dancer. He likes to justify it by saying he's doing cultural dances, but at the end of the day, when the sun goes down, he puts on a loin cloth and dances for women tourists. We couldn't be more proud. To see the live show for yourself, stop by the PCC in Laie. (Joe would be the hot stepper front and center)

Jeff: he definitely doesn't have a job. And he's the only genius who convinced our parents that he was going to "go to school" in Hawai'i...why I never figured that out, I'll never know. He's been living in Hawai'i and "going to school" for probably 6 yrs...I've honestly lost count...most people by then would be called "doctors"...but not Jeff, he's not about to stoop to that level. The rest of the family is flying to Hawaii for his graduation, mostly b/c we have kind of have to see it to believe it! (That's Jeff in the orange shirt spooning the turtle)

Jess: She's also claiming to "go to school"...but I think she just realized that there was an entire chain of Polynesian islands that hadn't seen her shake her buh-dunk-a-dunk like only she can, so she had to make sure to spread the love... I'm expecting a lot of fantastic stories from her on this blog.

So...expectations for there being many posts on this blog are not high, but I'm hoping that with their lack of day jobs they can manage to at least give me daily reminders of why I'm a loser for being in NYC instead of in Hawai'i with them this Summer....or anecdotes of stalking the cast of LOST and spooning with sea turtles.

Let the blogging begin...if they can get up off the beach for 5 min.