"Early" life crisis?

Life is so strange. I always sit here and think – about what? – more like, what not about? My mind moves a million trillion miles an hour at all times and if I could think of a way to make it stop – I would.

I recently purchased a VERY large book of Suduko puzzles… Yep, 264 pages of "Easy to not so easy challenges" a.k.a constant mind stimulation. Do you know what this means? This means it's time for me to get a new hobby! Haha.

The past year has been an interesting one. I got through my first year of graduate school, met tons of people I will never forget and probably will never see again, had challenging experiences, had doubt in myself, spent time with a wonderful man that I adore, been to a lot of fun parties, camped in a lot of fun places….

It seems like just yesterday the leaves were turning different colors and the storms were rolling in for the start of the winter season. I can't believe summer is already over. It's so depressing. I hate the days after summer equinox when the days start getting shorter and everyone starts going into hibernation (including myself). I keep having the strangest dreams and feelings and can't help but think it's because I am going through withdrawals from summer.

Am I the only one that worries about getting older? Losing more and more friends each year versus gaining them? Everyone's getting older, building their own lives, spending time with their new single friends or new significant others… It makes me sad because if anything, one goal for me in life is to hold on to good friendships forever, because you never know when your clock will stop ticking - you never know when will be the last time you will see one of your closest friends. Everyone takes everything for granted – including me.

Time is unpredictable and I hate it. You could say I am a control freak – yeah, probably, but is it so much to ask to keep in touch with old friends? I guess people change. I've changed and will continue to change probably more than ever. I guess I am just going through an early life crisis… is there such a thing?

Random CD and Movie Reviews...

Random CDs you Should Listen too By Jessica Faulkner

AFI DecemberUnderground -

Wow, this is my favorite AFI CD yet as it sounds like AFI has moved in a more mature direction. The Killing Lights is my favorite song so far…but the whole CD is worth listening too/memorizing in my opinion. The guitar in each song is soothing, emotional and powerful. I definitely recommend this CD to anyone who loves experimental guitar and something a little different from AFI.

IndiaArie: Into the Lovely -

Although this CD isn’t as good as IndiaArie’s first CD, Voyage to India, it’s still pretty dang good. If you are looking for uplifting, "I love Jesus" music, this CD is for you. Plus, it’s always nice to get in touch with different beats, flavor and African American culture that India.Arie does a great job of mixing into her songs. India.Arie is a very talented artist worth checking out. My favorite songs on the album so far are "Good Morning," a perfect song to listen to when you wake up, and "There’s Hope," which I was playing on my myspace profile for way to long – haha.

Dashboard Confessional: Dusk and Summer -

I’ve been a little disappointed with this CD so far, but who knows, after I listen to it for a while it might be my favorite CD in the world. Don’t expect anything different from Dashboard – sounds like the same thing they’ve been doing from the beginning. This may be refreshing for you if you like their older stuff, but I was hoping for something a little bit more innovative.

Random Movie’s You Should See By Jessica Faulkner

Porky’s:

I know it’s a big shame, but last night was the first time I saw the movie "Porky’s" (yes, it was made in 1982 and I was born in 1984 so I guess it’s not that shocking). At least I saw it sooner then later. If you’re in for a lot of sexual humor, you should rent this film. Although the movie was older, I found myself cracking up uncontrollably during a few parts. Half way through the movie I was amazed to find that Kim Catrall (yes, your favorite girl, Samantha, from Sex and the City) was one of the teachers. It wasn’t surprising to see that Catrall’s role was sexual as a role for her wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t that way. It was delightful to see her in her younger years. Actually, the whole film was delightful.

V for Vendetta:

Moving back to the current generation, I had the opportunity to see V for Vendetta the other day. I was a little apprehensive about watching the film based on the name and the cover (it looked like some jacked up action film) - but when I actually got into it, it was quite intriguing. I really admire Natalie Portman’s ability to transform herself into such different roles and express such different emotions within those roles. V is fascinating, intelligent and an avid art lover who, behind the mask, just wants to make the world a better place. He realizes that "A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having!" And takes action on every chance he has to dance.

The Ikester...

The Ikester is almost a year old now (In October). Bryce from work reminded me that I should probably post a blog about Ike since he is my pride and joy :) Thanks for the reminder B-money! For some reason blog spot won't let me add a rock you slide show, so if you want to see the slide show I made, go here: http://blog.myspace.com/jessicafaulkner

Baby Ike

Cuddlin with mom...

Ike's first swim and camp in Summer 2006

He really should be a model... I am not bias or anything.

Medulla Oblongata

Medulla Oblongata is a pretty cool blog. You should check it out. It's my friend Bryce (a.k.a. B-money) from work

Busted...

OK...cheesy I know, but I call dibs on the cow bell shirt... LOL!
http://www.bustedtees.com/

These torch relay photos were in today's Draper/Sandy zone edition of the Deseret News. I look like a geek.

Deseret Morning News, Friday, July 29, 2005

Anniversary celebration

Tyler Sipe, Deseret Morning NewsJessica Faulkner, at right, releases 10 white doves at Draper City Hall this past month at a celebration to mark 10th anniversary of 1-800-Contacts. Below left, Joe Zeidner, general counsel, addresses crowd. In background is Draper City Manager Erik Keck. Below right, Keck runs in the relay.
Tyler Sipe, Deseret Morning News
Tyler Sipe, Deseret Morning News
© 2005 Deseret News Publishing Company

GOOD NEWS!!!

I just got this e-mail from my professor:

Dear Jessie Girl,

It is with great pleasure and pride that I inform you that you have been selected as one of two seniors in the communication program to receive an "outstanding student" award at the Arts & Sciences awards program. The program will be art 5 p.m. Friday, April 29 in the Vieve Gore Concert Hall in the Jewett Performing Arts Center. You have shown great dedication to the program with your service on the Forum and have distinguished yourself in the classroom. I really will miss you. I hope to see you in the MPC program.

Fred

OH MY!!! I can't even believe this... It is honestly SURREAL. I hope those of you that go to Westminster can make it to the award ceremony! I want to thank everyone for their support---honestly, without my friends and family, I wouldn't have made it through college.

Electronic Portfolio/Senior Art Show

I made an electronic portfolio composed of some of the articles I’ve written for the Westminster newspaper, my photography, and my graphic design. It is in the “rough stages” but if you want to check it out click this link--> My Online Portfolio

For anyone who is interested-- I am going to be in the senior art show at Westminster next week. Here is the info:

Senior Art Exhibit
The Senior Art Exhibit showcases the best work of our graduating Art majors. The exhibit will be in the Emma Eccles Jones Conservatory. All exhibits are open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and free to the public.

Opening Reception: April 4, 2005; Noon
Exhibit: April 4 - April 22

Love you all!

Trip to Florida

So Florida was a blast! I got to hang out in the sun for six days… what else could a girl want?! We went to Disney World Magic Kingdom, Disney Epcot, Universal Studios, Universal Island Adventure, and Sea World… Yep… all five parks… OPEN to CLOSE… haha..

It was fun and all but it was definitely a trip vs. a vacation but I got to go on some awesome roller coasters!

The resort we stayed in was beautiful. It had four pools, two hot tubs, a lake, tennis courts, a gold course, etc. It was amazing. I wish I could have spent more time at the actual resort.

This week is Spring Break for Westminster and it has been nice to sit back and relax although there hasn't been any action… I wish there were some parties or something going on. It has been nice to be able to catch up on homework and misc. things. I'm getting a nice amount back for taxes so that is a good surprise. I want to find out more about investing my money. Does anyone know anything about investing? I think I am going to buy some books on the subject.

Anyway, I want to start my own business. In what? I don't know, but I am sick of working for other people and Scott's dad told me that being a business owner is the only way you can make any good money. I'm going to start looking into a few different businesses I can start. Anyone have any good idea's?

Everything in life has been going great (knock on wood).

The Internet...

Yesterday, in my electronic communications class, we watched this movie about the Internet. It talked about how the Internet started, and why Bill Gates is so rich (I always love learning about how people get rich!). I learned that Bill Gates plan was definitely not fool proof though. I remember seeing him be in trouble for something on the news, but I wasn’t sure of why he was being sued.

Come to find out, he illegally offered Internet Explorer for free to compete with the first MAJOR Internet Service Provider (ISP) Netscape Navigator (unfair competition in the marketplace). This is why Bill Gates had to forfeit over a billion dollars in legal costs.

I’ve really been intrigued with the marketplace lately. I’ve been paying attention to monopolies, and fair commerce. I’m reading a book that you should all check out. It is called “The Tipping Point.” It is about how epidemics and trends start. I like reading books like this because I have the opportunity to figure out how to start my own trend. Hopefully I will be a billionaire one day.

I am happy my teacher made us watch that movie in class today. As a communicator, I think it is essential for us to know about the Internet. After all, that is the medium most of us will be communicating and working through for the rest of our lives. The movie also talked about how American's will have a lot of competition in the future, and already do have a lot of competition from other countries. For instance, many Indians learn from grade 8 how to do computer programming and speak English. Many American Internet companies hire Indians to do their computer programming because they will work for lower wages. Although we are technically the super power country of the world now, I am not sure that we will be in the future (based on the growth of the internet).

Other things that were included in this movie were interesting too:

-History of the Internet (How it began, WWW beginning, Hypertext, Networking)-E-commerce availability, browsers, JAVA (Netscape first big ISP, E-world, Excite, sex drives internet)-Advertising (the Montley Fool, books on Amazon.com)

I am loving school this semester. I am such a geek, I swear.

Update on social life:

Scott and I are doing VERY well. We are both excited to go to Florida in about two weeks. Scott is working on remodeling some of the rooms in his house. They are looking VERY nice. He is seriously one of those guys that can achieve anything when it comes to home improvement. Don’t you just love guys that can work with their hands?

Anyway, my sister Emily’s birthday is tomorrow. HAPPY B-DAY Emiline! I am looking forward to the weekend, but I have LOTS of reading to do.

I’ve been really impressed with my staff writers at the Westminster newspaper this semester (www.westminstercollege/forum). We have had some GREAT stories hit the press. Our readability is up, and the stories are getting better. I am so proud… so proud. To bad this is my last semester on the paper! Oh well, maybe you will see my name on Utah newspaper by-lines one day.

I love you all!

Electronic Communication

I absolutely love my new communications class! It is seriously so interesting. Here is a paper I wrote about how we communicate as a society in this day and age.

The topic to write about was the printing press. My professor wanted us to talk about how the printing press affected people's communication in the 1450s, how the invention affects us now, and how the impacts of electronic communication are changing the way we communication in the world today.

Let me know what you think... I always love constructive criticism.

The "Message" is the Key

By Jessica Faulkner ©

In the 1450s Johann Gutenburg developed the printing press. In this paper I will discuss how the printing press affected it’s time, how the printing press affected the world’s communication and history, and how getting the “message” across in today’s society is the most important aspect of communication because of the new/different types of communication we deal with each day.

The invention of the printing press allowed the printed word to be distributed to the masses. Before Gutenburg developed the printing press, all that people had to communicate the written word, were wood-engraved letters. Gutenburg’s machine was used to advance communicated technology further for years to come.

After researching the topic a little more, I found that according to thinkpress.com, “Rome developed a printing press in 1465, but, because the rulers of many countries felt that the printed word encouraged people to rebel against their authority, they strictly controlled the amount of material that printers were allowed to produce.”

This made me think—if people were so concerned about how the word encouraged people to rebel against their authority back then—think about how shocked they would be if they saw how many ways we communicate with the printed word today! Thanks to the first amendment, only laws can control what people write today (such as libel, copy-write, and slander). And come to think of it, these laws really aren’t limited compared to what writers had to deal with back in the 1400s. Today, we don’t have the government controlling our journalism or writing.

J.D. Biersdorfer from The New York Times said, “cyberspace is a constellation of printing presses and bookstores, and these fundamental entities solidly covered by the First Amendment should not be shoehorned into broadcast-style Government regulations.”

Communication was able to grow and flourish because of Gutenburg’s invention. Like I mentioned above, it also paved the way for future communication inventions. Today, there is a new electronic communication invention every day. Whether it’s cell phones, game boys, palm pilots, blackberries, etc., there is new improvement and emphasis in communicating.

Rather than being concerned about the population getting “rebellious” with their communication (like in Gutenburg’s time), now the concerns for communication are if we are actually getting the message across. With how fast everything moves in today’s society, it is hard to know if people are communicating their message effectively. We have all of these outlets for communication, and yet we take them for granted by not communicating effectively with each other.

According to ecie.org, “Communication and information are the keys to understanding and knowledge.” So, if we as participants in a society don’t communicate effectively, is our society bound to have less knowledge and understanding? I say yes—based on the message we are trying to communicate. With the way our technological society is growing, we tend to lose grasp of certain topics because we are only choosing to communicate through certain mediums or with certain inventions. As communicators, it is essential that we make sure we are communicating as effectively as possible and remember that the “message” is the key.

In conclusion, electronic communication mediums are growing, and more electronic communication inventions are being developed each year—that is no reason to let the message that you are trying to communicate get weaker. We, as a society, need to strengthen our messages. In doing this, we will have a better knowledge and understanding of our surroundings and be able to take advantage of all of the new inventions we have the opportunity to use.

P.S.--

P.S.--Some other incredible things have been happening in my life lately. I spoke in front of the SL Sugar House Authority Board and a huge audience last night. I am the chair of the 10th anniversary committee at my work, so I was there to get approval for using the park for our celebration. The presentation was at the SL county building, and it was SO exciting… my first real world speech J I thought you would all be proud haha…

P.S.S.—I just found out that I get free passes to the Sundance Film Festival since I work on the Westminster newspaper. We get free press passes as long as we write an article about one of the films. I am SO excited!

Art... Vegas... Life

I am going to Vegas this weekend with Scott!! For the first part of the trip, Scott and I are just going to do whatever—hopefully go on the roller coasters, go swimming, hang out in the hot-tub, and just relax. On Saturday we are going to see his grandpa, and hang out with his family who is driving down tomorrow. I haven't been to Vegas for a LONG while, so I am SO EXCITED! Too bad I am not 21 yet :(… oh well, six more months and I will be 21! This year will be a good one (lots of 21st birthday parties to go too)! I graduate before I turn 21! How crazy is that?! I seriously need a vacation so this is definitely a good thing!! I am also going to Florida at the end of February for a week. We are going to Disney World, Epcot Center, etc. The hotel is amazing!!! I am so excited; I haven’t been on a REAL vacation (meaning anything but camping) in SO long.

I really love my classes this semester. I am taking Art History-Impressionism to Post Modernism, Newspaper Editing, Electronic Communication, the school newspaper (of course!), and photojournalism… I really like my art class since it is somewhat different from all the classes I have been taking in the past few years (my major requirements).

I went to the fine art museum up at the U yesterday and found this amazing painting about the riots in LA in 1991. It was a mixed media piece with amazing color, historical meaning, and feeling… you should all check it out if you get a minute. There are also some great photographers being displayed. The exhibit is currently spotlighting african-american culture. It is simply amazing.

I forgot how much I love art galleries. I love getting lost in other people’s art—it only helps my art get better, stronger, more meaningful… plus, it’s so nice to learn about history through art.

That I would be good....

In the famous words of Billy Madison, “Back to school! Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool! I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight! Ohhhh, back to school! Back to school! Back to school! Well, here goes nothing!”

Yeah…. I am now back in school, and goodness, it seemed like a SHORT break… all of my friends who go to the U or SLCC are laughing out loud at me because I had to go to school a freaking WEEK earlier than them…I’ll show them when I get out of school a week earlier than them! Wuahahaha…. What in the world… I am in the weirdest mood today. I have to go to my two hour long art history class in 20 minutes. I really like that class except for the fact that it is TWO HOURS long… what the heck is up with that?!

Oh well, better just grin and bare it since it’s my last semester. Anyway, I am going snowboarding this Saturday if my life depends on it! I haven’t even been up to the resorts yet, and it makes my stomach cringe! There is such beautiful snow up there right now so if you call me and I answer my phone on Saturday any time between noon and 4 p.m. tell me to go snowboarding!

Any hoot, my classes this semester seem like they will be pretty easy. I just have to ready my gargantuan art history book every night and be a good little student and then ALL IS WELL because I will be done with my undergraduate degree! YAY!

I am going to a really cool art gallery on Friday presented by my friend Chris Bailey. If you want to go with me you should call me because I guarantee there will be some breath-taking art there. I am also going to my friend Andrew’s show afterwards, so you should all come hang out this weekend! I miss you, and I am a social mood… so let’s go get coffee, or make out…which ever you prefer.

I hope you are all doing well! I love you!

B*A*N*A*N*A*S

I thought I was going to get a break for the holidays (as far as running around like a chicken with my head cut off) but I was wrong… I have still been running around like a chicken with my head cut off… I had to do all my Christmas shopping last minute because I had finals and such for school, but now that Christmas is over, hopefully I will get to relax and enjoy life for a few days.

I got back to school Jan. 5. It is my last semester for my undergraduate degree, but I am planning on going to get my master’s right after I graduate. I was contemplating whether I wanted to go to law school or get my master’s, but I feel like getting my master’s is a better step for me right now. It’s been a WAY hard decision, but I decided that I just need to do SOMETHING, or else I will be stuck in a rut…and I hate being stuck in ruts.

I got some AWESOME stuff for Christmas…. It’s all about the D*D*R mat, with the D*D*R game… I love dance dance revolution… I don’t care how much you all make fun of me while I play… I LOVE IT!!

I hung out with a bunch of my friends on Christmas and I have to say, it was the BEST Christmas ever. Thanks to all of you who made it that much better…

Last Final Today!!!

I am so sick of studying. I can't wait for my last final to be over today at 3 p.m. After that --It's PARTY time!!!

Seriously though, I am so excited to relax and not have to worry about school for a few weeks. It is surreal that I am so close to graduation....

I've been so anti-social lately. I think it’s because I've been so stressed out with school. I'm also getting sick of doing the same thing every weekend. I wish I could do something fun, new and adventurous...

I miss taking pictures. I miss walking aimlessly around downtown while searching for my next photo. Now that I have a break, I am going to shoot like twenty rolls... It's the only time I have time to enjoy myself (when schools out).

I was happy that I made it to the Willem Dafoe concert on Friday. Those boys can sure rock out... It was good to see Ed too. I got to give him a big, well-deserved hug (since he’s been going through a hard time lately). I wish I could have given him $1,000 but I’m a poor college student…

I also got to see my old best friend Joey. I hate seeing my old friends because it makes me realize how much I miss them. I love all the people I hang out with now too, I just wish we could all get together like the good ol’ days.

I’m almost done with my Christmas shopping J At least that’s good news! I can’t wait to see my family over the holidays…

Finals Week--Ah!!

Life has been good lately—good, but stressful. I finally have two class finals out of the way so I can study for my last two finals (which are the most important of all of them). On Thursday night I have my final Web site design presentation. Yes, your very own Jess designed a Web site. Here is the URL http://people.westminstercollege.edu/students/jlf0612/Index.html/
if you want to check it out. It is still in its rough stages but it’s pretty close to the final product J

I am totally getting in the mood for Christmas… my favorite holiday of the year! I don’t like the stress that comes with Christmas, but I do love the cuddles by the fire, time with friends and family, sipping hot cocoa/cider and just relaxing for once in my life.

I went to see my sister-in-laws master’s piano recital on Saturday. She is so talented! I couldn’t even follow her fingers on the keys! It was cute to see her so happy, and my brother so happy.

I am trying to get my Christmas cards finished so I can send them out to my friends and family. All it will take is a whole ten hours of dedication on my part. I love making them, but it’s hard to find the time to fit in everything I want to do.

Good news though, my work (1-800 CONTACTS) just gave me a new company cell phone and they are paying my bill every month! That means I am gaining more respect from the company I work for, and that means I am one happy little girl. Honestly though, I’m REALLY excited to be so young, and already in a challenging, fun work environment. I love the people I work with, I love the company I work for---what else can you ask for?

Scott and I are doing very well. We’ve just been working hard, and getting ready for our Christmas vacation by putting up the Christmas decorations. I am happy he loves Christmas as much as I do! I am so excited to be going to Disney World in February! You have no idea how much I need a vacation…and I will be gone for a whole week!

I hope you are all well. I love and miss you!

Thanksgiving Weekend

I had a great Thanksgiving weekend filled with cuddles, chores, cleaning, and LOTS of food. I started my Thanksgiving out on Wednesday when my boss told me I could leave three hours early. Motivated, I went home eager to clean my room and get some other "junk" out of the way so I could relax for the rest of the weekend. Although I had three papers due for school--I decided to sleep, eat and be lazy for at least three days. My plan actually worked, I got some WELL NEEDED rest (and Scott being there to cuddle with me, didn't hurt one bit).

The last day (Sunday), I attempted to go snowboarding. I got up to brighton and got off the first lift--crest--to find that my binding BROKE! I had to have the ski patrol man take me down on a silver cabob. Talk about a frozen bum! Thankfully, Scott and I got our tickets refunded so we can go another day. I was WAY bummed though... I wanted to snowboard on all that fresh powder.

After my snowboarding adventure, I finished the gobs of homework I had, went to Scott's family party then went home to rest and gather my thoughts for today... Monday... the dreaded day after a four day relaxing weekend. I'm happy to be back at work though. I was needing something to stimulate my mind after four days of brain relaxation.

I only have two weeks left of school, then I get a two week break. I am counting down the days till I graduate...

For the next few weeks my mind will be numb...mushy and numb... Why-you ask? I have finals. So if you catch me talking to myself, walking around making no sense, or just plain being a dummy---please smack me and tell me to "snap back to reality."