Feb Feb.

Ok so I don't wanna be a brag-a-saurus, but seriously this Februray has been a dream.  Things are going well with school, and work.  I feel like I'm really getting my calling(s) (there are 6 of them...just call me amazing jk kidding, jk kidding) down, and there's this really cute guy that keeps coming around.  I sorta like him....ok I really like him.
Valentine's Day was wonderful...we spent the day together....*warning* this description is totally cliche....hate all you want but it was seriously the best Valentine's day ever.  We went and saw "The Vow" (perfect V-day movie) then went to the Cheesecake Factory, and walked around the mall.  Then just hung out with each other, I honestly have never dated a guy that I feel so comfortable with.  We have so much fun together and laugh constantly.  We are pretty competitive when it comes to cards, and have a hard time losing to each other, I'm pretty sure that night I beat him....well...a little bit.  He's a pretty stand up guy.  I feel pretty darn lucky to be dating him. 
The other night we went on a double with our good friends Staley and LisaBeth.  We went ice skating.  I mean, I'm really a natural at everything (totally sarcastic) and to be honest when I heard we were going ice skating I didn't really WANT to go, BUUUUT once we got there it was like non-stop fun.  I can't believe how much fun we had.  Jack was the "last man standing" (of course), everyone else biffed it at one point including yours truly....not cute.....not cute.  At one point Jack mentioned how awesome it would be if it started to snow, and low and behold....the heaven's opened up and made it an even more romantic night....totes lucky right?  We walked around the Gallivan Center as the lights were still up, it was actually really awesome.  We went to the Belgian Waffle afterwards and ate til we couldn't eat anymore...ps snaps to Belgian Waffle...they have the best breakfast food after dark. 
 It's just been a great month, and I had to share. 

Blah-zay

I might be burnt out.  Ok, I am burnt out.  Bad news bears.....it's the first week of school...so.....there's that.  I need energy, I need motivation, I need I need gimme gimme.  Do I sound like I'm 5 yrs old?  Sorry for the vent sesh guys.  I started this semester of school and there are like no cool people.  My classes are full of weirdos, which is probably ironic because they probably think the same thing about me.  Oh well, I can't be bothered.  I have 2 semesters, count 'em TWO semesters (or oh-vest-ers depending on who you talk to) and I'm am outroz.... finito....donezo.....kaput.  Are you excited?  I might have a paper chain countdown, don't rule that out.  I've always heard there's a light at the end of the tunnel and I'm almost certain I'll be able to see it come May (which is also my birthday month, let's not forget that imperative tidbit).  Ahhhhh I feel better.  See, blogs are so good for venting....like you didn't know.
I just saw "War Horse" today, cried three separate times...completely unexpected.  You should probably see it if you haven't.  Not probably. Go see it.  Hey if you guys have any pointers for a little motivation shoot
'em my way.  Is it spring time yet?

I wish I had pictures to post of my extremely uneventful, but perfect New Year's Eve.  Siaki and I went over to my parents house to participate in our New Year's tradition.  My parents order chinese food and have all sorts of goodies to munch on, and we eat, and play games and watch movies.  That probably sounds like a boring New Year's to all you folks, but it was perfect.  I was with my loved ones and we were all safe, warm, and happy.  Being "home for the holidays" is such a wonderful thing.  I am so grateful for my family.  Naturally I have a ton of resolutions to get started on...one of which is to take MORE pictures to post on this thang!  But seriously guys, I do have a ton of resolutions, I gotta narrow them down....Oprah says to pick 2 or 3 that are do-able, that you KNOW you'll be able to accomplish.  That Oprah really knows what she's talking about right?  (I'm totally being sarcastic).  I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season!!!  Looking forward to this new year!

Grinchie

As if it hasn't been long enough since I posted I feel like I have nothing to blog about.  Never mind that I just finished a semester of school, never mind that dad is being released from the hospital (after 2 weeks), never mind that I purchased a new car...apparently all those things are not blog worthy.  It's a shame isn't it?  This is what my blogging life has come to....pathetic.  However, the Christmas season is officially here, and now that there's somewhat of a hint of snow on the ground I can officially listen to Christmas music (it's an unwritten Jenilyn rule that there MUST be snow on the ground in order to listen to, and enjoy Christmas music).  My Christmas tree has been up since Thanksgiving, never mind that there are only lights and no ornaments on the tree.  I don't wanna be a humbug so I need to get some ornaments on that tree (note to self--get ornaments on that tree). 

Roughing It

Every year growing up I looked forward to Girls Camp.  It meant "roughing it" Young Women style.  It meant playing pranks on other girls, it meant hanging with your Beehive sistas, chilling with the Miamaids, and kickin it with the Laurels. It meant planning lil' surprises for your secret sister.  Wearing brightly colored bandanas.  It meant going on the dreaded "hike" and giving your leaders H for it. It meant the endless annoyance of "camp songs." It meant laughs, late nights, and some serious fun.  It was the ONLY time I ever got to go camping.  As it is, The Chief grew up on an island and claims that he camped his whole life so why would he want to go now that he has a home with running water, a bed, air conditioning yadda yadda yadda.  Fast forward to present day.  I work at a private boarding school for at risk teens.  I am one of their counselors, and every year we go camping.  Part of our trip is a 4 day deep woods backpacking extravaganza.  We carry EVERYTHING on our backs......ON OUR BACKS!  The mosquitos were definitely in season....in fact I think I was almost eaten alive freckles and all. Incidentally, "Off! Deep Woods" was my new signature scent...don't worry, I rocked it.   I came to the realization that as much as I deny it.....I don't like dirt.  It's just so......dirty.  Uphill is not always as hard as I thought it was.  A good attitude and an IPOD are MANDATORY if you have 10 teenage girls hiking with you (word to the wise....an IPOD is  absolutely indispensable).  Sleeping "under the stars" is not as glamorous as it sounds....it's quite uncomfortable as a matter of fact..I mean I have a full size pillow top calling my name every night and you want me to sleep on the uneven, untouched, uncomfortable ground?  As if.  Also, it gets cold in them thar mountains, frigidly cold.  There is NO cell service in the back woods so don't even entertain the thought of an encouraging text msg from your peeps.  Don't even think about updating your fb status bragging to all you homies about what you're doing compared to what they're not doing.  It's all very primitive in the great outdoors. However, the views are breathtaking, the air is crisp and clean, and the scent is heavenly. I loved waking up to the brightness of the sun rather than the the buzzing of an alarm.  Being able to see the milky way so vividly was incredible.  I was in definite need of harnessing my "chi" becoming one with nature, body, and self...highly recommend it.  In reality the good definitely outweighed the bad (by leaps and bounds).  I absolutely took myself out of my comfort zone on more than 14 occasions.  I believe I grew from those experiences.  My patience was tried and tested, along with my nerves.  I surpassed a lot of the "limits" I thought I had.  I learned that I can wear several hats in the same situation...that those hats can be changed at (excuse the expression) the "drop of a hat."  Versatility was not one of my strong points until this trip (this is strictly my opinion).  It was an excellent experience.  Wouldn't trade it for anything......well maybe a weekend in the Bahamas, but you get what I mean.

If I have to....

Oh goodness...the dreaded "S" word....Summer.  There I said it.  You and your delightful weather....with your sunshine and outdoor activities.....your color palette, and flowy summer dresses....darn you to H!  FALSE!  Ladies & Gentlemen of the blogging world you have just been punk'd wicka woooo!  I made you believe I hate summertime...but....really I don't.  I guess I'm just a funny girl...I don't know what to tell ya.
You guys, summer is my absolute favorite part of the year.  For the past 2 summers I have been employed at West Ridge Academy which means that my Saturdays are full of summer fun thought of, planned, & executed by yours truly (and 2 other greats).  We get to plan activities {that WE want to do} and then WRA pays for it.....not too shabby.  I'm always up for suggestions so if you have any.....
Favs about summer?  My tan....shave ice.....the lake....the hikes.....the pool....baby swimming suits....my babies IN their swimmingsuits.....camping.....movies.....rugby games...fireworks.....parties....night games....I mean we could def be here for a while.

Man-chel's Wedding

I've heard that one of the reasons people cry at weddings is b/c they feel like they are losing a son/daughter/brother/sister.  On this specific occasion I did not feel this way at all.  I felt like I was not only getting a new sister, but I was also getting a new and improved Manti.  The wedding was the most fun wedding I have ever attended (I've seen a few in my day.....and this is not just b/c it was a sibling wedding).  Rachel's family is nothing less than classy.  They are fun, they are cool, and they are beautiful.  Everyone was in such a good mood.  The food was delicious, the entertainment was awesome, the flip books were too fun!  The company (and when I say company I mean Groomsmen haha) was fantastic, and the bride and groom were glowing.  It was just a good good day.