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.

What a winner

I mean.....I don't wanna brag but....you guys, he's a pretty great guy.  This little fella not only graduated from the infamous BYU, but he graduated with a degree in Biology.  Over the years I have heard talk of chemistry mumbo jumbo, statistics *gag*, genetics (como?), and thousands of "formulas" which gently put me to sleep once a "discussion" began.
I feel like it was only yesterday that he couldn't say his "R's" and stuttered uncontrollably.  As it is, he is the ONLY college graduate in the family (don't worry....some of us are on our way to graduation).  What a winner.  So proud.  So happy for him.  Snaps to Manti Matthew......what a rad broseph you are.

*Sigh* I wish....

Every now and again I get so busy that I actually WISH to be sick.  The thought of a laying in warm, comfy bed all day, watching television, and taking long,warm showers just appeals to me.  FALSE!  While all those things are nice to think of....it's not as nice as I thought it would be.
I caught a case of the black lung...or...the flu.  I haven't had the flu since I was a bratty 4th grader...now, in my "early" twenties I've come down with this sickness that has drained me of every ounce of energy, but left me with nausea, aches, and pains, the chills, hot sweats, cold sweats, & fingernail sensitivity.
Whenever I'm NOT under the weather being sick seems so glamorous.  You get to stay in bed all day...watch as many movies (or reality tv in my case) that you want, you can sleep or not sleep, you get to feast on yummy soups and crackers, drink lots of liquids, and people feel sorry for you and give you all their attention just to make you more comfortable.  Who could ask for anything more?  Not so.  None of those things were as great as they sounded.  I missed my future-sister-in-law's bridal shower, family Easter gathering (both of which I was more than excited to attend), yummy Campbell food (that only the Campbell's can whip up), being with my family, going out with friends.....what did I get instead?  A long lonely weekend with the Kardashians, and yes, while the Kardash's are my 2nd family they didn't quite measure up to my REAL family.  To break it down the next time I get sick I think I'll plan it differently. It will probably be on a weekend when everyone is in town, and there are no fun activities planned, and I'll most likely send out a mass text to inform everyone of my condition to receive maximum levels of sympathy and comfort.    As it is, I think I'll be a little more careful what I wish for.