I NEVER...

Disclaimer: I have to thank Patty, Stacey, and your guys' "blog idol", Cathy Zielske, for the topic of this post.

Only being 22, there is a lot in life that I have never done, or been faced with, at this point. At the same time, I like to consider myself somewhat cultured for my age. Thanks to my parents love for travel and my horrible medical record...at 22 I have actually experienced many things in life that most people will not.

Like Patty wrote on her post, using the term "I never" is rather depressing. Lets just say it's not a term I want to use often. Here goes nothin'...

• I have never liked fresh tomatoes.

• I have never drank a full beer.

• I have never been pulled over for speeding.

• I will never have long legs.

• I would never trade in sweats for jeans.

(Notice the short legs AND sweatpants next to preggo's legs for days.)

• I have never broken a bone, although I DO have an extra one in my right foot that has been bruised too many times to count.

• I never thought I would question organized religion.

• I never thought I would grow up so fast. Kindergarden seems like it was yesterday, yet graduating college is right around the corner.

• I will never get over my minor case of OCD.

• A night of drinking wine and playing Apples to Apples with fun people will never get old.

• Talking about my cancer has never been a touchy subject.

• I have never taken a sleeping aid, nor will I ever (with the fear of never waking up).

• You will never find me without painted toes.

• I have never been the quiet girl...or the shy girl...or the girl who keeps her feelings to herself.

• I will never be too old to enjoy Disneyland.

• I will never shoot Jagermeister...again.

• I never miss Shark Week.

• I will never be a cat person and will always be a dog person.

• I will never be a morning person & I will never wake up tomorrow if I don't end this post NOW.

xo, SJ

The Reason for the Season!

It's about this time every year that I start thinking about how blessed I am. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas time and only worry about the numerous parties you have to attend, Christmas gifts, vacations, ect. Volunteering at the community food bank earlier in the season made me realize how many families are not fortunate enough to have food on their tables without the help from others.

A few weeks ago, my mom came home from school (she teaches 7th & 8th grade language arts in a very poor area of Fresno) and told me that it broke her heart to talk to one of her students about Christmas that day. She asked one of her students if he was excited for the holidays and he replied "not really". My mom asked why not and he told her that they don't usually do anything special and last year all he got was a t-shirt. My heart broke a little bit too.

Take some time this holiday season to remember what's important & give back to your community and others in need. Even if it's the change in your pocket, it can make a difference in someone's life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What to get the people you DONT LIKE this Christmas...

In my desperate attempt to find unique Christmas gift idea's for the 'impossible to buy for' on my list this year, I stumbled across the best invention...EVER.

Alarm Clock for the Morning Impaired

"introducing the alarm clock that runs away and hides when you don't wake up! Clocky gives you one chance to get up like a normal person. But if you try to cheat and stay in bed (you know who you are!), Clocky will jump off of your nightstand, alarm sounding, and wheel around your room looking for a place to hide...."


What a wonderfully annoying gift to get someone this Christmas...

For twi-hard's only...

Newest addition to The Volturi?...I don't know about you, but I totally see the resemblance.

"The Volturi aren't supposed to be the villains, the way they seem to you. They are the foundation of our peace and civilization."

-Edward Cullen

Jenkins, 'party' of 4...

So, for Christmas cards this year, my mom insisted that we all wake up early on a Sunday morning, look presentable, coordinate our outfits, and go take pictures at Woodward Park. This, my friends, is NOT an easy task for the Jenkins bunch. Somehow though, we got it together and took some pretty darn cute pictures. (Photography by Patty Schmidt, of course)

(yes, I realize my hair is a bit on the wild side, but it was windy...)

By far, my favorite. Dad & Brian.

For being somewhat dysfunctional at times...we have a lot of love in our fam, and that's all you need :)

-SJ

The Small Stuff

A few things that make me a happy girl...

1. Fresh Loreal Voluminous Mascara (with the curved brush)


2. A new pair of Nike's. It just makes working out so much more enjoyable. The newest addition to my family...


3. Clean sheets on my own bed. I don't care if I've been sleeping on silk sheets at The Four Seasons...my bed is still better.

4. Large red wine glasses...with wine in them, of course.



5. A clean house...with freshly vacuumed carpet and the smell of Pine-Sol coming from the kitchen and bathroom floors. (It's the OCD in me)

6. Good hair days. You know those very few days that you swear you could star in a Pantene Pro-V commercial?...those days :)

7. Good TV nights with nothing better to do than snuggle up on the couch and watch your favorite line-up.

8. Spending summer days on Bass Lake.



9. Dance. You never miss something until it's gone.

10. The bittersweet feeling you have right after a hard workout...a combination of exhaustion and accomplishment.

xo, sdj

Barbara Aston

Everyone has those few teachers who they will never forget...for me, most of those teachers have been my college professors (not sure how I got so lucky!).

This past month, PCA (the communication club at Fresno State) had the great idea of putting together a monthly newsletter to keep people informed about upcoming events and also have "monthly features" where we talk about anything we feel is important. For our first edition, we decided to put together a piece about our club advisor, Barbara Aston. Barbara is a retired teacher from the central valley but generously dedicates her time to teaching communication courses at Fresno State. Anyone who knows her will tell you that she is the most loving and warm hearted woman.

Meet Barbara Aston:

Barbara Aston is one of the many inspiring teachers in the Communication Department at CSU Fresno, and has been incredibly involved with PCA. She has such enthusiasm and passion for teaching, with specific regard to instructional communication. She uses hands-on activities that are not only lots of fun for her students, but are also applicable in keeping children with multiple intelligences engaged with new material as you would use teaching in your own classroom setting. You'll often find her baking things "from scratch" for her students, and spreading joy to all those who know and love her. She has also built the reputation for having great musical taste!

Barbara taught for more than 30 years and has received the Teacher of the Year award for Clovis Unified School District. She also has worked as a consultant for the Aims Foundation where she mentored teachers in the areas of math and science. She traveled throughout the US giving workshops on teaching practice.

Barbara has 2 children, Amy, who is a teacher in Compton, and Rob, who works in the music industry in Los Angeles. Her husband Bill, also local teacher, is her best friend, and keeps Barbara’s light spirit and sense of humor alive, even in spite of his affinity for cable hunting shows…

Due to budget cuts, unfortunately Barbara’s future at Fresno State is far from certain. Don’t miss your chance to meet and be inspired by her knowledge and passion for teaching! Her door is always open to any student, and she has been a mentor for many of us both academically and personally. We love you Barbara!

('PAWS FOR THOUGHT', November 2009)

Me, Jennie, Roshana, & Barbara volunteering at the Community Food Bank.

My Christmas Top 5

1. Red cups at Starbucks. There's just something warm and fuzzy about sipping a Gingerbread Latte when it's cold outside.
2. Winter themed Nordstrom shopping bags (filled with lots of goodies, of course). I must have a little bit of my mother in me to look forward to Christmas shopping at Nordies.

3. The tree at Union Square, San Francisco. Who's face doesn't this bring a smile to??

4. Fires. There's nothing better than snuggling up on the couch under a blanket with a fire going during Christmas time.

5. Christmas music. I highly recommend Nat King Cole's Christmas album and Nsync's Home for the Holidays...my personal fav's.

This list could go on forever...however my absolute favorite thing about the holidays is spending time with family and friends :)

-SJ xoxo

Sunny San Diego

Once again, I am starting out this post apologizing for the delayed updates...I've been a busy girl! School is going good, stressful...but good. All these papers and exams are keeping me on my toes. I was able to find time around all the books a couple weekends ago to fly down to San Diego and visit some friends. A good friend of mine, Derek, plays football at the University of San Diego (USD reminded me more of a country club than a college, no offense Fresno State). I got to experience not only the beautiful weather but I was able to watch one of his games as well. USD ended up losing to Jacksonville, and Derek was limping for the remainder of the weekend due to a dead leg, but it was still fun :) Needless to say, by the end of the weekend I didn't want to go back to reality...and back to Fresno.

Daniella, Derek, and I out at Moondoggies in Pacific Beach

Kate, Daniella, Taylor, and I headed to Derek's game at USD

-SDJ

Light the Night

Again, its been quite some time since I've been on here to update my blog. These past few weeks have been crazy busy! I just finished mid-terms this past week and still seem to be just as busy with them being over.

The Organization that I am co-president of at Fresno State (Professional Communication Association) was involved in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's annual Light the Night walk at the beginning of the month. We raised just over $300 and most people in the club were able to come out and walk with us the night of the event. It was super fun and I even got to hold a white "survivor" balloon during the walk :) Seeing all the other survivors and people who had lost loved ones to cancer made me remember how lucky I am to be here today. Our club was recognized in front of everyone at the walk and felt great to be able to represent Fresno State and PCA at such an awesome event.

Fresno State PCA!

-SJ

Oldies But Goodies

Just wanted to share a few pictures from last year I found while looking through my computer

Carson, Me, & Megan last October showin' some love during the election

Yes, that was my dad last Halloween. I dream of Genie and...a slutty biker? Gotta love dad's for embarrassing their daughters ;)

Another best friend, Ali...being her normal self right after a shot of Patron...crazy crazy Ali, I just love her :)

My adorable cousins, Makayla and Carter who live all the way in Arizona. I can't wait to see them in January!

The Happiest Place on Earth...

Last weekend my best friend and I had a late birthday weekend for me in Disneyland. One would think that two college girls would want to go somewhere a bit more...provocative (if that's the right word) for a weekend get-a-way. Well, not us. Even though I just turned 22 and and am well on my way to my mid-twenties, I still feel like a 5 year old when it comes to Disneyland. Maybe it's because I grew up with Disney and took yearly trips to D-Land as a kid...or maybe I just don't want to accept this whole growing up thing. Either way, we had a blast.

My all-time favorite Disney movie is Alice in Wonderland, so it was only right to take a picture of the tea-cups. (No, neither Megan or I are in this picture...this ride makes us nauseous)

I want a life size tea-cup just like this one in my backyard...is that too much to ask?

After a long & hot (go figure the weekend we go down to LA they were having a heat wave) day at Disneyland...we freshened up and went to go have a little adult fun (not what you're thinking!). We had amazing fajita's and margarita's at a Mexican restaurant in Downtown Disney and then went to ESPN Zone to watch the USC vs. Washington State game (I was trying to have some cougar pride since my parents went to WSU butttt....they got their butt's handed to them by USC). After one drink, which is not like us AT ALL, we were so tired that we decided to go back to our hotel and call it a night.

Weekend roadtrips with the best friend are always a success, especially when Disneyland is thrown into the mix :)

until next time,
SJ

The Oh-So Glamorous Life of a College Student

Yesterday:

Test. Class. Library. No sleep.

Today:

Study. Class. Test. Library. No sleep.

Tomorrow:

Study. Class. Test. LA.

Heading to Disneyland this weekend with Megan :) I couldn't be more excited to leave Fresno after a week like this.

22 and Lovin' It

This whole blog thing seems a lot harder to update now that I'm juggling school, work, gym, AND a social life all at the same time. And yes, it IS a rough life ;) Usually when I'm not investing my time in one of those 4 things I'm either A) with the men in my life (that's right, there's more than 1...oh, and when I say men, I mean Carson and Brady, of the ages 2 and 5 months) or B) havin' a cocktail. Sometimes even C) both.

My 22nd birthday was a blast. I was treated to a manicure and pedicure, went to class (not the highlight of my day, but you still gotta do it...even on your birthday), and had dinner and drinks with good friends. The next day I celebrated with my mom and dad. The only thing missing was my brother, but he was busy away at school getting his MBA so he can take me on extravagant trips when we get older :)

Ashley, Megan, & I at my birthday dinner :)

This is love right here, sharing my birthday with Patty because hers was only a few days earlier.

22 seems old to me yet I don't feel any more mature, independent, or wiser...hmm, maybe that comes with 23?

Just a preview of what's on the calender for the next couple weeks:

• Sept. 18- Fresno State vs. Boise State
• Sept. 19- Falltini
• Sept 24-26- Disneyland with Megan!
• October 3-Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk
• October 16-18- LA with Patty, Stacey, & Marie
  

(This is my social calender of course, becuase in between all of these fun events it will be all STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY. You get the idea...)

It's Birthday Season!

It's been awhile since I've updated my blog so since I have a free minute in my day I will share all my recent thoughts with you...

For starters, it's only the second week of school and I'm already overwhelmed. All this talk about papers, exams, and finals is making me want to go on a long vacation and never come back. But I guess that's what school is all about. Besides already stressing out, I am thoroughly enjoying all of my classes. This semester I am taking:

• Communication and Aging (kinda scary learning about getting old!)
• Gender Communication
  
• Organizational Communication
  
• Communication & Social Influences
  
• Logic (it's a philosophy class...I'm so close to having my minor in philosophy I can smell it!)

All of my classes are really interesting and I actually look forward to attending class (for the most part).

This month is a going to be a GREAT month...since it's my BIRTHDAY month! I can't believe I'm going to be 22...I feel like I'm getting old! My roommate/best friend came home the other day and surprised me with a trip to Disneyland on my birthday weekend :) Yes, I'm turning 22 in about a week and still love Disneyland like a kid. Before I can celebrate my birthday, I will be celebrating my dear friend Patty's 32nd birthday!

My agenda for Labor Day weekend:

Friday: No school (mandatory furlough day for all of Fresno State...those darn budget cuts!)
Saturday: First Fresno State game of the season! GO DOGS!
Sunday: Head up to Bass Lake to celebrate Patty's birthday...staying the night at the cabin.
Monday: Labor Day...come home from Bass Lake, relax. Sounds like a good 4 day weekend to me.

The first time I ever showed my ID (the real one, that is)
It's time to say goodbye to 21 :( it was a fun year...tear.

The Virgo in me...

I should be completely enjoying my last precious days of summer...but a sinus infection got in the way. Since I've been stuck at home not feeling top notch I decided to use my time to organize...because everyone always feels better after organizing, or maybe that's just me...

Is it weird that I've found myself peeking into my closet just to look at how clean it is? This must be the Virgo in me...I have a dream that someday when I'm rich I'll have all the same kind of hangers, like the nice wood ones. Yes, I said when I'm rich, because right now I'm a broke college student who has wayyy better things to spend her money on than hangers.

Even with non-matching hangers, I am completely satisfied with the organization of my closet :)

It was a productive day.

SJ

I had a revelation tonight...I'm addicted to the computer. I've been sick for almost 2 weeks and I should be sleeping, but I can't get off the darn computer! This is not going to be such a good thing next week when school starts. I need to wean myself off...slowly.

& I just wanted to thank Patty for helping me with my blog tonight! Even though she probably hates me right now because I kept her up way too late and the baby is probably waking up very soon...I LOVE HER!

& our birthdays are almost here! 22 & 32 :)

-SJ

What happenes in Vegas...ends up on my blog...

Well, for starters...it was bittersweet knowing that my weekend in Vegas would be my last party hardy weekend for a while being that school starts August 25th :(

But on a happier note, I was able to spend the weekend with my favorite couple/2nd family, the Schmidts, and some seriously CRAZY French boys.

Before Patty and Steve had Carson (their oldest), they housed a foreign exchange student from Brazil. His best friend while he was in the states was David, another foreign exchange student from Bordeaux, France. Since Gabriel and David weren't 21 while they lived here, Patty and Steve promised that when they turned 21 and came back to the states, they would take them to Vegas. It just so happened that David came back to California this summer with a friend named Thomas. So, long story short, that was how our last minute Vegas trip was planned...

The French boys, Thomas & David

Patty didn't fly in until the second night so the first night it was just me and the boys...

David, Steve, Me, & Thomas

(I look naked in this picture but i swear i have a tube top on!)

We met up with Patty and Steve's friends John and Amy. Love them!

We probably had a little too much fun the first night and partied like French rock stars (except I couldn't really keep up with them). We went to Voodoo Lounge for dinner and drinks and then hit up Spearmint Rhino (my request, but no one argued). I wanted to give a few of those girls interventions but I resisted.

The next day was completely shot, all I did was sleep. I feel like I'm getting old (well, I will be a big 22 year old next month). I was just antsy for Patty's flight to get in...which God must have known because her flight was 35 minutes early! Needless to say, I was very excited when Patty arrived...

The second night we decided to take a cab over to the Palms and go to the Playboy Club. Talk about a place that makes you feel like a 2!! All the girls in their bunny outfits were gorgeous...well most of them (there's always gonna be a bad apple or two on the tree...even in Vegas).

After a longggg night of Patty feelin' lucky at the blackjack table, dancing, and drinking we decided to go grub at New York New York (and let me tell you, it was the most amazing 3am breakfast that I have ever indulged in). Shortly after our stomachs were completely full and we made it safely back to our hotel...I called it a night...ok so I passed out. Same difference, right?

All in all, I'd count this as another successful Vegas trip. I mean how many chances do you get to show 2 French boys the Eiffel Tower???

Goodbye Fresno.

Hello Vegas.

Wish me luck.

:)

I love how 2 year olds automatically know when they're in trouble...

But really, could you stay mad at this face?

Let me introduce myself...

After pondering for a few days about where to start with my blog, I decided it would only be suitable to do a thorough introduction of myself...I just don't feel that the "about me" section serves the whole purpose.

Sooo here it goes...My full name is Suzanne Donelle Jenkins, most people call me Suz. I was born on September 10, 1987 here in the sunny & hot, Fresno, California.

Prima Ballerina right here...

Back in day, when I was just a young tike

I have the perfect family of 4. My dad, my mom, my brother, and I. My parents just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this past May (which seems absolutely crazy to me as a 21 year old that 2 people can actually stand each other that long!). I really couldn't ask for better parents. They are supportive of me in whatever I set out to do and love me unconditionally. My dad is the best, he has this dry and sarcastic sense of humor that I think is great. I know that all girls think their dad knows everything....but my dad REALLY DOES. It's crazy. I don't think I've ever asked him a question that he hasn't known the answer to AND had a story to go along with it. My mom is THAT mom that all kids wish they had. If i had to describe her in one phrase it'd be 'life of the party'. She was the ultimate "involved" parent when my brother and I were growing up...PTA President/room mom/soccer mom/dance mom...and completely obsessed with her kids. To this day the part about her being obsessed with her kids, is still true, which works out well for me being her daughter and all. My mom would do anything for me and our family. That's why I love her :)

Meet my best friend/brother, Brian.

(If this picture doesn't totally describe the difference between us to this day I don't know what does...typical: my bro lookin' all prim and proper and me just kickin' it in my comfys with crazy hair...funny how some things never change!)

Brian is 3 years older than me...and turned out to be the genius of the family. He is starting his second year at Pepperdine University's business school and will have his MBA in a year. I am sure of it that someday he will be ruling the world of business. The best advice I've received throughout my life has been from him...in the sauna at our gym.

I will be starting my 4th year at Fresno State in August...I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel! College has been an eye opening learning experience for me...mixed with some alcohol, of course. I have learned to enjoy school and all it has to offer. This year will be my 2nd year being involved with PCA (Professional Communication Association) at Fresno State. This past spring I was elected to be a co-president of the club (whoop whoop!) I'm very excited about PCA this year and getting more involved with our school and community. My plan is to attend graduate school and get my masters after I finish up at Fresno State.

Aside from my family, my friends are the most important thing in my life. I feel very lucky to have the people I do in my life and wouldn't trade them for anything.

My best friend and roommate, Megan, is like the sister I never had.

I have the greatest group of girlfriends in the entire world...there is NEVER a dull moment when we all get together.

The Schmidt's, who I started babysitting for over a year ago, have become my second family and now they just can't get enough of me...or maybe they just can't get rid of me...I'm not quite sure :)

Outside of family, friends, and school the things I enjoy the most are the lake, snowboarding, Disneyland, sharks & all marine life, shopping, wine, dancing, Tim Burton films....this list could go on forever but I'll stop here for now.

This is just a sneak peak into my life, I'm sure you'll learn more along the way. Until next time...

-Suzy Q