The Newest Chapter...

I know its been forever since I've been on here and I was honestly contemplating just deleting it altogether...but I feel like I have so much to write about right now that it's just not the right time to give it up.

Since my last update, drum roll please....I got my first big girl job! Oh yeah, and moved away from home (as in Fresno). Pretty much the biggest life decision I've had to make so far. Leaving the only place I've ever lived, my security blanket of North Fresno, and both of my parents was definitely the hardest part of this big change in my life. I was so unsure about everything at first...Was I going to like it? Would I make friends? Would I like my job? What if I hate it? (plus a million more questions just like these).

Thankfully, everything is great over here in good ole' Mo Hill, California. I knew very little about the place I was about to move to, but turns out Morgan Hill is a beautiful, quaint little town in the South Bay Area full of wineries and...mushrooms (yes, mushrooms). I love love LOVE my job and the people I work with. I am so lucky to have found a job as an Event Coordinator for one of the leading bicycle companies in the world fresh out of college. Specialized is an amazing company to work for...filled with amazing, passionate people who I have already grown to love.

Being on my own has probably been the biggest wake up call of all. I am so grateful that I have the best parents who taught me valuable lessons about responsibility while growing up. Every day that I wake up in my little studio apartment I feel a sense of pride that I am able to be on my own and pay my own bills (I'm humming the song "Bills" by Destiny's Child in my head right now). ;)

Until next time,

xoxo

Welcome to the Real World...

I know, I know....it's been a century since I've updated this thing. Sorry for the delay, a lot has been going on in the life of Suzanne Jenkins.

Lets see...where to start? Well, I am officially a college graduate as of December 17th, 2010 (!!!!). It's a little weird to think about that chapter in my life being closed. Bittersweet, I guess. I know everybody says this, but it seriously flew by. There were plenty of good times, many many stressful times, and more than a few that I just plain don't remember (oops!). All in all, my college experience suited me well. My mom tells me that I never really "experienced" college because I didn't move away from home and join a sorority. I tell her that she would have missed me too much if I had moved away and that I would have killed myself if I had to live in a house with 40 girls. Just not my thing. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Fresno State...my major, my amazing professors, and all the people I met along the years. I can proudly say that I found my "niche's" in college, which turned out to be the studies of Communication and Philosophy. There is nothing I enjoy more than learning about the human communicative behaviors, public speaking, and asking the big questions of life...OK, well maybe there are a few things I enjoy more, but you know what I mean. Now that I have successfully wrapped up a degree...it's on to the next thing. What is it they say, "Welcome to the Real World"?

The job search has officially started. Actually, it started back in September. It is definitely harder than I thought to find a good job that I will enjoy. I am pretty sure that I graduated college at the worst possible time, the job market is horrible. Here I am, this freshly educated, motivated, and eager 23 year old girl who is looking for someone to take a chance on her so she can prove herself. And you know who her competition is? A 45 year old man with 10+ years of experience who got laid off and is now willing to take MY entry level job. NOT FAIR. But life isn't fair, right? I have had a few leads, a couple interviews, but nothing has worked out yet. I am staying positive and staying on it, sooner or later I will find that perfect opportunity that is meant to be. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

Other than graduating college and being on the job hunt, the past few months have been jam packed with holiday festivities, getting my butt into shape, and spending time with the people I love most. Oh, and I almost forgot...my brother got engaged!! Since my brother spent Christmas over in Spain with his beautiful "fiance" and her family, my parents came over the hill and spent the holidays with Ryan's family and me. His family is so welcoming and made my parents feel right at home. After a whirlwind of Christmas events, Ryan and I escaped to his families' cabin at Northstar, Tahoe for New Years. We spent a few days boozing, sledding, and enjoying the company of family and good friends.

My mom's thoughts of January are starting to wear off on me...hard to get back into the swing of things, a little depressing because Christmas decorations have to come down, and its bitter cold outside. I am trying to keep busy and focusing my time on training for my first ever sprint triathlon in May, finding that J-O-B, and just enjoying this time of my life. The Virgo in me has a hard time just relaxing and being content with not knowing what's next, but this "in limbo" time might not last very long (hopefully it doesn't!)...so I'm just gonna take it all in and love it.

I apologize for the lack of photos but I'm not on my personal computer. Pictures will follow.

'Till next time, SDJ

The Little Things...

As I sat in the chair today at the dentist, I was thinking about how fortunate I am to have insurance to cover the costs of my root canal (yeah, not fun). Not just fortunate to have insurance, but also fortunate to have a supportive family, a loving boyfriend, great friends, a healthy body, a place to live, food to eat, and clothes to wear...

Aside from a family, a partner, friends, health, etc...it is the little things in life that make me happy. These little things are unique to every person...

Let me share some of mine with you...

• sleeping in.
• wine. whenever, where ever.
• hot showers & deep conditioner.
• down pillows.
• massages.
• the sound of my moms voice on the phone.
• dogs.
• babies.
• bubble baths.
• text messages from my dad & cross country chats with my bro.
• aquariums.
• freshly painted toes.
• the smell of downy.
• candles.
• fro yo.

reminding everyone to stop complaining and be thankful for the big things that matter and the little things that help put a smile of your face.

xo, SUZ

Yin and Yang

Innocent little Brady...

and his evil big brother.

I guess someone's gotta keep the balance.

Just call me Betty...

ok, or not.

Last night I took a huge step in life...and baked from SCRATCH. This may not be a big deal to many, but I am quite proud of myself. The best part of this story is that my homemade banana muffins actually turned out AMAZING. I've already had two myself.

my little masterpieces :)

next goal...attempting to cook ;)

Meg's 22nd Birthday Extravaganza

Last weekend, myself and 7 of my girlfriends headed to San Francisco for my best friend/roommate's 22nd birthday. We all decided that a girl's weekend was much needed in all of our lives (not that we don't completely adore our other halves) so, no boys were allowed this trip. These pictures pretty much explain themselves, but just to give a little background information and timeline of how the night went...

3:30pm - Arrived at the W Hotel in San Francisco.

4:30 to 6pm - The alcohol started flowing as the hair got curled, dresses got zipped, and lip gloss got applied.

7:00pm - First round of shots at the hotel bar.

9:00pm- Shots #2, 3, 4, & possibly 5?...

10-??pm - Using and ABUSING our dance moves. Oh, and shots #6 & 7...I think.

??am- ??am - ???????.

This is how I remember that amazing night in the city, or...don't remember it. Either way, these pictures tell the story. Here's to girlfriends, birthdays & blurry yet great memories.

Enjoy.

Hey Soul Sister...

I knew when we collided you're the one I have decided

who's one of my kind...

Just in time I´m so glad you have a one track mind like me

Hey soul sister hey that mister mister on the radio stereo

The way you move ain't fair you know

Hey soul sister I don't want to miss a single thing you do

Tonight.

(This post is dedicated to my nearest & dearest friend
Patty Schmidt, because she is my soul sister.)

DIVA in the making

She couldn't possibly take after her older cousin...

Work it girl.

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