Walk on.

Thanks to the snow, I am still at home.. 

Missing class in St. George today.

Waiting for the road warnings to end.. Gah.

Being home this last week really got me thinking... I started getting nervous and questioning if I really want to spend a year of my life away from relationships and things that I've spent years building to go to a place where I know absolutely no one. 

Then I snapped out of it. 

I realized that if I don't do this, I will kick myself. This opportunity is one that I have to take. I owe it to myself. These relationships, if they are truly strong, will last. Just because I'm away doesn't mean they will crumble into pieces. It's just a little bit scary when it really hits, but I guess that's the beauty. I have absolutely no idea what will happen, and that's okay :) 

"In the end the only steps that matter are the ones you take all by yourself."

The weepies.

Bye Swedeeeee, see you in two.

Finale.

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I sure did. Had a lovely time at home with the fam, cousins, and arthur. Yay for holidays and food. Not so yay for being totally stuffed.
We played a hilarious game though. Everyone gets a piece of paper and writes a "what if..." question, then everyone switches papers and answers another person's question with a "then..." statement. One person then reads their question, and the next person reads the answer on their own paper.. some of them end up being SO hilarious. My favorite of the night was...
"What if all of our faces were bums?"
"Then Helen Keller was the lucky one."
pahahahahahh
classic.

Today was a lovely day as well. I saw Morning Glory with mom dad and jordan.. went to coffee with Tracy... hung out with Swede, Justin, and Mike for a little bit... and then finished the night off with my girl Betsy and met some of her awesome friends. Couldn't have asked for a better day.




Finally saw Eat, Pray, Love the movie!!! It was pretty good, I guess it was as good as they could have done. I, of course, love the book way more though.

Day 29.
Your favorite memory.


Seriously? There are sooooo  many it's ridiculous. One that really sticks out in my mind is the time that me, shae and tracy left a party at Haley's house and went to wal mart and bought Christmas Moo-Moo's and Candy canes. We came back to the party wearing our moo-moos and we handed out candy canes to everyone. It sounds so stupid but I don't know why it is so awesome to me. I loved it. haha I wish I had a picture from that night, I don't know where they went though. 


Day 30. FINAL DAY! wooo
picture of you last year and now and how you have changed since.

Last year- I couldn't find one of me alone haha but derrrs me.

Now.

Well, my hair color has changed.. that's for sure. haha. I have also changed in SO many ways. I feel like I have grown so much. I ran a marathon.  I have learned how to love and accept myself. I have really begun to explore and develop myself spiritually and mentally. 

haligh, haligh.

Today
was just a good day.  One of those days where you are incredibly content with life, and you don't know why. Nothing significant happened, it just was. I went with my mom and dad to get a new phone (which I am totally stoked about, it's awesome.) Then I went with a friend of mine to get her tattoo, it looks amazing. Following the ink sesh, we headed over to our favorite coffee shop Uncommon Grounds which my buddies own.. it's amazing, if you haven't been there. Go! Their new location is on 25th street in Ogden. Anyway, we met some other friends there and had the greatest time drinking coffee/laughing/catching up. I don't know why, but I just loved it so much. To me, the simple times are the best.

It's so crazy how much can change in a short period of time. Things happen the way they are supposed to and that's all there is.

Day 28.
What do you predict about your future?


I can't really say. I feel like that is the beauty of life: not knowing. I can predict, though, that it will be just as it should be.  It will be wonderful and filled with excitement and many opportunities :)

clouds.

"Don't spend energy chasing the illusion of happiness instead of enjoying happiness in the moment."

-Deepak Chopra

It seems that we are constantly searching for the next best thing in our lives, never satisfied. That is how things have been for me the past few years; however, we must remember that "this moment is as it is." 

"Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at this moment are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment."

Have you ever thought about why certain people have come into your life and then left? We attract certain people, relationships, events, and situations into our lives at different times. Some people come into our lives to teach us something, and then leave. Others stay longer because they are truly like us and we need them. 

"A cloud does not know why it moves in such a direction and at such speed. It feels an impulsion, this is the place to go now. But the sky knows the reasons and the patterns behind all clouds, and you will know too, when you lift yourself high enough to see beyond horizons."

Being at home is definitely different! But I guess that's life, right?




Day 27.
List your goals.


. be at peace with myself and the world
.. succeed at doing something I absolutely love
... travel the world

stormy

EEEES A STORM OUTSIDE! CRAZY. literally you cannot see anything outside. 
Can't wait to live in sunny San Diego. :)






Day 25 and 26.
Your first love and a habit you wish you didn't have.


First love. pahaha here goes

awww presh

A habit I wish I didn't have..... hmmm probably like 3/4 of the way through the semester I get SO incredibly lazy and just stop going to class and never want to do anything. I wish I could keep my motivation. gah.

New phone tomorrow! Yay. Now I get that for my christmas, thanks thieves. 

24

My phone was stolen last night. Seriously, I hate thieves.




Day 24.
A picture that makes you happy.

Cancun '09

Best week ever!!!

Okay I am done with my "today I am thankful for"s. I feel like I'm just being annoying haha

I can't wait to go homey home! I am so tempted to just leave tomorrow. ahhhh I want to go!!!

23.

I'm starting to get SO anxious to go home. I haven't been home in over 2 months. I was honestly so close to just saying forget school Mon and Tues, I'm going home.. but I decided I better go. 
I am excited to be in a HOME for Thanksgiving and be out of my tile floored messy dungeon. 


Day 23. 
Favorite Youtube Video.


I know it is sooooo overplayed, but I'm gonna have to go with this one.







Today I am thankful for: Cosmic Law. Which says that "like attracts like." To get what you want and make truly good friends, you must be exactly who you are. The rest will follow. Read the book "Illusions" to understand it more fully.

du rags and pajama pants.

Day 22.
Favorite book.


This is a tough one.. I have been reading A LOT lately and it is hard to choose. 
So I will choose a few..

The perks of being a wallflower.

Eat, Pray, Love

Illusions.. my most recent read. SO good. It is a different way of looking at life, I love it.

read it!

"If you want to remove a cloud from your life, you do not make a big production out of it, you just relax and remove it from your thinking, that's all there is to it."

I am currently reading The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

and I can tell it will be another favorite. 

Such good insight. 

I am now a believer in the power of positive thinking.

I will explain more on that later.

Today I am thankful for: 

that is all.

21.

HARRY POTTER TONIGHTTTTTTTT

how adorable

Day 21.
Favorite TV show.

Family Guy.

South park is in a close second, but Family Guy wins.

Today I am thankful for: Good hair stylists. Poor Betsy let a coked out guy cut her hair for community service... needless to say, she now was a mullet. 

pahahaha

twenny.

Day TWENTY.
Favorite Movie..


Probably has to be.. Love Actually. If you haven't seen it, SEE it. It is perfect for the holidays, too. You will love it!
I would post a picture of it, but my internet is being SUPER slow, so it's just too much of a hassle. 


Today I am thankful for: Solitude. Sometimes it's nice just to spend some time alone, listening to music, or just thinking.

9een.

Bets and I have been having a Harry Potter marathon these last few days. STOKED for the 7th movie to come out. Of course we are going to the midnight showing. yeaaaa boiiiii.

Is anyone else getting so sick of school? This is the point in the semester where I just want to say screw it! But that would be stupid because it is so close to being over! Blah.




Day 19
Friends...

Beth

My baby girl. Truly one of a kind. Stef is the most hilarious girl with an awesomely dry sense of humor. We have had some of the best times and I will never forget them. Always having fun, she is the girl you want to throw your bachelorette party. I know we will have many more amazing times to come, I love you homegurrrrl.

Arthur

best gay. We have grown so close within the last year and he is such a great friend. He is always making an effort to keep friendships strong and alive. I am so lucky to have him as a friend and I know we will be friends for life. Love you artemis.

Betsy

My newest friend, and a great one. We are so much alike, it's scary. We will be friends forever, no doubt in my mind. We have many aligning beliefs and thoughts about life.. making it such a strong friendship. We have dealed with "The Dixies" together and we are both going great places in life. 

Love you girl.

Preston

My boiiiii. Brilliant, hilarious, and WILL be successful. I'm so glad he is in my life and could not ask for more support from him. He is so accepting and open minded. I know you can't read this since you're in Mizzippi teachinn dem peepz, but I love ya. Be safe out there.

Ash

Just two 5th grade girls on the bus. I am so happy to have her in my life. She inspires me to live life and reach beyond myself. She is so strong and has dealt with more shit storms than anyone I know, and yet still smiles on. Ashley I love you so much, let's take that road trip.. and I can't wait to walk on the beach with you.

Shae.

Girrrrrrrl. I love this girl. She makes me happy. We have a lot in common and I love that we can always go back to each other, even after a long while of not talking, and it's like we never left. I love you Shae Socks. I will always remember that fateful summer after senior year, haha.

Tracer.

Ahhh this girl. We also align in so many ways. I love her so much, and I know we will also be friends for life. She is so wonderful and brilliant! I am so happy you are in my life Tracer, come visit me in San Diego lots :) 

There are many more people worthy to be on here, but I am getting lazy. I love all of my friends so much and I am so lucky to have such amazing people in my life. Thank you all for being so supportive and loving. 

Today I am thankful for: Creativity. Bets and I went to an open mic poetry reading the other night, SO amazing. I love people who are creative and share it with others. 

Day 8een.

Day 18.
Siblings.


I know I have a lot about them on here lately.. but oh well. 
Each of my brothers are a hero to me in his own way :) 

Joshua- Support. I can always count on him to support me 100%. He is always encouraging me to chase my dreams and do what makes me happy. The perfect example of following your dreams and being where you want to be, doing what you want to do. Thank you for always being there for me to listen and support. You have helped me more than you will ever know. I love you.

Jason- Humor. I've honestly never met anyone funnier than my brother. He is such a kid at heart and I love it. He is always sending me hilarious texts, and I can't even think of a clever response ever. I am so proud of Jason for all he has done, all he is doing, and all he will do in the future. He is the cutest dad and will be the best doctor. Thanks for keeping things funny and light :) I love you broseph. 

Jordan- Kindness. I honestly cannot recall one single fight I have had with him IN MY LIFE. I am being dead serious. Fights with this kid just don't happen. He was always the peacemaker growing up and would just hate to see any contention. He has such a good heart and is always wanting to help other people. You are such a great example of kindness and acceptance. I love you.

Today I am thankful for: Good Food. I have DEFINITELY taken my mother's cooking for granted. College is a rude awakening, especially when you are broke. haha I am sick of ramen and canned shiz. BLECH. I cannot wait for Thanksgiving! 

tis official.

It's official. 
I'm moving to San Diego in January!
This place is amazing, and the family is even better. I'm so excited to start a new life... it's going to be hard at first I'm sure, but I'm ready.
I am a little bit nervous about leaving my life behind.. but then again, I haven't made much of a life for myself in St. George anyway. I will miss the few close friends I have made there, though.
This is where my blog will come in handy.. I will keep you all updated on my adventures on the coast. I'm sooooo stoked!
But for now: must.....finish......semester....strong. gah.

I mentioned yesterday that San Diego has the coolest sunsets.. yeah...

Day 17.

Parents...

Brucey and Allitron. 

aren't they precious?

I love my parents. 

They are the most supportive and loving people ever. 

The love they have for each other is something I hope to find someday. 

Thank you for being you and making me, me. 

I love you guys.

Today I am thankful for: Cameras.

Think about it.. every special moment can be captured with a camera.. whether it be a video camera, or a good ol still camera. Cameras give us the ability to hold onto our favorite times and maybe our not so favorite times.. Our first love, our first "myspace" picture (you know, the one where you are holding the camera about 12 inches above yourself and making an emo or kissy face), the lovely new additions to the family, pictures of old loved ones who have passed on, that moment that you tie the knot, the winning shot at the high school basketball game, and everything between. Cameras are beautiful.

carlsbad.

I'm just ballin it up in Carlsbad right now. I love these people. They are so awesome and a really good example of how to raise a child. The little girl, Taylor, is so adorable and she is the best.. she never cries and is so obedient. Shari, the mom, is the sweetest lady ever. The dad, Alex, is the coolest and most funny guy. Things are going great so far :) Today we went around town and just hung out. They just wanted to give me a taste of what their life is normally like. It was a lot of fun. I can see the ocean from their house, it is so amazing. They also have the prettiest sunsets.


Day 16.
Something you're looking forward to...


Christmas in New York City!!!
I get to be in the most magical place for Christmas. I can't wait.
and my whole family will be together, finally!!

Today I am thankful for: technology.
I think it is so amazing that people from clear across the world have the ability to communicate so fast. Skype is really the coolest thing ever. I am so grateful for it because I get to see all of the people I love!!

airports.

I love airports.

They make me think.

I wonder what people's stories are

I wonder where they've been

where they're headed and why?

Are they going to say goodbye to a dying relative?

or maybe they're going to see an old friend..

no matter, it's intriguing.

It's so diverse here

you see so many people

some of their homes are easily identifiable 

by the way they are dressed or talk.

Business men's suits and blackberries glued to the ear

pretty much say it all:

Corporate America hard at work.

And then there's me..

leaving on a plane to see where the next part of my life could possibly go

who knows?

it's exciting though.

todayrules.

Today is the day! :) Yay, I am going to meet this wonderful family. Hooray for being in 4 states in one day. Hooray for new opportunities and exploring new places.


Day 15. Half way done!!
A picture of you when you were little.

Today I am thankful for: Freedom.

We live in such a cool country, seriously. I am so happy that people fight for our rights and freedom. It is beautiful. 

Gotta make it short. I gotza flight ta catch. peaceeee.

14.

icantwaitfortomorrow. sandieggoooooooo hurr i come. 


Day fourteen. 
Something or someone you miss.


I miss a lot of people, considering I am away from all my family and old friends. 
But I miss these men the most.

Today I am thankful for: My bed.

I feel like many people take things like a bed or a warm shower for granted. We seem to forget that those are luxuries. There are people in this world who do not have beds, warm water, or a house. I know it is cliche to say, but it's true. Just take time to appreciate what you have and those who make it possible.

It's such a perfect day.

Happy Birthday To the biggest stud around. My Dad! Yeaaa boiii. What a tender man. 

Day 13. 
Your Dream house.

I am obsessed with colonial houses. I love the big columns, windows, and shutters. 

Today I am thankful for: Geneen Roth. This woman is a genius. She is the author of the popular book Women, Food, and God, as well as a few other amazing books. She sheds a new light on the never ending battle between humans and eating/weight. Yes I will admit, I have had problems with this issue.. for quite some time now actually. She teaches that eating, as well as many other things, is about listening to your body.. and dieting is not the answer. "For every diet, there is an equal and opposite binge." I firmly believe in her teachings. If you or anyone you know feel like you have a negative relationship with food or yourself, please try reading any of her books. She is amazing. 

it's such a perfect day.

a perfect day for change and improvement.

Thanksgivinnnnn

Mom- I want to come home for Thanksgiving. Even though it will only be for a day because I have to work black friday. damn die-hard shoppers. 

I cannot wait until Dec 26th. All of the Black family siblings will be together again for the first time in 2 1/2 years! Ahh I really can't wait. 




Day 12
A thought for the day.


"Devotion is diligence without assurance. Faith is a way of saying, "Yes, I pre-accept the terms of the universe and I embrace in advance what I am presently incapable of understanding."






Today I am thankful for: Child birth.   
Not for the reasons you may think. I am thankful for Child birth because my Public Speaking Teacher's wife is having a baby today, so class got cancelled. Thanks universe.

Rainy days and Mondays.

Ok. First-

Can we talk about this show for a second?

PAHAHAH

Does anyone else find yourself watching it even though it is awful?

It's the worst thing I think I have ever watched. Worst scripting ever. 

But yet I still watch it sometimes.

Watch it and you might scream at the tv.

Day 11. 
Nicknames and why I have them.


Nenna/Nen- My most recent nickname. My little niece couldn't say Jenna so she would say Nenna.. some of my close friends and family caught on and started calling me "Nen"

Chen- In jr. high everyone called Jaclyn Knighton "Chaclyn," they just started applying the same idea to my name and it became Chenna.. then just turned into Chen.

Jemina- this one was pretty short lived, but it was one of my favorites. Shae and Aubrie Moore just randomly started calling me that one summer.

Jenna pants/ The pants- I honestly don't even know how this started.. I'm pretty sure Lauren Denney randomly started calling me Jenna Pants one time.

Schmenna- My first nickname. My parents called me Schmenna growing up. I don't even know why.


Today I'm thankful for: Rain.
Okay this sounds so cheesy.. but whateva. Especially living in this ugly red rock infested place, I appreciate when there is a nice chill rainy day. Rain is sexy. Rain makes you think. There's nothing better than a drive in the rain while listening to your favorite rainy day music. Pure joy.

Woo.

The HOLIDAYS are coming!! YES! 

I love my job. So much. I am surrounded by so much holiday spirit and excitement. 

Everyone go get yoselves some fun holiday scents.

This was a pretty good weekend over all. :) 

I cannot wait for Friday!!! SAN DIEGOOOOO here I come.

Day Ten. 

What do you look for in a guy?

• He MUST have an excellent sense of humor. MUST.
• He must be respectful and kind.
• I like when a guy is protective, but not too protective. 
• He should probably be taller than me. ha ha but that's not too hard
• I really just want someone who is caring and I can have fun with.

Today I'm thankful for: Music. 

This is definitely at the top of my list. Oh dear. I cannot even explain how big of a part music plays in my life. There's nothing better than finding that perfect song for how you are feeling or just that beat that makes you feel so happy. There's the perfect song for every situation, emotion, and event in life. I appreciate musicians and the art they create. I love it love it love it. 

Take Comfort.

I went for a run today on a trail that runs through St. George. 

As I was running along, I came across some side-walk chalk covered pavement. 

The chalk messages were for someone who had a birthday and walks on that trail, different people wrote memories they had with that person. 

This reminded me of my best friend, Stef. She did the same type of thing for me on my birthday. 

She gave me a jar full of memories from my friends. It was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

It's a strange concept: Memories. 

It seems crazy that memories could be such a wonderful gift to give someone, but they are. 

Life is constantly shifting and changing. You never know how long your routine is going to last, and when it ends.. memories are all that remains. Memories comfort us, at least me, especially while going through new changes and making big decisions. 

My favorite memory of this mystery birthday girl that I read on the trail:

"I can't recall one single rain storm where you weren't outside kicking, dancing, and becoming soaking wet. Happy Birthday. Love, Dad."

"Take comfort wherever you can." -The Weepies.

Some of my favorite memories...

9.

Day Nineeee. 
Put your ipod on shuffle and write 10 songs that pop up.


1. Lydia- A story for supper. Probably my most favorite band ever. I suggest you listen to them if you are into indie at all.
2. Lil Wayne- Back on my grizzy. haha I am literally laughing out loud at the fact that I have this song on my ipod.
3.The Smiths- Asleep. I can't even express how wonderful this song is.
4. The Weepies- World Spins Madly on. Listen to them, now.
5. Five for Fighting- Chances. I just think of the blindside when I hear this song. I actually don't really like it that much.
6. Colbie Caillat- I never told you. Gotta love Colbie. Her music just makes me happy
7. Florence + The Machine- Cosmic Love. By far my favorite Florence song.
8. Tegan and Sara- Downtown. Also another good one
9. Sia- I go to sleep. This woman's music seriously changed my life.
10. Matt and Kim- Lessons learned. I am sure many of you have never heard of Matt and Kim, go listen to them.


Today I am thankful for: School. 
Okay I know I am being that annoying kid in the class that everyone hates, the one who always wants to learn. I think a lot of people don't value education until they are older and know that they have to have it to really get anywhere in life.

Let go.

"Life, if you keep chasing it so hard, will drive you to death. Time- when pursued like a bandit- will behave like one; always remaining one county or one room ahead of you, changing its name and hair color to elude you... at some point you have to stop because it won't. You have to admit that you can't catch it. That you're not supposed to catch it. At some point you have to let go and sit still and allow contentment to come to you." -Eat, Pray, Love




Day 8. 
If you could have any pet, regardless of what it is, what would it be?

I'm gonna have to say a baby polar bear. 

Only if it cuddled with me.

Also, as soon as it grows up it is outta hurr. 

Today I am thankful for: Microwaves.

Try to imagine life without a microwave (especially my fellow college students). I honestly don't know what I would do. I remember my mom telling me that when she was growing up, there were no microwaves. How did college students survive?!?! I don't understand... 

Maybe America's love of the microwave and processed foods has us getting fat; nevertheless, I appreciate my instant grub monster. 

Seben.

Day 7. 

Complete the sentence, "I am..."

I am going places. I've done things that I once thought would stop me from reaching my goals. I now realize that those are mere speed bumps on my journey, realizing also that it is about the journey not the destination. I can do anything. There is nothing between me and the infinite. 

Today I am thankful for: Books. 

Some of my greatest life lessons have come from books that I have read. Being an avid journal-writer, and now journalist, I have come to appreciate the beauty of others words. I feel like maybe most people don't appreciate literature, but find the perfect book for you and I promise you will find yourself so deep into it, you won't ever be the same.

"Keep cultivating gratitude. You'll live longer." -Eat, Pray, Love.

Woo for Wednesday

Paranormal Activity 2

I literally laughed out loud during this movie. 

Has anyone else seen it? What are your thoughts?

I feel like they should have stopped after one. This one was just a repeat of the first with some extras. Lame. 

Day sex. I mean six. 
What did you do today?


Well... I woke up, went to news writing, then to newspaper class where I won the award for best story (for the 3rd time now, yes I rule.) Then went to stage make-up and did some research with my girrrl Shelby. 
I came back to "The Cove," 
pause- those of you who don't know what that is, it is the place I live. It is a hole, but I love the people who live here.. so from now on if you see the cove, that is what it means.
Then I went to the freaking DLD. I give the DMV and the DLD the award for Worst Places to have to go. It really is hell. Waiting in line behind a cigarette smoke infested man and listening to the skunky fried hair chick talk on her phone. Yay. 
After that fun experience, I went to donate plasma. Yay for $35! I'm truly pathetic. Then I sat outside in the lovely sun and read my book, Eat Pray Love. I am really enjoying it, and actually learning a lot from it. Then Sawyer and I layed out for like a half hour. haha yay. Then I went to night class and my teacher didn't show up, big surprise. 
I am now sitting here blogging away and listening to music, really one of my favorite things.




Today I am thankful for: Those people that just always seem to be happy. 
                   Okay, I admit it... sometimes those people are annoying because they never seem to ever have a single problem, but those are the people you can always count on to brighten your day. Those are the people you see constantly making others smile. There is one guy on campus who I have NEVER seen in a bad mood. He is a gay man and part of the GSA, so he is always out doing different things for the clubs on campus. This being Utah, there is of course some homophobia on campus. He doesn't seem to let it bother him. He just goes on his merry way and is extremely nice to everyone he meets, even those who don't return the kindness. I love people like this. If you know someone like this, make sure they know that you appreciate their positive energy. :)




Happy Wednesday.

Novemba.

First off, Happy Novemba! Woop woop. Time to get excited for Turkey Day, which for me, unfortunately will be spent in St. George. holla for being a holiday employee.

So today I gave my informative speech in my public speaking class. The thing is, I was not prepared. I got to class and pretty much nobody there had theirs prepared, so I just told the teacher I would to mine.. and pretty much just talked out of my ace. Okay.. haha I did a pretty good job though I must say. I got an A and some good evaluations from my class, so that's a confidence booster right?


I am getting so anxious to go to San Diego! Ahhhh! 

Day 5: Something that makes you feel better.


A good laugh or a talk with a friend always seems to make things better.
Laughter really is the best medicine, as cheesy as that sounds! It is 100% true.


Today I am thankful for...
Biolife. haha it is so horrible but I love them so much. They are basically my only form of income right now because my jobs are giving me low hours!! BOO. 
But, Biolife to the rescue. I am selling my plasma at $70 a week. 
Yay! 

Happy Tuesday Errbody