Most Epic Week Ever!

So I know it's been awhile since i've posted, so I figured it was time for a quick recap:

Last week I hung out at home, finished my massive senior scrapbook (pic to follow soon), spent a day downtown, and had my joint graduation party with my sister. We prayed that the storms would hold off, and got a nice warm and sunny Saturday afternoon.

I went into the city to meet a friend who's interning at Draft for lunch. Being in the office made me so excited to be going back! It was great to see familiar faces, be it people I interned with last year, the KFC team, or other HR staff, and to be re-acquainted with the envirnment that will become my new home come August 9th. My summer just keeps getting better.
Today is one of my last days working at the golf course, but everything speeds up from here :)

Tonight my boyfriend comes to visit, thursday i'm going downtown for the Taste (yum!), then friday it's down to U of I for my friend's birthday, and sunday is the 4th of july!

I can't belive it, but this time next week I will be with my host family in ESPANA!!! I've been planning this trip since last fall and it's unbelievable how much has happened since then, and that my departure is coming closer and closer. I couldn't be more excited!

I'm hoping they have good internet in their house so I can keep my blog updated with my adventures, if not, it'll be fun to find cafes and hot spots to blog from.

So excited for this week. The best is yet to come!

~Jenna

Paradise, Day 7

Today is my last full day in Barbados. (sadface)

In true end of vacation fashion, we just hung around the hotel and did our own thing. For me, this means taking a few final beach walks, frolicking in the ocean, and putting the finishing touches on my tan while I nap.

Tomorrow we'll fly back to New York, then on Sunday return home to Chicago. It's been a great week, but as the saying goes, "all good things must come to an end".

Not much going on once I get back home this week, other than my Graduation Party on Saturday. The following week, DOMENIC COMES!!! I'm quite excited about this. That week will be action packed as it's my friend's 21st, the 4th of July, and then my Monday departure to SPAIN!

That's when my biggest adventure will begin :)

Till Next Time,

~Jenna

Paradise, Day 6

Today was by far the BEST of all the days. . .
Too day I wen in too Bridge Town wid me family for to go buy some tings. Mainly, I wanted to get me some Duty Free products, an see what oder tings dey had der.

Here are some ov my best purchases:

I gon got some Caribbean Rum Cakes for some ov de special people back at home. I ain't never had tried none, but me mum say itz pretty good.



Af ter I graduated from Uni, I knew dat I wanted to buy me someting nice to celebrate all mai accomplishments, So I went into de Tiffany Store and bought me a sliver chain - link bracelet. I like it a lot, and since it was Duty Free, I got it at a very good price :)



For de longest while, Ibe wanted to get me sum black strappy heels to wear out on de town. I FINALLY found de ones I like.



Oh yeah, an I met RIHANNA!!!



She oftn buys tings from de shop dat me mum's friend owns, so when we were in dere shopping an talkin to her, Rihanna cum on by. It was super cool to meet her in person, and see her shop wit her friends on de island. I asked her if she would take a picture, but she said "not at dis time" but at least I still got an autograph.


With this entry, I wanted to give you all a taste of the Bajan accent. Hope you enjoyed it!

Peace, Love, and Happiness!

~Jenna

Re-Design

So, I'm trying to figure out what exactly I want to do with this blog...

I really enjoy writing on it, and sharing all my random thoughts/adventures with you, yet feel that it needs to be cleaned up a bit. (for one, I have far too many tags, most of which aren't even relevant search able topics for what I tend to write). I do like the idea of keeping BEST, as there are certain things that I will hands down say are the greatest (Ann Arbor, Magnum Bars, Working Out . . . ) and they deserve their own special dedication. I also like journaling my vacations/trips because I like being able to respond to the IM of "hey! Hows your trip?" with "check out my blog!".

The main reason I started this in the first place was to have an easy way to keep people connected with all that I'm doing in Spain during July. Now I think I'm going to expand it into a more long-term project.

Things I need:
-new title
-new layout
-more pictures! (this isn't really an issue, I just need to figure out my balance between image and text)
-URLs (I haven't quite figured out why they aren't working, but some tinkering will solve that)
-your advice! (let me know what it is you want to see, and how I can make this better/more useful for you! I tend to have lots of random advice, what do you think is worth me writing about?

Thanks guys!

I'll probably get cranking on this sometime when I'm back from vacation.

Holla,

~Jenna

Paradise, Day 5

Today was the most fun of the trip because we went on an excursion!

After I took a morning run on the beach, we went to the lobby to wait for the shuttle to take us to Bridgetown to go on a Thriller Cruise. The plan for the day was to snorkel at several locations: a coral reef, some ship wrecks, and with sea turtles! I was excited to do something other than bask on the beach (which is obviously wonderful), and spend some quality time in the water.

There was a 3 man crew and two other couples on the ship with us, which made for a nice intimate setting for the day. Our first stop was with the sea turtles, and even though I've swam with them before, It was really neat to do it again. There were probably 6-8 of them, but the most I saw were 3 at the same time. I got an underwater camera so there are pics of the turtles and me touching them, but you'll have to wait till they're developed.

Next stop was a coral reef with tons and tons of fish! You could see them jumping on the surface and surrounding the ship to the point where you got off the ship into schools and schools of fish. It was a very surreal experience to say the least. My mom and Jessie were freaking out and even though my dad was playing it all cool, he got several fish kisses on his arms which left some pretty good marks.

I've never been so comfortably close to fish before, and I was so glad I didn't freak out. (Years ago when we swam with turtles, I was fine looking at them but freaked out when they swam under me. Today I was totally cool!) The guy on the ship kept throwing bread at me just to make all the fish swim my way, which made things quite comical when we tried to take a family pic. This was probably my favorite stop of the day, just because I got to do something totally new.

After we left the swarm of fish we saw a small wreckage, and then let the tide carry us over an extensive coral reef. All I could think of was Planet Earth and Life, and wished I had a narration telling me about all the cool fish and sea life I was seeing.

Next, we went to see two large wrecks, one which was from some military fleet, and another, a Jolly Roger which was sunk on purpose once their business started going south. There were tons of fish here too, and Jessie wasn't too excited about it. It was interesting to have to ration photos today as the underwater camera only had 27 exposures. I don't know the last time I had to think about "how many pictures I had left"

After we hit up all our snorkeling stops, we went to a beach where you could jump out of the boat and just walk up to shore. I love the Caribbean sea so much, I could just stay there forever. The drinks for the day were included with the trip so everyone got a bit happy onboard. Made for quite an awesome day.

Back at the resort I took a nap on the beach, then watched TV with the family. Everyone's a bit exhausted from a full day of sun and swimming, so its nice to just take time to relax.

Tomorrow we're going back to Bridgetown (the capital of Barbados and main downtown city) but instead of taking to the water, we're taking to the shops! I'm excited.

Peace, Love, and Happiness.

~Jenna

Paradise, Day 4

Today we decided to take a break from the hotel and head over to one of the local beaches. We hopped in the rental car and went 'don de road' to Enterprise Beach, which is probably my new favorite place. The water was warm, perfectly calm, and the depth was so perfectly graded that you could walk in from where the waves touch your toes, to deep enough where you can't reach the bottom.

It was so much fun to spend an hour or so just frolicking in the water with the family, and enjoy the sun, waves, and fishes swimming about. We did a mini-photo shoot, because what's more fun than taking pics on the beach?


For lunch we went to my Grandma's House. She made us flying fish (delicious!) We hung out there for awhile, I shared with her the graduation photo album I made, then we took a bunch of family pics. Even though she needs her glasses to see, she still wanted some "large sunglasses" like all the celebrities. Whenever we come, she likes to take me and Jessie to all her neighbors and friends to show us off. Even the people at the supermarket had seen pictures of us and knew that I was the "Michigan Granddaughter"


On the way home we stopped at Chefette for some Rotis. I forgot how good they were. Basically its a thin tortilla (think like Naan)with meat and potato. You can get one with all meat, or all veggies if you like. It also has Indian Curry in it. (The menu even says that they get their curry from India). They're about $6.00 - $8.00BDS which comes to $3.00 - $4.00US. SO GOOD!

Back in the room we took a break from the sun and watched the movie 21. Once it ended I went for a dip in the sea while Jessie soaked in the pool, then the whole fam read a book/magazine till it was time to get ready for dinner. We went to this restaurant called Chompers, which was quite delicious. Oddly enough, there were 4 birthdays tonight! Popular place for a Tuesday.

As game 6 of the NBA Finals comes to a close (nice work Lakers!), I close out my evening with some gchat with my boyfriend. Tomorrow, the family goes on a snorkeling trip to a coral reef, a shipwreck, and to swim with sea turtles! An underwater camera will be necessary for sure.

Peace, Love, and Happiness!
~Jenna

Paradise, Day 3

Woke up today around 8:30EST, partly because the sun sets so early it gets bright much sooner than back home. Gives me an early start to the day, which is always nice.


After a quick breakfast it was back to the beach. Did some reading in the sun, then once I started to overheat it was time for a dip. Me, Jessie, and Dad got some boogie boards and tried our hand at the waves for a bit, but once we realized how calm the water was we traded up for some kayaks instead. We went pretty far out and as my dad/sis headed in (they were in a tandem kayak) it started to rain. Just a little drizzle at first, then harder and harder for about 15 minutes.

Everyone was standing under the umbrellas waiting for the rain to pass because with such a small island you can see the cloud that is raining on you and figure out how long till it'll be nice and sunny again. Once it stopped we got mid-morning drinks, then jessie and mom went into the pool while Dad and I did some beach side reading.

Lunchtime rolled around so we all went upstairs, then played scrabble and watched TV till the evening. It kept raining and the weather was overcast so we decided to take a break from the sun and spend some time in the AC.


Monday at the resort is always the Manager's Rum Punch Party, so we got dressed up and went down for that. It was only from 6-7, so afterwords we came back upstairs and played charades w/ cranium cards while dinner was cooking, then post-dinner watched District 9. Its still playing as I write this and I'm not sure what I think of it yet. It's interesting to say the least. The aliens kind of remind me of Perfect Dark (N64 anyone?)

Tomorrow we are going to Grandma's house for lunch/afternoon. It's always humbling to see how she lives and then compare it to life back in the States/Naperville.

More pictures to come soon.

G'nite!

~Jenna

Paradise, Day 1

I woke up this morning at 5am EST in a hotel just outside of JFK, and spent the latter part of my afternoon strolling along the beaches of Barbados with my Dad and sister. Travel still amazes me – the ability to wake up in one place and go to bed in another – yet with every trip I take I love the journey more and more every time. While it’s lost its magic, flying on the big plane and such, it’s definitely comforting to think of international transportation in a much more functional and understandable way. I’m much happier knowing what’s going on, even though I was quite a happy child, lost in the mystic nature of it all.

I haven’t been back to Barbados since the summer before my sophomore year of college, (August 2007) but I’m glad to see that nothing’s changed. The airport is still as welcoming as ever, with the remodeling project just about complete, and the red caps are still there hustling to assist you with your bags and earn a good tip. My grandma still showed up an hour early, just in case our flight landed before the scheduled time as our arrival to the tiny island is a major highlight for her every year. We still hail a mini bus to accommodate the fam, grandma, and all our bags (4 for us, 3 for her). Note: no one returns to the islands without gifts for their family and friends, hence, the 3 extra suitcases my mom filled with stuff for her mom, as well as the friends she sees only during this annual trip.


We get to the timeshare, Bougainvillea Hotel & Resort, only to be greeted by the same guy who’s helped our family for over 5 years. As we make our way to check in, I’m excited by my newly obtained ability to have a legit rum punch, and Barbados’s own, Banks beer. To start your vacation off right, they serve complimentary rum punch and juices in the lobby. You already know what I had 

Once we get our room keys, I notice that it is “5326”. The last time we had a room starting with a “5” (at least 6 visits ago) it was an ocean view apartment like suite with a common area, and separate bedrooms with private bath. This got me excited. Jessie had no idea what I was talking about until I reminded her of the room we had when she fell off the bed during a game of cards. That sparked her memory, and a bunch of laughs.

Me: the 5 is for the awesome ocean view suites, and the 3 is for the third floor
I couldn’t have been more right. When we get to our room there is a staircase, a STAIRCASE! Jessie and I got super excited. It’s like living in an upscale 2 bedroom apartment. Loves it. I called it a party pad. My mom thinks I’m like Snooki on the Jersey Shore. I scoffed at the idea, but still believe that this would be a great place to hold a beach bash. Sweating bullets, we unpacked, donned our swimsuits and shorts, and then hung out on the balcony till Dad was ready to head down to the beach.

We did our usual beach stroll down to the far end where the rocks are too many to climb, and then turned back towards the hotel. It was the middle of happy hour and now that I’m 22 I’m allowed to drink (even though in Bds most ppl are allowed to drink at 18, my dad stuck with the American legal age of 21) I got a Real Mount Gay rum punch x2, since it was happy hour! Dad said, now be careful with these, they are sweet so you don’t notice the effects until after. . . He has no idea what it’s like to party at Michigan. But that being said, I’ve been drink free for quite a while and if I had 1 or 2 more of those, I would be ready for a night at Ricks.

After the drinks Jessie and I lounged on the beach, me reading cosmo, she reading a book for school. I remember those days, so glad that the books you read in college are so much more interesting and relevant. Cosmo, as entertaining as usual, made me really miss my boyfriend Domenic, so I called him once it started cooling off and I went back up to the room. I’ve decide that along with New Orleans, this is a place that we need to put on our list of future vacation/trip/adventures. He’s quite wonderful you know.

Now as I wrap things up here, I’ll probably wander down to the kitchen to eat some more flying fish. My dad mentioned going out to the club later, which may be an interesting family dynamic . . . but we’ll see!

Peace, Love, and Happiness,
~Jenna

Adventure Update

Oh Hello.

So since the garage sale (which was a huge flop . . . my third was less than $30) my most major accomplishment is the completion of my senior scrapbook. Which, for anyone who knows how many photos I tend to take, was quite a feat. It probably has about 80, 12x12 pages that re-live the 2009-2010 school year, and it will make its debut at my graduation party. No worries if you're not in the Chicagoland area, it'll be with me for many years to come so I'm sure you'll get a chance to see it.

In other news, I got my haircut! It's about an inch below my ears and I now have bangs. Spiffy!

I also leave for Barbados on Friday. So Excited!

Pictures and entries to come after my vacation.

Peace, Love, and Happiness,

~Jenna

Ann Arbor = best place ever! (Part 2)

So I just realized that during my first trip to Ann Arbor, Dom and I had a list of things we wanted to do and planned it so that we had 1 activity each day. For those of you spending this summer in Ann Arbor, here are a few thing I suggest you check out!

- William Clements Library

As a Campus Day Leader, I talked about this building all the time, yet never took the time to actually go inside it. When Dom and I stopped by one Thursday, we stumbled upon some librarian's convention. We quietly walked our way around the museum, which houses many different artifacts of American History (including the letter that Christopher Columbus wrote to Queen Isabella detailing his discovery of the new world). One of the gentlemen who worked there was extremely helpful and even gave us a tour of the Rare Books Room (which is a very 'rare' opportunity!)

Aside from the architecture, the overall experience was great and truly rewarding for a random Thursday afternoon. Check out the website for their hours and more information on their current special exhibits.

- Hands On Museum
While I've still yet to go, I've heard that its a great way to spend an afternoon or go on a date, regardless of your age. Get in touch with your inner kid and have fun tinkering, touching, and bring out the scientist in you. If you've been to the Hands on Museum, be sure to comment with what you think!

- Farmer's Market

On the weekends, this is quite a great thing to stop by and get some groceries, or just poke around and see whats in bloom! The Farmer's market market is what makes Ann Arbor's little village of Kerrytown so quaint. This is a great place to shop, especially if you're trying to buy local products. Fresh items are brought in from all over Michigan and just block away from your doorstep! Even if you don't have the cash, it's always fun to see what's available and stretch your legs a bit and breathe in the fresh air.


- Main Street Shopping
Anyone who comes around Ann Arbor knows that Main Street is the main drag for top dining. But even if you're not going out for lunch, take a stroll to see all the little shops and boutiques you pass by on your way to Palio, Real Seafood, and the Chophouse. There is a comic book theme store, several jewelry shops, a few places with housewares, decorations, and clothing made by women all around the world, and more. Window shopping is definitely a fun way to spend an hour or two for virtually nothing! (I say virtually as you may end up buying a thing or two).

- Kayaking

If you've taken a stroll in the Arb, you may have seen a person or two poking around the lake in a Kayak. If so, you may have seen us doing the same thing!

Check it out on the Ann Arbor website (just do a simple google search of Kayaking in Ann Arbor/ Huron river) and you'll see where to go. The staff at the place were very friendly and we paid just $18 for a 2 person kayak and 2 hours out on the river. It is fun, relaxing, and can be as easy or challenging as you make it to be. (for example: rowing upstream when the river is high is quite the challenge. a great way to get your arms in shape for swimsuit season, or put the finishing touches on your tan or sunburn)

This is definitely something I'd do again next time I'm in town.

- Graffiti Alley

Little known secret to passers by, but Graffiti Alley is located on Liberty just a few doors down from American Apparel. Its a great place to stop by as you never know what'll be happening, or what new artwork has been left behind. If you're chewing gum, you may want to leave your mark and add it to the gum wall. During the day it gets some great sunlight which is awesome for photography of the graffiti, or of yourself with it. Bring out your inner hip hop star and strike a pose. People may be confused when you tell them that the picture was taken in Ann Arbor.

On Monday when I walked by, there was a guy with a stereo blasting Michael Jackson and channeling his inner moon walk. So Cool.


- University of Michigan Modern Art Museum

Finished during winter/spring 2009, The new addition to the art museum reside just across from the Michigan Union. While we didn't have too long to wander around, it houses a bunch of cultural artwork from regions all around the world. Its neat because while not too large from the outside, there are plenty of twists and turns inside to keep you occupied for hours. We liked to go our separate ways around each exhibit and meet up at the large focal point in the room, which allowed us to see what we wanted to see, and take the time soaking it all in.

It's amazing the types of things that the University of Michigan has come to have (or temporarily show on display), and it really gets you thinking about Michigan being an outstanding place on a global scale (personal plug of my love for Michigan :)

Its free to go in, and they just recommend a $5 donation. Totally up to you, but its nice to take a day feeling cosmopolitan and soaking in the sights at the museum.

- Music Exchange
While not an event or somewhere to go, still a valid activity. Grab your laptop and a friend's laptop along with an ipod, headphones, and an external hard drive and you've got yourself a music exchange party! Most people tend to listen to similar stuff as their friends, but with summer in full swing its time for some new tunes! Freshen up your play lists with a few songs (or a few GB) of music, and get introduced to your friends/significant others favorite bands. Knowing the types of music someone likes is a great way to better understand and really get to know them. Dom listened to my top 25 most played along to my commentary for each song, and it was neat to see how each tune fit into a part of my life. Whether it be 8th grade, or the song I had on repeat when I worked at the driving range. Fun, Free, and a great way to fill up an afternoon.


- Kerry Town
The Kerry Town 'mall' so to speak is just a 1/2 block away from Zingermans and has a whole bunch of surprises to offer. From the sweetwaters cafe downstairs (give your Starbucks gift card a break) to the various botiques upstairs, its quite a nice break from the regular big business chains we've all gotten used to. There is a toy store on the 2nd floor that we poked around in for awhile, and re-lived some of our favorite activities from our childhoods. Not to mention thought to ourselves, "when was the last time I was in a toy store?!"

Probably my favorite attraction is the Spice Merchant - a shop that sells a worldly variety of spices, salts, sugars, and (my favorite) teas. You can buy fresh, loose tea there that tastes great and goes a long way. For about $4 you can get 6 uses (2 cups each) of tea. Not bad eh. If you need a loose tea pot, they have them at IKEA for pretty cheap, or you could always just let the tea leaves soak in a jar/bowl, then strain them out as you pour the tea into your cup. Goes great with a morning breakfast, or late night chat. Smelling the teas in the shop is a joy in itself too.


So yes, I've shared my love for Ann Arbor with you, but really I just shared my first of many summer adventures. Next re-cap will be that of my Backpacking Trip on the AT. Get Excited.

Peace, Love, and Happiness,
~Jenna

Ann Arbor = best place ever!

Ok, so I do say that lots of places, people, and things are the BEST.

Here's a list of reasons why Ann Arbor truly is, one of the BEST.

1. Its Home to the University of Michigan. (AKA. Where everyone truly wants to go to college.) SO awesome that JFK (who graduated from Harvard) said in a speech that he was from the Michigan of the East.

2. My Boyfriend lives there right now :) Kisses to you boo! Hope the gardening job is treating you well.

3. Unlimited food options. Food is truly awesome, so a place that has awesome food has to be the best right? Ann Arbor has anything you could want from your regional chains like Noodles n' Co to national cravings like Jimmy Johns & Chipotle, to the more appreciated Zingermans, Main Street Ventures, and cuisine of the ethnic variety.

4. Summer means less students. Which means no lines or overcrowded tables at all your favorite outside bars! How could this not be the best?

5. The Arb & Huron River. Pull up a grass patch and take a nap. Or be like me and fly a kite. If you're adventurous like Dom and I, Pay $18 to rent a kayak for 2 hours and spend some time waterside.

6. You can walk everywhere. Meaning you're free to do whatever you like! Change your plans, stop by new things along the way, and when its all said and done, stumble home as late as you want.

7. There is a world beyond the U of M Campus. (not that you'd ever get sick of campus . . .) Main Street and Kerrytown give you that small market feel where you can go from shop to shop picking up everything you need for the day, or that night's dinner.

8. Farmer's Market & Fairy Doors. Something only truly appreciated during the nice weather, but both really quaint and part of the Ann Arbor Experience.

9. Friends. Its so nice to spend time with some of your favorite people when the regular responsibilities of school, work, projects, jobs, and clubs is out of the way.

10. Weather. During the school year we complain about winters that last from November to March, but in the spring/summer you get bright sunny days with pleasantly cool nights. Even when it rains, it can be fun because thunderstorms are pretty cool to watch. Or finish a bags tournament in.

If I haven't given you enough reasons as to why Ann Arbor is truly one of the Best (despite the fact that it gives birth to "The Leaders and Best") check it out for yourself. Go on. Do it.

Ann Arbor gets the JLCInk official seal of Awesomeness.

www.annarbor.com

4 months of Freedom = ADVENTURES!

Most everyone who knows me, understands that I'm always up to something. More often than not it can be something pretty cool, or exciting. At least I think so. After graduation, it really hit me that I was about to enter into a whirlwind of awesomeness known as summer vacation.

But instead of taking one relaxing vacation, or staying home to work and save up some money, I'm spending nearly every week in a different city, and satisfying every drop of my adventure thirst before becoming a real person on August 9th, 2010. Also known as staring my full time job downtown Chicago with one of the state's best places to work: DraftFCB. (yeah I like to brag about them. Sorta like how I constantly refer to Michigan as the best school ever) I can't wait to go back, (I interned there last summer), but at the same time, I want to fully embrace all that my freedom has to offer and make the most of every single day. Even if one of them is spent with Horatio Cain and the rest of the CSI Miami Cast.

For all who are interested, excited, and even vicariously enjoying my adventures, here's a breakdown of my summer:

May

- May 1st: President Obama as the University of Michigan Commencement Speaker in The Big House. BEST DAY EVER!
- May 2nd: Move back to Naperville
- May 12th: Trip to Ann Arbor! Visit Domenic, hang out in tree town
- May 19th: Return to Naperville
- May 22nd: Grad Parties, Chicago Sky Basketball Game
- May 23rd: Neuqua Valley High School Graduation (Jessie's class of 1,200 kids!?)
- May 24th: Return to Ann Arbor. Pick up backpacking Equipment
- May 25th: Drive to Maryland. Visit Brian!
- May 26th: Drive to Virginia. Backpacking Day 1.
- May 27th: Backpacking Day 2. Shenandoah Valley, VA - Appalachian Trail
- May 28th: Backpacking Day 3. Backpack a mountain in a thunder storm
- May 29th: Backpacking Day 4. Hitchhike to the car, successfully.
- May 30th: Sleep. Recover. Chill in Ann Arbor
- May 31st: Memorial Day BBQ w/ the Crew. Re-live the college days.


JUNE
- June 1st: Return to Naperville
- June 2nd: Set up for Garage Sale
- June 3rd: Garage Sale
- June 4th: Garages Sale
- June 11th: Leave for Barbados Via NYC
- June 19th: Return from Barbados
- June 26th: Jenna & Jessica's Graduation Party
- June 28th: Dom comes to visit!?


JULY
- July 4th: HOLIDAY!
- July 5th: LEAVE FOR SPAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AUGUST
- August 6th: Return from Spain
- August 7th: SLEEP
- August 9th: BECOME A REAL PERSON (First day at DRAFTFCB)

I know I'm excited. You should be too. Because more adventures for me, means better reading for you :)

Peace, Love, and Happiness

~Jenna

Garage Sale. Woo. Hoo.

So this is probably the least eventful of my summer adventures, but still topic worthy as I sit in my garage waiting for people to come buy my stuff.

The concept of a garage sale is quite simple, yet the outcome is entirely unpredictable. I've been up since 7:30 doing things like pricing old housewares, making "garage sale!" signs, and posting them up all over the neighborhood. No big deal, but if my mom, sister, and I are to split the profits shouldn't they have to put in some time sitting in the garage?

What we have for sale is mostly girls clothes. Stuff Jessie and I never wore, or things that don't fit our 'style' anymore. We have 3 tables full of assorted shirts, and 3 hanging racks full of clothes. You'd think we ran our own boutique.

This morning a guy came and wanted to buy my iPod speakers. Not only did he beat me down on the price, but he actually STOLE the other iPod accessory on the table. Jerk. I give you $40 speakers for dirt cheap and you still go out and steal the charger which retails for $29.99. Lame. Times Two.

At least I can be productive on my laptop . . . budgeting my next journey (Barbados) and plotting what I can by after my graduation party depending on how generous people are. I've been tossing around the idea of buying an iPad, so I have something to entertain me during my 1hr+ commute to the city come August. Thoughts? (Check out the latest articles in the tech section of www.wsj.com. For some reason it won't let me post the link)

My family has a garage sale about every year and people always make the same comments:

-"you have so much stuff!" (then walk away buying nothing)
-"Aw she's so sweet, how much for the dog?" (Ha, yeah right kid)
-"At least you have a gorgeous day. . . "(As they walk back to their car)
-"Do you have any machinery or electronics" (the ad says girl's clothes)

People watching is also quite fun at these sales. You have your regular cast of characters (I'm not trying to offend anyone here. . .)

-Old white guy. He's looking for machinery/electronics, or something very specific (NASCAR Hats, Some brand of drill) drive a pickup truck or something old and rusty

-Mexicans. They come in a van, always in groups of 4+, and always buy the most random things. Like the free T-shirts I got in college. or all of the shoes, regardless of the size.

-Lady with toddler. The kid always walks away with some free stuff, whether their mom bought something or not.

-Indian lady. Comes with kids or other family members. Looks at everything with the most detail and care. Spends a long time looking around and if she decides to get something, she asks for half price, then pays you in the bill of the full amount, and has the nerve to ask for change.

Oh well. At least I can sorta say I'm getting paid to sit on my computer.

Today

Today is the day I start actually blogging.

Why?

In just over a month I'm going to Spain, and several people have asked me to log my adventures so they can follow along with all the fun nitty gritty details. Besides, it'll be nice to have something to do on my computer every day other than Facebook and email.

Things that I plan on blogging about include:
- adventures (I have several that need to be recorded so deffer to fb pics for now)

- encounters (I do lots of random things, so some stories may have to be included)

- commercials (I'm gonna work in advertising ... this is to be expected)

- awesomeness (Not only is it an actual word, but sometimes my dog, friends, boyfriend or blackberry may just do something so great that they deserve their own post)

I've also been notorious for being a morning person and thriving off my own natural energy. I don't drink coffee and only used Red Bull for my Linguistics Research Paper when I pulled my first all nighter.

I just get so excited about things that its enough energy to keep me going.

I know, you're jealous.

So here's to the blog. my adventures. and to everyone who says they want to live vicariously through me.

Here's to you!