Au revoir, 2012!

While I am not a big NYE-kind of girl (minus the glitter and champagne, of course), I do love the hope and optimism that a new year brings.

I also enjoy looking back and reflecting on the year that's being left behind.

Here are some of my biggest, best, and worst memories of 2012.

1. While I didn't blog quite as much as 2011, I made some amazing blogging besties and became even closer to some my existing blog friends. I mean, Claire was the first one to email me the news of the Royal Baby! My life is even fuller and happier with you, blogging friends! :)

2. I moved out of my six-bedroom campus house and into a two-bedroom apartment with Rachel.

New adult bedroom!

3. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with my B.A. in English Literature and a Minor in International Business.

4. I gained back almost all of the weight I lost in 2011.

Skinny Jenna

Not Skinny Jenna (about to eat thousands of calories in pasta)

5. I was a nanny for the first (and probably last) time.

6. I received a beautiful rejection letter from St. Andrews and had to reevaluate my future plans (after eating entirely too many Dove chocolate and consuming a few G&Ts).

7. I was offered and accepted a full-time position at an awesome international company- I became a career woman! ;)

Celebratory mimosa!

8. I had plenty of fun, weird, and wonderful flings yet still no boyfriend. Womp womp.

9. I bought my first car- meet Cami the Corolla! She was named after her amazing predecessor, the 2000 Camry. I just got Cami yesterday and am totally impressed with her!

10. I made my bridesmaid debut in my cousin's December 29th wedding! It was one of the most fun and incredible days of my life, and I was so happy to be apart of her special day. I also had a fantastic wedding date (okay- he was more than fantastic...sort of perfect, actually) who may make a future appearance on this blog if he is so lucky.

Cousins with the beautiful bride! <3 Thanks for the photo, Liv!

Happy New Years Eve, bloggers! Au revoir, 2012! You were a blast (most of the time)! :)

These are a few of my favorite things

As usual, my friends and family spoiled me like crazy this Christmas.

I loved each and every one of my gifts, but here are a few of my more unique presents.

1. Crock Pot

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2. Kate Spade stationary (Email me your address, and I will write you a letter!)

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3. Kate Spade "Look on the bright side" bangle

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4. THE COMPLETE SERIES of "The Gilmore Girls" (It even came in a darling travel case! With a handle!)

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5. Wine rack

6. Sephora Blockbuster Palette

7. Target dog stuffed animal (I will admit it- I forgot how amazing it is to sleep with a stuffed animal)

So what were some of your most favorite Christmas presents this year?

Wintery Wednesday

I am (very happily) off work today.

I am especially appreciative of this fact considering that it's a total wintery mess outside. Depending on what part of Cincinnati you're in, you could either be seeing inches of snow, some flurries, freezing rain, or simply rain. 

This photo is from 2010 or so. Not today.

My neighborhood appears icy and wet with some occasional snow.

Because I love Cincinnati and its citizens, I am doing everyone a favor and staying off the roads.

This morning though, I was creepily drinking my morning Vitamin Water and looking down below, observing the happenings of my street.

Nothing very interesting was happening until my downstairs neighbor emerged from his apartment. He walked along the icy sidewalk to his car, which he then began to scrape the snow off of.  Then, he looked back and noticed that my upstair's neighbor's car was covered in snow.

He then got out his scraper and cleaned off her car!

I was so beyond heart-warmed by this sweet gesture. I wanted to open my balcony door and yell out, "That was so nice! Love actually is all around!"

I just love witnessing wonderful moments such as those.

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday and is looking forward to 2013! :)

I'm 23 now! Hurrah!

This morning, at approximately 4:30AM, I went from being a fabulous 22-year-old woman to a vastly more mature (but still fabulous) 23-year-old woman.

I had an absolutely wonderful 23rd birthday.

Last Sunday, I celebrated my special day with my family. We went to my favorite restaurant where I ordered my usual- pork tenderloin. Yum. After dinner, we went back to my parents' house where I opened gifts and blew out of the candles on my Harry Potter birthday cake.

I received so many sweet and thoughtful gifts. My grandma bought me the Diane von Furstenberg scarf I've been lusting after, and my parents surprised me with a digital camera! I broke my old one back in April and am always talking about replacing it. It was such a lovely gift!

On Monday, we celebrated my and another coworker's birthday by eating lunch at Panera. One of my very creative coworkers made cookies that looked like us- too adorable for words.

Today, my real birthday, I took the day off work (PTO- you still awe and amaze me) and was able to sleep in until 8:45. My mum came and picked me up at 9:30 for a day of shopping.

I also received a very special birthday gift from my aunt and uncle- a Kate Spade travel bag!!!! How fantastic this will be for my upcoming trip to San Francisco!

My mom and I spent almost six hours in our favorite shops and stores and enjoyed a fantastic lunch at J. Alexander's. I ordered a steak burger. It was delicious.

I made my mom retell the story of my birth.

"So what did you do when your water broke?" I asked her.

"I called grandma, and then we went to the hospital."

"What did you tell her? What did she say?" I probed.

"I said, 'My water just broke. Will you please come over and watch Joel while we go to the hospital?' And Grandma said, 'Yes.'"

Thrilling stuff, I know.

This evening, I went out to dinner with Ben and Megan. We tried out a new (to us) restaurant in Over-the-Rhine called Senate. The restaurant is famous for their gourmet hotdogs, and oh man, they did not disappoint!

We had fancy cocktails with our fancy hotdogs. My hotdog featured goat cheese, bacon, and balsamic vinaigrette among other things. It was insanely delicious.

Of course, as Ben and Megan were paying, I clumsily knocked over a glass of water.

The water spilled ALL OVER Ben's wallet, phone, and lap. And I broke the glass. The manager and our waiter were over to our table in about three seconds, so kindly trying to clean up my mess as I laughed hysterically and snorted.

Classy.

After dinner, we ventured to Taste of Belgium, where we each had coffee drinks and Belgian Chocolate Mousse. It was the best dessert I've eaten in 2012. SERIOUSLY. It was.

And it was pretty.

After dessert, Megan and I walked over to Fountain Square to watch the ice skaters and Cincinnati's Crosstown Shootout (the big UC versus Xavier basketball game- UC won! Yay!) on the jumbo screen.

It was a really special 23rd birthday, and as usual, it was a day to appreciate what wonderful friends and family I've been blessed with.

I am currently compiling a list of 23 Goals for my 23rd year. I cannot wait to share it with you all once it's complete!

Oh, and thank you, Mom, for birthing me on that cold, December night...23 years ago :)

Bad Blogger, Busy December

Quite obviously, I have been a terrible blogger this month!

I have been dealing with a stressful ordeal (no worries- nothing serious but something very time-consuming that hopefully I'll be able to blog about soon) and taking care of that issue in addition to all of December's events- gosh, this poor blog has been neglected in the process! 

Let me attempt to catch you all up on my life these past few weeks. 

I have realized yet again how blessed I am to have such amazing parents. I have a mom who is able to stay cool as a cucumber during any sort of crisis (or what I think is a crisis) situation (probably why she is such an incredible nurse!), and two parents who do whatever they can to make my life easier. 

They also make the best St. Nick's Day stockings (Cincinnati art, fun wine stoppers, Chipotle gift card...amazing!) and buy me cases of Vitamin Water when they're at Sam's Club.

I have loved receiving Christmas cards, especially those from blog friends. I am so thankful to have made some very special friends through Blogger!

I bought this fabulous coat from Modcloth during their 25% off outerwear sale. Look at that bow- speechless!

I went to Ben's work holiday party with him this past week. It was a lot of fun, and on our way home, we noticed that the nearby conservatory's live nativity was open! It was later in the night so we were just about the only visitors! We were even able to pet the sheep :) 

Work has been a total blast this month. I had an unreal Secret Santa who gave me such thoughtful gifts- a William and Kate trinket box, cozy Christmas slippers, Reese's Cups, wine glasses, a bottle opener, a book by one of my favorite authors, and a stuffed animal of the Target dog?! Just brilliant.

One of my coworkers made me a Hogwarts acceptance letter as an early birthday gift. There are really just no words for how cool this is! I am going to frame it on my desk. 

Speaking of Hogwarts, I had a Harry Potter themed birthday party last night! No one really dressed up (lame), but it was still a fun time. Jill gave me gorgeous long locks and glittery gold makeup. She is truly the Cinna to my Katniss. 

Morning after

This morning, I woke up to my Michael Bublé "Let it Snow" ringtone going off.

"Hi Jenna! What are you doing?" my dad's cheerful voice said.

"I am sleeping!" I replied.

"Well, it's 11:30. So get up so we can go to lunch!"

So 45 minutes later, my dad arrived to pick me up. We went to a great Asian restaurant where we split egg rolls and both ordered Pad Thai (shrimp on his, chicken on mine). We had one of our wonderful life-chats and started to plan our Christmas Day brunch. 

Whenever Rachel gets back from wherever she's gone (Rachel- where ARE YOU?), we are going to get our nails done.

I have a holiday party at my coworker's house tonight, which I am so excited for.

Four days until my 23rd birthday and a mere ten until Christmas! 

Oh December- how you fly by!

Christmas Traditions

Christmas is somehow a mere two weeks away.

As usual, I have no idea how the holiday season manages to fly by so quickly. I feel like we only just put our tree up (which we decorated before Thanksgiving), and now Christmas is only fourteen days out? Crazy!

Since the (albeit brief) falling snow yesterday evening, some Bing Crosby, and Christmas specials finally managed to get me into the Christmas spirit, I am in the mood to share some of my family's most favorite holiday traditions tonight!

My favorite day of the entire year is Christmas Eve. 

On that day, my parents and I (and sometimes my brothers) visit the Krohn Conservatory's holiday display. The Krohn Conservatory features beautiful poinsettias, a breathtaking train display featuring Cincinnati, and even a live nativity outside.

That evening, my immediate family attends mass. I remember how long I used to think Christmas Eve mass was when I was little- it seemed to drag on for an eternity!

After church, we drive around and view all of our favorite light displays. 

Then, once we arrive home, we begin our Christmas Eve FEAST.

Our feast doesn't feature an elegant ham or perfectly mashed potatoes. Instead, we enjoy all of our favorite appetizers from chicken wings to White Castles! We put on a Christmas movie and all relax in our most comfortable clothes while sipping from our glass bottles of Coke. It is so wonderfully laid back and peaceful.

The next morning, we usually wake up pretty early to open gifts before venturing off to my mom's side's Christmas brunch celebration.

This year though, we are not getting together with my mum's side. My cousin is getting married a few days after Christmas, and we will all get to see one another then :) My mom is one of 10 kids, and there are 30+ grandkids (in addition to numerous husbands, wives, significant others, bebes). It's a lot of people to round together! 

My dad and I have taken it upon ourselves to organize a nice brunch for our immediate family this year. We will all sleep in late and then take out time opening gifts. It should actually be a really nice morning in comparison to our normal hustle and bustle!

Christmas evening, my family heads out to Indiana where my grandma and grandpa live.

There we eat an incredible Christmas dinner (ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, etc...yum) before going down to the basement where my grandparents have the most impressive display of gifts beneath their decades old tree. 

Each year, we attempt to open "one at a time," but that only works for about 7 minutes or so.

While we are opening gifts (and especially after!), we drink hot cider and eat every kind of the dozen different cookies my grandma bakes. It's so cozy and delightful.

Sigh. 

:)

What are your favorite holiday traditions? Does your family do anything out of the ordinary?

Monday Musings and Happenings

Today has been yet another magnificent Monday!

I had a blast last night at the Cincinnati Zoo's Festival of Lights with my "little sister." I think my favorite parts were the beautiful lights, Santa's reindeer, and a very playful manatee! :)

I arrived at my cube this morning to a beautifully wrapped present from my fantastic Secret Santa. Inside was a hardback copy of Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer. Kingsolver is one of my most favorite authors- how did my SS know? This Kris Kringle of mine is good, I tell you.

On my drive home from work, it began to snow. I turned on Bing Crosby, and for the first time, it finally felt like Christmastime. It was magical. 

I've discovered that singing "I Dreamed A Dream" at the top of my lungs and without holding anything back is extremely therapeutic. I absolutely love the drama of the song. My favorite part- "He took my childhood in his stride, but he was gone when autumn came."

Not that that has ever happened to me. But the emotions in those words? Goodness.

I had two packages waiting when I arrived at my parents' house. I received my December Birchbox (including a chevron nail file! Oooh la la!) and a shipment from Amazon. I ordered this amazing picture book titled Paris in Color and a DVD of "Rick Steves' European Christmas." I can finally watch my favorite Christmas movie on a TV instead of my Macbook!

Michael Bublé's Christmas special is on NBC at 10PM tonight, and I can hardly wait. My mum and I are going to drink wine and enjoy it together.

Oh, and I get to spend time with this little one- one of the best eye rollers in all the world. Behind my dear Libby, that is ;)

Happy Monday! I hope everyone else had just as nice of a day!

Tis the season?

This week, Cincinnati has been unseasonably warm.

As in 70 degrees. In December.

The weather outside in addition to some personal issues have me feeling like it's anytime but the most magical part of the year!

Rachel and I have hung up our stockings by the chimney with care. Our Christmas tree with pink lights is standing fabulously in the corner. I have a beautiful wreath above my bed.

But still- I am having a hard time getting into the spirit.

I just might be contemplating being dramatic and playing Faith Hill's "Where Are You Christmas" while eating candy canes.

BLAH- someone get me feeling Christmasy ASAP!

A marvelous Monday!

When my 6:30AM alarm goes off on Monday mornings, I'll admit- my expectations for the day ahead are pretty low.

Today though, Monday surprised me in very pleasant ways!

When I arrived at my cube at 7:36AM, there was a glittery gift bag on my desk. My Secret Santa had hit!

And guess what my SS got me?

A WILLIAM AND KATE TRINKET BOX!!!!!!!!!

I literally gasped with sheer joy and amazement. I have the best Secret Santa ever.

At approximately 11AM, one of my blogging besties send me this simple email, "KATE IS PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I was literally shaking as I navigated over to CNN to confirm the news.

A ROYAL BABY!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEK!

William and Kate are going to make absolutely wonderful parents and that bebe is going to be crazy adorable!

So anyway. 

After that life-changing event, my landlord texted Rachel and me to say that we were getting a new hot water heater the next morning. We are going to have hot water in the kitchen again! No more boiling a kettle of water in order to wash a pan!

It should be noted that we've been dealing with this inconvenience for two months now, but that's neither here nor there.

The rest of my work day flew by! I think the highlight of my day was enjoying the delicious peppermint bark that my coworker made. It was simply divine. 

After work, I went to my final fitting for my bridesmaid dress. It fits beautifully, and I feel comfortable and pretty while wearing it. I am so excited for my cousin's wedding in a mere three weeks!

I then went on a mini shopping spree at Bath & Body Works where I purchased holiday hand soaps, a balsam-scented wall flower, and one of their aromatherapy candles. I also made a (not so) brief stop in Target where I found my own Secret Santa a few fun gift items.

I finally arrived home at 8:30PM. I got a few loads of laundry done, ordered some Christmas gifts, and now I am drinking a cup of tea and winding down for the night.

Monday- you've truly outdone yourself.

Maybe you aren't such an awful day.

"Could I please talk to the guy you're working with?"

Yesterday evening, Rachel and I were taking an evening walk downtown.

"I'm so hungry, but I don't want to pick up food that will get cold," I sighed as we passed by places such as Panera and Chipotle. We still had a good two miles to trek before we were to arrive home, and I imagined soup or a burrito just wouldn't be quite so delicious when not served steaming hot.

"How about sushi?" Rachel suggested.

Perfect!

We stopped into a great sushi place where you choose all of the ingredients and create your own roll. The guy working the sushi bar was incredibly friendly and kind. He inquired how our day was going and made pleasant small talk as he prepared my roll.

"He was pretty cute, wasn't he?" I said to Rachel once we had exited the sushi place.

"He was!" She enthusiastically agreed. "Jenna-why don't you call the place and ask him to come out with us tonight?!"

"Well...okay! I'll do it!"

Once we arrived home, I looked up the restaurant's number and nervously pressed the "call" button on Rachel's phone (God forbid MY number be associated with this sort of thing).

When a girl answered the restaurant's phone, I timidly said, "Hi! This is going to sound really weird, but could I please talk to the guy you're working with?"

"Uh," she replied, "John*? He's taking the trash out. One second."

"Hi. This is John." The sushi guy said professionally a few moments later.

"Hi! This is Jenna. I was just in there with my friend, Rachel. We were the girls on a walk? I think you seem really nice, and I was just wondering if you'd like to come out with us tonight."

"Yeah! Sure! That sounds great," he said cheerfully. "Where are you guys going?"

"Japps!"

"I love Japps! Hey, I would take down your number, but my hands are kind of full...would it be okay if you wrote mine down and texted me from yours?"

"Of course." Using a dry eraser marker, I quickly jotted down John's number and promised to text him.

True to his word, John met up with Rachel and me at the bar later that night. He bought me a gin and tonic, and we had a great conversation.

Truthfully, I don't think there were any exciting sparks or chemistry between the two of us, but I'm happy to have made a new friend. John was an awesome person, and it was fun getting to know him.

Sometimes, life does come close to a "Sex and the City" episode.

Now if only I could meet my Harry Goldenblatt and have the checking account possible to afford Louboutins.

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Someday.

*Not his real name

Fun Fact of the Day!

Okay, I am about to share with you all a totally awesome and cool fun fact.

Earlier this week, I discovered that I am the ONLY Jenna in my entire company!

My company employs over one thousand people and has locations all over the globe.

But I am the one, sole, and only Jenna.

And that makes me feel incredibly special.