Balance

Tomorrow will mark the first day of October.

It will also be the first day I hang up my William and Kate wall calendar in my office cube (as I gradually expose my coworkers to my anglophilia). 

But anyway.

September was a wonderful month for me.

With the beginning of my career, I've felt my life ease back into balance.

I love having such a set routine (maybe it's the German in me?). Monday through Friday, I work from 8AM-4:30PM. Then, I go exercise in the company's gym for an hour and am still able to arrive home before 6PM. I am generally in bed by midnight and ready to go again the next morning.

On Saturdays, I am still maintaining my front desk job at the salon. For now, it doesn't feel like too much, but we'll see how it goes.

Sunday, I have decided, will be a day of rest. I am letting myself sleep in until my heart's desire and hope to wear Gap lounge pants for the majority of the day. I shall read chick lit and peruse my favorite online shopping sites. I will spend time on Pinterest planning my dream wedding and lay on the couch watching SATC episodes.

One of the biggest things I've changed about my life, though doesn't have to do with routine or a set schedule.

I have finally learned how to live in the moment and stop wasting time worrying about the next hour, the next day, the next month, etc. When I am at work, I think of my job tasks. At lunch, I concentrate on the conversation or book I'm immersed in. In the evenings, I enjoy being at home.

Being completely involved in the moment has really brought a certain sense of calm to my life and has contributed to that balance.

Goodbye, September! I have a feeling October is going to be an even better month!

And I suppose I should get to thinking about my Halloween costume...

Career Woman

Well!

I've survived the first two days of my job, and I am feeling awesome!

Career Jenna!

Here are my most favorite things.

• Close commute- only a fifteen minute drive!
• Nice coworkers. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming to me. They are always willing to answer my questions and even make sure I have someone to eat lunch with. 
• Free lunch. 
• Free fountain soda machines! They have just about every pop I like (and diet pops, too...thank gosh)! They even provide us with free coffee and hot tea all day, as well. Essentially, you could never be thirsty at work.
• I have a cube. I am weirdly obsessed with my cube and everything in it. I sort of freaked out the first time my phone rang, but I am feeling muuuuch more confident now. I also cannot wait to decorate- I am going to have the cutest cube on the floor (yes, I know I am probably the only person who cares)!
• I am allowed to wear leggings to work. Seriously. I am.
• Flexible hours. I am working 8AM-4:30PM, and I love getting home so early!
• Free onsite gym with fitness classes! I have Zumba tomorrow at 5PM :)

I think my new job is fantastic. I can't wait to get past all of the reading and paperwork and get started on actual tasks!

The only downside?

I took a horrible company photo and now have to wear it on a badge that hangs from a lanyard around my neck all day.

Sigh.

Tomorrow is the day!

It is 11:28PM.

I have my work bag all packed, my outfit chosen (which I will probably change my mind about in the morning and then proceed to freak out as I try on numerous other outfit combinations), and my alarm set.

I am feeling awfully reflective tonight on the eve of my launch into the adult, working world.

That probably sounds overly dramatic, but I wanted to write a post that I can look back on years later and see exactly who I was and how I felt at this moment in time.

Feeling: A little anxious. I don't know what to expect on my first day, and I hope my coworkers like me. Mostly though, I am very excited to meet everyone and begin my job. I am also looking forward to having routine back in my life.

Listening to: Michael Bublé's "Put Your Head On My Shoulder." Sigh.

Wearing: My new Gap Body purple lounge pants (soooooo insanely soft and comfortable) and a Notre Dame tshirt.

Relationship Status: Totally and utterly single. So typical.

Favorite...
TV Show? Modern Family
Movie? Love Actually or While You Were Sleeping
Food? Graeter's Toffee Chip Ice Cream (and of course, I'm always one to enjoy a good steak)
Store? Target
Author? Sophie Kinsella
Brand? Kate Spade
Signature Scent: Marc Jacobs Daisy or Coach Poppy

Living: With Rachel in a two bedroom apartment! There is currently a weird smell in our entry hallway, and Ben's dining room table has been abandoned at the bottom of the stairs until two strong men are in the vicinity and can move it.

Phone: iPhone 4. The iPhone 5 came out just a few days ago- I am two models behind!

Goals: Do well at my job. Exercise more often. Finish my novel by next spring!

Well then.

This post turned into a weird time capsule of sorts.

Here is hoping that tomorrow is amazing!

I know I'll be carrying around my St. Jude prayer card just for extra measure :)

A day out with mon père

On Monday, I will officially be a career woman (or so I'd like to think).

Today? I was just a girl with my dad.

We started our day at the outlet malls north of Cincinnati. I did VERY well at Ann Taylor Loft and the Gap and now feel as though I have a fantastic work wardrobe!

Ann Taylor Loft was especially helpful for me in that they had put together really pretty outfits on their mannequins. I ended up purchasing skirts and sweaters I would have never looked at otherwise.

After the outlet malls, my dad and I dined at P.F. Chang's.

We ordered lettuce wraps as our appetizer, and mid conversation, an especially long and undercooked (i.e. hard) noodle got stuck in my throat.

I began choking and almost vommed on the table before I was able to dislodge it while my dad was totally freaking out.

Classy!!!

As mortifying (and scary for my dad) as it had been, we couldn't stop laughing about it the rest of the afternoon. The time I choked on a lettuce wrap- hilarious.

After lunch, the two of us went to one of our favorite stores- Barnes & Noble. There, my dad bought me a beautiful leather notebook for work, and a novel called A Short History of Women, which I think will be an excellent read!

"Do you care if we stop by an antique store?" he asked, as we headed home.

"I don't mind!" I replied.

The antique store was incredible. There was gorgeous artwork on all of the walls and everything was so neat and organized.

While my dad went off in search of antique golf clubs, I rummaged through pairs of Blahniks and vintage handbags.

One handbag in particular caught my eye. It was a black leather bag with impressive gold hardware. The label read: Ottobre 1928.

I didn't recognize the brand and moved on to a different part of the shop. I kept thinking of that bag though and how beautiful it was. I got out my phone and googled "Ottobre 1928."

Then, my stomach dropped.

It was Hermès. 

HERMÈS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And the price tag was only $39!

I was absolutely giddy taking that handbag up to the register. I seriously could hardly breath.

It's okay if you're thinking I'm materialistic right now. Because I totally am.

So! What do you think of my new Hermès bag? ;)

Sigh. I'm in love.

Out of It

Do you ever have those days when you just wake up and feel...out of it?

Last night, I stayed at my parents house since my car is being worked on at the mechanic up the street. I stayed up waaay too late watching addictive TLC shows such as "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" and "Breaking Amish" all while texting Libby about how disturbing yet fascinating this television truly was.

By the time I went to bed (well after 2AM), I discovered that my little brother had so sweetly taken my comforter to his own room. All of the heavier blankets are located in the bedrooms and since I didn't want to wake anyone up, I sadly took a Christmas fleece blanket from the hall closet and chose to freeze all night.

"What are you doing awake?" my mom asked as I crankily emerged from my bedroom at 7:43AM, my lips probably blue and surely on the brink of hypothermia.

"I AM SO COLD." I replied, taking Ellie with me into the guest room and hunkering down under a legitimate comforter. Thanks be to God.

When I woke up later on that morning, I was appalled to see that it was 12:30PM.

It was almost 1PM? Saaay what?!

In the mere 3.5 hours I've been awake and functioning, I've felt totally out of it and groggy.

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The overcast day and constant headache I've been having probably aren't helping matters.

Mehhhh.

In more optimistic news, my dad is taking me out for a day of shopping tomorrow!

Now THAT is something that will snap me right back into things! Surely.

Oh, and Amy Poehler is a guest on Ellen today.

If you hear a weird sound between the hours of 4 and 5, it is probably me laughing hysterically here in Cincinnati.

The dinner party with no table

Last night, Rachel, Ben, and I hosted our three sets of parents over for dinner.

Rachel made an excellent salad. Ben cooked a mouth-watering pasta with garlic bread, and I was in charge of the dessert.

I decided to be healthy (shocking) and put together fruit kabobs with white chocolate drizzled over top.

Since Rachel and I have a small, round table in our kitchen, Ben volunteered to bring over his dining room table, a gorgeous oak piece he constructed himself.

It is très impressive, I must admit.

Right at 6:30 as our parents began to arrive, Ben walked through the door sans table.

"It doesn't fit up the stairwell." He explained, perspiration on his brow and an exhausted look spread across his face.

We would just have to host our dinner party without a dining room table!

We ended up seating the parents around our round, kitchen table while Ben, Rachel, and I huddled around the coffee table and a small wrought iron table from the balcony.

It was very makeshift but definitely did its job!

I tried taking this photo of everyone but accidentally cut out Ben's mom and Rachel's stepdad. My iPhone camera lens was acting up and regrettably, this is the picture I was left with.

Everyone had SUCH a fun time.

As in I slept until 11:30AM this morning kind of fun.

On a side note, my mum even brought me mums despite the fact that I killed the ones she gifted me with last year.

I guess she has decided to give me a second chance at flower-parenting!

When the President came to my neighborhood

...I didn't get to see him.

:(

At this very moment, President Obama is about five minutes away from my apartment making a speech at an outdoor pavilion.

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While I wasn't able to get tickets for the event, I figured I could still walk over and try to get as close as possible. I thought it would be neat just to hear him talking and the crowds cheering, even if I couldn't see anything.

My ideal spot was this gorgeous lake by my apartment, but I was dismayed to see it blocked off with caution tape! There were intimidating police officers patrolling the sidewalks around the lake.

Undeterred, I continued walking towards the pavilion, but was quickly met by more caution tape, road blocks, and security personnel.

I dejectedly trekked back home, feeling like a loser.

So now I am sitting in my kitchen writing this blog post instead of being perched on a park bench or even traffic curb listening to the President speak.

I may have even entertained a fantasy of the motorcade passing by and President Obama shouting out, "Those are great shoes you have on!"

Sometimes life is not as glamorous as one may hope it to be.

Ellie's Vlog

This is Ellie.

She isn't the best at catching things, but I do hope she's as cute as you always imagined her to be.

And that you aren't currently thinking, "Oh my God. Jenna's voice is beyond creepy and weird."

PS I am unsure if this video will work. If it doesn't, please accept my sincerest of apologies.

Anyway.

Happy Saturday, bloggers! :)

Mundane (but Marvelous) Thursday

Yesterday, I woke up in the best mood. 

I didn't have hours of job searching or applications in front of me. I was done stressing out about the unknown future, and the relief was almost palpable.

Palpable is a dramatic word choice, I know.

I sat down and caught up on some of your wonderful blogs before putting on a cute outfit and heading to my favorite mall.

Dad, you'll be happy to know I didn't go crazy shopping.

Far from it, actually. 

Bu back to more important matters.

My cute outfit consisted of my red Torys, leggings (obviously), an oversized Gap shirt, a blue scarf, and my most favorite fascinator. It's so big that it hits the ceiling of my car and makes driving a bit difficult. Anything for fashion though, right?

I was stopped several times in the mall and complimented on my head piece. 

When the Gap employee told me that I reminded her of Kate Middleton, I just about swooned. Ultimate compliment.

When I stopped into Godiva for my free truffle of the month, I was informed that they were having a "Buy three truffles, get one free" sale so I gladly took advantage of that. I received five truffles for the price of three.

Win.

I also scored at Yankee Candle where I had a coupon for "buy one, get one free" and ended up with two large candles- one Spiced Pumpkin and one Vanilla Cupcake.

Divine, divine.

I cleaned the apartment for a bit when I arrived home, and by the time I looked at my clock, it was after five and time for dinner.

I was so busy that day, I had forgotten to eat lunch.

I NEVER forget to eat meals. EVER.

So I suppose there's a first for everything!

On an unrelated note, I love this Apple background for autumn.

Weather, please drop down to the 60s ASAP.

I spent the remainder of my night reading Jennifer Weiner's Good in Bed (fantastic) and drinking refreshing cucumber water (...okay. And maybe eating several Hershey Hugs).

It was most definitely a lovely Thursday.

BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!

I AM EMPLOYED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wanted to somehow break the news in a clever or witty way, but it's just too exciting to announce in any manner other than bolded capital letters.

Remember the interview I had last Wednesday?

The company said I would hear back in two weeks, but instead, I got a VERY exciting call yesterday afternoon (only one week later!).

I literally wanted to cry I was just so happy and relieved. It was one of the best moments of my life getting to call my mom and tell her the news.

This position is one I really wanted. The company is fantastic, and the people I interviewed with were all incredibly kind and welcoming.

I think the work will be challenging and rewarding, and I cannot wait to begin.

Last night, I went home for a bit, and my mom served celebratory mimosas with our dinner. My dad also had a serious discussion with me about the dreaded "B" word.

Budget.

But anyways!

Ben, Rachel, and I celebrated last night with a bottle of champagne, as well. Unfortunately, Ben didn't open the bottle quite so smoothly and ended up with half of its contents all over himself.

I still cannot believe I have a B.A. in English and a career.

I just feel so incredibly blessed and fortunate.

So! What should I buy myself as a congratulatory gift?

Kidding, Dad! :)

Maybe.

The perfect red cap

Monday night, Rachel and I stopped by Old Navy.

I had $10.00 in Old Navy cash, and I was prepared to spend it.

I came out of ON with a pair of workout capris and an absolutely gorgeous cap.

I adored it so much, I insisted on wearing my cape and new cap out to dinner.

It may have been a bit too warm for the whole ensemble, but I wore my autumn outfit anyway.

"I feel like I just crossed the Atlantic!" Ben exclaimed upon seeing my decidedly British-esque ensemble.

What a compliment! Just call me Duchess Jenna, if you please.

Okay, Autumn. I'm really ready for your cool temperatures.

I have great outfits to wear!

Never Forget

I can still remember the way my sixth grade teacher's face fell as another faculty member whispered the news of 9/11 into her ear. She turned pale, and I knew right away- something was really wrong.

I'll never forget sitting in my family room that afternoon. The weather was perfect, the kind of temperature and sunshine that September is known for. I was too afraid to go outside though, and I couldn't stop looking at the horrifying images that were flashing across my TV screen.

At the age of eleven, I just couldn't comprehend how many innocent people had been killed. I couldn't understand how so many people had simply gone to work or traveled on an airplane and were now dead because of these mundane actions.

Mostly, I could not understand how a group of people could harvest so much hatred towards a nation that they will willing to murder hundreds of innocent civilians.

"Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.'"
President George W. Bush September 11, 2001

Thinking of and praying for all of the victims of 9/11 and their families and friends today.

The Habitual Singleton

I am single.

I am almost always single.

I am a habitual singleton.

My last long-term relationship was in high school and ended with my first love saying, "Jenna? I'm gay."

On the upside, my first love became my best friend, but on the downside? I think this was the beginning of my misfortune in the game of love.

Since the infamous "I'm gay" proclamation, I've only had flings and short relationships. It's as though I'm cursed.

I am not asking for Hugh Jackman to appear on my doorstep, holding an American Express card and smiling, "Hello beautiful. How about we go shopping? We can go crazy at Target and then head to Nordstrom. Oh, and let's stop at Starbucks in-between and grab some PSLs."

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Okay. So I'm not asking for that, but it would be pretty fantastic.

Anyway.

About a year ago, a friend (who I shall keep anonymous...see? I can be discrete!) and I penned this list of the "perfect" man. I've added some of my own personal criteria.

PERFECT MAN

• Worldly or has an interest in traveling
• Will watch Love Actually with me
• Has sister or is close to his mom
• Equally (or more) intelligent
• Not obsessed with money
• White teeth
• Motivated
• Great cook to make up for my poor kitchen skills
• Passionate about something
• Catholic (though would be happy with any sort of spiritual belief)
• Gets along well with friends and family
• At least one inch taller
• Good at what he does for a living
• Tans well in the summer
• Tolerates my shopping habits

Really now, is that so much to ask for? :)

Coffee maker suggestions, please?

I am currently in the market for a new coffee maker.

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My parents have never been big coffee drinkers themselves and still use the coffee maker they received as a wedding gift over twenty-five years ago. Subsequently, I have no coffee maker buying guidance.

Help!

Soo Rachel and I don't really want a Keurig. We think they are totally fantastic, but we are girls who are not satisfied with one cup of coffee in the morning.

We require more caffeine to get ourselves moving!

Besides that, we feel adverse to any machine that requires the purchasing of K-cups.

As for price range, I am really open to anything under $100.

Any suggestions for me? Merci!

Happy birthday to my big brother!

Today is my older brother's 26th birthday.

Joel is a little more than three years older than me and has always been the best big brother any girl could hope for.

For the first 4-5 years of my existence, I would follow Joel around and confirm every thought and action with him.

Someone could ask me what color eyes I had, and I'd respond, "Green...right, Joel?"

Everything ended with, "...right, Joel?"

After Joel celebrated his First Communion at the tender age of eight, my mom took the two of us to the local toy store so that Joel could choose something to buy with his gift money.

Not only did he buy himself a toy, he also bought me the doll I had been wanting.

When Joel was a senior in high school, and I was an awkward-looking freshman, he and his friends always said "hello" and talked to me at sporting events and made me feel ooohh so cool.

Today, despite Joel's very busy work schedule, he still continues to watch out for me. He will call me out of the blue and treat me to dinner. He is always there to give wonderful "real world" advice.

Happy birthday, Joel! I love you, and I'm very happy that you're my big brother!

The Inaugural PSL

Much like one of my blogging besties, Claire, I am unapologetically and irrevocably in love with the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Perfection.

This afternoon, I had to pop into Target for a few necessary items (as in red earrings for the first UC football game tonight and a loofah) and glided into the in-store Starbucks on my way out.

"I'll have a PSL." I told the barista excitedly. "It's my very first of the season."

She gave me a half-hearted smile and feigned enthusiasm.

I must admit, carrying that toasty PSL in my hand as I walked through the scorching heat to my car was not exactly pleasurable, but once I got into my Camry and cranked the AC...all was well again.

My first PSL was pretty great. It definitely wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was wonderful nonetheless.

I didn't skimp on anything, and there was nothing light or skinny about it.

Full milk, whipped cream on top.

Amazing.

Who else out there is a PSL-addict?

On an unrelated note, when I Googled-Image searched for photots of the "PSL," some rifle kept coming up.

What the heck?

I just wanted a picture of an innocent pumpkin drink!

Wish me luck!

This afternoon, I will be interviewing for a position I am really interested in.

I am very nervous but mostly looking forward to the interview.

Ben and Rachel, my Business World best friends, quizzed me mercilessly last night on situational questions and business etiquette.

Did you know you're never supposed to cross your legs in an interview?

I didn't.

I felt as though I was Katniss, and they were my prep team. Aren't interviews just as daunting as the Hunger Games?

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I went to bed last night and dreamed of terrible scenarios such as getting lost on my way to the company, oversleeping (now this would just be pathetic seeing as it's an afternoon interview), and one particularly bizarre dream in which a park ranger showed up to my interview, saying that her parents ran a state park in New York, and they had sent her down to hire me.

Seriously? I am such an indoors kind of girl!

Anyways.

I was making breakfast this morning after that less-than-restful night of sleep when I stepped on something.

A single 2012 penny.

My family believes in "Pennies from Heaven." Whenever we find a penny, we think this is a special moment when either my grandma or grandpa is thinking of us.

I couldn't believe I had found the most perfect penny in a time when I needed it the most.

So now, with my shiny penny in my pocket, I am going to go into that interview with confidence.

Wish me luck!

My Autumn Resolutions

Despite the hot temperatures and unbearable humidity still present in Cincinnati, with the end of Labor Day, it feels as though summer has officially ended.

Autumn has always felt like a fresh start for me, undeniably because it has signified the beginning of a new school year in years past. 

I generally prefer making "Autumn Resolutions" rather than ones of the New Year variety, and this year is no exception.

Jenna's 2012 Autumn Resolutions

1. Only eat when I am hungry. Eat until I am satisfied, not obscenely full. Oh, and stop thinking about food 24/7. Seriously. Stop.

I dream of chocolate.

2. Drink eight glasses of water every day. Buy a cute water bottle to make this resolution more fun.

Ah. So refreshing!

3. Stay positive. There is too much negativity in the world and no need for any more pessimists.

4. Write every, single day. It doesn't matter if it is blogging or working on my novel. Just keep the creativity flowing!

The best chick-lit writer EVER (in my so humble opinion), Sophie Kinsella!

5. Get a pedicure once a month. Wearing flats and flip flops continuously is really hurting my poor feet! They deserve a little TLC every now and then!

6. Early to bed, early to rise. Self-explanatory. 

7. Make more time to read classic novels. Chick-lit is absolutely wonderful but mix it up occasionally with some of the most time-honored authors out there! 

Lovely.

8. Love myself. Be self-confident and self-assured.

Does anyone else make "Autumn Resolutions"? What are you wanting to change up?

No raining on this parade!

Please excuse the lame title of this post.

I am happy to report that Rachel and my "adult" Labor Day cookout was quite a success last night!

Ben did an excellent job grilling the burgers and hotdogs for us. He sat at that grill as vigilant as if he were watching over the Crown Jewels. No fires were started, and not a single piece of meat was burned. Très impressive, n'est-ce pas?

All of our other side dishes turned out wonderfully, and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Rachel and I even managed to have perfectly coordinated outfits.

Just as predicted, the rain from Hurricane Isaac hit Cincinnati hard last night (and this morning, and this afternoon, and will this evening...). While the fireworks show was not canceled, most of us didn't feel like breaking out our umbrellas and braving the weather to watch.

Instead, we turned on one of the local network's broadcast of the fireworks show. We flipped off all of the lights so all we could see were the fireworks on TV and the different candles illuminated around our apartment. Then, we opened our porch doors so that we could hear the fireworks as they burst over the Ohio River.

It was such a cool experience and honestly neater than watching the show in person.

Today, I am spending the afternoon relaxing at my parents' house, eating delicious foods (before I start my new healthy autumn lifestyle tomorrow- more on that later) and getting to hang out with Miss Eleanor May.

Why can't every Monday be spent like this?

We're having an adult party.

This evening, Rachel and I are hosting a Labor Day cookout at our apartment.

We feel quite mature in that we are finally progressing beyond our college days of merely providing chips and possibly a dip (although that's pushing it) for our guests and have purchased a full meal for our friends.

Hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, and a veggie tray are just some of the items we have prepared for the evening's activities.

The posh and mature party hostesses.

This practically makes us adults.

Right? Right.

After our cookout, we plan on walking over to the park we live beside and watching Cincinnati's fireworks show.

Unfortunately, that obnoxious Hurricane Isaac is making his way up north, and torrential rain seems likely for the evening.

Either way, I am sure we will be having a fun Labor Day celebration!

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend with family and friends! Happy end of summer 2012!

Oh, hi September!!! I'm so excited you're here!

When I woke up this morning, I excitedly flipped back the page of my William and Kate wall calendar and basked in the glory of September 1st.

For me, September has always signified the end of summer and beginning of my favorite season, fall.

Pumpkin everything. Changing leaves. That crisp, clean autumn scent. Leggings and sweater dresses. Boots. Flats. Fall drinks from Starbucks. Cozy nights in. Holidays. Pea coats...!

Oh, yeah.

I can wear my favorite coat again!!!!

Sigh. The list is endless.

Here is hoping for a lovely autumn!

Hoping? What am I saying?

It is sure to be a lovely autumn!