So this is love

2 posts in one day. Lucky.

Vegas has been having some temperamental weather lately. Remember a couple posts ago when I complained about it being too warm for December? Well... things have recently changed. I have photographic proof.

Exhibit A:
Taken last Friday, the 12th, on my way to work. See that snowflake? That's my cars way of telling me, "baby, it's cold outside."


Exhibits B, C, D, and E:
Taken yesterday, Tuesday the 16th, also on my way to work. These are the mountains that surround the Las Vegas valley. Notice the snow in which they are covered.





Right now, December 17th at 2pm PST, it is snowing. In Las Vegas. This I do not have photographic evidence of, so you'll just have to take my word for it. Weather Bug is freaking out and keeps alerting me to weather alerts (who would have thought?). I wish I were home, snuggled up in a blanket w/ a cute boxer and a warm boyfriend. Too bad the drive home from work is going to ruin my happy winter wonderland thoughts.

Tribute

My babiest sister is 19 today. Nine. Teen. To me she will always be the chubby 3rd grader with "kidgy" cheeks and a knack for beating up boys. She is one of the most beautiful and intelligent people, inside and out, that I have ever known. She is so strong, mentally and morally, and I wholeheartedly look up to her. She always tells the truth and is never ashamed to stand up for what she believes in. I am so blessed and grateful to have her in my life. She is such a solid part of my foundation. She manages to stay grounded in the face of adversity and no matter the situation, always comes out on top. I am incredibly proud of her and look forward to continuing to watch her grow and mature.

An Update! With Pictures! And Words!

I guess it's about time I get to posting something of "use" around here. I have a tendency to write when I'm feeling down on my luck, but because my life has been so happy these past few years, I hardly write any more. It's a little sad. I thoroughly enjoy writing, but nothing of substance comes about when I'm content. Which I'm sure you've noticed, considering I've just written an entire paragraph full of fluff. I'm working on it.

The short:
Arizona
Halloween
Baby Shower
Dad Bday
Kristen/Ryan Bday
Andi 21 Bday
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving part deux

The long:
I went to Phoenix with my friend, Lauren, at the beginning of the month for her birthday. Did some shopping, met her family, hung out with some of her friends, and visited The Bori's and Jenna for an afternoon. I didn't take my camera, so the only pics I have are the ones that Lauren took, which were all on the night we went to Saddle Ranch.

Classy ladies wear glasses!


Apparently Arizona is covered in knee-deep mud. Mud that is invisible in the dark.


Halloween was a fun event, as usual. We did things a little differently this year. Tyler's little sister's best friend (you follow?) has an un-repaired cleft palette. We decided to have a fund raising Halloween party to get some money to put towards her much needed surgery. We had a pretty good turn out, and raised around $500. A very small drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps. Again, I was camera-less, so these are borrowed pictures.

Lovebirds.


My handsome Lt. Dangle (my claw got in the way)


The Ladies. Back to Front - Kathleen, Michelle, Freddy Krueger, Lee-Lu, Bee.


Blind Referee, Fred, Bee.


Co's baby shower was a hit. A lot of people = a lot of presents! It took her nearly 2 hours to open all of them. She is the cutest little pregnant lady I've ever seen and I can't WAIT for Kenley Rae to GET HERE ALREADY! (but not yet. wait till you're ripe, please)



My dad's birthday is on the 13th of November. It's one of the few times during the year that all of us get together. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures. My sisters and I got him a pay-as-you-go cell phone bc we hate never being able to get a hold of him. We also took him to Claim Jumper for a steak and lobster dinner, his favorite. It was a short visit, but it was time well spent.

Ryan (Courtney's husband) had a bday on the 19th, and Kristin had one on the 25th, so they joined forces and had a joint bday celebration. Dinner at Firefly, karaoke at Imperial Palace. All in all the night was fun, however, the DJ was kind of a jerk and only let people that tipped him sing. In the end I think only 2 people in our group of at least 20 got to get on stage. Oh well. Pictures!

Don't tell me to keep my mouth shut.


Crazy Pants.


Bday Girl.


Me, La, Co.


Me & Droopy Eyed McDrooperson.


Andrea's 21st birthday was on the 24th. As soon as the clock struck midnight on Sunday night (Monday morning) we were out on the town. Went to Green Valley Ranch for some live Irish music, then to Drop Bar where some of the people we were with partook in a little Hookah.

Tyler, Dre, Erik


Me & Neil


Andrea & Kris


On the actual day of her birthday Kris, Andi's boyfriend, got us a table at Prive in Planet Hollywood. I'm not into clubs and it was WAY expensive, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made in the name of 21st birthdays.

Andi and Cash, cashing another bottle.


Erik, Me, Neil.


Single for the night (tsk, tsk).


My dorky yet adorable boyfriend.


Sisters.


I took the entire week of Thanksgiving off of work. It consisted of a lot of late nights and crazy shenanigans, but I didn't get any pictures. Had Thursday Thanksgiving dinner with the Stewarts. I made green bean casserole and sweet potato souffle and I must say they were rather delicious. I was very proud of myself. The Sunday after Thanksgiving Tyler and I went to St. George with my mom, sisters and their boyfriends, for a Brinkerhoff Thanksgiving. Got to see family (and Jenna. Hi!) and eat some amazing food. It was the prefect ending to a perfect month!

Now December is upon us. I hosted my very first bridal shower today. It was stressful and nerve-racking, but turned out ok. Next weekend will involve a grad party and yet ANOTHER bday celebration, so stay tuned!

A Request of Sorts

Oh, hi December. Good to see you again.

No offense, but weren't you just here? I swear you just left, and now you're back again? Already? What happened to 2008?

And another question, if you don't mind: what is going on with your weather? Last time I checked, it's not supposed to be in the 70s in December.

Not to be rude, but can you go away for another month or two? I'm nowhere near ready for Christmas, and I was rather enjoying November's company.

Kthxbye.

xoxo,
Jenalyn

Miscellaneous Musings

Stop and go traffic is never fun. But it's worse in a stick-shift.

Every single day this week has felt like Friday. Now that it's finally here, I can't help but wonder where the week went.

I have all of next week off. Jealous?

I spent $200 at Target yesterday, and did not buy a single item of clothing (not even shoes!). This is both good and bad. Mama wants a new pair of shoes, but she doesn't need them.

My car registration expires this month. Oh well.

5 bdays this month. 1 down, 4 to go.

I get to partake in 2 Thanksgivings this year. I'm anticipating amazingness.

I have to make a green bean casserole for one of those Thanksgivings. Should be easy, but I'm nervous. Never been much of a cook.

Birthday numero dos takes place tonight. Firefly (the love of my life) and karaoke. Pictures to follow...

today is the day! will either be celebrating or drowning my sorrows. either way, i knew i should have requested tomorrow off.

The Vet Who Did Not Vet: A Cautionary Tale

I guess I'm "it"

From Kolbri... I really did not have an enjoyable HS experience. So i apologize for the boringness of this survey.


1. Did you date someone from your high school?:

eh, not specifically. I went to some dances with some randoms. My HS boyfriend went to a different school.

2. What kind of car did you drive?:

i had 2... the first was a forest green hyundai scoup that i got for my 16th bday. i blew that engine up tho (i guess that's what happens when you don't get the oil changed. who knew?). then i got a saturn sc2 or something...

3. What is your most embarrassing moment in high school?

I can't think of any off the top of my head. I was pretty much a major geek, and looking back i get embarrassed, but i don't recall any embarrassing times during HS.

4. Were you a party animal?

No... i went through a phase my junior year, but it ended as soon as i started dating JB my senior year... nothing too major (though i did get caught and grounded for it)

5. Where you considered a flirt?

oooh no. boys didnt like me.

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?:

none of the above.

7. Were you a nerd?

yesh... but not a smart one. just awkward and dorky.

8. Were you on any varsity teams?

nope.

9. Did you get suspended/expelled?

I got "in-house" once. For tardiness. Lame.

10. Can you still sing the fight song?

I never learned foothill's, but i can still sing basic's! again? lame!

11. Who were your favorite teachers?

i liked mr. jones @ basic... and at foothill mr. stanley.

12. Where did you sit during lunch?

at wendys, usually.

13. School Mascot?

falcons

14. Did you go to homecoming and with who?

i went to a few... the first one was my jr. year w/ alan norris. then i went to 2 my sr. year: foothill w/ aaron hefner and basic w/ JB. i can't say that i'm proud.

15. If you could go back and do it again, would you?

i had a lot of fun, and miss some of my friends. the only thing that would get me to go back would be the promise of seeing loren again.

16. What do you remember most about graduation?

that i just wanted to get it over with!

17. Where did you go senior skip day?

one year we went to state line and rode the rollercoasters. i think all the other years (you dont HAVE to be a senior to enjoy senior ditch day!) we just hung out at random people's houses.

18. Have you gained weight since then?

poo... yes

19. Who was your prom date?

JB

20. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?

probably not. i didn't really have any friends my age at foothill, they all went to basic. my fooshill friends were all younger than me.

21. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself?

um... dont ditch class so much and do your homework!

W is for Weekend

So, this weekend was fun. Friday I attended a baby shower for a childhood friend. It turned out to be quite the reunion. I saw people that were in the ward I grew up in. People I haven't seen in at least 12 years. I was told countless times that I was "unrecognizable." I took that as a compliment, considering my awkward adolescent years were insanely awkward. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from that soiree. I do, however, have some from Saturday night. Supper Club at Tim & Kathleen's, then Spazmatics at the South Point for Lauren's bday celebrations. I would say a good time was definitely had by all. Considering we didn't get home till 4:30, I don't think there's a more accurate way to put it!

Courtney, Me, Morgan


Kathleen, Courtney, Natalie, Me, Morgan, Lauren


Lauren, Me, Frank


Crazy Eyes, Natalie, Lauren


This one isn't from this weekend, It's at a wedding we went to last weekend.
Lauren & Me


Till next time...

Politics Shmolitics

I am posting this because this election year is something I care and worry deeply about. I am not going to allow comments. I don't want to open up that kind of "forum" here. I just can't watch and read some of the things I have without putting them out there in hopes that other people will watch and read and learn. I am not trying to sway anyone's opinion. A good friend passed on some good advice: "If you want to keep your friends, don't talk politics." So we won't talk about it. Just watch the video, and if you like, talk about it with your friends/family that share your views (there's less arguing to be done there).

And please let me add that the research I do comes from the most unbiased sources I can find (a lot of AP articles... Mostly pieces that just state facts, in one direction or the other, without really trying to sway people one way or the other. For every negative (and also positive) item I read or watch about McCain/Palin I do the same for Obama/Biden.

As a registered democrat I have always considered myself "non-partisan" ... I will base my vote on who I believe will be the best for not only this country, but for me and my middle class (currently non-existent, but not that way forever) family. We are in a mjor crisis RIGHTNOW. This very second. And we really need to get this country back on it's feet before we attempt to try to help other countries get on theirs. You know the old concept "You must love yourself before you can truly love another?" I think that same principle applies here. I am so proud and honored to live in this country. I would have it no other way (unless I end up moving to Canada in December, which has been considered). I want to afford my future children the same luxeries and liberties I was raised with. But sadly, at the rate we're going, I don't know if that will even be possible. And this scares me.

The video is kind of long (12 minutes!) and I'm not posting it to discount Palin's experience (although the McCain campaign are the ones that opened that can of worms (he who throws the first stone yadda yadda yadda)). I am posting it because, as you'll see in the video, she likens her experience to that of other VPs that have held office, which is not a very valid statement. At all.



Via: http://blip.tv/file/1287551

Cordially Invited

This whole Blogger thing has become a sickness for me. Do you know how many people have blogs? I have found childhood friends, high school crushes, and college buddies galore. It is kind of insane. And I think I may be addicted. Please don't ask me how much work I have accomplished since I was stricken with this illness.

I just googled myself. And as naughty as that sounds, I pretty much knew what to expect when I typed my name into the field. I won an award or two in high school for my journalistic and advertising abilities. It most definitely was not the first time I googled myself.

Mainly I was just checking to see if this little blog of mine would show up. In case one of those high school crushes had an inkling to see what I was up to these days (even though the majority of them are married now. I should know, I've seen all their blogs!)... So imagine my surprise when the SECOND item in the list is this little gem (and by little I mean HUGE bc it's in ALL CAPS)

JENALYN MCCALL and TYLER STEWART Wedding

JENALYN MCCALL and TYLER STEWART Wedding - Get all the information about the wedding for JENALYN MCCALL and TYLER STEWART Wedding. Purchase gifts from their ...

Go ahead. Head on over to google right now and type in my name. I'll wait.......

Newsflash: I am NOT getting married to Tyler Stewart (not yet). We are not engaged. Did you click the link? Did you see the date of this wedding? April 18, 2009. It's all a farce!

Back in August, maybe July, Tyler and I accompanied our recently engaged friends James and Lauren to a bridal convention. They have a lot of cool giveaways, and Ty and I were pawns in the couple's plan to win as many goodies as possible. At a lot of the vendor booths they had cards to fill out with bride and groom's names and "wedding date" that was then dropped into a fishbowl and yadda yadda yadda. Since we followed so closely behind Lauren and James we used our own names so as to avoid any suspicious glares from the booth workers. Well, it appears as though one of these vendors took it upon themselves to create a wedding webpage for us! And I can't delete it!

I am really rather embarrassed... Not that I am so concerned that people are going to google me on a regular basis and see this monstrosity, but! BUT! It's the principal! If you search Tyler's name it doesn't come up (not on the first page, anyway). Why would they do this to me?

Please! Everyone (all 2 of you that actually read this thing)! Spread the word that google is making up nasty, ugly rumors about me! And not to believe a word it says! When the day comes, you will all know the truth! In the mean time, just ignore anything google says. It's just a dirty word anyway.

Never scared

I'm sitting in the waiting room of an oral surgeon's office, about the go under the knife. After 25 years, I can no longer put off getting my wisdom teeth pulled. One got infected last week and it's all gone downhill from there.

I'm FREAKIN out, man!!!
(Bonus points if you can guess the movie that quote is from)

I haven't had anything to eat since 6 o'clock last night (filet mignon w/ grilled asparagus, natch) and surprisingly enough, I'm not starving! I do, however, have a massive headache, but I can't take anything to make it go away. It's not been a fun day for me.

If I'm not too hopped up on the drugs I'll try to get a picture of the inevitable chipmunkness that will be going on in just a few short hours. Yippee!!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

Spinsterhood, here I come!

I've been brewing up some pretty "deep" posts, but I never have the time (or motivation) to actually type them out. I keep saying "some day" and "next time" but sorry kids, this just ain't it.

Instead I have pictures!

My dad managed to snag himself an apartment a couple months back. The first month was free, but he and his roommates couldn't come up with rent for the second month, so they got the boot. While there he managed to "adopt" 2 kittens. Why a virtually homeless person would find it a good idea to take in a couple of cats, I don't know. But it doesn't matter now. The kittens came to live with me when dad got evicted. They are wild and crazy and purr at just the sight of me. I love them to bits and they are here to stay!

Intoducing Ruby and Rilo:

Ruby on the left, Rilo on the right. Sister and brother.

Ruby is always on the move. And because of her blackness, she seems to blend in to everything. Most pictures I have of her turn out blurry, if you can even see her at all!

Rilo is the very definition of the curious cat. He is pretty much always up to no good. The spot on the top of his head looks like hair with a nice butt-part, the way it frames his face like that.

Talk about uneventful. This weekend consisted of a whole lot of nothing, with a helping of not a darn thing on the side.
Friday night Ty and I had dinner with courtney and Ryan. Was good to get some one on one couple time with them. You can really tell Co is pregnant these days. Her tummy is growing pretty fast.
Saturday I went out with tiffany (ty's sister) to check out a reception hall for her wedding in January. Helped her pick out a pair of shoes to wear w/ her dress, too. Afterwards I had her drop me off at Lauren's house (who is getting married next april) so I could accompany her to a venue, too. I'm thinking I should start to charge people for my services. I've unofficially become the official wedding planner for these 2 weddings. There's going to be at least 3 more in the next year. Could always use the additional income!
Sunday was family time with the Stewarts. Took in a movie and did some more wedding planning.. Was also measured for my bridesmaid dress. Yikes! Will spare the horrid details. Just know that operation: Get Jen Skinny (GJS) is most definitely under way.
Please try to bare with me, as I'm sure a lot of my posts are going to have to do with this attempt at weight loss. Oh! And wish me luck!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

As I Wait

It's 6:55 pm and I'm waiting. Like usual. I'm pretty sure its impossible for tyler to be on time for anything. Dinner plans at 7:00. Meeting friends, hate to make them wait. Ty is just now getting home. He still has to shower. This happens often, and in case you can't tell, it drives me crazy! Now, I've never been a punctual person myself. If you know me, you know (and hopefully embrace) that. However, if I make dinner plans ON MY DAY OFF, knowing that others (especially the significant one) will be waiting for me to get there before they eat, I WILL be on time. There's no reason not to be, right? I mean, it's not like he hasn't been sitting around all day! Grr...

And just to bring it all together, please know that I love this kid with my whole heart. He is amazing and perfect and I'm SO lucky. I know this. But can't he just be on time for once in his life? Is that so much to ask?

In the mean time...

I can't post while at work, but i promised a certain someone that i would try to update this thing more regularly. I promised that same person that i will upload pictures from the weekend tonight when i get home. This post is simply to get that person to relax a little bit. The good stuff is coming... PROMISE!!!

iloveshoes

p.s. the cartoon is from toothpastefordinner

Hooray for 3-day weekends! And what a weekend it was...

Friday night was the celebration of Megan's 26th bday. The theme? Death of a 25 year old. Everyone dressed in black, as though we were at a funeral. Party was at a little hole-in-the-wall karaoke bar that was actually pretty hip...

Pretending to drink the pitcher o' beer from another table... Tyler lurking in the background.

The best friend's Hubby.

Crazy eyes AND some of the mourners.

There were at least 20 people in our party all dressed in black (except for Tyler and Ryan) which caused a lot of awkward glances in our direction. Everyone that got up to sing a song said something in memory of Megan. What a way to celebrate a death!

Saturday I hung out at my mom's all day. It was nice getting in some face time w/ the puppers. Went to a BBQ that night at Ashley and Kyle's house, got a little Rockband on, ate a little food... It was fun.

Sunday I went with Tyler to one of his co-worker's house for a BBQ. Didn't know a soul, but we still managed to have a good time. It was interesting b/c I actually dated an old roommate of the guy that owns the house , Chris, so being there drudged up some memories. Let's just say: I'm glad I dodged that bullet.
After the BBQ at Chris' we went to another one at Courtney's parent's house. We were there for maybe an hour before everyone bailed to go find better things to do. Tyler went out to the strip w/ some out-of-town friends and I went to my mom's again to spoon w/ a boxer.

And Monday was a nice lazy day. Tyler downloaded a bunch of new songs for Rockband, so we spent most of the day playing those. Stayed up way too late for a school night, and now here I am.

It's Tuesday and my boss is on vacation. Should be a good week.

1 year, 3 months

Almost 1 year and 3 months to the date since my last post. What a great blog this turned out to be, huh? I had actually completely forgotten about it until Jessi/Dude/Scott created a blog. I went to view theirs and noticed I was signed in. As Baby Apple. Lame? Indeed!

So, what's new, you ask?

Not much.

Still dating Tyler. Still not married, or even engaged.

Got a job w/ the school district. It's good and secure. Money is decent and I get free benefits.

I moved into my very own 1 bedroom apartment back in April of last year, just renewed my lease. Have at least another 12 months to spend there. I really like having my own place. I've been there done that with the roommate thing, and I was not about to suffer through it again (no offense to any previous roomies that may read this. It's not you, it's me). I furnished the whole thing myself and my cupboards are always bare, but it's cute and it's got a queen size hide-a-bed if you ever want to come visit!

My parents divorced in August of '07 after 24 years of marriage. It was an ongoing up-hill battle that they both lost. I think they just got to a point where they couldn't fight anymore. So they stopped. My mom kept the house and custody of the only minor left, without any argument from my dad. It's been really rough on us girls. Mainly just seeing what's become of our dad since the whole thing, but we stick together. If it weren't for my sisters I wouldn't have been able to stay as strong as I have.

Tyler bought a house (!!!) which is conveniently located across the street from my apartment, so we get to spend a lot of time together. It's a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, ex-boyfriend included!

Speaking of Tyler, we just celebrated our 2 year anniversary last month. I'm pretty sure that's the longest I've officially had a boyfriend. And I'm almost 25...

... Almost 25. Half-Fifty. It kind of freaks me out. I was almost certain (when I was younger) that not only would I be married right now, I'd also have a kid or two. Funny how things don't work out as planned. I'm very content, though. I like where I'm at in life. I'm on track for great things to come, I'm just staying out of the fast lane. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm riding on the shoulder, with my hazards on. Please don't crash into me as you speed into adulthood, k?