Goal: to be just whelmed
12:46 PM | Author: Jolena
I have so many things going on in my life at the moment. I think I'm juggling at least 5 different huge things in my life at the moment that have big looming deadlines in the next 3 months or so. Bill and I were scheduling some things we want to get done in the next couple weeks and it completely blew me away how much of our time is already booked for weeks in advance. I have a very strong desire to cut work out of my life so I can get everything else done. Anyone have any ideas how I can continue to finance my life if I do that? :) I told him I was feeling very overwhelmed last night with all the things that need to be done in the next few months, and his comment was, "Well, what can we do to get you just to feel whelmed?" I thought it was hilarious! Sorry, honey, I don't think it's going to happen, but I'm glad you're thinking of me!
Rock Climbing & Birthday Fun
8:41 AM | Author: Jolena
This has been an interesting and rather difficult summer for me for lots of different reasons. What with everything that's gone on, I haven't gotten out to hike or rock climb or do many of the fun things that I like to do in the summertime. Things have really started to turn for the better, but I've been a little sad that I missed a great season for outdoor adventures. I needn't have worried though. The Fall is definitely looking to be fantastic, and this weekend was a prime example. Bill and I went with the BYU Outdoor Adventure Club down to Maple Canyon (near Nephi, UT) camping on Friday night and rock climbing Saturday. It was tons of fun, and so beautiful! We had a fantastic time and I'm so glad we went. Friday night we got to hang out with my friend Alyssa and catch up and chat about all the craziness that's gone on in all of our lives in the last few months. It's so great to have good friends. I'm glad we worked together for awhile so that we could get to be friends. Saturday was filled with climbing, a little bit of hiking, and generally just having a great time.


Sunday my family got together for my mom's birthday celebration. It's always fun to spend time with my family and it was especially fun to have some of my aunts and uncles and cousins there. My dad pulled out a potato gun that he just built, and we had a fantastic time shooting those super soaker squishy balls out of it. My parents have a park right behind their house that we went out to and had a great time shooting the balls for my nieces nephews and cousins to catch. The houses were too close by to shoot actual potatoes, but we had tons of fun with what we used. I wish I had pictures to post, but I'll have to wait to get them from my sister. What a great weekend!
I love to dance!
9:11 AM | Author: Jolena
While I was at BYU I took a bunch of ballroom dance classes. I loved them! I don't know what it is about dancing, but I just love it. Since I've graduated I haven't danced very much, but every once in awhile I get the chance to go dancing and it is always so much fun. Way back at the beginning of the year I went on a couple dates with this guy who was the best partner I've ever danced with. I've danced with guys that have better skills than him, but he and I just danced better together than I ever have with anyone else and it was like magic was happening every time we stepped out on the dance floor. I was pretty sure it was love at first dance. It was fantastic for the 2 dancing dates it lasted. lol. The experience got the dancing itch started again for me.

Well, my cute boyfriend was ever so accommodating to take a social dance class at BYU this semester. I've had my fingers crossed for months hoping that he'd get addicted like I did and want to keep dancing, particularly with me. Last night was the first time we've really danced together since our first date in February, and it was amazing! He has a foxtrot test next week, so I was helping him practice, and it was so much fun for the few minutes we got to dance. I don't know if he's as addicted as I am, but I definitely think the potential is there. :) Yay for dancing with the love of my life!
What is love?
2:07 PM | Author: Jolena
I've had more opportunity to ponder this question of late than ever before in my life. I don't think I ever realized I didn't actually know the answer until lately. So this one's up for people to answer. What is your definition of love in a dating relationship?

You may be wondering why I ask. Mostly I'm wondering what love is like in a long-term relationship, marriage particularly. My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost 7 months, and I'm kind of past the butterflies-in-my-stomach-when-I-see-him part. I'm pretty independent, so I enjoy when we're together, but I'm not heartbroken when we're apart. I can potentially see a great future together, but yet I'm currently stuck in a major career rut and it's hard to imagine it's going to change anytime soon. I feel very stuck in the situation I'm in currently, and it clouds the relationship a little bit. I guess I just want to know what makes a long term relationship work and what it feels like to really be in love. What I thought it was before seems more like infatuation to me now and where I'm at is new territory for me. Any comments from anyone?
and 5 more things...
5:14 PM | Author: Jolena
Blogger is dumb and only lets me post 5 pictures at a time, so here's my other 5 things:

5. Working at Philmont Scout Ranch as a COPE Instructor

6. Playing Program Director a Camp Kern BSA camp in California
7. Winning my age division at the Top of Utah Marathon

8. Graduating from BYU, twice :)

9. Running the Boston Marathon