San Francisco and Harry Potter

Last weekend, I took a quick little trip to the Bay area with Tracie. She was out there for a Finance Society trip, so I decided I would fly out for the weekend to hang out and show her around the area. Why not?! After having some plane issues on the way out, I finally made it to San Francisco six hours later than planned. I made friends with an Asian student visiting from Texas A&M and we figured out BART and the CalTrain to make our way to Palo Alto. A friend picked me up and we hung out for a bit before meeting up with Trace and a group of friends. 

Rather than going to a haunted house, we opted to carve pumpkins instead. Trace and I did the cute little Snapchat ghost, in case our great artistic abilities weren't apparent enough :)

On Saturday, we went up to the city for the day! We rented bikes and just biked all around the city. It was so fun! It was kinda scary to be on the road with all the crazy cars, but we soon got used to it. When I've gone to the city other times, we've just gone to one part and walked around, but biking was a great way to see more of the city. Plus, we didn't have to worry about parking which was great!

We lucked out with an absolutely beautiful day in San Francisco!

 We stopped for lunch at Boudin and I had this delicious salad. It was heavenly. I love me a good salad!

All in all, our trip was a success! It was fun to see some of the friends I made on my internship and to just get away for a fun weekend. Crazy I will move out there in less than 10 months or so! 

Funny story, though. Our flight on the way home kept getting pushed back farther and farther. We showed up to check in for our midnight flight and learned that we could make it to Vegas, but we would be stuck there until the next flight went out to Utah the next morning. Basically, we were either stuck in SF or in Vegas, so we chose SF. Trace and I spent the night at the airport, which I wouldn't recommend to anyone. It was cold and we kept getting woken up by announcements, a crazy Chinese woman on a cleaning crew, and the fact that chairs just aren't as comfortable as beds. Not quite so funny in the moment, but we can laugh about it now. Here's a beautiful pic of us at 4:00 AM - we thought it would at least be nice to brush our teeth and wash our faces. 

Good times.

So, you might be wondering how Harry Potter fit into this all? Well, my roommates and I had a Harry Potter date this past weekend! So. Fun. 

We all dressed up as characters, ate some delicious food, and then played Harry Potter Scene It. It was fun to do something different and I loved how well people got into their characters. I was Moaning Myrtle and my date was the Bloody Baron. If you love Harry Potter and are looking for a fun date, I would recommend this!

Love my fun roommates and their wonderful ideas! 

Graduate Student, Whaaat?!

Yep, that's right. This girl is officially a graduate student! 

My last, first day of school EVER was September 3rd. 

It's been fun to get back into school mode. I'm soaking up my last year at BYU! The reality that I will be graduating in April is starting to set in and I'm excited, but I'm also freaking out just a little bit. How did I grow up so fast?

Highlight of September? My bestie came home!! It's been so great to have her back! I've missed her dearly and it's just like nothing's changed. Love her to pieces.

Quick shout out do my adorable little nephew who turned ONE yesterday! He's adorable.

P.S. I know it seems like I've fallen off the face of the earth... Maybe because I have over the past few months? Oopsies. My spring and summer was an absolute blast though! I played lots and worked a little. I wish spring and summer could always be like that! 

Also, I finally made it to Hawaii for the first time in my life. 

HEAVEN. 

Loved all 10 days of it. 

Take me back?!?

My Winter in San Jose

Well, this past semester of blogging has been quite a fail... So, since the beginning of January, I've been in beautiful San Jose, California, on a winter internship with Ernst & Young. After 13 weeks, I only have one week left! It's crazy how fast time has gone by. When I first started back in January, I was a little homesick and wondered how I was going to make it. But then I made lots of great friends and have had a blast out here. The weather is wonderful and it's so beautiful and green. 

I've been attending the Stanford singles ward and have really loved it! There are different friend groups here, as there are with any ward, but I've been able to get to know lots of awesome people. There's no way I could give a complete recap of all the fun things I've done, so here are a few of the highlights. I also have been slacking in my picture taking, so I'm afraid I don't have quite as many pictures of the fun things I've done as I usually do. I should get on that...

- We spent a few weekends in the city. I quickly learned that here, the city is San Francisco, not San Jose. So if you ever come out to the Bay area, there's a little tid bit of information for ya :) We went on a beautiful hike one weekend and then another weekend, we spent a little more time in the city itself, including some amazingly delicious ice cream at Bi-Rite. We also got to see the new lights on the Bay Bridge, which were absolutely picturesque! 

- Attended a Stanford basketball game and realized how great BYU's fan base is! The stadium here was so small and was really empty too, as you can see by the bleachers in the picture below. The student section was also freakishly small. As crazy and annoying as it is to have to go early to BYU games sometimes, it really is awesome to go to a school where there is a lot of spirit and where the whole community comes and cheers on the team. Nonetheless, it was still fun to go to the Stanford game!

- Went to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield. Um, so cool! Because we went on a Saturday, the factory wasn't up and running, but we got to watch the videos of how all the candy is made and that was pretty cool. For some reason, I was just really, really excited to go. And it didn't disappoint! We got free samples and I bought some belly flops to share with my family. I'm planning on stopping there again on my drive back home, so I can see the Jelly Belly making process in action.

- Spent a weekend with my cute cousins in Selma, the raisin capital of California. We went to this ice cream place where we consumed the biggest ice cream sundae I've ever seen in my life. It had ice cream and sorbet and was delicious. Definite sugar rush.  

So excited for this girl who will spend the next 18 months in Brazil!

- We went down to a place a few hours south of Palo Alto called Big Sur. We had lunch at a cute little cafe overlooking the bay and it was seriously so beautiful. 

Then we went on a hike and stopped of at a beach in Carmel on the way home. Annnnd, went to a chocolate factory that Victoria's dad owns. Don't we all look so cute in our hair nets?! 

Going to the chocolate factory was a dream come true. We got to hear all about the process and get the scoop on what makes good chocolate. And then, we got to taste test all the chocolate we wanted. If you know me at all, you will know that I loved every single second of that. And these chocolates are dang good, too. Lulu's chocolates if you want to look them up :) The sea salt carmels are heavenly and I also really loved the toffee and rocky road. Yummm. I want to go back!

You may also remember that I spent 11 weeks of my fall semester in a cast due to bunion surgery on both of my feet. It took a little while to get the movement back in my feet, but I am so happy to say that I've been able to pick my running back up! I live for my runs! Love, love running. I've signed up for two half marathons and Ragnar and am really excited for that. 

I've always wanted to do Ragnar and I just put together a team that is going to be a blast to run with. Can't wait for June 21st! I also am going to run a full marathon in September as long as my feet and body hold up. Crazy, I know. I sometimes have to remind myself that I did just have two foot surgeries a few months ago and should be careful :)

Life is good though! I had a great conference weekend complete with a 13.7 mile run, taco night after priesthood session, conference breakfast with one group of friends this morning, afternoon session with another group, and a great Sunday walk afterwards. I've gotta soak up all the California sun I can before I head back to Utah!

That said, I am really excited to come home. I miss my family and friends. A lot. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but I miss school too. College is such a fun time in life and I want to make sure I get the most out of it. My senior year is going to be the best yet! 

Here's to the nine days left in California! 

Meet My Friend, Stephen

(He's the second on the left)

I met Stephen when I joined the HAST and LP swim teams back in my freshman year of high school. I don't remember ever hanging out with him much those first few years, but I do remember thinking that him and Daniel were hilarious and were really fun to be around. Well, fast forward to my junior year. Elise and I decided we wanted to ask Stephen and Daniel to the Sadie Hawkins dance. I don't think I will ever forget that night we asked them. We were soooo nervous! We had no idea why we were so nervous, but we were. Turned out to be such a fun date/dance. I became better friends with him those last two years of high school and then through our swimmer dinner tradition after graduating. Stephen's one of those people that is always happy and positive. He was diagnosed with cancer towards the end of his mission and had to start treatment right away. Over the next two years, I will never forget his optimism throughout all the hospital stays and long, long days. Every time I saw him, he was always happy and positive. I feel like he cheered me up, when I should have cheering him up! He's been an incredible example to me and I'm so grateful to have crossed paths with him.

His treatments took a turn for the worse just after Christmas break and he passed away on the 24th. I was at a training that day and was about to leave to the social when I saw I had a text from Taryn asking me to call her as soon as I could. I immediately knew what had happened. It was all I could do to fight back the tears so I wasn't sobbing in the office. A few people asked if I was going to the dinner, but I just broke out in tears. I spent the rest of the night on the phone, calling and texting friends and  family. It was hard to wrap my head around the fact that I had lost a member of my swimmer family. I will miss Stephen's smile and cheerfulness. I am happy that he no longer has to be in pain, but he will be greatly missed. I am so very grateful for the Gospel and the knowledge I have that he is in a better place and that I will one day get to see him again. Love you Stephen!

Christmas Break

Even though Christmas was almost a month ago, let me just catch up on a few of my highlights via pictures. Ready? M'kay.

The week after finals, we had a little Jensen family reunion up at a cabin in Ogden canyon. All the family was able to come, except for one cousin and his wife and cute baby, who were with her side of the family. 

Our Uncle Steve was even able to make it! We don't get to see him very often, so we love it when we do, as you can see:

On one of the days we were there, we went snowmobiling. I was worried there wouldn't be enough snow, but there was plenty when we got there. It was absolutely beautiful! And cold. Needless to say, we were all a little sore, so we made use of the massage train.

We also went on a sleigh ride to see some elk and enjoy the Christmas season. The ride was complete with dogs and lots of laughs. Here's most of the fam!

After all our cold adventures, everyone was pretty cold, so they took advantage of the indoor pool and hot tub. I guess the pool wasn't warm enough for them either, because they thought they needed some hot chocolate too. Since I was still in my cast and couldn't get in the pool, I thought, why not! Spoiled cousins :)

The cabin trip was way too short, but we definitely enjoyed all the good food, relaxation, gingerbread houses, and time with family. Love them!

Oh, and remember how I said it was cold when we went snowmobiling? Well, it was cold enough that Jenn and I managed to get frost bite on our cheeks! What the. You always hear about it, but I've never known anyone that's actually had it. Luckily, it wasn't severe. This dream of a pic was at its worst.

After our cabin retreat, I got to go to a performance of the Nutcracker with a friend up in Salt Lake. It's always been a dream of mine to go and it finally came true. I absolutely loved the ballet and definitely will go again. So fun!

Then, on Christmas Eve, I got my cast off!!!! It was one of the best part of my break. All in all, I spent 11 weeks out of the year in a cast. Boy was I happy to get my cast off! Goodbye and good riddance!

After a wonderful Christmas with my family, I went up to Yellowstone for a few days with my cousins, the Moons. We went on a snowcoach tour, only have our van breakdown and have to go back. Instead, we wandering around West Yellowstone. It's a fun town!

We also went snowmobiling again! There was tons and tons of beautiful snow up in Yellowstone; I loved it! We did get stuck in a bit of a snowstorm for a little while, but it was still fun. And I for once had hand warmers that actually worked, so that was a nice treat :) 

My break was filled with lots of fun things, but it definitely flew by! Before I knew it, I was packing my car for my California adventure...

Big Decision

Well friends, it was a long and much harder decision than I thought it would be, but here is the firm I've decided to start my career with:

I feel really good about my decision and am excited to start my internship with them in January! Crazy that it'll be here so soon, but I'm excited! Now I just have to find some housing there and try to sell my Provo contract so I don't have to pay rent in two places :)

Life. Is. Busy.

Well, once again, I am going to attempt to play catch up. But this time, via pictures.

For starters, I'm and AUNT!! Cosette had little McKay on October 1st. I'm lucky to live a few minutes from the hospital where he was born, so I got to go see him shortly after he came into this world. I am also fortunate to live a few blocks from them, so I have become a regular visitor to their apartment. I could cuddle with him all day long!

My mom sent me this adorable 'good luck with school' package. Isn't she the cutest?? I think so too.

 A few weeks ago, some friends and I went up to Sundance for their moonlift ride. This happened to be a day after I had bunion surgery and could hardly walk, but it was so pretty! It was a perfect night and it was so fun to just be with friends.

Speaking of friends, I had our monthly swimmer dinner just last Sunday. Can I just tell you that I have some of the greatest friends in the entire world? Crazy that I'll known them now for over 6 years! I absolutely love that we still get together on a regular basis and catch up on each other's lives. Joining swim team my freshman year of high school was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made; some of my best friends have come from those years!!

And finally, what has been making life so busy? Recruiting. I am seriously so blessed to be in such a great program that provides a lot of job opportunities, but it sure is busy. I applied with Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and PwC for an internship, which will hopefully turn into a job when I graduate. I've been busy with dinners, socials, and interviews on campus. And then more dinners, socials, and interviews on my two fly outs to San Jose for second-round interviews. It's been such a blessing, but it's hard to try and juggle all my regular homework and group projects with them. And now, the waiting game begins. I have one offer and am waiting to hear back from the other two firms. Next time I post, it'll probably be with my decision of where I want to begin my career. Scary for being three semesters away from graduating!

Also, in honor of Thanksgiving, here are a few of the things I've been grateful for:

(1) The Gospel. I feel so very fortunate to have been raised in a family that was strong in the Gospel. I can honestly say that I have no idea where I would be without it. Yes, there are so many hard times where life doesn't seem to be going the way I want it to, but I am so very grateful for the eternal perspective the Gospel provides. I am so grateful to know that I can be with my family forever and that I will receive all the blessings I have been promised if I am obedient to His commandments. 

(2) Fall Weather. I absolutely love fall! I love the changing leaves and all the different colors we get. More than anything, I want to go running in this awesome weather. The good news is, my cast comes off tomorrow. Running shoes, here I come! 

(3) Speaking of casts, having this bunion surgery and being in a cast for 4.5 weeks has really made me appreciate the little things in life: walking without waddling, being able to walk up stairs without holding on the handrail, taking a normal shower, and putting pants on without having to sit. It has taught me to slow down in life and just appreciate the little things. I have also been blessed with so much kindness from people around me opening doors and coming up and talking to me asking what happened and just being a friend. Or people texting me asking how I'm doing. It's just nice to know that people think about you. Such tender mercies!